6-19-2021 The Watchman Part 2

(Revisited)

 

Though I connected it with the church I attend, what Father has called the “Watchman Prophecy” applies to the whole body of Christ.  All the denominations, all the fellowships that fly under the banner of Jesus Christ.

Again, what the Lord said to me is in bold, what I thought or that which helps set the stage is in

regular type.  And, as in part one, I have separated lines out for easier reading. Also, once I’ve

shared the third and final part of the Watchman, I’ll share what Father has given me towards its

overall meaning, that is if you haven’t already started ‘getting the drift’.

On 9-26-2014 Father gave me the second installment of what would turn out to be a three

installment project.  Didn’t know that though until the end of the month.

As I was I was sitting in my living room in the big overstuffed green chair, praying in the

Morning:

      I have more to share.

      OK, Father.

      Remember the watchman?

      Yes, Father.

      Look out there.  What do you see?

      I looked out my front window at the darkened sky and saw several rays of sunlight shooting

across underneath the very dark storm clouds.  I’ve not see the sky that dark since nor do I remember the skies being that dark any time prior to that day.

      I see a world in turmoil.

      And so it is.  What else do you see?

      I see that you have shown us rays of sunshine in the midst of all that darkness.

      Remember Elijah and his loneliness?

      Yes, Lord.

      And what did I say to My servant?

      7000 had not bowed their knees to other gods.

      I have My number. 

      I always have My number of those who truly love Me

      and serve me

      and who will not turn their hearts away from Me towards the world

      so man will still have his beacon, his lighthouse. 

 

      Consider, My son, the gifts I have given man are merely tools to comfort and guide him

      until I return. 

      They are tools to help man come back into My fellowship. 

      They are tools to learn how to live in My love. 

      Seek My Holy Spirit within.  Use those tools well. 

      Don’t quench the Spirit but rather yield to Him so He can work My work through you.

 

      I have an army. 

      I’ve always had an army

      but I want My children to live in My love

      so they can truly be the offspring of their Father. 

      I want the world to see My love so that their hearts might be convicted. 

      I want the world to see My love that their hearts might be ashamed. 

      I want the world to see My love and even though many will wax colder

      some might come into My Kingdom because their hearts have melted. 

      The gifts are good but yet they are only tools

      to express My love to the world. 

      live in My love.

Again here are scriptures Father gave me in support of the prophecy – after the fact, of course 

Gen. 11:13-16             I will establish my covenant with you (Noah) that neither will the flesh be

      cut off due to the flood waters but neither shall the flood waters destroy the earth anymore. 

      This is a token of My covenant … for perpetual generations.  I set my bow in the cloud as a

      token  between you and Me and the earth.  And though the clouds will come, the bow will

      also be seen.  And I will remember My covenant between Me and you and every living

      creature that I will no longer bring the flood to destroy the earth.  When I see the bow, I will

      remember My everlasting covenant…

 

      The bow represents God’s covenant with us and if you notice that rays of sunshine will streak

      across the sky beneath those storm clouds as they dissipate paving the way for that colorful

rainbow of promise to appear.  When things seem their darkest, God will show us hope so we can push forward.  That ray of light, that hope is, of course, Hi provision to return into His fellowship and Jesus Christ is the way!

 

 1 Kings 19:4, 14, 18   Elijah fled Jezebel and Ahab who had slain all the prophets in Israel and

      were now after Elijah.

 

      V4             (Elijah) went into the wilderness and sat under a Juniper tree and requested that he

            might die …

      V14           … the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down your altars, slain your prophets and now as the only one left they seek my life.

      V18           Yet I (God) have left seven thousand in Israel who have neither bowed their knees to Baal nor kissed him.  (the kiss is a sign of affection or commitment)

 

John 15:10                   If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love. (‘nuff said?)

 

Matt. 5:14-16              You are the light of the world … let your light shine so before men

 

                        We bear the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world so people might see God’s love and attain eternal Life, fellowship with our Father – forever.

 

1 Corinth. 12:1, 7        I don’t want you ignorant concerning Spiritual gifts … the manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone to profit everybody.

 

            Everybody has a unique gift or talent and God has given us that gift to build the ‘whole’ body of Christ or, perhaps.  We may be responsible for even just our small portion.  Nonetheless, any gift is used to build the body of Christ!

 

1Thess. 5:19                Don’t quench the Spirit 

            Don’t tell the Holy Ghost ‘no’ but rather yield to Him and follow His lead.

 

Matt. 24:12                 (talking about the last days) … and because sin abounds, the love of many will wax cold.

            Because God has been ‘seared’ from the consciousness of man, some won’t even listen to the ‘life saving’ good news.  But many, who are truly seeking the peace that only God can give, will open their hearts to Him and receive His love.

 

1 Corinth. 7:13-16       (paraphrased) If a man or woman is married to an unbeliever and if it pleases the unbeliever to stay with the believer, stay together and don’t leave for how do you know that the Lord might use you to bring that unbelieving spouse into the kingdom of God?

