Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts

February 7, 2012

End Times Witnessing: Doing the Impossible -Waiting for God


The watchman read some testimonies of people waiting upon the Lord and their respective experiences encountering God. He decided to do the same one night in his attic. He went to bed around 9pm and woke at midnight.

From 12am to around 3am he waited in silence and tried not to fall asleep again. But nothing happened and he dozed off into oblivion. After a short while he woke and stayed up until almost dawn. He did not encounter any phenomena. He slept for another brief interval before he was due to get up for his daily living.

However, that day he was calm, well, and fully refreshed. Something he did not expect happened. A closed one suddenly changed her original plan and decided not to go somewhere far. That saved him considerable time and trouble. He had two days of supernatural peace and quietness in his abode.

When he now reads through what he wrote that morning during the early hours of waiting upon the lord, he realizes that he was then led to read silently through Psalms 107-118. He recalled the only words he uttered during the silent waiting were, "LORD, help!" (NLT) (Psa107:6,13,19,28).

When he read Psa118 again, he knew the answer and conclusion for that waiting. Though he waited in silence, his spirit was crying out to the Lord. The Lord has answered his silent prayer. It was a spiritual journey (in Spirit and in Truth) in silence. The Lord came to his humble tent and dwelling and gave him strength (Psa118:15), and open to him the Temple Gate, the Gate of the Lord, the Chief Cornerstone Himself (118:19-22)!
The watchman is indeed delighted in reading one particular verse now, “Save now, we beseech You, O Lord; send now prosperity, O Lord, we beseech You, and give to us success!” (Psa118:25) (Amazing how this verse popped out as he found his large print Amplified Bible today deciding to put a new wrapping over the cover). This was the verse he received twice lately (once in an earlier recent blog).

O watchman, continue waiting upon the Lord. Don't give up. You are loved.

WAITING UPON THE LORD VERSES -------------------------------

Proverbs 8:34 Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Wait upon the Lord: in the morning, through out the night (more vigilant than a watchman) and all day long; the Lord will speak to your heart!
Psalm 5:3 In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. Psalm 25:5 Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.
Psalm 130:6 I am looking and waiting for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, I say, more than watchmen for the morning.
You will have honor, integrity, uprightness, courage and stout heart!
Psalm 25:3 Yes, let none who trust and wait hopefully and look for You be put to shame or be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right or deal treacherously without cause.
Psalm 25:21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for and expect You.
Psalm 27:14 Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Psalm 31:24 Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!
Psalm 112:8 His heart is established and steady, he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire established upon his adversaries.
The Lord will watch over you, give you His mercy, loving-kindness, hep, shield, rest, plans and even physical food
Psalm 33:18 Behold, the Lord's eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness,
Psalm 33:20 Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.
Psalm 33:22 Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.
Psalm 37:7 Be still and rest in the Lord; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him; fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass.
Psalm 106:13 But they hastily forgot His works; they did not [earnestly] wait for His plans [to develop] regarding them,
Psalm 104:27 These all wait and are dependent upon You, that You may give them their food in due season.
The Lord will give you landed property
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait and hope and look for the Lord [in the end] shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:34 Wait for and expect the Lord and keep and heed His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; [in the end] when the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.
The Lord will heal your depression
Psalm 40:1 [To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.] I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.
Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and my God.
Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 62:5
My soul, wait only upon God and silently submit to Him; for my hope and expectation are from Him.
Psalm 69:3 I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail with waiting [hopefully] for my God.
Psalm 69:6 Let not those who wait and hope and look for You, O Lord of hosts, be put to shame through me; let not those who seek and inquire for and require You [as their vital necessity] be brought to confusion and dishonor through me, O God of Israel.
Psalm 62:1 [To the Chief Musician; according to Jeduthun [Ethan, the noted musician, founder of an official musical family]. A Psalm of David.] FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.

