Showing posts with label depression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label depression. Show all posts

April 6, 2016

“It is the Spirit who gives life”

What/who gives life? This is the question today. Jesus told us that “it is the Spirit who gives life.” (John 6:63) He is talking about the Holy Spirit. A Chinese woman had just jumped down from a high-rise building in  a busy prosperous modern city and ended her life. She just came back to work from her maternity leave. She worked  in a big corporation with lots of staff who hardly had time to know each other. She was away for sometime and had just returned to work. She just had a baby. But she suddenly ended her life.
According to some Chinese tradition of ancestors’ worship this is the time of the annual tomb festival and they go to visit their ancestors’ cemeteries and perform their filial rituals there. It is a bit like the All Souls’ Day (Day of the Dead) practiced by some Christians in the West. Although many treat this as a traditional or even cultural event to remember the dead loved ones, there is spiritual implication and influence in the spiritual realm which can manifest in the physical realm and affect lives on earth, as I have written before. The apostles have warned Christians about such evil that affect minds. (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 4:8)
What should Christians do on such mass celebration of the dead? I believe we can find Bible verses to guide us. Christianity does not focus on the dead. Jesus talks of life and life more abundant. He has given many words about Hi giving life and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of life, His words are life. He speaks of His resurrection from the dead. He tells us that we shall be resurrected too. Believers of Jesus  shall not remain dead when Jesus returns. We shall not taste the second death the rest of the world will go into. The whole Bible actually focuses on the life that God has given to mankind and the born again life that the Holy Spirit will give to those who believe in Jesus. Jesus speaks of His mission as, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Bible verses: James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

November 23, 2013

Journey to see God: how He treats our tears...

