Journey to see God: a self-test to check on your God-reality

The watchman discovered that, the first pertinent question a believer in God must ask is, "Is my God real?"
If you cannot get pass this question with a straight unhesitating affirmative answer without any qualification, there is no need for you to go further on this journey to see God.
God is God. He is not just anyone we can simply treat according to our mood or feeling or thought.
When you believe your God is real, you will need to ask the next question:
"How am I treating Him and His word?"
If your attitude is sometimes you believe He exists, but sometimes you do not, some words you believe as truth, while others you do not believe as truth, then your God is still not real to you.

Take one minute or five minutes (for those who cannot stop describing God) and do this test yourself: 

The rules: without repetition or hesitation.  
The act: describe Who God is to you.
First review: check the quantity (how much or how little) you have written down or spoken about the God you know.
Second review: see the description's quality. Are you describing a lot of self-centered stuff or are you describing God-centered qualities?

After you have discovered how little and how poorly your God is to you, the next step: confess and repent and take actions to set aside more time to know God, through coming into His presence daily, reading His word, praying and talking to Him, listening to Him talking to you.

Learn from KING DAVID, A MAN AFTER GOD'S HEART

Psalm 42:2 (NKJV)

² My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?

 Psalm 63:1 (NKJV) Joy in the Fellowship of God 

A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

63 O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.

 Psalm 143:6 (NKJV)

⁶ I spread out my hands to You;
My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah

For those who have not run out words (in quantity and quality) to describe God, you would want to take a further step of faith, climbing up further on your God's mountain. Moses was asked to climb higher and higher to meet with God Who was ready to reveal to him more and more of Himself!

THE LORD ACTUALLY ASKS FOR MORE!

Song of Solomon 4:8 (NKJV)

⁸ Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse,
With me from Lebanon.
Look from the top of Amana,
From the top of Senir and Hermon,
From the lions’ dens,
From the mountains of the leopards. 

God Himself can teach us how to drink from Him, how to pray and how to commune with Him. Jesus has also affirmed this truth!

 Isaiah 55:1 (NKJV) An Invitation to Abundant Life

55 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts,
Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.

  

John 7:37-38 (NKJV) The Promise of the Holy Spirit

³⁷ On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

God wants us be real with His reality in our lives. There is no option. 
A word of warning from Jesus to the worldly non-committed church:

Revelation 3:15-16 (NKJV)

¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,^[a] I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Footnotes:

1. Revelation 3:16 NU-Text and M-Text read hot nor cold.

Journey to see God: know the covenant God

The watchman’s journey to see God continues. Today’s message is for all who earnestly seek God. God hears and answers your prayers. Do not give up!
This morning the watchman woke around 4am. For today’s message, he was asked to read Joshua 7. He realized it was not a pleasant message but he obeyed. Indeed it was about how Israel was defeated at Ai after a resounding victory at Jericho. But as he read he understood the reason for this message today.

1. The Lord is a covenant keeping God.
2. He wants His people to keep His covenant.
3. He wants His people to know He is holy and sets apart. His people must know Him in Spirit and in Truth. Only by fully obeying His divine instructions and setting themselves apart from the world and its way then they would be able to know and worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
4. He shows that when they break covenant with Him they would have no protection from Him, because He would withdraw His presence. They would be no match to their enemies in the spiritual realm no matter how strong they think they are and how weak their enemy seems in the physical realm. They have become “doomed to destruction” (Joshua 7:12).

For Christians, in practical terms, this means:
(A) There are two things to do (as faith in action) before the Lord to keep covenant:

1. build altar and give sacrifices (ministering to the Lord: in prayers, worship in Spirit and in truth -His words)
2. read and listen to the word of God (being spoken, read, proclaimed, prayed)

(B) There are two things (the things that break covenant) to avoid doing:

1. do not hang on to things that the Lord has set apart to destroy (as an offering to the Lord).
2. do not take the things that the Lord has set apart for His treasury (do not even put them among your own personal belongings! To the Lord that is deliberate hiding). The Lord described this ‘crime’ in Joshua 7:11 “Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff.”

