Freedom from lack

positive thinking for wellness and success

Today we learn all about freedom. Jesus says that if we know the truth, the truth will set us free.

He also says that He is the Way, the Truth, and The Life.

Reading the passage below (Excerpted from John 8. Please read the whole chapter), we note that people just cannot understand Him. They are contented with the assurance or security they think they have from their genealogy and tradition.

But Jesus talks about the spiritual reality, indeed, the real authority and source of security and assurance, God Himself.

Jesus declares that to know God, the Father, and the One Whom God sent (Jesus) is eternal life.

The key is to KNOW God through Jesus in an intimate way like in a family.

We are called the children of God. Why? God wants a family relationship. He created family. We are His family. That is why Jesus has taught us to call God, ABBA. Father. The Holy Spirit in us enables us to call God ABBA Father. This is the true freedom. Free to live as the children of the holy God. Free to live the super-abundant life as citizens in the Kingdom of God, with the power of the Holy Spirit, authority of Jesus’ name, and all the benefits Jesus has given to His believers through the cross. By grace we become entitled and through faith we receive.

Jesus, the Light of the World, He came to give light to everyone.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

He came to witness for God who sent Him. Those who see Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son, they actually see God.

(Jesus declares), “I am one witness, and my Father who sent me is the other.”

Seeing is not enough. Knowing Jesus is a must. Knowing Him means knowing God. This is the key to eternal life and freedom from the bondage of sins that bring death.

Jesus answered, “Since you don’t know who I am, you don’t know who my Father is. If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not.  That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.”

How will people know who Jesus really is? After His death on the cross and His resurrection. By His Holy Spirit we shall know the truth. The Holy Spirit came after Jesus ascended to heaven and sit at the right hand of God.

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he.”

Only those who believe in Jesus and remain faithful to His teachings (which will be explained by the Holy Spirit) will know the truth and receive the freedom Jesus has given.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,”

People who continue not to believe in Jesus remain slaves to sin. Slaves are not heirs. They have no share in the Kingdom (family) of God.

“But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.  A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever, So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

Children imitate parents. God’s children imitate God. This is clearly evident. When we are born again by God’s Spirit, our genealogy changes. We become heirs of God, co-heir with Jesus.

“Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow his example…, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. No, you are imitating your real father.”They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.”Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.

Why some people cannot understand Jesus? Jesus explains: 1. They are not God’s children. 2. They love to do what the devil does.

(Jesus told them), “Why can’t you understand what I am saying? It’s because you can’t even hear me! For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. So when I tell the truth, you just naturally don’t believe me!

Reality check 1 for all Christians: Children of God love to listen to God’s words.

(Jesus told them), “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.”

Reality check 2 for all Christians: God’s children honor God. in honoring Jesus, we honor God.

The people retorted, “You Samaritan devil! Didn’t we say all along that you were possessed by a demon?” “No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father—and you dishonor me.  And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge.  I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!”

Reality check 3: Those who know God will obey Him. Jesus does that. God gives honor to those who honor Him.

Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn’t count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, ‘He is our God,’ but you don’t even know him. I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him…”

Leverage: God’s economics and finance (2)

In my previous blog on this subject I have quoted excerpts based on a talk and left lots of questions which this book by the same teacher, “Financial Stewardship” will answer. I shall summarize and/or quote excerpts from each chapter and would encourage you to read the whole book as it will answer more in depth your questions.
Introduction
In reality, money only has value because people agree to view it as valuable…creations of men used to trade for services. The world’s system of trade is based on money, and we all have to use it to survive. The influence of money in our lives is very real, so it isn’t surprising that Jesus taught more on the subject of finances than on any other single topic. He taught more about managing resources than He did on prayer or even faith-which tells us that the topic of money, and how we handle it, is very important…the Gospel has a lot to say about everyday earthly concerns-especially finances.
Learning how God views finances is basic Christianity. Jesus said that if you can’t be faithful in your finances, then you can’t be trusted with anything! (Luke a6:11)
God doesn’t operate by this world’s system, an it’s more important for us to understand how God financial system works than it is to understand the Wall Street.
What really bothers me is that those carnal techniques work! Many in the body of Christ are so uninformed in the area of finances that people fall for manipulation tactics all the time…the kingdom of God doesn’t operate that way; you can’t buy God’s favor.
So, yes, there are abuse in the body of Christ regarding money, but don’t miss out on benefitting from the truths in God’s Word about finances just because a few people are abusing the topic. I encourage you to allow the Word of God to reveal finances to you in a godly perspective, I believe you’ll be glad you did.
In this book I’m going to be teaching the Scriptural principles that go to the heart of financial problems-and success. Once your heart is right, using wisdom in how you spend your money comes naturally.
A house divided will not last for long. (Matthew 12:25) Our relationship with God needs to permeate every area of our lives: marriage, business, relationships, recreation, and finances…letting God into your finances can bring peace and healing to other areas of your life. My goal in this teaching is to help you discover how to turn your finances to God, and to step into true prosperity in every area of your life.

