the watcher

Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. As we close the year 2018 and rest in God as He takes us into 2019, we should know what to take into the new year and what to let go with the passed year. "It will be great foolishness to repeat the same errors of 2018 in 2019" Selah Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Therefore: * let the lessons sink in and not the hurts * forgive those who have wronged you * believe again, "that it did not happen in 2018 does not mean it will not be fulfilled in 2019" * remember those who have blessed you, financially, spiritually and mentally, APPRECIATE t

There is a popular chorus that has been almost an anthem, the rendition of Psalm 107. Psalm 107:15&16 Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!  For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Though the origin of these verses is not clear for many commentators have said one thing or the other about its origin. We see reference to the wilderness, then we see deliverance from the sea(that's why the navy loves this Psalm), the attack on Israel by the king of Assyria, then the relation to the captivity in Babylon. However in all we see that these awesome verses of the Psalms speak of God's deliverance. It speaks of people crying out to the Lord and He thus bringing salvation. He talks of hungry souls being satisfied. Psalms 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; It then brings to mind Christ's revelation of why

1John 5:14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: When applications are written, i.e.,for a job placement some end the letter with a phrase like "expect to receive your response soon". Others understanding that "No" is also a response, go further to express it this way "expect to receive your positive/favourable response soon".  We have been taught that when we pray a prayer of request, we expect either of three answers "Yes", "No" or "Wait".  However what should be the believer's requests criteria is "His will".  James 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts. The joy of receiving will only be complete when we dwell in His will. Thus it is most important that we know His will, so that our asking will not be away from His will. We must like the good children we are

As we continue to thank God for this great year and plan for the coming year let us be reminded: Proverbs 19:21 [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. New Living Translation, says it this way: Proverbs 19:2 (NLT) You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail. As spiritual people, we do not go over academic about it, yes the Lord desires we plan, set goals and lay down strategies. However we must never forget the role of the Spirit. At the time of implementation we need to seek the Lord's face. Prayer always has its place. It may look so good, "oh what a great investment" or "that is a good deal". Remember your sight is limited. That is why great leaders of old like David still sought the Lord even on matters which seemed obvious. 1Samuel 30:6-8 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every

As we draw closer to the end of the year, the wise ones take stock, to see how far they were able to accomplish the goals they had set for the year. They ask: "Where was I at the beginning of the year and where am I now?" In the midst of this check, one could be tempted to feel depressed or unhappy with what the analysis reveal, yes we may not have met up a reasonable percentage of what our expectations were. We must ask, has it been through our weaknesses, mistakes or carelessness? If it is, then we can adjust as we enter the coming year. Remember: Proverbs 19:21  [There are] many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand. Whether we feel we have done well or not, we have reasons to give God glory. Every testimony you have was once a prayer request, the same way your requests today would be your testimony tommorrow. We can't see behind the screen but we know who controls it's operation. 2Timothy 1:12 For the

Lately, there has been an attack on the giving spirit in the church, the major reason being the rising of wolves in sheep clothing, false prophets, magicians, sorcerers, manipulators, anti-christ and ignorant folks taking up Pastoral positions. Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Many never receiving the call, thus they cannot be good shepherds. John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Giving has always been the attribute of the believer, the church has always thrived on giving and it will thus continue: Acts 4:34-35 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,  And laid [them] dow

Galatians 1:4  Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: The purpose of Christ birth was His death, then His resurrection. Many religions claim to believe that Christ came, yes that is historically correct, however His death and resurrection they reject, thus they miss salvation. He was born that He would suffer and die and His death would be the payment of sin. His resurrection, the victory over death. Thus man's redemption is complete. Halleluyah John 12:32-33 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.  This he said, signifying what death he should die. Salvation is in your believe that He died and that God raised Him from the dead. Selah Romans 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Just as David prophesied: Psalm 16:10&11 Fo