Wait with other believers, you will be safe
Psalm 52:9 I will thank You and confide in You forever, because You have done it [delivered me and kept me safe]. I will wait on, hope in and expect in Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your saints (Your kind and pious ones).
When you wait you can do and receive hope from God's commandments and His word
Psalm 119:166 I am hoping and waiting [eagerly] for Your salvation, O Lord, and I do Your commandments.
Psalm 130:5 I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope.
The Bride of Christ waits for Him to take her into His 'waiting home'!
Song of Solomon 8:14
[Joyfully the radiant bride turned to him, the one altogether lovely, the chief among ten thousand to her soul, and with unconcealed eagerness to begin her life of sweet companionship with him, she answered] Make haste, my beloved, and come quickly, like a gazelle or a young hart [and take me to our waiting home] upon the mountains of spices!

July 23, 2011

End Times Witnessing: the faith that raises the dead

The watchman has been quiet for sometime. The July month events had been like a mighty torrent that swept through the spiritual realm and he was overwhelmed. Indeed, he went through the season swimming in the tides of the Spirit and has been led to enter another level of spiritual realm. The evangelical and healing rally has brought him to deeper waters. The message of the book that he was asked to assist editing brought the reality of spiritual warfare to him. The reality became real in his daily living and he is now confronted with the moment of truth.

The big question is: is he going to trust God 100%?

If his answer is affirmative, he has to let go of all medicine. He now begins to understand how others must have felt when they came for divine healing. How to have faith if they perceive physical symptoms being different from those of a healed person? On the other hand, faith means just believe what the words of God say (including the reality of spiritual realm).


He was led to read Romans this morning. He sat at the attic window, facing the line of beautiful trees basked in golden sunshine outside, used a mike and amplifier with speakers and read God’s words treating them as medicine. Indeed, as he persisted, the symptoms on his body became more and more bearable! Before he realised it, he read through nearly all of Romans.

After that he went downstairs and ate a hearty sandwich with mozzarella cheese! In his New Living Translation Bible the following passage has brightened his day:

Romans 14:6-9 New Living Translation (NLT)

6 Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him. Those who eat any kind of food do so to honor the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord and give thanks to God. 7 For we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves. 8 If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

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The following speaks to the watchman about what true faith is. The faith that is required is a faith that persists against all odds in the physical realm. What can a 100 year old man do? Yet Abraham persists in believing God and His words. Abraham has seen into the spiritual realm, the unseen reality that many other men have overlooked. He believed in the Creator. He did not limit his sight to the fallen creatures (including human beings).

This is the first of the watchman’s role models. Abraham, the father of the people of faith. Read this chapter. Proclaim it loud. speak into the spiritual realm. Let your faith rise too.
__________________________________

Romans 4 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Faith of Abraham

Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”

4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:

7 “Oh, what joy for those

whose disobedience is forgiven,

whose sins are put out of sight.

8 Yes, what joy for those

whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. 10But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!

11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. 12And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.

13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. 14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. 15For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)

16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.”This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.

18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.

20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

Footnotes:

1.Romans 4:3 Gen 15:6.

2.Romans 4:8 Ps 32:1-2 (Greek version).

3.Romans 4:9 Greek is this blessing only for the circumcised, or is it also for the uncircumcised?

4.Romans 4:17 Gen 17:5.

5.Romans 4:18 Gen 15:5.

June 21, 2011

End Times Witnessing: “Do not scoff at spiritual matters!”

Today’s verse is on Jude 1. The passage is the entire Book of Jude. The watchman urges you to read and take heed today the importance to know and understand the spiritual realm is real.

Ponder and meditate on this truth: God is real, angels are real (good ones who minister to God and to believers; and bad ones-devil), heaven and hell are real, rewards and judgments are real. Prayers are real. Spiritual wars are real. The attacks by spiritual beings (devils) causing sickness on your bodies, minds and emotions are real. Eternal life and eternal death (by being forever separated from God) are real!


_______________________The watchman’s comment is at the end of the passage.

New Living Translation (NLT)
Jude 1
Greetings from Jude
1This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.
I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
2May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.

The Danger of False Teachers
3 Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people. 4I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

5 So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. 6 And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. 7And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment.