100. The Result of disobedience to the divine instructions of God: 1. the culprit will be completely destroyed (in this case the person Achan, his family and all his belongings).
     2. he will also bring trouble and curse to his nation (36 soldiers from the camp of Israel were killed by the enemy from Ai, which was physically weaker than Israel. The Israelite had 30000 mighty men of valor whereas the entire population of the city of Ai was only 12000! )

RELEVANT VERSE FROM THE WORD OF GOD
(The watchman’s study notes are in brackets, using NKJV verses to illustrate)
The Bible version New Living Translation (NLT) is used here (as led by the Holy Spirit today)
Joshua 6:17-19 Jericho and everything in it must be completely destroyed[a] as an offering to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and the others in her house will be spared, for she protected our spies. 18 “Do not take any of the things set apart for destruction, or you yourselves will be completely destroyed, and you will bring trouble on the camp of Israel. 19 Everything made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron is sacred to the Lord and must be brought into his treasury.”
Footnotes: a. Joshua 6:17 The Hebrew term used here refers to the complete consecration of things or people to the Lord, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering; similarly in 6:18, 21.
(The divine instruction is clear and specific: on this occasion, the Lord specified a curse and a consecration (a) Curse: the city of Jericho, except for Rehab and all who are with her in her house, be doomed for destruction, it and all who are in it. (Joshua 6:17a) (b) Consecration: all the silver and gold, and vessels of bronze and iron, are consecrated to the Lord; they shall come into the treasury of the Lord. (Joshua 6:19))
Joshua 6:21 They completely destroyed everything in it with their swords—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Joshua 6:24 Then the Israelites burned the town and everything in it. Only the things made from silver, gold, bronze, or iron were kept for the treasury of the Lord’s house.
Joshua 7:1 Ai Defeats the Israelites 7 But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the Lord.[a] A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the Lord was very angry with the Israelites. Achan was the son of Carmi, a descendant of Zimri[b] son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah.
Footnotes:

1. Joshua 7:1 The Hebrew term used here refers to the complete consecration of things or people to the Lord, either by destroying them or by giving them as an offering; similarly in 7:11, 12, 13, 15.
2. Joshua 7:1 As in parallel text at 1 Chr 2:6; Hebrew reads Zabdi. Also in 7:17, 18.

(The divine instruction demands 100% compliance: partial compliance is of no effect in the spiritual realm. See the terrible result as follows.)
Joshua 7:4-5 So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai 5 chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries,[a] and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away.
Footnotes:

1. Joshua 7:5 Or as far as Shebarim.

Joshua 7:12-13 That is why the Israelites are running from their enemies in defeat. For now Israel itself has been set apart for destruction. I will not remain with you any longer unless you destroy the things among you that were set apart for destruction.
(The divine instruction when fully complied will bring the presence of the holy God and victory over the spiritual enemies. Otherwise, mortals are doomed to destruction. Ephesians 6:12 “for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”)
13 “Get up! Command the people to purify themselves in preparation for tomorrow. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you.
(The divine instruction says: cleanse your temple! This includes your body, soul -your mind and your emotion- and spirit.)
Joshua 7:25-26 Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies. 26 They piled a great heap of stones over Achan, which remains to this day. That is why the place has been called the Valley of Trouble[a] ever since. So the Lord was no longer angry.
Footnotes:

1. Joshua 7:26 Hebrew valley of Achor.

Joshua 8:30-32 The Lord’s Covenant Renewed 30 Then Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal. 31 He followed the commands that Moses the Lord’s servant had written in the Book of Instruction: “Make me an altar from stones that are uncut and have not been shaped with iron tools.”[a] Then on the altar they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 32 And as the Israelites watched, Joshua copied onto the stones of the altar[b] the instructions Moses had given them.
Footnotes:

1. Joshua 8:31 Exod 20:25; Deut 27:5-6.
2. Joshua 8:32 Hebrew onto the stones.

Joshua 8:33-35 Then all the Israelites—foreigners and native-born alike—along with the elders, officers, and judges, were divided into two groups. One group stood in front of Mount Gerizim, the other in front of Mount Ebal. Each group faced the other, and between them stood the Levitical priests carrying the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant. This was all done according to the commands that Moses, the servant of the Lord, had previously given for blessing the people of Israel.
34 Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instruction. 35 Every word of every command that Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them.
(The divine instruction is practical: Joshua followed exactly according to what Moses had written. Every word and every command was read and reaffirmed. He demonstrated to the entire congregation by his faithful and obedient deed: build the altar, copy the covenant, read the entire word of God.)
(In summary, Joshua believed and practiced the entire word of God, according to what the Lord has instructed him at the beginning of his take over of national leadership from Moses. Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”)

End times witnessing: conversation between the watchman and God about love etc.

