Happy New Year 2012

I wish all my readers a very happy and prosperous New Year.  

We are now stepping into the year 2012, the "12th day" of the millennium which is the third day in God's eyes. Incidentally, this is also the 12th years of my walk with the Lord. For the first 3 years, I was not walking with the Lord; I was working for the Lord then… The revelation of His grace awakened me and enabled me to walk with Him again. He is concerned with our walk with Him, like Adam walking with in the cool of the evening… not our work for Him.

Because of the year 2012, the number twelve brought forth a new revelation in my heart. I want to declare that 2012 is going to be yet another fine year for our blessing is not in the year but in Christ! Those who settled for destruction in 2012 are preaching from Hollywood's point of view. As for me and my household, the year 2012 is going to be jolly good because we have the "Holy Word". The path of the righteous shines ever brighter and brighter until the noon day's sun!

Here is my revelation on the number 12 in respect of the year 2012. 

The number 12 represents divine authority and appointment, as well as governmental foundation and perfection, and shows completeness. In the Bible, we find 12 sons of Jacob which formed the 12 tribes in Israel; the Lord appointed 12 disciples, there are 12 elders representing the Old Covenant and 12 elders representing the New Covenant in the Book of Revelation. There were 12 Zodiac signs proclaiming the gospel story to Abraham in the night sky of the wilderness and etc. On top of that, there are 12 months in a year and 12 hours to divide a day from day and night… 

God called Abram on the 12th Chapter of Genesis, asking him to get out of his country, his people and his father’s house. By referring to Colossians 2:8 and apply this instruction in our walk with the Lord, we see that God was actually asking Abram to leave the basic principle of his country, the tradition of his people and the teaching of his father as these conducts and teachings are against the calling of God as Abram was righteous by faith not by work. Incidentally, God also brought the Israelites out of Egypt on the 12th Chapter of the Book of Exodus. 

When Elijah called Elisha, Elisha was ploughing with the 12th pair of oxen when Elijah called him by throwing his cloak (picture of righteousness) on him. Elisha then responded by leaving his father’s house, killing his oxen for food and burning his ploughing equipment. This reminds me of Abram leaving his country, his people and his father's household and the Israelites leaving Egypt. These responses are the act of faith for those whom God credited righteousness.

We are like Abraham, righteous by faith. Through the finished work of our Lord at the cross, we are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3) even all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). With this revelation, we have to start talking about things that we already have in Christ. We cannot keep on talking about what we are going to have or what we do not have. We already have everything because what were His were already ours and what were ours were already His! This divine exchange had taken place at the cross two thousand years ago.

However, if we are still unable to believe... there is no revelation… therefore, we are yet to see the manifestation of our blessings! The reason of not able to believe is that we do not see the way God sees things. We do not see the Word through His heart! In His eyes and His prospective, Jesus' righteousness is the foundation of all blessings (Matthews 6:33). That is why He credits righteousness to those who believe in Him. We have been blinded by the world for not appreciating His righteousness.

Are you enjoying what you are supposed to have in Christ? Although you might have been sitting under the ministry of grace preaching for awhile, are you still struggling in your walk with Him where you find yourself lacking in many areas of your life? You might not experience the abundant life that He promised in His word. Are you not witnessing the manifestation of His blessings in your life…? If that is the case, let us go to another account recorded in the Bible in respect of the number 12. It is none other than the woman who was subjected to bleeding for 12 years. Her bleeding condition is a picture of self-righteousness and self-righteousness is contradicting and against the flow of His grace and righteousness…

If a woman is subjected to bleeding, her life is not productive at all. Her condition is a destruction to her health and wealth. For the case of the woman recorded in the Books of Gospel, her decision to acknowledge the righteousness of God turned her situation around. When she touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak, she was immediate healed of her condition. That was before the cross, and as for us, we are much better than that woman because we are now clothed with Jesus’ righteousness.

Colossians 2
6  Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 
7  rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
8  Beware lest anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ. 
9  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 
10  And you are complete in Him, who is the Head of all principality and power, 

To tell you the truth, it is the basic principle of this world, our human tradition and our (earthly) father's teaching that hinder us to walk in the blessing that we already have. Therefore, in God prospective, His righteousness is the foundation of all blessings. That is why before He was crucified, He leave behind His garments and tunic on this earth for the world. After He cried out, "It is finished!" at the cross, everyone who believe in Him are saved… and God call this faith as "righteous by faith"!

