End Times Witnessing: vision of a gate for the remnants

The watchman saw a vision in a dream. In the dream he knew he was seeing a vision. It was a stand alone gate in the rain. There was no wall on both sides of the gate! He was told that this was related to his current Bible class on the last three history books and last three prophet books. He was leading the class to build a prophetic wall with cloth bricks and dividing them into groups named after the ten gates of Jerusalem.

He could not see any walls or fence next to the stand alone gate. The gate stood by itself in the rain. The rain was more like drizzle. It was a still 3-D scene.

The word that came to him today is the word “remnant”. Who are the remnants? He was told that the small number is not the issue. Did not the Lord Yeshua say, ‘where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them” ? The number of those attending the class and being equipped is given by the Lord and all the watchman has to focus on is to be faithful and obedient to the assignment at this point of time.

Just as the priests assigned by Ezra, he will give account for the weight and the quantity (as assigned) of the precious treasures set apart for God’s holy purposes, when he delivers them safely to Jerusalem temple of God.

In many ways he is just a transporter of the treasures of God. The remnants are the precious possessions of God. The teacher is God Himself. The watchman is just the vessel carrying the treasures in transit.

He now understands why he is going through this class in this place at this time. The recent reading of the Scripture (the whole Bible in its entity in one day) by a small group of faithfuls is further confirmation. He was asked to read the Psalms 73 to 150. The more he read, the more he woke to the revelation that he was being shown the survival of end times survival for the remnants.

For example, he was asked to continue to publish this proclamation, “Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell every one about the amazing things He does.” (Ps.96:3)

He learned the authority of God has over all nature and creatures:“that clouds are chariots and winds have wings that can be ridden upon. The winds are messengers and flames of fire are servants of God. Moon is made to mark the seasons and the sun knows when to set. (104:3-4,19) The earth is full of God’s creatures and they all depend on God to give them food. They panic when God turns away from them.” (104:24,27,29).

He was given one important key: “Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him.” (105:4)

The following example demonstrated how he can utilize unlimited warfare resources: Psa. 118: ¹⁰ Though hostile nations surrounded me, I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. ¹¹ Yes, they surrounded and attacked me, but I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord. ¹² They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the Lord.”

Psa.118: ¹⁵ Songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly.The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things! ¹⁶ The strong right arm of the Lord is raised in triumph. The strong right arm of the Lord has done glorious things!

There is however, one condition for such powerful protection (use of the authority of God and being helped by the right arm of God): he needs to enter the gate of the Lord, which leads to the presence of the Lord. (118:19-20) Yeshua says, “I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved.” (John 10:9)

He was assured of this, “the wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong.” (Psa.125:3) Be godly and be assured of God’s protection of his land (his household, his possession, and even his country).

A further assurance is that where God has chosen to be dwelling place,the city will be blessed and be prosperous, the poor will be fed, priests will be clothed with godliness, and God’s servants will be faithful. (Psa.132:14-16) Yeshua has promised that His believers will be given the presence of God (the Holy Spirit) in them. (John 14:16-21, 23) So, indeed, God has chosen to dwell in believers. Where the presence of God is, where there will be no lack of anything needed for survival.

For those who need to travel at night or when there is no more natural light left, there are promises of safety too. The Lord Himself is light. To Him there is nothing hidden. The night shines as bright as day. (Psa.139:12) His Word is a lamp to guide our feet and light to our path. (Psa.119:105) The Lord sees when we travel and when we rest. He goes before us and follows us. (Psa.139:3,5) He will order His angels to protect us wherever we go; they will hold us up with their hands so we wont even hurt our foot on a stone. (Psa.91:11-12)

For those who need to go through nuclear winter or similar disaster, there is hope of safe deliverance, Psa.147: ¹⁵ “He sends his orders to the world—how swiftly his word flies! ¹⁶ He sends the snow like white wool; he scatters frost upon the ground like ashes. ¹⁷ He hurls the hail like stones. Who can stand against his freezing cold? ¹⁸ Then, at his command, it all melts. He sends his winds, and the ice thaws.” Psa.148:⁸ fire and hail, snow and clouds, wind and weather that obey him,”