God will wipe away every tear from your eyes
2 Kings 20:5
  1. Turn back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your [forefather]: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.
    2 Kings 20:4-6 (in Context) 2 Kings 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  2. Esther 8:3
    And Esther spoke yet again to the king and fell down at his feet and besought him with tears to avert the evil plot of Haman the Agagite and his scheme that he had devised against the Jews.
    Esther 8:2-4 (in Context) Esther 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  3. Job 16:20
    My friends scorn me, but my eye pours out tears to God.
    Job 16:19-21 (in Context) Job 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  4. Job 31:38
    For if my land has cried out against me and its furrows have complained together with tears [that I have no right to them],
    Job 31:37-39 (in Context) Job 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  5. Psalm 6:6
    I am weary with my groaning; all night I soak my pillow with tears, I drench my couch with my weeping.
    Psalm 6:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  6. Psalm 39:12
    Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not Your peace at my tears! For I am Your passing guest, a temporary resident, as all my fathers were.
    Psalm 39:11-13 (in Context) Psalm 39 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  7. Psalm 42:3
    My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?
    Psalm 42:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 42 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  8. Psalm 56:8
    You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle—are they not in Your book?
    Psalm 56:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 56 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  9. Psalm 80:5
    You have fed them with the bread of tears, and You have given them tears to drink in large measure.
    Psalm 80:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 80 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  10. Psalm 116:8
    For You have delivered my life from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling and falling.
    Psalm 116:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 116 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  11. Psalm 126:5
    They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.
    Psalm 126:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 126 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  12. Isaiah 16:9
    Therefore I [Isaiah] will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vines of Sibmah. I will drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh; for upon your summer fruits and your harvest the shout [of alarm and the cry of the enemy] has fallen.
    Isaiah 16:8-10 (in Context) Isaiah 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  13. Isaiah 25:8
    He will swallow up death [in victory; He will abolish death forever]. And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the reproach of His people He will take away from off all the earth; for the Lord has spoken it.
    Isaiah 25:7-9 (in Context) Isaiah 25 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  14. Isaiah 38:5
    Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add to your life fifteen years.
    Isaiah 38:4-6 (in Context) Isaiah 38 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  15. Jeremiah 9:1
    Oh, that my head were waters and my eyes a reservoir of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
    Jeremiah 9:1-3 (in Context) Jeremiah 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  16. Jeremiah 9:18
    Let them make haste and raise a wailing over us and for us, that our eyes may run down with tears and our eyelids gush with water.
    Jeremiah 9:17-19 (in Context) Jeremiah 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  17. Jeremiah 13:17
    But if you will not hear and obey, I will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock has been taken captive.
    Jeremiah 13:16-18 (in Context) Jeremiah 13 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  18. Jeremiah 14:17
    Therefore [Jeremiah] you shall say to them, Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease; for the virgin daughter of my people has been smitten with a great wound, with a very grievous blow.
    Jeremiah 14:16-18 (in Context) Jeremiah 14 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  19. Jeremiah 31:16
    Thus says the Lord: Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord; and [your children] shall return from the enemy’s land.
    Jeremiah 31:15-17 (in Context) Jeremiah 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  20. Lamentations 1:2
    She weeps bitterly in the night, and her tears are [constantly] on her cheeks. Among all her lovers (allies) she has no one to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.
    Lamentations 1:1-3 (in Context) Lamentations 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  21. Lamentations 1:16
    For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears, because a comforter, one who could refresh and restore my soul, is far from me. My children are desolate and perishing, for the enemy has prevailed.
    Lamentations 1:15-17 (in Context) Lamentations 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  22. Lamentations 2:18
    The hearts [of the inhabitants of Jerusalem] cried to the Lord. [Then to the congregation, I, Jeremiah, cried, addressing the wall as its symbol] O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; give yourself no rest, let not your eyes stop [shedding tears].
    Lamentations 2:17-19 (in Context) Lamentations 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  23. Lamentations 3:48
    My eyes overflow with streams of tears because of the destruction of the daughter of my people.
    Lamentations 3:47-49 (in Context) Lamentations 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  24. Ezekiel 24:16
    Son of man [Ezekiel], behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes [your wife] at a single stroke. Yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, neither shall your tears flow.
    Ezekiel 24:15-17 (in Context) Ezekiel 24 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  25. Malachi 2:13
    And this you do with double guilt; you cover the altar of the Lord with tears [shed by your unoffending wives, divorced by you that you might take heathen wives], and with [your own] weeping and crying out because the Lord does not regard your offering any more or accept it with favor at your hand.
    Malachi 2:12-14 (in Context) Malachi 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  26. Mark 9:24
    At once the father of the boy gave [an eager, piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!
    Mark 9:23-25 (in Context) Mark 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  27. Luke 7:38
    And standing behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears; and she wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet [affectionately] and anointed them with the ointment (perfume).
    Luke 7:37-39 (in Context) Luke 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  28. Luke 7:44
    Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
    Luke 7:43-45 (in Context) Luke 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  29. Acts 20:19
    Serving the Lord with all humility in tears and in the midst of adversity (affliction and trials) which befell me, due to the plots of the Jews [against me];  Acts 20:18-20 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
 

February 16, 2013

Watchman's letters: Oppression under fake Christianity

Dear Uncle Jack,


Now that my head has cleared a bit more, I am beginning to remember some of the sermons.

Ps. Susan preached on the sins of Jeroboam.

She said that the sins of Jeroboam truly grieved the heart of our Lord because the Lord kept mentioning this sin throughout the book.

Jeroboam's sins can be summarised into 3 Cs:

a) Convenience

b) Compromise

c) Counterfeit

It is linked to today's modern Christianity.

Jeroboam's led the entire nation of Israel astray because of his own deep-rooted insecurity

He did not want the Israelites to go to Jerusalem to worship the true and living God for the fear that they will defect to Judah.

1 Kings 12:28

So he invented a religion of Convenience by setting up two golden calfs for the Israelites to worship. And the Israelites easily fell back into idolatry as were the habit of their ancestors.

Many Christians also opt for the religion of Convenience today, only to end up feeding on the wrong sermons that will eventually lead their children astray.

1 Kings 12:31

Jeroboam made priests from every class of people, (or low class people as per some bible translations), who were not of the sons of Levi.

This is a clear compromise on the ordinances of the Lord.

The Levites were specially chosen by the Lord to serve as priests because they could put the Lord above their own brothers and people. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the first set of the Ten Commandments, the Israelites have already reverted to idol worship and it was only the clan of Levites that stood up for the Lord.