We are righteous by faith just like Abraham.  Abraham was a king in his dispensation and he is a believing Abraham (Galatians 3:9) . This means: a righteous man believes and continue to believe all the time. Jesus said the work of God is that we believe on Him whom He has sent. Our work in God's eye is to believe in Jesus. And if that is the case, are we working very hard in His eye?

For this New Year, let this revelation helps you in your walk with the Lord. We are already blessed and do not let any unbelieving word come out from your mouth. 

Mark 4
24  And He said to them, Take heed what you hear. With that measure which you measure, it shall be measured to you. And to you who hear, more shall be given. 
25  For he who has, more shall be given to him; and he who has not, from him shall be taken even that which he has. 

We are to work hard by believing in the Word of Christ. The Word of Christ always magnifies the righteousness of God - Christ and His finished work on the cross and subsequently, faith that comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of Christ. God's righteousness and faith always come hand in hand... 

We are already blessed to be a blessing!

Jesus ~ Born To Save You!

You've often heard it said that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season, but have you ever wondered what this really means? Jesus was the only baby born to die so that you might live—He was born to save you! Join Joseph Prince as he mines nuggets in God's Word and shows you how every detail of Jesus' birth points to His purpose and ability to save you. Be encouraged and strengthened to live life with confidence, peace and joy as you see why Jesus is the best when it comes to saving you from whatever you need saving from!

Pastor Joseph Prince

A bell is not a bell until you ring it.
A song is not a song until you sing it.
Love is not love until you give it...


John 3:16 ~ For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

Sermon note from Tycm's Blog by Terence Yeo: 2011-12-25 Christmas Service

Penny's First Fondant Cake

The first Fondant cake made by Penny.

Bread & Cup

Lord Jesus, this BREAD that we hold in our hands is Your Body.

This Body was broken for us.

Anything that is not good to us, against us, not to our advantage,

Had all been absorbed by this broken Body.

By Your stripes we are healed,

Through Your punishment at the cross we have peace,

And though You were rich yet for our sake You became poor,

So that through Your poverty, we might become rich.

Thank you Lord for this divine exchange,

we partake Your broken Body in one heart,

in remembrance of You and Your finished work at the cross.

Thank you Lord.

Lord Jesus, This CUP that we hold in our hands is Your blood.

This is the blood that You shed for the New Covenant.

This is the blood that You shed for the forgiveness of sins.

We were made righteous by Your blood.

We are now the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

We are now highly favored, greatly blessed and deeply loved by You.

Thank you Lord for this divine exchange.

We partake Your blood in one heart, 

in remembrance of You and Your finished work at the cross.

We will do these often until You come again.

Thank you Lord.

Merry Christmas

Haggai

2:18 ~ 'From this day on, from this twenty-fourth day of the ninth month (24th of December in our calendar year), give careful thought to the day when the foundation of the Lord's temple was laid. Give careful thought: 

2:19 ~ Is there yet any seed left in the barn? (Because there was a Seed conceived in the womb of a virgin....) Until now, the vine and the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree have not borne fruit. "'From this day on I will bless you.'"

The Other Reason For the Season

Author: Paul Ellis
Website: Escape To Reality
Post Title: The Other Reason For The Season
Written on:  23.12.2011

How did Mary get to Bethlehem? If you get your history from Christmas cards, you might think that she rode a donkey. But it is unlikely that Joseph owned a donkey. How do we know? Because he was poor – he brought a poor man’s offering of two doves when they presented baby Jesus in the temple (see Luke 2:24 and Leviticus 5:7). In those days, a donkey was such a treasured possession, that the coveting of one was expressly forbidden in the 10 Commandments:

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey… (Exodus 20:17)

Joseph could not afford either a decent place to stay or a lamb for the sacrifice, so the odds are that he didn’t own a donkey. So how did Mary travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a distance of about 80 miles? She probably walked.

Right there all the mothers reading this just winced. She walked 80 miles pregnant? Seriously? Trust a man to leave an important detail like that out of his account. To be fair to Luke and the other gospel writers, we don’t know exactly how Mary got to Bethlehem. But I have a theory – a Christmas tale if you like. It begins with some good news…

The Gospel of Gabriel

Mary’s life was radically changed when an angel uttered the following words to her:

Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. (Luke 1:28)

At first Mary was troubled. I wouldn’t say it was disbelief so much as sheer incomprehension. “How can this be?” The favor of God is mind-boggling. Our minds cannot explain it. Happily, you don’t need to explain it to receive it. You just have to believe and Mary did. “May it be to me as you have said.” Boom – right there is faith. The grace-faith circuit complete, favor now begins to flow from heaven to Mary. Then the angel left.

