CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: BE LED BY THE SPIRIT AND BE EQUIPPED

Lately Jack had not sought to see any vision (in pictures or in words) and he had also slacked in seeking God in daily worship songs/hymns. He felt puzzled and concerned. However he continued to attend the Prayer House worship services three times a week, being soaked in the presence of God. When he asked God in prayer, he received an answer.

Previously he thought he could only seek God by a fixed pattern. First he had to sing hymns and worship God until he was firmly assured of God’s presence. Then, he would burst into spiritual songs and prayers. He would intercede when he was spiritually ready. But this had not happened for quite sometime. Instead, he just read the Bible and prayed as he read when he felt led by the Holy Spirit to do so.
So he told the Holy Spirit his concern. One day he heard a message about how Apostle Paul on conversion immediately asked the Lord, “Lord, what would you want me to do?” He wanted to emulate Paul. So he asked the Lord the same question too. Then he heard in his heart, “Read the Acts of the Apostles. Read it before you attend the coming spiritual seminar.” Jack was to attend a Christian overcomers’ seminar at the end of the month. He obeyed and read the Book.

As he read, he discovered that there were messages previously overlooked by him and the whole Book became alive and real to him. it was as if he had read this the first time. The words came alive and he realized how little he knew about the words of the Lord before.

As he read, he prayed and interceded. The Holy Spirit guided him just as the way he was led in a Spirit-filled worship. As he asked, he received answer instantly. He was amazed. He had not been singing hymns and waiting in silence. Yet he was being led by the presence of God (the Holy Spirit)!

This new experience of the leading of the Holy Spirit was confirmed by another person’s sharing that lately she too was led to read the Bible first before praying. A pastor taught that we need to hear God first and not to talk to Him without hearing Him! God spoke to us through His words. When our heart is full of the words of God, we hear God.

It was another breakthrough for Jack. He now realizes that he should not limit the Holy Spirit. All his experiences in living in the Holy Spirit had led him to acknowledge that the Holy Spirit cannot be fixed into a mould in the human mind. He admits that he really knows very little about the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand, he now knows that the Holy Spirit likes to respond to our requests as we are committed to be led by Him, and he is determined to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

He has been trying to prepare himself in terms of trying to fast one meal a day, and perhaps do some physical exercises to keep fit, for the coming overcomers’ seminar. The four days course will be run day and night up to early morning. They are expected to live on two meals and perhaps four hours sleep a day. The two main speakers, both of whom are Spirit-filled lady pastors (in their sixties?) are running on divine health and divine strength.

Jack knows this time he is still not entirely ready and fit though he has improved over last time (having failed considerably six months ago). But he knows more about how the Holy Spirit can help him. He is full of hope and assurance this time. The Holy Spirit has been a good teacher and trainer.

AAA Jack
August 29, 2009

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: BE PREPARED AND WATCHFUL AT THE HORSE GATE

Coming to the Horse Gate is no easy task. Jack tried to postpone this journey in the spirit. He went back to other Jerusalem Gates, dug and indeed found gold. But the next few Gates had to be explored and he knew sooner or later he had to face with the prophetic and visionary.

The following is a vision of John: Revelation 19:11-16 “Christ on a White Horse”:
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had[a] a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean,[b] followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp[c] sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

What does this mean? Obviously this was predicted by Christ to the disciples. Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Yes, Jesus promised He would come again and in a different role. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Christians all over the world are hoping for the soon return of the Lord. The problem Jack faced was that he knew he was not yet ready. So how should he prepare himself? He found the guide in the Book of Prophet Jeremiah. God expects holiness in His people.

Jeremiah 31:40 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that the city shall be built for the Lord from the Tower of Hananeel (Mercy) to the corner (horse) gate… And the whole valley of the dead bodies (those sacrificed to idols).. All the fields as far as the Brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate shall be holy to the Lord. It shall not be plucked up or thrown down anymore forever.”
Nehemiah 3:28 “Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.”

The Horse Gate was located between the Water Gate (Words of the Lord) and the Sheep Gate (Declaration of truth). When Nehemiah restored this gate, the priests (spiritual leaders) were required to do the job. This is significant. The gate was used by horsemen of the king to enter and exit for war purposes. Yet the priests were living nearby. Why? This confirms the truth that spiritual war is just as important if not more important than the physical one. The Bible recorded that many physical wars were won by winning spiritually!

By deploying the priests to restore the Horse Gate, it signified the restoration of true worship and holiness for the Lord. Indeed when the walls and gates were rebuilt, the Spirit led the priests and people into a great spiritual revival at the Water Gate.

