End Times watchman Adventure: Bible reading in Spirit and in Truth

The watchman went through an interval of personal training for himself. He took part in a 72 hours of Bible reading (non-stop).
Some participants read and some rested at the same time all in one common hall. Two languages were going on simultaneously. The group who read in English speed read and carried on without pause. Readers were fluent readers. The other group which consisted of mainly new Christians read in their vernacular language, of which some could hardly read. Some had never read the Bible before!There were not few words which were difficult to pronounce even to fluent vernacular readers in Bible!
The slow readers group paused from time to time to learn to pronounce a word and at times was briefed on what they were reading and how the prophets related to the history books. By the end however, the vernacular group caught up with the English readers as they put some of their fluent readers into a third group tp read non-stop. Eventually, the third group finished reading the whole Bible for the rest on time. So the whole congregation read the Book of Revelation together in unison alternating in two languages chapter by chapter until the end.

Statistics: SUMMARY OF KING JAMES BIBLE STATISTICS:

Total Books – 66  Total Chapters  1,189 Total Verses…31,102

Total words in the 31,102 verses – 788,258 (not including the Hebrew Alphabet in Psalm 119 or the superscriptions listed in some of the Psalms)

KJV Bible has 3,566,480 syllabus.

Chinese Bible Statistics (CUV): 1189 chapters; 31219 verses; 931698 words (all single syllabus).

「上帝版」和合本新旧约合计1,189章。其中旧约有929章，23,179节，706,875字。
新约260章，8,040节，224,823字。
和合本「上帝版」新旧约共1,189章，31,219节，931,698字。
圣经中文和合本译本共约931,698字，或另一统计(和合本神版)共930,222字，
约用3,186个不同的中文字。
「英文圣经钦定本KJV」计有3,566,480字母，810,697个字(较中文圣经少121,001个字)，
31,175节(比中文圣经少44节)。

One evening, the two groups read the word of God together in unison in the two languages alternately after midnight from Psalm one to Psalm 119! It was really wonderful and the watchman witnessed the power of the word of God when read in one Spirit! Of course the reading/proclaiming of Revelation together aloud as the grand finale was beyond words.
Personal encounter by the watchman:
The watchman experienced the words that he received prior the beginning of the reading, 1 Pet.4:12-13. He was at first told by his closed one that the verses she received for all those who would take part in the Bible reading was 1 Peter.4:1-2, and they were to be encouraged to fast solid food for 72 hours. But the watchman inadvertently broadcasted 1 Peter 4:12-13 ! How little did he know the latter verses were meant for him and the few who were in the same boat.
When he asked the Lord this morning about the differences of the two groups he received the following verse confirming the actions (as led by the Spirit) of both groups.

Psalm 19:7-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

Indeed, these confirmed the power of the word of God as in:
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
and 2 Tim3:16-17

¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

End Times Witnessing: What will you do in the appointed day?

The watchman prepared his class notes on Saturday but by Sunday morning morning he was led in the spirit not to teach that day. He was told instead that he should allow the disciple class to put all that they have learned into practice that afternoon.

So he told the class to enact the end times scenario, wherein all their leaders are gone and they are left in the sanctuary alone. They were required to do three things:

1.Worship God: be in the Lord’s Presence for protection and shelter, as in Psalm 91. Be led by the Holy Spirit.

2.Preach the Word: save the lost souls who would pour into the prayer house in the end times.

3.Healing and Deliverance: Many will need to be ministered in these two main areas resultant of the Holy Spirit out pouring

The leaders acted as the lost souls who rushed into the sanctuary during the worship. The were determined to make it tough on the novice disciples. It was a time of chaos and distress for the class to fulfill their new roles.

They were required to worship and stay in the presence of God, be led by the Holy Spirit, whilst feeding the poor, heal the sick, cast out demons, preach the Gospel and save the lost. A number of important lessons emerged:

1.During such a crisis, when disorderly ‘strangers’ crashed in, the orderly Christians were caught without adequate preparation.

2.Although they were all eager to help and perform the full range of duties, they were at a loss when confronted with practical realities, despite knowing the ‘theories’ so well.

3.The practical exercise/simulation was eye-opening for many, seeing how inadequately prepared we are. There is no way we can cope with the end times harvest when the Lord pours out the Holy Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28-29).

4.Resolution: we need practice hands on training, complete with user friendly materials for sharing the Gospel, memory verses and proper steps of healing and deliverance. Practices of worship and sharing the word of God are needed too.

5.Positive outcome: Nearly all admitted the need for training and more personal preparation.

6.One revelation: The Lord uses ordinary people. The class who turned out that afternoon consisted of the most ordinary people of all ages who are indeed the end times workers for the Lord, who could easily disappear and blend into any crowd.

7.Negative discovery: Only one brethren remained praying in the Spirit as he had difficulty walking. The rest were too busy ministering and forgot to listen to the Holy Spirit and be led by the Spirit.

It was a rather hilarious time because all knew that they were acting. Only one lone worshipper was singing all by herself when all the commotions were going on. A leader was accused of having a stubborn spirit that refused to be cast out because the deliverers decided to do the casting despite the fact that she came in asking for a cigarette and later some money and not manifesting any demon at all! Another man was asked to repent and recite a sinners’ prayer which omitted ‘in Jesus Name’ (the 'sinner' had to prompt them on the omission!). The Gospel sharers had to ask each other what the next sentence would be. The helpers ignored the ‘poor stranger’s’ remark that he was dying of physical hunger as they were busy praying for him. When he told them his leg was badly injured and bleeding they told him to ignore the bleeding and not to look at the external symptoms! One man was ‘manifesting’ but no one gave him any plastic beg/container to cough into. He had to ask them to give him one! This happened to another man who 'manifested.