His faithful ones have glorious privileges: when the praises of God are in their mouths, they work as sharp swords in their hands. (Psa.149:6,9) God has made His people strong, honoring His faithful ones. (Psa.148:14)

End Times Witnessing: Rebuilding your Old Gate -walk the Old Path- back to Calvary

The watchman discovered that rebuilding Old City Gate has great depth of meaning and significance that he could never have dreamed of. Yes, the Spirit of God prompted him to find this old path as he waited upon the Lord. When leading the class to do this prophetic act of faith he had merely started the work by faith. But now he knows this not initiated by him. The following are revelations received as he sought the Lord.
Revelation One: God wants His people to look back to Him as the Foundation, the Source of life. Ps. 102:25 “Long ago, You laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with Your hands.” Jeremiah 6:16 states ‘Thus says the Lord, Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it; And you will find rest for your souls.’
Revelation Two: God’s truth stands firm as a foundation stone. 2 Tim.2:19 “But God’s truth stands firm as a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
Revelation Three: God has assigned some of His people to be re-builders. Isa.58:12 “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a re-builder of walls and a restorer of homes.” In v11, the Lord also promises that He will guide you continually, giving water when you are dry and restoring your strength. (This was exactly what Yeshua did when He came to the two followers on the road to Emmaus).
Revelation Four: The Lord Yeshua Christ comes personally to accompany His re-builders onto the right path. On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), the resurrected Yeshua came to His two followers. They were sad and disappointed, as they thought their hope in the Messiah re-building the physical Israel nation dash to pieces. But the Lord Yeshua came to seek them out, took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. After the seven miles’ walk, at their invitation, He went home with them, sat down to eat, took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him!
The watchman was at first puzzled over this last passage. What has the Road to Emmaus got to do with the Old Gate? Then his eyes were opened. He looked up the map and indeed found that it started outside the Old Gate and stretched North-West ward. This was not a coincidence. The watchman knew in his spirit that the Lord Yeshua has revealed this truth.
When believers and followers of Christ depart from the Old Gate plumb line of God, they will be filled with discouragement, emptiness of purpose, helplessness and even hopelessness. They have left the solid rock foundation of old (the Ancient of Old) and moved their building to shaky foundation of sands. The path away from the right path of the godly (righteous in Christ) is described as “the path of the wicked” in Psalm One. The Lord only watches over the path of the godly (righteous) (Ps.1:6)
Psalm 121 promises you pilgrims who ascend to Jerusalem, to worship the Lord God Almighty Himself (not turning away from Him), the Lord Himself watches over your life, keeps you from all harm, stands beside you as a protective shade and He will not let you stumble. Indeed, “He will keep watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” (Ps.121:8)
One clearly revealed clue for us is that Yeshua (Jesus) uses the Word of God to turn our focus back to Him and His Redemption. Only by reading and understanding His Word the followers’ spiritual eyes opened which changed the course of their life immediately. They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” “And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem” (to testify for Him)! (Luke 24:32-33)


When the two disciples walked back to Jerusalem’s Old Gate, they were indeed walking towards Calvary, not away from the Cross as they did in the confusion after Jesus was crucified. Indeed, when they arrived, they found to their great joy that He is risen!!
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Faith in Action: Old City Gate Rebuilding Group: Purple cloth is used to represent ‘before time’ ‘Ancient of Days’ God; the old paths of God; Original Foundation (Yeshua Himself). The builders’ names are: Joiada (the Lord knows), Meshullam (repaying), Melatiah (Jehovah delivers), Jadon (judge), people from Mizpah (watch tower)

End Times Witnessing: Rebuilding Your Fish Gate -Why are men made like fish of the sea?

Prophet Habakkuk asked the Lord in anguish, “Why do you make men like fish of the sea, like creeping things that have no ruler over them?” (1:14) “The seemingly random fate that befalls fish and animals, one killing another, is the only thing to which Habakkuk could compare a more evil nation harming a less evil nation”.  (New Spirit-filled Life Bible) Indeed, without knowing God (i.e. with the eternal life in focus), it is difficult not to wonder this way.

