TIMES OF RENEWAL (PART 2)

TIMES OF REST AND REFRESHINGThere is a powerful connection between praying in tongues and experiencing spiritual rest and refreshing.Isaiah prophesied about the "stammering lips and another tongue" in Isaiah 28:11-12. This is a prophetic revelation of the New Testament gift of tongues, designed to bring rest to the weary.It is further supported by Acts 3:19, which speaks of "times of refreshing" coming from the presence of the Lord.“11 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, 12 To whom He said, ‘This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,' and, “This is the refreshing” – Isaiah 28:11–12 (NKJV).“… times of refreshing may come from the Presence of the Lord,” – Acts 3:19 (NKJV).In the Presence of the Lord is a time of rest and refreshing. Waiting before God in prayer will not only renew your strength, but also bring great refreshing to your spirit.“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV).God is always present within the believer (1 Corinthians 3:16), the manifest presence—which brings tangible refreshing—is cultivated through active engagement, such as praying in the Spirit. This practice is presented as the antidote to spiritual dryness.Think of a smartphone battery. The battery is always there, but it only provides power when charged. Similarly, the Holy Spirit dwells within us, but praying in tongues acts as the charger, plugging us into the divine power source, replenishing our spiritual energy, and preventing us from running dry.When feeling spiritually depleted, anxious, or overwhelmed, intentionally set aside time to pray in tongues. View it not just as a religious duty, but as a vital spiritual "R&R" (Rest and Refreshing) session, allowing the Holy Spirit to minister peace and renewal to your inner being.BUILDING STRENGTH AND RECEIVING POWER“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you …” – Acts 1:8 (NKJV).Jesus told His disciples to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit that the Father promised. That gift was given to them on Pentecost when they were baptised in the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that when the Holy Spirit comes upon them to baptise them and to give them the gift of speaking in unknown tongues, the power of the Holy Spirit will come upon them. They will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.“A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally …” – 1 Corinthians 14:4 (NLT).It is translated as strengthen, build, edify. Speaking in tongues will build and strengthen your spirit. For times of refreshing, as we constantly speak in tongues, we come into the manifest Presence of the Lord to worship, build, and strengthen our spirit.When we speak in tongues, the Holy Spirit comes upon us to anoint us with His power to worship, build, and strengthen our spirit. The Holy Spirit is in our spirit. However, there is the power of the Holy Spirit that comes upon us when we speak in tongues. This Presence of God is different from the Presence of God that is already in our spirit. For times of refreshing in the Presence of the Lord, to renew, strengthen, and build our spiritual strength, we need to worship and speak in tongues to build and strengthen our spirit.Rev. Cheong Yew KwongFaith Church SingaporePlease visit our website at faithchurch.sg#goodtoread ... See MoreSee Less

TIMES OF RENEWAL (PART 1)

The gift of speaking in unknown tongues is a very fascinating experience. This gift can be used in many ways. Besides speaking to God, we can minister to God in worship, praise, and giving of thanks.SPEAKING IN TONGIES IS SPEAKING IN THE SPIRIT“For he who speaks in a tongue…speak to…God,…, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” - 1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV).Paul says that speaking in tongues is speaking or praying to God in the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is speaking out of our spirits. The Holy Spirit will give our spirits the utterance in unknown tongues to speak to God.Imagine a highly secure, encrypted communication channel directly to the Creator. When we pray in tongues, it's akin to activating this spiritual encryption, allowing our spirit to communicate directly with God's Spirit and convey mysteries and deep truths that our natural minds cannot comprehend or articulate.Believers are encouraged to recognise the value of this direct line of communication. When words fail to express the depth of one's emotions, struggles, or gratitude, praying in the Spirit provides a perfect, unhindered avenue for expression.MINISTERING TO THE LORD“…I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 16 For if you praise God only in the spirit, …How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? 17 You will be giving thanks very well…” - 1 Corinthians 14:15–17 (NLT).To sing in the spirit is to sing in tongues. We could sing in tongues, in the spirit, to worship God. However, we can sing in words of understanding. To praise God in the spirit is to praise Him in unknown tongues. Furthermore, we can give thanks to God in tongues.Paul listed three ways of ministering to the Lord in these scriptures:Worship – Paul says he could sing in the spirit. We sing to worship God the Father, and singing in tongues is singing in the Spirit.Praise – Paul says we could praise God in the Spirit. That means we could praise God in unknown tongues.Thanksgiving – Paul also says if we give thanks in tongues, no one understands, though you give thanks well, rightly, and correctly.Speaking in tongues is a devotional gift, given to help us in worship, praise and thanksgiving. Worship, praise, and thanksgiving in unknown tongues will make us more conscious of the Holy Spirit's indwelling Presence. It will make you hungrier for God and develop greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. Those who continually pray and worship God in other tongues experience the spiritual enrichment this supernatural gift provides.Consider a musician who, after playing structured compositions, begins to improvise. The structured music is like praying with understanding, while the improvisation is like praying in tongues—a free-flowing, spontaneous expression of the soul's melody to God. It is a "flowing stream of worship that never runs dry” and enriches our lives spiritually.Incorporate praying in tongues into daily devotional times. Instead of solely relying on structured prayers or familiar worship songs, dedicate moments to simply sing, praise, and give thanks in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead the expression of devotion.Rev. Cheong Yew KwongFaith Church SingaporePlease visit our website at faithchurch.sg#goodtoread ... See MoreSee Less

