End Times Witnessing: how a young man described his diseased dad

On the previous night the watchman attended a wake night service for a solitary man who passed away for three days in his bathroom without being known. The estranged wife who took away their daughter could not be found for over a year. The only son came home after receiving the news was on his own to bear the whole burden of the funeral. He is a young man in his early twenties, newly graduated and found a job in a distant town. He was asked to say something about his dad and he spoke about three lines, “A traditional man who did not know how to express his love for his family. But he did help out (monetarily) whenever I needed. We never knew how precious he was until we have lost him. That was my dad.” (The service leader later consoled that because the man who passed away was a believer of Christ, and we are brethren in Christ, we will see him in heaven one day.)

Indeed, the silent demise of a lonely man makes the watchman ponder again on how to ensure one will be with Jesus when one leaves this lonely world, desolate and forsaken.
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Today’s verse for the watchman relates to an earlier discourse with the class on Sunday. The class read verses on the kingdom of light as against the kingdom of darkness. Then they went on to read about the need to be born again by Spirit and water to see and enter the kingdom of God. The questions of who will see and enter and how to see and enter are of utmost importance at this end time.

When the watchman rose to intercede this morning he was led to read and pray on the following passages. He read the whole chapter five. However, he included only the verses on how to be born again and have eternal life.

1 John 5 (NKJV)

1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

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Summary on how to be born again and who they become:

1.Believe that Jesus is the Christ.

2.Believe in the name of the Son of God.

3.Overcome the world, by faith.

4.Keep God’s commandments: love God and love His children.

5.Receive the Son of God (Jesus Christ) Who is Eternal Life.

6.Believe in the testimony given by: three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit

7.Believe in the testimony given by: three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water (see comment below), and the blood.

8.Knowing the above testimonies is essential for a believer in Christ: the trinity God (Father-Son/Word-Holy Spirit), the Holy Spirit in believer, the daily washing of the water/word of God, and the blood of the Lamb of God (Jesus’ redemption/full salvation of us on the cross).

The watchman’s comment: the word ‘water’ signifies the word of God. He is reminded of the verse in Eph.5:25, wherein the Holy Spirit reminded husbands to love their wives,

“just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,”

He is also reminded of the deep cleansing by the word of God during the Water Gate Revival that happened in Jerusalem as excerpted below.

In Nehemiah 8, “all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses; And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.”
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The watchman comments: Have you ever wept when you hear the word of God? He remembered when he was a very young man he wept for weeks when he read the Gospel of John, as led by the Holy Spirit. Why did he weep? He was deeply touched by the Father's love!
The words became life and Spirit to him for the first time in his life. He then began a journey to seek God and encounter Him in many ways. His life was transformed when God met with him…

End Times Witnessing: Watchman’s testimony on UNDESERVED-FAVOR

On the Lord’s Day, the watchman woke and was led to focus on the heavenly Father’s ‘unfailing love” in his NLT Bible. He was quite surprised as he was ministering the word to an elderly bed-ridden man who had been shouting non-stop on the previous day. The watchman was also interceding for an impossible case.


But the prompting in his spirit was clearly “unfailing love”. It was not warfare weapon or any new way of casting out demons etc. He did not expect that “unfailing love” could be relevant at that point of time. But the watchman obeyed.

The outcome was equally if not more stunning. He received three undeserved-favors/grace of God within the short span of three days! When he looked up the NIV Bible, he discovered that the term “unfailing love” in another version of the Bible is “grace” in the NIV Bible. The Amplified Bible gives a even clearer definition as follows:

John 1:17 Amplified Bible (AMP) 17 For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The three favors are: The old gentleman indeed slept calmly and stopped his angry outbursts. The impossible intercession case witnessed a miraculous breakthrough that definitedly revealed the favorable hand of the Lord moving! The third favor came to him personally as a long waited impossible bonus breakthrough too -moving one gigantic mountain just in time as he has asked the Lord to remove it before end June!

When the watchman burst out with praises and thanksgiving in his heart to the Lord, a person who happened to be tidying up the work desk, picked up a book and reminded him that another intercessor who came in from outstation last Thursday for two days had given it to the watchman and said that the Holy Spirit wanted him to have it and also asked him to give a copy to another person too (who happened to be the one in the ‘impossible case’).

The watchman looked at the title and was speechless and in awe. The book is called, “FAVOR -THE ROAD TO SUCCESS -How to receive Special Favor with God and with People” (by Bob Buess)!