It was after the third day of absolute fasting. The watchman broke his fast after 2am. He had a thick chicken, carrot and turnip soup, rice, coffee and ice cream (a treat). This time he could eat normally as he prayed for divine ‘digestive system’. After that he could not go back to sleep and he prayed for direction from the Lord. It started a long nightly discourse. After midnight is always the best time for any watchman intercessor. He has the whole stillness of the night to wait before the Lord. The air is fresh and refreshing as the Spirit of the Lord moves gently.
He has recently tidied up three main areas in his house to specifically meet with the Lord: However, after he went through the house thoroughly to cleanse and clear the clutters from the ‘temple’ by faith, led by the Spirit, he found it very comfortable and natural to pray and read the Bible just anywhere.
The three days and three nights absolute fast was not that difficult after all. The difficult part was the second day when he got into depression. The third day was wonderful and normal as he could walk around the garden and clean the walls of fungus. He did not need to sleep during the day and at night he slept several hours and felt refreshed.
So he was looking forward to this late night /after midnight discourse with the Lord. The first night he was led to sit on the floor at the ground floor meeting place. (He and family friends have regular prayer and Bible reading there). The coolness of the early morning air breathed through the french windows. He asked the Lord what to do about some investments, as he discovered in his 2010 notes that “God is the investment expert”! He received his answers.
(The following are only some summarized excerpts of the actual conversation. The purpose here is to demonstrate how the Lord meets with and talks to us .)
Healing and deliverance
After he had asked about someone he loved he asked, “Why do I keep seeing this big patch of blackness looming before my eyes?”
Answer: “That is because you are overcoming. You will go through with this key: ‘mind the things of God.’”
He then thanked the Lord, “I thank you Lord that the oppression on my head has lifted.”
Answer: “It will. The more you trust me the more it will lift.”
He asked, “What about my stiff-neck?”
Answer: “The less stiff-neck you are, the less it will be too.”
The watchman then repented over a number of things over which the Spirit of the Lord had convicted him. He was also led to read Philippians 2:4-5, 7-8.
After a few hours he fell asleep for awhile. When he woke he felt cleansed. He worshiped in spirit and in truth (the word of God). He was led to read Psalms 31-47 and 51 in a non-English language, and Psalms 47-48 in English. As he read and meditated on the word he was convicted by the greatness and goodness of God. He was filled by the Holy Spirit and prayed in new tongue for quite sometime, with joy and thankfulness.
On altar building, justice system, plumb line
The next night/early morning event. He was woken after two hours of sleep and led to read Exodus 20:24, “build My altar wherever I cause My name to be remembered, and I will come to you to bless you.” Where the Lord’s name is being proclaimed, He expects sacrifices. Altar living today means ministering to the Lord in worship, prayers and reading of His word (proclaiming His greatness and goodness), living before the Lord, being mindful of the things of God. (Col.3:1-4)
20:25 “Use only natural, uncut stones. Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use.” Anything man-made, shaped/modified by man’s effort is of no spiritual value to the Lord. (Zech4:6b ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.)
He read Exodus 19-25. A number of verses stood out in answer to his prayers and petitions during daytime. The Lord answered him specifically through chapter 23 about justice and legal system, the watchman’s concern and indignation over political corruption, social injustice and mistreatment of the poor. The Lord’s instructions to Moses specifically dealt with case in point. He required truthfulness of witnesses (who should not give regard to popular opinion, feelings, relationship, or even social concerns). The watchman asked what truthfulness was. How to measure?
Answer: “Biblical truth is the only plumb line.”
On how a ‘guilty’ person can be acquitted: the power of John 3:16.
Asked (on behalf on the ‘guilty’): “what shall I do?”
Answer: “plead for mercy.”
Asked: “will I be granted mercy?”
Answer: “Yes, you will. John 3:16.”
Asked: “I never realized that John 3:16 can be so important and powerful.”
Answer: “It is. It is the only way the guilty can be acquitted. By blood. My Son’s blood.”
The watchman burst into praises and thanks, “how great You are; how great is your goodness and love for me. Thank you Lord for demonstrating Your love for me!”
Answer: “This is how I teach and show you what love really means. If you do not know this love, you don’t really know love. 1 Cor.13:5 ‘love does not demand its own way.’”
On behalf of those who want to know about ‘love’
The watchman was led to read 1 Corinthians 13. He found these about love as defined by the Lord:

