Category: In Christ

13:30 unboxed and revealed

Matthew 13:30 describes a very frightening scene, which is real, and happening in our midst throughout human history, until the end. This is the revelation the watchman receives tonight and jumps up from bed and read again this familiar parable. While sleepless, he was anxious and asked the Lord what is real and what is fake and how to sieve through the massive data the present generations who are avid net readers and viewers consuming hungrily daily.Tonight the reply came in the form of the parable of the wheat and darnel which appeared in his mind vividly.

In short, Jesus described how the Lord sowed good seed in His field, i.e. the kingdom of heaven, and His enemy came in the night and sowed darnel among the wheat. Lest in gathering the wild wheat (weeds resembling wheat), the [true] wheat be rooted along with it, the Lord let them grow together until the harvest.

This is the scenario today, and it has been this way throughout history, i.e. God always sows the good seed—those whom He calls wheat, and will be gathered to be with Him in eternity. His enemy always sows the darnels which will be gathered and burnt by the angelic reapers in harvest time. There exists two groups of people on earth: The children of God and the children of the devil.

What are the darnels? Darnel is a mimic weed, an evil twin of wheat. It is a stowaway. Farmers are careful to separate it from the genuine wheat. It is poisonous. When consumed it can cause dizzy, off-balance and nauseous symptoms. A large amount if it can cause death. Its duplicity has been described as symbol of subversion. “Where there is darnel, there is treachery and toxicity”.

Jesus has given this parable as a warning to the churches. The enemy is clever and crafty. The imitation wheat looks very alike the genuine one. It can even be likened to a almost perfect clone though without a human spirit. Human spirit, that make a person human, comes from God. No technology can duplicate human spirit. a darnel is not a wheat. And that is a fact.

What has this parable got to do with my question to God on how to differentiate between truth and fakes? This parable shows that we will only know when it is harvest time. The revelation will be clear and specific and no mistake will be made as far as God’s classification is concerned. Those classified as darnel will be exposed, removed and burned.

Those God classifies as wheat will be gathered to His kingdom.

The Lord’s last word in this parable: Matthew 13:30 30 “Let them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will say to the reapers, Gather the darnel first and bind it in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my granary.” (Said the Lord.)

Should I worry about what is not revealed yet? The answer is no. The Lord knows what needs to be done and He takes care of the steps ahead. Our responsibility is to stay in a close relationship with Him and bear good fruits as He intended in our design. Make sure our children do the same.

Deuteronomy 29:29 The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.

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About the human darnel

“by some means or another, gets into churches, and they become members thereof: at first they look like wheat, like true believers, have a show of religion, a form of godliness, an appearance of grace, but are destitute of it; and prove tares, unfruitful, unprofitable, and of no account, yea hurtful, and whose end is to be burned.” (John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible)

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Watchman’s note:

The above parable applies to all aspects of life, and every field in which human plays a role.

Kainotes, 2021-03-30

Godly Leadership 3: positive traits and a personal testimony with 2021 outlook (2021-02-07)

Re-posted and revised today.

AAAA watchman

Today I am writing on the positive traits of a godly leader and shall give my personal testimony in the second half of this blog. Let us first find out what emulating Christ Jesus really means.

Every Christian, leader or not, has an assignment on earth to represent Christ like an ambassador representing his king. If we do not represent Christ we have nothing in us to show the world that is worth anything of eternal value. Here is a list of some of the Christ-like traits to manifest:

Purpose of existence: Why must we manifest Christ? Because that is God’s purpose for every believer. Romans 8:29 we are predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. Since God has purposed this for us, let us be assured that He will see to its completion. (Philippians 1:6)

Mission on earth: What is the purpose of Jesus…

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Paul’s Best Teaching: Rule of law (refreshed 2021-01-27)

The Lord often speaks twice to us on the same truth, sometimes after a lapse of time. Today I am led in my spirit to repost what I have posted on 27th January 2019, exactly two years ago. The truth that really matters is we are taught not to look at a person through his past, or even his mannerism inherited from his past. The Lord demands another standard from every believer of Jesus, and it is entirely different from the way the world works. The world sizes up a person by his external, and often based on his past, often fine combing to find a hairline of stuff that some people do not like, and blow it up with a magnifying glass. But the Holy Spirit states a new fact for all Christians who are born of the Spirit of God, “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! (2 Corinthians 5:16) And this same law applies to us as well. Jesus has also spoken of the golden rule, that is, do to others what you wish to be done to you. The same measure we use to measure others will be used to measure us. Let us meditate on the original article below and ask the Lord to help us live out the identity of the Son of God already in us, and give us the ability to use the power in us to manifest the integrity that He has lived throughout His life.

AAAA watchman

Today I have done a simple diagram. Let us read this new wine revealed in new wineskin. I am awed that we can actually apply this simple rule of law to every practical aspect of our lives, as ambassadors for Christ, representing the Kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

2 Corinthians 5:11-21New King James Version (NKJV)

11Knowing, therefore,the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.

Be Reconciled to God

12Forwe do not commend ourselves again to you, but give you opportunityto boast on our behalf, that you may havean answerfor those who boast in appearance and not in heart.13Forif we are beside ourselves,it isfor God; or if we are of sound mind,it isfor you.14For the love of Christ compels us, because…

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Nehemiah 6: They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.

Jerusalem wall of gold

Enemies’ Continued Opposition to Rebuilding

6 Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained—though we had not yet set up the doors in the gates. 2 So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages[a] in the plain of Ono.

But I realized they were plotting to harm me, 3 so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”

4 Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. 5 The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, 6 and this is what it said:

“There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem[b] tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 7 He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’

“You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”

8 I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.”

9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.[c]

10 Later I went to visit Shemaiah son of Delaiah and grandson of Mehetabel, who was confined to his home. He said, “Let us meet together inside the Temple of God and bolt the doors shut. Your enemies are coming to kill you tonight.”

11 But I replied, “Should someone in my position run from danger? Should someone in my position enter the Temple to save his life? No, I won’t do it!” 12 I realized that God had not spoken to him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me.

14 Remember, O my God, all the evil things that Tobiah and Sanballat have done. And remember Noadiah the prophet and all the prophets like her who have tried to intimidate me.

The Builders Complete the Wall

15 So on October 2[d] the wall was finished—just fifty-two days after we had begun. 16 When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they were frightened and humiliated. They realized this work had been done with the help of our God.

17 During those fifty-two days, many letters went back and forth between Tobiah and the nobles of Judah. 18 For many in Judah had sworn allegiance to him because his father-in-law was Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan was married to the daughter of Meshullam son of Berekiah. 19 They kept telling me about Tobiah’s good deeds, and then they told him everything I said. And Tobiah kept sending threatening letters to intimidate me.

Footnotes

  1. 6:2 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads at Kephirim.
  2. 6:6 Hebrew Gashmu, a variant spelling of Geshem.
  3. 6:9 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads But now to strengthen my hands.
  4. 6:15 Hebrew on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, of the ancient Hebrew lunar calendar. This day was October 2, 445 B.c.; also see note on 1:1.

Kainotes, 2021-01-24

Old draft on Jan 6, 2010. On the first Tuesday after a Sunday experience with the Holy Spirit, the watchman decided to spend time in morning worship and Bible reading on his own. He started his praise and worship in the spirit while driving and by the time he reached home he continued to sing hymns and choruses. Then he read the Bible. The Book of Nehemiah came to his mind and he read the verses aloud. The reading continued and before he realized it was noon and he had spent the whole morning reading the Bible. The reading was different from his previous reading of the same Book. The whole Book brought to him a clear message about re-building a church.

He could imagine how Nehemiah felt. It was a monumental task for Nehemiah, to rebuild the Jerusalem walls. Nehemiah started the project alone. With God. God was the master builder. Nehemiah merely listened and obeyed. He prayed every step of the way. He prayed and received his answers immediately. He did not take things for granted. In fact, Nehemiah had followed the Holy Spirit all the way.

Nehemiah was a watchman. He observed and investigated each situation carefully and prayed. God answered and gave him the solutions. He obeyed and followed. His problems were thus solved.

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

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

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

3. Recognize the importance of regular prayers as led by the Holy Spirit.

4. Recognize the rightful functions of the gates and the walls. The gates are to open and welcome the entrance of the King of kings, Lord of lords. The walls are for the defense against the enemies.

The strategy of Nehemiah is to: watch, pray, defend and build until the whole city is secured.

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

His conclusion is that in a similar task like what Nehemiah was assigned to do, the new group of leaders and builders need to pray more and read the Bible more, much more than during the time of inertia.

January 6, 2010 (originally journaled)

The helmet of Salvation in Christ—the fifth piece of God’s armor

Who is the helmet of salvation? Christ. Know the power of our new identity in Christ! Without this helmet, we have no defense against anything. Always remember who we are in Christ and what it means. And we will be fearless.

