a watershed! how to walk the next step in Christ?

The point is, the physical world is openly exposing itself as what it has become. The spiritual world too has revealed itself just as real but toward another direction. The two paths have now merged into a physical-spiritual watershed point. It has come to a point where the divide between the physical and the spiritual is growing into a chasm. No, this is not a premonition. This is not a prophecy. Rather, this is the passing of ancient prophecies.

Being put in Christ (in union and communion with Him), walking this earth, today a believer in Christ looks at the paths ahead and realizes that one cannot proceed further without taking stock of their current spiritual state.

This is how one takes stock of their personal spiritual state, in order to carry on in the two parallel worlds. The Bible verses are quoted from the New Matthew Bible (NMB).

Look at the spiritual: Who God is and who I really am

Know and acknowledge that God is always good: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.” It’s an absolute truth; there are no exceptions. God is always good. (James 1:17)

Who I am and what my purpose is for being here (on this planet), in particular, at this increasingly perilous time
“9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and his own special people, in order that you should show forth the virtues of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light –” (1 Peter 2:9)

What I am supposed to do next at the present scenario and in future:

This is a reminder to all who are serious about our life hereon and thereafter. It is all about stewardship of what we have been given. The people of God have resources. What do we do with our resources? Jesus said we need to be gentler than doves and yet wiser than serpents. Jesus also uses one last parable to describe a final set of criteria whereby the goats and sheep will be sorted into two categories, to each its end.

7 The end of all things is at hand. Be therefore discreet and sober, so that you may be fit for prayer. 8 But above all things, have fervent love among you. For love covers the multitude of sins. 9 Be ready to take one another into your homes, and that without grudging. 10 As each one has received the gift, minister the same to one another, as good ministers of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:7-10)

“The English word “sober” was translated from the Greek word “SOPHRONEO,” and this Greek word means “to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate” (Strong’s Concordance). It is not just talking about not being drunk. The Amplified Bible renders this word “watch” as “alert.” So, true prayer will keep us alert unto what the Lord is doing.”

“The only way to maintain relationships is with fervent love, the kind that is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. The word “fervent” was translated from the Greek word ektenes. The other occurrence was in Acts 12:5, where “fervent” was translated “without ceasing.” So “fervent charity” in this verse may be interpreted as “charity without ceasing.” ”

Love, God’s kind of love, is a power. It is a supernatural power. It has worked on the cross two thousands of years ago. This is the Truth that Jesus has revealed and personally demonstrated. God’s kind of love is God’s kind of power. And all the apostles and early church disciples of Jesus knew this. (Read the New Testament and the early church history)

We are required to be “watchful” and “alert.” So, true prayer will keep us alert unto what the Lord is doing. For this purpose, the Lord has given us the spiritual abilities to see, hear, understand, discern and make the right choices/decisions at the right time.

Jesus actually spoke at length about the perilous time. I will not repeat here. Please read the related chapters in the Gospels and also the Book of Revelation.

What is the consolation for His people? I have been comforted and reassured of the goodness of God and the confident expectation of good for the people of God, in countless Bible verses. I pray you too as you read this blog and meditate on the verses the Lord will give you as you move on from your own watershed point to a point of the hope in Christ that all born again believers have.

HCSB Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. (1 Peter 5:10)

MSG Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day—but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness. (2 Peter 3:13)

AMP For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God]. (1 John 5:4)

17 And these signs will follow those who believe: in My name they will cast out devils, and will speak with new tongues, 18 and will kill serpents. And if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them. They will lay their hands on the sick and they will recover. (Mark 16:17-18 NMB)

What is the next step for all who are the followers of Jesus and Bible believers?

“He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” （Romans 4:20）Abraham had done this as our trail blazer. So can we.

This is how Jesus has prepared and fully equipped us: (1 Corinthians 2:9-16)

9 But as it is written: The eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things that God has prepared for those who love him.