8 In the same way, these people—who claim authority from their dreams—live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at supernatural beings. 9 But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (This took place when Michael was arguing with the devil about Moses’ body.) 10 But these people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. 11What sorrow awaits them! For they follow in the footsteps of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they deceive people for money. And like Korah, they perish in their rebellion.

12 When these people eat with you in your fellowship meals commemorating the Lord’s love, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you. They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. 13They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the foam of their shameful deeds. They are like wandering stars, doomed forever to blackest darkness.

14 Enoch, who lived in the seventh generation after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said, “Listen! The Lord is coming with countless thousands of his holy ones 15to execute judgment on the people of the world. He will convict every person of all the ungodly things they have done and for all the insults that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

16These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.

A Call to Remain Faithful
17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.

20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others,but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives.

A Prayer of Praise

24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.
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Watchman’s comments: “They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.”

The reason why a group of ‘church members’ who even take part in Holy Communion with the believers of Jesus Christ, and yet live the life of the un-believers, is because they do not have the Holy Spirit in them.

They are not born again by the Spirit of God. It is natrural for them to be guided by their natural instincts and desires. It is natural for them to scoff at spiritual and supernatural things.

But these people will perish if they do not repent and turn back to worship the true God in Spirit and in Truth.

O, church goers, laugh no more of the spiritual matters. The Lord hears and sees you… (Even the devil and his demons see and hear you too, scoffers).

May 11, 2011

End Times Witnessing: Armor 4 – Shield of Faith

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

Have faith in God’s ability and willingness to provide all that we need.


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

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

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

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

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

Faith in Jesus can result in sins being forgiven.

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

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

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


Faith in Jesus can make one become well immediately.

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


Unbelief hinders the mountain moving power of faith!

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


Faith means faith in Jesus (God).

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


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

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


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

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



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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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



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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


Faith is a door to enter the kingdom of God.

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


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

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


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


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


Testifying, repentance and faith work together in salvation.


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


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

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

April 11, 2011

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

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

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

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

Luke 18:18-30

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

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

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

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

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

With God All Things Are Possible

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

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

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

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

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

March 15, 2011

Days after Quakes and Tsunami: “Never Let me Go”

A sixty year old Japanese man was rescued from a piece of floating roof after two days. He told the rescuers that he had lost his wife.



The watchman once got to know someone through sharing the same interest of reading books written by Kazuo Ishiguro . Here are some quotes from Kazuo Ishiguro. The excerpts are from “Never let me go” (2005) and “The remains of the day” (winner of the Booker Prize, 1989)


Quotes_____________

I keep thinking about this river somewhere, with the water moving really fast. And these two people in the water, trying to hold onto each other, holding on as hard as they can, but in the end it’s just too much. The current’s too strong. They’ve got to let go, drift apart. That’s how it is with us. It’s a shame, Kath, because we’ve loved each other all our lives. But in the end, we can’t stay together forever.” (Never Let me go)

”Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don’t go along with that. The memories I value most, I don’t ever see them fading.”

You say you’re sure? Sure that you’re in love? How can you know it? You think love is so simple?

The evening’s the best part of the day. You’ve done your day’s work. Now you can put your feet up and enjoy it.”

“Sometimes I get so immersed in my own company, if I unexpectedly run into someone I know, it’s a bit of a shock and takes me a while to adjust.”

What can we ever gain in forever looking back and blaming ourselves if our lives have not turned out quite as we might have wished? The hard reality is, surely, that for the likes of you and I, there is little choice other than to leave our fate, ultimately, in the hands of those great gentlemen at the hub of this world who employ our services. What is the point in worrying oneself too much about what one could or could not have done to control the course one’s life took? Surely it is enough that the likes of you and I at least try to make our small contribution count for something true and worthy. And if some of us are prepared to sacrifice much in life in order to pursue such aspirations, surely that is in itself, whatever the outcome, cause for pride and contentment.” (The remains of the day)

“It had never occurred to me that our lives, which had been so closely interwoven, could unravel with such speed.”

“Indeed — why should I not admit it? — in that moment, my heart was breaking.”