AAAA watchman

Christ is our helmet of salvation. Ephesians 6:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30

Why is the Helmet of Salvation included as part of the whole armor of God? What does a helmet do? Helmet is to be worn on the head, like a crown. A helmet is a defensive headgear worn by soldiers. A helmet not only protects the head from injury, it is a spiritual symbol of who we really are. In a spiritual warfare, who we identify with makes all the difference. There is only one salvation. Salvation is Christ Himself. God has made Jesus become our salvation. (1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—)

When we accept Jesus and His salvation we are immediately registered in the Book of Life in Heaven, and are given a three-in-one family identity certification: God is our…

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Have the right “mark” (seal) and win the race: God’s winning strategies in Revelation 2-3

Hebrews 2:14-15 Be Fearless because Jesus has Defeated Death

The essence of strategies is to choose what to do. This is a really difficult one unless you have been sealed with the right mark on you. What? Do all who profess to be Christians have mark too? Wait. We shall see who has the mark and who does not, according to Jesus.

Firstly, beware of the wrong mark, the mark of the beast, as warned in the Book of Revelation (13:16, 17, 14:9, 11, 15:2, 16:2, 19:20, 20:4). Those with the evil mark (on their forehead or on their hands) will be tormented (16:2) and eventually cast into the lake of fire (19:20).

Only the saints, those without the mark of the beast, and instead have been sealed with the mark of Christ, can reign with Christ for 1000 years.

Revelation 7:3 “Wait! Don’t harm the land or the sea or the trees until we have placed the seal of God on the foreheads of his servants.”

Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.

What is the mark of Christ and how do believers of Jesus receive it? Here are the Scriptures: The seal (mark) is the Holy Spirit and comes from God through Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:19-22. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Corinthians 5:5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Ephesians 1:13-14 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

1 John 2:20 But you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of you know the truth.

1 John 4:13 And God has given us His Spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us. 15 All who confess that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face Him with confidence because we liv like Jesus here in this world.

From the above verses we see that the believers of Jesus have been sealed with His mark, which is the Holy Spirit. This mark distinguishes us as belonging to Jesus and not to the devil (the beast) who will also brand his followers with a mark on their forehead or hands. The mark of the Holy Spirit in us enables us to live like Jesus in this world, a victorious overcomer.

The outcome of each group is entirely different. The beast and its followers will end up in the lake of fire. The group who belongs to Jesus, marked by Jesus, and follows Him to the end and overcome will reign with Him. What are the keys given to us to overcome the adversaries and adversities? Let us read Revelation 2-3 again to find them.

  1. Jesus reiterates the truth that He has overcome the NUMBER ONE FEAR in human, that is, DEATH. Jesus has died and resurrected, and He now holds the keys of death and the grave. And He tells us not to be afraid. The Good News is He is alive forever and ever, and so are His followers. (Revelation 1:17-18; Hebrews 2:14-15) The key is to “remain faithful to what we have been taught from the beginning”, the apostle John assures us this in 1John 2:24-25, “If you do, you will remain in fellowship with the Son (Jesus) and with the Father. And in this fellowship we enjoy the eternal life He promised us.”
  2. Jesus also reassures that He knows all the things we do and the situations we are in, and what the enemy is doing. (Revelation 2:2-3, 2:9-10, 2:13, 2:19, 2:24, 3:1, 3:4, 3:8, 10, 3:15-16) All we need to do is to listen to the Holy Spirit and understand and act accordingly.
  3. Jesus says He loves us. Revelation 1:5 and from Jesus Christ. He is the faithful witness to these things, the first to rise from the dead, and the ruler of all the kings of the world. All glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. 3:9 Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love. 3:19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
  4. 1 John 4:4 Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.

Our application: Make sure we have the right marking, listen to the Holy Spirit, understand what He is saying and act accordingly.

Kainotes, December 12, 2020

Declaration of victory of Jesus

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!

For those Christians who want to know how to pray victoriously, and those who seek to know more about our God, here are the verses to declare the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Read them aloud daily and let the Holy Spirit help you to see and understand how great our God is!! Be assured, you will be greatly and wonderfully blessed. God hears and answers prayers.

(Revelation 5:12; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 1:17-18; Revelation 5:5; Matthew 28:18; Psalm 110:1-2; Romans 16:20; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 26:18; Colossians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9, John 3:16; 1 John 3:8; 2 Timothy 2:26; Matthew 12:28; Luke 10:19; Psalm 107:14; Psalm 107:16; Matthew 16:18-19; 1 Samuel 17:47; Isaiah 49:24-25; John 10:10; Acts 10:38; Isaiah 42:3; Luke 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:19-23; Numbers 10:35; Psalm 144:1-2; Psalm 24:8; Psalm 60:12; Isaiah 42:13) (New King James Version)

Revelation 5:12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:17-18 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Revelation 5:5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Psalm 110:1-2 The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! Romans 16:20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Luke 4:18-19 “ The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”

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.’ Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

2 Thessalonians 2:8-9 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 2 Timothy 2:26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Luke 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Psalm 107:14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces. Psalm 107:16 For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two.

Matthew 16:18-19 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

1 Samuel 17:47 Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.” Isaiah 49:24-25 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? But thus says the LORD: “ Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth.

Luke 5:31-32 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Ephesians 1:19-23 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Numbers 10:35 So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said: “Rise up, O LORD! Let Your enemies be scattered, And let those who hate You flee before You.”

Psalm 144:1-2 Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle—My loving kindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me. Psalm 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle. Psalm 60:12 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Isaiah 42:13 The LORD shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies.

(Previously posted on 2009 October 14)

Kainotes, Nov 3, 2020

prayer enriched in all utterance and all knowledge for today (2)

Ephesians 1:18today’s prayers: open your eyes to receive spiritual power ~Prayer one: the eyes of your hearts be opened and enlightened. Prayer two: to receive Spiritual Strength, filled with God!

Two prayers: ask for spiritual eyes to open and receive spiritual strength!Ephesians 1:15-23

Prayer one: the eyes of your hearts be opened and enlightened

15 For this reason, because I have heard…

https://kzlam36.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/todays-prayers-open-your-eyes-to-receive-spiritual-power/ 

Today’s News: be right

Today I cannot resist saying this. There is nothing your enemy can do to you if you are the righteousness of God in Christ. Righteousness is a gift. Jesus has paid for it. When you believe in Jesus, His death and resurrection for you, you receives this gift. The enemy cannot come in to steal, kill, and destroy anymore. You are set free from sickness, poverty, and any form of evil that the enemy tries to put on you and obstruct you from living the abundant life Jesus promises to every one who believes. Here are some of my favorite revealed verses (in NKJV) on the power of righteousness in Christ!

1 Corinthians 1:30 (NKJV) But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Romans 5:17 For if by the one man’s [a]offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Footnotes: Romans 5:17 trespass

Romans 3:22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

2 Corinthians 5:17  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Thank God I am in Christ, a new creation, He is my Righteousness of God and I have every good thing God gives to the righteous (in Christ) by faith.

The watchman’s encounter with God’s reality: spectacular shower of golden rays in my kitchen from the spiritual realm

On 30th August 2013, while I was listening to the Spirit vs the flesh -the power of the Gospel, I encountered the spectacular shower of golden rays in my kitchen from the spiritual realm which manifested in the physical realm. It was not a vision. I put my hands through the rays but could not touch them. They were fine stripes of gold, visible, but not physical. I used my old mobile phone and video recorded the phenomena in visual and sound. (Note: this picture is just a mock up using online materials and not the original ones, which I have erased a month after I have shown to my close ones. I was under the impression at that time that the unseen breaking into the seen realm was a sign for me only). It proves that we are more than just a body with a consciousness called soul (our mind and emotion). We have a spiritual side which is able to communicate with the spiritual realm, i.e. God’s realm. Jesus said God is Spirit. (John 4:24)

After that I let my house group and my family members watch it and confirmed. We are convinced that it is from the supernatural realm of God. God is real and His words are real. We have a spirit part of us that we cannot feel or see i the natural. But sometimes the spiritual realm can manifest in the physical and let us have a glimpse. Our spirit is able to communicate with God’s Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17) God’s word is spirit and life (John 6:63). Looking into the words of God can give us the reflection of our spiritual man. (James 1:23)

Below is the teaching: “Andrew Wommack On Basics in Righteousness” on YouTube, which is the closest to the teaching I was listening to when the above supernatural encounter happened –“Spirit vs the flesh -the power of the Gospel”. I would like to share with you this truth which set me and many others on the right track.

If you ask me to use one phrase to describe the most important thing in my life, I will say this without hesitation, “Our God is real and the Bible is real!”

The Vital Signs of being Alive

Luke 6:9 the vital signs of life

Many tragedies occurred lately this 2019 Easter and Passover. I now recall reading this, “The big tragedy in the church today is that for the most part Christians major on and build their lives upon truths that are non-foundational or non-essentials.” The Bible teacher continued to state that “from the beginning it’s always been God’s intention that we be stable and well-balanced beings. It is not God’s will that we live unstable and unbalanced lives. This is not the quality of life that Jesus died to give us.” He said.

How may Christians live a balanced and stable quality life? Jesus came to give us truths (words) as our foundation to build our lives upon and not be shaken and fall. What are those word foundations? The teacher taught, “Righteousness by faith (Faith-Righteousness) is the cornerstone (or capstone) of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Why did God call Abraham righteous? Because he believed God. Likewise, we believe in Jesus whom God gave us through sacrificing His life for us and made us righteous before God by grace through faith. The teacher described the foundation truths as the vital signs of a person.

Daily we return to bed knowing how miraculous it has been that a day has passed and we are still alive. This is how many acknowledge these days.