The leaders who acted as lost souls had a field day with the novice disciples who were at first required to minister for one hour. After 20 minutes they were too ‘distressed’ to carry on and so the watchman agreed to halt and let everyone share his/her experience and finding.

Conclusion: No one can predict what ‘the appointed day’ will be like. The most important thing is to get ready now and not be caught by surprise. When the real thing comes it would not be hilarious. It would be real and painful for those caught unprepared.

Prior the class the watchman was led to turn his Bible to this verse, Hosea 9:5a ”What will you do in the appointed day”? Indeed, it aptly describes how one may be caught not knowing what to do. The class had later demonstrated this scenario. On the other hand, he was encouraged as all hands were on deck that afternoon. Everyone who turned out participated. He could perceive the eagerness and commitment to obey and be disciples of Jesus Christ!

Relevant Bible Verses —————————————

Matthew 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 7-8 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

End Times Witnessing: Peace is the weapon to overcome fear today!

FEAR cripples people’s lives: Hebrews 2:15 (NKJV) 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. People are afraid of many things, such as: People are afraid of many things, such as: fear of death, loss of security, loss of loved ones, pain and suffering, being oppressed and harmed, subject to shame and humiliations, being robbed of what we treasure in life, having our life long dreams being crushed and destroyed, and many more. The most fearful words are, however, death and losses.

Overcome fear with the power of peace of Jesus!

John 20:19 That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! “Peace be with you,” he said.

John 14:26-28 (NLT) 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

The power of Jesus’ presence

John 6:19-21 (NLT) 19 They had rowed three or four miles[a] when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, 20 but he called out to them, “Don’t be afraid. I am here!” 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination!

John 12:14-16 (NLT) 14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: 15 “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem.[a] Look, your King is coming,

riding on a donkey’s colt.”

Luke 12:31-33 (NLT) 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 32 “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

What do they fear of: enemy’s threat, life & death issue, in awe, do not experience God’s love

Matthew 10:26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.

Matthew 10:28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Acts 19:17 Seven sons of Sceva case 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Acts 2:43 A deep sense of awe 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

1 John 4:18 (NKJV) 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (NLT: because perfect love expels all fear ;not fully experienced his perfect love.)

The power of your position with God

Matthew 10:31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

The power of faith

Matthew 8:25-27 (NLT) 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”

Mark 4:39-41 (NLT) 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

Mark 5:35-41 35, messengers told him, “Your daughter is dead. 36 But Jesus overheard and said, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” (she was raised to life!)

People fear supernatural signs and miracles! (do not know spiritual reality of God)

Mark 5:13-17 13 So Jesus gave them permission. The evil spirits came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the entire herd of 2,000 pigs plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. 14. People rushed out to see …and they were all afraid. 17 And the crowd began pleading with Jesus to go away and leave them alone.

Matthew 14:26-28 (NLT) 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” 27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

Matthew 17 The Transfiguration 2 As .. watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed ..5, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” 6 The disciples were terrified and fell face down. 7 Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”

Luke5: 8 When Simon Peter realized, he fell to his knees before Jesus 10 His partners, were also amazed. Jesus replied, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!”

The Holy Spirit –advocate, truth weapon, presence of God, peace of Jesus

We have a different Spirit: 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

John 14:15-17; 22-31 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[e] who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.

23 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.

26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again.

30 “I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me,

Fear, dread, terror (phobos: flight)

Hebrews 2:15 (NKJV) 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Don’t behave the way the world do -fear of external events/threats (beware of the spirits)

Isaiah 8:12 (NLT) 12 “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them.

End Times Witnessing: O the Blood of Jesus!

MIDI music file at http://patriot.net/users/bmcgin/blood10.mid

O, THE BLOOD OF JESUS

O, the blood of Jesus; O, the blood of Jesus;
O, the blood of Jesus; It washes white as snow!

” . . . and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7b KJV) ” . . . though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18b KJV)

Colossians 1:13-15 (NKJV)
13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

_________________________________

"NOTE: This is a very special and very powerful hymn. Demons hate to hear it, and they flee when it is played or sung. If you play or sing this hymn repeatedly, it seems to open up a direct channel to the Holy Spirit. You will know what I mean when this happens to you. I believe that this is perhaps the Lord’s very favorite hymn." (quoted)

"Satan frequently tries to discourage us and make us feel unworthy, by correctly accusing us of our many sins. This is what he did during an encounter with martin Luther, when Luther was trying the reform the church. But Luther quoted scripture to Satan, from 1 John 1:7 — “The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.” — and Satan fled from him. This fact means that even if we are guilty of sin, our guilt is removed, through no effort of our own — just by faith in Jesus Christ. This is the reason why Satan and his demons hate the song “O The Blood of Jesus”, and want to run away whenever they hear it." (quoted)
___________________
See the watchman’s blog on

END TIMES WITNESSING: TESTIMONY OF THE BLOOD of JESUS

http://kzlam36.wordpress.com/2010/05/27/end-times-witnessing-testimony-of-the-blood/

End Times Prophets: When should one not raise the dead?

Today’s message is for watchman who sees and hears from the Lord and ministers as prophet at times. The watchman had not been easy for sometime over the issue of when to raise a dead. Does every dead need to be raised? Is it automatic?

On the fateful day when the old man died suddenly but peacefully, he was urged to ask the Lord for guidance. He received two set of verses respectively.

The first one answered his question of where the man’s spirit was. The answer was in Song of Solomon 1:4 “The King has brought me into His chamber.” The second one was in answer to his question of what to do next as they had been praying for his resurrection for sometime to no avail. The answer was in Ecclesiastes 8:8 “None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death.”

It was quite clear that the old man’s spirit was already with the Lord Jesus and it was his time to leave this world. However, the prayers for his resurrection went on for quite sometime until his wife said she heard from the Lord that he wanted to take him with Him. The wife agreed to let go finally. The wife also confessed later that she had heard the Lord spoken twice prior to the death of her husband, once on a previous day, during the Sunday worship and once on the morning of Monday (on which evening the man passed away). The Lord told her on both occasions that He wanted to take her husband away soon and urged her to love him(as they had an estranged relationship).