______________Bible Verses on “unfailing love”

Genesis 32:10
I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!
Genesis 32:9-11 (in Context) Genesis 32 (Whole Chapter)

Exodus 15:13
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
Exodus 15:12-14 (in Context) Exodus 15 (Whole Chapter)

Ezra 7:28
And praise him for demonstrating such unfailing love to me by honoring me before the king, his council, and all his mighty nobles! I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me. And I gathered some of the leaders of Israel to return with me to Jerusalem.
Ezra 7:27-28 (in Context) Ezra 7 (Whole Chapter)

Nehemiah 1:5
Then I said,“O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands,
Nehemiah 1:4-6 (in Context) Nehemiah 1 (Whole Chapter)

Nehemiah 9:17
They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt! But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them,
Nehemiah 9:16-18 (in Context) Nehemiah 9 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 6:4
Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 6:3-5 (in Context) Psalm 6 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 13:5
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 13 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 18:50
He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing love to his anointed, to David and to his descendants forever.
Psalm 18:49-50 (in Context) Psalm 18 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 21:7
For the king trusts in the LORD; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.

Psalm 21:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 21 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 26:3
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.
Psalm 26:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 26 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 31:16
Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 31:15-17 (in Context) Psalm 31 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 32:10
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.
Psalm 32:9-11 (in Context) Psalm 32 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 33:5
The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
Psalm 33:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 33 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 33:18
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
Psalm 33:17-19 (in Context) Psalm 33 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 33:22
May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Psalm 33:21-22 (in Context) Psalm 33 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 36:7
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 36:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 36 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 44:26
Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.
Psalm 44:25-26 (in Context) Psalm 44 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 48:9
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.
Psalm 48:8-10 (in Context) Psalm 48 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 51:1
[ Psalm 51 ] For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Psalm 51:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 51 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 52:8

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.
Psalm 52:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 52 (Whole Chapter)


Psalm 62:12
and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.”
Psalm 62:11-12 (in Context) Psalm 62 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 77:8
Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
Psalm 77:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 77 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 85:7
Show us your unfailing love, LORD, and grant us your salvation.
Psalm 85:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 85 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:13-15 (in Context) Psalm 90 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 94:18
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
Psalm 94:17-19 (in Context) Psalm 94 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 107:8
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
Psalm 107:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 107 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 107:15
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
Psalm 107:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 107 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 107:21
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 107:20-22 (in Context) Psalm 107 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 107:31
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
Psalm 107:30-32 (in Context) Psalm 107 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 109:26
Help me, LORD my God; save me according to your unfailing love.
Psalm 109:25-27 (in Context) Psalm 109 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:41
May your unfailing love come to me, LORD, your salvation, according to your promise;
Psalm 119:40-42 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:76
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.
Psalm 119:75-77 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:88
In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
Psalm 119:87-89 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 130:7
Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
Psalm 130:6-8 (in Context) Psalm 130 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 138:2
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame.
Psalm 138:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 138 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Psalm 143:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 143 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 143:12
In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.
Psalm 143:11-12 (in Context) Psalm 143 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 147:11
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:10-12 (in Context) Psalm 147 (Whole Chapter)

Proverbs 19:22
What a person desires is unfailing love ; better to be poor than a liar.
Proverbs 19:21-23 (in Context) Proverbs 19 (Whole Chapter)

Proverbs 20:6
Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
Proverbs 20:5-7 (in Context) Proverbs 20 (Whole Chapter)

Isaiah 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:9-11 (in Context) Isaiah 54 (Whole Chapter)

Lamentations 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.
Lamentations 3:31-33 (in Context) Lamentations 3 (Whole Chapter)

Hosea 10:12
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
Hosea 10:11-13 (in Context) Hosea 10 (Whole Chapter)

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).

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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: Armor 4 – Shield of Faith

Shield of Faith is a must in the whole armor of God that we need to put on daily. This spiritual shield quenches the fiery arrows of the enemy (which he shoots at you day and night). Here is a random list of faith in action from Bible verses with this watchman's comments in bold letters. Do read the Bible and find the rest of the faith verses which form the shield for you and your loved ones! 
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Have faith in God’s ability and willingness to provide all that we need.


Matthew 6:30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

God (Jesus) is pleased with faith but cannot find it inIsrael (His own people –His church today! On the other hand the unbeliever is able to have great faith once converted!)

Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!

Fear hinders faith. The disciples became men of no faith!

Matthew 8:26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

Faith in Jesus can result in sins being forgiven.

Matthew 9:2 Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.”

Others’ faith contributed to a paralytic receiving healing from Jesus.

Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”


Faith in Jesus can make one become well immediately.

Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.


The blind men received healing according to their faith in Jesus.

Matthew 9:29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.”