            The situation is not exact but the principle still works:  I would not suggest remaining in a violent, abusive situation (for personal safety sake) but when we live our lives for Christ before those around us, how do we know that we aren’t God’s intended vehicle for drawing any others into His kingdom?           

 

Matt. 27:54                 Now, when the centurion and those who were with him, watching Jesus (on the cross), saw the earthquake and those things that were done feared greatly saying “Truly, this was the Son of God.

            Even the gentiles saw the signs and confessed.

           

Luke 13:17                  (Jesus had just healed the woman afflicted by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years.  The rulers of the synagogue rebuked Him for healing on the Sabbath (don’t work on the sabbath).  Jesus responded reminding them that they would rescue an animal in trouble on the Sabbath so why shouldn’t a person be healed on the same.

            And when He had said these things His adversaries were ashamed …

 

Matt. 24:12                 (speaking of the end times Jesus says)  and because iniquity shall abound,

            the love of many shall wax cold.

            Yes, I said this twice – so listen up!

 

James 5:20                   … he who converts the sinner from the error of his ways saves a soul from death and hides a multitude of sins …

 

We truly cannot convert anyone to God, but by sharing Jesus with another person might be just the thing that other person needs to give his heart to Jesus.

 

Ephesians 4:12-16       (gifts are given) … for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ … unity of faith … knowledge of the Son of God … to a perfect man, to the measure to the stature of the fullness of Christ … increase the body to the edifying of itself in love.

 

            True love builds the body of Christ (and others) up, helping us to conform to His image (LOVE)

Father gives us courage and strength to continue in His works.  To live in His will and pursue His word (Jesus IS the Word of God [John 1:1-14]). 

Again, all this is to build His body (he church) and to learn how to live in and share His love. 

Amen

 

 

6-5-2021   Watchman revisited

(Orig. posted 10-16-2015)

                        The watchman watches

Here it is the last of May 2021.  I said to Father that with five days to go I have no clue what to do for this weekend’s post.  DoYou have a bible passage or perhaps even an ‘old post?  I was struggling.  I found myself going to my “Homecoming” folder and I found myself clicking on the ‘2015’ posts.  My eyes dropped (almost) immediately to the three posts on the watchman.  Father?  “It is time to repost this – all three installments.”  

I said “You’ve got it.”  So here is the first (with some additional comments) of the three posts.

Father gave me the prophecy of the Watchman over three separate days in September 2014.  It

was crazy because I experienced three things I had never experienced before, at least not in this

way; the prophecy itself, my physical reactions to the prophecy and knowing that this indeed was from the Lord and that He wanted me to share it (again).  I’ll talk a little more about this with the explanation once I’ve shared the full prophecy and what I’ve done to share it.  What the Lord actually said will be in bold amidst my comments which help understand what was going on during the time of reception.

Father gave me the first segment on 9/24/2014.  At the time, I didn’t realize that there would be

More but by the end of the month He had given me all three installments.  Instead of writing

paragraphs, I’ve separated lines out for easier reading.

The watchman stands watch.  For what does the watchman watch?  For danger that approaches the city to cry out to the people so they can prepare for battle. 

Up on the ramparts we look out over the land. 

What do you see? 

The enemy encamped all around and about. 

What do you feel? 

We are lost.  There are too many. 

Look again beyond the enemy and what do you see? 

I see a host far greater than the enemy poised to do battle. 

And what do you feel? 

Encouraged because we now far outnumber our foe.

My children.  Did I not send Gideon with just a handful to set the enemy to flight? 

Did I not send Elijah, alone, against the prophets of Baal? 

Gideon, with his candles and Elijah by fire all overcame seemingly impossible obstacles, yet by My hand did I not give them victory? 

Put your complete trust in Me and as with the walls of Jericho watch the walls crumble. 

Watch the enemy become confused and flee. 

Watch My glory humble those who resist Me. 

I make a way where there seems to be nothing. 

I overcome many with a few. 

Those who glorify My Name will taste the fullness of victory. 

Put your hand to the plow and begin to plow and hang on as I work My work for My glory. 

The season is nigh, even at the door for many things to be manifested. 

My children, are you ready?  Prepare your hearts.  Prepare your souls. 

Don My armor and prepare to step out.

The Lord spoke to my heart and said that this is not just for Wellspring of Life Family Worship Center.  He has been preparing many children for this time and the time is near, nearer than we might think.  In case you’re confused this doesn’t mean the ‘rapture’.  It does mean taking a deliberate stand for and in Jesus with our very beings.  It is time to walk the walk, talk the talk, put up the ‘good’ fight.  To do all that which God has been telling us to do, individually and collectively.  Don’t fear the closed doors.  Take the knob and turn it, the door will open for our Father has ordained it.  (The italics here weren’t part of the prophecy, per se, but were His words to me as encouragement to the Wellspring fellowship.  We are just a part of a larger force God is preparing and we need to be prepared (all of us) by living our fullest in, through and for Jesus.  Father has prepared the way for us, all we have to do is be obedient to His Word by putting our faith into action!