(excerpts and quotes are taken from “Financial Stewardship” by Andrew Wommack)

Economic solution: Be astonished at the catch of fish

When Jesus is around, people are astonished. Why? Because of the ease He catches things that we value for our livelihood even at the hardest external physical circumstances and environment. We know and have tested. The situation is like ground zero. Nothing can be done. No production. No income. No more resources. We are not in control. The elements are against us. The list goes on. But with Jesus is just the opposite. Everything favors Him. The wind, the sea, the fishes. All obey Him. He merely speaks and they come.

THE KEY TO NOT IN LACK: Be astonished at the catch of fish. Be around Jesus. Be in Christ.

[Luk 5:4-6 NKJV] 4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.8 When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken;

[Jhn 21:3-11 NKJV] 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find [some].” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on [his] outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken.

May God always give you abundant harvests

KNOWING GOD: KNOW HIM THROUGH HIS PROMISES OF REAL BLESSINGS

GOD’S BLESSINGS TO HIS PEOPLE WHOM HE HAS RESCUED FROM THE ENEMY

Genesis 27:28
“From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine.
Genesis 27:27-29 (in Context) Genesis 27 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Deuteronomy 7:13
He will love you and bless you, and he will give you many children. He will give fertility to your land and your animals. When you arrive in the land he swore to give your ancestors, you will have large harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil, and great herds of cattle, sheep, and goats.
Deuteronomy 7:12-14 (in Context) Deuteronomy 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Deuteronomy 11:14
then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil.
Deuteronomy 11:13-15 (in Context) Deuteronomy 11 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

CONDITIONS FOR OFFERINGS TO THE LORD

Numbers 18:12
“I also give you the harvest gifts brought by the people as offerings to the LORD—the best of the olive oil, new wine, and grain.
Numbers 18:11-13 (in Context) Numbers 18 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Deuteronomy 12:17
“But you may not eat your offerings in your hometown—neither the tithe of your grain and new wine and olive oil, nor the firstborn of your flocks and herds, nor any offering to fulfill a vow, nor your voluntary offerings, nor your sacred offerings.
Deuteronomy 12:16-18 (in Context) Deuteronomy 12 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Deuteronomy 14:23
Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored—and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. Doing this will teach you always to fear the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 14:22-24 (in Context) Deuteronomy 14 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Deuteronomy 18:4
You must also give to the priests the first share of the grain, the new wine, the olive oil, and the wool at shearing time.
Deuteronomy 18:3-5 (in Context) Deuteronomy 18 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Deuteronomy 33:28
So Israel will live in safety, prosperous Jacob in security, in a land of grain and new wine, while the heavens drop down dew.
Deuteronomy 33:27-29 (in Context) Deuteronomy 33 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

GOD’S PEOPLES MUST RESPOND TO GOD’S WORDS

2 Chronicles 31:5
When the people of Israel heard these requirements, they responded generously by bringing the first share of their grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. They brought a large quantity—a tithe of all they produced.
2 Chronicles 31:4-6 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

THE LORD GAVE VERY GREAT RICHES AND HONOR TO A KING WHO DID WHAT WAS RIGHT IN HIS SIGHT

2 Chronicles 32:28
He (king Hezekiah) also constructed many storehouses for his grain, new wine, and olive oil; and he made many stalls for his cattle and pens for his flocks of sheep and goats.

