27 April 2014

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. [Proverbs 3:11-12]

26 April 2014

Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. [Proverbs 3:9-10]

25 April 2014

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. [Proverbs 3:5-6]

24 April 2014

My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. [Proverbs 3:1-4]

20 April 2014

After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. [Isaiah 53:11-12]

This is your God. This is your Savior. Receive from His amazing grace. Blessed Easter!

19 April 2014

Yet it was the Lord's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand. [Isaiah 53:10]

His offspring there refers to the church. Why was it God's will to crush Jesus? So that the church, you and I, may live life more abundantly.

18 April 2014

By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. [Isaiah 53:8-9]

Jesus was punished on account of our transgression. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, though He did no wicked act.

Likewise, today, we are blessed on account of Jesus' righteousness. We are assigned a place in the kingdom of God with the righteous, even though we did no righteous act.

This Good Friday, just gaze upon and believe on the divine exchange at the cross, that Jesus became who you are that you may become who He is.

17 April 2014

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. [Isaiah 53:7]

16 April 2014

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all. [Isaiah 53:6]

15 April 2014

Surely he (Jesus) took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. [Isaiah 53:4-5]

14 April 2014

He (Jesus) was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. [Isaiah 53:3]

Jesus suffered that you may prosper. He took your pain that you may receive His comfort. He was despised that we may be accepted. He was led in low esteem so that God can see us in high esteem.

13 April 2014

Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He (Jesus) grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. [Isaiah 53:1-2]

12 April 2014

Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. [Psalm 34:9]

Please don't think of "fear" as "afraid". Jesus defined the fear of the Lord as worship (Deut 6:13, Matthew 4:10). So we can re-read this verse as this: Worship the Lord, you his holy people, for those who worship him lack nothing.

Sing, O barren! Sing! (Isaiah 54:1) Taste and see that the Lord is good! And if you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more your Heavenly Father gifts good gifts to you, accepted in the Beloved!

11 April 2014

Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant. [Psalm 135:3]

"I sing because You are good 

I dance because You are good

And I shout because You are good, You are good to me"

These are lyrics to a song, and it is evident that we should praise God with all our hearts because He IS GOOD! 

How has God been good to you? The simple things first and foremost: you have all your senses functioning properly. Isn't that good? You also have food to eat everyday. 

So even if bad times strike, continue praising God because He is good! -Jeanette Lim

16 April 2014: Passion Week Day 1

Riverlife Church Passion Week (Day 1)

Date: 16 April 2014

Speaker: Pastor Joel Baker

Rhema word from the Lord: “It’s Time!”

Time for what:

• New worship (as though Christ the Lord has already returned; physically standing on the stage)
• Honest transparency before the Lord
• It’s going to get messy (out of order)
• Sense of expectation to rise (permission to expect more from God)
• Breaking out a flood of goodness, wholeness, freedom and boldness on part of the body of Christ

Jesus: Prince of Peace (Hebrew “shalom”: wholeness)

Your gates shall be open continually; day and night they shall not be shut, that people may bring to you the wealth of the nations, with their kings led in procession. [Isaiah 60:11]

Believe the supernatural

Passover: entry-level of our relationship with Israel; not just Passover! By faith in Jesus, become part of Israel! Israel’s history becomes our history; Israel’s feasts become our feasts!

DARE NOT BECOME FAMILIAR/APATHETIC WITH THE GOSPEL!

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent (forceful men, NIV) take it by force. [Matthew 11:11–12]

{indwelling Spirit given to those who believe: new covenant}

11: number of transition (between numbers of perfection, 10 and 12)

So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. [Romans 11:11]

You cannot stay in a season of transition and hope to be fruitful

Jesus is saying to His listeners: It’s time to break out! Things are going to change. The kingdom of heaven is forcefully advancing.

Passion invokes passion. He loved us first that we may love Him today

Prophetic: See what God is doing and do that, see where God is going and go there

Passiveness in the passion of Jesus!? Our passion is God’s reward for His great sacrifice

Expect the end VERY SOON

John: forerunner of Messiah, Jesus: Messiah (Matthew 11:11–12)

MUCH MORE than the greatest of our expectations!

Live prophetically. Live by the Spirit.

I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will gather the remnant of Israel; I will set them together like sheep in a fold, like a flock in its pasture, a noisy multitude of men. He who opens the breach goes up before them; they break (forerunner) through and pass the gate, going out by it. Their king (the Messiah) passes on before them, the Lord at their head. [Micah 2:11–12]

• Sheep are in fields
• Shepherd takes ample number of stones to make enclosure for sheep
• Forerunner serves as king
• Shepherd removes stones, opens enclosure wide enough for sheep to reach greener grass, crystal clear waters
• Celebrating freedom, liberty, bounty, their inheritance

Jesus: I have set you free!