1 Kings 12:33

Jeroboam changed the Feast of the Tabernacle by keeping the same month but changing the date. It gave rise to COUNTERFEIT religion.

Due to Jeroboam's sins, the successive fifteen generations of kings after him went back into idol worship and eventually, God allowed the whole nation of Israel to be destroyed.

The irony was that although Jeroboam created this 3Cs but when his own son fell sick in 1 Kings 14, he sent his wife to look for the prophet of the true and living God to inquire for his son.

He knew what he did was all fake and yet, he instituted a fake religion that eventually destroyed the nation of Israel.

That's all for now.

Love

Kt

December 13, 2012

The Spirit of Life says, “Beware of depression spirit and burnt chicken!”

Dear Junior: (a watchman/intercessor who started young):
Yesterday your uncle watchman learned a lesson from the Lord Holy Spirit. He did not obey the lord’s command to watch and pray. Instead he spent a lot of quality time driving and waiting for spiritually unproductive administrative procedures in banks. By the time he returned to his abode, it was already afternoon and he made further unproductive decisions without asking the Holy Spirit.
Someone turned up for urgent ministering by his co-worker and he had to rush to finish laundry and cooking so they would not be distracted. However, rain waters poured like waterfall from above and strong wind brought the water right into his first floor home-office and whilst he rushed upstairs to close the windows, the bed sheets and kneeling pads which were earlier hanging out under the bright sun in the garden were soaked.
Whilst he was feeling upset and went up to ‘sulk’ in the third floor attic the chicken on the stove in the ground floor kitchen was burnt. The whole house was full of smoke. While he wondered where the smoke came from, someone came to his door and knocked and told him the bad news -instead of switching off the stove he turned to full power and it continued for at least fifteen minutes!
So the uncle felt self-pity and grumbled loudly to the Lord. He was a watchman and not a servant to the cares of this world. When he wallowed in self-pity he forgot that he was supposed to be sons of God and led by the Holy Spirit. He felt depressed and oppressed. He thought he was being neglected by all loved ones as the the smoke was swarming the whole house and no one paid any attention. These include those in the kitchen blissfully taking their tea, and those in the living room engrossed in talking. The rain poured into the house causing the beginning of a flood and yet the inhabitants were in blissful oblivion in their rooms doing their own things.
While moping, the Lord reminded him that he was to be led by the Spirit and not by flesh. He then discerned that the spirit of death, spirit of deception, and spirit of depression came into his mind through the ‘open window’ (or open-door) from the ‘patient’ and her mom downstairs. So he used the name of Jesus to bind and cast out the unclean spirits, using the same authority Jesus gave to His disciples and all who believe.
Matthew 16:19 (NKJV) 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed[a] in heaven. [”Footnotes: a. Matthew 16:19 Or will have been bound . . . will have been loosed.]
He also used the power of the Son of God -Jesus, to destroy the works of the devil as in
1John3:8b “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
The depression lifted instantly at the name of Jesus. The Spirit of the Lord Jesus refreshed him as he prayed in tongue. He took a refreshing bath and felt bright and sunny by the time he took his dinner. The chicken miraculously tasted good and juicy too. The burnt ginger was edible. The vegetables were extra delicious. So the smoke did not damage anything. He even had a treat of chocolate from Manila.
Summary of lesson learned:
  1. Obey the Lord Jesus who urged us to watch and pray always.
  2. Walk in the Spirit.
  3. Do not assume that feelings and thoughts are the truth.
  4. Always be alert of the spiritual realm. Look at the unseen.
  5. Pray in the Spirit without ceasing.
  6. Be always prepared to use the authority and power of the sons of God.
  7. Be equipped and ready to use the sword of the Spirit -the word of God.