ISSACHAR - UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES (4)

ISSACHAR AND KINGDOM LEADERSHIPThe role of Issachar in ancient Israel was strategic; they guided the nation. Likewise, believers who walk in this dimension of understanding become invaluable assets in the Kingdom of God. They:- Influence direction: Providing wise counsel and prophetic insight.- Provide clarity: Cutting through confusion and uncertainty.- Lead with insight: Guiding others according to God's revealed will.This dimension is especially important for leaders, prayer, and all those in spiritual authority. It enables them to lead with wisdom and foresight, navigating complex situations with divine precision.SENSITIVITY TO SPIRITUAL SEASONSJust as there are natural seasons, there are also distinct spiritual seasons. The Issachar understanding helps us discern these:- Seasons of warfare: Requiring aggressive spiritual engagement.- Seasons of building: Calling for constructive, foundational work.- Seasons of waiting: Demanding patience and trust.- Seasons of breakthrough: Requiring bold faith, perseverance in prayer, and decisive action.Each season requires a different response, a different application of our authority. Issachar discernment helps you recognise the season and respond appropriately, ensuring your efforts are always in harmony with God's present work.THE ISSACHAR DIMENSION IN DAILY LIFEThis understanding is not only for major decisions or corporate church movements. It applies to our daily lives, providing precision in everyday choices:- When to speak and when to remain silent.- When to act and when to wait.This daily application produces:- Precision: Our actions are targeted and effective.- Effectiveness: We see tangible results from our efforts.- Confidence: We walk with assurance, knowing we are aligned with God.AUTHORITY + POWER + UNDERSTANDINGThe complete picture of the believer’s life, operating in the fullness of God's design, integrates three vital components:- Authority: Given in Christ.- Power: Supplied by the Holy Spirit.- Understanding: Revealed through Issachar discernment.When these three align, the believer becomes highly effective, a potent force for God's Kingdom on earth.FROM REACTION TO REVELATIONMany believers, unfortunately, live reactively:- Responding to problems as they arise.- Reacting to pressure from circumstances.- Acting out of urgency rather than divine leading.Issachar believers, however, live from revelation, from insight, and from a divine perspective. They are proactive, guided by God's foresight rather than human hindsight. They anticipate God's moves and align themselves accordingly.CONCLUSION: THE RISE OF THE ISSACHAR BELIEVERBelievers who are marked by the Issachar anointing, who:- Know who they are in Christ.- Walk in authority delegated by Him.- Are empowered by the Spirit for divine works.- And crucially, operate with understanding of the times.These believers do not move blindly or act randomly. They move with:- Clarity: A clear vision of God's will.- Precision: Targeted actions that yield maximum results.- Purpose: Every step aligned with God's eternal plan.Aspire to be Issachar believers, understanding the times, knowing what to do, and bringing God's Kingdom to bear on earth with wisdom, power, and authority. Amen!Rev. Cheong Yew KwongFaith Church SingaporePlease visit our website at faithchurch.sg#goodtoread ... See MoreSee Less