Doubt hinders faith. Peter (who prior to this manifestation was walking on water by faith in Jesus) sank when he started doubting Jesus.

Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”


A mother’s faith in Jesus resulted in her daughter being instantly healed by Jesus.

Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.


Faith means not looking at the physical aspects. Faith is spiritual. Live by faith means live by the Spirit.

Matthew 16:8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread?


Unbelief hinders the mountain moving power of faith!

Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.


Faith means not doubting and carrying out faith related action (by speaking God’s word)

Matthew 21:21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.


Even the essence of the law includes faith (together with justice and mercy).

Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.


A woman’s faith in Jesus had made her well from her long term illness.

Mark 5:34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”


A blind man’s faith in Jesus had made him well.

Mark 10:52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.


Faith means faith in Jesus (God).

Mark 11:22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God.


Both women’s faith in action has saved them. They received both healing and peace of God because of their faith in Jesus!

Luke 7:50 Then He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Luke 8:48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”


Jesus expects use of faith in His followers. He wants to see their faith. Did they put it in a closet? Why did they not use their faith? (He implies that all they need is to take it out and use it, they would even overcome the powerful elements of nature! Winds and stormy waves are no match for faith in Jesus!)

Luke 8:25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”



Faith requires belief in the words of God and use them without doubt. There is no need to ask for increase of faith! Faith’s application overcomes natural law.

Luke 17:5 [ Faith and Duty ] And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” Luke 17:6
So the Lord said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.


One out of ten lepers returned to give glory to God when he saw that he was healed. Thus, by putting his faith in Jesus and being thankful (and worshipful), he received wellness from Jesus in addition to being cleansed of his leprosy!

Luke 17:19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.”


Jesus has forewarned that He will look for faith on the earth when He returns. He also has linked faith and persistent prayers together. (For those who do not pray you would have no faith to show to the Lord when He comes).

Luke 18:8 Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”


Faith must not fail. Jesus even interceded for Peter so his faith should not fail. Intercession will help your loved ones’ faith not to fail.

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”



Faith in Jesus’ name has made a man lame from his mother’s womb healed. Peter had faith in Jesus’ mighty name and he gave this to the lame man who also received with faith. Thus the miracle occurred!

Acts 3:16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.


(Stephen) A man having faith and the power of the Holy Spirit work together to do great wonders and signs.

Acts 6:8 [ Stephen Accused of Blasphemy ] And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.


(Barnabas) A good man having faith and full of the Holy Spirit together bring many to Christ.

Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.


Faith to be healed can be observed. The cripple from mother’s womb thus received his healing from Paul.

Acts 14:9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,


Having faith is a life time requirement to enter the kingdom of God.

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”


Faith is a door to enter the kingdom of God.

Acts 14:27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.


Faith cleanses and purifies the believer’s heart for the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Acts 15:8-9 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.


Churches’ growth in number relates to being strengthened in the faith.


Acts 16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.


Testifying, repentance and faith work together in salvation.


Acts 20:21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.


Those sanctified by faith in Jesus may receive double blessings: forgiveness of sins and inheritance as sons of God from God

Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’

Watchman’s adventure: memorize the names of 66 books in the Bible (the lighter Asian way)

The class asked the watchman for tips to memorize the names of the 66 books in the Bible. So the watchman woke one day hearing all the sounds in the oriental way. The following is strictly meant for those who desperately need creative help to visualize words. (You will find sounds like Asian names. Indeed there is a story in these sounds!) However, the best way is still to keep reading the Bible until you know all the books inside out.


Old Testament Books


Gen Ex Le Num De (a Gen-X Asian man named ‘Li Num-De’)

Jos Jud Ru Sam Sam (making a watery dessert ‘Jud Ru’, which is the same as a popular green asian jelly ‘chendol’)

Kin Kin Chron Chron Ez N Es (making a lot of sound in vain; so he has to SMS his friends to come to his aid)

Job Psalm Pro Eccl Song (2 men came : “Jackson Po’ and ‘Edgar Song’)

Isa J Lam Eze Dan (another 3 men came : “Isa’ , ‘J Lam’ and ‘Easy Dan’)

Ho Joe Amo O (his son ‘Ho Joe’ and daughter in law ‘Amo O’ also helped)

Jon Mi Na Hab Zeph (his friendly neighbor ‘Jominah Haja’ helped)

Ha Zech Ma (another Japanese friend ‘Hajima’ also helped)

(Together they worked as a team and finally produced the delicious dessert ‘Jud-Ru’ which all enjoyed eating!)



