the watcher

Revelation 1:1-3 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:  Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.  Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand. I encountered a group of people yesterday who claimed to be on evangelism and when I gave them a few minutes of time, the leader began with this verse: Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. I asked on whose premise this message was coming from, he said God. I also asked "what exactly is your message?". He said the message was that all the pain an...

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Why do we need to be reminded of this? It is because we live here on earth and the earth has its desires. Yes we have to: * eat, cloth and shelter * work, save and invest * pursue our career * marry, build a home and raise children * deal with other people * cater for dependants * relate with society * work with the government * and so on All these are good activities, but they could take our mind from where we came and where we are to return. Making the word of no effect in us, if we are not careful. Let us remember that we are here only for a while but eternity is for a very long time. Mark 4:19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Before we came to Christ, sin caused our separation. When we are in Christ, sin could stop our bles...

1John 3:1a Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: John 6:31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. The people of Israel held on to the testimony(ies) of their fathers, starting from Abraham to Moses (parting of the red sea, even to David and the exploits at his times, down to Elijah and Elisha. Indeed God commanded that the people of Israel teach their children about this great deeds of God, that it will pass down from generation to generation. Deuteronomy  4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons; Same thing today we still hear believers talk of exploits in the past, children of "soldiers of faith", beneficiaries of this grace and others who their parents served ...

1Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Two things are important when we consider the enjoyment of God's care. First: HUMILITY 1Peter 5:5-6 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time HUMILITY (According to CS Lewis: humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less) That is, you are wise enough to think more of God. Not only when there is a problem or challenge, but as a lifestyle. Remember that you cannot say you live God if you don't love others: 1 John 4:20 NLT If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with ...

2Corinthians 3:4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: How long have we walked with God, did we just get converted, or have we been believers for years or decades? One thing we must learn to do is to TRUST It is not just something we recite or talk about, it is something we learn. Yes, if I should be a child for anyone, let it be first of the Father, He knows, He cares, He is patient, He is kind. And of course, He LOVES. Every child must learn to trust their father. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, If you do not learn to trust by hearing and believing, then trials, temptation and tribulations would teach you how to trust! Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Do not forget that...

Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience. Most unproductive people are those who we can describe as "given in to fate". Those who believe that they have no say in things. They, most times, play the "Blame Game" , accounting for nothing, not taking responsibility for anything and most times are good complainers. The parable of the sower talks of different types of hearers and some may feel, that is the way they were created, thus they can do nothing about it. This is not true. Every man has the choice to be what he wants to be. The issue is always about choice! Listen to Proverbs: Proverbs 3:13 Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding. Listen to Jesus: Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and se...

Matthew 13:18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. The parable of the sower teaches us about our nature, what type of believer we are. One common factor about the "anyone" was that "THEY HEARD THE WORD" Thus the explanation of the parable meant that Jesus was talking to those who have heard the word of God. The question is what happens after we hear? 1. Do we allow the enemy to steal it from us because we do not understand it? Matthew 13:19, Hosea 4:6, John 12:40. 2. Do we have enough soil for the root of the word to be grown deep down inside us? The bible said, they received the word with joy, yet no soil for the word to grow, they quickly spring up then die because of tribulation or persecution arising because of the word. What happened to faith, what happened to patience, what happened to careful study and meditation, what happened to prayers? Matthew 13: 20 - 21, 1 Peter2:2, John 8:31. 3. Do we attempt to let the good seed of the word grow with th...

Matthew 13:8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The seed is good, the issue was the soil! The battle was in the heart. They all heard the word, but only one set of people could bear fruit. (the remnant) Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth [it]; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Luke gave a thorough explanation of the process: Luke 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience. * an honest and good heart; * keep it; * bring forth fruit with patience. The process has not changed, no matter how digitalised the world has become, there are still things we cannot rush over. The word must bear fruit in us in pat...

Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. When we preach we do not entice people, we appeal, encourage and teach the truth, then the Holy spirit convinces, the person submits to the word. Certainly the enemy would raise doubts in the hearts of the to-be convert/believer but we continue to intercede, minister and encourage that soul. Some have heard the word but were not prepared to face the persecution or initial temptations. Even Jesus when He began His journey faced temptation Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. Do not lead anyone to Christ promising them the richest and vanities of the world or that they would not face trials and tribulations. No, that is a false gospel. We will face them and we will overcome, that is the promise!...

 Matthew 13:5 & 6 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. Jesus explains that the seeds that fall on stony places are those who receive the word with joy, yet they are not rooted thus after a while tribulation or persecution makes them backslide. Matthew 13:20-21 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. These categories of people need to be tilled, constant teaching, grooming and mentorship that their stony heart be broken, then the seed of the word can bear fruit. The noise, excitement and outburst of joy is not enough. For their rocky hearts must be broken by the word and Spirit th...