A writer wrote: “We are living between the Water Gate (God’s Word) and the Sheep Gate (Declarations of truth). Unless our lives and declarations come forth from a holy life, they are like the brass shields that fail to reflect His glory.” (The original shields put in the temple were in gold but they were replaced by brass at the time of spiritual low)

We all have our role at the Horse Gate. This was Jack’s conclusion. He resolved to be watchful and prepared for the Lord’s return, worshipping God in Truth and in Spirit. The following is taken from his Biblical living journal on how he focused on the seeking the Truth (Word of God).

JOURNAL DAY 92B: LET US PURSUE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD

“Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.” (Hosea 6:3)

I have returned to this prophetic book as it was the first word I heard from the Lord. I heard the word “Hosea” very clearly when I woke from a dream after much prayer, asking God to let me know more about Him. Although at that time, I thought I had the answer then in the last verse (“Who is wise? Let him understand these things.”), I now believe there is more in this book for me to ponder on.

When I have started this quest I asked the Lord to let me know Him and know Him more than what I thought I knew before. During the quest, I was led to use the spiritual gift of knowledge. I could see a word in my mind or hear a word of God in my spirit and knew it was from God. I did not know the meaning of the ‘knowing’ but I know it is a way God shows me Himself or something He wants me to do. In short, it is a way of communicating with me. He is Spirit and I am flesh. Obviously I find it very hard to receive His communication. He can hear me and I cannot hear Him.

Only by living in the Spirit, I can receive His communication. That is why Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit will come and tell us everything. Indeed those who live close to God, living in the Spirit and walking by the Spirit can receive His message accurately.

Hosea saw a sad situation among the people of Israel and Judah: they did not know the Lord. Therefore they ran here and there instead of running to God to seek help. Hosea described them as being sick and wounded. God can rescue them. God can heal them. But they had no knowledge of Him, so they did not ask Him to save them.

Today many Christians run here and there in time of troubles. They do not seek God first. Seeking God may be their last resort, because they do not know God. Recently a man collapsed and died suddenly outside a Christian gathering place. With his last breath, he screamed the name of a Christian worker for help, and he uttered in horror that the devils were coming to get him. He did not even call out to Jesus to save him. He called the wrong name instead. In your utmost danger, whom do you call first? In your extreme trial, whom do you turn to first? In desperation where do you run to first?

Let us know God. Let us pursue the knowledge of God diligently before it is too late.

AAA Jack

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: THE GREAT WATER GATE REVIVAL REVELATION

"...all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood … and on his left were …Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, 'Amen! Amen!' Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground." (Nehemiah 8:1-6)

What happened at the Jerusalem Water Gate when the Word of God was read was a great revelation to Jack.

Approximately 50,000 Israelites gathered in the open square in front of the Water Gate. This was the only gate that needed no repair. God’s word is always complete. All the people assembled as one man. They wanted to hear God’s word. As Ezra opened the Book, all the people stood up to show respect to God’s word. He read aloud for hours (at least six hours) and the people stood there and listened attentively. They then praised God, bowed down and worshipped God with their faces to the ground.
What zeal for spiritual food! What hunger for God’s word!

This is hardly seen today at the churches. 15 minutes of reading of God’s word is too much for many Christians to bear. 5 minutes of standing up is a torture. Lifting up of hands for 30 seconds invokes groaning and overt rebellion.

Why? Jack wondered. When he started his quest to live Biblically, he found it difficult to concentrate during his personal worship at home. He tried to lift up his hands but they seemed heavy like lead. He tried reading the Bible in chunks, say, for an hour or so, and he found that his mouth ran dry and his throat became sore. His eyelids could not stay open. When he tried to bow down with his face to the ground he almost fell asleep instantly. It was normal to behave this way, he thought.

However, God is merciful and indeed answered his quest to seek God as promised by Jesus. (Seek and you will find, ask and you will receive). As he continued to seek God in worship, prayer and reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit came forth and revealed to him more and more abut God and the wonder in God’s words. He learned to kneel for an hour without feeling pain. He learned to lift up his hands as a sign of total surrender to God. He learned to listen to God as he prayed in the spirit. He learned to read the Bible in chunks without feeling the length and the passing of time. In short, he has acquired a taste for God’s word like the people in the above mentioned revival at the Jerusalem Water Gate! He has dug into the depth of his own soul and discovered he has thirsted for the presence of God!