Why was then the watchman woken this morning at 12.30am to pray? Why was he shown the verses below, all about the appointed death of men? Why was he shown particularly the warning: “And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead” ? (Deuteronomy 18:10-13)

The Lord then showed him the requirement of a prophet is to receive the words of God correctly and faithfully pass on to the people. He was led to read Numbers 22-23, all about the prophet Balaam, who proclaimed, “I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.” (22:38) “I will speak only the message that the Lord puts in my mouth.” (23:12) “Didn’t I tell you that I can do only what the Lord tells me?” (23:26)

So the watchman repented for all who were involved in praying for the resurrection of that old man that day (who continued and persisted even after the Lord had spoken and given him the two set of verses after he had enquired). He shuddered to think that doing otherwise would be viewed as carrying out all those abominations as warned in Deuteronomy 18:10-13!The story of Balaam and his donkey (Numbers 22:21-33) meeting the angel of death was frightening. No wonder he had to gulp down a huge glass of red juice proclaiming the blood of Jesus when he went home on that fateful day.

He has learned another valuable lesson: Listen to the Lord Jesus and obey His words without doubting.

The Lord is indeed merciful in waking him up to tell him the truth and correct him at length this morning (12:30am to 2:45am)!

Bible verses———————————————–
New Living Translation

Genesis 49:33 33 When Jacob had finished this charge to his sons, he drew his feet into the bed, breathed his last, and joined his ancestors in death.

Judges 2:8 8 Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110.

1 Samuel 28:3 3 Meanwhile, Samuel had died, and allIsrael had mourned for him. He was buried in Ramah, his hometown. And Saul had banned from theland ofIsrael all mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead.

Deuteronomy 18:10-13
Holy Living
10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you. 13 But you must be blameless before the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 18:15-22
True and False Prophets
15 Moses continued, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. 16 For this is what you yourselves requested of the Lord your God when you were assembled atMount Sinai. You said, ‘Don’t let us hear the voice of the Lord our God anymore or see this blazing fire, for we will die.’

17 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘What they have said is right. 18 I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. 19 I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. 20 But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die.’

21 “But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ 22 If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.

Footnotes:
1.Deuteronomy 18:16 Hebrew Horeb, another name for Sinai.

End Times Witnessing: The Holy Spirit conducted today’s Sunday School for the watchman

Early on Sunday morning, around 1:35am the watchman went to pick up someone returning from a Jesus Heal Rally. By the time he got home it was 2:30am and he could not sleep. So he decided to stay up and pray and seek the Lord’s guidance about the day’s class in the afternoon.

He was led to read Joshua 5:2-15 on the Lord’s instructions to Joshua to prepare to lead the Israelites second generation who grew up in the wilderness into the promised land. The preparation was in the following three steps:

1. Joshua was asked to circumcise the entire male population, as a covenant reestablishment ceremony. The watchman was drawn to this verse after they have obeyed, “Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the shame of your slavery in Egypt.” (5:9) In the New Testament, Jesus came and took away the shame and bondages of His believers and led them (us) from the kingdom of darkness (Satan’s kingdom) into the kingdom of light (the kingdom of God). Prior to this privilege, one has to repent. The believers of Jesus have to repent first before they receive the kingdom citizenship. (The requirement and power of repentance has been written in the watchman’s previous blogs)

2. The second step was celebrating Passover. The first Passover (Exodus 12:23) was carried out on their last night in bondage under the Egyptians. When the angel of death saw the blood of the lamb on the top and sides of the doorframe of the Israelite homes, he would pass over their homes. In the New Testament, Jesus had shed His blood on the cross for the remission of the sins of many, and He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. When He instituted the Holy Communion for His disciples, He pronounced this over the wine: “This is my blood for the new covenant, which is shed for many, for the remission of sins.”

3. The third step was Joshua’s encounter with the Lord (Jesus), the Commander of the Lord’s Armies. Joshua immediately fell with his face to the ground in reverence and worshipped Him, waiting for the Lord’s instructions. For Christians this is the worship in truth and in Spirit.

The watchman was then led to read the famous Fall of Jericho in Chapter Six. He was asked by the Lord to read all the details of the Lord’s instructions requiring Joshua to lead his people to march round the fortified city of Jericho, and he noted the number of days and times they marched round, those (priests, armed men, and people) who marched, their order of marching, what they carried and did (e.g. the priests marching in the presence of the Lord, blowing the ram horns as they marched, with the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant followed behind, some armed men marched in front of the Ark and some behind). the people were required to shout on the seventh day, seventh round when they heard the long blast of horns and when Joshua commanded, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the town!” When Joshua and his people obeyed, indeed Jericho walls collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. (6:20) “They completely destroyed everything in it with their swords.” (6:21)

After reading this and praying for sometime he went to bed. When he woke he took Holy Communion and was led to read Peter’s account in Acts 11:9 “Do not call anything unclean if God has made it clean.” 11:17 “And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift He gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” 11:18 “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” The verses prompted him to repent for himself and his family for not being sensitive to the Lord’s heart to save all. Jesus’ blood was shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.

When he reached the church an intercessor leader suddenly requested a sister to lead the congregation to repent. However, when the worship leader came in he did not know this and he went ahead and started the worship. He sang in the Spirit and then led one song. Before the Holy Communion he asked the watchman to pray the opening prayer. the watchman had earlier received in his spirit that the day’s worship is to reveal the Father’s heart. The sister who was supposed to lead the repentance prayer nudged him and whispered, “Repentance!” He obeyed and started with words of repentance and subsequent words just gushed out like never before. He heard amens. He remembered what he read earlier in Acts. He saw the Father’s heart unfolding His love for many, indeed, the lost multitudes out there, outside the walls of the churches, and the living dead in churches. He also prayed from Ephesians 4:3-5, using words like “one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one baptism, one God and Father”.