What does Jesus say about living a good life with the right focus on earth? Let us read some of His words lest we forget.

Then Jesus said to his critics, “I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?” (Luke 6:9)

Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” (Luke 7:22)

“If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” (Luke 11:36)

Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” (Luke 12:15)

[ Teaching about Money and Possessions ] Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” (Luke 12:22-23,25)

“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware,” (Luke 21:34)

The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. (John 1:4)

For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! ” The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 5:21,39; 6:63)

[ Jesus, the Light of the World ] Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. (John 10:10)

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. “The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, ” (John 10:10,11,15,17-18,28)

Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” (John 11:25)

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. (John 14:6,20)

Paul’s warfare and weapons

We finally reach a key survival tactic, how do Christians win wars? Apostle Paul is really an expert in this field judging from the long list of challenges he went through and his always emerging as the victor and not the victim! I have done a simple chart with the key Bible verses from 2 Corinthians 10. Please read the whole chapter for a better understanding. Paul’s other letters speak of how we can control and train our thought life. For example, Philippians 4:8 is a good place to start your meditation.

2 Corinthians 10 warfare and weapons

Philippians 4:8  (NKJV)

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

2 Timothy 1:7  (NKJV)

7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Paul’s relationship: with the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:3

I now realize that in the previous two chapters of 2 Corinthians Paul spoke of his relationship in Christ with God and then with man. In the third chapter he described his relationship with the Holy Spirit, his power source. I summarize below my understanding. Indeed this is my favorite chapter!

Chapter 3: Paul’s Ministry of the Holy Spirit

  1. Paul described the Holy Spirit as: The Spirit of the living God, the Spirit of Christ, the Lord.
  2. The Holy Spirit writes letter in the heart, gives lives, changes lives.
  3. New covenant of the Spirit gives life.
  4. Ministry of the Spirit is far more glorious than the ministry of the Old Testament.
  5. Whenever the Scripture is read and the people turn to the Lord, the Holy Spirit removes the veil in hearts to see Jesus as the Christ.
  6. The Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  7. The Holy Spirit transforms us into the same image of the Lord, from glory to glory.
  8. Paul’s sufficiency is from God who made him minister of the new covenant of the Spirit who gives life.
  9. The ministry of the Spirit is also called: the ministry of the new covenant, the ministry of righteousness and the ministry of glory.
  10. Holy Spirit causes: Boldness, unveiled heart when the truth is preached, liberty whenever one turns to the Holy Spirit, transformation of lives.

2019 word: Be fearless, be sealed

When I ponder about why there is a sudden surge of interest in end-time prophesies, I receive the word “fear”, people are fearful and that is why they want to know more. That includes Christians. So last night I looked at some verses on being fearless.

The following verses are quoted from New King James Version (NKJV) Bible

2 Timothy 1:7 7For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Proverbs 3:25-26  Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
 For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.

Psalm 91:5-6  You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

Psalm 112:6-7 Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
7He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

2 Corinthians 1:22 He sealed us as his own and gave us the Spirit as the down payment in our hearts.

Ephesians 1:13 In him, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and in him, when you also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The following verses are quoted from Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) Bible

Psalm 105:15 “Do not touch my anointed ones, and do not harm my prophets.”

Psalm 121:7 The Lord will watch to keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.

Acts 18:10 For I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

Revelation 7:2 And I saw another angel coming up from the east, who had the seal of the living God. He called out with a loud voice to the four angels who were given power to harm the earth and the sea. He said,

Revelation 7:3 “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees until we have placed a seal on the foreheads of God’s servants.”

Revelation 9:4 They were told not to harm the earth’s grass, any green plant, or any tree, but only those people who do not have God’s seal on their foreheads.

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes

2 Corinthians 1:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)

19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,

Just drawing aloud: passionate

1 John 1-3
1 John 1:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

just thinking aloud 3

who you are in ChristEducation gives us facts and knowledge. But wisdom gives us the abilities to use knowledge for good productive purposes -doing the right thing, with the right people/object, at the right time and place, producing the right outcome. A successful businessman described how he was saved from a financial disaster through the operation of wisdom instead of knowledge.

Here is his experience with the supernatural wisdom.
He talked about a business deal that he was looking about buying this entire apartment complex. He said the financial numbers looked great. Everything looked really good. He said I kept wanting to do it and the more I prayed about it, the Holy Spirit said, “No!” And he said I know when the Holy Spirit says no the Holy Spirit says no. “We had signed a letter of intent but we had not signed a contract on the property to buy it. And so I went to see the vendor.” He said, I prayed some more in the Holy Spirit because it looked really good in the natural. And the Spirit of God on the inside of me said no. And so I said, “We are not going to do this.” The vendor just went ballistic, crazy. But three months later or something the city condemned the building and they had to move all the people out of it and for months they did not get their money. It would have been a complete financial disaster. The Holy Spirit knows things that we do not know and if we listen to the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit will keep us out of trouble.

Where do we find wisdom? We find wisdom in Christ. Christ lives on the inside of you, and you can learn to draw from your spirit on the inside.

Colossians 2:3 (NKJV) in Whom (Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
1 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV) For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30 (NLT) God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (TPT) For God made the only one who did not know sin to become sin for us, so that we who did not know righteousness might become the righteousness of God through our union with him.

Who you are affects what you do. So, if you see yourself as righteous, having been made by God “the righteousness of God in Christ”, there are certain places you will not want to go and certain things you will not want to do because that is not who you are.

Paul writes a letter today

2-corinthians-4-6Paul’s writes this letter today.
2 Corinthians 5:9-10, 14-17, 20-21, 6:1-2
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
16 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 longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Marks of the Ministry
6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Paul’s Sincerity
2 Corinthians 1:12-13, 20, 24
12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end.
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
2 Corinthians 2:17
17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:3, 6, 16
3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.
6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
All Bible verse are quoted from New King James Version (NKJV)

made holy

God made you holyOur God made us holy. This is the difference between Christianity and other religions. God made us holy by means of Jesus Christ. Jesus made us holy by becoming a holy sacrifice. The words of God (the Bible, the Truth) make us holy. The Holy Spirit makes us (all people who call on the name Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.)holy. God united us with Christ Jesus, joined to Him, one Spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17) God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy. God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ.
In summary: we were chosen by God. Obeyed His words. Cleansed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Made holy by the Holy Spirit in us.

John 17:19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

Romans 15:16 I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:2 I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.

1 Corinthians 1:30 God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.

1 Corinthians 6:11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 1:4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Hebrews 10:10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.

Hebrews 10:14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.

1 Peter 1:2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.

Hebrews 10:29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us.

today we run the race of Christian faith

2016 lakeThe Race of Faith
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Discipline of God
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens,
And scourges every son whom He receives.”[a]
7 If[b] you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Renew Your Spiritual Vitality
12 Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

The Glorious Company
18 For you have not come to the mountain that[c] may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness[d] and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned[e] or shot with an arrow.”[f] 21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”[g])

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Hear the Heavenly Voice
25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake[h] not only the earth, but also heaven.”[i] 27 Now this, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may[j] serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

Footnotes:

Hebrews 12:6 Proverbs 3:11, 12
Hebrews 12:7 NU-Text and M-Text read It is for discipline that you endure; God . . . .
Hebrews 12:18 NU-Text reads to that which.
Hebrews 12:18 NU-Text reads gloom.
Hebrews 12:20 NU-Text and M-Text omit the rest of this verse.
Hebrews 12:20 Exodus 19:12, 13
Hebrews 12:21 Deuteronomy 9:19
Hebrews 12:26 NU-Text reads will shake.
Hebrews 12:26 Haggai 2:6
Hebrews 12:28 M-Text omits may.

(The Holy Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible: Hebrews 12 New King James Version (NKJV))

abounding grace

abound in grace
abound in grace

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.
We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.
But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

(Verses quoted from the Holy Bible New King James Version, 2 Corinthians 1:2, 1:12, 4:15, 6:1, 8:1, 8:6, 8:7, 8:9, 9:8, 9:14, 12:9, 13:14)

I serve a risen Savior

He livesWritten around Easter in 1932, in the Great Depression, and also when a Jewish student bluntly challenged Ackley – ‘why worship a dead Jew?’ Ackley’s prompt response presaged the title of the hymn he later wrote. This hymn has impacted my own life since young. When confronted of my faith by various external factors beyond my control, I always thought of this hymn. I have learned that our circumstances do not make the man. The test of my CHRISTIAN FAITH is in my internal personal life. Am I living by the Spirit of Christ? I have learned that inner strength can only come from a supernatural living God with whom I have my daily relationship and communion. 
Our life is our proof that our Savior really lives. 
Romans 8:14 New King James Version (NKJV)

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

HYMN: I SERVE A RISEN SAVIOR

1

I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

2

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading,
Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

3

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him,
The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

Lyrics and Music: Alfred Henry Ackley (1887-1960)

End Times Conversation with Jesus: The meek will inherit the land.

Philippians 4-19 LDeclares the Lord Jesus Christ. “The meek will inherit the land.” There are many examples in the Bible. We read some examples today. Bible verses are quoted in parts with boldness and italics added. Unless otherwise noted, the verses are quoted from NKJV.

Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek,
    For they shall inherit the earth.“

The patriarch’s examples in meekness:
Abraham was a meek man. He believed in the unseen God but he also had doubts. He feared man –the foreign kings. He chose to lie about his relationship with his stunningly beautiful wife Sarah because he feared those kings would kill him for her. (Genesis 12:13; 20:2) He also chose to give in to his ungrateful and unthankful aggressive nephew Lot. He chose to let Lot take all the good lands and only after that he took the leftovers. (13:8-12) He heeded the voice of his wife Sarai and had her Egyptian maid Hagar as a second wife and gave birth to Ishmael who was not the promised covenanted descendent. (Genesis 16:2)

Isaac was a meek man. He chose to lie to the alien king about his true marriage relationship for fear that the king might kill him for his beautiful wife Rebecca. (Genesis 26:7) He also chose to give in to the powerful foreign king’s servant who bullied his own servants and took over the wells he dug. (26:20-21) He allowed the strife between his wife, his two sons, and the wives of his eldest son continue in his household and stay out of it. (25:28-34; 26:34; 27:13; 27:41-46)

Jacob was a meek man. He fled for his life after having cunningly took advantage and cheated his elder brother Esau and stole the blessing reserved for the eldest son. He did not inherit or enjoy the physical wealth of his father. Instead he lived as a fugitive for twenty years: cheated and tricked by his uncle and slaved fourteen years for his love for Rachael, and ended up marrying the woman (Leah) he did not love in addition to Rachael. He also slaved and endured another six years for his uncle’s flocks. The uncle/father-in-law tormented him and changed his wages ten times! (Genesis 31:41) When he finally escaped with his wives, children and possessions, he had to face his elder brother again in fear and anxiety. He gave material gifts and physically humbled before the physically stronger and more powerful aggressive brother. (Genesis 33:8-16)

Joseph was meek. He was bullied and despised by his older brothers, who sold him as a teenager-slave and humbled and worked for powerful master in Egypt. He was then falsely accused by his master’s wife and imprisoned for thirteen years. (Genesis 37:4, 8, 11, 19-28, 36; 39:7-20)

Gideon was meek. He feared the powerful and cruel Midianites who marauded and stripped the land bare. He hid at the bottom of a winepress to thrash grains. He claimed that his clan was the weakest of the tribe of Manasseh, and he was the least in the entire family. He asked the Lord to give him repeated signs to prove that he is really called to rescue Israel. In addition he was still afraid before the battle and the Lord gave him one more sign to assure him of victory. (Judges 6:11, 15, 17, 37, 39; 7:9-15)

David was meek. He ran from the powerful aggressive Saul and his own aggressive son Absalom both of whom were after David’s life. He even fled to the enemy king and pretended madness. (1 Samuel 21:13; 22:1; 2 Samuel 15:12-14, 30)

These men displayed meekness in the eyes of men. Their strength came from the Lord. They trusted in God to vindicate and bless them. They had faith in God. See the following outcome as evidences:

Abraham was richly blessed on earth. The Lord gave him all the lands he could see and walk to claim by faith: “For all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you. ” (Genesis 13:14-18) He was blessed, became great, and was given physical wealth. He lived one hundred and seventy years, and died a good old age full of years and abundance in material riches and possessions. (Genesis 24:35; 25:7-8)

Isaac too prospered physically. During famine time he sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold, and the Lord blessed him. He began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous. (Genesis 26:13-14) He was so blessed in material wealth and farming success that the foreign king said this, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.” Genesis 35:28-29 Isaac lived one hundred and eighty years, full of days.

Jacob too was blessed. He had twelve sons who became the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel. He lived one hundred and forty seven years. He and his descendants dwelt in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen, and they had possessions there and grew and multiplied exceedingly. (Genesis 47:27) All the persons who went with Jacob to Egypt, who came from his body, were sixty-six persons in all. And the sons of Joseph born in Egypt were two persons. (46:26-27) by the time the Israelites left Egypt to possess the promised covenanted land, they were numerous. Numbers 1:45-46 “So all who were numbered of the children of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war in Israel—all who were numbered were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. This number excluded the tribe of Levites who were appointed to keep charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony. (1:49-53)

Joseph was greatly blessed and honored. The Lord was with him, showed him mercy and favor and he was a successful man. (Genesis 39:2, 21, 23) God gave him excellent business and administrative acumen and talent to both administer and invest wisely. God also gave him special supernatural spiritual ability to interpret dreams. When he was thirty years old he was given the second highest powerful post in the kingdom of Egypt, serving in the court of the King of Egypt. (41:37-44) He was successful and well respected and honored in his role in having foresight and managing the economy and finance of the nation during a time of widespread famine and crisis. (41:46-57; 47:13-26) His unique high position gave him the opportunity to reconcile with his father and his brothers and save them from famine, thereby carrying out God’s plan for the Israelites to multiply and grow until they become a nation too. Joseph lived one hundred and ten years old and saw his sons’ children to the third generation. (47:5-6, 11-12, 27) His own two sons Ephraim and Manasseh became two large tribes of Israel, inheriting much land when they entered the Promised Land. (Joshua 17:17-18)

God delivered the enemy into Gideon’s hands (Judges 7:9). So Gideon conquered Midian’s kings and delivered Israelites from the Midianites. The men of Israel made him rule over them. He had seventy sons and many wives. He ruled Israel for forty years. He died a good old age. (Judges 8:22, 28, 30-32)

David was greatly and richly blessed. “So David went on and became great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:10) David was thirty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned forty years. (5:4) “So he died in a good old age, full of age, full of days and riches and honor;” (1 Chronicles 29:28)
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Jesus Himself declares He is meek: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly (humble) in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus’ meekness was prophesied about eight hundred years before He came to earth as a man:

In the following passage the Prophet Isaiah (whose ministry took place in 792-686 BC) prophetically described the Messiah. The prophetic words came true in the life history of Jesus: Isaiah 53:2-12
“For He has grown up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised, and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent. So He opened not His mouth. He was taken from prison and judgment. And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. And they made His grave with the wicked–but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

The Holy Spirit confirmed this through the apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:5-11 New Living Translation (NLT)

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Footnotes:

2:6 Or Being in the form of God.
2:7a Greek he emptied himself.
2:7b Or the form of a slave.
2:7c Some English translations put this phrase in verse 8.

family of God

The-Family-of-God

Often I see Christians forgetting that their family members are their brothers and sisters in Christ. But they are God’s children and co-heirs with Jesus who is sitting at the right hand of the Father in heaven, interceding for Christians. When we next deal with our family members let us look up and see Jesus watching and interceding for that person, no matter how unlovable he or she may appear to you. She or he is not your enemy. The enemy is outside. You need to take care of your household first according to the Bible. I see open contempt and rude manners which Jesus and God see too. When I open the Bible this morning I read this:
“By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you——…for though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.
4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)
Remember: even Jesus who is Christ, sitting at the right hand of God now is humble and gentle. The Bible says, “As He is, so we are in this world.” Are we? If we cannot be humble and gentle to one another as Jesus is to us, how can we claim to own all His riches and wealth and prosperity and success?

Who are your brothers and sisters in Christ? Parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins.

[ Obedience by Faith ] If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

1 John 4:20-21 NKJV

When family members cannot be united as one just as God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit are One, the enemy can come in to steal, kill, and destroy. Why? Because where strife is there are all kinds of evil. Jesus has warned against the division that will cause downfall:

John 17:22  (NKJV) 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:

Matthew 12:25
But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

 

James 4:1-3 (NKJV) Pride Promotes Strife

4 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet[a] you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Footnotes:

  1. James 4:2 NU-Text and M-Text omit Yet.

Romans 13:12-14 (NKJV)

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

2015 in blogging (a summary)

Jesus kingI want to thank WordPress for the opportunity to blog here. When I first decided to move from my former site in 2009 I chose WordPress because the name “Word” attracted me. The following information is from the WordPress. These are the posts that received the most views in 2015. You may read the year’s most-viewed posts by clicking the following links:

 

This blog was viewed about 21,000 times in 2015. Visitors are from 162 countries out of the total 224 countries in the world. Visitors come from all continents and many islands. There are now 1232 posts in this blog, 216,399 views from 49,810 visitors. The use of English language is common round the world even to the most remote corner.

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Why do I blog? I believe the main reason is based on this Bible verse from Jeremiah 20:9 which I received yesterday when I prayed, as follows:

“His word in my heart is like a fire”.

I pray that this New Year of 2016 will see more of the Lord’s people being built up spiritually and strong in the inner man. These few days are a time for fasting and praying to seek clarity in the direction ahead. The keyword I have received so far is “HARVEST’. A YEAR OF HARVEST.

What does God care most for mankind? Salvation of all men and none is to be left-behind. How do we align ourselves with this goal of the Kingdom of God being activated on earth as it is in heaven? We have the Bible and the Holy Spirit. This twin-key will continue be my writing focus in 2016. I pray the Spirit of wisdom and revelation for every Christian who reads this blog. Have a year of “harvest” for the King in your own “field”.

 

3 am: HOLD FAST

Put on the Armor of GodToday’s word: “HOLD FAST TO THE WORDS OF GOD.”

Revelation 2:13

“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations

who are the sons and children of God?

For those who ask, here are some verses on who the sons and children of God are. They are self-explanatory. Each believer does his or her own reality check based on the sword of the Spirit – the words of God.
John 3:5-6
 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
John 1:12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

John 11:52
and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

Mark 10:24
And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

Romans 8:16
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

Romans 8:17
and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 9:8
That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.