____________________________________________________
The following is from Jack’s excerpts of some of the many materials gathered during his study on the Jerusalem Water Gate:

“In Scripture, the Water Gate represents the cleansing work of the Word of God (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26), the place where justice was administered, and also where oaths were taken. The Word of God and its cleansing power are taking center stage before us--with new hunger and longing in the heart of God's people. God's desire is to cleanse us from the past season with the washing of His Word and to give us new garments for this new season.” (read Zechariah 3:1-7)

The Water Gate was located next to the Fountain Gate and the Horse Gate. It is where the water was brought into the city from the various pools and wells. The Horse Gate represents the warfare necessary to pursue holiness. The Water Gate brings to view how God brings holiness and revival to His people. The Water Gate represents: Revival
“Revival resulting from the washing of the Word of God.” (Ephesians 5:25, 26; I Peter 1:23; Psalms 119:9, 10) The word “revive” in the Hebrew is Chayah which means “to refresh, rebuild, recover, be well, make alive.” It comes from a right relationship with God. This life comes from God’s word, “This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has given me life.” (Psalms 119:50)

Nehemiah 8: 1-2: A hunger for the Word of God (excerpted from a writer)
Hunger intensifies. Ezra read the word from daybreak until mid-day, five to six hours. (Verse 3) The people didn’t notice the time. Their “ears were attentive unto the book.” True revival brings an all consuming hunger for God’s word. Absence of the word brings spiritual darkness. The word produces an inner response of man’s spirit. Ezra became so overwhelmed by what he read he stopped “to bless the Lord.” (Verse 6)

The Glory of God testifies to the power of His word to restore. The glory of God fell so powerfully everyone raised their hands and cried Amen! Amen! They bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. (verse 6) They humbled themselves before God in brokenness and repentance. After a while they stood up to experience more.

Note: This gathering didn’t include any exciting stories nor illustrations. There was no great music – just the power of God’s word being read. God wants us to hunger for the words of life He offers!

Repentance follows application of the word to the heart. As they understood the word and how it applied to their lives, they began to mourn for their sin. “All the people wept when they heard the words of the law.” (Verse 9) Can you picture it? Fifty-thousand people laying scattered on the ground weeping before God for their sins. God’s word had broken down their walls of pride. They could be heard weeping for miles. This is true revival. God’s word so piercing that people fall on their knees and cry out, “God save me!”

Recommended Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:29; Romans 6:19, 22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:7,8.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: VALLEY GATE REVISITED AND MORE MYSTERY REVEALED-JUDGEMENT AND MERCY

Reading more on this subject Jack found more stunning revelations that every Christian must know! He recorded and summed up his findings in his journal as follows:
Where is the Jerusalem Valley Gate? The Valley Gate overlooked the Valley of Hinnom and the Valley of Kidron. Kidron Valley is located along the eastern side of Jerusalem between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives. To the South of the city Kidron joins the Valley of Hinnom. The pool of Gihon is located in the Kidron Valley.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Valley Gate? The two valleys represented God’s judgment upon His enemies as well as his mercy.
The Hinnom Valley is noted for God’s judgment and destruction by fire. It was the scene of idolatrous practices in the days of King Ahaz (2 Ch 28:3) and King Manasseh who made his children to pass through the fire in the valley to worship the god Molech ( 2 Kings 23:10). It became a dumping place for destroyed pagan items (2 Ch 29:16, 30:14). After their return from the Babylonian exile, the Jews turned the Hinnom Valley into the city dump where garbage and anything deemed unclean (including the bodies of executed criminals) was incinerated. For that purpose, a fire was kept constantly burning there. Even though it was no longer used for evil worship, with all the filth and thick smoke it remained a very dark and dreary place. For that purpose, a fire was kept constantly burning there. In Matthew 23:33, Jesus observes, "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of Gehenna?" The Hinnom Valley gave a vivid picture of what Gehenna (hell) would be like.
The Valley Gate, and the Kidron Valleys it overlooks, is associated with God’s Mercy. David first returned the Ark of the Covenant to this Valley. Wherever the Ark rested there was the Mercy Seat. Jesus rode his donkey from the Mount of Olives through the valley to His Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal He left the city of Jerusalem and crossed through the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane, to bear our sins and our judgment. Jesus became our Mercy Seat. In I John 2:2 we are told, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but for also for the whole world.” The word “propitiation” means Mercy Seat Covering. The Mercy Seat is about “intercession.” He passed through the Valley to intercede for the world (including you and me).
Both Arabic and Jewish tradition identifies the valley of Hinnom with the valley of the Kidron. The entire valley, which includes the Kidron, beginning north of Jerusalem and ending in the Dead Sea, is called by the Arabs the Wady-en-Nar, or valley of fire. This tradition is strongly supported by the Old Testament’s references of burning idolatrous images and altars, where the dust and ashes of destroyed idols were cast, and where the uncleanness found in the house of the Lord was cast at Kidron which we would have normally expect of Hinnom Valley (more appropriate for burning such foul things).
Jesus, in going from Jerusalem to Gethsemane with his disciples, must have gone through the Kidron valley, (through Gehenna, the geographical symbol of hell). This assumption is based on the fact that the traditional site of the eating of the Last Supper was in the south-western part of the city. It seems reasonable to believe that Jesus and disciples would have avoided the city route, and thereby walked through the Kidron valley. The Hebrew word Kidron means dark, black, dusky, as described by Psalmist (Psa. 23:4):
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."
Indeed at Gethsemane and later on the cross, Jesus passed through darkness and death and carried us through our Valley Gate. Our rubbish was burned and we are filled with His living water instead, as He declared to the Samaritans woman at the well,
“But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)
AAA Jack
21-Aug-09

chapter twenty-five Jerusalem Fish Gate Mystery Revealed (new)