October 30, 2012

Journey to See God: Seeing God intimately

God reveals Himself in His way
Life is more interesting, never dull when one lives in the Spirit and walks by the Spirit, just as the apostles had experienced during the time of the early churches (as in the book of Acts). Without the leading of the Holy Spirit, one cannot possibly understand the Bible, the watchman has thus discovered.
The Bible is all about God. The Holy Spirit has come to show us how to see God. Reading John 7 and 8 has revealed new truth to the watchman. The truth is just there, all over the pages as he sees through the eyes of his spirit.
________________________Here is his brief note on 10-14-2012:
The Bible is all about God, revealing Himself to man, not the other way round. God takes initiative: set time, ‘when’, ‘whom he sent’, ‘for what purpose’. But man looks at ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘who is who’ all in the physical.
How does Jesus describes His focused intimate relationship, interactions and identification with God? (Just read the following list. The words ‘He’, ‘His’, ‘Him’ are used to denote God.)
‘He sent’, ‘He knows’, “in His time’, “His will’, ‘He teaches’, ‘comes from Him’, ‘His truth’, ‘learn from Him’, ‘return to Him’, ‘He speaks the truth’, ‘seek to honor Him’, ‘with Him’, ‘know who He is’, ‘belong to Him’, ‘from above’ (where God is), ‘not of the world below’ (where man is), ‘heard from Him’, ‘completely truthful’, ‘always do what please Him’, ‘do nothing on one’s own’, ‘say only what ones hears from Him’, ‘sent by Him’, ‘set sinners free’ (do His work), ‘saw what He did’, ‘tell the truth’, ‘come from God’,'consistent with God’s character’, ‘belong to God’, ‘listen gladly to the words of God’, ‘honor God’, ‘no demon in Him’, ‘no wish to glorify self’, ‘obey His teaching’, ‘know God’ and ‘obey Him’, ‘know Him and His Son’, know He is ‘I AM’.
______________________Relevant excerpts from “Spiritual Intimacy  & Communion” (from “Demands of Love” book by Susan Tang)
“The early Christians did not pick up spirits as easily as we do now because they were serious Christians who had a strong river of Spirit-life running inside them. They believed in spiritual communion and intimacy with God and spent time in serious prayer daily. They were people who knew how to drink long and deep at the Living Fountain. That was why they had no problems with demons..”
“Ministry today is dangerous because the emphasis is all on the outward _ the size of the church, the numbers, the performance, the buildings. Satan will be happy to give us these (and he can) provided he can keep us away from “The Drink”.”
http://www.station-of-life.org/demands-love.htm

SPIRITUAL INTIMACY (book by Susan Tang) 
MORE EXCERPTS: Psalm 143: 11
Quicken me O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
The word, ‘quicken’ actually means ‘to make alive.’ Many people, even Christians, lose their will to live because they cannot take the m and the pressure. When David lost the will to carry on, he screamed out to God many times, “O God, make me live!” He would not give way to suicide because he knew life came from God and it was not right for him to end it himself.
There is such power in intimacy with God. Even when David lost the will to live, he realized he could still carry on living when he allowed God to impact into him the purpose of living – to live for Him! Through intimacy with God, David knew he had a destiny to fulfill, and this gave him the strength to carry on. Yes, we can definitely derive meaning and strength to live on when we know intimacy with Father God.

———–
“The common Christian today knows everything from prophecy to anointing, from home cells to music, from miracles to visitations, from missions to running errands etc. but they simply cannot enter into intimacy with the Lord or prevail in His presence. Seeking His face is just too much for them.” [Read More]

spiritual intimacy & communion with God

October 5, 2012

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.
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:
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;
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,
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!

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
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;
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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
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.
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.

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
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.”
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,
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;
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,
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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,
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).
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.
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.
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];
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,

July 2, 2012

End Times watchman’s Bible Study: How two persons got out of depression/panic attack

The watchman observed an increase in depression and even panic attack cases lately. He witnessed the helplessness and suffering of such victims even when under medication. Only after the family of the patient had exhausted all medical and psychiatric means, they came to seek help from the Lord. As led by the Holy Spirit the team of brethren would normally pray and do deliverance. 

He learned that when one listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit, and prayed accordingly, then the calming result would be instant. Indeed in many occasions he noted that like Paul taught the Corinthians church in 1 Cor.12 on the many gifts of the Holy Spirit, the body of Christ consists of many parts and all members must function together as a harmonious team to be effective. However, there are times when resources run out and all hands are required on deck. The Lord will give gift suitable for that occasion to the willing and available.