Did you know that only two people in the Bible were regarded as highly favored? One of them is Mary, the other one is you. “He made us accepted (literally, highly favored) in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). To the degree that Mary was favored, so are you. It’s perfectly fine to put Mary on a favor pedestal, as long as you put yourself right up there too. In Christ, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3).

It is significant that the angel did not leave right after he made his announcement. He waited until Mary had responded in faith. God’s favor was on her but she needed to believe it to receive it. So do you and I. We need to cultivate the habit of seeing ourselves as God sees us – highly favored and deeply loved.

Mary’s mystery marathon

So how did Mary get to Bethlehem? I can’t prove it, but I suspect a miracle took place. Perhaps it was something like what God did when He brought the Israelites out of slavery:

You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. (Exodus 19:4)

No, I don’t think Mary and Joseph hitched a ride on real eagles – this isn’t The Lord of the Rings. When God says He carried them on eagle’s wings He’s saying I brought you to myself swiftly and easily. My hunch is that Mary and Joseph walked effortlessly and without trouble. They journeyed under a Middle Eastern sun without fainting or growing weary because God “gives power to the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). When it came time to deliver history’s most famous baby, Mary wasn’t worn out from completing back-to-back marathons. She was full of abundant life and the picture of health. At least that’s how she looks on the Christmas cards.

Bethlehem means “the house of bread.” At the house of bread Mary and Joseph came face-to-face with the Bread of Life. So in a sense, God had brought them to Himself for it was in Bethlehem that they first laid eyes on their Savior Jesus.

What relevance does Mary’s journey have for us today? Mary’s journey is the same journey you made when you got saved. When you got born again, you walked on Mary’s Trail. Think about it. Some “angel” told you the good news of God’s favor, you wondered “how can this be?” and then after a period of time you came face to face with the Bread of Life. You met Jesus and got born again. Like Mary, you may have travelled a long road, but the journey itself was miraculous. Egypt is in your past because God brought you to Himself on eagle’s wings.

 The other reason for the season

Christmas is not just the time when we celebrate Jesus’ arrival into the world. It’s also the time when we celebrate His arrival into our private world. Grace came 2000 years ago but it meant nothing until the day we believed it and got born again. So in a way, it’s not just His birthday we’re celebrating, it’s our birthday too.

This Christmas, as much of the world gathers around the manger in adoration, take a moment to reflect on your own journey to the House of Bread. Jesus is the reason for the season but ask yourself this: Why did He come? He came to save you. In His eyes you are the pearl of great price and the treasure in the field. As far as Jesus is concerned, you are the reason for the season.

You are highly favored and deeply loved! Oh Happy Day! Oh Happy Christmas!

God's Promise Of The Transfer Of Wealth Revealed

If you love Bible prophecies about the end times, this is one must-hear message! In this exciting sermon by Joseph Prince, find out from Jacob's blessing of his 12 sons in the Old Testament how God consistently makes provision for His people long before a crisis hits. Learn also how there will be a transfer of wealth from the people of the world to God's people in these last days for the gospel's sake before Jesus returns. This message will not only help you understand past and current world events, but also give you a blessed hope for your future!

Pastor Joseph Prince

Those who are righteous by faith, and those who are wearing tunic. Get ready for this...!!!

Sermon note from Tycm's Blog by Terence Yeo: 2011-02-13 ncc 2nd svc ‘raw’ unedited notes

Ormie the Pig

Ormie is a Pig, in every sense of the word. Pig see cookie. Pig want cookie. But they are out of reach...or are they? See Ormie's attempts to gain the warm sweet taste that is his obsession. 

Watch the short film that has film festival audiences laughing and cheering. Ormie has garnered 8 Festival Awards including Best Short Film (Savannah FF 2010, Palm Springs Int'l Shorts Fest 2010, Sprockets 2010, Seattle Int'l FF 2010) and the Audience Award (New York Int'l Children's FF 2011).

Ormie The Pig

How to Walk After the Flesh in 20 Easy Lessons

Author : Paul Ellis
Website: Escape To Reality 
Post Title: How to Walk After the Flesh in 20 Easy Lessons
Written On: 11 August 2011


If you’ve ever taken young children to the zoo, you will know that the big animals are initially more popular than the small ones. Elephants, rhinos, and tigers get more attention than otters, turtles, and geckos. And so it is with works of the flesh.