The Jerusalem Fish Gate Rebuilding in Nehemiah 3 gave the watchman a fresh picture of God.
Revelation One: God has a good plan for men (Jeremiah 29:11-14 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope..”) despite the fact that we tend to behave like fish, enjoying the vast freedom of the sea, yet remain ignorant and blinded to the immense danger of the freedom of choices. The fisherman’s net, other predator fishes, polluted waters, other living creatures, men’s excessive profit-making activities (due to greed, lack of foresight, and disobedience and rebellion of men against God’s plumb line, resulting all sorts of wickedness and evil conduct) etc are common examples.
Revelation Two: Lord Yeshua (Jesus), the Son of God who came in the flesh as man, favored humble people like fisherman as He called several of them to be His Apostles. He declared prophetically, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men!” (Matt.4:19) Indeed, He later filled them with the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) and they became great fishers. In one preaching and witnessing for the risen Yeshua Christ, they brought three thousands to repent, turn away from their wicked ways and turn to Yeshua as their Lord and Savior. (Acts 2:41)
Revelation Three: God’s plan is to bring many fishes (nations) to flow back to Him and there will be no more war (Micah 4:1-3). He spoke through the prophets on this goal. In Isaiah 19:23-25, the prophecy is that Egypt, Assyria and Israel will one day worship the same God as one, the Lord of hosts will bless them and make them a blessing  in the midst of the land.
Revelation Four: Guess what was the first profession called to be disciples of Yeshua? Fisherman. What was the last profession mentioned when describing the New Jerusalem Temple (as in the vision of Ezekiel)? Fisherman. Ezekiel 47 described water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, which goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. There will be a very great multitude of fish and they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. There will be places for fishermen to spread their nets. The fish will be of the same kind as the fish of the Great Sea, exceeding many. (Ezekiel 47:1-10) Also read Revelation 22:1-2.
Jeremiah 16:16 “Behold, I will send for many fishermen,” says the LORD, “and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. (Lost sheep/fish, how not to be found by the Lord?)

Nehemiah 3:3-5 Fish Gate Re-Builder Group: The watchman uses Pink color cloth for this class group to rebuild their section of the walls (signifies blood of the Lamb; be fishers of souls – sharing the Gospel)
The names of the original builders are interesting and prophetic: Sons of Hassenaah (lifted up), people of Tekoa (more faithful & willing to do hard labor for God than their leaders; Prophet Amos ‘burden-bearer‘ is their country man), Meremoth (elevation), Meshullam (friend), Zadok (just).

CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE: CONTINUE TO ENTER THE NARROW GATE TO HEAVEN

Due to the constant flow of traffic of readers to read my blog on “chapter nineteen: narrow gate and difficult way to heaven? Journal Day 22-24 Enter by the narrow gate”, I am led by the Holy Spirit to write further on this subject just to remind myself and my loved ones the urgency and importance to know how to enter into heaven at this end time.

I list below the Bible verses on this life and death matter. I also append my observations in the brackets following each set of verses.

1. The narrow Gate: Jesus spoke these famous sayings in Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

(Contrary to the general and popular teaching of other religions and most modern churches, a lot of people are being excluded from entering heaven, simply because they have chosen the broad and easy way).

2. The seeker of God: “You will seek Me and not find Me, and where I am you cannot come”. (John 7:34)

(Although many seek God/Jesus, read up on the subject, study religious materials and Bible, and take part in evangelical rallies and other forms of spiritual pilgrimages, not every one who seeks God/Jesus could find Him or go to heaven where He has gone).

3. The doer of “religious good deeds”: “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” “And then I will declare to them, I never know you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21, 23)

(Although many practice some forms of religions including Christianity religion, follow the required religious rituals, practice religious living, believing that they are serving God, not all who call God/Jesus as Lord and think that they have served Him could enter heaven).

4. The knower of religious knowledge: There are people who claim that they know God/Jesus because they read up the Bible, take part in church or other religious services, religious activities, religious ceremonial meetings, and so on. (Luke 13:26) but Jesus said, “I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity,” (Luke 13:27)

(Not all who think they know God/Jesus in their physical senses and their minds are known by God/Jesus. To God they are workers of iniquity!)