“…and I half closed my eyes and imagined this was the spot where everything I’d ever lost since my childhood had washed up, and I was now standing here in front of it, and if I waited long enough, a tiny figure would appear on the horizon across the field and gradually get larger until I’d see it was Tommy, and he’d wave, and maybe even call.” (Never Let me go)

“Your life must now run the course that’s been set for it.”

“Memory is quite central for me. Part of it is that I like the actual texture of writing through memory…”

When we lost something precious, and we’d looked and looked and still couldn’t find it, then we didn’t have to be completely heartbroken. We still had that last bit of comfort, thinking one day, when we grow up, and we were free to travel around the counry, we would always go and find it in Norfolk…And that’s why years and years later, that day Tommy and I found another copy of that lost tape of mine in a town on the Norfolk coast, we didn’t just think it pretty funny; we both felt deep down some tug, some old wish to believe again in something that was once close to our hearts.”

“The problem, as I see it, is that you’ve been told and not told. You’ve been told, but none of you really understand, and I dare say, some people are quite happy to leave it that way.”


“There was another life that I might have had, but I am having this one.”

“As a writer, I’m more interested in what people tell themselves happened rather than what actually happened

You’re always in a rush, or else you’re too exhausted to have a proper conversation. Soon enough, the long hours, the traveling, the broken sleep have all crept into your being and become part of you, so everyone can see it, in your posture, your gaze, the way you move and talk.” (Don’t we all?)

January 24, 2011

Holy Spirit Practical

One important the watchman has learned about the Holy Spirit is that practice in hearing the Holy Spirit is essential for all believers. How to hear the Holy Spirit? This is a question with unlimited answers. Each week he has asked a different member to give a testimony to his class on how the individual hears the Holy Spirit. Based on their sharings he has noted the rich varieties of experiences each individual has encountered in their journey in the Holy Spirit.



For example, in one case the believer has started by reading the Bible and related books hungrily after he was born again and baptised in the Holy Spirit. Then he started manifesting one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, prophecy. He took the courage and gave the word of prophecy faithfully and received more as he obeyed the Lord. He spent much time before the Lord and praying in the Spirit. He also took part in the worship ministry.

Over many years of faithful walking in the Holy Spirit and storing the Word in his heart, he was led by the Lord to do prayer drive and other related spiritual warfare ministry. One day as he was in his usual kneeling position before the Lord, praying, he heard one unusual word very clearly. He prayed with that word. The next day the whole country and a neighbouring country had a major power failure which lasted seven days! He subsequently found out that the strange word given by the Holy Spirit was the name of the strongman of the land.

The believer continues to pray daily and carry out his ministry before the Lord and has received more revelations as he moved forward by faith. He has vivid dreams and carefully records them. He also has other gifts of the Holy Spirit.

A number of the verses from the Lord aptly describe his spiritual encounter:

Mark 4:24-25

24 Then He said to them, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”

Matthew 25:29

29 ‘For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.

Acts 5:32

32 And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

John 14:15-18

Jesus Promises Another Helper

15 “If you love Me, keep[a] My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

Footnotes:
a.John 14:15 NU-Text reads you will keep.

January 22, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark 16:15-18

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

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

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

December 14, 2010

End Times Church Survival Kits: 3 Prayer Weapons

The watchman asked the Holy Spirit to reveal the end times prayer weapons for his class for a whole week so that by the end of the week he will have at least seven weapons to share and practice with them.


The first morning he received Phil4:4-9

“ 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

Number One Weapon: The God of Peace be with you!

On the second morning, the watchman received Galatians 3-5, in particular 5:16-26

Living by the Spirit’s Power

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. “

Weapon Number Two: Living by the Spirit’s Power!

In addition, on the second day, the watchman received a bonus in Number 10:1-10 especially 10:9-10 “ When you arrive in your own land and go to war against your enemies who attack you, sound the alarm with the trumpets. Then the Lord your God will remember you and rescue you from your enemies. Blow the trumpets in times of gladness, too, sounding them at your annual festivals and at the beginning of each month. And blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and peace offerings. The trumpets will remind the Lord your God of his covenant with you. I am the Lord your God.”