Jack read with concern that almost every Biblical mention of the Jerusalem Fish Gate involved either corruption of the people; or its consequences. 2 Chronicles 33:14 recorded how King Manasseh repented (from idolatry), cleansed the city from false religion, and built a wall outside the City of David as far as the entrance of the Fish Gate. In Nehemiah 3:3 the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. In Zephaniah 1:10 God pronounced His judgment on Jerusalem in the future and would start from the Fish Gate: “And there shall be on that day,” says the LORD, “The sound of a mournful cry from the Fish Gate…” The public market place often reflected the spiritual state of the hearts.

Then Jack read John 21:1-11 “Breakfast by the Sea” and saw a different picture. In this passage, the resurrected Jesus showed Himself the third time to the disciples. The disciples led by Peter went fishing at the Sea of Tiberius whole night and caught nothing. Jesus came and asked them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, and they did, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. This was on happy occasion. When Jesus dealt with fishy business He transformed them into miracles of His provision and undeserved favor! During Jesus’ ministry on earth He multiplied seven loaves and a few fishes into ample food to feed four thousand men plus women and children!

Jesus not only shepherded His sheep, He brought them to green pastures with clear water. He is a provider and sustainer of life on this earth and for eternity. When He asked the disciples to feed the thousands of crowd, He was not giving them an impossible task. He was pointing them to be Jesus-focus, the source of all good things. Thus, miracles happened. Food provided. Hearts changed. The sick healed. The weak strengthened. Even the smelly Fish Gate marketplace could become a pleasant one and bless those who walk through!

The following is a record from Jack’s earlier journal on his Biblical living quest. The Spirit led him to see the power of Jesus-focus. As he was struggling with the issue of weight, he realized that fearing having inadequate food was un-Biblical and baseless. The real issue lied in his heart not in his belly.


Journal day 51: Three days with nothing to eat
Today’s passage intrigues me. At least four thousand plus men besides women and children had nothing to eat for three days and they were still walking!

Matthew 15: 32 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” Jesus told the disciples.

What were these people doing during the three days? Surly there is a clue as to how they had managed to survive during that period without food. In the same chapter, the Bible described the background activities. After Jesus rebuked the Jewish religious leaders for their hypocrisy, he went to Tyre and Sidon, where He healed the severely demon-possessed daughter of a Canaan woman, praising the mother for her great faith in Jesus. Canaanites were idol worshippers and enemies of the Jews. Yet the Canaan woman found great courage to come to Jesus as she was desperate and knew that all the idols she and her tribesmen worshipped all their lives could not save her daughter.

After that, Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat there. Then great multitudes came to Him. They brought the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others. They laid them at Jesus’ feet and He healed them all. The multitudes saw, marveled at the miracles, glorified and worshipped God.

So the great multitudes (four thousand men besides women and children) had spent their three days carrying their sick relatives and friends, following Jesus, walking long distance, climbing the mountain, listening to Jesus teaching about the kingdom of heaven, seeing Jesus (displaying His mighty supernatural power and healing them all), and worshipping God. In the presence of Jesus, the people saw God. They were awed. They were fed with spiritual food and filled. Jesus’ words were food. The people received life through His words (Spirit and life).

It is obvious that during the three days Jesus and His disciples had not eaten any food. Otherwise Jesus would have fed the multitudes miraculously just as He did previously when another group of people (five thousand men plus women and children) followed Him. So it was a big fasting gathering of thousands of people on the mountain!

Were they human? Yes. Jesus told His disciples that these people would be hungry and could faint on the way when they went home. As long as they were with Him, listening to His words, seeing Him displaying His power as the Son of God, and worshipping God, they would not be hungry. But they were human and would be hungry when they were away from Jesus. So Jesus fed them before they left, miraculously with seven loaves and a few little fish, multiplying these into abundant food.

My application:

After reading a book on fasting and prayers as the ultimate weapon to beat the devil, and real life testimonies of ex-patients who had been healed from terminal and other chronic diseases, broken relationship, and other failures, I have started learning to fast last week. I take a light lunch, skip dinner and drink water instead. Sometimes I take one glass of fruit and vegetable juice with milk in lieu of one meal. Whilst fasting I read the Bible and meditate on God and His words. It is refreshing to the soul. At first it was difficult and I kept thinking that I had gastritis pains. I resisted the temptation to take medicine.