WARNING ON DISOBEDIENCE TO THE WORDS OF GOD

Deuteronomy 28:51
Its armies will devour your livestock and crops, and you will be destroyed. They will leave you no grain, new wine, olive oil, calves, or lambs, and you will starve to death.
Deuteronomy 28:50-52 (in Context) Deuteronomy 28 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

COUNTERFEIT OFFER OF “SIMILAR BLESSINGS” FROM THE ENEMY

2 Kings 18:32
Then I will arrange to take you to another land like this one—a land of grain and new wine, bread and vineyards, olive groves and honey. Choose life instead of death! “Don’t listen to Hezekiah when he tries to mislead you by saying, ‘The LORD will rescue us!’
2 Kings 18:31-33 (in Context) 2 Kings 18 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Isaiah 36:17
Then I will arrange to take you to another land like this one—a land of grain and new wine, bread and vineyards.
Isaiah 36:16-18 (in Context) Isaiah 36 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

2 Chronicles 32:27-29 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 32 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

RESTORATION OF GOD’S BLESSINGS CAME WITH OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORDS

Nehemiah 5:11
You must restore their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and homes to them this very day. And repay the interest you charged when you lent them money, grain, new wine, and olive oil.”
Nehemiah 5:10-12 (in Context) Nehemiah 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Nehemiah 10:37
We will store the produce in the storerooms of the Temple of our God. We will bring the best of our flour and other grain offerings, the best of our fruit, and the best of our new wine and olive oil. And we promise to bring to the Levites a tenth of everything our land produces, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all our rural towns.
Nehemiah 10:36-38 (in Context) Nehemiah 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Nehemiah 10:39
The people and the Levites must bring these offerings of grain, new wine, and olive oil to the storerooms and place them in the sacred containers near the ministering priests, the gatekeepers, and the singers. “We promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God.”
Nehemiah 10:38-39 (in Context) Nehemiah 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

THE ENEMY STOLE IN  TO ROB YOUR BLESSINGS WHEN THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS BACK SLIDED!

Nehemiah 13:4-5
4 Before this had happened, Eliashib the priest, who had been appointed as supervisor of the storerooms of the Temple of our God and who was also a relative of Tobiah, 5 had converted a large storage room and placed it at Tobiah’s disposal. The room had previously been used for storing the grain offerings, the frankincense, various articles for the Temple, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and olive oil (which were prescribed for the Levites, the singers, and the gatekeepers), as well as the offerings for the priests.
Nehemiah 13:4-6 (in Context) Nehemiah 13 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED TO RESTORE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Nehemiah 13:11-13
11 I immediately confronted the leaders and demanded, “Why has the Temple of God been neglected?” Then I called all the Levites back again and restored them to their proper duties. 12 And once more all the people of Judah began bringing their tithes of grain, new wine, and olive oil to the Temple storerooms. 13 I assigned supervisors for the storerooms: Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah, one of the Levites. And I appointed Hanan son of Zaccur and grandson of Mattaniah as their assistant. These men had an excellent reputation, and it was their job to make honest distributions to their fellow Levites.

GOD’S RESTORATION AND BLESSINGS BRING REAL JOY

Psalm 4:7
You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
Psalm 4:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Isaiah 62:8
The LORD has sworn to Jerusalem by his own strength: “I will never again hand you over to your enemies. Never again will foreign warriors come and take away your grain and new wine.
Isaiah 62:7-9 (in Context) Isaiah 62 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Jeremiah 31:12
They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem. They will be radiant because of the LORD’s good gifts— the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the healthy flocks and herds. Their life will be like a watered garden, and all their sorrows will be gone.
Jeremiah 31:11-13 (in Context) Jeremiah 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

WARNING TO THOSE WHO TURNED AWAY FROM GOD AND SOUGHT AFTER OTHERS WHO WERE NOT GOD

Hosea 2:8
She doesn’t realize it was I who gave her everything she has— the grain, the new wine, the olive oil; I even gave her silver and gold. But she gave all my gifts to Baal.
Hosea 2:7-9 (in Context) Hosea 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Hosea 2:9
“But now I will take back the ripened grain and new wine I generously provided each harvest season. I will take away the wool and linen clothing I gave her to cover her nakedness.
Hosea 2:8-10 (in Context) Hosea 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Hosea 7:14
They do not cry out to me with sincere hearts. Instead, they sit on their couches and wail. They cut themselves, begging foreign gods for grain and new wine, and they turn away from me.
Hosea 7:13-15 (in Context) Hosea 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

GOD HAS PROMISED A FUTURE THAT WILL BRING REAL BLESSINGS TO HIS PEOPLE- THOSE WHO SEEK HIM EARNESTLY HE WILL SURELY REWARD

