Rise above the worldly ways

Every living thing especially human being has the innate instinct for survival and self-preservation. On a positive note, it is a responsibility to oneself. But, when that sense of responsibility is being influenced by the worldly ways, it brings about the manifestations of lust, greed, pride, strife, jealousy, hatred, bitterness, resentment, etc. And if those negative feelings and fleshly desires are not ‘nipped in the bud’, they could lead to oppression, obsession, and even possession by evil spirits. Even if one has strong self-control against fleshly manifestations, harboring negative emotions in the soul may eventually lead to serious physical illness. 

So, how do we differentiate what is ‘responsibility to oneself’ and what is ‘manifestation of fleshly desires’? And how do we arrest worldly influence and stay away from it?

Proverbs 16:2-3(AMP)

All the ways of a man are clean and innocent in his own eyes [and he may see nothing wrong with his actions],

But the Lord weighs and examines the motives and intents [of the heart and knows the truth].

Commit your works to the Lord [submit and trust them to Him],

And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

Commit (gâlal) = to roll.

Plans = aims, objectives, hopes, desires.

The first and foremost thing to do is to surrender your will and desires to the Lord. Believe it or not, the Lord knows every intent and motive of your heart, both the good and the bad. But He is not here to judge you and condemn you, unless you choose to turn away from Him forever. He is here to help you, if you would allow Him. Jesus died for your sins to make you right before God the Father. As a result, His Spirit can now dwell in you to teach and guide you (see John 16:13-15).

Therefore, always listen to His Spirit witnessing to your conscience. Choose to obey His prompting inside your heart, whether to repent, to forgive, or to let go. After that, seek the Lord for His specific instructions for you. When you lay down your own desires and choose His desires for you, the Lord will surely speak to you. He will speak either through words of prophecy, or through anointed dreams, or through the Scriptures you are reading during your time of personal devotion with Him, or in other ways that He sees fit for you. Choose to follow His specific words spoken to you and stand firm on them. By then, your desires and your plans for your life will automatically be aligned to His will instead of your own fleshly desires.

Let’s look into the lives of Abraham and Lot for an example:

Genesis 12:4-5 (TLB)

So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed him, and Lot went too; Abram was seventy-five years old at that time. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all his wealth—the cattle and slaves he had gotten in Haran—and finally arrived in Canaan.

Abram (whose name was not changed to Abraham yet) took care of his nephew, Lot, after the demise of his brother. When the Lord told Abram to leave for Canaan, he took Lot along as a responsible uncle.

Genesis 13:5-7 (TLB)

Lot too was very wealthy, with sheep and cattle and many servants. But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds. There were too many animals for the available pasture. So fights broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, despite the danger they all faced from the tribes of Canaanites and Perizzites present in the land.

You see, everything was alright until both Abraham and Lot had become very wealthy. They both had too many flocks and herds for the available pasture. Instead of guarding themselves from their common enemies, their herdsmen fought against each other.

All of us need to learn from this mistake of fighting and rivalry against one another, be it among siblings, friends, brethren in Christ, church groups, ministry groups, or ministers of God. There need not be any comparing and competing with one another. Complementing yes, but not competing. We are to support one another to push away forces of darkness instead of going against one another.

Genesis 13:8-9 (TLB) 

Then Abram talked it over with Lot. “This fighting between our men has got to stop,” he said. “We can’t afford to let a rift develop between our clans. Close relatives such as we are must present a united front! I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I’ll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I’ll go over there to the east.”

Abram took the initiative to talk things over with Lot. And he gave preference to Lot to choose the land of his choice.

Spiritual stature doesn’t grow with age, but with the values and substances of one’s heart. Spiritual stature cannot be increased through material gains (i.e. wealth, academic qualifications, titles, positions, etc) but by what you sacrificially and generously give away to bless others.

Genesis 13:10-12(TLB)

Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan River, well watered everywhere (this was before Jehovah destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah); the whole section was like the Garden of Eden, or like the beautiful countryside around Zoar in Egypt. So that is what Lot chose—the Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants, and thus he and Abram parted company. For Abram stayed in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain, settling at a place near the city of Sodom.

Reading between the lines, Lot didn’t seem to give the respect due to Abraham as someone who had taken care of him ever since his father died. He seized the chance when given the choice and chose what he thought was the best for himself and his future. Was he being plainly immature because he was too spoilt by his uncle? Or was it because he couldn’t care less for the old uncle who was no longer useful to him? Only God knows.