1. love is complete (as in John 3:16 “God gave His only”)
2. love has no time limit. (Patient, long-suffering, kind)
3. love is not influenced by internal self-seeking nor external circumstances.
4. Truth wins out in love.

Summary: love is not influenced by body and soul. Love is spiritual.
He sighed, “I don’t really understand love.”
Answer: “You do understand love. How else do you think you could have loved ‘someone’ (name)? But love is responsible. You need to learn responsibility(not just in word but also in deed).
Asked: “Are you building truthfulness in me?”
Answer: “Yes, for My name’s sake, for My purpose.”
Asked: “Why are you so good to me?”
Answer: “Because I love you. You are My son (Romans 8:14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God).
Asked: “I really do not deserve such great love from You Lord.”
Answer: “No one deserves, for all have sinned and fall short of My glory (Romans 3:23). Remember John 3:16.”
On praying in tongue
He prayed (but not really flowing in the Spirit) in tongue for awhile. Then he asked what it meant.
Answer: “It means you are trying hard to connect to Me. But that is not how it should be.”
Asked: “How should it be, Father?”
Answer: “Just by keeping still before Me and hear Me in your inner voice. You are already connected to Me (Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit!)”
On letting go
Asked: “why do I keep seeing this black water, with white cloud/sand/waves/shore?” (With his eyes closed)
Answer: “That is the struggle within you. You want to follow Me. But you don’t want to let go.”
Asked, “How can I let go?”
Answer: “Continue reading the book ‘Demands of Love’ and finish it.”
When the watchman said he still wanted to listen to the Lord he was asked to read Psalm 23. Then he read and went to bed.
By the time he woke, his spirit man was happily singing over and over the scripture song,1 John 4:4 “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
GOOD NEWS TO ALL -John 3:16-17 (NKJV)
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. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

The End Times book -God’s Demands of Love

10/12/2012

Click here for PDF file The watchman yesterday found this book again after it disappeared mysteriously. He was led in his spirit to give this book to someone and the person read it just in time. He was asked to read it too so he agreed. However, the book disappeared after he read a few pages. It was very unusual as he just cleaned up his whole house and everything was in order. There was no where a book could hide. However, yesterday he took out a briefcase to look for some office document and to his amazement this book was hidden among his documents! The Lord told him to finish reading. So he did. Here is the book. It is a must read for all serious intercessor and altar builders. DEMANDS OF LOVE Song of Solomon A Devotional Study SUSAN TANG DEDICATION To All the alumni (and future students) of Station of Life: You were (will be) taught spiritual intimacy and communion. Now live it. To the beloved Bride of Jesus Christ everywhere: May we know that we are great only because we are loved. We are loved by Him; therefore, at all times and in every situation, we the greatest!