Joel 2:19
The LORD will reply, “Look! I am sending you grain and new wine and olive oil, enough to satisfy your needs. You will no longer be an object of mockery among the surrounding nations.
Joel 2:18-20 (in Context) Joel 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Joel 2:24
The threshing floors will again be piled high with grain, and the presses will overflow with new wine and olive oil.
Joel 2:23-25 (in Context) Joel 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Zechariah 9:17
How wonderful and beautiful they will be! The young men will thrive on abundant grain, and the young women will flourish on new wine.
Zechariah 9:16-17 (in Context) Zechariah 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

End Times Investment: the richest man advises further on wealth

 

1. Ecclesiastes 2:26
   God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. This, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
   Ecclesiastes 2:25-26 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 2 (Whole Chapter)
2. Ecclesiastes 4:8
   This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing.
   Ecclesiastes 4:7-9 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 4 (Whole Chapter)
3. Ecclesiastes 5:8
   [ The Futility of Wealth ] Don’t be surprised if you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and if justice is being miscarried throughout the land. For every official is under orders from higher up, and matters of justice get lost in red tape and bureaucracy.
   Ecclesiastes 5:7-9 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 5 (Whole Chapter)
4. Ecclesiastes 5:10
   Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!
   Ecclesiastes 5:9-11 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 5 (Whole Chapter)
5. Ecclesiastes 5:11
   The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!
   Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 5 (Whole Chapter)
6. Ecclesiastes 5:19
   And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God.
   Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 5 (Whole Chapter)
7. Ecclesiastes 6:2
   God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want, but then he doesn’t give them the chance to enjoy these things. They die, and someone else, even a stranger, ends up enjoying their wealth! This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy.
   Ecclesiastes 6:1-3 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 6 (Whole Chapter)
8. Ecclesiastes 9:11
   I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.
   Ecclesiastes 9:10-12 (in Context) Ecclesiastes 9 (Whole Chapter)

End Times Investment: Advice from the richest man

The watchman has to deal with a number of important sales of assets and investment decisions lately. He asked the Holy Spirit for guidance. So this morning at 12.01am he was woken and led to read the following passage and again the whole book of Ecclesiastes with freshness. amazing. The richest man ever gave his personal advice in reply to his humble request.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

New Living Translation (NLT)

Ecclesiastes 11

The Uncertainties of Life

¹ Send your grain across the seas,
and in time, profits will flow back to you.^[a]
2 But divide your investments among many places,^[b]
for you do not know what risks might lie ahead.
³ When clouds are heavy, the rains come down.
Whether a tree falls north or south, it stays where it falls.
⁴ Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant.
If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.
⁵ Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb,^[c] so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.
⁶ Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both.

Footnotes:

1. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Or Give generously, / for your gifts will return to you later. Hebrew reads Throw your bread on the waters, / for after many days you will find it again.
2. Ecclesiastes 11:2 Hebrew among seven or even eight.
3. Ecclesiastes 11:5 Some manuscripts read Just as you cannot understand how breath comes to a tiny baby in its mother’s womb.

Revised Chap.70: Prosper through The Seed and Water from Heaven (Fresh revelation – where is the money?)

When the global governments go bankrupt, where is the nations’ wealth? Having spent his entire working life in the strategic management of the economy of the world, the watchman cannot help but ponder on this pertinent issue.

Where is the money?

Here is a clue: Isaiah 33:6, 16-17.

Isaiah 33:6 (NKJV)

6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times,

And the strength of salvation;

The fear of the LORD is His treasure.

Isaiah 33:16-17

16 He will dwell on high;

His place of defense will be the fortress of rocks;

Bread will be given him,

His water will be sure.

The Land of the Majestic King

17 Your eyes will see the King in His beauty;

They will see the land that is very far off.

To find out more, do read the following revised (August 2011) version of the blog…
____________________________________
"Chapter 70 (revised August 2011): Prosper through The Seed (Word of God) and Water from Heaven (the Holy Spirit)"

Hearing the Holy Spirit is of utmost importance for end times survival and wellness. This blog was originally written in Feb. 2010. At that time the watchman received warning in his spirit that shaking would come to big cities and apparently well developed economy. He had spoken and indeed written to warn some. But not all were able to unentangle themselves from the world economy as easily as he did. So here it is again one and half years later. (August 2011 – in the midst of the economy storm…)

_____________________________

One day Jack was strongly urged in the spirit to do a search on all the verses about the rich provision of God. What was revealed has transformed his whole perspective about the blessings of God. He discovered that indeed God has supplied seeds and ensure material security and provision growth for all God’s children.