Abraham did not hesitate to give preference to Lot because firstly, he cared for Lot, and secondly, he had found his security in God. He knew God was able to bless him as long as he depended on God. He understood that God was able to bless him more than what he could give away!

Genesis 14:14-16 (TLB)

When Abram learned that Lot had been captured(by King Chedorlaomer and his allies), he called together the men born into his household, 318 of them in all, and chased after the retiring army as far as Dan. He divided his men and attacked during the night from several directions, and pursued the fleeing army to Hobah, north of Damascus, and recovered everything—the loot that had been taken, his relative Lot, and all of Lot’s possessions, including the women and other captives.

Abraham was willing to risk his life to save Lot when he was captured. He did not keep grudges against his self-centered nephew, and when God wanted to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah later on, Abraham pleaded on behalf of Lot and his family. In other words, Abraham went all out to help Lot when he was in trouble. Such was the ‘bigness’ of Abraham’s heart, and God had surely seen it. No wonder God entrusted him with many descendants, and he eventually became the father of many nations!

It is how you react to the misfortune of those who have wronged you that shows your real character. God sees how much He can entrust you with His people and His anointing by looking at the ‘bigness’ of your heart.

Have there been competition for titles and positions in your church? There is no real position in God’s kingdom unless it is the calling and job description that is given directly by the Lord. Only ‘rabbits’ and ‘donkeys’ get tempted by ‘the dangling carrot’ put up by men. He who is greater is he who serves without asking and aiming for any title or position (see Luke 22:24-27). The Lord who sees your heart of serving (Colossians 3:23) will know how to honor you in ways you cannot imagine yet.

Have there been fierce office politics in order to get promotion in your organization? Know that your God is the biggest Boss and when He gives you the promotion, no earthly boss can pull you down. If you understand this, you won’t ever again want to dirty your hands playing office politics or backstabbing others!

Have there been fighting (and competing) for members among different church groups? Pastors and leaders, do you know that God doesn’t measure your faithfulness according to the number of members you try to persuade to join your church? Increase comes from the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:7). There's no need to fight and compete for numbers. God sees your faithfulness according to how sincere you pour your life on building whoever He has entrusted to you. 

All in all, when you choose to follow God's ways instead of copying the patterns and ways of this fallen world, you have indeed risen above, and have now been made the head and not the tail (see Deuteronomy 28:13). Amen.

Working with the power of the Holy Spirit

21st May 2018

I had a dream from the Lord 8 days before Pentecost Sunday. In the dream, I saw ‘a huge black, shiny and cool-looking vehicle with very long bonnet emerge from the sea bed. It emerged from the side way. It was as big as a small island. At first, I thought it resembled an old vintage car. But as it surfaced more, it appeared to be different. It was a huge and long funny-looking giant car! Soon enough, many cars started moving on it and some were parking on it.’

As a novice in car models, I had no idea what vehicle I had seen. After a whole week of internet searching, I eventually found a picture of a vehicle that has the closest resemblance to the car I saw in the dream. It was a Top Fuel Dragster! Immediately, I understood what the Lord was trying to convey.

To me, a car always represent the ministry and the church of God. And we who are His people are His ministry and His church! The Top Fuel Dragsters (like the one I saw in my dream) are the quickest accelerating racing cars in the world and the fastest sanctioned category of drag racers, with the fastest competitors reaching speeds of 539 km/hr and finishing the 1,000 foot (305 m) runs in 3.64 seconds. I believe the Lord is restoring the original ministry in the Body of Christ that is founded on His dunamis power, only in a newer and greater way. Just wait and see, the Holy Spirit will start moving in a new and more powerful way among His people from now onwards!

Why do we need the power of the Holy Spirit?

Acts1:8 (NKJV) - “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NKJV) - For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NKJV) - And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 

The disciples of Jesus received the baptism and power of the Holy Spirit as they were praying together on the Day of Pentecost. Soon after, the earliest church was founded with over 3000 souls saved through the powerful preaching of the gospel (read Acts 1-2).

Human wisdom is limited and with flaws. Things that are built on human wisdom will not last. Your calling and ministry belong to God. Do you want to see the words of prophecy you deliver come to pass? Do you want to see your prayers for the sick make them healed? Do you want to see your preaching changes lives and it is not just entertaining the mind? If so, your calling and ministry must be founded and built on the wisdom and power of God!

How to work with the power of the Holy Spirit?