For example, he is a word and watchman person. He has a spiritual watchtower and has passion for the words of God only. So he normally stays away from healing and deliverance. However, when others are not available or seem to be stuck with a difficult situation, then he (being a spiritual jack of all ‘trades’ for teaching purposes) would have no choice but to ask the Holy Spirit to show him what to do with the person who manifests and urgently needs help. Often he receives the words instantly and when applied, the positive outcome shows he hears correctly.
Thus he often receives words (even when he has not asked) which demonstrate how one can use to counter every situation. The following two psalms are bonuses received today. These are generic ways of dealing with mental situations. The Lord is merciful and full of loving-kindness. This is grace.
___________________________
Psalm 63:6-8 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

Watchman’s Notes on Psalm 63 (The watchman noticed this psalm when he realized that David was a watchman/intercessor too!)

The psalmist was actually flying under the wings of God with his soul following the Lord closely. That means even our souls can follow the Holy Spirit. David was a watchman intercessor. He practiced. He started this prayer by saying how his soul and his flesh thirst and long for God’s presence. He knew that he could find and see God in His power and glory, in the sanctuary, in worship and in praise. Thus his soul could be satisfied. Even at night he continued to meditate on God in the night watches and remember God’s help. Thus he could enjoy the soaring of his soul like an eagle, following God’s wings! That is why David was described as a man after God’s heart!
Psalm 77 (For depression and other form of mental attacks)

2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off forever? 10 And I said, “This is my anguish; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” 11 I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.
Watchman’s Notes on Psalm 77 The psalmist gave a solution to trouble. When in trouble, he observed and learned from the following:
  1. He prayed without ceasing, even at night.
  2. His soul refused to be comforted until he received his solution.
  3. When he complained, his spirit was affected (overwhelmed).
  4. So even at night he worshiped and sang to the Lord and meditated within his heart.
  5. His spirit made diligent search of his memory for him.
  6. His spirit enables him to ask relevant questions regarding the nature of God: His favor, mercy, promises, grace etc. which never failed.
  7. His spirit made him see the reason of his problem, i.e. he had put his focus on the wrong things. When he realized his mistake, he re-focused (remembered, meditated and even talked about) on God’s wonderful works of old.
  8. After the psalmist broke through he concluded by giving a testimony on the great works that God had done to His people. (v13-20).)
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Watchman’s overall summary on his observations
1. Live and be led by the Holy Spirit is a must for living an overcomer life. Let your spirit take over. Your spirit connects to the Holy Spirit Who searches all things.
2. Always focus on God’s goodness. Remember all the good deeds and wonders He has done in the past.
3. Meditate on them.
4. Talk to others about the goodness of God. Give testimony.
5. Join other brethren in worship and praise God together.
_________________Bible verses on the God of Peace (Jesus)
  1. Romans 1:7
    To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    Romans 1:6-8 (in Context) Romans 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  2. Romans 5:1
    [ Faith Triumphs in Trouble ] Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
    Romans 5:1-3 (in Context) Romans 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  3. Romans 14:17
    for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
    Romans 14:16-18 (in Context) Romans 14 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  4. Romans 15:13
    Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
    Romans 15:12-14 (in Context) Romans 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  5. Romans 15:33
    Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
    Romans 15:32-33 (in Context) Romans 15 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  6. Romans 16:20
    And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
    Romans 16:19-21 (in Context) Romans 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  7. Philippians 4:7
    and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
    Philippians 4:6-8 (in Context) Philippians 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  8. Philippians 4:9
    The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
    Philippians 4:8-10 (in Context) Philippians 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  9. Colossians 3:15
    And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
    Colossians 3:14-16 (in Context) Colossians 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  10. 1 Peter 1:2
    elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
    1 Peter 1:1-3 (in Context) 1 Peter 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
  11. 1 Thessalonians 5:23
    [ Blessing and Admonition ] Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
    1 Thessalonians 5:22-24 (in Context) 1 Thessalonians 5 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

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