ISSACHAR - UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES (3)

SPIRITUAL TIMINGTiming determines effectiveness. This principle is evident throughout Scripture, even in the ministry of Jesus Himself. Jesus did not act randomly; He moved in divine timing and heavenly alignment.- In John 2:4, at the wedding in Cana, Jesus told His mother, "My hour has not yet come." He knew there was a specific time for His public manifestation of power.- Later, in John 12:23, He declared, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." There was a precise moment for His ultimate sacrifice and triumph.Jesus consistently operated with an acute awareness of God's timing. Therefore, our authority must be exercised in step with God’s timing. The Holy Spirit is our guide in this, revealing the Father's perfect schedule.DISCERNMENT THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRITThe Holy Spirit is the indispensable source of Issachar understanding. He is our divine guide, revealing the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10 (NKJV) affirms: "But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."Without the Spirit, we are left to rely on human logic, natural reasoning, and our limited understanding. But with the Spirit, we operate in revelation—a divine unveiling of God's perspective, His plans, and His perfect timing. He reveals:- What God is doing: His current movements and purposes.- What season you are in: Guiding us to respond appropriately to the spiritual climate.- What action is required: Providing specific, actionable insight for effective ministry and living.KNOWING WHAT TO DOIssachar not only understood; they also knew what to do, and they acted. Understanding without action is incomplete and ultimately ineffective. Our authority demands a decisive response once understanding is gained. This response may include various forms of action:- Speaking: Declaring God's Word and promises.- Waiting: Exercising patience and trust in God's timing.- Praying: With precision and power.- Moving: Taking practical steps of obedience.The key is always the right action at the right time. This is the essence of strategic spiritual living.STRATEGIC AUTHORITYWhen authority is guided by Issachar understanding, it becomes strategic. This means our authority is:- Directed: Aimed at specific targets and purposes.- Intentional: Not accidental, but purposeful and deliberate.- Purposeful: Aligned with God's overarching goals.Random action, no matter how zealous, often produces limited results. But strategic action, born of divine insight, produces maximum impact. Issachar believers do not act impulsively or reactively to circumstances. Instead, they act deliberately, led by the Spirit, ensuring their efforts are fruitful and aligned with God's perfect will.THE DANGER OF MISALIGNED AUTHORITYWhen authority is exercised without understanding, the consequences can be disheartening:- Effort increases, but results decrease. We can expend a great deal of energy with little to show for it.- This often leads to frustration, confusion, and spiritual fatigue. Believers can burn out, feeling as though their prayers and efforts hit a ceiling.The issue is not a lack of power or authority; it is a lack of alignment—a disconnect between our actions and God's perfect timing and strategy. The Issachar anointing helps us avoid this spiritual burnout by ensuring our efforts are precisely targeted.Rev. Cheong Yew KwongFaith Church SingaporePlease visit our website at faithchurch.sg#goodtoread ... See MoreSee Less

ISSACHAR - UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES (2)