New Testaments Books


Ma Ma Luk John ( a man named John was to make marmalade)

A Ro Cor Cor (they are cocoa flavored)

Gal Eph Phili Co (he asked his little boy ‘Phili Co’ to get up to help)

Thess Thess Tim Tim Ti Phile He (to taste the sweet stuff; also asking his little girl ‘Phile He’ to taste)

Jam Pet Pet 123 John Jud R (finally he finished and packed the jam and his children cheered him on)

(They worked as a happy family and lived happily ever after enjoying the delicious jam.)

End Times Witnessing: What is Righteousness? (a young ruler missed heaven too)

When a rich young ruler (almost perfect in man’s righteousness) came to Jesus he knew he still missed out something and he wanted to know what that missing act was, so he could make it up and enter heaven. But when Jesus talked to him he still missed seeing the truth, that is, no man has the physical ability to attain God’s righteousness. So he went away sadly because he was still thinking in the physical and mental perfection realm. He could not meet the righteous plumbline of God.

But Jesus assured His disciples, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God”!

How sad it was that the rich young ruler did not see God (Jesus), who was right in front of him, talking to him so patiently, full of grace (undeserved favor for the young ruler) and mercy. If only he had lingered on and not in a hurry to go away…Alas, God had time for him but he had no time for God!

Luke 18:18-30

18 Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler18 Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

19 So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”[a]

21 And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.”

22 So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

23 But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

With God All Things Are Possible

24 And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”

27 But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

28 Then Peter said, “See, we have left all[b] and followed You.”

29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

End Times Witnessing: What is Truth? (how a man missed entering heaven)

A life time one-off opportunity to encounter God and have a discourse with Him came to one man. Pilate was such a blessed man (even if momentarily).

The Jews brought Jesus to Pilate (the Roman governor of Judea) as he had the authority to judge and pass death sentence to a criminal. (The Jewish leaders wanted Jesus be crucified and dead.) So Pilate had a rare occasion to encounter Jesus. The following is the conversation between Pilate and God (Jesus):

John 18:33-38 (New King James Version)

33 Then Pilate entered the Praetorium again, called Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered him, “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?”

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

37 Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.

______________________

Pilate and Jesus were talking on two different levels. Pilate asked questions and Jesus answered. But Pilate could not understand what Jesus was telling him.

1. Pilate’s Question: “Are you the king of the Jews?”

Jesus’ Answer: “Are you speaking for yourself about this, or did others tell you this concerning Me?”

What Jesus was interested was Pilate’s motive behind the question. What was he trying to find out? Was he seeking God for himself? Or was he just repeating what others had accused as a routine part of the interrogation? Jesus was also trying to alert Pilate to ponder and see beyond his narrow vision.

2. Pilate’s Question: “Am I a Jew?” (meaning: what you are is none of my personal concern. I am not interested in who you are. I am just doing a job here) “What have you done?” (another interrogation question)

Jesus’ answer: ““My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” (Jesus told him plainly who He is, so Pilate had a chance to rise to a higher level)

3. Pilate’s Question: “Are You a king then?” (Alas, he remained uninterested, merely continuing his usual interrogation)

Jesus’ answer: “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (Jesus gave Pilate another chance to know Him, the King of kings, Lord of lords)

4. Pilate’s Question: “What is truth?” (Pilate missed the chance. He was still engrossed in doing his normal usual mundane mortal chores as a governor. He missed the once in a life time opportunity to know God, whom he had encountered face to face!) He wasn’t looking for an answer to life. He remained a sceptical, hardened, pragmatic military-political-administrative man.

After this discourse, Pilate thought he had done his job and told the Jews his conclusion. “I find no fault in Him at all.” He told them.


The kingdom of God had come so near to Pilate but he missed it. Why? He was just a natural human, walking according to what can be seen and perceived by the senses. He could not understand the supernatural (spiritual) realm and its reality.

1 Corinthians 2:14 “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

So, this is how you can get so close to entering the kingdom of God and and yet miss entering the narrow gate…

End Time Faith in Action: Follow the Lord’s example

The Lord Yeshua says things in a very simple and precise way when He preached the Gospel, healed and delivered the afflicted and sick. He does not waste words, as demonstrated below in the Gospel recorded by Mark.

1:15 He spoke to all: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel!”

1:17 He spoke to the disciples: “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

1:25 He cut short the evil spirit in a man in the synagogue: “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

1:41 He responded with compassion to the leper who knelt down before Him asking to be cleansed (healed): “I am willing; be cleansed.”

2:5 When he saw the friends’ faith, he spoke to the paralytic: “Son, your sins ar forgiven you.” v11 ”I say to you, arise, take up your bed and go to your house.” The man was healed instantly.