10 But God has revealed them to us by his Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yea, the bottom of God’s secrets. 11 For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of a man which is within him? In the same way, the things of God are known by no man, but by the Spirit of God. 12 And we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which comes of God, in order to know the things that are given to us by God –15 But he who is spiritual evaluates all things. Yet he himself is judged by no man. 16 For who knows the mind of the Lord, or who shall inform him? But we understand the mind of Christ.

We have the mind of Christ! (NKJV)

Application for all who believe: start practicing reading and mediating the Word of God, to know, understand and receive the wisdom of Christ and in Christ. Pray in the Spirit. Ask the Lord’s Spirit to speak to us and guide us specifically in every decision/direction. Be deliberate and be alert. Live as Jesus did and does now.

AMPC 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 4:17)

καί notes, 2022-08-29

the watchman’s dream on 2022-10-16

The watchman’s dream and 2 Thessalonians 2

Nothing could be more ridiculous. The only good thing about it is that it was only a dream. The watchman was with a small group of people for no particular reasons in a large gated house. There was an alert that the enemy were coming so they had to prepare themselves. There was no indication of who and why and when and from where and how, all the details in a real world that would have mattered were missing. Anyway the group of people did not consist of members of a family. Nor were they related in anyway, social, political, economic, religious, or ideological affiliation of any sort. It was an unfamiliar house and compound. Were they tourists? A decade ago the watchman had dreams of being tourist in similar but different in details dilemma.

Somehow he became the ad hoc leader of the band of people. So he said they had to arm. There were nothing except kitchen ware. Some took a butter knife. Some carried an umbrella. Some a plastic rod or something, hat hanger? The watchman led them to line up with their back facing the gate, which seemed as if the enemy would come from inside the house and they had to be outside and stand against the wall that surrounded the house and yard/garden.

None of the participants seemed to have had any training in using weapon or self defense or martial art or any form of combat. They were women wearing dresses, old men, children, and ordinary tradesmen such as the watchman. Some looked like the watchman’s old classmates from junior school whom he ad not met for over fifty years. The watchman in the dream was a rather senior person with white hair.

The mood was strangely calm and unhurried. No one had any idea what strategy we were to adopt should the enemy come. Butter knives, forks, umbrellas, and the unidentified plastic stuff the watchman and a few others carrying were hardly anything of any value in terms of warfare, if any.

When the watchman woke up it was a great relief. Any story writer would have found this plot too rudimentary to be worthwhile to continue. Yet, It was so real in the dream. It was like a scene out of a future when ordinary people would find themselves the center of a reality plot whether anyone would want to record it or not.

The watchman had not had this kind of dreams or any lucid dream at all for about a decade. Standing with their backs against the wall and knowing that it was ridiculous that they were totally unprepared, the watchman decided to wake up. it was still early but there was no desire to sleep further.

After boiling water with a steel pot the watchman made a mug of strong coffee and sat on the floor to ask a few questions. Above all, “what is the Lord trying to tell me?” A week ago he found his old One Year Bible in a former house, brought it back and started reading it daily. When he opened the day’s reading it was on 2 Thessalonians. So he read.

Here are some verses from the Epistle for the believers:

Chapter one 11 Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, 12 that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Stand Fast

Chapter two 13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Pray for Us

Chapter three Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

The immediate week before the dream the watchman watched some testimonies given by teachers of faith about how they encountered the presence of God in the Spirit and the reality of the spiritual realm of God. There was a sharing of a book titled, The Spirit of Prophecy: A Portal to the Presence and Power of God. After watching, the watchman thought about his own experience with the gift of prophecy, and the manifestation/application of it years ago. As there were no occasion to use the gift he had put it in the closet. Very occasionally when needed he would use the gifts of the word of knowledge and the word of wisdom.

Is there any interpretation for this dream? For years, he has sought answers directly from the Word. The Word will come in time.