Who are those who are being disqualified by God/Jesus?

1. They are lawless and workers of iniquity: Proverbs described the characteristics of these people. They hated knowledge (of God), did not choose to honor and fear God reverently, would have none of the Lord’s counsel, and despised God’s every rebuke. (Prov. 1:29-30) Jesus warned: “Then they will call on Me, but I will not answer; they will seek Me diligently, but they will not find Me.” (1:28)

(Take note that these people also seek God diligently but could not find God. Why? They go to church physically without really going with their hearts. They do not believe or want to follow God’s words. They continue to live by the world’s standards and values, and not the values and standards of the kingdom of God).

2. The prophet Hosea also stated that the people (with their flocks and herds) shall go and seek the Lord, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them. Why? God said they had dealt treacherously with Him. They had begotten pagan children, indulging in pagan worship and idolatry. (Hosea 5:6-7)

(These religious people try to look for God bringing their whole family too. They go to church like any other Christians do. But God said they have married the world and begotten pagan children! They have lived the lifestyle of the world, be in close intimate relationship with the world, and produced pagan offspring instead of citizens for the kingdom of God!)



3. Jesus warned about the false prophets (pastors and preaches of today’s churches) of His days. Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Jesus also said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (eternal damnation). (Matthew 7:19)

(Only where Jesus and His salvation are being preached, then people can be saved. If a preacher/pastor preaches anything but Jesus and His salvation, there will be no production of Christian (good fruit in God’s eyes) for the kingdom of God, thus resulting in eternal damnation of his followers/members of the so called “church”).

How to enter the narrow gate to heaven?

Jesus said, “I am the gate/door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own”. (John 10:14)

Jesus said, “The sheep hears His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them; and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.” (John 10:3-5)

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14)

(There are no other way, but to learn to know Jesus, follow His voice, and be led by Him into the narrow gate, into the kingdom of God living.)

Jack’s application: Practice living daily the sheep life (kingdom of God living) by faith. Follow Jesus daily. Make sure He knows me. Watch and pray as Jesus has commanded His followers.

2009-12-02

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: BE PREPARED AND WATCHFUL AT THE HORSE GATE

Coming to the Horse Gate is no easy task. Jack tried to postpone this journey in the spirit. He went back to other Jerusalem Gates, dug and indeed found gold. But the next few Gates had to be explored and he knew sooner or later he had to face with the prophetic and visionary.

The following is a vision of John: Revelation 19:11-16 “Christ on a White Horse”:
11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had[a] a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean,[b] followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp[c] sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

What does this mean? Obviously this was predicted by Christ to the disciples. Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.” Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”

Yes, Jesus promised He would come again and in a different role. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Christians all over the world are hoping for the soon return of the Lord. The problem Jack faced was that he knew he was not yet ready. So how should he prepare himself? He found the guide in the Book of Prophet Jeremiah. God expects holiness in His people.

Jeremiah 31:40 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, that the city shall be built for the Lord from the Tower of Hananeel (Mercy) to the corner (horse) gate… And the whole valley of the dead bodies (those sacrificed to idols).. All the fields as far as the Brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate shall be holy to the Lord. It shall not be plucked up or thrown down anymore forever.”
Nehemiah 3:28 “Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.”

The Horse Gate was located between the Water Gate (Words of the Lord) and the Sheep Gate (Declaration of truth). When Nehemiah restored this gate, the priests (spiritual leaders) were required to do the job. This is significant. The gate was used by horsemen of the king to enter and exit for war purposes. Yet the priests were living nearby. Why? This confirms the truth that spiritual war is just as important if not more important than the physical one. The Bible recorded that many physical wars were won by winning spiritually!

By deploying the priests to restore the Horse Gate, it signified the restoration of true worship and holiness for the Lord. Indeed when the walls and gates were rebuilt, the Spirit led the priests and people into a great spiritual revival at the Water Gate.