Yesterday I woke up and found my old enemy, the back pain, emerged. I rebuked it and went on with my daily living Biblically. I resisted the temptation to take pain-killers after claiming the healing from Jesus. I refused to speak negative words giving the indication of any doubt/unbelief. In the afternoon when I felt the pain emerging, I read Romans chapter 8 again aloud in the bedroom. After that it subsided. In the evening I decided to spend time reading the Bible aloud. So I took the Romans chapter 8 and read again. Then I was led to read Isaiah chapters 58-66. After reading these, I received a phone call from a mother to urgently pray and intercede for her son (a young man) who is alone in a strange city. So I prayed and read the deliverance prayers for him.

Soon it was time for bed and I did not feel any hunger pang at all. I woke up refreshed and healthy today. I did not feel hungry even though I had fasted both lunch and dinner yesterday!

There is Biblical foundation for fasting. Many men and women of God did mighty works through fasting and prayers. When we fast, we are saying to the physical aspect of life that we are not to be dictated by it anymore. We are saying “no” to the body/flesh (five senses). We are saying “yes” to the Spirit. We learn to live by the Spirit. To be led by the Spirit and live according to the Spirit is the goal of victorious living of all Christians.

I find that my body becomes lighter and my mind becomes sharper when I fast. I feel more peaceful, happier and even more sensitive to the spiritual realm.

My advice to all who want to try is that you need to learn to reduce food intake bit by bit. Prior to this project I had reduced my meals by eating very light lunch and dinner. I cut down on snacks. I learn to drink water. It takes a lot of preparation physically.

The more important preparation is that you need to be convinced that the words of God are true. As you fast you need to spend time in the presence of God, reading His words, meditating on them, worship and sing praises to God. You also spend time praying and interceding for others. Sometimes I just listen quietly, close my eyes for a long time and see if pictures or words come into my mind.

My goal in this is not to seek sensational experiences. My only desire is to live Biblically and live out the kingdom life that Jesus has given to every believer. Why live as a beggar if you can live like a prince?

AAA Jack

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: SPIRIT, SOUL AND BODY HEALED

The Holy Spirit is a gentleman and He will only guide Jack as Jack sought Him out. The Holy Spirit never forced Himself on anyone. This is Jack’s discovery in his quest of living Biblically and in the Spirit. The exciting thing about being a Spirit-filled Christian is that he is no longer two-dimensional (living in his body and his mind). He is now a multi-dimensional being, with his life in the spiritual realm becoming real to him.
He now knows he is secure in God, and does not fear anymore of the unknown. He can deal with physical and mental problems more confidently and indeed take the spiritual authority that Jesus has already given to every believer through the Holy Spirit without hesitation. He now understands what Jesus means about the more abundant life.
There are so much more to live now. He takes stock and lists out a summary of what had happened to him so far in living in the Spirit:
1. Body: he has overcome the addictive and compulsive spirits: long term sickness of allergic rhinitis, irregular and extremely high heart rate, hypertension, bone and muscle weakness, joint pains, injured lower back ache that kept recurring, gluttony for sweet food and addiction to caffeine.
2. Soul (mind and emotion): he has overcome problems with a host of mind related issues, pessimistic outlook, spirit of fear (fear of rejection, fear of authority, worry, sensitiveness, insecurity, nervousness, persecution, indecision).
3. Spirit: he has overcome the spirit of heaviness (despair and hopelessness).
He knew it was not him who overcame. The Holy Spirit in him manifested and overcame for him as he became more and more aware of, sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit.
It is now a joy to live each day with the Holy Spirit being a real companion for Jack.
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JACK’S JOURNAL DAY 89: THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT
Today I woke reluctantly after the alarm had sounded its second round. I felt tired and sleepy despite the fact that I had gone to bed early. Why? Have I lost the burst of enthusiasm to seek God? Am I not led by the Holy Spirit?
I continued to read the Gospel recorded by John inspired by the Holy Spirit. I went through the section about Nicodemus. (John 3:1-21) Every Christian knows this story. What is there to read? What is there to know? I was still sleepy and disinterested. I prayed and told God that I could not see anything there that had not been known by practically every Christian since young, and I needed the Holy Spirit to guide me.
Then I was led to read again the red letters words spoken by Jesus. This time I was led by the Spirit. The words came real and I saw what I had never seen before! I record below what I discovered.
1. Nicodemus (a highly respected, important senior official and religious teacher) had recognized that God is with Jesus because he has seen all the supernatural signs that Jesus has done. Nicodemus wanted God to be with him too. He wanted to see and enter the kingdom of God too. But Nicodemus did not know anything about the Holy Spirit. He did not know that what Jesus did was a display of the power of the Holy Spirit. He did not know that God is a trinity God (the Father, the Son-Jesus, and the Holy Spirit).
2. Jesus explained to him that we need the Holy Spirit to see and enter the kingdom of God, in the following way:
Be born of the Holy Spirit. Become a spirit.
(We can then come and go as the wind blows where it wishes.)
3. Jesus speaks what He knows, testify what He has seen (with His Father and the Holy Spirit together as God).
4. Jesus speaks of heavenly things.
5. Jesus who is in heaven has come down from heaven to the world for a purpose.
a. God loved the world.
b. God’s plan is to give everyone eternal life.
c. The world can be saved through Jesus.
d. Jesus is the light.
e. All who come to the light will be saved.
f. He who does the truth comes to the light. His deeds have been done in God.
g. He who believes in Jesus will not be condemned.
Who will be condemned?
1. He who does not believe in Jesus is condemned already.
2. Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil.
3. Everyone practicing evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
Jesus told us that God loved us. He loved us to the extent that He gave His only Son to die for us so that we might live and not perish eternally. There are only two endings assigned when one dies. Either one goes to God’s place, which is heaven, or one goes to hell (the only alternative) which is the devil’s place. There are many descriptions of the devil’s place in the Bible and other records.
Is it difficult for one to enter heaven? No. There is one condition: one has to be born of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because you can only enter heaven as a spirit (of God).
How to be born of the Holy Spirit? By coming to Jesus and believe in Jesus.
As human flesh or as a spirit not of God, un-believer cannot enter heaven.
As a “Christian”, how do we know whether we can enter heaven? How does one know whether one is truly of God? Examine whether you are under the above category of “who will be condemned”.
If you are, repent NOW! (1 John 1:9)
AAA Jack
1 June 2009