(a) The Word of God + the Spirit of God

Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) - For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Top Fuel car uses fuel that is comprised of nitromethane & methanol in order to keep the fuel stable, thus preventing explosion in the engine.

Likewise, your operating in the spirit has to be ‘stabilized’ by the Word of God. For example, a prophet who has no proper understanding of the Word of God might end up prophesying with his own perception or with judgmental mind instead of prophesying from the heart of God. This can cause ‘emotional wound’ among God’s people or even false prophecy. That is probably one foremost reason why many churches are afraid of having prophetic voice. Another example would be a ministry or a church that focuses only on God’s power, signs and wonders, but not the Word of God. This would lead to God’s people looking solely for ‘His hand’ instead of looking at His heart and understanding their relationship with Him as a whole through His Word. Therefore, all ministering Christians are to have an intimate relationship with God and be deeply rooted in His Word in order to continuously handle His power effectively.     

(b) Take the action when God says so

Luke 11:28 (NLT) - Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice."

If a top fuel dragster is the first off the line when the light turns green, that's a huge advantage in a race that only covers a short distance. Even if the other car has a faster top-speed, it might not be able to cover the lost ground to take the win.

Similarly, it is better to depend on God than relying on your own ability or talent. Sensitize your spirit man by praying in the spirit often in order to hear Him precisely and to take action at the right timing.

(c) Focus on God’s instruction

Proverbs 4:25-27 (NKJV) - Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or to the left; remove your foot from evil.

A top fuel dragster is built to race in a straight line. That is the only way it can reach the finish line fast.

Likewise, focus on God's specific instruction for you so that you will not be easily enticed to deviate from His plan. At times, you might need to shut your ears to many good ideas and suggestions of men. Always allow the Holy Spirit to advice and correct you so that you will always be at the right track.

(d) Be ready to stop when He says so

James 4:13-15 (NLT) - Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”

At more than 480 km/hr, a top fuel dragster wears out its brake very quickly. It is therefore equipped with a special type of primary braking system. After crossing the finish line, the driver hits a switch that deploys two parachutes behind the car. The intense wind resistance will slow the car with little risk of additional mechanical failure.

Whether it is regarding your life or ministry, be ready to stop and start anew whenever God says so. Not letting go of your past, or even present success will only make you hinder the Holy Spirit from manifesting His power the way He wants in your life. Always remember that, when God tells you to let go of something, that’s because He already has something better in store for you. You will never be lack of resources and open doors when you listen to His instruction. 

Making an impact with the power of the Holy Spirit

The NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) once allowed a team of seismologists to stand at the starting line to measure the race the way they would measure an earthquake -- the two top fuel dragsters rated a 2.3 on the Richter scale. That's equivalent to a minor quake that many would feel it. Also, experts estimate top fuel dragsters can reach over 150 decibels, a noise level that can cause physical damage to the eardrum.

When you allow the Holy Spirit to move in your life, His dunamis power will impact the world through you, without you striving and struggling hard! May those who hear what the Spirit is saying, be at the right place at the right time to receive the new outpouring of His power, and begin working mightily with Him. Amen!

Source of information: Wikipedia.org, Auto.howstuffworks.com, the Bible and the Holy Spirit.

The training and providence of the Lord

So, you have a ministry calling from the Lord! However, the first thing to do is not to run about looking for a seminary course or seeking any established ministry to absorb you as a trainee.

If the Lord has truly called you to serve Him full-time, your relationship with the Lord has advanced more than just a ‘Father and child’ relationship. He has assumed the position of being your life-time employer and paymaster. Once you understand how this new relationship works, you can be assured that He has already prepared ‘a tailored-made training program’ and ‘a list of job descriptions’ for you. He will not leave you scrambling for a way to go by yourself.

Thus, the first thing to do is to seek Him directly for the immediate next step to be taken at the right time. Every instruction from the Lord will be confirmed with His divine peace and faith. Never miss out these elements and you will always be on the right track. As you are accountable to Him for every ministry decision-making, always seek the Lord for confirmation(s) before you make any major move. This is the only way every minister of God could start it right, progress it right and end it right!

When it comes to ministry training, there is such an assurance of the Lord’s care and goodness when one studies the way Elijah emerged as a prophet in 1 Kings 17.


Elijah’s first ministry instruction (see 1 Kings 17:1)

Elijah was instructed by the Lord to proclaim drought before Ahab. But a prolonged drought in the land would be followed by severe famine that would affect everyone, including Elijah. Amazingly, that was the beginning of his ministry training!