After the opening prayer, they had Holy Communion. The sister who interpreted the leader’s English words omitted important words like ‘Blood”, “Jesus”, ‘Cross”. The watchman had to interrupt and cried out the correct words which he believed were all crucial for the majority of the congregation who do not understand English to partake the Holy Communion correctly. He did not have time for decorum at that moment. There was an urgency in his spirit and he knew something important was going to happen.

When they resumed worship the leader led them to sing a song of marching. “We are marhcing in the light of God”. A number of the congregation were carrying big flags and most others carried small flags. One sister came and asked him whether they should march round and he said yes. So they started marching with their ram horns and flags, urging the rest of the congregation to join them. As the congregation sang and marched round, ram horns were being blown. Then the song leader led the song “Shout for joy, God’s people…for the Lord has given this land to you”. So the congregation marched, blew ram horns and shouted at the point when the song leader sang “Shout for Joy!”

Later, at the afternoon class, as the watchman shared with the participants how he was led to read Joshua chapters 5-6 early in the morning, he put all the pieces together and realized in amazement that the Lord had actually let him see the whole worship event through Joshua 5-6 about 7-8 hours before it happened. In fact the following worship sequence today was exactly as what was written in the two chapters!

1. Repentance Prayer (the act of circumcision at Gilgal)

2. Holy Communion- the body and blood of Jesus (the taking of the Passover Lamb)

3. Worship in Spirit and in Truth (Joshua’s Encounter with the Lord -the Commander of the Lord’s Armies- and his worshipful prostrating himself before the Lord)

4. Marching songs sung and actual marching procession with ram horns, flags and shouting by the congregation (Jericho march).

It was indeed awesome. In answer to his early morning prayer on how to conduct his class and what to teach today, the Lord has used the worship service to demonstrate to him how a class should be taught. First he was shown the Bible truth. Then he witnessed the practical application. He has to admit later that only the Holy Spirit could mobilize the leaders and the congregation to flow exactly according to the Word of God that morning!

For the first time since many months ago, there was a breakthrough in today’s afternoon class. In the sleepiest hours after lunch, the eyes of the participants were wide open and the participative and interactive learning was led by the Lord’s Spirit. Afterall, the walls in each individual’s heart had already been pulled down that morning during the march!

Sunday, July 31, 2011

End Times witnessing: God forgives the Repentant

 One elderly but apparently healthy man just passed away peacefully. He turned up one Sunday suddenly to hear the words of God and was convicted by the Holy Spirit as he listened to the preaching on “Thy Kingdom Comes” from morning to late afternoon without break. He came for deliverance a Saturday later. He repented in tears, asked his wife for forgiveness and reconciled with her. On the following Sunday he listened to the words of God with further conviction. He decided to spend one solid days repenting in the House of Prayer. He was delivered from a list of sins listed in Galatians 5:19-21. At the end of the day he was filled with great joy and the peace of Yeshua (Jesus). He passed away praising God and smiling.

Like all men, he had an appointed time with death. But he did two important reconciliations before his death. During the first wake service his own church’s pastor remarked that as many had died without forgiving or reconciling with their loved ones, this man had done the right thing. (He omitted to say that indeed many had perished without repentance)

1. He reconciled with God (by repenting and renouncing all his ties and allegiance to idols, sorceries, and the whole list of sins as in Gal.5:19-21). The daughter-in-law testified on the second wake night that the man confessed that only God is the Healer, not the things he used to believe in (e.g. a healing bed, or a bunch of healing chrystal etc). He repented and withdrew his previous testimony given to the promoter of the sale of the healing bed, giving glory to it. He wanted to give God glory now.

2. He reconciled with his wife (who was touched by the Spirit and the Word of God too and agreed to forgive him). He repented and asked for her forgiveness for getting angry with her and hitting her previously.

This man was truly blessed.

Two days after the man’s death, the watchman received this following passage when he asked the Lord what to pray.

God Forgives the Repentant

Isaiah 57: 14 God says, “Rebuild the road!

Clear away the rocks and stones

so my people can return from captivity.”

(The above verse is for the Prayer House and other servants of God who serve the Lord and minister to bring many lost, hurt and enslaved souls to healing, deliverance and righteousness)

15 The high and lofty one who lives in eternity,

the Holy One, says this:

“I live in the high and holy place

with those whose spirits are contrite and humble.


I restore the crushed spirit of the humble


and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.

16 For I will not fight against you forever;

I will not always be angry.

If I were, all people would pass away—

all the souls I have made.

17 I was angry,

so I punished these greedy people.

I withdrew from them,

but they kept going on their own stubborn way.

18 I have seen what they do,

but I will heal them anyway!


I will lead them.


I will comfort those who mourn,

19 bringing words of praise to their lips.

May they have abundant peace, both near and far,”

says the Lord, who heals them.

20 “But those who still reject me are like the restless sea,

which is never still

but continually churns up mud and dirt.

21 There is no peace for the wicked,”

says my God.

_________________________

On the day of this man's death, the watchman received the following verses when he asked the Lord about his sudden appearance and death. The man was turned away from wickedness to seek the life giving God, his Savior instead. He repented for having previously sought wickedness to save him. He repented in the nick of time! God is merciful.

Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 (NLT)

7 Indeed, how can people avoid what they don’t know is going to happen? 8 None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.

End Times Witnessing: the faith that raises the dead

The watchman has been quiet for sometime. The July month events had been like a mighty torrent that swept through the spiritual realm and he was overwhelmed. Indeed, he went through the season swimming in the tides of the Spirit and has been led to enter another level of spiritual realm. The evangelical and healing rally has brought him to deeper waters. The message of the book that he was asked to assist editing brought the reality of spiritual warfare to him. The reality became real in his daily living and he is now confronted with the moment of truth.

