October 30, 2010

Watchman Adventure: old cab driven by angel


The watchman was in a hurry to get to the airport. He phoned the radio cab and an old rickety cab pulled up at his doorstep. After the watchman got into the cab he discovered that the driver was ancient and half deaf. He seemed to be under the impression that the watchman was going to just a few blocks away. The watchman explained that he was going to the airport to catch a plane. The ancient looking driver shook his head and mumbled something and drove on.
The cab was ancient and the engine went dead whenever the driver applied the brake, at cross road, at traffic light junction, at heavy traffic, and even when they were speeding on the fast lane of the highway!
The watchman thought this could be a deploy by the enemy to stop him from getting to his scheduled destination. So he prayed in the spirit fervently. Then he thought he better called angels to come to his aide as the dead engine at fast lane was dangerous!
So he prayed for angels to carry the cab regardless how the engine performed. In his anxious moment he also called for chariot of fire to carry the cab. Then he found that the little cab which shook all over when it sped on the highway was overtaking many vehicles! He was being carried at amazing speed.
He knew the angels had to be at work, so he looked intensely outside his car window. After he looked for sometime he saw the first angel.
This was a serious but good looking neatly dressed person who looked like a modern corporate executive but was watching the performance of the cab at a distance. He was like a supervisor.
Then he saw the second angel. This was one with long straight hair and looked strong and young. He was closer to the cab and possible moving the cab as the watchman could only see his face which was close to the window.
The third angel was real close up and where his face was the watchman only saw reddish flame like color.
All three were concentrating on doing their respective work. The watchman realized how swiftly the angels came and carry out their tasks diligently and faithfully.
Indeed, the cab moved amazingly despite a little argument between the watchman and the cab driver. The cab driver insisted on going through a town against the advice of the watchman who thought they could be caught in a traffic jam there. But there was no traffic and as the cab driver predicted, they arrived at the airport with plenty of time for the watchman to check in and relax at the waiting lounge! On top of that, the flight was delayed for an hour!
It was a lesson for the watchman. He learned two things:
1. Never judge by the apparent. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say, “Therefore from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no more. ” (2 Cor.5:16)
2. Be alert and keep listening to the Holy Spirit. Do not panic even when things look desperate. Call for help from the spiritual realm and do not be afraid to make mistake.
It must be quite a sight that day with the broken old cab whooshing down the highway overtaking all the other newer and bigger vehicles. When they reached the destination he paid the cab driver the fare and asked him of his age. The old man broke into a smile and told him that he was 76 years old and he drove the cab just to pass time. He did not really need the money!
Was he also an angel? The watchman never found out.

October 25, 2010

End Times Witnessing: The watchman’s Comfort

The watchman heard, “I AM your Good Shepherd!” He was instantly re-assured and comforted. What can be more secure than having his head anointed by the Lord Himself for the glory of the Lord’s name? Yes, for the honor of the Lord’s name, march on, O watchman!
Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd;

I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.



4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.



5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD

Forever.



詩 篇 23

1 ( 大 卫 的 诗 。 ) 耶 和 华 是 我 的 牧 者 , 我 必 不 致 缺 乏 。



2 他 使 我 躺 卧 在 青 草 地 上 , 领 我 在 可 安 歇 的 水 边 。



3 他 使 我 的 灵 魂 苏 醒 , 为 自 己 的 名 引 导 我 走 义 路 。



4 我 虽 然 行 过 死 荫 的 幽 谷 , 也 不 怕 遭 害 , 因 为 你 与 我 同 在 ; 你 的 杖 , 你 的 竿 , 都 安 慰 我 。



5 在 我 敌 人 面 前 , 你 为 我 摆 设 筵 席 ; 你 用 油 膏 了 我 的 头 , 使 我 的 福 杯 满 溢 。



6 我 一 生 一 世 必 有 恩 惠 慈 爱 随 着 我 ; 我 且 要 住 在 耶 和 华 的 殿 中 , 直 到 永 远 。

October 23, 2010

End Times Church Countdown: Have a vision of the Blood!

Two Fridays ago the watchman had the rare honor of being chauffeured by someone else. They were on their way to a midnight worship/prayer meeting. as the car turned round a corner, he saw for the first time of his life where the windscreen had been, it was now covered with blood. The color was bright red. But the vision did not arouse fear in him. He knew that was the Lord’s answer to his prayer: to see vision with open eyes, and to have the covering of the blood (lots of it) of Jesus so he could blow the ram horn later.

Subsequent to that vision, the watchman heard from a veteran intercessor, “you need the blood of the Lamb of God to come into God’s presence. What makes you think you are exempted? You need to read how the blood was applied, daily, day and night in order to minister to God.” Indeed, as he reads both the Old and New Testaments, he realizes that there is no exemption for any believer at any time.

Every believer needs the constant washing of his sinful nature as long as he wants to draw near to the Lord. Many want the Holy Spirit to manifest His power and gifts in their lives, but do not realize that the Holy Spirit is God, the Holy God Himself.