From the end of September 2014 through first of January 2015 Father started giving me an understanding of the Watchman and He has tweaked it all throughout this year (2015 & since).   At Wellspring, we take turns leading our bible study and I had a turn in mid-October (2014) where we did a study based on the Watchman, not the prophecy but the scripture in Ezekiel chapter 33.  Since that time, Father has continued to give me scriptural support for the Watchman which I didn’t have at the initial time He gave me this word.

Ezekiel chapter 33 speaks of the Watchman and just what does a watchman do?

He stands watch over the land ready to sound the alarm when danger approaches. 

If he sounds the alarm and the people listen to the call, they prepare to defend themselves and are saved. 

If he doesn’t sound the alarm and the people fall to the enemy, their blood is on the hand of the watchman.

If he sounds the alarm and the people don’t listen, the watchman is guiltless because he gave the alarm but the people suffer at the hands of the enemy at their own expense because they didn’t listen.  Again, though, when they do listen they are saved. 

Understand, for us, the enemy is Satan.  When the watchman sees the enemy creeping into the church he sounds the alarm.  “Wake up brothers!  You’re slipping away from our Lord!  Get back on track!”  

2 Kings chapter 6 tells how Elisha was telling the Israelites everything the Syrian king was doing (as revealed by the Spirit) so there could be no ‘surprise’ attacks.  The Syrians discovered Elisha was staying in Dothan so they surrounded the city during the night.  Elisha’s servant arose in the morning and seeing that the city was surrounded ran and told Elisha.  Elisha returned to the city walls with his servant, asked the Lord to open the servant’s eyes and then asked his servant to look again.  The young man then saw that behind the Syrian army the mountain was filled with fiery horses and chariots.  God’s army of angels!

God is ready to fight with us and for us!

Judges chapter 7 relates the story of Gideon.  The Midianite and the Amalekite armies stood around Israel.  God trimmed the Israelite army down to a mere 300 men.  When Gideon went up against the opposing armies in the night they lit their candles, sounded the trumpets and shouted a great shout. In the confusion, many of the enemy slew each other and the remaining fled.

When we take a stand, God will set the powers of darkness to flight.  That is ‘get out of Dodge’!  That is get out of our lives and/or the workings of God’s church.

1 Kings chapter 18 relays how Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to see who served the true God.  Each set up an altar, each piled wood upon the altar with a sacrifice.  The prophets called upon Baal to ignite the wood on their altar but nothing happened.  Elijah then also drenched his wood with water then asked God (Yaweh) to ignite the altar.  God answered Elijah’s request and not only burned up the sacrifice and the wood but God dried up the water used to drench the rocks of the altar and the ground around it.

Not only were the prophets of Baal utterly embarrassed but Baal was exposed as a ‘do nothing’ god.

The prophecy also mentions the walls of Jericho.  Joshua chapter 6 tells how the Israelites overcame this city.  The Israelites surrounded Jericho, marched around it for seven days and on the seventh day they gave a great shout and sounded their trumpets – and the walls came tumbling down - literally.  Israel marched in and took over a previously impregnable city with very little resistance.

Yes we do have to do our part!

In this first segment of the Watchman, Father helps us understand our task at hand (duties of a watchman).  He then reminds us how He overcame His enemies in each of these situations and then He encourages us to put our hands to the plow, start doing what He has told us to do glorifying Him then watch Him bring the victory.  All we have to do is be obedient to what He gives us, then watch His bringing ‘home’ the victory.  Keep in mind,, though, God often works His works through people and the natural world around us to accomplish His will.  

He asks us if we are ready, then to prepare our hearts (make sure we are right with Him) prepare our souls (stand in His Word) and then don His armor (live in His protection) as we prepare to do battle with the enemy.

The last paragraph isn’t prophecy, but it is.  Wellspring is the church I attend and Father says He has prepared many hearts, many people for this time.  It’s not just our (Wellspring’s) fight but there are others throughout this nation, throughout this world whom He has been preparing for this time and for this task. We need to take a stand in and for Jesus, living for Him, doing His will.

Father says don’t be afraid for He has ordained the doors to open for us.  All we have to do is step out in faith, turn those door knobs and walk through the doorways,  That is put what He has given us into action.  Whatsoever we do, we do for the glory of God for He is with us.

Amen

I will present the 2^nd (of 3) installment in two weeks.

God bless.

 

 

5-22-2021 Signs of the Times

Matthew 24:1-13

Jesus left the temple and His disciples came to Him to show Him the buildings of the temple.     

And Jesus said to them “Don’t you see all these things?  Not one stone shall be left atop another that won’t be thrown down.”

Having berated the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, Jesus left the temple with His disciples following when He tells them about the destruction of the temple.

As He sat on the mount of Olives, the disciples privately came to Him and asked when these things should be (the end times).  What will be the sign of Your coming at the end of the world?

A logical question.  ‘When are You coming back so we can be with You for all eternity?  Don’t we all want to know that?     

And Jesus answered:  Be careful that no man deceive you.

            For many shall come in My name saying “I am the Christ” and they shall deceive many.

Now, I’m not an historian, but two recent ‘messiahs’ come to mind:  Jim Jones and the People’s temple who committed mass suicide in Guyana, South America after killing House Rep. Leo Ryan; and David Koresh, leader of the ‘Branch Davidians’, who, along with other Davidians, died in a fire following an assault by federal law-enforcement. 