Logically, the ‘bread’, the ‘rice-bowl’ or the financial needs would be the main concern of many spiritual ministry trainees. If you allow the Lord to train you to receive finance from Him correctly since the beginning of your spiritual ministry, you will never have to suffer financial lack as ministers of the Lord.


Elijah was ‘cut off’ from worldly ways (see 1 Kings 17:2-5)

The Lord told Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith. He was to drink from the brook and to be fed by ravens. So, he went and did according to the word of the Lord.

Cherith is ‘Keriyth’ in Hebrew which means ‘a cut’. It’s from the root word ‘kârath’ that means ‘to cut off’. Cherith was a very isolated place from the outside world. The Lord intended to set Elijah apart from worldly ways in order for him to be effective in spiritual ministry.

Working with the Lord is different from working in the secular world. The initial thing to learn in spiritual ministry is to ‘unlearn’ the ways of the world. The more you work with the Lord, the more you will learn that He works very differently from the ‘logic’ or the ‘common sense’ that you have been educated in the world. The first and foremost important ministry training that you should remember and practice all your life is to hear and do according to the word of the Lord (and the way of the Lord)!


Elijah was taught the ways of the Lord (see 1 Kings 17:6)

The Lord commanded ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat twice a day.

Why ravens?
[The base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh could glory in His presence. (1 Corinthians 1:28-29 NKJV)]Ravens have always been perceived as thieves and agents of ‘omen’ or ‘death’ by people from different cultures. But the Lord used what were perceived as ‘cursed’ or ‘death’ to bring ‘life’ to Elijah. The Lord showed to Elijah that He could use anything, even the lowly things, to achieve His plans and to provide.

Why bread and meat?
[And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 NKJV)]People did not get to eat meat always in the old times, but only during festivals or special occasions. Bread was a basic need, but meat speaks of wants, and therefore a luxury those days. Yet Elijah got to enjoy meat every meal during the time of famine. The Lord showed to Elijah that He is a great Provider who gives generously.

As minister of the Lord, know that the Lord has all the means to satisfy both your needs and wants. And that privilege is even extended to your loved ones. You only need to agree with His way of doing things. Elijah got such providence of needs and wants simply by heeding the Lord’s instructions.


Elijah was trained to be flexible (see 1 Kings 17:7)

As it had not rained for a long time, the brook eventually dried up. No more clean water to drink and probably the ravens stopped bringing food too! But there was no record of Elijah being anxious or angry with God for no supply of water and food. It would have occurred to him that if the Lord could command the ravens to provide meat, He would have other ways to provide for him. He chose to be flexible with the Lord and waited for another instruction!

You see, God is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End (see Revelation 22:13). He knows what is the best for you in each season and stage of your life. Hence, when the Lord tells you to let go of something (e.g. method of doing things) or somewhere (e.g. a place or an organization), do it! Don’t sulk with the Lord, don't blame others, and don’t cling on the old. Consult the Lord again and be flexible to flow with Him.


Elijah was refined before great fame (see 1 Kings 17:8-16)

This time, the Lord told him to go to Zarephath in Sidon. Elijah was told to lodge in a poor widow's home instead of a rich man's home. As a result of Elijah heeding this instruction, the widow's bin of flour was not used up, nor did her jar of oil run dry.

Zarephath is ‘Tsârephath’ in Hebrew, which carries the meaning of ‘refinement’. It is from the word ‘tsâraph’ which also means to refine, purify, purge.

The Lord had intended for Elijah to see providence coming directly from Him, and not from the hand of man.

In spiritual ministry, finance can be a very great concern. However, if you have learned that providence is never from the hand of man but from the hand of the Lord (it is the Lord who moves man to give), you will never be bound by the fear of man. With no fear of man, you will have the liberty to carry out (all) the exact instructions the Lord has put in your heart.


Elijah won the first soul (see 1 Kings 17:17-24)

The widow's son became sick and died. Elijah stretched himself out on the child three times and cried out to the Lord. The Lord heard Elijah's prayer and revived the child. 

[Then the woman said to Elijah, "Now by this I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is the truth." (1 Kings 17:24 NKJV)]You do not have to strive to convince others of your spiritual calling, or to promote your ministry. It is only through your ‘fruits’ and by the acknowledgment of others that your calling and ministry will be recognized. Therefore, just be faithful to carry out His job description(s) or the ministry blueprints that Lord has put in your heart.