A writer wrote: “We are living between the Water Gate (God’s Word) and the Sheep Gate (Declarations of truth). Unless our lives and declarations come forth from a holy life, they are like the brass shields that fail to reflect His glory.” (The original shields put in the temple were in gold but they were replaced by brass at the time of spiritual low)

We all have our role at the Horse Gate. This was Jack’s conclusion. He resolved to be watchful and prepared for the Lord’s return, worshipping God in Truth and in Spirit. The following is taken from his Biblical living journal on how he focused on the seeking the Truth (Word of God).

JOURNAL DAY 92B: LET US PURSUE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD

“Let us know, let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord.” (Hosea 6:3)

I have returned to this prophetic book as it was the first word I heard from the Lord. I heard the word “Hosea” very clearly when I woke from a dream after much prayer, asking God to let me know more about Him. Although at that time, I thought I had the answer then in the last verse (“Who is wise? Let him understand these things.”), I now believe there is more in this book for me to ponder on.

When I have started this quest I asked the Lord to let me know Him and know Him more than what I thought I knew before. During the quest, I was led to use the spiritual gift of knowledge. I could see a word in my mind or hear a word of God in my spirit and knew it was from God. I did not know the meaning of the ‘knowing’ but I know it is a way God shows me Himself or something He wants me to do. In short, it is a way of communicating with me. He is Spirit and I am flesh. Obviously I find it very hard to receive His communication. He can hear me and I cannot hear Him.

Only by living in the Spirit, I can receive His communication. That is why Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit will come and tell us everything. Indeed those who live close to God, living in the Spirit and walking by the Spirit can receive His message accurately.

Hosea saw a sad situation among the people of Israel and Judah: they did not know the Lord. Therefore they ran here and there instead of running to God to seek help. Hosea described them as being sick and wounded. God can rescue them. God can heal them. But they had no knowledge of Him, so they did not ask Him to save them.

Today many Christians run here and there in time of troubles. They do not seek God first. Seeking God may be their last resort, because they do not know God. Recently a man collapsed and died suddenly outside a Christian gathering place. With his last breath, he screamed the name of a Christian worker for help, and he uttered in horror that the devils were coming to get him. He did not even call out to Jesus to save him. He called the wrong name instead. In your utmost danger, whom do you call first? In your extreme trial, whom do you turn to first? In desperation where do you run to first?

Let us know God. Let us pursue the knowledge of God diligently before it is too late.

AAA Jack

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: THE GREAT WATER GATE REVIVAL REVELATION

"...all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.

So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood … and on his left were …Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, 'Amen! Amen!' Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground." (Nehemiah 8:1-6)

What happened at the Jerusalem Water Gate when the Word of God was read was a great revelation to Jack.

Approximately 50,000 Israelites gathered in the open square in front of the Water Gate. This was the only gate that needed no repair. God’s word is always complete. All the people assembled as one man. They wanted to hear God’s word. As Ezra opened the Book, all the people stood up to show respect to God’s word. He read aloud for hours (at least six hours) and the people stood there and listened attentively. They then praised God, bowed down and worshipped God with their faces to the ground.
What zeal for spiritual food! What hunger for God’s word!

This is hardly seen today at the churches. 15 minutes of reading of God’s word is too much for many Christians to bear. 5 minutes of standing up is a torture. Lifting up of hands for 30 seconds invokes groaning and overt rebellion.

Why? Jack wondered. When he started his quest to live Biblically, he found it difficult to concentrate during his personal worship at home. He tried to lift up his hands but they seemed heavy like lead. He tried reading the Bible in chunks, say, for an hour or so, and he found that his mouth ran dry and his throat became sore. His eyelids could not stay open. When he tried to bow down with his face to the ground he almost fell asleep instantly. It was normal to behave this way, he thought.

However, God is merciful and indeed answered his quest to seek God as promised by Jesus. (Seek and you will find, ask and you will receive). As he continued to seek God in worship, prayer and reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit came forth and revealed to him more and more abut God and the wonder in God’s words. He learned to kneel for an hour without feeling pain. He learned to lift up his hands as a sign of total surrender to God. He learned to listen to God as he prayed in the spirit. He learned to read the Bible in chunks without feeling the length and the passing of time. In short, he has acquired a taste for God’s word like the people in the above mentioned revival at the Jerusalem Water Gate! He has dug into the depth of his own soul and discovered he has thirsted for the presence of God!