THE ISSACHAR REVELATION1 Chronicles 12:32: "...of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do ..." This verse reveals two critical dimensions that are indispensable for every believer and every church today:- Understanding the times: This speaks about spiritual discernment, recognising the seasons and movements of God.- Knowing what to do: This speaks about strategic direction, having clarity on the appropriate action to take.Many believers today know Scripture, possess authority in Christ, and genuinely desire to act for God. Yet, they often lack:- Clarity of timing: When is the right moment to move?- Strategic direction: What is the most effective way to act?This is where the Issachar anointing becomes vital. It represents believers who move beyond mere knowledge into spiritual accuracy. It is the ability to discern God's will not just in principle, but in its practical, timely application.UNDERSTANDING THE TIMESTo "understand the times" means much more than simply being aware of current events. It involves a deep spiritual sensitivity to:- Discern spiritual seasons: Recognising whether we are in a season of warfare, building, waiting, or breakthrough.- Recognise what God is doing: Tuning into the Holy Spirit to perceive God's present activity and agenda.- Perceive shifts in the Spirit: Being sensitive to changes in the spiritual atmosphere that have an impact on the natural and the leading of the Holy Spirit.God operates in:- Seasons: There are appointed times for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).- Appointed times (Kairos moments): Specific, strategic moments ordained by God for particular purposes.- Strategic moments: Opportunities that, if seized, can bring about significant kingdom advancement.Our authority, to be truly effective, must align with these divine timings. Exercising authority out of season can be like planting seeds in winter – much effort, little fruit.THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDINGThere is a crucial difference between:- Knowing truth: Possessing biblical facts and doctrines.- Understanding timing: Discerning the opportune moment for the application of that truth.You can know, for instance, that you have authority in Christ. This is a fundamental truth. But without Issachar understanding, you might still:- Act too early: Rushing ahead of God's perfect timing.- Act too late: Missing a divine window of opportunity.- Act in the wrong way: Applying authority in a manner not aligned with God's strategy.The Issachar anointing bridges the gap between knowing truth and its effective application. It transforms theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful wisdom.Rev. Cheong Yew KwongFaith Church SingaporePlease visit our website at faithchurch.sg#goodtoread ... See MoreSee Less

ISSACHAR - UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES (1)

AUTHORITY MUST BE GUIDED BY UNDERSTANDINGIn our previous articles, we have firmly established several foundational truths:- The believer’s identity in Christ: We are sons and daughters, co-heirs with Christ, citizens of heaven.- The believer’s position in Christ: We are seated with Him in heavenly places, far above all principality and power.- The believer’s authority in Christ: We have been delegated His legal right and power to operate in the spiritual realm.Indeed, as believers, we have been given authority over demonic spirits and angels. We possess the power to bind or loose demonic powers and to send angels on assignment. We have spiritual authority over our homes, workplaces, nations, and ministries. We are called to use both our natural and spiritual authority in every sphere of life. This is a glorious truth that empowers us to live victoriously.However, there is another, equally vital dimension to the effective exercise of this authority: our authority must be guided by an understanding of the times. Raw power without precise direction can be ineffective, or even misdirected. This is where the sons of Issachar provide us with a profound biblical model.1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV) states: "of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command." The sons of Issachar possessed a unique gift: they had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. This wasn’t merely intellectual knowledge or a casual observation of current events. It represented a distinctive form of spiritual and practical wisdom.The Hebrew word for "understand" here, biyn, means "to separate, to distinguish, and hence to discern." It describes an ability to perceive based on deep insight. Understanding in Hebrew culture involves the capacity to "hear" with the heart [*spirit], not just with the head; to perceive with spiritual eyes, not merely with human reason [1]. The sons of Issachar understood not only the sacred teachings and scrolls of God's Word, but also the world in which those teachings needed to be applied. This enabled them to frame the events of their day in the context of God’s greater will and purpose [1].These two hundred chiefs were prudent men who rightly estimated the circumstances of their time. When they decided to raise David to the throne, all the men of the tribe followed their judgment [2]. They possessed both prophetic knowledge and practical action—realising that prophetic insight was not an end in itself but rather a means of prompting God’s people to timely action, knowing precisely what Israel ought to do [3]. The scripture indicates the men of Issachar were simply wise and provided good counsel to the nation [4]. Their immense value to David lay in their ability to perceive what circumstances demanded and guide the nation accordingly.Today, we explore this crucial Issachar dimension and understand how it empowers us to exercise our authority with precision, purpose, and maximum impact.References[1] Dale A. Fife and Johnny Enlow, The Light Giver: Discovering God’s Uncommon Wisdom (New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House, 2012).[2] Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996), 3:500.[3] Greg Hinnant, The Day of the Lord Commentary: Interpreting Old Testament End-Times Prophecy (Columbus, OH: Gatekeeper Press, 2021), 51.[4] Mark J. Boda, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: 1-2 Chronicles (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2010), 123.[*spirit] added by Pastor Cheong Yew Kwong. Spiritual eyes are in the spirit man.Rev. Cheong Yew KwongFaith Church SingaporePlease visit our website at faithchurch.sg#goodtoread ... See MoreSee Less