Elijah saved the first soul (the widow) in Sidon (Tsîydown/ Tsîydon in Hebrew), which means ‘in the sense of catching fish’. In cross-reference, Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 4:19(NKJV), "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Therefore, no matter what your spiritual calling is, if you are willing to use your spiritual gifts (or talents) given by the Lord to bless others, the gospel of Jesus Christ will be made known! Elijah was a prophet, not an evangelist. But even then, what he did caused the hearts of many people to turn to the Lord, e.g. when he called down fire to consume the burnt sacrifice (bull) on Mount Carmel and defeated the prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18).


Elijah was ready for greater ministry

[And it came to pass after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, "Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth." (1 Kings 18:1 NKJV)]
The 3½ year of drought and famine was a time of ‘low profile’ for Elijah, yet it was also a time of intensive training for him. Throughout the drought and famine, he did not suffer any lack or hunger, but he lived with the Lord’s providence. As a matter of fact, Elijah 'passed' the training simply because he obeyed and followed every single instruction exactly (as told by the Lord).

The ‘rain’ also represents the Holy Spirit (see Joel 2:23, 28-29). If you would allow the Lord to train you in His way, you can be assured that the Holy Spirit will be with you to help you succeed in your calling and ministry too!

What counts in ministry

One morning over breakfast, my husband was discussing with me about 1 Chronicles 20-21 and 2 Samuel 24 (when King David ordered for a census of Israel and Judah). In these chapters, we read that this very act of King David stirred God’s wrath, and a plague then came on the land. Many were killed because of this one decision. This reminded me of God’s instruction for us which I think is applicable to all God-called ministries.

Always consult the Father

King David’s kingdom was well established and everything was smooth sailing before He made this decision to number Israel. It’s a surprise that he didn’t consult God first (like in other times in the past before He went for war). Though we are living in God’s grace and favor, we still need to consult God for all our ministry decisions. If a God-fearing person like King David can make a wrong decision, even being moved by satan and by fleshly desire, not one of us is infallible.

Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth; For in these I delight," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV)

At every stage of our ministry, we should not stop consulting God in our decision-making. If you are a parent, you will not have the heart to deny your children of their inquiries even when you are busy. You may not attend to them immediately but will eventually give in if they keep ‘pulling your sleeve’. So ask and expect to receive direction from Him (see Matthew 7:7-11).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your won understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)

Many future troubles can be prevented when we move in God’s purpose and timing. Prevention is better than cure. Have the habit of consulting your Abba Father who is interested in every affair of your life.

Individual life that counts, not number

I remember the Lord led me to read these chapters in the Bible before we moved our Sunday’s Celebration from our home to the public place. The Lord told me He wanted His ministers to serve with the right intention, not to be ‘number-fame-power-money crazy’ but minister to precious souls as individuals.

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." (1 Peter 5:2-4 NKJV)

It is very interesting that in 1 Chronicles 21:3, Joab answered King David when he was instructed to take census, “…are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why should he be a cause of guilt in Israel?” It is sad to see pastors and elders lost their joy of serving the Lord once they are too ‘number-conscious’, either being imposed or self-imposed. Unnecessary pressure and guilt would come in when they failed to meet the ‘quota’ of members or losing members in their churches or cells. Ministry is always about meeting people’s needs. This is the heartbeat of God. When there is no heart for people, there is no ministry.

(Read 1 Corinthians 3).

God cares for His children’s needs and wants His flock to be shepherded with love. Only God can give the true increase. Human-generated growth will not last. We preach but the Holy Spirit convicts. The Church is God’s building. Different churches/groups of believers have different God-intended personalities. Just as a father sees the beauty of different personalities in each of his children, so is our Father God. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any comparison or competition among groups of believers. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, that is in Jesus Christ. It’s never how much you can do for God that counts but doing what He wants you to do. Let no one boast in men but build on works that endures the test of fire and receive the reward from God that does not fade away.

Stick to your calling

King David was called to be a man of war. His son, King Solomon was called to be a man of rest (peace). Though at an old age when King David was not able to fight at war, he’d be better off training more ‘warrior-disciples’, instead of taking census over Israel and Judah. Was it due to his boredom, pride or for the sake of a sense of self-achievement? The reason wasn’t stated but one thing for sure, he wasn’t doing what he’s called to be.

For I say, "through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members no not have the same function... Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them..." (Romans 12:3-8 NKJV)

Have you been trying to wear many hats that are either too big or too small for you? It’s important that you function in the measure of grace and sphere of spiritual authority God endows upon you. Grow with the present ministry grace upon your life and not presumptuously jump into another’s ministry or spiritual office. The last thing you want is to suffer from wrong ministry choice or making mistakes that affect other lives. It is important to know the specific call of God for your life. When the Lord ‘orders’, He ‘pays’. This is also one of the important keys to having financial blessings in your ministry.