Even in the disciples day, false prophets rose up as one Gamaliel cautioned the Jews not to be too concerned about Peter and the rest of the disciples for if they were a false sect, they would eventually become nothing (Gamaliel cited examples), but if the church leaders pursued, they could find themselves fighting against God, Himself (Acts 5:33-39).

Jesus, Himself, tells us there will be many false Christs (Matt. 24:22-27).    

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but don’t be troubled for these things must happen, but that is not yet the end.

Nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  There shall be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places.

All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Wars and rumors of war?  Nations and kingdoms fighting each other?  Look at the world.  In the past 100 years we have experience two wars which have involved all the major power of the earth (1914-1918 & 1939-1945).  The 1950’s saw Korea, the 1960’s saw Vietnam.  This doesn’t take into consideration all the unrest in the Middle East from 1900 to present!  Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and so on.  Rumors of wars?  The Cuban missile crisis with the USSR (1962), Threats from North Korea and even now the terrorist threats in the Middle East and beyond.  The ‘Cold War” hung as a threat over people from the 1960’s until the USSR collapse in the 1990’s so, at least the cold war, seems to have ended.  But the threat of violence continues to linger.

Over the past several decades, I can’t remember how many time I’ve thought to myself earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, all happening in places where they were not expected to occur and, along with wildfires, occurring with intensities that makes us wonder just what is going on!

And what did Jesus say?  This is just the beginning of our problems!          

Then they shall deliver you up to be afflicted and they shall kill you.  You shall be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

Then Christians shall be attacked, simply because we’re Christians!  Check it out!  Even today, in Asia and Africa, Christians are being jailed and executed simply because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

And then many of you shall be offended and betray one another, even hate one another.

Christian brother will even turn against Christian brother.  Parents will be against the children and children against their parents and so forth (Matt. 10:17-23).  The ‘world’ is going to be a mess!  Way to go, Satan!

            Many false prophets shall rise and deceive many.

This goes along with claiming to be Messiah but claiming to “know the way” isn’t quite the same as claiming ‘to be the way’.  A false prophet’s job is to keep us from developing a relationship with Father.  Or giving it his best shot to draw us away from the Lord even once we’ve professed our faith.  It could happen.  But by the grace of God, it won’t.  Father has given us free choice.  The Holy Spirit prompts us and it is our choice to agree to accept and receive Jesus into our heart.  Once we have done that, it is still our choice to live for our Savior.  That is, learn how to abide in His love – and do so.  When I was young, the focus was on ‘getting people saved’.  The pastor’s sermons and Sunday School would take care of the growth.  At least that’s what they thought.  But that only happens when souls became involved in listening to, learning about and abiding in God’s love.

Jesus cautions us to continually draw closer to Him, for if it were possible, those false Christs and prophets might even deceive God’s elect (Matt. 24:24).  That’s us, who walk and talk with the Lord. 

To have a solid relationship with Father, through Jesus, is most important. 

            And because sin shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Wax cold?  Grow cold!  To become comfortable in ‘our own salvation’ then grow cold in our walk and wander away from Father. 

Too much of the church today has become a closed social club.  You’re a brother in Christ?  Welcome aboard, but we really don’t want any sinners in our midst!  Too much of today’s church has become comfortable in going to church when the doors are open, listening to a ‘good’ sermon and singing a few songs and some folks may even toss some coins into the pot.  But, hey, some of those ‘weirdos’  even raise their hands in church – and it’s not to ask a question!!!  (???)

Back in my youth, I remember our pastor almost begging someone to give him an ‘amen’ that he could know that someone knew what he was talking about.  But, alas, we weren’t supposed to talk in church, unless, of course, it was with your neighbor about things which we were curious about.

Again, from the day we receive Jesus into our heart until the day Father calls us home, our relationship with Him needs to be and should be continually growing (in some form or fashion).  That is drawing closer to Him!

            But he who endures to the end of all this, it is he who shall be saved.

Endures?  The closer our relationship with Father is (through Jesus), the more able we are to endure.  He WILL NEVER leave us nor forsake us.  He is Always there (Deut. 31:6, Heb. 13:5), the Holy Ghost is within our heart (2 Corinth. 1:22) and the angels without (Psalm 91:11-12).  Psalm may be a prophetic word about Jesus but we are all brothers (& sisters) in Christ (Rom. 8:29).  What Father does for Jesus, He’ll do for us (John 14:9-15).

Even though Jesus never actually says when the end times will come (Mark 13:32), He surely has given us enough information to know when those times are approaching.  Look around at the world today.  By the grace of God we have not had war on a global scale for eighty years, but there sure have been plenty of ‘little skirmishes’ all around for the past eight decades.  World hunger?  And look at how nature has gone ‘bananas’ over the pasts several decades – just in America (much less the world).  Flooding, earthquakes, fires, the intensity of the storms!

Look at how people are rejecting God!  Does it sound a bit like some of those cities we read about in the Old Testament?  Even today’s church has been setting aside things God has said and is trying to conform to the world’s standards.