Ask any Christian to list the works of the flesh and they will likely respond with the list found in Galatians 5:19-21: adultery, hatred, idolatry, murder, etc. Paul calls these the “manifest” or “obvious” works of the flesh. They are the biggies, the elephantine examples of what it means to live apart from God. But the Bible also provides dozens of lesser examples of fleshly living that you may not be so familiar with. I’ve listed some of these lesser works of the flesh below.

Walking after the flesh is when you attempt to get your needs met independently of God. It’s trusting in yourself (your abilities, your understanding) and living solely from the basis of your earthly experience (what you see, hear, touch, etc.). Now here’s the important bit: You can walk after the flesh in the pursuit of both good things and bad things. Paul’s manifest works of the flesh – the biggies – are all clearly associated with bad deeds, but some of the lesser works in the list below are not bad at all. This is a critical point. We are not comparing good deeds with bad but flesh with spirit. And as we saw in the last post, when you’re walking after the flesh even good things can be bad for you.

A classic example of something that is good yet bad for you is God’s law. It is not sin, it is good! But try to live by it and you will find yourself walking after the flesh. Paul said his ability to keep the righteous requirements of the law was ineffective because he tried to do so in the puny strength of his flesh (Romans 8:3). Living under self-imposed law is one of the primary ways we walk after the flesh – hence its position at the top of my list.

Just a reminder: The wrong way to read this list is the carnal way – identifying things you should or should not do. Christianity is a bit like marriage – it’s a love-relationship. You will kill it if you try to reduce it to a set of rules. We are less interested in the what than we are in the how. So how do we walk after the flesh? 

Here are 20 ways:

1. Try to keep God’s law (Romans 7:9-25): Think that you have to do stuff to be blessed (Ephesians 1:3), that you have to perform to stay saved (Galatians 2:21). The old covenant is the fleshly covenant; the new covenant is the spirit covenant.

2. Set your mind on earthly things (Philippians 3:19, Jn 3:12): Keep your eyes on the here and now. “What you see is all there is” (Colossians 3:2). Entangle yourself in the affairs of life (2 Timothy 2:4).

3. Think about how to gratify the lusts of the flesh (Romans 13:14): If it feels good, do it (Romans  14:17).

4. Pursue your goal through self-denial (Colossians 2:21-3): Don’t look. Don’t drink. Don’t touch. Fast twice a week. Practice perfectionism (Galatians  3:3, KJV).

5. Make sacrifices to impress God (Hebrews 10:1,8): Be conscious of your debt to Jesus and consider it your duty to serve. Put your ministry or business before your marriage.

6. Load others with heavy burdens (Luke 11:46): Expect your Christian staff to work harder for less pay. Send the message that the work is more important than their families or their health. Shackle them to your vision. Use emotional manipulation or, worse, scripture, to pressure people to support you.

7. Take pride in your independence (Jeremiah 17:6): Respect no one (1 Peter 2:17). Scorn authority (2 Peter 2:10). Flaunt your freedom (1 Corinthians 8:9). “Who needs fathers? I follow Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:12).

8. Worry about your life (Matthews 6:25, Luke 8:14, Philippians 4:6): “What shall we eat? What shall we drink? What shall we wear?” Entertain fear and doubt. “I can’t do it” (Philippians 4:13).

9. Cultivate self-belief (2 Corinthians 12:10): “I can do it!” Boast in your accomplishments (2 Corinthians 11:30). Boast in your wisdom, strength and riches (Jeremiah 9:23).

10. See yourself as a victim (Romans 8:37): “Woe is me. I’m not worthy. My sinful nature made me do it.” Blame God (James 1:13). Blame the devil (1 John 4:4). Blame your circumstances (Deuteronomy 28:13).

11. Be a man-pleaser (Galatians 1:10): Wonder, what will my boss think? How will the board react? How will this affect the tithers? Say only what they want you to say.

12. Make plans in a worldly manner (2 Corinthians 5:7, Jeremiah 17:5): Do a SWOT analysis; list the pros and cons; make decisions based on money. Manage the risks and stay in control.