Passover: season of our liberty

Gap between God and us is fertile ground for our growth in Him. “We’ve got no where else to go, other than You!” When we don’t understand, when God is beyond us, nevertheless, “I’m in love with You, I don’t want it any other way”

Q: In what ways yet do I need to break free?

BLOOD MOON 1: WHAT DOES IT POINT US TOWARD?

And let them be for signs and for seasons [Genesis 1:14]

“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars…” [Luke 21:25]

‘Zion’: signposted, marked (owned by God, sign pointing beyond itself to God)

Lunar Eclipses:

Roman Year (Gregorian)

2014: 15 April (First Day of Passover) and 8 October (Feast of Tabernacles)

2015: 4 April (First Day of Passover) and 28 September (Feast of Tabernacles)

Same Jewish year: 5775 (perfection {7} ended by grace {5})

2015 Solar Eclipses

20 March: 1^st Nissan, Sacred New Year

13 Sept: Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Tabernacles), Civil New Year (aka Tax Year)

• Reality that God is binding Jew and Gentile together
• Fate of one (Jew) is bound to the other (Gentile)
• Jews + Gentiles = One New Man
• How does that look like? Dunno leh. But it’s going to be glorious!

Physical separation (Jews) affect spiritual separation (church)

Jewish lands became barren; Gospel of the kingdom corrupted

1492 Return of Jews led to reformation and revival of Church

(1) 1499 – 1950: Independence of Israel

(2) 1967 – 1968: 6 Day War

(1) + (2): Israel in War and expands her territory! Leads to the church blessed!

2014/2015 Tetrad: Likely to lead to Israel/Middle Eastern war (Psalm 83), intention that Israel be wiped out as a nation and be remembered no more.

Prayer that millions of Jews/Muslims enter the kingdom!

Jewish/Islam: Ezekiel 37–38 War (Gog and Magog). Israel needs to win a convincing victory over her enemies.

Solar eclipse: In the darkness, we see things that we couldn’t see before (stars in the day). In the darkness, Gods light shines, and we gonna’ participate in God’s activity!

The Road to Tabernacles

Feast of Tabernacle: 7^th (Last) of Jewish feasts in the Jewish year

Feasts are signposts that God will fulfill in Jesus

First 5 Signposts		Second 5 Signposts
1	Pentecost (Acts 2): Gentiles added to God’s programme	10	The Last Revival (John 17:2, Ephesians 2:15)
2	Loss of Jewish roots (2nd century)	9	Saved Remnant of Israel restored, Reconnection with Jewish roots; Recovery of Tabernacles
3	Loss of gifts of the Spirit (3rd century)	8	Gifts of Spirit (1897); Recovery of Pentecost
4	Loss of moves of the Spirit (4th century)	7	1700–1850 Revivals; Recovery of Unleavened Bread
5	Loss of Authority of Word	6	Protestant Reformation: Word Restored; Recovery of Passover (16th century)

Today: Between Signposts 8 (1987) and 9

1987 First Zionist Congress → Pentecostal Revivals

1948 State of Israel Declared → Healing Ministries

1967 Jerusalem Recovered →    Jesus Movement and Charismatic Renewal (most powerful in Catholic church)

1973 Yom Kippur War Miracle → Messianic Movement (Jewish movements)

Conclusion:  Tetrad signifies trouble in Israel to give opportunity for God to save Israel and to bless the Church

2 Kings 22: Parallel between Josiah and the Church now

Josiah: Good king of Judah, last godly king to reign Israel before Nebuchadnezzar. Bold in restoring worship of Yahweh in Spirit and in truth.

The Church now:  Last godly generation before God returns to earth. Stand out of the crowd and boldly declare Jesus.

10 April 2014

Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. [Psalm 61:1-2]

9 April 2014

Today's daily verses is gonna be from 2 passages and you'll see why:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. [Proverbs 18:21]

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. [Philippians 4:8]

Therefore, this morning, let me challenge you to speak out whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy. Why? Cos' death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

'I will have true friends, in Jesus' name!'

'I am blessed to be a blessing, in Jesus' name!'

'As Jesus is, so am I in this world!'

'I will ace the test/exam in Jesus' name!'

Start loudly declaring over yourself whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, cos' death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

8 April 2014

Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” [Luke 19:9-10]

Grace doesn't cause people to go back to sin. On the contrary, it compels them to do the good deeds which people do for salvation at greater quality and greater quantity! You see, grace compels you to do what you wanted to but couldn't do by your strength.

So, today, God's grace is more than enough for every good deed which you desire! Trust His grace to do those good works.

Song of the Day: Your Grace is Enough https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9yrlYk-Bao

7 April 2014

“What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” [Luke 18:41-42]

If you need a miracle from God, all you need to do is, no not more good works to earn your healing or atone for your sins, but ask! You see, Jesus has already atoned for your sins, and all you need to do is ask. Ask God!

I believe that He is your miracle worker and all you need is found in Him. You need academic breakthrough, find it in Him! You need peace of mind, find it in Him! You need healing, find it in Him! He's all that you need!