Yes, God is love (1 John 4:8) and He surely doesn’t desire that any should be separated from Him (2 Peter 3:9).  But He does require our faith to receive from Him (Mark 11:24) but He also asks our obedience so He can bless us (John 14:15).  Faith and obedience are required to be with Him throughout eternity.  Children naturally accept everything mom and dad say.  Just as parents expect the children to be obedient to them, Father expects the same from us.

So, am I saying we are in the end times even now?  I believe we are definitely are in the ‘foothills’ of those things which must come, but the end is not yet?

Father is closing out a seven year preparation period this year.  Next year will be the beginning of a seven year Spiritual Explosion, a time for mankind and the church to get back on track.  Father has said that there is yet another seven year period following that.  What happens then?  I don’t know.  Does anyone?

Are we reading the signs of the times?

Could have gone on more, but my prayer is that this at least stirs up the ‘juices’.

Amen

 

4-27-2021 Hidden Things

                  What is behind curtain #3?

Does man know all there is to know about God?

Two passages will provide a quick answer to this question.

Deuteronomy 29:29

The secrets belong to the Lord, our God, but there are things that are revealed to us and our children, forever, so that we may do the words of His law.

John 21:25

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if every one should be written down, I suppose the world, itself, could not contain the books in which they would be written.

So we see that there are things God has not revealed to us or has not been passed down through the ages for our knowledge.

However, we know that we can rely on God. His work is perfect, His ways are judgment, He is truth, just and right and has no wickedness in Him (Deut. 32:4).

We know that Jesus is Emmanuel, that is God is with us (Matt. 1:23), manifested in our presence!  He is God, come into this world, in the flesh (John 1:1)!  We know that Jesus spoke those things which Father commanded Him to speak (John 12:49) and there are some things only the Father knows like exactly when the end times are (Matt. 24:36).

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away with (1 Corinth. 13:9-10).  We do things in part because we don’t know the “whole” story yetl 

So when is the perfect come?  Nothing qualifies since the time Jesus ascended back into heaven, after the resurrection, until the time He returns to call us to be with Him forever.  And He will come back for us (John 14:1-4).

But in the meantime we’re not left hanging in the dark either.

John 16:13

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.  For He won’t speak from His own knowledge, but from what He hears (from Father) He will speak and He will show you things to come. 

So when has the Spirit of Truth come?  Just before Jesus ascended back unto the Father He told his disciples to stay in Jerusalem a while yet and wait for the promise of the Holy Ghost.  He also tells them that when they receive the Holy Ghost power shall come upon them and they shall be witnesses for Him … unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:4-8).  The Holy Ghost came to the disciples in the upper room (Acts 2:1-18).  Since then, He has been available for us to receive.

John 12:44-49

Jesus spoke so all could hear Him, ”He who believes on Me doesn’t believe on Me but on Him who sent Me.  And He who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.

I am come as a light in the world that who believes on Me should not abide in darkness.

If any man hears My words and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him for I haven’t come to judge the world but to save the world.

He who rejects Me and doesn’t receive My words has one that does judge him.  The Word I have spoken is the one who will judge him on the last day.  (Remember John 1:1)

For I have not spoken of Myself, but the Father Himself has given Me a commandment as to what I should say and what I should speak.

And I know His commandment is life everlasting, so I speak as the Father has said to Me.”  (remember, Jesus IS the WORD of God.)

Today, we have the written bible which gives us all that we need to know (with plenty of examples) how to enter into God’s kingdom and be with Father through Jesus forever. 

As Christians, we have the Holy Ghosts abiding in us to help us understand those things which seem be beyond our understanding.  Yet, as John implies, there may be things which Jesus told the early disciples that may be revealed to us, even now, that have not yet been written down. 

So, how do we know what’s from God?  Anything revealed to us by the Holy Ghost WILL be consistent with God’s love.  Of course, then, we will have to understand God’s love (lol). 

The bible describes God’s love for us and the Holy Ghost will teach us and help us to improve on  that understanding, to love Father (through Jesus) so we can know His love for ourselves and then how to love others.  Should we hear something that we can’t qualify through the scriptures or that which the Holy Spirit does not confirm within our heart (as it agrees in love), needs to be set aside until it can be proven (or disproven).

Remember, Satan was once an angel of light (that is Lucifer) so he can look pretty good sometimes, presenting himself as something he is not.  Think about the temptations of Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11) and the maiden who hassled the apostle Paul (Acts 16:16-18).  Satan spoke half-truths to Jesus and the damsel actually spoke the truth about Paul but in a taunting way (If you believe what I say. Yeah! Right! lol).  Jesus responded to Satan with the whole truth and Paul, tiring of the hassle, cast the spirit of divination out of the damsel.

So, does Father still not reveal everything to us, even today?  He will give us what we can handle.  Because they used it so much in promotions of the movie, I’m reminded a line Jack Nicholson spoke in the movie ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ – “The truth?  You can’t handle the truth!”  Can we truly handle the truth, or do we just ‘think’ we can?  We’re nosy and we want to know everything, but Father knows us and will not put more on us (good or bad) than we can handle (1 Corinth. 10:13). 