3:3,5 He said to the man with a withered hand in the synagogue: “Step forward.” “Stretch out your hand.” As he stretched it out the hand was restored.

4:39 He rebuked and calmed the great windstorm and roaring waves: “Peace, be still.” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.

5:8 He delivered the man with two thousands demons: “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!”

5:34 He reassured the woman who had been healed of her bleeding ailment (of 12 years) just be touching His garment: “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

5:41 he reaised a dead child from the dead: “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” Immediatey the girl arose and walked.

He gave the disciples power and authority to do the same. 6:12-13 “So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them all.”

Mark 16:15-18

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.

_____Acts 1:8 Yeshua says: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”___________

Thus, end time faith in action for all believers should be just like the above: preach the Good News to everyone, with miraculous signs accompanying those who believe. The accomplishment is not by force, not be strength, but by the Holy Spirit! (Zechariah 4:6)

End Times Church Survival Kits: five more prayer weapons!

During the week, the watchman has received daily revelation of verses that showed him many different prayer weapons. They turned out to be the end times survival kits as well!


He has briefly discussed the first three prayer weapons in a previous blog. Here he would list five further weapons. However, readers need the Holy Spirit to decode, understand and know how to use them. Only the spiritually discerned will understand matters (mysteries) pertaining to the Spirit. (“We speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truth.” “Only those who are spiritual understand what the Spirit means.” 1Cor.2:13-14)

The Fourth Weapon: “Set your sight on the realities of heaven” “Think of the things of heaven.” The verses are from Colossians 3:1-2 and the rest of the chapter.

The Fifth Weapon: All Scripture makes us realize what is wrong, corrects us when we are wrong; teaches us what is true, teaches us to do what is right. (2 Tim.3:16)

The Sixth Weapon: The Wall of Fire. Zechariah 2:5 “Then I, myself, will be a protective wall of fire around Jerusalem, says the Lord. And I will be the glory inside the city!” Exodus 14;24 “But just before dawn the Lord looked down on the Egyptian army from the pillar of fire and cloud, and he threw their forces into total confusion.”

The Seventh Weapon: The Power of the name of God (pray in the name of Jesus). John 17:11 “Holy Father, You have given Me Your name. Now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.” 15 “Keep them safe from the evil one.” Read the whole chapter.

The Eight Weapon: “Command” and “Boundary“. read Jobs 38-41.

O church watchman, be spiritual! There is no option. The Holy Spirit is the only key to survival in end times.

End Times Witnessing: Rebuilding your Old Gate -walk the Old Path- back to Calvary

The watchman discovered that rebuilding Old City Gate has great depth of meaning and significance that he could never have dreamed of. Yes, the Spirit of God prompted him to find this old path as he waited upon the Lord. When leading the class to do this prophetic act of faith he had merely started the work by faith. But now he knows this not initiated by him. The following are revelations received as he sought the Lord.
Revelation One: God wants His people to look back to Him as the Foundation, the Source of life. Ps. 102:25 “Long ago, You laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with Your hands.” Jeremiah 6:16 states ‘Thus says the Lord, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.’
Revelation Two: God’s truth stands firm as a foundation stone. 2 Tim.2:19 “But God’s truth stands firm as a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Revelation Three: God has assigned some of His people to be re-builders. Isa.58:12 “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a re-builder of walls and a restorer of homes.” In v11, the Lord also promises that He will guide you continually, giving water when you are dry and restoring your strength. (This was exactly what Yeshua did when He came to the two followers on the road to Emmaus).
Revelation Four: The Lord Yeshua Christ comes personally to accompany His re-builders onto the right path. On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), the resurrected Yeshua came to His two followers. They were sad and disappointed, as they thought their hope in the Messiah re-building the physical Israel nation dash to pieces. But the Lord Yeshua came to seek them out, took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. After the seven miles’ walk, at their invitation, He went home with them, sat down to eat, took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him!
The watchman was at first puzzled over this last passage. What has the Road to Emmaus got to do with the Old Gate? Then his eyes were opened. He looked up the map and indeed found that it started outside the Old Gate and stretched North-West ward. This was not a coincidence. The watchman knew in his spirit that the Lord Yeshua has revealed this truth.
When believers and followers of Christ depart from the Old Gate plumb line of God, they will be filled with discouragement, emptiness of purpose, helplessness and even hopelessness. They have left the solid rock foundation of old (the Ancient of Old) and moved their building to shaky foundation of sands. The path away from the right path of the godly (righteous in Christ) is described as “the path of the wicked” in Psalm One. The Lord only watches over the path of the godly (righteous) (Ps.1:6)
Psalm 121 promises you pilgrims who ascend to Jerusalem, to worship the Lord God Almighty Himself (not turning away from Him), the Lord Himself watches over your life, keeps you from all harm, stands beside you as a protective shade and He will not let you stumble. Indeed, “He will keep watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” (Ps.121:8)
One clearly revealed clue for us is that Yeshua (Jesus) uses the Word of God to turn our focus back to Him and His Redemption. Only by reading and understanding His Word the followers’ spiritual eyes opened which changed the course of their life immediately. They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” “And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem” (to testify for Him)! (Luke 24:32-33)