Weapon Number three: Blow the trumpets

“Ancient Israel understood that trumpets were used as a way of announcing special, very important messages. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reveals that before His return to the earth, there will be the blowing of seven trumpets, announcing progressive stages of the downfall and overthrow of this world’s kingdoms, ending with the return of Christ to take possession of the earth. Christ’s return is announced by the seventh and final trumpet (Revelation 8:2; 11:15). This day also pictures the time when faithful Christians will be resurrected to eternal life at the time of the seventh trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16) to reign with Jesus Christ for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:4-6).” (Quoted from other sources)

So Christians watchmen are to keep their focus on the Lord Jesus’ imminent return to earth and intercede accordingly, proclaiming the most urgent and important message for all men at all times, with eternity in mind and in spirit!

December 5, 2010

Watchman’s Adventure: a matter of spiritual method

It is easy to talk about why we need to deal with spiritual realm but it is difficult to know the right spiritual methods to use. For example, how to bind and cast out demons? Do we need to use repetitive command to address one demon and treat it as if it were deaf, dumb, or slumbering? Can one command of binding and casting out be effective? How many times do we need to bind and cast before that one reluctant demon get out and go away for good? The watchman could not help but ponder on this issue of spiritual methodology.


He has no particular role or assignment in this area of ministry. But he could not help but wonder the number of times one uses to issue one command before that command takes effect, as though the recipient of that command could choose not to obey the Mighty Name of Jesus and the Authority of Jesus.

So he decided to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to him the answer in case one day he too goes to a foreign field and be assigned such task. The answer came, covering two aspects:

1. The use of authority.

2. The perfect example of Jesus.

When one knows the right (legal) spiritual authority he is using, he should use that authority confidently by faith. The authority is based on the unchangeability of God’s Word. There is no way the demon could refuse to obey that authority.

In the example of Jesus he observes the following:

1. Jesus knows His authority. He uses His authority calmly and confidently. He does not need to say twice to the demons to get them to obey His commands.

2. He knows where His authority comes from and He is confident of the ultimate sovereign power of the source of authority (God Himself). He does not fear that the authority may not work.

3. He always sees the real root of the problem and addresses it directly. He speaks to that root.

4. He is a spiritual man and He sees, hears and talks to the spiritual beings as though He is talking to the physical beings.

5. He knows His authority covers the natural realm as well as the supernatural realm and effectively uses the same authority to address it, for example, the wind, rough waves, demons, unclean spirits, the functioning of the body, creation etc.

The watchman also takes note of Jesus’ commanding words. They are short, accurate and to the point as illustrated in the Gospel of Mark, as follows:

1.Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. (He addressed the natural elements with a direct command and they obeyed Him)

2.Jesus said to a legion of evil spirits, “Come out of that man, you evil spirits!” after their repeated pleadings He gave them permission and the evil spirits came out of that man and entered 2000 pigs which plunged into the lake and drowned. (He commanded the legion of demons directly and they obeyed Him)

3.Jesus spoke to a woman who got well by touching His robe, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over.” (He focussed on why she was healed, i.e. her faith, and proclaimed her well, by His Word)

4.Jesus told a Phoenician woman, “Good answer! Now you go home, for the demon has left your daughter.” (He commended her, i.e. her faith, and proclaimed her daughter delivered and set free, by His Word)

5.In the case of a deaf man with speech impediment, Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone, put His fingers in his ears, spitting on His own fingers, touched the man’s tongue, said, “Be opened!” The man was instantly healed. (He touched the malfunctioned organs and issued a specific functional command to them)

6.In the case of a mute and convulsive boy, and a growing crowd of onlookers, Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” The spirit cried out, convulsed the boy greatly and came out of him. (He addressed the spirit describing its specialty, commanded it to get out and also blocked it from re-entry by His Word. He identified why His disciples failed as they had not detected the ‘re-entry’ tendency of this particular type of demons, quite possibly re-inforced by the many demons in that growing crowd! He later advised the disciples to fast and pray in future similar cases as that faith action would sharpen their spiritual discernment!)