Matthew 13:4 And when he sowed, some [seeds] fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. Many have heard the word of God one way or the other, yet have not received the power thereof, thus they have heard, yet they are still lost. Jesus called them the people of the "way side". One key thing here is that "they do not understand". . . we do not merely hear the word we listen, meditate then we do. Selah! The seed by the wayside refers to the category of people who idly argue at bus-stops, newspaper vendor stands or in pubs. Discussions can happen there, people come and go, various new things could be discussed, yet nothing really dwells there. Jesus said because they are of the way side, the enemy steals the word of God dropped...

Matthew 13:17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them]. When Jesus the Christ returned from the fasting in the wilderness and also from Satan's temptation He revealed why He came as recorded in Luke Chapter 4: Luke 4:18 & 21 The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,  And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. In Matthew 13:17 Jesus said that the prophets and righteous men of old sought to see and hear these things but they could not. Halleluyah, we who are mostly ordinary men have been called into it. We have been born again! Matthew 13:16 But blessed [are] you...

2Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. 2Corinthians 8:2  that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. It is easy to reach out when all is well with you. In a multitude of wealth to give little.(although some still find it hard to give). However the true test of giving is when you give out a little. I remember the event in scriptures when many gave, yet Jesus recognised only the widow who gave so little but it was all she had. Mark 12:42-44 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which made a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Him and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she h...

Colossians 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; One of the signs of not being in the spirit is when our prayers begin to cease. It is evidence of not having the continual consciousness of God. When the bible mentions prayer it always asks us to do something alongside: Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- Colossians 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 1Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. The bible said we should be watchful ! A prayerful christian is also a watcher. We must watch to see what God is showing us, to know what time and season it is and to know when temptation arises. We hav...

2Chronicles 20:17 Ye shall not [need] to fight in this [battle]: set yourselves, stand ye [still], and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD [will be] with you. There are times when the things under our care or that matters to us become so overwhelming. When issues seem to spring up from here and there and we wonder how we would take care of them. * Some may have come because it is its season. * Others may be due to our mistakes or wrong decisions. * Another may be part of our promotion or growing process. * Yet another could be of no fault of us. * And ofcourse those that affect or concern us because of those we love, care for, or are accountable for. It could flood in sometimes and the answer we may have is worry or maybe anger or just pain. We need to remember that worrying and carrying such kinds of burdens is what Yeshua, Jesus the Christ came to help us with. There are so ma...

1John 5:19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. Who we are as Christians is defined in Christ Jesus. The world we should know, is swayed by the wicked one. From politics, government, the economy and all that makes the world a society. If a God fearing leader tries to enforce morality, most times he meets with resistance. The degree differs from one country to another and also from one generation to the other. Yet in all these unbalanced situations, we are to shine as lights, bright enough to penetrate the darkness around us. We are not trying to save the world, NO!. However we are to save the soul of man, because we know that the world and its system will be destroyed. The soul of man however will live on, either with God in eternal rest or in torment. Luke 9:25 "For what advantage is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 2Peter 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the ...

Hebrews 12:15 looking diligently lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; The origin of most conflicts could very well have been avoided. To get annoyed, to get hurt and to seek revenge, does not really take much effort to act on. It flows easily with its emotion. If we let our id free, we could even surprise ourselves on how far we could go. We feel the exhaustion and regret after we have taken the action. Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention. We may not be able to control what we encounter day after day. We cannot control what people would want to do. What we can control is our responses and the atmosphere around us. Our great examples in scriptures, were people who took care of themselves and their atmosphere. They did not allow what people around them did or what the world was saying, distract them from being who they were in Go...

Exodus 15:11 “Who is like you among the gods, O Lord glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders? God is awesome, yes He is wonderful, when man was separated from God's presence, man could not experience God's goodness thus man could not display his character which ought to be as a result of his association with this Awesome God, man could not be good thus man walked in wickedness. Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually. One of the first displays of God's awesomeness to man was the display of His power when He parted the red sea for the people of Israel to pass through, they sang: Exodus 15:11 “Who is like you among the gods, O Lord glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders? The old testament gave us a glimpse of people who experienced God's presence and thus were able to shine as lights in ...

2Timothy 1:14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. It is a great privilege for a believer to be called into ministry. Paul cautioned Timothy to keep that good thing (doctrine)  However many, because they seek commendation from man and self fulfillment (if not ego) have become actors on stage. Ah! "Politicians, comedians and entertainers are not part of church worship!" They have allowed false doctrines and fables into the church all in the bid that they may have increased crowds, become popular and fill their pockets with money. Titus 1:9-11 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong. For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. They must be silenced, because...

