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,

And recovery of sight to the blind

 THE LORD GOD HEALS BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS AND ALL MANNERS OF DISEASES (BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT)

Exodus 4:11
So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD?
Exodus 4:10-12 (in Context) Exodus 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations 
 Psalm 146:8
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 146 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Isaiah 29:18
In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness.
Isaiah 29:17-19 (in Context) Isaiah 29 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Isaiah 35:5
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
Isaiah 35:4-6 (in Context) Isaiah 35 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Isaiah 42:16
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.
Isaiah 42:15-17 (in Context) Isaiah 42 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Isaiah 43:8
Bring out the blind people who have eyes, And the deaf who have ears.
Isaiah 43:7-9 (in Context) Isaiah 43 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Jeremiah 31:8
Behold, I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth, Among them the blind and the lame, The woman with child And the one who labors with child, together; A great throng shall return there.
Jeremiah 31:7-9 (in Context) Jeremiah 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations 


JESUS (WITH THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT) HEALS ALL KINDS OF BLINDNESS

Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
Luke 4:17-19 (in Context) Luke 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Luke 7:22
Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Luke 7:21-23 (in Context) Luke 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 11:5
The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Matthew 11:4-6 (in Context) Matthew 11 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Matthew 15:31
So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
Matthew 15:30-32 (in Context) Matthew 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations  

BUT THE BLIND MUST BELIEVE AND TAKE THE STEP OF FAITH TO COME TO JESUS FOR HEALING
 
Matthew 9:28
And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”
Matthew 9:27-29 (in Context) Matthew 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations Matthew 12:22
[ A House Divided Cannot Stand ] Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw.
Matthew 12:21-23 (in Context) Matthew 12 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations 
Matthew 21:14
Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.
Matthew 21:13-15 (in Context) Matthew 21 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Mark 8:23
So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.
Mark 8:22-24 (in Context) Mark 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Mark 10:49
So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”
Mark 10:48-50 (in Context) Mark 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Mark 10:51
So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”
Mark 10:50-52 (in Context) Mark 10 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS IS WORSE THAN PHYSICAL BLINDNESS

Isaiah 59:10 (THEY CANNOT SEE NOT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO EYES, BUT BECAUSE OF THEIR SIN AND TURNING AWAY FROM GOD)
We grope for the wall like the blind, And we grope as if we had no eyes; We stumble at noonday as at twilight; We are as dead men in desolate places.
Isaiah 59:9-11 (in Context) Isaiah 59 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 11:7 (ISRAEL IS BLIND TEMPORARILY. BUT THE GENTILES WHO WERE NOT IN THE ELECT WERE REALLY BLIND).
What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
Romans 11:6-8 (in Context) Romans 11 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Romans 11:25 (SOME BLINDNESS CAN BE HEALED WHEN GOD'S TIME IS UP)
For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
Romans 11:24-26 (in Context) Romans 11 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2 Corinthians 3:14 (BLINDNESS HAPPENS IN THE MIND!)
But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:13-15 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2 Corinthians 4:4 (TO THOSE WHO CHOSE NOT TO BELIEVE IN THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST)
whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
2 Corinthians 4:3-5 (in Context) 2 Corinthians 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Ephesians 4:18 (TO UNBELIEVERS)
having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;
Ephesians 4:17-19 (in Context) Ephesians 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2 Peter 1:9 (TO THOSE WHO FORGOT HIS SALVATION)
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
2 Peter 1:8-10 (in Context) 2 Peter 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
1 John 2:11 (HATRED BRINGS DARKNESS WHICH IN TURN CAUSE BLINDNESS).
But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
1 John 2:10-12 (in Context) 1 John 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
Revelation 3:17 (TO THE BLIND CHURCH)
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
Revelation 3:16-18 (in Context) Revelation 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
 

the end times book: God's call for end times

The watchman has waited such a book for end times for a long time. It finally came out and it is entitled “God's Final Call for the End Times” by Pastor Susan Tang (Station of Life). The book is a must for all serious intercessors to read many times over and take heed.