God has given us what we need to know and when we need to know it, so that we may enter into His kingdom and while we live this life, live it well.  I suspect that He doesn’t want us to get too bogged down with information.  I also suspect He doesn’t want us to become  more concerned about what others may or may not know versus what He is teaching us.  He wants us to know what He wants us to know and not worry about anything else.  So, He has kept it short, sweet and simple until we can handle more.  He prefers that we focus not on learning more about Him but on our relationship with Him.  The devil knows all about Father.  He was created before we were.  He just rejects what he knows.  He thinks he’s better than God (Ezek. 28:14-19).  Of course, in order to grow, to walk with Father, we do have to learn and experience His ways.

now, as we grow in the Lord, He will and does show us more.  He gives us a deeper understanding of what He has already shared.  Ever read a scripture, say fifty times (over a period of time) and on 50^th time say to yourself “Wow!  I never saw that before!”? 

It’s like a simple phrase “Jack went to the store.”  Though the statement doesn’t reveal, outright, everything that may be true about Jack going to the store.  As we grow in the Lord, the Holy Ghost reveals the depth of the passage.  Just how did Jack get to the store (by foot, bicycle, car), how quickly did Jack get to the store, why did he go to the store for …  Get the picture?

We don’t know everything now, but we do have God-given tools to help us with our understanding.  As we grow in our walk with the Lord, so does our understanding.  And understand, the depth of our knowledge will be consistent with the depth of our calling.  Some people will know more than others because they need he knowledge to do the work Father has set before them.  Greater responsibility requires greater knowledge.

Has God hidden some things from us?  Of course, but I am persuaded that as we grow in His love, He will reveal more and more to us.  WE just keep growing in God’s love then seeking and asking that He reveal those ‘hidden things’.  Then receive them and relish them when they do come.

Amen

 

4-24-2021 Angels Watching Over Us (Part 2)

The second sphere consists of dominions (lordships), virtues (strongholds) and powers (authorities) which deals with matter (that is creation) and ruling spirits.  If you will – the heavenlies.  Note again in Daniel, the “Prince of Persia” resisted the angel bringing the answer to Daniel’s prayer.  Gabriel freed that angel from battle so he could complete his task.  Note that the angel identifies Michael as a “chief angel”.  Implication?  This was a spiritual battle and contains levels of responsibility.

Dominions

Four words are translated as ‘dominion’ in the New Testament:  katakurieuo (2634)  which is to exercise dominion or lordship or overcome (I’ve conquered you therefore I have control over you); kratos (2904) which is to have dominion, power or strength (See my muscles? I’m bigger and stronger than you); kurieu (2961) have dominion or lord over, or exercise authoritative control over you (I have a higher position than you so I dominate you); and kuriotes  (2963) which is a ruler as in government (as in president of the US).

These are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of other angels, making known the commands of God.  But the Strong’s definition would also imply influence over the governments of man.  Thinking Daniel again, the ‘Prince of Persia’ didn’t physically rule Persia but apparently controlled those people who did.

Jesus spoke to the disciples how man exercises authority by bringing others under submission but the disciples should exercise authority by serving those over whom they have responsibility, leading by example (Matt. 20:25-27, John 13:1-17).  Paul cautions the Romans (or us) not to let sin (spiritual wickedness) have dominion over them because they are now under grace, living for Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:8-18).  Where our treasure is, that’s where our heart will be.  Whom do we love?  We can’t serve two masters (Matt. 6:19-24), two masters cannot have dominion over us at the same time, so we give dominion over to Jesus (Rom. 6:16-19).  If not Jesus, then to whom?  We have free will to make a decision, but just who influences that decision?  As angels carry out God’s commands, Jesus explains in the parable of the tares in the field, there is also a counter force in operation in our midst (Matt. 13:24-30, 13:36-43).

Virtues (Authorities)

Two Greek words are used as virtues: arête (703) which is translated as praise, virtue or excellence and is akin to manliness (true); and dunamis (1411) which is ability, power (explosive power), strength or miraculous work.

Virtues are known as the ‘spirits of motion’ and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command.  Now, when I say control, they are the ones who implement God’s will over all these things.  They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor, as Father directs.  And no, I’m not bypassing the Holy Ghost, the breath of God.  In the beginning there were no angels to command so God created (even angels) by speaking, as His breath put things into action.  Once He created angels, they, then carried His commands into action.  Not replacing the Holy Ghost but as Father spoke, they carried His words into action. 

When the multitude sought to be healed by Jesus, virtue (power) went out from Him and healed them all (Luke 6:19) remember the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34).  Because we know Jesus, He has called us to glory and excellence (2 Peter 1:3).  That means to follow Him and His example!  Paul followed Jesus and encourages us to do the same as he did, to be like our Lord (1 Corinth. 11:1).  Being ‘like’ Jesus is understanding His will and abiding in His power and His love.  If we truly love Him, we keep His commandments (John 14:15).