7.With a blind man outside Jericho, Jesus responded to his repeated cries, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The man said he wanted to receive his sight. Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight. (He focussed on why he was healed, i.e. his faith, and proclaimed him well by His Word)

Reading the above examples, the watchman concluded that he would choose to go the Jesus way, i.e. issuing simple command with the authority of Jesus, effective and straightforward, to malfunctioning parts, demons and even natural elements. Of course the best way is to encourage the faith level to rise in the persons in need of healing. Faith based on God’s Word alone can make the person well regardless of what they suffer from. He also notes that the manifestation of the appropriate gifts of the Holy Spirit and His anointing are required on all occasions of needs.

December 4, 2010

End Times Church countdown: Are you using the right weapon, church?

The watchman recently found an interesting Biblical example illustrating how a man led by the Holy Spirit used the right weapon to overcome a crisis supernaturally as described in 2 Kings 4:31-37.

The passage recorded how Gehazi the servant of Elisha and Elisha the prophet handled the case of a dead child. Gehazi was sent by Elisha to take Elisha’s staff and go to the child and put the staff on his face. The child’s mother refused to go home unless prophet Elisha went too. So he agreed to return with her.

But the servant Gehazi hurried ahead and duly laid Elisha’s staff on the child’s face. Nothing happened. There was neither voice nor hearing from the child. He returned to meet Elisha and told him the child was still dead. It was all done within a short span of time as Elisha was still on his way.

Elisha arrived and found the child was indeed dead, lying on the prophet’s bed (put there by his mother before she went and fetched the prophet). Elisha went in and supernaturally resurrected the child.

The steps carried out by the servant Gehazi and the prophet Elisha are as follows with comments from the watchman with perspective of a watchman-intercessor:

Gehazi the servant: He merely followed the instruction of the prophet. He faithfully brought the prophet’s staff, hurried to the dead child’s house, laid it on the child’s face as instructed. He had no further input as he had none. (We can only give to others what we have). Gehazi had nothing of his own that could give life. But he followed instruction well on this occasion and did exactly what his master told him. There are intercessors who follow the prayer list faithfully. However, as they do not have relationship with the Lord intimately they do not have the confidence to persist in their prayers. They do not have any input other than their own flesh as they do not know how to listen to the Holy Spirit.

They do not know whether the Lord has heard and answered their prayers. They do not know how to use the spiritual authority and power given to them to fight out the warfare against the spiritual enemy. They cannot do so as they cannot see into the spiritual realm where the actual real war is being fought. Their prayers are like jabbing at empty air with feeble forefingers.

Elisha the prophet: He encountered the same problem, i.e. the child was dead. But he adopted an entirely different set of strategy.

1.He went into the room alone, shut the door and prayed to the Lord. He started by going to the presence of the Lord -the original source of life. He interceded for the dead child.

2.Then he took a prophetic act of faith, what his own teacher-master, Elijah had done before (raising a boy from dead too), lay down on the child’s body, by placing his mouth on his mouth, eyes on his eyes, hands on his hands. He was standing in the gap for the child covering the child against the spirit of death, pouring out his own life prophetically for the child.

3.As the child’s body began to grow warm Elisha got up, walked back and forth across the room once, another prophetic act like Jericho March, building a fiery hedge of spiritual protection surrounding the child against the spiritual enemy. Why did he do that? It was possible that he saw or sensed the obstruction in the spiritual realm. So he took further spiritual action to block off the obstruction from the spiritual enemy.

4.Then he repeated his earlier act of faith, stretching out himself again on the child. This time indeed the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes! The boy was resurrected by Elisha’s anointed faith in action in the spiritual realm.

What did Elisha do differently? Why was his way effective? Medically and scientifically what the two ‘healers’ did would make no difference in the physical realm.

But Elisha was a spiritual man. He could see into the spiritual realm. He knew how to use his prophetic act of faith which has the anointed authority and power of the Almighty God. For example, in another incident, he knew exactly when and where the enemy king was going to attack Israel and Elisha would always warn the Israelite king beforehand to be on alert. He remained calm when surrounded by the enemy’s great army because he could see into the spiritual realm and saw the Lord’s larger and greater army (the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire to protect him). But his servant could not see until Elisha asked the Lord to open his spiritual eyes.