__________Some powerful excerpts and quotations from the book:

PERSONAL WORD (by the author)

“Yes, God's mandate and God's call for every believer is that we fight for our set apart and apostolic faith, without which we can never overcome the world. (1 John5:4)”

“The book of Jude has so impacted me that I know I must be apostolic for if I am not, I may end up an apostate. I cannot be ambiguous in these end-times days.”

“Indeed NOW is the end and the END HAS BEGUN NOW. This is why we cannot be ambiguous, we must either be apostolic or we will end up as apostates.”

“I keep hearing our Lord's warning so clearly and consistently. This is the reason why this book is written: “watch therefore and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)”

“We must know that every form of crisis nations of the world...are all a buildup or prelude to the unspeakable destruction ahead of us.”

“If we do not live in awareness of the end, then our present living is nullified and meaningless -we all live as others live...for self and to please self.” (Jeremiah 8:7)

“If we do not have the end in view, we will just flow with the present antichrist culture;” “Jesus did not need to go to the cross,” “Is Jesus in the culture or is He above it?”

“We must live in awareness that society today is not just influenced by education, industry or technology. It is shaped by demons...sin has given them so much influence over the human race, including the Christians. Technology like the mobile phones, the computers and television (which the prophet Jeremiah called 'windows' in Jeremiah 9:21) had indeed admitted the spirit of death into so many lives, especially the lives of our youths.”

“Like Daniel, I must possess both the tenacity and the intensity to pray and pray and pray even though I do not feel like praying at times.”

“Daniel, the end-time prophet, mourned and travailed until a breakthrough came into the heavens, a breakthrough which affected him, his nation and the nations of the world.” (Dan.10:12-14)

“There are so many troubled Christians. Is it because our faith is not an apostolic or set-apart faith?”

INTRODUCTION

“Why must the church engage in PURPOSEFUL AND INTENSIVE intercessory prayers in these end times called the 'beginning of sorrows?' Because God has called us into it....”

“If we are the true church we will have the apostolic distinctive of knowing that the end, or the DAY OF THE LORD is near. All universal shakings and meltdowns now are just birth pangs of the coming kingdom of our Lord. There are calamities, upheavals, crises and great stirrings on earth now because there is war in heaven!”

“More and more we can feel it as these present evil days...”

“It is sad that many Christians are still in denial”

“”The prophets of old saw visions of these dark and foreboding 'tribulation' days...” (Ezekiel 21:7; Zechariah 13:8-9)

“The purpose of this book is to call you to return to your basic duty -return to your priesthood and be that house of prayer that God wants (Isaiah 56:7).”

CHAPTER 1 -have we missed the vital signs of the Messiah's second coming?

“Learned high priests like Caiphas and Annas could stand in front of the Messiah and not discern that He is the One.” “Many who are made to rule in God's house do not know the Lord nor understand His word.”

“All the vital signs of Christ's second coming (in heaven and on earth) are pronounced today and yet we carry on as usual; not wanting to make preparations for these coming evil and devastating days that we may be 'counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36)”

Jesus Christ warned us that the day of destruction will come to us like the days of Noah...when people carry on as usual.” “Their time was never deliberately prioritized for God.”

“also days when Nimrod arose in defiance against God to form his 'one world government' and to build his high towers and monuments.”

“also be like the days of Lot” “when fire literally fell out of heaven suddenly!” “Iran and Israel also have nuclear bombs pointed at each other and should one go off, the entire world will be affected.”

CHAPTER 2 -The end has begun and the beginning of the end, ('the beginning of sorrows') is already here

“Today, we too, have talked much about the end times but unfortunately we have also failed to discern that the time is now -it has now come upon us! The next change will be terrible, for almost without warning, the 'tribulation' days will come upon us.”

“Why couldn't they discern? Because their hearts were not right. Ambitions and ego-centrality have often robbed men of spiritual discernment. These ambitious men seem to have enough spiritual light to prophesy and sit in their position as the nation's spiritual leaders (John 11:49-53), but they definitely did not have enough light to carry themselves through to salvation!” “Caiphas prophesied accurately that Jesus is the Saviour but he himself remained unsaved!”