When the two disciples walked back to Jerusalem’s Old Gate, they were indeed walking towards Calvary, not away from the Cross as they did in the confusion after Jesus was crucified. Indeed, when they arrived, they found to their great joy that He is risen!!
______________________________
Faith in Action: Old City Gate Rebuilding Group: Purple cloth is used to represent ‘before time’ ‘Ancient of Days’ God; the old paths of God; Original Foundation (Yeshua Himself). The builders’ names are: Joiada (the Lord knows), Meshullam (repaying), Melatiah (Jehovah delivers), Jadon (judge), people from Mizpah (watch tower)

End Times Witnessing: The night is nearly over!

WATCHMAN’S PROPHETIC PROCLAMATION FOR END TIMES:

Isaiah 42:7
to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 49:9 to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ 

“They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.
Isaiah 61:1
[ The Year of the LORD's Favor ] The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Psalm 146:7
He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free,
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed
Romans 8:21
that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Isaiah 42:16

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Isaiah 45:7
I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things.
Isaiah 58:10
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 59:9
So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows.
Jeremiah 13:16
Give glory to the LORD your God before he brings the darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to thick darkness and change it to deep gloom.
Daniel 2:22
He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
Matthew 4:16
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Matthew 6:23
But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Luke 11:34
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness.
Luke 11:35
See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 3:19
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
John 8:12
[ The Validity of Jesus' Testimony ] When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 12:35
Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.
John 12:46
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
Acts 26:18
to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
Romans 13:12

The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
2 Corinthians 4:6

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:14
[ Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers ] Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
Ephesians 5:8
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
1 Thessalonians 5:5
You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
1 Peter 2:9

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."

1 John 1:5
[ Walking in the light ] This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 2:8
Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.
1 John 2:9
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.

End Times Witnessing: The Power of Word

2 Chronicles 17

Jehoshaphat King of Judah

¹ Jehoshaphat his son succeeded him as king and strengthened himself against Israel. ² He stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim that his father Asa had captured.
³ The LORD was with Jehoshaphat because in his early years he walked in the ways his father David had followed. He did not consult the Baals ⁴ but sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel. ⁵ The LORD established the kingdom under his control; and all Judah brought gifts to Jehoshaphat, so that he had great wealth and honor. ⁶ His heart was devoted to the ways of the LORD; furthermore, he removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah.
⁷ In the third year of his reign he sent his officials Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel and Micaiah to teach in the towns of Judah. ⁸ With them were certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah and Tob-Adonijah—and the priests Elishama and Jehoram. ⁹ They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD; they went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.
¹⁰ The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. ¹¹ Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats.
¹² Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful; he built forts and store cities in Judah ¹³ and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.

Chapter one hundred: Holy Spirit gives a bonus!