Thus, by proclaiming the cover of the blood of Jesus, a believer is covered and can experience what the Holy Spirit is giving through His holy Presence, including the anointing that destroys the yoke of sin.

Without the blood of Jesus – the breastplate of Righteousness, where would one be? Utterly defeated and lost.

Practical application:

1.Daily declare the covering of Jesus blood on you and your family.

2.Daily take Holy Communion.

3.As and when needed proclaim the covering of the blood of Jesus so there will no hindrance to the Presence of the Holy Spirit.

4.Daily put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6) (An intercessor recently saw an enemy swinging a huge knife against another intercessor, but as the intercessor who was oblivious of the spiritual attack declared putting on the armor of God, a golden shield come down from heaven and blocked off the enemy!)

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HERE ARE VERSES THAT CONFIRM THE ABOVE MESSAGE. Old Testament Verses: The High Priest, Priests, and People need the blood covering before God

Exodus 24:8 And Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words.” Exodus 30:10 And Aaron shall make atonement upon its horns once a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonement; once a year he shall make atonement upon it throughout your generations. It is most holy to the LORD.” Leviticus 8:30 Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and some of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on his garments, on his sons, and on the garments of his sons with him; and he consecrated Aaron, his garments, his sons, and the garments of his sons with him. Leviticus 16:3 “Thus Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with the blood of a young bull as a sin offering, and of a ram as a burnt offering.

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New Testament Verses: Lord Jesus Himself declared to the disciples (and other all believers) the importance of the blood of the new covenant. Only Jesus’ blood washes away our sins.

Matthew 26:28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Luke 22:20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. John 6:53-56 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

(Note the verse: “he who drinks My blood abides in Me, nd I in him.” )

Romans 3:25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, Romans 5:9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 Corinthians 11:25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:27 [ Examine Yourself ] Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

(Note the above benefits of the Holy Communion!)

Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 2:11 [ Brought Near by His Blood ] Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Colossians 1:20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

(His blood redeemed, had our sins forgiven, brought us near to the holy God, and reconciled all things to Himself!)

Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Hebrews 10:19 [ Hold Fast Your Confession ] Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 1 Peter 1:2 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.1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: “ You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, Revelation 7:14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Revelation 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

Jesus Himself has given a better sacrifice:

Hebrews 9: 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; 11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. 26 …but now, once at the end of the ages, He (Christ) has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

October 19, 2010

End Times Church Countdown: the qualifications of a watchman/intercessor

Today the watchman discovered the most amazing set of requirements for a watchman/intercessor! He was asked to read 1 Cor.1:18-31 and 2:1-16. Prior to this, he has recently been praying for more fellow ‘workers’ (watchmen). He has occasionally the alarming thought that there would not be enough time to train up watchmen and the urgency of a non-reversible countdown has been ticking…

The qualifications for a suitable watchman reads like this list: 1. not wise; 2. not wealthy; 3. not powerful; 4. ‘counted as nothing at all’.
It however dawned on him that this list is meant for the world to behold. This is exactly like the list that the Lord Jesus Himself has carried. He was not a prestigious Pharisee or Sadducee or one of the highly qualified, well educated, rich and powerful counselors in the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem (social, political and religious power center). In the eyes of the world He was just an unknown faceless man from outside Jerusalem, from an unknown village occupied by considerable Gentiles.
What other better qualifications can a watchman/intercessor have? Indeed this is a wonderful list. He suddenly sees light blazing through the dark tunnel of unregenerate, backslider or stagnated churches. There is adequate supply of qualified watchmen/intercessors for every church! He thus speaks to those churches (which have woken up from their slumber) as follows:
There is no time to train new ones if you have not already done so over the past decades. Too late now as the bodies and minds of modern people had been captured by the fast paced digital ruler of this world. In any case your ‘strange children’ would not become suitable watchman material instantly.
Where do your badly needed watchmen/intercessors come from? Your backyard, church.
Yes, there is a small group of remnants in every church who have long passed retirement age, forgotten by the younger generation leaders and members. They are the old faithful, having decades of their lives cleansed and soaked daily in the blood of the Lamb, their spirits steeply submerged in the Word of God, their minds conditioned and tuned only to ancient hymns powerfully inspired by the Holy Spirit, their lifestyle consisting of consistent and persistent prayers day in day out practically all their lives.
O, church, bring the ancient watchmen back to your main sheepfold! These are your end times warriors! They are the true overcomer recorded in the Book of Revelations: 12:11 “And they overcame him (the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
For those churches which have been faithfully praying and interceding, you will be doubly blessed with more! The lord Jesus has personally promised, “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. ” (Matt.25:29)
For churches who have never had such treasures in their vault, you just have to fast and pray and repent (as in the case of Esther) before the Lord (Matt.25:29b-30 “But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”). Pray that the merciful Lord parachute one or two out of pure grace (undeserved favor) into your midst before the time runs out..
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1 Cor.1:30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. 31 Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.”
26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
I Cor.2:1 When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. 4 And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. 13 When we tell you these things,.., we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.14.., for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 15 Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. 16 ForWho can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.