καὶnotes, 2022-10-17

Worship God and know He is present

I like to imagine that out there we are the living and walking street lamps. The switch is our awareness of God’s ever presence in us, and He is our constant ever flowing power current.

In a Bible sharing meeting in response to a sister’s question on how she may overcome the persisting adversities in her workplace, the teacher suggested that she worshipped in those situations. After he left she asked the translator what he meant by worship in those situations. Does it mean singing hymns?

This exchange of conversation made me ponder after the session. What does it mean by worship? The pictures that come to my mind is how the people of faith worshipped God in the Old Testaments. They sacrificed. They sang hymns. They played musical instruments. They recited the words of God. They praised and exalted God with their voices. They lifted up their hands. They focused on God. They proclaimed His love, holiness, greatness, and goodness. They stood up, knelt down, and prostrated themselves on the ground.

What is the purpose of worship? Someone said, worship is the currency of exchange in heaven. I do not think we can use a monetary term to illustrate it, otherwise it becomes meaningless as it is no longer an action of faith in response to the grace (free gifts) of God. God is pleased with faith in action. Worship is a faith in action. It also serves as a spiritual weapon, as demonstrated in the Old Testament, by the famous seasoned warrior poet-king David, and king Jehoshaphat. In the New Testament a phenomenal demonstration by the power of God in response to worship was recorded in Acts 16:16-40. When Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, a great earthquake shook the foundation of the prison and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Back to the dilemma of the sister. She worked in a crowded environment with long lines of people queuing up for their turns. How to worship literally?

I believe worship’s importance relates to God’s presence. He builds His throne in our praises. God enthrones Himself on, and lives in, our praise (Psalm 22:3) Psalm 149:6 “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand,” Praises are a significant part of worship. As we praise God the Spirit of the Lord works in us and gives joy to our heart and countenance. Joy lifts us up. The higher we exalt our God in our heart the higher we are lifted up from the mire.

Yes, we can worship in our heart. We can pray in tongues under our breath. We can switch the focus of our inner eyes to see God and His goodness. Isaiah saw God in the midst of a deep loss of security and certainty of future. It was darkness all round. Yet he went and worshipped God. Then he saw God, heard from God, and was refreshed, and commissioned by God. Paul reminded the believers that our body is the temple of God. Jesus said that we can worship God in spirit and in truth (anywhere). (John 4:23-24)

Our change of focus gives us the awareness of God’s presence in us. Yes, it can be likened to a dark room switching on a lamp. It can mean we turn on our light inside. I like to imagine that out there we are the living and walking street lamps. The switch is our awareness of God’s ever presence in us, and He is our constant ever flowing power current. As we worship God, we become aware of God’s presence and the light is lit up. No darkness can stand the presence of light, what more the brilliant glorious presence of God residing in us?

Light attracts. Darkness attacks. God is light. Be light, just as He is. As Jesus is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17) We shall know when the light is on. So will all around us.

David is well versed in this lifestyle. In Psalm 68:1 he declared, “Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.” “3 But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.” Before he won the battle he anticipated and saw the victory in his worship and rejoicing. God described David, a worshipful man, as a man after His own heart. (1 Samuel 13:14)

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

Yet now be strong, alert, and courageous. In this place will I give peace and prosperity

This came to the watchman today as the Bible opens and continues to reveal the truth that sets free the current captive. The requirement is be strong. The reward is peace and prosperity. All in terms of the rebuilding and refocusing of the eyes and hearts of the people on God and His plan.

“In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, in the second year of Darius the king (of Persia, including the Chaldeans), came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying,”

I have received words about Haggai several strategic times during the past decade and posted some blogs. Here is a list of links and my brief summary of the relevant blogs with revelation for today, concerning chapter two.