On the day Jack decided to complete the blog series on Journey in the Holy Spirit, he received a big gift, indeed a huge bonus! He woke around 5am and knew in his spirit that he had to go to the prayer table. So he got up and went downstairs. At the table he was still troubled by the dull ache on his left temple. On the previous night it developed into a sharp pain and he had a hard time commanding it to go away.
However he started to talk to God. He was supposed to intercede for a critical case of a man who had again lost consciousness after being resuscitated in the afternoon at a rural hospital. But he was out of words and could not proceed. he prayed awhile in the Spirit. He asked God to reveal to him word of knowledge and wisdom, together with discernment in spirits.
He also committed his own problem, i.e. the dull ache on top of his left eye. Then he opened his Bible and read. He was led to read Psalm 103. Normally he would have read verse 3 about forgiven and healing. But today he was led to read verse 5, describing the Lord God “who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Then he was led to note verses 20-21, which he had previously read without noticing anything. “Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure.”
He suddenly realized that the angels who minister to the believers (as stated in Heb.1:14), listen only to the word of God and put the word of God into action when the believers proclaim the word of God!
It was indeed a bonus! The next thing that happened further demonstrated to him how close to him and how much the Holy Spirit is willing to impart important wisdom.
As he pondered over the obstacle to the intercession for that very sick man, and bothered by his own nagging ache, he saw a book lying around. It was a classic book on divine healing, a recent gift which he had not been able to read yet. He took it up, opened and glanced through the contents just to see what are inside. He was looking for “eyes” ailment, but he was disappointed.
However, he read on and found something relevant. It was on “Stress disorders, anxiety and fear”. He turned to the section and found what he was looking for. It described how the brain affects the body (including health). The author used certain medical and physiological information and links them to emotional manifestations and spiritual causal factors.
The author then quoted one crucial verse, “1 John 4:18 is the functional Scripture for the healing of many fear, anxiety and stress disorders“. He concluded and summarized his recommendation for healing: reconciliation with God and His love; reconciliation with yourself; and reconciliation with others.
The verse was exactly the same verse Jack had given to his class last Sunday as the key to casting out fears (which he described as a major hindrance to faith and healing). “There is no fear in love; but perfect love cast out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” In that class, Jack also emphasized the need to reconcile and not harbor unforgiveness which could hinder the participants from experiencing the manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
Later that morning Jack further saw the unfolding of the mystery surrounding that poor man. The big picture emerged clearly.
He decided to go to the Prayer House to pray in the Spirit. It was a purposeful morning and the Lord was with him just as He promised.
Although this blog series ends here, he will continue to walk in the Spirit and learn from the Anointed One. His life remains that of a man who travels on in the Spirit.

Chapter ninety-nine: Seeing the big picture from the miniature

It was like walking in the desert and coming across a small patch of oasis. There were only two palm trees, a well and a tiny tent enough for one traveler. When Jack first started this travel blog (in the Holy Spirit), he had no idea what he would find each step of his way. After such a long (in his own perception) walk with the Lord all these years he had reached a point where he had to have a breakthrough. He only had one road map, the Bible. He knew the answer was there somewhere.
His daily journey after stepping out in faith was increasingly focused, as he allowed the Holy Spirit to lead him. There was never one clear road map with every details but the details provided were essential and clear enough for him. He was led step by step.
A number of things emerged and confirmed to him he was walking toward the right direction in his journey of faith.
As he had recorded previously, they came in the form of visions, dreams, verses, messages, words of knowledge and words of wisdom from others, and the fresh assignments given to him.
Prior to this journey, he had been given a variety of ministerial functions, including, teaching, preaching, serving in committees, training, exhorting, encouraging, helping, shepherding small groups etc. He did not know then whether he was anointed or not for any of them.
However, during this journey in the Holy Spirit, he was clearer about his anointing for specific assignments. At first he was unsure as he found that he was assigned a variety of functions with the relevant gift/anointing for that specific occasion. The assignment (and the anointing therein) was meant for just that occasion or a few of similar ones.
What was his calling? He had often asked God. Why was he given such a variety of tasks that demanded different gifts/anointing? Why was his audience so limited (in numbers and other natural aspects)?
After taking on each assignment by faith, he gradually saw the big picture.It finally dawned on him the calling and the answer to his questions.
He was not called to stand in the office of a pastor, nor an evangelist, nor a prophet, nor a preacher, nor an Apostle. He was called to be an ‘anointed type teacher’. A teacher of anointed ‘type’ to be exact. The Holy Spirit manifested in many different gifts during the respective assignments to give demonstrations to his lessons.
His lessons were to focus on showing examples of different anointed functions. There was no requirement for him to stand in the office of any of the anointed offices.
This revelation explains why he had been exposed to so many different offices and gifts.
Knowing this calling has cleared all his doubts. He is no longer under pressure to ensure a large turn out for any class. As the Lord Jesus promised in Matt. 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
To his amazement, he was the student learning and benefiting most from the lessons where the Anointed One conducted the teaching. Indeed, the lessons carried on outside the classroom, often when he was alone worshiping or just resting in the presence of the Almighty. Even the garden has become his personal classroom.
As for why he is required to learn to teach anointed ‘type’ teaching, he is still waiting for the next instruction from his Teacher. Meanwhile, he just continues to enjoy the role of a student himself.

End Time Assignment to all Christians: Witnessing

The Holy Spirit gives power to witness Jesus to all nations
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Jesus gave importance to witnessing: John 8:14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. John 8:18 I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” John 10:25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. John 12:17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. John 15:27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

Jesus is the true witness: Revelation 1:5 from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, Revelation 3:14 [ To The Lukewarm Church ] “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness,'
God (Holy Spirit) also witness: Heb. 10:15 "But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before," Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? Hebrews 10:15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,

1 John 5:6 [ The Certainty of God’s Witness ] This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one. 1 John 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son. 1 John 5:10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.