The big question is: is he going to trust God 100%?

If his answer is affirmative, he has to let go of all medicine. He now begins to understand how others must have felt when they came for divine healing. How to have faith if they perceive physical symptoms being different from those of a healed person? On the other hand, faith means just believe what the words of God say (including the reality of spiritual realm).


He was led to read Romans this morning. He sat at the attic window, facing the line of beautiful trees basked in golden sunshine outside, used a mike and amplifier with speakers and read God’s words treating them as medicine. Indeed, as he persisted, the symptoms on his body became more and more bearable! Before he realised it, he read through nearly all of Romans.

After that he went downstairs and ate a hearty sandwich with mozzarella cheese! In his New Living Translation Bible the following passage has brightened his day:

Romans 14:6-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. 8 If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

_________________________________

The following speaks to the watchman about what true faith is. The faith that is required is a faith that persists against all odds in the physical realm. What can a 100 year old man do? Yet Abraham persists in believing God and His words. Abraham has seen into the spiritual realm, the unseen reality that many other men have overlooked. He believed in the Creator. He did not limit his sight to the fallen creatures (including human beings).

This is the first of the watchman’s role models. Abraham, the father of the people of faith. Read this chapter. Proclaim it loud. speak into the spiritual realm. Let your faith rise too.
__________________________________

Romans 4 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Faith of Abraham

Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:

7 “Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sins are put out of sight.

8 Yes, what joy for those

whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. 10But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!

11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. 12And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. 14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. 15For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)

16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.”This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.

18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.

20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

Footnotes:

1.Romans 4:3 Gen 15:6.

2.Romans 4:8 Ps 32:1-2 (Greek version).

3.Romans 4:9 Greek is this blessing only for the circumcised, or is it also for the uncircumcised?

4.Romans 4:17 Gen 17:5.

5.Romans 4:18 Gen 15:5.

Watchman’s Endtimes Ministry and Weapon: Fast and Pray!

 The message the watchman receives today is a promise and a ministry!

The promise is that servants of the Most High God will be invincible.

The ministry is to free the oppressed. This has confirmed what he has been trained for all these years. The more he sees into the spiritual realm, the more he sees that the end times war is being fought in the mind. The battlefield is in the mind. The increase in mind sickness is global and at an accelerating rate. The mind victims are suffering in silence and the medical and psychiatric systems in the world cannot keep up with the vast and growing scale and equally growing intensity. The actual number of the mind patients cannot be accurately traced and recorded as many are suffering in silence and poverty of knowledge and healing facilities. The end times war is in the soul (the mind and emotion) which cannot be seen!

The Promise to watchman intercessors: Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV)

17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,


And every tongue which rises against you in judgment


You shall condemn.


This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,


And their righteousness is from Me,”


Says the LORD.

The Ministry for the watchman intercessors with the Spirit of the Lord (of wisdom and of understanding, of counsel and of power, of knowledge and of the reverent fear of the Lord, as in Isa.11:2)

Isaiah 58:6-12 (NKJV)

6 “ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:


To loose the bonds of wickedness,


To undo the heavy burdens,


To let the oppressed go free,


And that you break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked, that you cover him,

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

“ If you take away the yoke from your midst,


The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

10 If you extend your soul to the hungry

And satisfy the afflicted soul,

Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,

And your darkness shall be as the noonday.

11 The LORD will guide you continually,

And satisfy your soul in drought,

And strengthen your bones;

You shall be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

12 Those from among you

Shall build the old waste places;

You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;

And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,

The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.

End Times Witnessing: Today it is all about Life

TODAY’S food for thought for watchman: Why ponder over LIFE?

What makes the watchman ponder about life today?
In the past four weeks four persons with whom the watchman had acquainted passed away, all of whom (three men and one woman) died a sudden death, in their 30s, 40s and 50s. All were married with family. The three men came from one church.

The news had been saddening and even shattering for the unprepared.

The oldest man had had remissions from his previous stroke and his family was not prepared as he had recovered his functioning well for a number of years. He left behind his wife, adult children and young grand children.

The youngest man had good report from his yearly medical check-up until the sudden discovery of end stage liver cancer. He decided to join his wife and became a Christian after receiving his medical diagnosis. He left behind his young wife and two young boys.
The middle-aged man had rarely complained of medical illness until he suddenly developed liver ailments. He became a Christian earlier than the other two men did. He and his wife became estranged after years of unresolved family strife. At his death, the wife and daughter had already left him for over a year. His only son came home from another town to handle the funeral on his own.

The woman had heard the Gospel a number of times but had not pursued further. She befriended a devout Buddhist and lately opted to listen to the chanting of Buddhist monk daily until her sudden death (aneurysm in her brain). She left behind husband and two daughters.

Yes, the spirit of death came stealthily in the darkest hour of the night and took their lives unexpectedly.

Seeing death coming in like a flood, taking one life per week within a tiny community of familiar people, makes one notice how fragile the physical part of life can be. Even though he had not seen them for many years, he attended two men’s wake night services. Listening to the usual wake night sermons made him think of the words of Jesus about the meaning of life according to God. Where does life come from? Who can give life? Where does one’s spirit go when life on earth is extinguished?

It is time to read the word of Jesus again, this time, with belief in our hearts. Take heed what we hear today!

Watchman’s advice: You need to believe in the supernatural and spiritual reality to understand this. There is one crucial condition for entry to heaven, as stated below by Jesus, the Son of God Himself:

John 3:3, 5 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 10:39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Luke 10:25 [ The Parable of the Good Samaritan ] And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 12:15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Luke 12:22 [ Do Not Worry ] Then He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on. Luke 12:23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. Luke 21:34 [ The Importance of Watching ] “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.