 1 John 3:1 [Full Chapter] Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
Galatians 3:26
[ Sons and Heirs ] For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 4:6
And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Romans 9:26
“And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ There they shall be called sons of the living God.”

Romans 8:9
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

Romans 8:10
And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. boy redeemed

Jesus urges: And you also will bear witness

John 15 English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the True Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant[b] does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

The Hatred of the World

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin,[c] but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Footnotes:

  1. John 15:15 Greek bondservants
  2. John 15:15 Greek bondservant; also verse 20
  3. John 15:22 Greek they would not have sin; also verse 24 

yellow-grapes-growing-on-vine-in-bright-sunshine

end days witnessing: Be the righteousness of God

This is the real good news today. God is not angry with you. He says so.

God’s Righteousness Through Faith (Excerpts from Romans in NKJV)

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,  22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all[h] who believe. For there is no difference;  23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,  25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,  26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
5:17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

Recommended audio listening from Righteousness Series from Andrew Wommack
quotation of excerpts from his article “whose righteousness” http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/whose_righteousness

Quote “One of the things that blinds people to a true understanding of righteousness is confusion about how we become right in the sight of God. It is commonly thought that our actions are the determining factor in God’s judgment of our righteousness. That’s not true. There is a relationship between our actions and our right standing with God, but right relationship with God produces actions, not the other way around. That is to say, we are not made righteous by what we do.

Righteousness is a gift that comes from the Lord to those who accept what Jesus has done for them by faith (Rom. 5:17-18). The gift of salvation produces a changed heart that, in turn, changes our actions. Actions cannot change our hearts. It’s the heart of man that God looks upon (1 Sam. 16:7), and we must be righteous in our hearts to truly worship God (John 4:24).

The mistake of thinking that doing right makes us right is the same error the Pharisees made. Religion has always preached that if we clean up our actions, our hearts will become clean too. Jesus taught just the opposite (Matt. 23:25-26). It’s through a changed heart that our actions change. The heart is the issue. Actions are only an indication of what is in our hearts. Actions are the fruit the heart produces.”

“Colossians 2:6 says, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” That means if you were saved by putting faith in God’s grace alone, then you maintain that relationship in the same way.”

Quotation from his righteousness series audio teaching download:
“One of our biggest problems in the body of Christ is a lack of understanding of our righteous position in Christ. The effectiveness of our faith is directly proportional to our acknowledgment of the good things that are in us through Christ Jesus (Philem. 1:6). If we don’t know what those good things are, our faith won’t work. These teachings are a must for every believer.”

http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/righteousness

in the righteousness of Jesus Christ
in the righteousness of Jesus Christ

conversation with God: 2014 It shall be one day Which is known to the Lord

Zechariah 14 New King James Version (NKJV)

BIBLE ZechariahThe Day of the Lord

14 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming,
And your spoil will be divided in your midst.
2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem;
The city shall be taken,
The houses rifled,
And the women ravished.
Half of the city shall go into captivity,
But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

3 Then the Lord will go forth
And fight against those nations,
As He fights in the day of battle.
4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.
5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley,
For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal.
Yes, you shall flee
As you fled from the earthquake
In the days of Uzziah king of Judah.

Thus the Lord my God will come,
And all the saints with You.[a]

6 It shall come to pass in that day
That there will be no light;
The lights will diminish.
7 It shall be one day
Which is known to the Lord—
Neither day nor night.
But at evening time it shall happen
That it will be light.

8 And in that day it shall be
That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem,
Half of them toward the eastern sea
And half of them toward the western sea;
In both summer and winter it shall occur.
9 And the Lord shall be King over all the earth.
In that day it shall be—
“The Lord is one,”[b]
And His name one.

10 All the land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. Jerusalem[c] shall be raised up and inhabited in her place from Benjamin’s Gate to the place of the First Gate and the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.

11 The people shall dwell in it;
And no longer shall there be utter destruction,
But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

12 And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem:

Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet,
Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets,
And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.

13 It shall come to pass in that day
That a great panic from the Lord will be among them.
Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbor,
And raise his hand against his neighbor’s hand;
14 Judah also will fight at Jerusalem.
And the wealth of all the surrounding nations
Shall be gathered together:
Gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance.

15 Such also shall be the plague
On the horse and the mule,
On the camel and the donkey,
And on all the cattle that will be in those camps.
So shall this plague be.

The Nations Worship the King

16 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18 If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

20 In that day “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. The pots in the Lord’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the Lord of hosts.[d] Everyone who sacrifices shall come and take them and cook in them. In that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.

Footnotes:

  1. Zechariah 14:5 Or you; Septuagint, Targum, and Vulgate read Him.
  2. Zechariah 14:9 Compare Deuteronomy 6:4
  3. Zechariah 14:10 Literally She
  4. Zechariah 14:21 Or on every pot . . . shall be (engraved) “HOLINESS TO THE LORD OF HOSTS”

Conversation with God: when God spoke twice

This is the time when God speaks repeatedly (usually twice and more) and no human has excuse not to hear. When He spoke twice He actually made sure we know it’s from Him and He will shortly bring it to pass. Jesus has warned His disciples to continue one utmost task after He has spoken to them about the end times: Watch and pray.

How soon? Looking at the most recent events in the world, no one can deny that the ‘soon’ means even within mere months. Why so soon? My spirit perceives that God’s time (as revealed and duly written in the Bible) for mankind accelerates as it runs out. Please heed His call and His appointed time.

We read some Scriptures to see how God spoke twice or more and what was the content and intent of His conversation with man.

(Boldness, italics and notes on the following Bible verses were added by this watchman)

Genesis 41:32 (NKJV) 32 And the dream was repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

The example of Abraham, the father of faith: God spoke of His covenant was with Abraham and his descendants through his son Isaac.

Genesis 17:1-5 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying:   4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations…7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you…9 “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations…19 Then God said: “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him…21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year.”

Exodus 6:5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant.

Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.

Leviticus 26:9 ‘For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.
Isaiah 59:20-21 20 “The Redeemer will come to Zion,
And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,”
Says the Lord.

21 “As for Me,” says the Lord, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the Lord, “from this time and forevermore.”

Who are the present day descendants of Abraham? All who believe in Jesus Christ by faith. The content and intent of God’s covenant are clearly stated in the following Scriptures. The only way to justification: by faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 4: 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;

Romans 4:22-25 22 And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

Galatians 3:1-3 Justification by Faith

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Romans 5:17 For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

How does one receive this free gift from God?

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

What Does God expects of and has promised to those who have believed and become the disciples of Jesus Christ concerning our lives on earth? Heed His call and warning today, churches.
Acts 28:31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.
Romans 15:4-6 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation 22:1414 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 
Revelation 22:15-16 Amplified Bible (AMP) 15 [But] without are the dogs and those who practice sorceries (magic arts) and impurity [the lewd, adulterers] and the murderers and idolaters and everyone who loves and deals in falsehood (untruth, error, deception, cheating).

16 I, Jesus, have sent My messenger (angel) to you to witness and to give you assurance of these things for the churches (assemblies). I am the Root (the Source) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and brilliant Morning Star. revelation 22-16

end days witnessing: discipleship manual 2

This is a continuation of the previous blog post on the last commandment from Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the ultimate Ruler.
The Bible verses are given at random as led in my spirit. They form a very clear manual for discipleship. This is how I have and shall continue to train the little ones who come to Jesus, brought to Him by the Holy Spirit, my Teacher.
One call is definitely loud and clear to all who wait for their calling now: “Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.” (Matt.22:9)
Summary of faith in action: Jesus has commanded to all born again believers who follow Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations. We just need to be born again by faith, believe in His words by faith, go and practice His words with signs and wonders by faith. Jesus will draw the people to Him. People who are hungry and thirsty for the kingdom of God will come and seek Jesus. But they must see the marvelous and awesome kingdom of God in the midst of the disciples. Wherever the disciples go they bring the kingdom of God (with the glorious presence and rulership of the Almighty God) in their midst. Disciples are people who live in the kingdom of God themselves. Living and walking by faith and being led by the Holy Spirit ensures this faithful lifestyle.
A lifestyle of living before the Almighty God.
Revelation 7:15
Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
God has revealed through Jesus, His kingdom to the people on earth. The people on earth want this kingdom. This kingdom is given through Jesus. All who believe in Him will be born again by the Holy Spirit and God’s word and enter it.
Matthew 21:43
“Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.

Matthew 22:9
Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’

Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Exodus 4:12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.”
Exodus 32:34 Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you…”

John 6:24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.

God has also set a time frame for all people on earth to repent and return to Him. God’s plan and appointed time does not delay.

2 Peter 3:11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
James 4:7 [ Humility Cures Worldliness ] Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
James 4:17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
2 Timothy 2:3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 13:13 Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach.
Acts 10:20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”
Acts 10:33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
Acts 28:28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” the-bible-jesus-and-disciples

end times church witnessing: discipleship manual

In the end days, many old guards are passing away. There is an urgency in making disciples. Today’s word is “make disciples“!

Bible verse are quoted from New King James Version (NKJV) (Boldness added.)