Psalm 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. It is God's desire that we stay alive here on earth, yes to have long life. When we accepted redemption in Christ, we changed nationhood, we became citizens of heaven. Yes * we are no longer of the flesh but of the Spirit * we do not conform to the world but have our mind renewed * we do not walk in sin but in righteousness * we are NOT controlled by the world's economy, health report, etc but by the Word of the Lord However we have a time here to live. God is pleased with us living out our time here on earth: Psalm 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. When Jesus was about to leave the earth, He said: John 17:15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Yes we will live long and in all, the Lord will keep us from the evil one. We will not fall into his traps nor be gullible to his devic

Psalm 46:1 God [is] our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We can not get to the point when we feel that we do not need God anymore! This is the worst state any human could be in. Luke 12:19-21 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” The tendency is so tempting when it seems it is peace all around us.  So also when it seems there is trouble, we cannot afford to give in.  We must be wise and stay alert. 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: The enemy seeks to take our heart away from God. That was the aim when he persecuted Job. That is the reason for persecution of believers. We must

1Peter 2:1  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If you know something about drafting or Engineering Design, you will agree that every building, factory or even fittings(HVAC, Electrical or Plumbing) all begin from the foundation, the conceptional drawings begin with the plan. In Summary, the foundation matters. When the foundation is wrong, the building surely is already defected. Today we see some who have come a long way in this faith business but have not had the experience of being breastfed as babes, the preliminary nutrition is missing thus they are defective in knowledge, power and even character. Almost all defects, errors, backsliding, lukewarmness and hypocrisy are birthed from this lack of preliminary spiritual nutrition. Thus we birth, gullible, inconsistent and carnal (if I may say) believers. Matthew 28:19-20 Go

Let us look at these two stories: Genesis 4:3-7(NLT) When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. “Why are you so angry?” the lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Luke 23:39-43(NLT) One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remem

John 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Do not get it twisted, Christ is manifested through those who have believed and not the other way round. Romans 8:9(NLT) But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by God's Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) Romans 8:9b Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Why then do most believers desire so much to fit in with the world? Why do they desire the world's approval? No, we are not talking about going against constituted authority or making oneself a nuisance through hypocritical behaviours, neither are we talking about looking down on those who are yet to be saved. No. We are talking of living the lifestyle of unbelievers, the sinful nature which Christ came to deli

John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. Do you see the Lord, have you encountered Him? If not, then who have you been following? As odd as the question seems, many who claim to be believers need to ask themselves this question. John 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. Can you confidently declare this? What is the key thing? OBEDIENCE!  John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. As we end the year. It is time to answer some questions pertaining the Spirit. We must get it right. Selah We are blessed. Love @the watcher

Proverbs 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean [men]. One thing we must perfect as we enter the coming year is Diligence. One thing is sure, the Lord does not encourage laziness. So we should not. This cuts across every area of our lives. Physical, Spiritual, Academic etc. Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. Romans 12:11(NLT) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 1 Thessalonians 5:14(NLT) Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. Proverbs 12:24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Proverbs 21:5  The thoughts of the diligent [tend] only to plenteousness; but of every one [that is] hasty only to want. Proverbs 13:4  The soul of

Genesis 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. As we come closer to wrap up the year, it is already time to begin to take stock of what we were able to achieve this year. How much have we been able to stay disciplined to the path the Lord helped us create for the year? What of our resolutions, how much of them were we able to keep. Our work, reading, spiritual commitments, family commitments in fact the whole goals and plans for the year? The question is "How far?" and "How well?" Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The book of Ecclesiastes states that there is always times and seasons: Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: We will obviously feel bad if we feel