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: PROFIT FROM HEARING GOD

Jack has been practicing for quite sometime and is able to hear God in certain ways. Of course he missed the still small voice most of the times and discarded what God has said to him in his heart. After the event happened he regretted. For example, the Holy Spirit reminded suddenly that he needed to make a phone call to ask his staff to top up his parking fee (by sixty cents). He chose to ignore that prompting. When he went to the car park five minutes later, he realized that he had received a notice to pay $30.00 as fine! He could only kick himself for not listening to the Holy Spirit.

More significant example was the purchase of a stock when the market was down and panic was everywhere. He was led to read Jeremiah being asked to buy a piece of land in the midst of the city being captured by the enemy army. Then he was led to buy a stock. It was a step of faith of learning to listen to and obey the Holy Spirit. Nine months later, he made a 27% profit in capital gain in addition to dividend received.

Little steps meant a lot to him. He is now more confident of listening to God in the spirit. God is Spirit. He can only listen to God through his spirit. it takes training and practice over a period of time.

But the persistence is worth it.

Journal day 86: hearing God’s words (practical novice guide)

I have learned through unusual (sometimes ridiculous) ways in my endeavor to hear God’s words. So I decide to sum up what I have learned for information and encouragement. Every person must learn to find his own way. When you see how God is so ever ready to be found, you will be comforted and motivated to seek to know God.
Jesus has portrayed God on earth. The best way to start to know God is to read everything about Jesus. Look carefully at Jesus. Read what Jesus says many times until you become familiar with what Jesus says. Read with the single goal of knowing Jesus. Pray that the Holy Spirit guides you.

When I first read Jesus seriously at the beginning of this series of record, I had a difficult time because I was not spiritual at all. I “knew” the Holy Spirit only in my head, not in my spirit. I used my head to read and thought I knew all about the words of God. It seemed a straightforward project like any others. How wrong I was.
However, as I progressed and persevered, things happened. I was changed. A number of things helped.

1. I bought a new Bible (New King James Version, Giant print, words of Christ in red) just for the quest. I started afresh, un-influenced by my past perception, like and dislike. Verses appear now as though I never read them before.

2. I write down notes.

3. As I receive new insights (words, verses, pictures/visions, dreams, hymns, songs, and messages from third parties) I record them (not always immediately as I felt lazy to get up from bed and so missed the chance). But what I had recorded helped me to know God more.

4. I pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit, ponder over the thoughts and search the Bible. I sometimes chew on the thoughts for days and wait for confirmation. When confirmation comes I would believe that my earlier thought comes from the Holy Spirit.

5. I practice what that I have learned from godly people. I practice until I find my own way.

6. I changed my life priorities, my goals, my perspectives. In fact, it was the Lord, I believe, who initiated the changes. As I put my quest before Him, He intervened supernaturally, put me on the right path and gave me the strength to carry through.

An entrepreneur told me that when he dreamed of new inventions or bits and pieces of new things, he would jump out of bed, draw the pictures, and jot down notes without delay. He is a shrewd business man who endeavors to keep track of his human thoughts to develop them into something ‘profitable’.

Much more we should keep track and make good use of the supernatural truth from heaven that the Holy Spirit put into our minds, and confirmed by the Bible. The businessman gropes in the uncertain market to find his way. But we have a sure guide and guarantee from the Holy Spirit. We have the certainty of the manual (the Bible) too.