He is overjoyed to see how God provides the seeds for the sowers and food for them as well. The Lord supplies the resources he needs, ensures the right circumstances and environments and produces the abundant end results / fruits and profits of his labor/investment.

However, there is one crucial key: the whole operation process requires

read on http://kzlam36.wordpress.com/2010/02/20/chapter-sixty-eight-prosper-through-the-seed-word-of-god-and-water-from-heaven-the-holy-spirit/

End Times Witnessing: Famine Years – Bad to Worse

One day before the stock market plummeted, while praying a routine prayer for his family, the watchman was led in the spirit to read the following passages: 2 Kings Chapters 6,7, and 8:1-6. It was indeed awesome when he saw the headline the next day!

Summary:

6:1-7 th floating axe head. He has not yet received the meaning of this passage in relation to his family. But he found relevance in the statement from the disciple prophets to Prophet Elisha that “this place where we meet with you is too small. let’s go…there we can build a new place for us to meet.” Indeed lately he has run out of rooms in his house for the sudden arrival of the younger generations.

6:24-7:20 Samaria was besieged but the lepers plundered the enemy’s camp. There was a great famine in the city. But God intervened and caused the enemy to flee for their lives, abandoning all their possessions to Israel. Overnight there was a drastic drop in market prices!

8:1-6 This is about a woman from Shunem whom Elisha advised to leave home with her family during the seven years of famine and after the end of which returned home to re-claim her house and land successfully. She was even compensated for the values of the harvest of her crops during the period of her absence.
_____________________

The watchman suggested that readers SEEK GOD NOW for your own situation and direction for the famine years. Decode the above passages yourselves.

Watchman’s Comfort: Good news to those who are desolate today

The watchman decided to sleep early so he could rise early. Indeed it worked and overcame his recent inability to rise at the appointed hours to meet His Lord. This morning was the second experimental day and he was refreshed by the presence of the Lord (the Spirit of Christ).


He proceeded to intercede and read the words of God, listening to the Holy Spirit. There were two major events that needed fervent prayers and supplications, both of which required grace and mercy from God. As soon as he started he was led to read Isaiah. The book opened to chapter 62, from which flow beautiful, assuring verses for a person who really needs such comfort! The Heavenly Father knows exactly what one needs and sends forth His resources -His words! How wonderful and awesome our God is!

(He even posted watchmen on your walls to make sure you are well guarded!)

Isaiah 62 (NLT)
Isaiah’s Prayer for Jerusalem


1 Because I love Zion,

I will not keep still.

Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem,

I cannot remain silent.

I will not stop praying for her


until her righteousness shines like the dawn,


and her salvation blazes like a burning torch.


2 The nations will see your righteousness.

World leaders will be blinded by your glory.

And you will be given a new name


by the Lord’s own mouth.

3 The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—

a splendid crown in the hand of God.

4 Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City”[a]


or “The Desolate Land.”[b]


Your new name will be “The City of God’s Delight”[c]


and “The Bride of God,”[d]

for the Lord delights in you


and will claim you as his bride.

5 Your children will commit themselves to you, O Jerusalem,

just as a young man commits himself to his bride.

Then God will rejoice over you

as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride.

6 O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls;


they will pray day and night, continually.


Take no rest, all you who pray to the Lord.


7 Give the Lord no rest until he completes his work,


until he makes Jerusalem the pride of the earth.

8 The Lord has sworn to Jerusalem by his own strength:

“I will never again hand you over to your enemies.

Never again will foreign warriors come

and take away your grain and new wine.

9 You raised the grain, and you will eat it,

praising the Lord.

Within the courtyards of the Temple,

you yourselves will drink the wine you have pressed.”

10 Go out through the gates!

Prepare the highway for my people to return!

Smooth out the road; pull out the boulders;

raise a flag for all the nations to see.

11 The Lord has sent this message to every land:

“Tell the people of Israel,[e]

‘Look, your Savior is coming.


See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.’”


12 They will be called “The Holy People”


and “The People Redeemed by the Lord.”


And Jerusalem will be known as “The Desirable Place”


and “The City No Longer Forsaken.”

Footnotes:

a.Isaiah 62:4 Hebrew Azubah, which means “forsaken.”

b.Isaiah 62:4 Hebrew Shemamah, which means “desolate.”

c.Isaiah 62:4 Hebrew Hephzibah, which means “my delight is in her.”

d.Isaiah 62:4 Hebrew Beulah, which means “married.”

e.Isaiah 62:11 Hebrew Tell the daughter of Zion.