John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 3:15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

John 5:21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.John 5:24 [ Life and Judgment Are Through the Son ] “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

John 6:27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”

John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. John 10:28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus prayed this to the Father (God): John 17:2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

John 20:31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

_____________________________Word of warning:
Romans 8:5-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
____________________________________

Watchman’s comment: Often people do not know what they are worshiping. Letting one’s mind controlled by something (giving inroad to other spirits) that is not God leads to death. Very sad indeed. If you do not know God, seek to know Him. Meanwhile stay away from all forms of spirits (including spiritual philosophy).

Spiritual realm is real. God is real. Do not ignore this truth. Your family needs you. God loves you and wants you to have eternal life through His Son, who gave His life for you. Seek the true God who gives life now!

End Times Witnessing: Winning wars Holy Spirit Way (Know endtimes wars & weapons)

Knowing what wars the end times believers will face and what end times weapons to use are of utmost importance now. The watchman is led to read the following passages from the New Testament, which is all about end times. Knowing what war will be carried out and how would the believers win gives one the confident hope to face the world’s end.

(His comments are in bracket.)
Luke 14:31
“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? (Always consider your strength before you go to war. This is universal. However, your strength is not physical, as evidenced from the following verses!)
Luke 14:30-32 (in Context) Luke 14 (Whole Chapter)

Romans 7:23
but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. (War is on your mind. It is a real war. But you need inner strength to counter this war!)
Romans 7:22-24 (in Context) Romans 7 (Whole Chapter)

2 Corinthians 10:3
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. (Apostle Paul went further to point out that the end times war now is not to be waged as the world does. Indeed, when war is waged by the spiritual enemy against your mind, you need spiritual means to fight this war!) 2 Corinthians 10:2-4 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 10 (Whole Chapter)

1 Peter 2:11
[ Living Godly Lives in a Pagan Society ] Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. (Apostle Peter also pointed out the same arena for end times war against believers. It is a war against your soul – that is your mind and your emotion! It is not physical. The soul is a target of the enemy to capture.)
1 Peter 2:10-12 (in Context) 1 Peter 2 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 12:7
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (At last, Apostle John saw visions of a future war, the End Time War, which will take place in heaven. Spiritual beings are involved, between good and fallen angels. The outcome of this war will impact all living creatures, including human beings!)
Revelation 12:6-8 (in Context) Revelation 12 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 12:17
Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus. (Indeed, one outcome of this heavenly war will be persecution of believers of Christ on earth by the dragon-devil.)
Revelation 12:16-17 (in Context) Revelation 12 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 13:4
People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” (Apostle John also saw in his vision how there will be followers of the devil boasting away in their blind worship of him.)
Revelation 13:3-5 (in Context) Revelation 13 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 13:7
It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. (Apostle John also saw in his vision that the devil will have power to wage war against God’s people and to conquer them.)
Revelation 13:6-8 (in Context) Revelation 13 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 17:14
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.” (John also saw the outcome of the war: Jesus and His own followers will win over the Devil’s followers)
Revelation 17:13-15 (in Context) Revelation 17 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 19:11
[ The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast ] I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. (Jesus will lead the war and win!)
Revelation 19:10-12 (in Context) Revelation 19 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 19:19
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. (The enemy of God will try again but they will fail completely.)
Revelation 19:18-20 (in Context) Revelation 19 (Whole Chapter)

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (NIV) 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (The weapons used are different too! take note that when the minds are captured, the wars are won!)

2 Corinthians 6:6-8(NIV) 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; (Weapons of righteousness are used! )

Ephesians 6:17
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (The Sword of the Spirit – The Word of God is the weapon!)
Ephesians 6:16-18 (in Context) Ephesians 6 (Whole Chapter)

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Again, the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, is the only effective weapon to be used for end times!)
Hebrews 4:11-13 (in Context) Hebrews 4 (Whole Chapter)

(As Apostle John has seen in the following visions for end times wars, the Lord win by using the Sword – the Word that proceeds from His mouth!)

Revelation 1:16
In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
Revelation 1:15-17 (in Context) Revelation 1 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 2:12
[ To the Church in Pergamum ] “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
Revelation 2:11-13 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 2:16
Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 2:15-17 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 13:10
“If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed.” This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people.
Revelation 13:9-11 (in Context) Revelation 13 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 19:15
Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
Revelation 19:14-16 (in Context) Revelation 19 (Whole Chapter)

Revelation 19:21
The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
Revelation 19:20-21 (in Context) Revelation 19 (Whole Chapter)

End Times Witnessing: Winning wars Holy Spirit Way (David’s case)

Lately the watchman received instructions on end times war strategies. he was not directly involved in warfare, but he was led to read and take heed. the following passage was on how david followed the holy spirit and won two wars against his long time arch enemy -the philistines. (the watchman’s comments are in bracket. )


2 Samuel 5:17-25
New Living Translation (NLT)
David Conquers the Philistines

17 When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. 18 The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. 19So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”

(David’s response to the bad news of his arch enemy mobilizing to capture him: 1. He went into the stronghold (physical and spiritual). 2. He asked the Lord for strategy. He was direct in asking: “Shall I fight? Will You let me win?” Take note that he knew and acknowledged that the winning key is in the hand of the Almighty God.)

The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”

(The Lord’s response to David: The Lord gave straight and precise answers too. “Yes, fight. Yes, I will let you win.”)

20 So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). 21The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David and his men confiscated them.

(David’s response to the Lord’s assurance: He acted and won accordingly. He was quick to give full credit to the Lord although he did not see or hear how that could happen. He just believed the Lord’s promise by faith.)

22 But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. 23 And again David asked the Lord what to do.

(David’s response to the second round of bad news: He asked the Lord again. To him, when being attacked, going to the Lord precedes counting military resources is a norm. He knew the Lord so well that he just sought the Lord naturally everytime he encountered a crisis.)

“Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. 24 When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.”

(The Lord’s response: The Lord told David a change in strategy. This time He wanted David to do it differently, with deeper spiritual discernment. He wanted David to know for sure that it would be the Lord’s heavenly army that would win the war! The Lord enabled David to hear the sound of His heavenly army marching, which would be the signal for David to join in with his ground troops. David’s obedience by faith the first time had pleased the Lord. He was now moved to a higher level of spiritual encounter with the Lord!)

25 So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

(David’s response to the Lord: He obeyed and did as the spiritual Commander-in-Chief commanded and thus won again! This time he was more assured as he could hear the Lord’s army sound in the spiritual realm).

——————————————————
Summary:

1.Know and believe in God (through knowing and believing in Jesus, and knowing and believing in His word)

2.Believe that it is natural to go to the supernatural God everytime you encounter a war (physical, emotional, mental or spiritual attacks)

3.Ask in the Name of Jesus and you will receive answer

4.Believe in the Holy Spirit’s communicating with you

5.Obey and act on what the Holy Spirit has told you

6.Ask and receive your answer by faith (even if you cannot hear or see like what David did)

7.Always give credit to the Lord, Who is your Commander-in-Chief

8.Keep practicing and training your spiritual gifts

9.Obedience by faith brings one to a higher level of spiritual discernment and understanding.

End Times Witnessing: Narrow Gate Plumbline -The Spirit says, listen! No more ‘CRAFT’ (MAGIC OR PUPPET)!

The watchman woke from a nightmare today, which he had not encountered for a long long time. Prior to that he was up at 3-5am interceding for his church. Then he asked the Lord to tell him what he needed to write for his blog. He went to bed and slept for about 2 hours. He had a dream.

In the dream he was with a group of people at a seminar after which they were caught without air ticket to fly home. So they decided to fly to another destination from where they could catch another flght for home. He was in his room (located in a hospital/medical center. Next to his room was a clinic with people waiting to see the doctors) packing and then he realized he had to give instruction to the one arranging the travel. So he climbed the stairs and went a floor up to speak to that person. He left his room door wide open and his money and travel documents on the table! He knew he should not be doing this but he did it. While talking to the travel person his spirit reminded him of the verse “the thief came to steal, kill and destroy.” (John 10:10). So he raced down the stairs, and alas, his room was not there anymore. The place became another waiting hall for other clinics! He was so frustrated that he shouted and woke.

He knew the meaning of this dream. It was about open door to the enemy by being disobedient to the words of God. The enemy conveniently came in to steal, kill and destroy. He repented immediately. Then he was reminded of a warning word “Craft” (pointing to travelling magic shows performed by a senior pastor of a mega church from Asia). He received the warning verse from 2 Cor.4:2.

During a recent seminar he quietly asked the Lord about the correct way of teaching his own Bible class (whether he should use some of his management training skills and technics, like ‘mind mapping’). On that occasion, the Lord answered him through flashing through his mind the warning word ‘CRAFT’ followed by the above same Bible verse (2 Cor.4:2) and also the Spirit-led speaker suddenly blurted out one statement, “Do not teach unless you have revelations!” (The speaker was at that time talking about totally different subject and referred to 2 Cor.4:3-4 on the subject of how ‘the god of this world had blinded the unbelievers’ minds’)

2 Cor.4:2 (Amplified Bible) “ 2 We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience.”

HERE is the WARNING: to WHOEVER who preaches/teaches the word of God using crafts, tricks and cunning instead of stating the truth openly, clearly and candidly. This warning also applies to churches which use magic or puppet shows to teach Sunday School children. The frightening part is that you are opening your church door to the enemy to come in to steal, kill and destroy! The word of God must be preached the way Paul and other Apostles had preached, openly, clearly, and candidly.

Paul declared, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation to everyone who believes..” (Rom.1:16)

By going to the world (which is under the devil) to learn and use the world’s way you have submitted to the evil spirits behind the ‘crafts’ or ‘idols’.

God’s word is more than sufficient to convict and save. By not turning to the mighty power of God’s Spirit-filled Word, you are committing the sin of unbelief.

(The watchman shudders here.)


Here are some Bible verses evidencing how God views at ‘craftiness’.

Ephesians 4:13-15 (New King James Version) 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

Job 5:12-14 (Amplified Bible) 12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise or anything of [lasting] worth. 13He catches the [so-called] wise in their own trickiness, and the counsel of the schemers is brought to a quick end. 14In the daytime they meet in darkness, and at noon they grope as in the night.

Genesis 3:1 NOW THE serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?

Luke 13:32 And He (Jesus) said to them, Go and tell that fox (Herod) [sly and crafty, skulking and cowardly], Behold, I drive out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish (complete) My course.

1 Thessalonians 2:2-4 (New Living Translation) 2 You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. 3 So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery. 4 For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.

Revelation 18:22 (On the New City of God) The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.


________________A word for watchman prophet:

How not to be a false prophet?

Jeremiah 23: 22 If they had stood before me and listened to me,

they would have spoken my words,

and they would have turned my people

from their evil ways and deeds.

Three Battle grounds: the mind, the church and the heavenly places

The watchman had to wait for someone outside a Christian Bookshop one evening. As usual he waited in the car as he knew from experience and in the spirit that he could not find any suitable book there. However this time the Spirit prompted him to go in. He was led straight to a bookshelf which most Christian readers would not notice. There he bent down and found three Spirit-led must-read books. Alas, all were in another language.

He bought them anyway. When he finished reading the first book, he knew this is the book for his end times class to read this season. So he ordered the original which arrived a week later. He read the book and is now led to share with his blog readers. This is an essential text for all at this end time!


The Three Battlegrounds - An indepth view of the three arenas of spiritual warfare: the mind, the church and the heavenly places (by Francis Frangipane, 1989)

Here are some excerpts and quotations from the first three chapters of the book.