CONTENTS Song of Solomon Preface Principles From Song of Solomon A. For the Single Person B. For the Married Person C. For Fruitfulness, Effectiveness and Longevity in Ministry 1. Exclusiveness 2. Spiritual Intimacy and Communion 3. God-Consciousness The 1st Demand : Rise Up ! 1. Rise Up to Achieve Our Full Potential in Him 2. Rise Up and Come Out of All Our Selfish Indulgences 3. Rise Up and Break Free from All Worldly Conformity 4. Rise Up and Be a Standard-Bearer The 2nd Demand : Come Away ! A. Be Separate B. Let Go of the Past C. Be Willing to Lose It All The 3rd Demand : Come With Me ! The 4th Demand : Look From The Top ! The 5th Demand : Open To Me ! The 6th Demand : Return, Return ! ____________________________________ Sample of a chapter: (Bold letters and italics were added in some cases by the watchman) C. BE WILLING TO LOSE IT ALL Jesus made it very clear in Mark 8:34, 35 that the criteria for following Him is to deny self, take up the cross and be devoted to Him with no private agenda for self. If we understand this divine summons to deny all, we will have no problem fulfilling the divine demand that we “come away.” It is not difficult to realize that the accomplishments, the success, honour and blessings of Abraham rested on the fact that he was willing to lose it all, to give up all, including his one and only son in his old age. Gandhi was a man with a passion for the teachings of Jesus Christ but unfortunately, he did not become a Christian. He could not because he realized that the white people who came to India to preach Jesus did not live like Him. He was himself so convicted by the teachings of Christ that he decided to put them into practice. He renounced everything and vowed that he would fight his enemies with love and not violence. For years, he walked the streets of India and begged for food. He turned his left cheek to his enemies when he was slapped on the right. Most of the time, he looked tired and worn out. He owned nothing but by the time he died, millions thronged his funeral. The rich and the popular, the mighty and the renowned, dignitaries, kings and queens came from all over the world. What was the secret to Gandhi’s success and popularity? He was willing to lose it all. Wasn’t this true of our Lord? He was willing to lose it all, including His own life. He literally denied all, becoming poor so that we might be rich. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). In the end, He gained back everything, with interest. He was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing (Revelation 5:12). All these came only after He had been willing to be slain, willing to lose even His right to live. Yes, our Lord’s supremacy and glory rest on this basis: He was willing to lose it all. Throughout the centuries, men and women have tried all ways and means to obtain power and riches _ fighting, cheating, manipulating, etc. God teaches us that the way to power and riches is through being willing to lose. Are you willing to lose it all? Whether you like it or not, able or not able, the demand of the Bridegroom is sounding out loud and clear, “Come away! Come away from it all!” If you do not yield to this demand, you will never SOAR; you will never have the joy of feeding on the heritage of Jacob in high places. Jesus taught us that the kingdom of heaven is likened to a merchant who, when he finally found a pearl of great worth, was willing to sell all that he had so that he could purchase that one pearl. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it (Matthew 13:45-46). We Christians have found that one pearl of great worth. Are we now willing to sell all that we have, willing to lose it all, to give up all, including marriage, career and children (if He so requires) in order to gain this Pearl of great worth? It would have been utter foolishness for the merchant to merely rejoice over that great pearl, wanting to possess it yet not willing to sell all that he had in order to raise the money to buy it. Many Christians are like this. They know they have found it _ Jesus, our Pearl of great value _ yet they are not willing to lose it all for Him. To be indecisive is the worst situation to be in. I remember spending the three years in Bible School pleading with God, every morning at 5 am, to release me from full-time ministry. I had no desire for full-time ministry as my ambition was to be a fashion designer or an interior decorator. Every evening at 5 pm, I would plead with God to change me if He would not release me from ministry so that I could serve Him with a free heart and mind and not be indecisive. I knew that if I were to serve Him, there would be no turning back. I also knew that what I do for Him must be done not only with my whole heart but also with my kidneys, liver, intestines, etc. If I were to serve Him, I wanted to do so with passion, intensity