“There are many modern Caiphases and Annases today” “They have enough light to teach others and to prophesy but they do not have enough light to acknowledge their own sin so that they can be saved.”

“The light that comes from one's scholarship, study, degrees, etc., must be tempered with the light that comes from our prayers, revelation knowledge and personal experiences with God which must result in self-denial, humility and servanthood.”

CHAPTER 3 -Intensified prayers from the remnant will evict the enemy out of the heaven

“Since Israel as a nation, did not want to keep their distinction as God's people...the prophet Daniel and his three undefiled friends did it for them.”

“May God, in His mercy, in these troublesome and turbulent days of much spiritual upheaval and natural disasters, also raise up a 'Daniel-like' group of people who will remain distinct and whose spirit and intercessory travail will be of the same pattern, in order to reach out to God.”

“Deborah proclaimed that when there were leaders (leading by examples) then the people would willingly offer themselves (Judges 5:2). She was commissioned and she was willing so she just got in there and led by example! And people were willing to follow her. Do you want prayer groups set up? You need to lead by example.”

“The time to pray and travail is NOW, not later when the heat is on because our ability to stand will come from the sum total of the times we have spent in the presence of God.”

“Israel went after God when they were in the wilderness because they had nothing. (Jeremiah 2:2)” “You may find this hard to believe, but God is definitely going to bring both the church and Israel back to the 'wilderness days' again.”

CHAPTER 4 -Halt the enemy's activities to accelerate God's work in the spiritual realm

“It is vital we pray with prophetic declaration to declare what God Himself has already declared in these end times.”

“We need to do what Ezekiel did -speak directly into the situation (Ezekiel 36). “

“Such is the power of God's word! Jesus taught His disciples to speak to the mountains, not pray, if they want the mountains to shift.” (Matt.17:20)

“We puncture these times of great deception, desertion, depression, darkness and desolation with God's spoken words, God's declarations that are true and right!”

CHAPTER 5 -To know the end we must know the beginning

“We have no excuse of not knowing the end because God has taken the end and hidden it in the beginning!”

“To me, the key that unlocks end times is found in Isaiah which says: Remember the former things of old...there is none like Me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done...” (Isa.46:8-10)

“EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED IN THE BOOK OF DANILE WILL BE REPEATED IN THE END TIMES”

CHAPTER 6 -Intensified suffering means intensified miracles, signs and wonders

“As Daniel travailed in prayers on earth, angelic activities prevailed in heaven!”

“The 'open heaven' coming our way when God's fullness is experienced is as sure as the coming of the days of tribulation!”

“We must recognize that Daniel symbolizes a corporate group of God's people who must rise up in these end times to engage themselves in purposeful and relentless prayers.”

“This is why God told us to be a generation of priests -why have we forsaken our destiny? If the church is not a kingdom of priests ministering to God and apprehending His fullness for the nations of the world, what then is the church?”

“Remember, as long as the hands of Moses, representing the prayers of the nation, were lifted up towards heaven, Israel has the upper hand over the Amalekites.”

“To watch and pray means we pray with the word of God into every situation and see all present situations as God sees them. We keep our spiritual antenna up and we are to be alert to present signs and world events.”

“Pray with intensity and pray fervently, which means your spirit, soul and body must be in agreement.”

CONCLUSION -we are now in the end times

“The end has certainly begun...twenty-four hours a day God's ears are bombarded by the outcries of sin in the nations of the world but He wants to hear prayers, confessions, supplications but they seem to be getting lesser and lesser.”

“May God...also give you the courage to change and prioritize your time to pray, to be 'thrown in' together with this great network of intercessors spanning both heaven and earth.”

“You must heed the final call to fight, to enter into godly travail by praying, pleading, declaring...”

“So many people complain of being lonely...But when we are bonded up with God and threaded together into His prayer network and are aware that prayer has eternal validity, it will rid us of all loneliness.”

“Safety is definitely not the absence of danger but the presence of God, but this presence is not to be taken for granted. We need to spend time to be connected with Him and to bring His presence into where we are.”