The first time the word disciple was mentioned in the Bible is in the following verse: Discipleship is closely linked to the word of God. The master is a teacher and practitioner of God’s words. The disciples are those who are taught God’s words and practice them.

Isaiah 8:16 Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples.

We read from the book of Matthew how Jesus and His disciples interacted: He called them and they followed. They came to Him and take orders from Him. He taught them in words and in practice of God’s words.

Matthew 4:18-19 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 

Matthew 5:1 [ The Beatitudes ] And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.

Matthew 8:23 [ Wind and Wave Obey Jesus ] Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.

Jesus revealed to His disciples what God was interested in. God wanted souls to be saved. Jesus not only sent out His disciples He told them to pray for more workers for God’s harvest.

Matthew 9:36-3836 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Jesus gave His authority and power to the disciples so that they could practice what He had taught them. All they needed to do was to do what Jesus had authorized them.

Matthew 10:1 [ The Twelve Apostles ] And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power overunclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:24 “A discipleis not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

Jesus Himself continued putting into practice what He taught His disciples. He showed them how urgent and important the matter of bringing people into the kingdom of God was.

Matthew 11:1 [ John the Baptist Sends Messengers to Jesus ] Now it came to pass, when Jesus finished commanding His twelve disciples, that He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.

Jesus treated the disciples as His own close relatives.

Matthew 12:49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers!

Jesus showed His disciples how His power could be used to override physical natural law and elements, such as supernaturally multiplying food when needed and walking on water as though walking on solid ground.

Matthew 14:19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.

Matthew 14:26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

Jesus taught the disciples how to follow Him effectively and successfully. The key was to leave oneself behind and take on a new identity as a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), joined to Him, one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17). He told them that it was a privilege to be called and chosen as only few could make it. By being His disciples they could partake all that He is. He will be victorious and is giving them all. (Ephesians 1:3)

Matthew 16:24 [ Take Up the Cross and Follow Him ] Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Matthew 20:16-18

16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” 17 Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, Matthew 26:19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. Matthew 26:26-27 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.

Jesus also taught the disciples one essential key to continue their connection to Him. Prayer overcomes the physical realm and its limitation. Prayer is a spiritual weapon and enables human being to break through the physical barrier and enter into the presence of God, who is Spirit. (John 4:23-24) The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of intercession and empowers those who pray. (Romans 8:26-27)

26: 40-41 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus made sure the disciples knew He is risen and rejoice in witnessing His resurrection. Knowing our God is alive and ever living makes us want to worship Him and witness for Him.

Matthew 28:7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

Matthew 28:9 [ The Women Worship the Risen Lord ] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.

Last word from Jesus to the disciples: They too must make disciples of all nations. This command is for us too. We too, have the calling and sending from Jesus, His Spirit, the authority of His name, and His words. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations for Jesus Christ!

Matthew 28:18-2018 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. make disciples of all nations

The helmet of Salvation in Christ—the fifth piece of God’s armor

Christ is our helmet of salvation. Ephesians 6:17, 1 Corinthians 1:30

Why is the Helmet of Salvation included as part of the whole armor of God? What does a helmet do? Helmet is to be worn on the head, like a crown. A helmet is a defensive headgear worn by soldiers. A helmet not only protects the head from injury, it is a spiritual symbol of who we really are. In a spiritual warfare, who we identify with makes all the difference. There is only one salvation. Salvation is Christ Himself. God has made Jesus become our salvation. (1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—)

When we accept Jesus and His salvation we are immediately registered in the Book of Life in Heaven, and are given a three-in-one family identity certification: God is our Father, Jesus (the Son of God —our Savior and Lord) is our Brother, and the Holy Spirit has given birth to our new spirit. This important status comes with the Salvation we receive. In Eph 6:17 salvation is a present experience of the Lord’s deliverance of believers as those who are engaged in spiritual conflict. In 1Th 5:8, the hope is that of the Lord’s return, which encourages the believer to resist the spirit of the age in which he lives.

THE FOLLOWING IS TAKEN FROM MY POST ON JULY 13, 2014.

This watchman is led to post this passage of the Bible for the meditation on the helmet of salvation. The key to putting on this helmet is “knowledge of God”. Know our position in Christ. God Himself initiated this secure son-ship position for us. Having believed in the Gospel, we are sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit. We need to hold fast to this position by faith. My prayer is that you read and listen to this passage many times and meditate on it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to understand this piece of the armor which protects your head and gives you an identity which is invincible.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

Ephesians 1 (NASB)  (Quoted in parts with Boldness added)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

(this following passage is the gist of the helmet)

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

(Below is Paul’s prayer for you too. You can copy the verses 17-23 and keep meditating and using them as your prayer for yourself and your loved ones too. )

15 For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

*For further study: THE SEVEN ASPECTS OF SALVATION

Kainotes, expanded on the original (July 13, 2014) on December 19, 2020

Do this, knowing the time: Put on the full armor of God

armorofgod2

This watchman received in spirit that this is the sign: put on your full armor of God.

This means: having the full alertness and consciousness of the mighty presence of God and His Word, Spirit-filled and Spirit-led at all times. Listening to audio Bible and reading at the same time is one way of keeping focused on God and matters of God, just as our Lord and Savior Jesus has commanded. (John 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.)

Ephesians 6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, 19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak…

23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.

Romans 13 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Luke 11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

20 But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. 22 But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. 23 He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me, scatters.

1 John 4:4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.

John 16:33 [Full Chapter] These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. | Full Chapter |
Revelation 3:21
He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

In Context | Full Chapter |
Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.
In Context | Full Chapter |

How to encounter the power of the presence of God

faith in action led by the Spirit
faith in action led by the Spirit

A half year’s sent out journey in the Holy Spirit opened up learning in practical faith in action and encountering more spiritual reality in sailing onto alien deep and raging uncharted water by faith.

A review summary :

Requirements : faith in action ; just launch out when sent by the Holy Spirit. No looking back.  Burning bridges if needed.

Strategy : the Holy Spirit

External/physical conditions : real tough unfriendly foreign weather which may be described biblically as refiner’s fire for the Levites. Totally dying to self and stripping down to bare necessity.

Internal/Spiritual conditions : may be described as having nothing of one’s own to relay upon and no resources from man. God alone is the key. God is the focus. God’s way is the only path to move forward without a navigation chart.

In practice , it means daily staying full of the refreshing presence of God through praise and worship in spirit and in truth, reading and listening and at times even copying His words, praying and singing in spirit, making disciples in the Holy Spirit !

Classes conducted as led by the Holy Spirit : daily hearing from the Lord, obeying His prompts, practicing following His voice (inaudible ). It means we couldn’t follow our agenda. Often the Lord sent forth His words only when we were ready to start.

Curriculum : praying and singing in the spirit, reading the Bible , copying the Bible , worship in spirit and in truth , learning to walk with the Lord Jesus in the gospels. Taking authority as sons and daughters of God as given by the name of Jesus . Both classroom teaching and discussion and activity based (including prophetic faith in action). Led by the Holy Spirit.

Breakthrough took place. The Lord was working with those who believed and the bold sharing of His words and possessing of new ground for His kingdom. He confirmed His words with accompanying signs. Salvation and healing took place. The Holy Spirit breathed life into the slumbering and woke up even the very dry bones. Mark 16:20

Read : Mark 16:15-20; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.

Worship in Spirit and in Truth
Worship in Spirit and in Truth

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD

Who is the LORD ? Almighty God , everlasting Father, that great I AM, there is no God but JEHOVAH. The Trinity God : God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), God the Holy Spirit. Our Creator, our Redeemer, our Savior , our Healer, our Deliverer, our Provider, our Shepherd, our Shelter, our Banner, our Father in heaven.

Praise God !

Psalm 33

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the LORD with the harp;

2 make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; 3 play skillfully, and shout for joy.

For the word of the LORD is right and true;

4 he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice;

5 the earth is full of his unfailing love.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,

6 their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;

7 he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD;

8 let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be;

9 he commanded, and it stood firm.

The LORD foils the plans of the nations;

10 he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,

11 the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

12 the people he chose for his inheritance. From heaven the LORD looks down

13 and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches

14 all who live on earth—he who forms the hearts of all,

15 who considers everything they do.

No king is saved by the size of his army;

16 no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;

17 despite all its great strength it cannot save.

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,

18 on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death

19 and keep them alive in famine.

We wait in hope for the LORD;

20 he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice,

21 for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,

22 even as we put our hope in you.

What kind of people ought you to be ?

2 Peter 3:7 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. 15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him…

Peter’s Final Words

17 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

Daniel 12:3
2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
image

Revealed 22:14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Jesus speaks: Here is love.

HERE IS LOVE.

John 3:16 [Full Chapter]For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 5:20 [Full Chapter]For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.
John 8:42 [Full Chapter]Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
John 12:25 [Full Chapter] He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
John 13:1 [Full Chapter] [ Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet ] Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
John 13:34 [Full Chapter]A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 14:21 [Full Chapter] He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
John 14:23 [Full Chapter] Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
John 14:24 [Full Chapter] He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
John 14:31 [Full Chapter] But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
John 15:10 [Full Chapter] If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

end times church countdown: be holy and without blemish

Ephesians 5:25-27

New King James Version (NKJV)

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish…

29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones… 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Revelation 19:6-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9 Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”

marriage supper of the Lamb
 

the letter to the elect: your faith is far more precious than mere gold

1Peter letter to elect1 Peter 1

New Living Translation (NLT)

Greetings from Peter

1 This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ.

I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.[a] 2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.