Job 37:9 Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. Thunderbolts, high velocity waves followed by rains, a large downpour. Every calmness shattered, the noise followed by the wetting, then the COLD! We as believers do face a similar situation sometimes. When the storms of life which is inevitable comes our way, if we give in, we become COLD and thus cannot be used to prepare any delicacy or even warm others The cold in this context is: * unfriendly, * emotionally distant * dispassionate * not prejudiced or partisan * completely unprepared; * unconscious or deeply asleep; * deprived of the metaphorical heat associated with life or consciousness. The heat in this context is that which is life, that which keeps the believer active in spirit and in mission. How do we keep warm? Acts 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. We must continue in the doctrine of the word, prayer and worship. 1Timothy 4:16 ...

Psalms 25:5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Everyone needs a leader, one who he or she accounts to, one he looks up to for direction, correction and even mentorship. Be it in business, career, job, spiritual inclination or family. That is why we have pastors, mentors and advisers. 1Thessalonians 5:12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. It is quite easy for you to think then that because they stand in for you and account for you that you will not account for yourself. Romans 14:12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. No matter the pastors, priests, leaders or teachers you heap on yourself. Never ...

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. There are times when we wonder if God was really there, if He is in charge of the situation. I have been asked time and again if God knows everything, and if He does, why does he allow some things to happen? The answer to this question is answered if we understand who man really is, do we know who God really created. Genesis 1:26-28 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the...

Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. * We have requests * We may have something bothering us * We have a big project, job or assignment on our hands * There is an issue in the family * We need a financial provision urgently * There is someone who needs healing * We have a matter unsettled, or an issue to resolve * Someone may have hurt or annoyed us * we await news, we wait for a report . . . yes and maybe others not mentioned. Notwithstanding, today lay them all aside and just acknowledge Him who made us see today, give Him praise, worship Him, give Him thanks . . . Let's set today aside to recognise Him who made all things and who controls all things. Revelation 7:12 saying: "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen." Romans 16:27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen. We know He can take care of it . . . He prom...

Psalm 136:26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy [endureth] for ever. When we know the extent of our fall, the consequence of our being bound in sin. We surely will begin to understand God's mercy. That which made Christ to be dragged on the ground, beaten with spiked whips, scourged with crown of thorns, then nailed on the parts that could produce the most excruciating pain, the centers of the hands and feet, dangling from a tree, naked, left in hunger, thirst and bitterness. God's mercy displayed to man. David experienced a bit of God's mercy running here and there for his life, even in victory as king when he sinned, he asked and received mercy. Thus he sang this song through Psalm 136:1 - 26 "... for His mercy endureth forever" God is merciful all who trust Him will continue to enjoy His grace and mercy. Mary sang: Luke 1:50 And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation. Paul confirmed: Ephesians 2:4 But God,...

Psalm 107:8 Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men! There is nothing like setting aside all worries to look back and around us to see all the Lord has done for us. We definitely will understand that He is good. We have had shortcomings, yet He showed us mercy. Psalm 145:8 The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. He is the one who takes us from one level to the next: Psalm 136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy [endureth] for ever: We have every reason to give Him thanks. Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. That is who God is, "God is good! And we that have believed, we have his nature! 1John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. Psa...

1 John 3:1-2 See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! But the people who belong to this world don’t recognize that we are God’s children because they don’t know him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. All humans have an identity, we could improve on it or decline on it. It is up to us to decide what path to follow. Yes, we will face trials, it is up to us to insist on winning. The character of the believer is the fruit of the Spirit, because we are born of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, temperance: against such there is no law. We do not know what we will be like when Jesus Christ returns, but I John 3:2 says we will be like Him. Glory! However while we are here we live like th...

Matthew 11:18-19 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.  The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. There is this need to mystify the people of Christ, to feel that those who have been born again do not laugh, eat or have things to do with people around them. When the bible says we should be separate it means not to do the evil others do and not to be trapped in the philosophy of the world. Joy is one evidence of our pact with God. We do not go out morose, a sad face does not show that we serve God even if we were fasting. Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Even in the face of persecution, the joy of the believer does not fade away. Romans 8:35 ...

Matthew 6:13 "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Most of the time we could get carried away with satan or the devil, the question is what role does he play? How exactly do we fall into temptation. James explained this to us: James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. That is what Jesus prayed about, He knew that as long as we are in this world temptations abound and since we have the power of choice, there is a probability to choose wrong. So Jesus then prayed for us that God would not allow us fall into temptation. John 17:15 "I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one God will speak through His Spirit and angels, yet the final decision is ours, remember He made us in His image, we have the power to choose. Look at these verses: Joshua 24:15 "And if it seems evi...

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. The criteria for your eagle status, is that you wait on the Lord! Just like that powerful eagle walking on the ground has a higher place above where it soars. We walking here on earth have access to the higher heavens where Christ rules. Ephesians 2:6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.  The eagle still has its place at the high grounds Don't take it for granted cause anything it lifts, either goes as a friend with it to greater heights or is dropped below to crash. For those who understand! We also have our place in the higher grounds and anyone who takes us for granted would find themselves crashing down. Psalm 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall s...