13. Try to grow a ministry (Psalms 127:1, 1 Corinthians 3:6). Work hard to make things happen.

14. Define success by human standards (John 8:15, 1 Corinthians 1:26): It’s all about the numbers. “How many soldiers do we have? How many attend the prayer meeting? Are donations increasing? Are we doing better than last year? Am I doing better than my predecessor?”

15. Nurture your reputation (Philippians 3:8): Put on a good show and make a good impression (Luke 16:15; Galatians 6:12). Be face conscious. Make a name for yourself (Genesis 11:4) and blame the wife when things go wrong (Genesis 3:12).

16. Pray long prayers, especially if others are listening (Matthew 6:5-8).

17. Regard people from a worldly point of view (2 Corinthians 5:16): Engage in office politics. View new-comers as potential recruits or leaders for your programs. Cultivate task-based friendships. Choose the best-looking man for the job (1 Samuel 16:7). Show favor to the one with money (James 2:3).

18. Sacrifice people on the altar of your principles (1 Corinthians 3:1-4): “I’m right, you’re wrong.” Judge the weak (Romans 15:1). Distance yourselves from those who aren’t as doctrinally pure as you (1 Corinthians 9:22).

19. Combat worldly problems with worldly weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4): Put your faith in politics. Start fights (Zechariah 4:6). Picket the abortion clinic. Protest the gay parade (Isaiah 42:2).

20. Pretend to be Jesus (Matthew 24:24): Draw people to your ministry and build toward yourself (1 Thessalonians 3:8). Teach others to depend on you. Stand in the gap. Try to crucify yourself (Colossians  2:20).

This is a yukky list and frankly, I didn’t enjoy writing it. Just about everything on this list, I’ve done. God help me, some of the things on this list I’m still doing! Don’t let this list condemn you. A better response is to get mad because we’ve been conned! The prince of this world has deceived us into thinking that this is how things are done, that the fleshly way of life is normal. But this is not normal life for one born of the spirit. We act this way out of habit and ignorance. We walk after the flesh because when we were in the flesh this was how we lived:

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. (Colossians 3:7)

I have to say this again: Some of the activities on this list are good! Please don’t think I am against the law or fruitful ministries or planning or praying without ceasing. I am not. But understand that the carnal mind longs to be told what to do when God is much more interested in how we are doing it. Are we trusting in the power of our might or are we resting confidently in His? Are we walking as “mere men” (1 Corinthians 3:3) or are we being revealed as mature sons and daughters of our Father? Flesh cannot give birth to spirit. Neither can walking after the flesh empower you to live the life God has called you to live.

I encourage you to review the list again and ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify those areas that He wants to deal with today. “But Paul, that’s pretty much everything on that list!” Don’t panic! Your heavenly Father knows you are a work-in-progress. Some of these issues can be dealt with now; others can wait. He loves you regardless, without any reference to your performance. He knows everything that you’ve done and everything that you’re ever going to do. It’s impossible to disappoint Him.

In this post I’ve given you 20 generic examples of walking after the flesh. In my next post I’m going to provide some classic examples of walking after the flesh found in the Bible. Then, in the post after that, I will give you a simple “flesh test” that you can take on your own. This test consists of two easy questions that will help you determine whether you are walking after the flesh or the spirit in any given situation. In other words, it will reveal those areas in your life where freedom and joy and peace are about to come bursting through!

Binyamin Natanyahu To Start Bible Study

Prime Minister of Israel Binyamin Netanyahu will begin hosting a regular Bible study group in his official residence for researchers, public officials and invited  guests, reports the Post. “Netanyahu announced the establishment of the study circle on Friday at a ceremony marking 30 days since the passing of his father-in-law, Shmuel Ben-Artzi. The study group will be named after Ben-Artzi, a noted poet  and Bible teacher. Both Ben-Gurion and Begin, when they each served as  prime minister, hosted regular Bible study groups. Netanyahu said he was establishing the class to perpetuate love of the Bible.” Interestingly, in recent years Netanyahu — who has never described himself as a religious person — appears to have been developing a deeper interest in Bible study. In January 2010, Netanyahu delivered an address at Auschwitz saying the prophecies of Ezekiel 37 have come to pass in our lifetimes. In March of 2010, Netanyahu’s son, Avner, won the National Bible Quiz  in Israel. In July 2010, Netanyahu told  Larry King that he likes to study the Bible on Saturday mornings with his son, Avner.