So, virtues help us to walk in the excellence of Jesus Christ.  Now, don’t get me wrong here, angels don’t replace the Holy Ghost.  Angels don’t abide “in” us so whatever encouragement they bring is external whereas the Holy Ghost operates within us, thus guiding our hearts to make choices.  As children of God, we don’t have to wait for an angel to show up.  The Holy Ghost is already in us!  Yet angels are there to help as needed.

Powers

The two Greek words are translated as powers are dunamis (1411) which again is ability, power (explosive), strength or miraculous work and then, exousia (1849) which is having jurisdiction, liberty, power, right or strength.  One is active, one is passive.  One exercises the power and the other is having the authority to exercise that power.  And notice the potential (in scripture) to interchange ‘virtue’ and ‘power’.  Jesus had the authority and the ability to heal the woman at the well.

Powers are Warrior Angels against evil, defending the spiritual realm and humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through or upon human beings.  I again refer to Daniel chapter ten.

These angels reflect some of the characteristics of God as they perform their responsibilities.  They obey and serve Father, not because they ‘have to’, but because they ‘desire to’ and they serve Him with all their God-given talents, that is abilities. (hint, hint, what about us?) 

It would seem that they encourage us to do the works of God because we also, desire to serve Father.  The ruler of any nation should be influenced by the “powers”.  And again, influencing powers could be angelic or demonic (to which power do we listen?).

We see that there are powers are in the heavens for when tribulation comes, they shall be shaken (Mark 13:14-25).  Father intends for us to know the powers and principalities we face (Eph. 3:9-12) and face them boldly.  For when God is with us who can be against us (Rom. 8:31).  Father created all things through Jesus (Col. 1:12-17).  We should receive all help from God but reject those influences from the evil one.

This sphere might be called “God’s governors”.

Third on our list, but actually The first sphere, are the angels closest to Father, which includes Seraphim who continually glorify and praise God, Cherubim who protect God’s throne and then Thrones who serve God’s justice and authority. 

Think about it.  When we enter into God’s presence (spiritually, we enter His throne room) and can’t help but praise Him. Have any of us been praying and suddenly find ourselves in our God-given spiritual language?  We enter His presence and we are under His protection.  And when we enter His presence we are willing subjects to His justice and authority which are administered (to us), but only for our benefit. Whatever Father does, is always for our benefit (Rom. 8:28). 

These angels help us to deal with our heart, our relationship with our heavenly Father.    

Seraphim

Only one Hebrew word is used for seraphim.  Saraph (8314) fiery (serpent) or seraph.  They apparently appear as fire, though it is suggested that their color is more like a brilliant copper. 

Interestingly seraphim are only mentioned in the Old Testament by name and described once in the book of Revelation.  In the book of Isaiah, the seraphim were above God’s throne and cry to each other “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.  The whole earth is full of His glory.”  They are described as having six wings, two to cover their face, two covering their feet and two with which to fly.  Isaiah declared himself a man with unclean lips so it was seraphim which took a coal from the altar and purged Isaiah’s lips (Isaiah 4:1-7).  The seraphim are not named in the book of Revelation, but rather described as they cry out “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come,” giving glory and praise to Him who sits upon the throne.    John says that, along with the wings, they are like four beasts - a lion, a calf, the face as a man and a flying eagle, and full of eyes (Rev. 6:6-9).    

Seraphim are around the throne of God praising and magnifying Him.  When we want to praise and glorify God, it is most likely the seraphim encouraging us.  After all, when we don’t know how to pray, father helps us through the Holy Ghost abiding in our heart (Rom. 8:26-27) and it is He Who reveals the deep things of God to us (1 Corinth. 2:9-12).  But, again, too much of the world does not have the Holy Ghost within.  Even some Christians won’t allow the Holy Ghost full operation in their lives (another discussion).  So Father still has angels in the ready so we don’t dash our feet against a stone (Psalm 91:11-12, Matt. 4:6).

Cherubim

Again, except for Hebrews chapter nine, cherub or cherubim are only mentioned in the Old  Testament and oddly enough, a unique exception used once in Ezra and once in Nehemiah, the same word is translated as either singular, or plural, one or a group.  Otherwise there is no difference in how the term is used.  Interestingly the word used only twice is keruwb (3742) which means cherub, but it is also translated ‘imaginary figure. And note the word Keruwb (3743), spelled with a capital ‘K’, otherwise, they are the same word, same meaning.  Why Ezra and Nehemiah use the capital ‘K’?  I don’t know.  Maybe a bible scholar can help us out.

Cherubim rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the hierarchies of choirs of angels. The Old Testament does not reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as intercessors or helpers from God but they were closely linked in God's glory. They are manlike in appearance and double-winged (one set of two wings) and are guardians of God's glory. They symbolize then, God's power and mobility. In the New Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants as in the Apocalypse (Rev. 4:6).  And an image of two cherubim was placed on the top of the Ark of the Covenant with their wings touching as they stretch out over the mercy seat (Exod. 25:10-22).  Roman Catholic tradition describes them as angels who have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise Him (like the Seraphim).  Also, after Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden in Eden, Father set cherubim and a flaming sword (hmmm, a seraphim?) to keep the way of the tree of life (Gen. 3:24) so that Adam and Eve could no longer partake of the tree of life and live forever in a state of sin.  Thank you Jesus for your cleansing blood!