October 18, 2010

End Times Church Countdown: Calling Retired Watchmen!



Again, the watchman is led to the same Old Way, “Enter through the narrow gate!” There had been many visions and dreams and words of confirmation lately. Just as Daniel had prophesied, a time, times and half a time seem rushing in…He recalled the first vision of Jesus who came to him in a hurry, handing out a scroll to him.
He could not believe when he heard himself praying recently. Yes, he was praying for faraway nations and people whom he had never met. One morning during his intercession in the prayer house, he was close to tears when he suddenly recalled a vision he saw a year ago of blood and fire sweeping through that vast ancient land like avalanche.
Lord, Lord, there are so few of us and so vast a sea to salvage…he felt completely helpless when he realized that the recent two dreams of three dysfunctional churches he heard from someone aptly described churches in that ancient land he saw a year ago in his dream.
Indeed he has known this for quite sometime. People of God had been crying day and night for the Word of God. But he has wished that many others would hear and go instead of him alone.
When Prophet Elijah had practically worn out himself trying to flee from his tormentor, the Lord told him that He had in fact preserved 7000 like Elijah in a small nation like Israel. In short, the Lord has multiple backup plan.
Thus, one morning the watchman cried out as hope surged in his heart, O Lord, raise the Elijah and Ezra currently hiding (resting) in their respective hamlets (peaceful retirement), wake them from their hibernation now please!
He has taken to blowing his ram horn towards the four corners of the earth. O, retired watchmen, wake up, arise, shine! Surely some (the Caleb of watchmen) will hear the call and respond. Surely he would not be blowing in vain. Ezra had called and a group of Levites, led by Sherebiah responded with his sons and brothers (18 of them), and others too.
The Lord’s gracious hand was upon Ezra when he obeyed his calling. Yes, the Lord’s gracious hand is still working mightily today!


Ezekiel 3

1 And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat.
3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
4 He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them. 5 You are not being sent to a people of obscure speech and difficult language, but to the house of Israel- 6 not to many peoples of obscure speech and difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But the house of Israel is not willing to listen to you because they are not willing to listen to me, for the whole house of Israel is hardened and obstinate. 8 But I will make you as unyielding and hardened as they are. 9 I will make your forehead like the hardest stone, harder than flint. Do not be afraid of them or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house.”
10 And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you. 11 Go now to your countrymen in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen.”

Ezekiel 22:30
30 “I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.
Ezra 8

Ezra’s Journey to Jerusalem

15 I assembled the exiles at the Ahava Canal, and we camped there for three days while I went over the lists of the people and the priests who had arrived. I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along.18 Since the gracious hand of our God was on us, they sent us a man named Sherebiah, along with eighteen of his sons and brothers. He was a very astute man and a descendant of Mahli, who was a descendant of Levi son of Israel.

October 13, 2010

End Times Narrow Gate: Church, Never Presume that God will Hear Your Prayers!




He was led to read about the Roman Officer, Cornelius, who was not a Jew, so he was not under God’s Covenant with Abraham. He was also not a Christian when he was living a righteous life, so he was not covered under the New Testament Covenant (i.e. having the right to use the name of Jesus to pray to God). But the Bible recorded that God heard his regular prayers and took note of his righteous deeds (looking after the poor, livimng a life well respected even by the Jews).

What happened to Cornelius revealed God’s heart. He looks into man’s heart and man’s deed. True worshiper worships in truth and in spirit. Cornelius took the bother to learn all about God’s laws and practice them diligently. He truly fears God. He respects and honors God by maintaining a close relationship with God through his  regular daily prayers, and a righteous relationship with men, giving honor to God. For example, he knows the time of public prayers at the temple of Jerusalem is three o clock in the afternoon and he also prays at that hour. He knows that God’s laws require charity and kindness in action to the poor and he obeys and carries out regularly. His belief and faith in action influence not only his own family and relatives, also his friends and even his subordinates/soldiers!
Wake up, church, God is looking for such men to honor His name! Stop your mere lip service or fantastic worship, singing lies, offering your unrepentant, un-regenerated selves which are totally unacceptable and unholy offerings (lame, blind, defective) to God. (Read Malachi and tremble)
__________________________Below are excerpts from Acts of the Apostles chapter 10, on what happened to Cornelius.
4 “And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!”
22 They said, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer. He is a devout and God-fearing man, well respected by all the Jews. A holy angel instructed him to summon you to his house so that he can hear your message.”
24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered his home, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter pulled him up and said, “Stand up! I’m a human being just like you!” 27 So they talked together and went inside, where many others were assembled.
28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 29 So I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”
30 Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. 31He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God! 32 Now send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.’ 33 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.”
34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
9 “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,[c] 40 but God raised him to life on the third day.
42 And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. 43 He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit
44 Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message.
Then Peter asked, 47 “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?” 48 So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
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The end times countdown clock is ticking fast…Don’t presume anymore, church! Do you know that some poor men out there are crying out to God against your injustice, your unrighteousness? Why do you think Jesus reminds us of the narrow gate?

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