and the totality of my being. I would not serve Him and keep one eye open for a husband or daydream of a family of my own. No. No. To be divided in this way would not do for me. Many ladies in ministry today are divided. They are unproductive because the ministries that they are in right now are just something to hold them up temporarily while they wait for Mr Right to pop up. I have raised up lady workers and I have had many different ladies working under me all these years. I have come to one conclusion: it is easier to raise up men than ladies! The world trusts in its knowledge, scientific advancements, doctorates and degrees in education. I am afraid that this has also affected many in ministry. We go after degrees and doctorates but do not know what faith and prayer are anymore. We have become mentally swollen and spiritually shrunken. Today, instead of doing what the apostle Paul did, willing to lose everything for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, we can be tempted to do the exact opposite. If a balance could be struck, it would be beautiful. It is not easy to find someone who can pursue his studies and still find time to spend in the presence of God (but thank God we do have such people). I remember the kind gesture of Professor John Williams some years ago. He told me that every year, his institute in New York confers an honorary doctorate on people who are truly worthy recipients. One such recipient had been Charles Doss who had composed the popular song, “He is my everything.” The professor invited me to Kenya in September of that year for the conferment of a doctorate in recognition of my works and accomplishments. I remember praying about it and instantly hearing an answer from the Lord. “Everything that has happened in your life and ministry is just a result of the demonstration of the power of My Spirit.” That was all. I was not told to go or not to go _ I was told only the truth of why I had succeeded _ it was a demonstration of His Spirit’s power. Now, how could I go and be conferred with a doctorate if all that I had done had nothing to do with me? I couldn’t, I shouldn’t and I didn’t. The next morning, I thanked the professor, told him that I was deeply honoured but I would not be going to Kenya for the conferment. That should have settled the matter. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, my carnal self played up and said, “It was a fool’s decision to reject the doctorate. The blessing and reward of the Lord came and you did not even know how to enjoy it.” I decided to call up a friend and shared this with him. He told me, “Walk far away from it, Susan. Be happy that you have been honoured but lay down that doctorate. Come away from it _ be willing to lose it. You don’t need it to prove anything. Jesus in you is all-sufficient. You made the right choice in letting it go.” A lady with her own doctorate told me, “You should have gone for it. Times are changing. When you go overseas for ministry, people will not listen to you if you do not have a doctorate.” How sad. Not for me, but for them. If people will only come and hear me because I have a doctorate, they are the wrong group of people for me. I have no intention of ministering to such people. I want to minister to those whose hearts are in the right place, wanting more of God. I do not want to waste time speaking to anyone whose sense of value lies not in the things of the Spirit but in a degree or a doctorate. More than one person has asked me whether I regret losing that doctorate. Definitely not! I have not missed anything. My ministry is just as fruitful and effective. The doctorate would never have made my ministry effective but it would have affected me if I had taken it up _ it would have made me vain. Please do not get me wrong. I am not against doctorates and degrees or the conferment of titles. I am merely saying that we must know where and how to draw the line. Study is good and every minister should be doing his own on-going study of the Word. Only watch out that you do not study until your head swells and your spirit shrinks, until you see a demon in the face but call it a “complex” or a bad habit and do not know how to deal with it. “Look from the top,” says the Bridegroom to His bride. Yes, look from the top and let us get God’s perspective on the whole picture. What does He say? Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness, in the earth: for these things I delight, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24). Yes, may God soon raise up a generation of men and women right across this nation who will be willing to lose it all, whatever it may be. May they be standard-bearers who will both understand and know the Lord: that God is a God who relishes the exercising of lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness. back to contents