May God give you more and more grace and peace.

The Hope of Eternal Life

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

6 So be truly glad.[b] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.

10 This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward.

12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.

A Call to Holy Living

13 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. 16 For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”[c]

17 And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time as “foreigners in the land.” 18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. 19 It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 20 God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but he has now revealed him to you in these last days.

21 Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

22 You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.[d] Love each other deeply with all your heart.[e]

23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God. 24 As the Scriptures say,

“People are like grass;     their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. 25     But the word of the Lord remains forever.”[f]

And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

Footnotes:

  1. 1:1 Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia were Roman provinces in what is now Turkey.
  2. 1:6 Or So you are truly glad.
  3. 1:16 Lev 11:44-45; 19:2; 20:7.
  4. 1:22a Greek must have brotherly love.
  5. 1:22b Some manuscripts read with a pure heart.
  6. 1:24-25 Isa 40:6-8.

a powerful hymn : On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand

Today’s end times hymn: My Hope. Back to the foundation hope of our Christian faith. The urgency of His harvest and the urgency of the enemy’s counter-harvest for souls is evident to many Christians and non-Christians.

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

Jesus my rock
Jesus my rock

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found. Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/y/myhopeis.htm

Words:
Ed­ward Mote, cir­ca 1834; first ap­peared in Mote’s Hymns of Praise, 1836.

Music: Sol­id Rock,
Will­iam B. Brad­bu­ry, 1863
(MI­DI, score).

journey on: everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God

Count The Cost and Journey On in 2014

Luke 14

25 A large crowd was following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, 26 “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. 27 And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.

28 “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? 29 Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. 30 They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’

31 “Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? 32 And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. 33 So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.  

cost of the kingdom of God
cost of the kingdom of God

34 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? 35 Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”

Luke 18 

26 Those who heard this said, “Then who in the world can be saved?”

27 He replied, “What is impossible for people is possible with God.”

28 Peter said, “We’ve left our homes to follow you.”

29 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, 30 will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.”

journey on: See Grace, Grace, Grace!

The last sermon 2013 and first sermon 2014 he heard for the over-midnight service by watching online a recorded Sunday worship (due to time zone difference he does not watch live) is all about getting rid of the trash in our lives. The watchman admitted that this was truly most appropriate for this spring cleaning day for him!

Pastor Sandra Kennedy aptly titled the subject, “God is the Redeemer not the condemner”. It is about getting rid of our daily trash. She said God has paid for the trash collector, but each man must take out his or her own trash. We cannot let the trash stay in the house and go out. Because when we come home the trash is still there and stinks! She opened her preaching by quoting from NLT Bible Isaiah 43:25, Micah 7:19, then Jeremiah 29:11, 31:33, 37, Psalm 103:8, Hebrews 1:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17. Pastor Kennedy warned that the devil is the condemner. If anyone condemns, he is walking with the devil. God is Redeemer!

Here is a summary of the action steps we each need to take to get rid of our personal trash:

  1. be specific about our trash (sins). name them and claim them.
  2. allow God teach us something from it.
  3. allow God have our past: forgive, heal, pour oil and wine.
  4. forgive ourselves. (God has forgiven us and there is no record of it.)

Do start our new year 2014 right by hearing God right. Here is the last message for 2013 and the first one on this first day of the new year!

http://view.liveindexer.com/ViewEmbedResizeCC2.aspx?ccEnabled=false&autostart=true&indexSessionSKU=i8mIsipYweI6PFo4Pu3dkw%3D%3D

http://hosted.earthchannel.com/WholeLife/tabs/sundays.php#

Isaiah 43:25 (NLT)

25 “I—yes, I alone—will blot out your sins for my own sake     and will never think of them again.

Micah 7:19 (NLT)

19 Once again you will have compassion on us.     You will trample our sins under your feet     and throw them into the depths of the ocean!

Jeremiah 29:11

New Living Translation (NLT)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 31:33

New Living Translation (NLT)

33 “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Jeremiah 31:37

New Living Translation (NLT)

37 This is what the Lord says: “Just as the heavens cannot be measured     and the foundations of the earth cannot be explored, so I will not consider casting them away     for the evil they have done.     I, the Lord, have spoken!

clock face now

End times watchman countdown: At Calvary

He had been hearing one particular hymn chorus in his spirit for days but he just couldn’t remember enough words to find the song. today he turned on the worship recordings after a long day’s work, and three hymns were sung: Are you washed in the blood of Jesus? There is power in the blood (of Jesus), and At Calvary. After he heard the three hymns he tried looking for that song that his spirit had been singing. He merely clicked at random and the same three aforementioned hymns came out! Awesome! He then realized these are the themes for this season at this eleventh hour of this year…

Here are the three hymns.

“Are You Washed In The Blood?”

Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
[Chorus:] Are you washed in the blood, In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Lay aside your garments that are stained with sin And be washed in the blood of the Lamb. There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean. O, be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
[Chorus]
“There is power in the blood” (of Jesus)

Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you o’er evil a victory win? There’s wonderful power in the blood. Refrain

There is power, power, wonder working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, wonder working power In the precious blood of the Lamb.

Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide; There’s wonderful power in the blood. Refrain

Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Sin stains are lost in its life giving flow. There’s wonderful power in the blood. Refrain

Would you do service for Jesus your King? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you live daily His praises to sing? There’s wonderful power in the blood. Refrain

“At Calvary”

  1. Years I spent in vanity and pride, Caring not my Lord was  crucified, Knowing not it was for me He died   On Calvary.
  2. Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there  was multiplied to me; There my burdened soul found  liberty,     At Calvary.
  3. By God’s Word at last my sin I learned; Then I trembled at the  law I’d spurned, Till my guilty soul imploring turned   To  Calvary.
  4. Now I’ve giv’n to Jesus everything, Now I gladly own Him as my  King, Now my raptured soul can only sing   Of Calvary.
  5. Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan! Oh, the grace that brought it down to man! Oh, the mighty gulf that God did  span   At Calvary!

Source:  http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/342#ixzz2ndmXHKF0

Bible verses:

  • Acts 2:36
    “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

    Acts 2:35-37 (in Context)  Acts 2 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

  • Acts 4:10
    Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.

    Acts 4:9-11 (in Context)  Acts 4 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

  • Romans 6:6
    We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

    Romans 6:5-7 (in Context)  Romans 6 (Whole Chapter)  Other Translations

At Calvary
At Calvary

Journey to see God: How He sees our tears…

Revelation 21 4

  1. 2 Kings 20:5
    Turn back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of My people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your [forefather]: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord.

    2 Kings 20:4-6 (in Context) 2 Kings 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  2. Esther 8:3
    And Esther spoke yet again to the king and fell down at his feet and besought him with tears to avert the evil plot of Haman the Agagite and his scheme that he had devised against the Jews.

    Esther 8:2-4 (in Context) Esther 8 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  3. Job 16:20
    My friends scorn me, but my eye pours out tears to God.

    Job 16:19-21 (in Context) Job 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  4. Job 31:38
    For if my land has cried out against me and its furrows have complained together with tears [that I have no right to them],

    Job 31:37-39 (in Context) Job 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  5. Psalm 6:6
    I am weary with my groaning; all night I soak my pillow with tears, I drench my couch with my weeping.

    Psalm 6:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 6 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  6. Psalm 39:12
    Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not Your peace at my tears! For I am Your passing guest, a temporary resident, as all my fathers were.

    Psalm 39:11-13 (in Context) Psalm 39 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  7. Psalm 42:3
    My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, Where is your God?

    Psalm 42:2-4 (in Context) Psalm 42 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  8. Psalm 56:8
    You number and record my wanderings; put my tears into Your bottle—are they not in Your book?

    Psalm 56:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 56 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  9. Psalm 80:5
    You have fed them with the bread of tears, and You have given them tears to drink in large measure.

    Psalm 80:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 80 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  10. Psalm 116:8
    For You have delivered my life from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from stumbling and falling.

    Psalm 116:7-9 (in Context) Psalm 116 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  11. Psalm 126:5
    They who sow in tears shall reap in joy and singing.

    Psalm 126:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 126 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  12. Isaiah 16:9
    Therefore I [Isaiah] will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vines of Sibmah. I will drench you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh; for upon your summer fruits and your harvest the shout [of alarm and the cry of the enemy] has fallen.

    Isaiah 16:8-10 (in Context) Isaiah 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  13. Isaiah 25:8
    He will swallow up death [in victory; He will abolish death forever]. And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the reproach of His people He will take away from off all the earth; for the Lord has spoken it.

    Isaiah 25:7-9 (in Context) Isaiah 25 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  14. Isaiah 38:5
    Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will add to your life fifteen years.

    Isaiah 38:4-6 (in Context) Isaiah 38 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  15. Jeremiah 9:1
    Oh, that my head were waters and my eyes a reservoir of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

    Jeremiah 9:1-3 (in Context) Jeremiah 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  16. Jeremiah 9:18
    Let them make haste and raise a wailing over us and for us, that our eyes may run down with tears and our eyelids gush with water.

    Jeremiah 9:17-19 (in Context) Jeremiah 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  17. Jeremiah 13:17
    But if you will not hear and obey, I will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock has been taken captive.