Amplified Bible Isa.62:4 "You [Judah] shall no more be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land be called Desolate any more. But you shall be called Hephzibah [My delight is in her], and your land be called Beulah [married]; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married [owned and protected by the Lord]."

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 。

End Times Witnessing: God uses the most unlikely warriors and weapons

Religion blog

The watchman was greatly encouraged today when he heard the Lord said, “think of Gideon”. He was lamenting over past fortunes being stolen, robbed, destroyed by the spiritual enemies during the last century.

He was also lamenting that there seemed no great men/women rising up to counter this ‘flood’ of wickedness.


 Then he heard this clearly. Look at the characters and their backgrounds in the Bible. They are usually the most unlikely candidates for success. Even the Lord Jesus Himself was hung on a cross! The strategy used by God is impossible for a natural human mind to figure out.

Indeed, he was further encouraged when he recalled the record of people of faith and found names like: Gideon (from the weakest clan and least in his family), Jephthah (son of a prostitute), David (youngest and least impressive in natural endowment in family), Samuel (just a weaned child left alone in the temple), odd men out (Noah, Joseph, Moses, Caleb, John the Baptist, Paul), Rehab (the prostitute), Ruth (the foreign widow), Anna (old widow), Simeon (old retired man) and all the prophets (not in the main stream popular religious system).

Who was Gideon? He was really at his rock bottom when he was called by the angel of the Lord. He was hiding and “threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites.” He was doubting the Lord too seeing all the hardships he and his people endured and no help was insight for so long!

Judges 6:2-6 “The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, marauders from Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east would attack Israel, camping in the land and destroying crops as far away as Gaza. They left the Israelites with nothing to eat, taking all the sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. These enemy hordes, coming with their livestock and tents, were as thick as locusts; they arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count. And they stayed until the land was stripped bare. So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help.”

Judges 6:2-6
GOD CALLED THE WEAKEST AND LEAST
Judges 6:1 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. So the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for seven years.11 Then the angel of the Lord came .. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites.13 “Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?" 15 “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!”
GIDEON ASKED FOR SIGN AND BUILT ALTAR TO THE TRUE GOD
Judges 6:17 Gideon replied, “If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the Lord speaking to me.19 Gideon hurried home. ..And Gideon did as he was told. 22 When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he cried out, “Oh, Sovereign Lord, I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” 24 And Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and named it Yahweh-Shalom (which means “the Lord is peace”).
GIDEON PULLED DOWN THE FALSE GODS’ ALTAR
25 That night the Lord said to Gideon, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd… Pull down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it. 27 So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord had commanded.
GIDEON ASKED AND RECEIVED TWO SIGNS FROM GOD
Judges 6:33 Soon afterward the armies of ..(enemies) formed an alliance against Israel and crossed the Jordan, camping in the valley of Jezreel. 34 Then the Spirit of the Lord took possession of Gideon. He blew a ram’s horn as a call to arms, and the men of the clan of Abiezer came to him. 36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you are truly going to use me to rescue Israel as you promised,” He then asked the Lord for two more signs (the signs of the fleece) and the Lord answered his request.
GOD USED A SMALL READY REMNANT ONLY
Judges 7:2 The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. 4 But the Lord told Gideon, “There are still too many! 7 The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.” 8 So Gideon sent 31,700 soldiers home. But he kept the 300 men with him.
GOD USED A DREAM & PROCLAMATION BY THE ENEMY TO CONFIRM GIDEON’S VICTORY
Judges 7:11 Listen to what the Midianites are saying, and you will be greatly encouraged. 13 Gideon crept up just as a man was telling his companion about a dream. 15 When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed in worship before the Lord. Then he returned to the Israelite camp and shouted, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory over the Midianite hordes!”
GOD USED THE MOST UNLIKELY WEAPONS -FAITH AND OBEDIENCE IN ACTION
Judges 7:19 It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams’ horns and broke their clay jars.
Judges 7:20 Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” 8:11 Gideon circled around, taking the Midianite army by surprise.
GOD HONORED FAITH
Judges 8:28 That is the story of how the people of Israel defeated Midian, which never recovered. Throughout the rest of Gideon’s lifetime—about forty years—there was peace in the land.
Isaiah 10:26 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will lash them with his whip, as he did when Gideon triumphed over the Midianites at the rock of Oreb, or when the Lord’s staff was raised to drown the Egyptian army in the sea.

Hebrews 11:32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.