Romans 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. What is present is not what describes the atmosphere, but what is active. Selah If I decide to live in the conscious of the negative, I fail, I remain unfulfilled, get stagnated and eventually fail. Does it mean those negatives do not exist, No. However I don't operate in its realm. I operate in the realm of the positive. Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, [it was] very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. That was what God made, however the enemy decided to point the woman to that which was present, but was commanded not to touch. Romans 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. So what do we do to this kind of stranger. Existing in our world, but must not have a part in us. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Nothing like knowing what the Lord has done for us. The same way we came to know of His Salvation in Christ, we also come to know the promises and blessings the Lord has in store for us. In this life and the life to come. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: The same way one cannot know the mind of another, save the spirit of the man. It is God's Spirit that can reveal the mind of God to us. 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. That is why the bible says: 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind

Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with PERSECUTIONS ; and in the world to come eternal life. Yes we are promised a hundred fold increase, blessings on blessings. We ask why persecution? Why do I have all these haters. Why am I envied. Why do these ones trouble me. Well the truth is just as the Messiah said, "it comes with the package". Remember: Proverbs 10:22  The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. The persecution comes from outside, from the enemy and those who allow themselves to be used by him, either willingly or in ignorance. So don't let it bother you, your joy is not a function of others but from within. For: Habakkuk 3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Always remembering that: Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] ag

Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Are we striving with another trying to show that we are better, that we have more? This may be human nature but the man of the Spirit does not live this way. It is not wise! 2 Corinthians 10:12(NLT) Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! This really is not wise, many have taken wrong steps, made wrong decisions and spent on the wrong things just to keep up the competition. It is like the illustration of the man who assumed he was driving against another, he kept on trying to prevent the other man (so he assumed) to overtake him only for him to see a few distance away, the man turned left and drove into his street. How foolish he looked when he discovered that they had different destina

Proverbs 14:12 (the message) There's a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again - it leads straight to hell. When we read scriptures and digest in, by the power of the Holy Spirit we see that it is a spiritual starvation to stay out of the word. Yes we live in times where a lot of twist has been introduced here and there to make people feel that God has changed. No, He has not, He actually has revealed Himself clearer to man. Ephesians 3:9 And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: It is God we see that makes us bear good fruit. Let us remember that the man that God created was good until he decided to walk in disobedience. We who have believed are not to make the same mistake. 3 John 1:11(message)  Friend, don't go along with evil. Model the good. The person who does good does God's work. The person who does evil falsifies God

Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. It should not come as a shock to us believers that we could get wary as we continue on our christian journey. No one was promised a smooth sail. 1 Peter 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: However we must be encouraged to stay strong especially in those times when it seems we may want to fall or give up. Remembering that it is not an option. We never grow too great that we no longer need the Mercy of God, everyone of us, no matter the level we are, still need His mercy as we go on. We of course remember that we have not gotten thus far on our own strength. No, it is the Lord's mercy. Psalm 106:1 Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever. The tide could rise, the storms could roar, we could even face inter

Psalms 125:3(NLT) The wicked will not rule the land of the godly, for then the godly might be tempted to do wrong. Never a better time than now to intensify prayer for our land. No matter where you desire to run to, it is always well to return to find peace and prosperity in your home country. Proverbs 29:2  When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn. Yes, if there is crying, hunger, evil and bad reports then surely the evil ones have a say in the high places of the kingdom. Thus we must keep at praying. That they wicked will not have their way in authority. People would say: "why must evil men get to the place of authority?". We must remember that it is a secular world and every sect has its say. However where are those of us who ought to keep watch, to stay awake while the process was going on? Where are our intercessors and leaders, have they been carried away by the fanfare or swallowed up in t

Acts 2:46  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, The fellowship at the beginning was so powerful and intense. The love was so pure that it was difficult for an imposter or an unfaithful one to survive in their midst. Ananias and his wife could testify to this. Acts 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. However as the church grew people with varying motives and those who were not sincere could hide in the midst of the brethren. Wolves in sheep clothing. Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Others come in as hypocrites, pretenders, double minded etc. Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tar