Are you currently suffering from financial famine, spiritual attack, ‘losing members/their submission’ or any unexplainable 'plague' in your ministry? Take a moment to reflect the system and structure you set up. Are they still standing and being built on the original purpose laid by the Lord for your ministry? Are you still sticking to the call of God in your life? Have you been patiently waiting for the revelation of God before carrying out ministry decisions?

Bear in mind this message is not for you to condemn yourself or to judge others, but to live in the very calling of God for your life. I rejoice with you if you are enjoying a fulfilling ministry. May there be more effective ministers being established through your ministry. 

However, if mistakes have been made, know that you do not have to go through and suffer the consequences as in King David’s time. Acknowledge your mistake to God and come back to Jesus’ perfect work on the cross. King David had to buy a threshing floor from Ornan with full price to set up an altar for burnt offerings to the Lord, for the plague to stop. But Jesus the ‘burnt offering’, the perfect sacrifice had been laid for us at the altar. He has paid the full price when He died on the cross for you. The ‘plague’ stops the moment you understand this and come back to the purpose God has for you. Many more lives will then be blessed through your life and ministry.

Spirit-led ministries

It was a dream/night vision from the Lord. I was in a prayer meeting full of pastors. The meeting was held in a bedroom in a luxurious cruise ship. All the pastors were standing around the bed. As we were worshipping and praying in the spirit, some pastors started to have weird expressions on their faces. When the presence of God descended heavily in that room, those with distorted facial expressions started to 'manifest' the 'spirits of oppression' that had gained influence in their lives. One of them even jumped out and threatened to kill anyone who would give their all to serve God. Because of that many ran away to hide. I was caught with surprise so many established pastors were easily threatened. My heart was burning with anger that I jumped up on the bed and started praying fiercely in the spirit. The one who was demon possessed fled a moment after that.

Message:

I woke up feeling overwhelmed. Rest assured that I did not premeditate to have such a dream. The Lord is my witness. In fact, it took me a few days seeking the Lord to be sure what He’s trying to convey before making the decision to release this. I share this not to judge as I have no right to judge my own brethren in Christ (see Matthew 7:1-2; Romans 14:10-12). As I share this with you, I unexceptionally and humbly learn from the Lord myself.

Here it goes:

Many pastors have been influenced by the ways of the world in establishing their churches. No doubt many started with pure visions and passion to see souls saved, to feed their sheep with green pastures from personal revelations in order to expand the kingdom of God. Somehow, when they got established and recognized, ‘their churches’ and ‘their achievements’ have become more important than what the Lord wants to accomplish through their lives. There are mixtures of holy passion to see God’s kingdom expanded and also yearning toward worldly recognitions. Many have the sense of insecurity when being compared with. As a result, many have tried to expand their churches with methods and approaches. There is nothing wrong with methods and approaches. But throwing in systems and methods without the leading of His Spirit is displeasing to the Lord. Consequently, many churches with pastors who are oppressed with the spirit of competition and obsessed with church growth have gone stagnant after a little while of expansion with human efforts. Pastors have been praying for increase in their churches. And the Lord is very eager to give increase. However, in order to give increase, the Lord has to clean His house. The seriousness of the whole matter is that, when the Lord spring cleans His house, everything that is not of Him and the work of the flesh, though hidden will eventually be exposed.

1 Corinthians 3:6-23:

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.”

The true increase that will stay comes only from the Lord. What works for others may not work for your church. When the Lord is with you, any method or system, modern or primitive, will work. The moment you learn to cruise freely with the direction of the Holy Spirit in your daily ministry, you are at the right track.

Will you spare the time on your knees seeking God’s way instead of planning to enforce another method that had seemingly helped others to grow into mega churches? Will you take the step of faith to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit though it may risk losing half of your congregation? Will you shrug off peer pressure and choose to hear God's voice amplified in your ministry decisions? Will you come back to the tender moment during the initial stage of your ministry when you promised the Lord you were willing to give your all and that His will is more important than any of your achievements in life?

As ministers of God, let’s not try to out-stand each other with self-righteousness but to cover each other with love and prayers. Let those who have ears and teachable hearts before the Spirit of God take heed. May your church and ministry always be led by the Holy Spirit and showered with the increase from the Lord.