Sin is dethroned, and Christ takes its place -today's hymn

 

Buried with Christ, and raised with Him too

1. Buried with Christ, and raised with Him too;
   What is there left for me to do?
   Simply to cease from struggling and strife,
   Simply to walk in newness of life.
       Glory be to God!
2. Risen with Christ, my glorious Head,
   Holiness now the pathway I tread,
   Beautiful thought, while walking therein:
   He that is dead is freed from sin.
       Glory be to God!
3. Living with Christ, who dieth no more,
   Following Christ, who goeth before;
   I am from bondage utterly freed,
   Reckoning self as dead indeed.
       Glory be to God!
4. Living for Christ, my members I yield,
   Servants to God, for evermore sealed,
   Not under law, I'm now under grace,
   Sin is dethroned, and Christ takes its place.
       Glory be to God!
5. Growing in Christ; no more shall be named
   Things of which now I'm truly ashamed,
   Fruit unto holiness will I bear,
   Life evermore, the end I shall share.
       Glory be to God!

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/483#ixzz28iaZK4bA

"That day" will definitely come

"That day" will definitely come. The watchman believes. But what is "that day"? The watchman asked. These are the answers.

1. 2 Peter 3:8
   Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape you, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.
   2 Peter 3:7-9 (in Context) 2 Peter 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
2. Luke 17:24
   For like the lightning, that flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other, so will the Son of Man be in His [own] day.
   Luke 17:23-25 (in Context) Luke 17 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
3. Luke 17:29
   But on the [very] day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed [them] all.
   Luke 17:28-30 (in Context) Luke 17 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
4. Luke 17:30
   That is the way it will be on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.
   Luke 17:29-31 (in Context) Luke 17 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
5. Luke 21:34
   But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;
   Luke 21:33-35 (in Context) Luke 21 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
6. 1 Corinthians 1:8
   And He will establish you to the end [keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be] guiltless and irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
   1 Corinthians 1:7-9 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
7. 1 Corinthians 5:5
   You are to deliver this man over to Satan for physical discipline [to destroy carnal lusts which prompted him to incest], that [his] spirit may [yet] be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
   1 Corinthians 5:4-6 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
8. 2 Corinthians 1:14
   [Just] as you have [already] partially known and understood and acknowledged us and recognized that you can [honestly] be proud of us, even as we [can be proud] of you on the day of our Lord Jesus.
   2 Corinthians 1:13-15 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
9. Philippians 1:6
   And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
   Philippians 1:5-7 (in Context) Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
   
10. Philippians 1:10
    So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble].
    Philippians 1:9-11 (in Context) Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
11. Philippians 2:16
    Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose.
    Philippians 2:15-17 (in Context) Philippians 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
12. Colossians 1:6
    Which has come to you. Indeed, in the whole world [that Gospel] is bearing fruit and still is growing [by its own inherent power], even as it has done among yourselves ever since the day you first heard and came to know and understand the grace of God in truth. [You came to know the grace or undeserved favor of God in reality, deeply and clearly and thoroughly, becoming accurately and intimately acquainted with it.]
    Colossians 1:5-7 (in Context) Colossians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
13. Colossians 1:9
    For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [ special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [ in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things—
    Colossians 1:8-10 (in Context) Colossians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
14. 1 Thessalonians 5:2
    For you yourselves know perfectly well that the day of the [return of the] Lord will come [as unexpectedly and suddenly] as a thief in the night.
    1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
15. 1 Thessalonians 5:4
    But you are not in [given up to the power of] darkness, brethren, for that day to overtake you by surprise like a thief.
    1 Thessalonians 5:3-5 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
16. 2 Thessalonians 1:10
    When He comes to be glorified in His saints [on that day He will be made more glorious in His consecrated people], and [He will] be marveled at and admired [in His glory reflected] in all who have believed [who have adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him], because our witnessing among you was confidently accepted and believed [and confirmed in your lives].
    2 Thessalonians 1:9-11 (in Context) 2 Thessalonians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
17. 2 Thessalonians 2:2
    Not to allow your minds to be quickly unsettled or disturbed or kept excited or alarmed, whether it be by some [pretended] revelation of [the] Spirit or by word or by letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] arrived and is here.
    2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 (in Context) 2 Thessalonians 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
18. 2 Thessalonians 2:3
    Let no one deceive or beguile you in any way, for that day will not come except the apostasy comes first [unless the predicted great falling away of those who have professed to be Christians has come], and the man of lawlessness (sin) is revealed, who is the son of doom (of perdition),
    2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 (in Context) 2 Thessalonians 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
19. 2 Timothy 1:12
    And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which I have committed [to Him] until that day.
    2 Timothy 1:11-13 (in Context) 2 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
20. 2 Timothy 1:18
    May the Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord on that [great] day! And you know how many things he did for me and what a help he was at Ephesus [you know better than I can tell you].
    2 Timothy 1:17-18 (in Context) 2 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
21. 2 Timothy 4:8
    [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor’s] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).
    2 Timothy 4:7-9 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
22. 1 Peter 2:12
    Conduct yourselves properly (honorably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [ when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock].
    1 Peter 2:11-13 (in Context) 1 Peter 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
23. 2 Peter 3:10
    But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish (pass away) with a thunderous crash, and the [ material] elements [of the universe] will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.
    2 Peter 3:9-11 (in Context) 2 Peter 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    
24. 1 John 4:17
    In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.
    1 John 4:16-18 (in Context) 1 John 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
    

Be prepared: lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed

Luke 21:34 take heed

The Lord is merciful and tells the watchman: “be prepared!” There is no other more important thing to do at this point of time except to be watchful, prayerful and guard your heart against the deceptions of this time!”

Luke 21:34 (KJ21) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and cares of this life, and so that Day come upon you unawares.