Prophet Haggai’s message to the ruler, high pries, and the people of the land

December 18, 520 BC. Haggai 2:18 (revelation received on Nov 22,2020)

2020-11-22 Today’s revelation received by the watchman (Nov 22, 2020) December 18, 520 BC. Haggai 2:18 Message to the priests about holiness, not getting themselves defiled by association with those defiled by sin,  and rebuilding the Temple of God 2:10 On December 18 of the second year of King Darius’s reign, the Lord sent this message …Continue reading

Revelation received on God promised a bright future to His people (including leaders who obeyed Him and rebuilt the spiritual life according to God’s plan):

Three conditions for restoration of prosperity:

1. Holiness of the priests/leaders required.
2. People to repent from their sin of defilement of their offerings.
3. Acknowledge their economic failure and return to God’s way.

Three promises/assurances:

1. Economic boom
2. Anointed leader appointed by God to lead the rebuilding and restoration of God’s temple and the people’s spiritual life.
3. The faithful anointed leader/ruler will be honored by God.

Daily Word: think carefully and focus on promise of good in rebuilding (Haggai 1818)

2017-02-21 God always speaks before a thing happens. What He has spoken always comes to pass. God makes it come to pass to show that the message is from God. What shall the hearers do? Just believe and go forward. All the great men of God in history accomplished great exploits following this simple key. Today we …Continue reading

God spoke twice in just one verse: 2:18 “Think about this eighteenth day of December, the day when the foundation of the Lord’s Temple was laid. Think carefully.” NLT

Haggai 2 : the faithfulness , power and glory of God

2014-10-12 Today’s 3 am class continues on to read Haggai 2. What Does God say about the rebuilding of our temple? We continue to see the faithfulness and power of God being displayed in the words of God. Summary notes: Background: the people had delayed for 17 years before this round of rebuilding!: God shows the …Continue reading

Summary notes:

Background: the people had delayed for 17 years before this round of rebuilding!:

1. God shows the urgency of the matter
2. God has fulfilled His promise through the prophet Jeremiah’s prophecy.
3. Now is the time for the people of God to rise up and rebuild.

What does God say about Himself in the rebuilding? Read the following with what Jesus has accomplished for us in mind.

1. Look at the rebuilding through His heavenly perspective.
2. God says He will fill the place with glory, a greater glory. (Jesus Himself)
3. God wants holiness and undefiled worship and sacrifice according to His holy nature.
4. Yet, God speaks of His mercy and the undeserved favor He will give to the builders: “from this day onward I will bless you.” (from the day the foundation is laid).
5. Lastly, God speaks of the prophecy about His Son, Jesus Christ who will come. He is the pure and undefiled Temple. Each individual now enters into the presence of God through the blood and body of Jesus Christ, and gives account for his own personal relationship with the holy and righteous God. Each individual believer is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.

Key words for 2021-05-20: BE STRONG, ALER, AND COURAGEOUS

Haggai 2:4-5 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

4 Yet now be strong, alert, and courageous, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord; be strong, alert, and courageous, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, alert, and courageous, all you people of the land, says the Lord, and work! For I am with you, says the Lord of hosts.

5 According to the promise that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit stands and abides in the midst of you; fear not.

ALL ABOUT JESUS

Zerubbabel is a royal descendant of David. In a way he was performing a type restoring the temple worship and sacrifice, signifying the coming of Jesus, the living Temple, the perfect Sacrifice and Atonement for sin, the Mediator between God and men, the King, the only Name by which anyone can be saved.

Hebrews 10:18-22 New Living Translation (NLT)

18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

A Call to Persevere

19 And so, dear brothers and sisters,[a] we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death,[b] Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

2 Corinthians 5:21 New King James Version (NKJV)

21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Footnotes: a.10:19 Greek brothers. b. 10:20 Greek Through his flesh.

KAINOTES, 2021-05-20

seeing through the Spirit: two witnesses, one attitude

Both witnesses were in the darkest possible moments, being held in captive in the enemy’s stronghold, and yet both saw God appearing in glory. Why?