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The following is from Jack’s excerpts of some of the many materials gathered during his study on the Jerusalem Water Gate:

“In Scripture, the Water Gate represents the cleansing work of the Word of God (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26), the place where justice was administered, and also where oaths were taken. The Word of God and its cleansing power are taking center stage before us--with new hunger and longing in the heart of God's people. God's desire is to cleanse us from the past season with the washing of His Word and to give us new garments for this new season.” (read Zechariah 3:1-7)

The Water Gate was located next to the Fountain Gate and the Horse Gate. It is where the water was brought into the city from the various pools and wells. The Horse Gate represents the warfare necessary to pursue holiness. The Water Gate brings to view how God brings holiness and revival to His people. The Water Gate represents: Revival
“Revival resulting from the washing of the Word of God.” (Ephesians 5:25, 26; I Peter 1:23; Psalms 119:9, 10) The word “revive” in the Hebrew is Chayah which means “to refresh, rebuild, recover, be well, make alive.” It comes from a right relationship with God. This life comes from God’s word, “This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has given me life.” (Psalms 119:50)

Nehemiah 8: 1-2: A hunger for the Word of God (excerpted from a writer)
Hunger intensifies. Ezra read the word from daybreak until mid-day, five to six hours. (Verse 3) The people didn’t notice the time. Their “ears were attentive unto the book.” True revival brings an all consuming hunger for God’s word. Absence of the word brings spiritual darkness. The word produces an inner response of man’s spirit. Ezra became so overwhelmed by what he read he stopped “to bless the Lord.” (Verse 6)

The Glory of God testifies to the power of His word to restore. The glory of God fell so powerfully everyone raised their hands and cried Amen! Amen! They bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. (verse 6) They humbled themselves before God in brokenness and repentance. After a while they stood up to experience more.

Note: This gathering didn’t include any exciting stories nor illustrations. There was no great music – just the power of God’s word being read. God wants us to hunger for the words of life He offers!

Repentance follows application of the word to the heart. As they understood the word and how it applied to their lives, they began to mourn for their sin. “All the people wept when they heard the words of the law.” (Verse 9) Can you picture it? Fifty-thousand people laying scattered on the ground weeping before God for their sins. God’s word had broken down their walls of pride. They could be heard weeping for miles. This is true revival. God’s word so piercing that people fall on their knees and cry out, “God save me!”

Recommended Reading: 1 Chronicles 16:29; Romans 6:19, 22; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:7,8.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: VALLEY GATE REVISITED AND MORE MYSTERY REVEALED-JUDGEMENT AND MERCY