He also talked to the Lord intimately and confidently like between close and trusted friends. For example, when the Aramean army advanced toward him, he prayed, “O Lord, please make them blind.” So the Lord struck them with blindness as Elisha had asked. (2 Kings 6:18) Then Elisha went out and led them to the city of Samaria. As soon as they had entered Samaria, Elisha prayed, “O Lord, now open their eyes and let them see.” So the Lord opened their eyes. (2 Kings 6:20)

In the eyes of the natural world, the prophetic faith in action of Elisha would seem irrational, stupid, and even ridiculous. Yet, it had the power to bring life back to the long dead child.

Because Elisha knows God. And God is Spirit. Elisha knows the spiritual reality of life. Thus, he was empowered to accomplish his assignment using spiritual weapon successfully as led by the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, the natural man Gehazi failed miserably because he was using a wrong weapon.

Church, are you using the right weapon? If so, why are so many members being depressed, oppressed, suppressed, crushed, defeated and even dying like flies?

December 2, 2010

Watchman’s adventure: The Holy Spirit confirmed thrice!

The watchman was told a prophecy of his next assignment. He asked for confirmation. When he first heard it he thought it would require a miracle to accomplish it. But he was looking at the physical world and his natural resources then.

However he said he would be willing to go when his is fully equipped to do so. Then to his surprise things started moving very fast, with more visions, dreams and confirmations showing the intensified moving of the Holy Spirit. He discovered that his gifts were being sharpened and multiplied supernaturally.

Yesterday he received a final confirmation which indeed meant the Lord is serious about keeping His Word.

It started with a vision someone saw several years ago at his late mother’s funeral. The vision showed his mother very young with five small kids all facing one direction looking at an unfamiliar scenery. Two kids were wearing helmets on their heads.

Next was a discovery that the scenery actually exists in a region and there is a name to it.

After that there was a prophecy that he and four others will go there one day.

After that there was another geographical vision showing the place where one of the others will be going to stay within that region. But there was no name to that place.

Two weeks ago the watchman and the intercessor who saw the vision decided to search the internet maps to identify the exact location. When they came across a map, the intercessor recognized the exact spot and asked the watchman the name as she could not read the language. So the watchman took note of that name. After that they stopped looking as he was told by the Lord that He will provide the place and all resources when he sends them.

Yesterday he heard from another one of the other four that he had received an opening to go to a place and live there, and he casually mentioned a place name (unaware of the above mentioned map findings and earlier vision of the location). To the watchman’s amazement, the place name is exactly the name of the location he and the other intercessor identified on the map which matched her vision.

To his further amazement when he looked up the description of that location he found that it was exactly as required for weather, food, and ease of adjustment to living!

The Lord is an awesome God!

(The watchman admits he will have no excuse not to obey when the times comes.)