And much more :)

Song of the Day: Healer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5qoQmjwv-0

6 April 2014

But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” [Luke 18:16-17]

Salvation isn't attained by being the most charitable person on earth. It isn't being the most pious Christian amount all your friends. It isn't trying our best, even, to earn God's favor.

Salvation is by becoming a child. Become a child of God. Just, in your, gullibility, receive God's gift to save you. That's how to be saved: by accepting God as your Daddy.

Song of the Day: Salvation is Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeBBfLU1cWw

5 April 2014

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. [Luke 15:7]

This 'same way' refers to the Lost Sheep which Jesus was sharing on. Might I ask you a simple question: how did the sheep repent?

"Baa"

I doubt that the sheep fell on its knees and was crying bitterly. It knew no better! All that it did was to let the shepherd carry it.

Repentance is this: reliance on Christ. Letting Jesus take your problems and take you and bring you into abundant life.

So rest in Jesus. Let Him do all the work. Trust Him for all the grace that you need; the supply that you ever need. That's repentance, as Jesus defined it!

Song of the Day: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czxd5oa-gi0

4 April 2014

Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy..." [Luke 12:1]

Jesus warns His listeners of hypocrites, who refer to people who instill many works for people to grow closer to God by. Be very careful of likewise teaching even in the Christian church. Always base the work on Christ, and the works should be a fruit from enjoying God and not a means to doing so.

On the basis of unearned, undeserved, unmerited favor will you reign in life and reign over hypocrisy. Hypocrisy focuses you on you; favor focuses you on Christ. So go for grace!

Song of the Day: Unmerited Favor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB2KbZlX8D8

3 April 2014

Do you know God's name? It is Yahweh. It's like calling your dad by his first name rather than 'Dad'. Anyway, His name is made up of 3 words! In Hebrew, yehyeh + hoveh + hahyah = Yahweh.

yehyeh: He will be

hoveh: Being

hahyah: He was

So Yahweh is the God who was and the God who is and the God who is to come. That's the name Yahweh.

Now for the Daily Verse:

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [Hebrews 13:8]

In essence, Jesus is God! He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is the God who calmed the raging seas and rained manna for heaven. If He is the same, surely He is ready to pour out a blessing over you and your household, right? 

Song of the Day: Jesus the Same http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rMA5NrCh9JU

2 April 2014

And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. [Genesis 4:4-5]

Why did God accept Abel's offering but not Cain's? That is because Cain's offering of fruits from the ground he toiled was one of his effort, while Abel's offering of a sacrifice symbolizes of God's provision for him.

More so, Abel's offering was a picture of Jesus, in which Abel sacrificing a lamb for atonement of sins symbolized Christ's sacrifice once and for all for all sins of all mankind!

What God wants in our worship is that we offer what He gave us to begin with. From Him are all things and to Him are all things. And it's a posture of thanksgiving, gracefulness, rather than one of strife and effort. God wants us relying on Him even in worship! Don't make it a self effort!

Song of the Day: Worthy of it All http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SneKWBEC2mw

1 April 2014

For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes  in the morning. -Psalms 30:5

Morning is not necessarily what has an 'a.m.' next to it. Morning happens when you wake up! Wake up, joy is here, Jesus has come to give life abundantly which includes joy! Wake up, joy is here!

Song of the Day: Trading My Sorrows http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7rvApGuhOs4

31 March 2014

...in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me? [Psalm 56:11]

If you are worried about an activity which you are involved in later in the day, be it an audition, a test or anything that is giving you anxiety, rest assured: God is with you. With that, what then, can man do to you? 

I'm telling you, what can man do to you when God blesses you exceedingly, abundantly above all that you can ever ask or think? They can try to backstab you, but they'll soon after think twice of harming God's highly favored child!

Song: Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies] http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg

30 March 2014

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad! [Psalm 53:6]

When taken literally, this has for nothing to do with you or I. But taken symbolically, it's talking about us, that salvation for us may come from Jesus. When God restores us and makes us righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21), let the people rejoice and be glad.

My friend, today we are beneficiaries of Jesus' finished work! We can rejoice in God's presence, for we have an intercessor with the Father (1 John 2:1). We can enjoy the presence of God freely!

Song of the Day: Rejoice O Israel

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cQiMhT9FIys

29 March 2014

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. [Psalm 47:1-2]

This morning, I'd like to encourage you with one word: rejoice! Yeah! Rejoice in the good, rejoice in the bad and rejoice in the ugly. Rejoice in the Lord always because He is awesome. He is the One who cause us to fear and tremble in awe.

So hey, this same awesome God who shakes the earth and in fact called it to being to begin with, will He not also lead you through a trial He brings you or save you from your mistake? Hey, our God is an awesome God. So you know what? Rejoice!

Song of the Day: Awesome is The Lord Most High http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HLgnITJ2osM