Luke 21:34 (ASV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare:

Luke 21:34 (AMP) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ But take heed to yourselves and be on your guard, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to [the business of] this life, and [lest] that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose;

Luke 21:34 (CEB) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by drinking parties, drunkenness, and the anxieties of day-to-day life. Don’t let that day fall upon you unexpectedly,

Luke 21:34 (CJB) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap!

Luke 21:34 (CEV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

A Warning

³⁴ Don’t spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking or worrying about life. If you do, the final day will suddenly catch you

Luke 21:34 (DARBY) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ But take heed to yourselves lest possibly your hearts be laden with surfeiting and drinking and cares of life, and that day come upon you suddenly unawares;

Luke 21:34 (DRA) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ And take heed to yourselves, lest perhaps your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly.

Luke 21:34 (ERV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

Be Ready All the Time

³⁴ “Be careful not to spend your time having parties and getting drunk or worrying about this life. If you do that, you won’t be able to think straight, and the end might come when you are not ready.

Luke 21:34 (ESV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

Watch Yourselves

³⁴ “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

Luke 21:34 (ESVUK) | In Context | Whole Chapter

Watch Yourselves

³⁴ “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

Luke 21:34 (GW) | In Context | Whole Chapter

No One Knows When the Earth and the Heavens Will Disappear

³⁴ “Make sure that you don’t become drunk, hung over, and worried about life. Then that day could suddenly catch you by surprise

Luke 21:34 (GNT) | In Context | Whole Chapter

The Need to Watch

³⁴ “Be careful not to let yourselves become occupied with too much feasting and drinking and with the worries of this life, or that Day may suddenly catch you

Luke 21:34 (HCSB) | In Context | Whole Chapter

The Need for Watchfulness

³⁴ “Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly

Luke 21:34-35 (PHILLIPS) | In Context | Whole Chapter

^34-35 “Be on your guard—see to it that your minds are never clouded by dissipation or drunkenness or the worries of this life, or else that day may catch you like the springing of a trap—for it will come upon every inhabitant of the whole earth.

Luke 21:34 (KJV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

Luke 21:34 (LEB) | In Context | Whole Chapter

Be Alert

³⁴ “But take care for yourselves, lest your hearts are weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of daily life, and that day come upon you suddenly

Luke 21:34-36 (MSG) | In Context | Whole Chapter

^34-36 “But be on your guard. Don’t let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it’s going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don’t go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that’s coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:34 (MOUNCE) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “But watch yourselves lest your minds be dulled by dissipation and drunkenness and the anxieties of this life, and that day close down upon you suddenly,

Luke 21:34 (NASB) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;

Luke 21:34 (NCV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Be careful not to spend your time feasting, drinking, or worrying about worldly things. If you do, that day might come on you suddenly,

Luke 21:34 (NIRV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Be careful. If you aren’t, your hearts will be loaded down with wasteful living, drunkenness and the worries of life. Then the day the Son of Man returns will close on you like a trap. You will not be expecting it.

Luke 21:34 (NIV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

Luke 21:34 (NIV1984) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap.

Luke 21:34 (NIVUK) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ ‘Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

Luke 21:34 (NKJV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

The Importance of Watching

³⁴ “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.

Luke 21:34 (NLV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ Watch yourselves! Do not let yourselves be loaded down with too much eating and strong drink. Do not be troubled with the cares of this life. If you do, that day will come on you without you knowing it.

Luke 21:34 (NLT) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,

Lukas 21:34 (OJB) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ And be shomer regarding yourselves lest your levavot (hearts) may be burdened with dissipation and drunkenness and the cares of the Olam HaZeh and Yom HaHu (That Day) may come upon you PITOM (suddenly, MALACHI 3:1).

Luke 21:34 (TNIV) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

Luke 21:34 (WE) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ `But take care. Do not think too much about eating, drinking, and things in this life. If you do, that day will come and catch you like a trap.

Luke 21:34 (WYC) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ But take ye heed to yourselves [Forsooth perceive ye, or take heed, to yourselves], lest peradventure your hearts be grieved with gluttony, and drunkenness, and busynesses of this life, and that day come suddenly on you [and that day come sudden upon you];

Luke 21:34 (YLT) | In Context | Whole Chapter

³⁴ `And take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts may be weighed down with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day may come on you,