October 30, 2010

Watchman Adventure: old cab driven by angel


The watchman was in a hurry to get to the airport. He phoned the radio cab and an old rickety cab pulled up at his doorstep. After the watchman got into the cab he discovered that the driver was ancient and half deaf. He seemed to be under the impression that the watchman was going to just a few blocks away. The watchman explained that he was going to the airport to catch a plane. The ancient looking driver shook his head and mumbled something and drove on.
The cab was ancient and the engine went dead whenever the driver applied the brake, at cross road, at traffic light junction, at heavy traffic, and even when they were speeding on the fast lane of the highway!
The watchman thought this could be a deploy by the enemy to stop him from getting to his scheduled destination. So he prayed in the spirit fervently. Then he thought he better called angels to come to his aide as the dead engine at fast lane was dangerous!
So he prayed for angels to carry the cab regardless how the engine performed. In his anxious moment he also called for chariot of fire to carry the cab. Then he found that the little cab which shook all over when it sped on the highway was overtaking many vehicles! He was being carried at amazing speed.
He knew the angels had to be at work, so he looked intensely outside his car window. After he looked for sometime he saw the first angel.
This was a serious but good looking neatly dressed person who looked like a modern corporate executive but was watching the performance of the cab at a distance. He was like a supervisor.
Then he saw the second angel. This was one with long straight hair and looked strong and young. He was closer to the cab and possible moving the cab as the watchman could only see his face which was close to the window.
The third angel was real close up and where his face was the watchman only saw reddish flame like color.
All three were concentrating on doing their respective work. The watchman realized how swiftly the angels came and carry out their tasks diligently and faithfully.
Indeed, the cab moved amazingly despite a little argument between the watchman and the cab driver. The cab driver insisted on going through a town against the advice of the watchman who thought they could be caught in a traffic jam there. But there was no traffic and as the cab driver predicted, they arrived at the airport with plenty of time for the watchman to check in and relax at the waiting lounge! On top of that, the flight was delayed for an hour!
It was a lesson for the watchman. He learned two things:
1. Never judge by the apparent. The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to say, “Therefore from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no more. ” (2 Cor.5:16)
2. Be alert and keep listening to the Holy Spirit. Do not panic even when things look desperate. Call for help from the spiritual realm and do not be afraid to make mistake.
It must be quite a sight that day with the broken old cab whooshing down the highway overtaking all the other newer and bigger vehicles. When they reached the destination he paid the cab driver the fare and asked him of his age. The old man broke into a smile and told him that he was 76 years old and he drove the cab just to pass time. He did not really need the money!
Was he also an angel? The watchman never found out.

October 1, 2010

End Times Witnessing: Sing, O barren! Now is the time!

Lately, the watchman heard, “Now He will heal us; now He will bandage our wounds; in just a short time He will restore us so that we may live in His presence.” (Hosea 6: 1-3)

This morning, the watchman heard the following while interceding. The Lord now wants His people to sing in the Spirit and cry aloud in the Spirit. The Lord now promises miraculous happenings when His people worship and enthrone Him. Even the ‘barren’ ones will now become fruitful. Desert will bloom. wilderness will become fertile land. Now, birth of new lives will burst forth as the ‘barrens’ burst forth into , new songs for the Lord our God.  Indeed, now is the time of harvest. Even the hitherto unfruitful must now rise up by faith and sing! Let’snow worship Him in spirit and in truth!

NOW IS THE TIME!

Isaiah 54

1 “Sing, O barren,
You who have not borne!
Break forth into singing, and cry aloud,
You who have not labored with child!
For more are the children of the desolate
Than the children of the married woman,” says the LORD.
2 “ Enlarge the place of your tent,
And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings;
Do not spare;
Lengthen your cords,
And strengthen your stakes.
3 For you shall expand to the right and to the left,
And your descendants will inherit the nations,
And make the desolate cities inhabited.
4 “ Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame;
For you will forget the shame of your youth,
And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
5 For your Maker is your husband,
The LORD of hosts is His name;
And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel;
He is called the God of the whole earth.
6 For the LORD has called you
Like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit,
Like a youthful wife when you were refused,”
Says your God.
7 “ For a mere moment I have forsaken you,
But with great mercies I will gather you.
8 With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment;
But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,”
Says the LORD, your Redeemer.
9 “ For this is like the waters of Noah to Me;
For as I have sworn
That the waters of Noah would no longer cover the earth,
So have I sworn
That I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.
10 For the mountains shall depart
And the hills be removed,
But My kindness shall not depart from you,
Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,”
Says the LORD, who has mercy on you.
11 “ O you afflicted one,
Tossed with tempest, and not comforted,
Behold, I will lay your stones with colorful gems,
And lay your foundations with sapphires.
12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies,
Your gates of crystal,
And all your walls of precious stones.
13 All your children shall be taught by the LORD,
And great shall be the peace of your children.
14 In righteousness you shall be established;
You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear;
And from terror, for it shall not come near you.
15 Indeed they shall surely assemble, but not because of Me.
Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.
16 “ Behold, I have created the blacksmith
Who blows the coals in the fire,
Who brings forth an instrument for his work;
And I have created the spoiler to destroy.
17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the LORD.

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