Reading more on this subject Jack found more stunning revelations that every Christian must know! He recorded and summed up his findings in his journal as follows:
Where is the Jerusalem Valley Gate? The Valley Gate overlooked the Valley of Hinnom and the Valley of Kidron. Kidron Valley is located along the eastern side of Jerusalem between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives. To the South of the city Kidron joins the Valley of Hinnom. The pool of Gihon is located in the Kidron Valley.
What is the spiritual meaning of the Valley Gate? The two valleys represented God’s judgment upon His enemies as well as his mercy.
The Hinnom Valley is noted for God’s judgment and destruction by fire. It was the scene of idolatrous practices in the days of King Ahaz (2 Ch 28:3) and King Manasseh who made his children to pass through the fire in the valley to worship the god Molech ( 2 Kings 23:10). It became a dumping place for destroyed pagan items (2 Ch 29:16, 30:14). After their return from the Babylonian exile, the Jews turned the Hinnom Valley into the city dump where garbage and anything deemed unclean (including the bodies of executed criminals) was incinerated. For that purpose, a fire was kept constantly burning there. Even though it was no longer used for evil worship, with all the filth and thick smoke it remained a very dark and dreary place. For that purpose, a fire was kept constantly burning there. In Matthew 23:33, Jesus observes, "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of Gehenna?" The Hinnom Valley gave a vivid picture of what Gehenna (hell) would be like.
The Valley Gate, and the Kidron Valleys it overlooks, is associated with God’s Mercy. David first returned the Ark of the Covenant to this Valley. Wherever the Ark rested there was the Mercy Seat. Jesus rode his donkey from the Mount of Olives through the valley to His Triumphal Entry in Jerusalem. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal He left the city of Jerusalem and crossed through the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane, to bear our sins and our judgment. Jesus became our Mercy Seat. In I John 2:2 we are told, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but for also for the whole world.” The word “propitiation” means Mercy Seat Covering. The Mercy Seat is about “intercession.” He passed through the Valley to intercede for the world (including you and me).
Both Arabic and Jewish tradition identifies the valley of Hinnom with the valley of the Kidron. The entire valley, which includes the Kidron, beginning north of Jerusalem and ending in the Dead Sea, is called by the Arabs the Wady-en-Nar, or valley of fire. This tradition is strongly supported by the Old Testament’s references of burning idolatrous images and altars, where the dust and ashes of destroyed idols were cast, and where the uncleanness found in the house of the Lord was cast at Kidron which we would have normally expect of Hinnom Valley (more appropriate for burning such foul things).
Jesus, in going from Jerusalem to Gethsemane with his disciples, must have gone through the Kidron valley, (through Gehenna, the geographical symbol of hell). This assumption is based on the fact that the traditional site of the eating of the Last Supper was in the south-western part of the city. It seems reasonable to believe that Jesus and disciples would have avoided the city route, and thereby walked through the Kidron valley. The Hebrew word Kidron means dark, black, dusky, as described by Psalmist (Psa. 23:4):
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."
Indeed at Gethsemane and later on the cross, Jesus passed through darkness and death and carried us through our Valley Gate. Our rubbish was burned and we are filled with His living water instead, as He declared to the Samaritans woman at the well,
“But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (John 4:14)
AAA Jack
21-Aug-09

chapter twenty-five Jerusalem Fish Gate Mystery Revealed (new)

Jack read with concern that almost every Biblical mention of the Jerusalem Fish Gate involved either corruption of the people; or its consequences. 2 Chronicles 33:14 recorded how King Manasseh repented (from idolatry), cleansed the city from false religion, and built a wall outside the City of David as far as the entrance of the Fish Gate. In Nehemiah 3:3 the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. In Zephaniah 1:10 God pronounced His judgment on Jerusalem in the future and would start from the Fish Gate: “And there shall be on that day,” says the LORD, “The sound of a mournful cry from the Fish Gate…” The public market place often reflected the spiritual state of the hearts.

Then Jack read John 21:1-11 “Breakfast by the Sea” and saw a different picture. In this passage, the resurrected Jesus showed Himself the third time to the disciples. The disciples led by Peter went fishing at the Sea of Tiberius whole night and caught nothing. Jesus came and asked them to cast the net on the right side of the boat, and they did, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. This was on happy occasion. When Jesus dealt with fishy business He transformed them into miracles of His provision and undeserved favor! During Jesus’ ministry on earth He multiplied seven loaves and a few fishes into ample food to feed four thousand men plus women and children!

Jesus not only shepherded His sheep, He brought them to green pastures with clear water. He is a provider and sustainer of life on this earth and for eternity. When He asked the disciples to feed the thousands of crowd, He was not giving them an impossible task. He was pointing them to be Jesus-focus, the source of all good things. Thus, miracles happened. Food provided. Hearts changed. The sick healed. The weak strengthened. Even the smelly Fish Gate marketplace could become a pleasant one and bless those who walk through!

The following is a record from Jack’s earlier journal on his Biblical living quest. The Spirit led him to see the power of Jesus-focus. As he was struggling with the issue of weight, he realized that fearing having inadequate food was un-Biblical and baseless. The real issue lied in his heart not in his belly.


Journal day 51: Three days with nothing to eat
Today’s passage intrigues me. At least four thousand plus men besides women and children had nothing to eat for three days and they were still walking!

Matthew 15: 32 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.” Jesus told the disciples.

What were these people doing during the three days? Surly there is a clue as to how they had managed to survive during that period without food. In the same chapter, the Bible described the background activities. After Jesus rebuked the Jewish religious leaders for their hypocrisy, he went to Tyre and Sidon, where He healed the severely demon-possessed daughter of a Canaan woman, praising the mother for her great faith in Jesus. Canaanites were idol worshippers and enemies of the Jews. Yet the Canaan woman found great courage to come to Jesus as she was desperate and knew that all the idols she and her tribesmen worshipped all their lives could not save her daughter.