God’s presence being revealed to Ezekiel in Babylon also demonstrates that holiness has nothing to do with geographical location, but rather the condition of people’s hearts. God is moved by the faithfulness of men like Ezekiel, who became His priest not because of status but because of his faith in God in a dark land, no matter the circumstances. His example is a model for believers everywhere. Another example is the apostle John. He was a captive and exiled on the Island Patmos. There he saw the risen Lord Jesus and the rest is history. Both the two witnesses recorded the Holy Spirit at least 22 times in each of their books (the book of Ezekiel and the Revelation)

Ezekiel

Ezekiel, a young priest, was among the captives to Babylon. Daily he and other exiles gathered beside the Kebar River in Babylon to pray, and there, the heavens opened to him one day and he saw the visions of God. And he recorded down faithfully what he saw and heard from the Holy Spirit.

Ezekiel 2:2 Then the Spirit entered me when He spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard Him who spoke to me.

Ezekiel 3:12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place!” (also refer to Ezekiel 3:14,24;8:3; 11:1,5,19.24;36:26-27;37:1,14;39:29;43:5)

Ezekiel 40:4 And the man said to me, “Son of man, look with your eyes and hear with your ears, and [a]fix your mind on everything I show you; for you were brought here so that I might show them to you. Declare to the house of Israel everything you see.” (a) Ezekiel 40:4 Lit. set your heart

Ezekiel 1:4 And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire.

Ezekiel 44:4 Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord: and I fell upon my face.

the Apostle John

The apostle John sees visions of things that have been, things that are, and things that are yet to come. John is an exile on the isle of Patmos. His crime: bearing witness of Jesus (Revelation 1:9). He saw the risen Jesus on a Lord’s day while worshipping in the Spirit, and was commissioned to write down what he saw and heard.

Revelation 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

Revelation 4:2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.

Revelation 17:3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Revelation 1:12-16 12 When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. 13 And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man.[a] He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. [Footnotes: (a.) 1:13 Or like a son of man. See Dan 7:13. “Son of Man” is a title Jesus used for himself.]

Revelation 1:17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last.

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Watchman’s notes

These two witnesses have one thing in common: their hearts were focused on the matters of God and were determined to witness for God, bringing the nation(s) to God.

kainotes, 2021-05-13

Nehemiah’s pre-cautionary rebuilding —a lifestyle: Building and Guarding Materials and Weapons (expanded 2021-05-02)

On January 6, 2010 after a Sunday experience with the Holy Spirit, the watchman decided to spend time in morning worship and Bible reading on his own. The Book of Nehemiah came to his mind and he read the verses aloud. The reading was different from his previous reading of the same Book. The whole Book brought to him a clear message about re-building a church.

He saw how Nehemiah processed the monumental task, all in 52 days, to rebuild the Jerusalem walls. Nehemiah started the project alone. With God. God was the Master Builder. Nehemiah merely listened and obeyed. He prayed every step of the way. He prayed and received his answers immediately. He did not take things for granted. In fact, Nehemiah had followed the Holy Spirit all the way.

Nehemiah was a watchman on the walls. He observed and investigated each situation carefully and prayed. God answered and gave him the best solutions. He obeyed: followed and carried out. His problems were thus solved at the right time using the right tools through the right people, for the purpose of God.

The watchman noted in Nehemiah the following spiritual truth applicable in the present re-building efforts:

1. Recognize that the war is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual principalities, rulers and wicked forces in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 6)

2. Acknowledge the key role of the Holy Spirit (the power behind all re-building efforts) and the words of God (the Sword of the Spirit).

3. Admit the importance of regular crucial strategic prayers as led by the Holy Spirit.

4. Organize and apply the rightful functions of the gates and the walls. The gates are to open and welcome the entrance of the King of kings, Lord of lords. The walls are for the defense of God’s people against the enemies.

The strategy of Nehemiah is to: watch, pray, defend and build until the whole city is secured and well guarded against present and future invasions and pollutions.