These are excellent steps by the Prime Minister, and he should be commended for them. Indeed, let us pray that the study of the Word of God has a powerful, personal impact on the Prime Minister and his family and each of his colleagues and guests. Let’s pray that many Israelis would follow the Prime Minister’s lead and begin reading the Holy Scriptures again, and that Bible studies in people’s homes would spring up all over the Land of Israel. Let’s pray that pray that more and more Israelis would develop a new and deeper curiosity about Bible prophecy, both the dramatic prophecies in the Scriptures that have already been fulfilled, and those that will come to pass soon, including the all-important prophecies about the Messiah.

To click JOEL C. ROSENBERG'S BLOG for more details.



for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! (Matthew 23:39 NKJV) (Letters in red)

PM Netanyahu's Christmas Greetings 2011

Binyamin Natanyahu ~ Prime Minister of Israel 

We Are The Reason ~ Merry Christmas!

We Are The Reason

King Size Bed

Photo By: T.d. Hale

Rest In Jesus' Faith For Miracles

Do you blame yourself for not having enough faith for miracles? Are you frustrated with your wavering faith? Well, you don't have to anymore because you can rest in Jesus' faith that never wavers or fails! In this revelatory and encouraging message by Joseph Prince, see how it is not you, but Jesus, who always believes. Learn how you can simply latch your limited faith onto His perfect faith and see the miracle you need happen. Rest easy—Jesus has all the compassion and faith for any miracle. That's all you need to believe!

Pastor Joseph Prince

Have the FAITH of God... Jesus' FAITH, the FAITH of the Faithful One, not our FAITH!

When we see Jesus in GRACE, Jesus sees us in FAITH!

FAITH is for God to see not for man to see...

Sermon note from Tycm's Blog by Terrance Yeo: 2011-12-11 Ncc third svc 

RIGHTEOUSNESS ~ The Ultimate Wealth of Christ

It was the GRACE of God that Jesus left His garments and tunic on this earth before He was crucified. He did not leave behind money and the wealth of this world; what He left behind were His garments and tunic, the robe of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

John 19:23 ~ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece.

These garments and tunic that He left behind on this earth were for us. Why did Jesus not leave behind money and the wealth of this world? As a young believer before, I used to make suggestion to Jesus that money and the wealth of this world would make more sense, more practical and useful... Hmmm...

Well, Jesus' garments and tunic were made of linen and fine linen respectively; and any seamless tunic is an expensive piece of craftsmanship. In the Bible, linen always symbolizes righteousness. In Matthews 6:33, Jesus personally talked about seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness and subsequently in the account of Matthews at the scene of  crucifixion, there were four soldiers dividing His garments into four parts. This gesture implies that at the cross, the KING OF RIGHTEOUSNESS had left behind His righteousness, made available for all four corners of this world  to receive.

Therefore, those of us who are now in the grace dispensation which is after the cross, by putting our faith in His finished work, we have the privilege to receive His abundant and lavish provision of grace and the gift of righteousness!

It was His righteous body that was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon His righteous body, and by His stripes we are healed. He was on the cross naked, leaving behind His wealth i.e. the robe of righteousness. He was without sin and yet God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

Just less than twelve hours before His crucifixion, He shared with His disciples regarding the other Comforter whom the Father would send. This Comforter - the Holy Spirit, was to be sent to convict us, the believer of RIGHTEOUSNESS... Not of sin, not of wealth, not of health either but of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

John 16:10 ~ of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;


Fifty days after His resurrection, the Comforter was given at the feast of Pentecost, and since then, the Comforter has been convicting the believers of RIGHTEOUSNESS…

Even though this event has been happening for two thousand years now, it is sad to say that we are still seeing preachers having to preach their hearts out in order to  “encourage” and “affirm” believers that they are righteous in God’s eye. In fact, righteousness is the nature of the born again believer and righteousness is not an act. It is just like me being reminded by my parents day after day that I am a man; even though I have already grown myself to be half of a “centurion”. There must be a spiritual conspiracy that is causing unbelief in the body of Christ.

Therefore, through the writings of the Pharisee of Pharisee who was an expert in the Law, the Apostle Paul (I suppose once a Pharisee, he is forever called a Pharisee) wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in Romans 5:17 that for if by the one man offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive (Lambano in Greek) ABUNDANCE OF GRACE and of the GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

It was the Pharisee of Pharisee who claimed that this righteousness is not achieved through our performance but through our receiving from Christ Jesus; and grace and the gift of righteousness can enable us to reign in life through Him.