The Holy Spirit guides by ways that He thinks will best suit each individual.

Pray you find the right key.

AAA Jack
May 27, 2009

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: COME AND DRINK LIFE FROM THE WATER GATE

Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38 (39: But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him will receive.)

Today Jack came to the Water Gate and pondered upon its meaning. Nehemiah 3:26 “Moreover the Nethinim who dwelt in Ophel, made repairs as far as the place in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and on the projecting tower.” The Water Gate tells about God, who is the source of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament water depicts the Holy Spirit. Spiritual meaning of the Water Gate is practical life in the Holy Spirit.

John 4:13 Jesus told the woman that whosoever drinks of the water that Jesus will give him shall never thirst; and it shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 1Peter 1:2 Peter addressed the “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace be multiplied.”
Living in the Holy Spirit has become a way of life, like drinking water. Without water one cannot live. Likewise, without the Holy Spirit, one’s spirit shrivels and becomes less and less alive. Jack has found that it is not difficult to live according to the Spirit.

He laments that many Christians have chosen to ignore the reality of the Holy Spirit and thereby live in constant fears, defeats, weakness and oppressions. They have the Holy Spirit in them like precious treasure, but they keep the jar under tight cover and refuse to open it for the light to shine forth.

He also notes that many churches criticize those which manifest the power of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because of fears and unbelief, just as Jesus has warned the disciples of. Unbelief is equivalent to perverse generation. To believe in the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit is natural and normal. Unbelief is perverse and abnormal.

Matthew 17:17 "O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "How long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me."
Deuteronomy 32:20 “And He (God) said: ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, For they are a perverse generation, Children in whom is no faith.”

When churches accuse others of preaching the wrong gospel, they need to examine themselves as to whether their gospel is preached in accordance with what the Holy Spirit proclaimed through Apostle Paul, “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
Without the manifestation of the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, the letters (words) kill. Only the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:6)

It is easy to distinguish between the real and the fake. Jesus asked us to look at the fruits. Jesus Himself demonstrated all the power of the Holy Spirit whereas the Pharisees and scribes had mere words. Look at your preachers. Do they have mere words? If so, flee. Why? Weak churches are under severe attacks from the devil. They are defenseless and easy preys.

As it is a matter of life and death, Jack urges all his brethrens to flee from deadly “churches” (mainly preachers and buildings with membership) and run to God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) and the body of Christ (the real church with spiritual power to defend themselves against spiritual attacks). Stop reading or listening to lies and deceptive words from human mind (self-serving and serving the purpose of the enemy). Start seeking God yourself and let the Holy Spirit take charge and lead you to the right path.


Journal day 76: but we have this treasure in earthen vessels

Today I read something else (instead of the Gospel of Mark). The reason is that last night I had a dream that was quite unusual. I was a hobo or someone like that, pushing a cart and own a bicycle as well. The cart was full of dirty junks or things of no value. I slept in front of a retail shop that sells all sorts of things. Another man who seemed to be homeless as well came to me and asked me if I could help. He was a younger man and seemed to be shabby and needed a wash. I cleared a space for him and said he could sleep there. Then I went into the shop to buy a bar of soap. I cannot remember whether I wanted the soap for myself or for that poor man who badly needed a wash. The shopkeeper showed me a bar of simple plain soap wrapped in a piece of brown paper. He said the name of the soap was called, “Precious Jar” (sound like Chinese name). He told me it cost only 60 cents. He said it was very good and washed everything clean. I bought it and went out of the shop. But the other man was gone. Then I noticed that my previously clustered cart was empty and washed clean. I woke up thinking of two verses in 2 Corinthians 4:6-7.
“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”

So I decided to read the second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians today.
When I read the whole book, my attention was drawn to a key point which effectively answered my latest query. Yesterday in the car I was discussing a point that has been bothering me lately. I talked about my concern that we could only communicate with God through our spirit that in turn talks to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is like a live wire. Our spirit is like a light switch. Without touching the switch we cannot access the live wire and cannot turn on the light (our communication to God). It is not that God deliberately makes it difficult for us. It is just the way we are made of after the fall of Adam (too preoccupied and dominated by flesh and things of this world that we have lost the ability to hear God in the spirit). The same thing happens when we pray. Somehow we touch our spirit which in turn switches on the access to God. The name of Jesus is like a key (to the Holy Spirit) that gives us the identity code for heaven receiver.