Disciples accepted the importance of witnessing: Acts 1:22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Acts 2:32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Acts 3:15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. Acts 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 5:32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” Acts 10:43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” Acts 14:3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. Revelation 1:2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.

Paul's witnessing: Acts 22:15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 23:11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” Acts 26:16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. Acts 26:22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—

Many witnesses: 1 Tim.6:12 "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 2 Tim.2:2 "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." Heb. 12:1 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,"
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

Peter and John: 1 Peter 5:1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 1 John 1:2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—

Old Testament witnesses (the prophets):
Hosea 12:10 I have also spoken by the prophets, And have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets.”
Isaiah 43:10 “ You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, “ And My servant whom I have chosen, That you may know and believe Me, And understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, Nor shall there be after Me. Isaiah 43:12 I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, And there was no foreign god among you; Therefore you are My witnesses,” Says the LORD, “that I am God. Isaiah 44:8 Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one." Isaiah 55:4 Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, A leader and commander for the people.

Origin of witnessing: Genesis 31:44 "Now therefore, come, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it be a witness  between you and me.”
God's words witness: Numbers 17:7 And Moses placed the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. Acts 7:44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen," (the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments referred to as the witness/testimony contained within the ark of covenant). Deuteronomy 31:26 “Take this Book of the Law, and put it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there as a witness against you; Deuteronomy 31:28 Gather to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

Chapter Ninety-seven: "Urgent, go back to your original calling!"

He woke with time urgency on his heart. He knew time is running out fast. When he opened the Bible he was led to read Nehemiah 8-9.
Nehemiah Chapter 8 was all about Ezra the scribe reading the Book of the Law to the people (the children of Israel). The people gathered as one man in the open square in front of the Water Gate at Jerusalem. When Ezra opened the Book, all the people stood up. And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. The priests and Levites also assisted by reading distinctly from the Book, gave the sense and helped the people understand the reading. All the people wept when they heard the words of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:1-9)
As Jack pondered on this powerful and touching passage, he wondered why the people responded with their whole hearts to the words of God. The answer was in Nehemiah Chapter 9, in the contents of a song sung by the singing Levites. The song narrated how God had chosen Abram (later renamed by God to Abraham) and made a covenant with him to also include his descendants (the Israelite). God remembered and kept the covenant. Despite His great mercy, deliverance and blessings upon them, the nation of Israel rebelled against God and turned to wicked ways. However, as God had promised, after seventy years of bondage in foreign land, they were again set free to return to their homeland.  God had never imposed any requirement on them except heeding His voice and carrying out His Book of the Law.
When the Book of the Law was read, the people wept. 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."
What sort of a man this Ezra was? When Jack read Ezra Chapter 7, he found that Ezra was thus described, "7:6 this Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given. The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. 7:10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel".  7:11 "Ezra the priest, the scribe, expert in the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of His statutes to Israel."
Ezra was a captive just like other Israelite. But he maintained his original calling: a priest, a scribe, an expert of the words of God. He maintained his standing among his country men. He also established himself in that capacity among the foreign rulers. It was amazing how the foreign king could concede to his requests and gave him all the things he asked for. His trip back to Jerusalem was sponsored and financed by the foreign king!
What was his only goal? He just wanted to teach his people the Law of their God so that they know the true God and obey His words.
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Reading this passage, Jack recalled his first vision about Jesus. In the vision, he saw in his spirit Jesus walked towards him in a hurry on a busy road, holding something in His hand. When he came near, He handed the thing to Jack. It was a rolled up scroll. In a subsequent vision, he saw Jesus handed him a quill pen. Much later he had another vision of Jesus holding an open scroll, reading the contents to him. Often in his visions, Jesus is teaching, demonstrating, showing to him or others as in a teaching and discipleship situation.
Last Sunday's sermon reminded him the passage in Matthew 13:12 "For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." Indeed, he has been given a number of gifts and one which he has often been asked to utilize is teaching gift for which he has received confirmations. He also heeded the godly advice that God does not look at the numbers of how much/many we have accomplished. But He will want to see how faithful we have been using that gift and how we have improved our skill every time we use it to edify others.
Today he examined his blogs and found that he had been too engrossed in describing his experiences in the Holy Spirit to the neglect of teaching God's words!
This wake up call confirmed his previous day's discovery (led by the Holy Spirit) of the key role given to every Christian for end time living, "witnessing" God's Word.
To be continued...