What a contrast… an “ordinary” Pharisee (GP) would command you to work out your own righteousness by abiding to the commandments; and yet the Pharisee of Pharisee (Specialist) instructed us to receive the abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness. Well, what do you say...?

With the help from the Holy Spirit, I began to realize that Jesus’ definition on His riches is RIGHTEOUSNESS not money or the wealth of this world. If we are righteous, the blessings and the wealth of this world will be attracted to us. The blessings and the wealth of this world are just like heat seeking missiles targeting those who are righteous by faith just as prophet Isaiah described in

Isaiah 60

5 ~ Then you shall see and become radiant, and your heart shall swell with joy; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the gentile shall come to you.

6 ~ The multitude of camels shall cover your land, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephhah; all those from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord.

7 ~ and the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you. The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall ascend with acceptance on My altar, and I will glorify the house of My glory.

Therefore, I started to understand what Paul meant when he wrote 2 Corinthians 8:9 that we know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich. He was rich not because He got a lot of money and the wealth of this world but because He is righteous. He was poor at the cross not because He got no money or the wealth of this world but because He left His robe of RIGHTEOUSNESS on this earth. He was striped naked at the cross. Father God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Therefore, just by receiving His abundant provision of grace and the gift of righteousness, we received the abundant life that Jesus died to give us!

Romans 10:4 ~ For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Those who have believed in Christ Jesus are already righteous. This is what Paul meant by righteous by faith. In the midst of my meditation on this verse, the Holy Spirit revealed another verse written by Apostle Paul, this dynamic truth just blew my peanut size mind away…

Ephesians 1:3 ~ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HAS BLESSED US us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Wow...! He had blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places…? All the blessings are in us…? and all the promises and blessings are YES and AMEN in Christ Jesus…? Wow..., it is no more a matter of what are we going to have or what we do not have! The truth is, we already have all the blessings!!!

Yet we do not believe... and we cannot understand… and we cannot see the manifestation of our blessings…

The answer is "HEAR" and you can find it "HERE"….

Luke 8:18 ~ Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.

The revelation of what Jesus had done at the cross reveals to us our inheritance and blessings in Christ. It is through revelation that we see every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. No wonder the Pharisee of Pharisee prayed for the Saints in Ephesus to receive the Spirit of Wisdom and Spirit of revelation that they might know the glorious Father better and their eyes of their heart may be enlightened in order that they might know the hope to which He has called them, the riches of His inheritance in His holy people.

Revelation brings out the riches and abundance in you… Therefore, take heed how you hear. For whoever has (REVELATION), to him more (BLESSINGS) will be given; and whoever does not have (REVELATION), even what he seems to have (BLESSINGS) will be taken from him.

Do you know now who's taken your blessings away..?

Grace Flows In Your Weaknesses

What's your area of weakness? Are you terrified of public speaking? Or perhaps you've got a temper problem. Whatever it is, the good news is that the oversupplying grace of God can turn the demerits you see in your life into areas of great blessings! In this inspiring message, Joseph Prince shares how God's superabounding grace is drawn to every area of weakness and can empower you to do what you cannot do. Don't let your failures condemn you—find confidence in His transforming grace that specializes in turning weaknesses into God-glorifying strengths!

Pastor Joseph Prince

2 Corinthians 12:9 ~  And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me. 

Sermon note from Tycm's Blog by Terence Yeo: Grace Flows In Your Weakness [2011-12-04]

Shalom!

Most know that the Hebrew word shalom is understood around the world to mean "peace." However, "peace" is only one small part of the meaning of shalom. "Shalom" is used to both greet people and to bid them farewell, and it means much more than "peace, hello or goodbye"....

According to Strong's Concordance 7965 Shalom also means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. Shalom comes from the root verb shalom meaning to be complete, perfect and full. In modern Hebrew the obviously related word Shelem means to pay for, and Shulam means to be fully paid.

Yeshua is called Sar shalom, Prince of Peace, which perfectly describes the ministry and personality of our Messiah (Isaiah 9:6). In other words, the word shalom is a mighty blessing!

Proverbs 18:21 tells us there is life or death in the power of the tongue. Therefore, whenever you employ the word "shalom" you are speaking into someone's life all the wonderful things that shalom means.