After that, Jesus departed from there, skirted the Sea of Galilee, and went up on the mountain and sat there. Then great multitudes came to Him. They brought the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others. They laid them at Jesus’ feet and He healed them all. The multitudes saw, marveled at the miracles, glorified and worshipped God.

So the great multitudes (four thousand men besides women and children) had spent their three days carrying their sick relatives and friends, following Jesus, walking long distance, climbing the mountain, listening to Jesus teaching about the kingdom of heaven, seeing Jesus (displaying His mighty supernatural power and healing them all), and worshipping God. In the presence of Jesus, the people saw God. They were awed. They were fed with spiritual food and filled. Jesus’ words were food. The people received life through His words (Spirit and life).

It is obvious that during the three days Jesus and His disciples had not eaten any food. Otherwise Jesus would have fed the multitudes miraculously just as He did previously when another group of people (five thousand men plus women and children) followed Him. So it was a big fasting gathering of thousands of people on the mountain!

Were they human? Yes. Jesus told His disciples that these people would be hungry and could faint on the way when they went home. As long as they were with Him, listening to His words, seeing Him displaying His power as the Son of God, and worshipping God, they would not be hungry. But they were human and would be hungry when they were away from Jesus. So Jesus fed them before they left, miraculously with seven loaves and a few little fish, multiplying these into abundant food.

My application:

After reading a book on fasting and prayers as the ultimate weapon to beat the devil, and real life testimonies of ex-patients who had been healed from terminal and other chronic diseases, broken relationship, and other failures, I have started learning to fast last week. I take a light lunch, skip dinner and drink water instead. Sometimes I take one glass of fruit and vegetable juice with milk in lieu of one meal. Whilst fasting I read the Bible and meditate on God and His words. It is refreshing to the soul. At first it was difficult and I kept thinking that I had gastritis pains. I resisted the temptation to take medicine.

Yesterday I woke up and found my old enemy, the back pain, emerged. I rebuked it and went on with my daily living Biblically. I resisted the temptation to take pain-killers after claiming the healing from Jesus. I refused to speak negative words giving the indication of any doubt/unbelief. In the afternoon when I felt the pain emerging, I read Romans chapter 8 again aloud in the bedroom. After that it subsided. In the evening I decided to spend time reading the Bible aloud. So I took the Romans chapter 8 and read again. Then I was led to read Isaiah chapters 58-66. After reading these, I received a phone call from a mother to urgently pray and intercede for her son (a young man) who is alone in a strange city. So I prayed and read the deliverance prayers for him.

Soon it was time for bed and I did not feel any hunger pang at all. I woke up refreshed and healthy today. I did not feel hungry even though I had fasted both lunch and dinner yesterday!

There is Biblical foundation for fasting. Many men and women of God did mighty works through fasting and prayers. When we fast, we are saying to the physical aspect of life that we are not to be dictated by it anymore. We are saying “no” to the body/flesh (five senses). We are saying “yes” to the Spirit. We learn to live by the Spirit. To be led by the Spirit and live according to the Spirit is the goal of victorious living of all Christians.

I find that my body becomes lighter and my mind becomes sharper when I fast. I feel more peaceful, happier and even more sensitive to the spiritual realm.

My advice to all who want to try is that you need to learn to reduce food intake bit by bit. Prior to this project I had reduced my meals by eating very light lunch and dinner. I cut down on snacks. I learn to drink water. It takes a lot of preparation physically.

The more important preparation is that you need to be convinced that the words of God are true. As you fast you need to spend time in the presence of God, reading His words, meditating on them, worship and sing praises to God. You also spend time praying and interceding for others. Sometimes I just listen quietly, close my eyes for a long time and see if pictures or words come into my mind.

My goal in this is not to seek sensational experiences. My only desire is to live Biblically and live out the kingdom life that Jesus has given to every believer. Why live as a beggar if you can live like a prince?

AAA Jack