    Jeremiah 13:16-18 (in Context) Jeremiah 13 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  18. Jeremiah 14:17
    Therefore [Jeremiah] you shall say to them, Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease; for the virgin daughter of my people has been smitten with a great wound, with a very grievous blow.

    Jeremiah 14:16-18 (in Context) Jeremiah 14 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  19. Jeremiah 31:16
    Thus says the Lord: Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord; and [your children] shall return from the enemy’s land.

    Jeremiah 31:15-17 (in Context) Jeremiah 31 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  20. Lamentations 1:2
    She weeps bitterly in the night, and her tears are [constantly] on her cheeks. Among all her lovers (allies) she has no one to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies.

    Lamentations 1:1-3 (in Context) Lamentations 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  21. Lamentations 1:16
    For these things I weep; my eyes overflow with tears, because a comforter, one who could refresh and restore my soul, is far from me. My children are desolate and perishing, for the enemy has prevailed.

    Lamentations 1:15-17 (in Context) Lamentations 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  22. Lamentations 2:18
    The hearts [of the inhabitants of Jerusalem] cried to the Lord. [Then to the congregation, I, Jeremiah, cried, addressing the wall as its symbol] O wall of the Daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; give yourself no rest, let not your eyes stop [shedding tears].

    Lamentations 2:17-19 (in Context) Lamentations 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  23. Lamentations 3:48
    My eyes overflow with streams of tears because of the destruction of the daughter of my people.

    Lamentations 3:47-49 (in Context) Lamentations 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  24. Ezekiel 24:16
    Son of man [Ezekiel], behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes [your wife] at a single stroke. Yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, neither shall your tears flow.

    Ezekiel 24:15-17 (in Context) Ezekiel 24 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  25. Malachi 2:13
    And this you do with double guilt; you cover the altar of the Lord with tears [shed by your unoffending wives, divorced by you that you might take heathen wives], and with [your own] weeping and crying out because the Lord does not regard your offering any more or accept it with favor at your hand.

    Malachi 2:12-14 (in Context) Malachi 2 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  26. Mark 9:24
    At once the father of the boy gave [an eager, piercing, inarticulate] cry with tears, and he said, Lord, I believe! [Constantly] help my weakness of faith!

    Mark 9:23-25 (in Context) Mark 9 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  27. Luke 7:38
    And standing behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with [her] tears; and she wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed His feet [affectionately] and anointed them with the ointment (perfume).

    Luke 7:37-39 (in Context) Luke 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  28. Luke 7:44
    Then turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, Do you see this woman? When I came into your house, you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

    Luke 7:43-45 (in Context) Luke 7 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

  29. Acts 20:19
    Serving the Lord with all humility in tears and in the midst of adversity (affliction and trials) which befell me, due to the plots of the Jews [against me];  Acts 20:18-20 (in Context) Acts 20 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Journey to see God: vine and branch connection

He who abides in Me, and I in him, bear much fruit
He who abides in Me, and I in him, bear much fruit

The word of the Lord is not easy to carry out. It is not difficult for believers to say they believe in the Bible. But when it comes to application, some hesitate.

But the Lord Jesus clearly stated that only those who obey and keep His words are His disciples. Only those who do the heavenly Father’s will may enter heaven.

So what are we to do when it comes to such important matters? Can we choose not to do the difficult ones?

The promise of God never changes. Neither does His standard. Just look at the way He instructed how the temple of God was to be built. Not one minute detail was missed out.

Just read the command and condition for Joshua to possess the promised land with two million Jews. Joshua was required to make sure that the whole book of the Bible (then they had Moses’ laws -the first five books of the Bible) should not depart from his mouth, which means he had to read and proclaim and even pray using the words of God at all times, and there was no allowance for him to talk idle words. Another condition was that Joshua had to meditate on the words day and night, and there was no allowance for him to think other thoughts. His mind was filled with God’s words. The purpose was that Joshua might then apply them to daily life, including all the military actions ahead to possess the promised land for the whole nation of Israel.

Tough? But the promised reward was great! He would then prosper in everything he did and have good success.

If Joshua could do it then, what more can we today with the Holy Spirit?

There is one key that some Christians may not know or use. The key is in the vine and branch command. Jesus revealed to His disciples this key in John chapter 15. (Readers are encouraged to read the whole chapter for yourself as verses are partially quoted here).

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine-dresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” “…for without Me you can do nothing.” “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”

Take note the same command for Joshua was given in the Old Testament. He had to keep the words of God in Him to succeed. For us too. Spiritual vine and branch can only be joined together in spirit, and the word of God is the bonding factor.

This same truth is also declared by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:17, “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with the Lord.”

The branch receives every good nourishment from the vine. The same for us who are joined to the Lord in spirit. We have received the Spirit from God that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Corinthians 2:12) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14

How do we join to the vine as branch? We join in the spirit by being led by the Holy Spirit, in His words, living by and walking by the Spirit.

In Romans chapter 8, apostle Paul gave us some practical insight: mostly to do with the way we think, our focus in life, our attitude and priority, and the way we view and conduct ourselves as a new man, a new creation of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17

8:1, 4 we do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

8:5 we live according to the Spirit set our minds according to the Spirit.

8:6 we are spiritually minded and have life and peace.

8:9 we are Christ’s because we have the spirit of Christ (God) dwelling in us.

8:11 the Spirit of Christ gives life to our mortal bodies,

8:13 by the Spirit we put to death the deeds of the body.

8:14 We are led by the Spirit of God.

8:15 we call God ‘Abba, Father.”

8:16-17 the Spirit bears witness with our spirit we are children of God, heirs, joint heirs with Christ.

Summary: knowing who we are in Christ, and hold fast by faith to the new position as sons (branch) of God (vine-dresser), joining ourselves to the vine (Christ) through His Spirit is the only way to practical application of His words. And then we shall prosper in everything we do and shall have good success, just as God promised Joshua, and re-affirmed by Jesus Himself in His words to the disciples and all believers.

Journey to see God: see the divine Father and Son relationship

The relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son of God, has been repeatedly declared by Jesus while on earth, as the Son Of Man. Jesus was Spirit-filled and walked in the power of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God. Let us read His words on His divine relationship with God and learn from Him the right way of knowing God. What did Jesus say about God? How we may relate to God? John 1:18 “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”

Jesus declared His status (and relationship with God) clearly in the temple, 7:28-29 “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of myself, but He who sent Me is true, Whom you do not know. But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

John the baptist testified for Jesus, “And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 1:34 He testified Jesus’ relationship with God. “ He who comes from above is above all…and what He has seen and heard, that He testifies…For He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life;” 3:31, 32, 34-36

Jesus spoke of God as His Father, and He declared the true purpose of the temple of God. “Take these things away! Do not make My Father‘s house a house of merchandise!” 2:16

He told off His earthly parents, “Why do you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father‘s business?” Luke 2:49

At Jerusalem, Jesus went into the temple and drove out those who bought and sold in the temple…and would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. hen He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of thieves’?” Mark 11:15-17

He testified that His mission on earth was the mission of God for mankind. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

Jesus spoke of Himself as the gift of God and that He gives living water; a ‘fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (the Holy Spirit who gives the rebirth). 3:10, 14

He spoke of how a believer relates to Godby his action. “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.’ 3:21

Jesus declared that God is Spirit and looks for those who worship in spirit and in truth. 4:23-24

Jesus declared how God works pertaining to human. “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.” 5:17 God works. God is always working.

What work God works and Jesus also does? Jesus explained further on this subject in 5:19-21 “…the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son , and shows Him all things that He himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.” 37 “And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me.” 43 “I have come in My Father‘s name,”

God works through Jesus. “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him Whom He sent.” 6:29

6:27 God the Father has set his seal on Him. Therefore Jesus can give us the food which endures to everlasting life.

6:32 “My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.” 37 “All that My Father give Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.”

Jesus clearly declared what the will of Godregarding salvation through Jesusis. 6:39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.” 40 “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

God draws us to Jesus. God teaches us to go to Jesus. “Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” 6:45

There is a connection of life between Jesus and the Father. It is in the Holy Spirit(the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ) and the words of God. 6:57 “As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so He who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life.”

“unless one is born of water and the Spirit, He cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” 3:5-6 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 7:

Concerning the words Jesus spoke: 7:16-17 “My doctrine is not mine, but his who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.” 8:26 “but I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” 8:28-29 “that I do nothing of myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father does not leave Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”

31-32 “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

38 “I speak what I have seen with My Father,” 47 “He who is of God hears God’s words;” 51 “If anyone keeps My word He shall never see death.” 55 “I do know Him and keep His word.”

Jesus spoke of the love relationship between Him and the Father in chapter 10:

10:15 “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

17-18 “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again…and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.” 25 “The works that I do in My Father’s name.”

29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My father’s hand.’

30 “I and My Father are one.” 32 “Many good works I have shown you from My Father.” 36 “I am the Son of God.” 31 “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me.” 38 “that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”

(This study is based mainly on the gospel according to John, chapters 1-10, unless otherwise specified. Some of the verses are quoted in excerpts. Readers are urged to refer to the Bible yourself so that you would not miss out the original full texts.)

love of God in Christ Jesus
love of God in Christ Jesus