(Please do not think that I am writing a science fiction. I am just trying to understand God in my own limited human perception using familiar human terms. )
In the same Epistle, Chapter 1: 22, the Holy Spirit recorded through Paul that God has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee (to inherit His promises). This was affirmed in a number of other Scripture verses. “Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Corinthians 5:5) Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Paul spoke of those who have the first fruits of the Holy Spirit, eagerly waiting for the redemption of their body. (Romans 8:23)

As I have been concerned of who would be entering the kingdom of heaven, the answer is here. The person with the Holy Spirit will enter. The Holy Spirit is a guarantee. The Holy Spirit is like an identity card that entitles us to enter heaven. How do we know we have the Holy Spirit? Well, it is like having the “Precious Jar”. The more we seek God and enter into His presence, through worshiping, reading of God’s words, praying, or simply staying still and focusing on God, the more our spirits will be alert and be set attuned to the tempo of the Holy Spirit. The washing will come. The flowing of living water will come too. Like a light bulb being switched on, light will come out of you and life will not be the same.

What a strange dream. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the verses and finding God speak to me through His words.

AAA Jack
16-5-2009

chapter 21: be filled with the Fountain Gate

It is only fitting that after the awareness of one’s filth in the Dung Gate that one wants to be washed clean and be set free to live a victorious life. The Gate that Nehemiah and his team built after the Dung Gate was the Fountain Gate.

Neh 3:15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David. The pool of Siloam is where Jesus said to the blind man to wash up in John 7:9. At the time of Nehemiah and after it many washed (mikveh) themselves before they entered to temple area. Spiritual meaning of the Fountain Gate is the fountain of living waters and its source, who is God in the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.

John 7:38 “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” Jesus promised that in His believer’s heart will flow living waters (the Holy Spirit). Jesus said His words are life and spirit. The Word and the Holy Spirit come hand in hand. Hence Jack discovered that he can only be cleansed by the three things: the blood of Christ, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. The following is what Jack recorded on matters of being filled by the Holy Spirit.

Journal day 65b: how to be filled by the holy spirit?

After reading a non-believer’s quest of living one year biblically (regardless of his motives), I got down to thinking hard about my own daily living. Am I really taking God seriously? Am I living according to my belief in the Bible being God’s words? Is my faith real? Is my God real?

I decided to elaborate further on this topic. We know why we need to be filled by the Holy Spirit but we do not normally know how. Recently I have had the opportunity to personally observe two different types of filling process. (Please be led by the Holy Spirit as you read this. Do not take these as formula).

Two weeks ago a camp was arranged by a church (for pastors and church workers/leaders) to wait upon God and a 78 year old pastor was the sole speaker of the three days seminar camp. At night the meeting was opened to the public so I attended three night meetings. Every meeting started with a worship session followed by a short testimony of a pastor who had been through similar training before about how they were transformed in their relationship with God and how their churches were positively impacted too. The elderly speaker himself focused very much on teaching about the Holy Spirit. After the sharing of God’s words, he told us that he could feel the strong presence of the Holy Spirit and called all those who had not been filled to go to the front and be filled. Many people went and knelt at the front. They were lightly touched by those pastors who had already been filled. Many were filled and some lied down and could not get up. Some spoke in tongues. Some friends were among those who were filled. They told me that they felt a force (not the pastor’s hand) pushing them backward. One lady said she had to fall backward as the force was too strong but her feet were caught under her and she was stuck kneeling with her upper body leaning precariously backward. So she sat down. Then the force came again and she swayed and fell backward onto the floor and could not move for a long time after that.

In another recent incident, a 73 year old grandma was filled by the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Her daughter was sharing the Bible with her, reading the whole Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians (six chapters) and explaining to her the meanings. The old lady listened carefully. All this while another person was worshiping and singing old hymns in another part of the hall. At the end of the reading, a person suggested that the daughter pray for her mother to be Spirit filled as we perceived the old lady has faith. Prior to this, we had spent the afternoon and evening reading Bible, singing old hymns, praying (mostly in the Spirit), and worshiping God quietly. The presence of the Holy Spirit was by then very strong. So the daughter prayed by faith for her mother to be filled by the Holy Spirit. After the prayer, we prayed (in understanding and in spirit) that she could speak in tongue. Indeed the 73 year old lady spoke in tongue for about 20 minutes.
The grandma has had little formal education and has been baptized and become a Christian about two years ago and has been attending a very small traditional Presbyterian church that does not talk about the Holy Spirit except in scholarly/mind knowledge. The church pastor and congregation do not speak in tongues. But the grandma has a steadfast faith. She just believes without doubting. When she goes to church she does not know any hymn but she follows the others and sings the hymns anyway (a few words behind others). At home, when she hears her daughter singing the hymns she thinks they sound lovely and wants to sing along too. But she does not know the tune so she reads all the lyrics! When the daughter leads her to read the Bible, she would continue reading without feeling tired or bored and just goes on reading without regard for the time.

We observed three important things about her:
1. She really hungers and thirsts for the Lord and His words.
2. She believes without doubt that God is real and His words are real.
3. She trusts God completely.

In Matthew 5:6, Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” I believe the old grandma fits this category of Christians. She is indeed richly blessed!

AAA Jack
3-5-2009