Psalm 100:5  For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations. Still looking back at how the year went, we can't but give God thanks for His faithfulness. Could we sit and begin to write down all the good things the Lord has done for us this year. We cannot remember all. What of those things we did not ask for that He took care of? The greatest faithfulness of God to man is the salvation we have through His Son, the Christ: 1 Corinthians 1:9 God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. As we plan into the new year, let us consider our own faithfulness. How will we be useful to the Lord in the coming year. It is not all about receiving; we receive that we may give. Selah 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. God's faithfulness cannot be questioned, it is a default! 1Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful [is] he that calleth yo

Proverbs 24:27  Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house. We have every cause to give God glory for a wonderful year. When we think, we are thankful for we then see all of God's goodness towards us through the year. The question I always ask is what part do I play? Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD. There is still time to plan on how we will make good use of the remaining part of the year. Then we go further to make plans for the new year (if we are yet to do so) . Yes we are empowered by God to do so. However we must: Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Yes when we stay in prayer, God's Spirit directs our spirit and we know what to do. Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps. Never let your life become limp. Do your path. Hebrews 12:12-13

Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man [is] sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. At these times when acquiring of wealth seems to be a drive for many. We have also to be careful, that we actually labour righteously and not be entangled with the negative influence of the desire for wealth. Luke 18:22-24  Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.  And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.  And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 1Timothy 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Do we say that the child of God should not

3 John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. Betrayals and evil have been in existence from the beginning as recorded in scriptures. Its escalation being as a result of increase in population and increase in knowledge. Psalm 14:2-3 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, [and] seek God.  They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one. Glory to God for the salvation we have in Christ and the sending of the Holy Spirit. There is thus the need for deliberate practice to do good and eschew evil. We cannot replace the need for prayers, meditation of the word, fasting and worship. These spiritual exercises keep our spirit above the influence of the flesh. We need to keep hearing God's Holy Spirit speak in our spirit man. As the world gets comple

Romans 2:10-11 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:  For there is no respect of persons with God. Yes no matter how we tend to know, or what confident we have, or what anointing or grace we possess. We never dare to give room to evil. Firstly it is not our nature. We do what our Father will do. We carry His nature, thus, how can we be children of God but yet do the works of the devil. John 8:38  I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. Who is your father? Selah John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear [them] not, because ye are not of God. 1John 3:7  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. So above all the arguments and sentiments, no matter whether you err or you allow pride in self righteousness. Know that your nature and character should be lik

Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Romans 12:11(NLT) Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. We must serve the Lord no excuses allowed. However we must do our earthy labour. No one is also excused. Selah There is no place in scripture were God encouraged anyone to be lazy, not in the old testament, Christ did not, even the epistles from where we have our introductory scripture discouraged laziness. Proverbs 15:19 The way of the slothful [man is] as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous [is] made plain. So where did the idea of young vibrant youths hanging around church premises, or laying around homes come from? Like other false teachings and presumptions, they are not from God they are strange doctrines. As we prepare to end the year. Look to see that you have finished your tasks before you run to celebrate or relax. Can you differentiate your night from your morning. John 9:4 I must work t

John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. What exactly have we sacrificed for Christ? We talk of all His goodness, love and unmerited favour, how have we showed appreciation for the grace He has given us? Do we really know what the Lord has done for us? Psalm 139:17-18 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!  [If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm 30:12 To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. People ask, Christ is not physically here with us, how can I pour my precious oil on Him? This is what He said: Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of th

Ecclesiastes 2:24 [There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God. Many have different perspective of enjoyment, or making oneself happy. Do you know the word "enjoy" was derived from the latin word "gadure"  which means "rejoice". 1Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore. Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. Is our christian race all gloom, boring, suffering, pain, persecution or over-seriousness? Some do not know that Christ was sarcastic and teasing (if I may use the term - if not using "joke") in some of His conversations. That does not permit jesters in our services. (Please don't get it twisted) Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. The question is,  how do you find your own merriment, is it fro