Nehemiah deployed half his men to build and half to be equipped with weapons and posted behind the workers/builders. Even the builders wore swords. The materials carriers worked with one hand and held a weapon in the other. Such caution and defense!

In conclusion in a similar task all rebuilding of the churches and God’s cities are to be like what Nehemiah was assigned to do, and it is pertinent that the new group of leaders and builders need to pray more and read the Bible more, much much more than during the time of inertia, while carrying out the rebuilding, restoring and reining. One hand with the building materials, another hand holding a weapon.

The rebuilding and guarding never stop, even though Nehemiah had finished his task in 52 days. The rebuilding and guarding is a lifestyle, a way of normal Christian living, and it should never stop. Jesus and the apostles have amply cautioned us about the time of perils.

James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Don’t be fooled by what they say. For that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God and the man of lawlessness is revealed—the one who brings destruction.[b] 4 He will exalt himself and defy everything that people call god and every object of worship. He will even sit in the temple of God, claiming that he himself is God.

Luke 17:26-30 New Living Translation (NLT)

26 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. 27 In those days, the people enjoyed banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat and the flood came and destroyed them all.

28 “And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building— 29 until the morning Lot left Sodom. Then fire and burning sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Yes, it will be ‘business as usual’ right up to the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

Luke 21:34-36 New Living Translation (NLT)

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, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”

Originally drafted on January 6, 2010; revised and expanded on 2021-05-02, Kainotes.

Unboxed: Where are the prophets today? Watchman, what of the night?

Yes, where indeed are the prophets today? Are there any more prophets in this highly digital technological age full of once futuristic prophecies fulfilled? No Christian would deny the importance of prophecies for two reasons: They are part and parcel of the Bible. They have come true in human history —some are yet to come true and many Christians are waiting for that to happen. My question today is since the Bible has been written, do we need any new prophecy? If so, why and where are the prophets? What are prophecies?

Here are some Bible verses about prophecies and visions (divine communication in a vision, oracle, prophecy), from both the Old Testament and the New Testament:

For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21 NKJV) For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.. (Habakkuk 2:3 AMPC)

Ezekiel 37:1-14 describes an interaction between the prophet Ezekiel and the Lord (the Holy Spirit). He was led by the Spirit to see a valley of scattered dry bones (in a vision), prophesy (speaking) life and see his prophecy come to pass in the vision as they become a great live army of Israel.

And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22 ESV)

Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. (Revelation 1:3 ESV)

And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, (2 Peter 1:19)

Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.” (Genesis 20:7)

You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (Matthew 7:16-20)

I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. (Deuteronomy 18:18)

The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. (Matthew 10:41)

Let them bring them, and tell us
    what is to happen.
Tell us the former things, what they are,
    that we may consider them,
that we may know their outcome;
    or declare to us the things to come. (Isaiah 41:22)

Behold, the former things have come to pass,
    and new things I now declare;
before they spring forth
    I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:9)

“The former things I declared of old;
    they went out from my mouth, and I announced them;
    then suddenly I did them, and they came to pass. (Isaiah 48:3)

Isaiah 21:11-12 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

11 The mournful, inspired prediction (a burden to be lifted up) concerning Dumah (Edom): One calls to me from Seir (Edom), Watchman, what of the night? [How far is it spent? How long till morning?] Guardian, what of the night?

12 The watchman said, The morning comes, but also the night. [Another time, if Edom earnestly wishes to know] if you will inquire [of me], inquire; return, come again.

(The above was Originally drafted on February 4, 2021)

Indeed, what of the night? This is relevant now as the nights are longer and darker. Sadly, the watchman does not have any answer that can be vocalized. Yet, never lose heart, because the Proverbs says, It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the king’s privilege to discover them. (Proverbs 25:2)

Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!

Deuteronomy 29:29
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.

Isaiah 21:10 10 O my people, threshed and winnowed,
    I have told you everything the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has said,
    everything the God of Israel has told me.

kainotes, 2021-04-30