By Chuck Hughes in Bobbie Jo Davis status on Facebook

The Battle For Your Mind

Defeated by Christ, the devil resorts to lies and mind games to ensnare believers today. In this eye-opening message, Joseph Prince exposes the devil's age-old strategy, and shows you how the enemy works to enforce strongholds in our lives. Discover the simple yet powerful biblical solution to winning this battle over crippling defeatist thoughts that impede you from being all that God intended for you to be. Hear this faith-filled message and be set free to enjoy mental wholeness and victory in every area of life today!

Pastor Joseph Prince

2 Corinthians

10:3 ~ For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 

10:4 ~ (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 

10:5 ~ Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;


Sermon note from Tycm's Blog by Terence Yeo: 2011-11-27 The Battle For Your Mind

Mind

I have been talking to a few of my friends about their life before and after they knew Christ. In the midst of our conversations, we noticed a common factor which was the main cause of the failure in their lives… that is the human mind which generates our thinking, our intellectual, our greed, and strategies to fulfill our selfish desires. The human mind has gotten us into the troubles of our lives. We got ourselves into troubles because we used our mind too much to strategize in order to satisfy our desire and archive our goals....  and in the midst of  our troubles, we still engaged and relied on our mind which had first caused all the troubles for all sorts of rescue plans, hoping to get ourselves out of  them.

When I looked at my own life, manipulation of mind has been happening in it as well. As we look into this world, we can also find this phenomenon at our workplace, even among our own family members and relatives.. We can find it in the movies, be it from Hollywood or Bollywood and they portray the same scenarios... of which they call "mind game"! I presume this is the root cause of all the troubles in this fallen world.

  

By looking at the first few chapters of the Bible, we find out that before Adam fell, he was full of revelation that he could name all the animals without going through the learning process of zoology and until now, an elephant is still called elephant… and yet, we who are born after his fall have to go to school and learn the names of the animals. Adam’s fall had caused  revelation to cease from sinful men and since then, human knowledge is getting us into all sorts of trouble... be it big or small and this is indeed, the signature characteristic of the fallen nature. 

Ecclesiastes 9:11  ~ I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. (NIV)

All the things in the Kingdom of God are never to be achieved by our might, but by the power of the Holy Spirit... Not that we are faster, stronger or wiser than others, not that we have learned a lot... It is all by GRACE... the effort of Jesus. We are now above the sun not under the sun. We are above the sun because we are in Christ who is now seated at the right hand of our heavenly Father.

Our Lord Jesus, by dying at the cross, had come as high priest of the good things that are now already here... ALREADY HERE...! GOOD THINGS ARE ALREADY HERE!!! Not what we have to do but only to BELIEVE in Him because of His FINISHED WORK at the cross! Creation had fallen but the Creator through His finished work at the cross redeemed the fallen mankind.

Hebrews 9:11~ But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. (NIV)

After all these years of believing in Jesus, I think it is high time for us to rest our mind in peace (RIP). Our carnal mind is simply of no help to us at all because it is of the flesh as Jesus had said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing." (John 6:63). Therefore, we have to engage our heart...  The new heart that He had given us together with a new Spirit in us. He had taken away the heart of stone from our flesh, and gave us a heart of flesh. He had put His Spirit in us, causing us to be guided by His rules, so that we may keep His orders and do them. Our Saviour had given us this heart from the moment we believed in Him… 

Christianity is not about what we can do or how we manipulate our mind... It is all about what Jesus had done at the cross. Through believing in what He had done for us, we receive all the good things that are from Him through the cross.

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ because in our union with Christ our heavenly Father has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. So do not be conformed to the standards of this world, but allow God to transform us inwardly by a complete change of our mind. Then we will be able to know the will of God. Jesus who came to die for us at the cross is His good and pleasing and perfect will.

Concerning believer's heart, the power that gives life is in our heart because the Trinity manifested Himself twice in the following verse... 

Romans 8:11 ~  But if the Spirit of the One who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised up Christ from the dead shall also make your mortal bodies alive by His Spirit who dwells in you. 

I pray that you can have revelation on the power of our heart and be blessed by it. Amen!

Fear vs Faith

Fear is for those who are left alone facing the evil one themselves and believing the evil one could overpowered them... Faith on the other hand is for those who never walk alone and believing the Lord had already overcome the evil one...


John 16:33 ~ I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.


FEAR "puts faith" on the evil one, whereas FAITH "puts faith" on the Victorious One!

"IT IS FINISHED!" ... The Victorious One said.


Colossians 3:1 ~  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.


We are now in Christ who is seated at the right hand of our Heavenly Father.

Shalom...