“This is a book about spiritual warfare.” “After spending much time with struggling pastors, I have seen a common trend in most: They failed to discern the assault of the evil. They stood unprotected against an ancient, treacherous foe.” “Jesus warned that the love of many would grow cold. Do not presume it cannot happen to you. Our enemy has been deceiving mankind for thousands of years. Our experience, on the other hand, spans but a brief moment. It is wisdom to recognize that we do not know all there is concerning warfare.”

Part One: The Battleground of the Mind

“Indeed, the uncrucified thought life is the beachhead of satanic assault in our lives. To defeat the devil, we must be renewed in the spirit of our minds!”

Chapter 1: Satan’s Domain: The Realm of Darkness

“Many Christians debate whether the devil is on the earth or in hell; can he dwell in Christians or only in the world? The fact is, the devil is in darkness. Wherever there is spiritual darkness, there the devil will be.”

“Jesus warned: “Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness” (Luke 11:35)” “Satan has a legal access, given to him by God, to dwell in darkness. The devil can traffic in any area of darkness, even the darkness that still exists in a Christian’s heart.”

“If we will be effective in spiritual warfare, we must be discerning of our own hearts; we must walk humbly with our God. Our first course of action must be “submit to God.” Then, as we “resist the devil…he will flee.” (James 4:7)

“There is a recurring precept throughout this book. It is vital that you know, understand, and apply this principle for your future success in warfare. That principle is this: Victory begins with the name of Jesus on your lips, but it will not be consummated until the nature of Jesus is in your heart.”

Chapter 2: The Stronghold of The Godly: Humility

“Satan fears virtue. He is terrified of humility. His hair stands up when Christians kneel down (before God), for humility is the surrender of the soul to God. The devil trembles before the meek…there stands the Lord, and Satan is terrified of Jesus Christ.”

Chapter Three: Pulling Down Strongholds

“What men call “salvation” is simply the first stage of God’s plan for our lives, which is to conform us in character and power to the image of Jesus Christ.“

“Pulling down strongholds is the demolition and removal of our old ways of thinking so that the actual presence of Jesus Christ can be manifested through us.”

“A demonic stronghold is any type of thinking that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, thereby giving the devil a secure place of influence in an individual’s life.” (2 Cor.10:3-5)

” Christians can be oppressed by demons, which can occupy unregenerate thought-systems, especially if those thoughts are defended by self-deception or false doctrines.” “Your rebellion toward God provides a place fo the devil in your life.” “A number of Christians are tormented by various fears. They needed more than prayer; they needed deliverance.”

“Any area of our heart or mind not surrendered to Jesus Christ is an area vulnerable to Satanic attack.”

“Repentance precedes deliverance. The pulling down of strongholds begins with repentance.”

“When Jesus sent out His disciples, “They went out and preached that men should repent. And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.” (Mark 6:12-13) “Note the sequence of recovery…”

“If you are truly walking with Jesus, many areas of your thinking processes will be exposed. Yet, there will be power from God to enable you to repent and receive His virtue into your life.”

______________

You can buy this book and read or listen to. here are some of the links for purchase on the internet.

http://www.amazon.com/Three-Battlegrounds-Depth-Spiritual-Heavenly/dp/1886296383

http://www.elijahshopper.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=DL_EB-FF004

http://stores2.faithhighway.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=API&Product_Code=FF2-001&Category_Code=Books

End Times Witnessing: PEACE – the third piece of armor

Jesus said “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ” (John 10:10)

What does the thief (Satan) try to steal, kill and destroy? The watchman heard today that it is “Peace”! The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul to the believers, “The God of Peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (Romans 16:20) It is therefore obvious why the enemy does not want you to have peace!

How do you lose your peace? It is not difficult to detect. Losses in physical material possessions, in marriage and relationship, in matters that you think give you security and pride etc. The key word that causes you to lose your peace is “losses”.

"Satan's arsenal consists of such things as fear, worry, doubt and self-pity. Every one of these weapons robs us of peace and leaves us troubled inside. Do you want to discern where the enemy is coming against you? In the network of your relationships, wherever you do not have peace, you have war. Conversely, wherever you have peace, you have victory." ("The Three Battlegrounds, Francis Frangipane)

How not to lose your peace?


You need to be spiritually minded to have true peace

Romans 8:5-7 (NKJV) 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

Peace is the third piece of the whole armor of God

Romans 10:15
And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Ephesians 6:15
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;


Jesus is the Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Only Jesus gives supernatural peace to those who believe in and follow Him

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

(take note: only in Jesus you can have peace. If you are in the world you will have tribulation! Are you in Christ?)


Peace comes with Salvation (Jesus)!

Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things,Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “ Your God reigns!”

Luke 2:14 “ Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Acts 10:36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all—

Romans 5:1
[ Faith Triumphs in Trouble ] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Having Peace means you are living with other saints in the Kingdom of God!

Romans 1:7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 13:11
[ Greetings and Benediction ] Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Galatians 6:16
[ Blessing and a Plea ] And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

Philippians 4:7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Having Peace means the power of the Holy Spirit is upon you!

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The God of Peace (Jesus) has Power and Authority over Satan

Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Confusion in churches of the saints is from Satan1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but ofpeace, as in all the churches of the saints.

God of Peace Himself sanctifies you

1 Thessalonians 5:23 [ Blessing and Admonition ] Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:20 [ Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell ] Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Peace multiplied in the knowledge of God (by the Spirit and Blood)

2 Peter 1:2
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

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.

Acts 9:31
[ The Church Prospers ] Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Peace and righteousness are together

Romans 14:17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hebrews 7:2 to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”

James 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Be in Christ! Then you will not lose your peace!
Don't forget John 10:10 - the enemy will always try to come to steal peace. Focus on Jesus!