Thrones

In respect to angels, two words are used for thrones in the Old Testament and one in the New.

In the Hebrew, kicce (3678) means covered or canopied, seat, stool or throne yet its root word kacah (3780) implies to hide for secrecy, cover, conceal or overwhelm.  The other Hebrew word used is korce (3764), derived from kicce and is translated only as throne. 

The Greek word thronos (2362) is a seat, stately seat or throne.

Three words imply the obvious – a throne or seat of authority yet kacah implies an aura of overwhelming mystery.

Thrones are the Angels of pure humility, peace and submission. They reside in the area of the heavens where material form begins to take shape. The lower Choirs of Angels need the Thrones to access God (tradition). 

Why has God formed people the way He has (Rom. 9:20)?  Father reveals some things to us and other things He holds back that we might obey all that He has said (Deut. 29:29).  The obvious and the mystery.  The revealed.  The hidden.

Who can give council to God (Isa: 40:13, Rom. 11:34), but for us, we might call this sphere “God’s counsellors”.  Not that they council God but they are responsible to forward ‘God’s council to us (remember Daniel chapt. 10).  And keep in mind, they do not replace the Holy Ghost but are available when people can’t or won’t listen to the Holy Spirit.

In summary

So, as we see the first sphere, the seraphim, cherubim and thrones are closest to God’s throne in responsibility (and literally).  The area that deals with man’s heart.  The second sphere, the dominions, virtues and powers get a little closer to (our) home dealing with the realm between God’s throne and earth, the atmosphere around us.  While the third sphere, principalities, archangels and angels, deals more directly with us, the natural man.  Consider the three final temptations Jesus faced when in the wilderness: turn the rock to bread, jump off – the angels will catch You and I’ll give You all this, just bow down and worship me (says Satan) (Matt. 4:11)

Take note that each sphere deals with man’s three battlefronts (body, soul, spirit (heart)), but each choir within each sphere also has an area of responsibility. 

We’ve just done a cursory look at this but think about it.  Not only does each sphere deal with a segment of man’s battlefield, but each of the three choirs within each sphere also deals with a phase of battle.  Again, Seraphim, Cherubim and thrones influence man’s heart; Dominions, Virtues and Powers carry responsibility over man’s soul or spirituality; and Principalities, Archangels and angels have a responsibility over man’ existence.  There is a link between man and God through each sphere and through the choirs in each sphere.

A side item Father showed me (no extra charge) is how He has established the church in a similar fashion.  He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists some pastors and teachers for the perfecting of the saints (heart), the work of the ministry (soul) and edifying the body (us) of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12).  The evangelist opens the door so the natural man can enter into the body of Christ, the pastor and teacher help us with an understanding of our spirituality (soul, how we live in Christ) and apostles and prophets help us to expand and connect our heart (relationship) with our heavenly Father.     

Don’t be fooled.  Since God has established an hierarchy for His angels, Satan (a fallen angel) would most likely have done the same as he came from the same background.  Satan was once Lucifer who was an angel of light (Luke 10:18).  He decided to rebel.  So we must fight the enemy (Satan and his devils) in three areas of our lives and Father has provided us angelic help in each of those areas.  Paul tells us that we don’t wrestle against other people but rather the spiritual forces that motivate them (Eph. 6:10-13).  So, Jesus tells us to pray for our fleshly enemies (Matt. 5:24) for Father would that none should perish but all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  However, not all will receive, but those who hear and heed Father’s call will enter in (Matt. 7:13-14).  Those who refuse the Lord into their lives are but mere pawns for the enemy, whether they admit it or not!

Father has also given us the “natural help” (other people) in this world which reflects the spiritual help He gives us so we don’t fight alone, we have help.  That’s why when the body of Christ is unified (1 Corinth. 12:1-27), we have brothers and sisters who will stand with us contending with the enemy (Eph. 6:18, James, 2:15-18).

One last note:  Think of our spiritual warfare as being like an army going into battle.  As a soldier, we’re handed a rifle (or a firearm of some sort), ammunition, grenades, etc.  We have our weapons of warfare and we’re ready to go into battle.  We are prepared to fight, right?  But we also have artillery, from both land and sea, supporting us and if that isn’t enough, we have air support through various aircraft.  Think, angelic support in the natural, the spiritual and the heart of man???  No, it’s not an exact correlation, but hopefully it does help us to understand (a little) how God deals with us.  Yes?

OK, one more note:  The Holy Ghost abides within our heart and will guide and direct us in what we say and do.  All we have to do is listen and obey.  However, there are times we need an ‘external’ nudge or help and that’s why angels are watching over us, ready to go into action in times when we may not hear or be listening to the Holy Ghost. 

My prayer is that this stimulates your interest to know that angels do interact with us and for us in many ways.  I’m not equipped to go any farther with this, but, by the grace of God, it will stimulate some of us do a little thinking – and maybe do our own research.

So, are angels watching over us?  Hmmmm. Do you think?

Amen!