GATES and FORTRESSES

 

Psalm 23:1-3

King James Version

23 The Lord is my shepherd; 

I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: 

he leadeth me 

in the paths of righteousness 

for his name's sake.

The world has many distractions.

CHRIST's enemy will always try to distract you.

If not destroy you.

Especially if you're a believer in JESUS.

The enemy will try to derail you.

So your thoughts will not be of CHRIST.

In a world of social media today, such is true.

We are constantly bombarded with the enemy's devices.

Woe to anyone not equipped with the HOLY SPIRIT's guidance.

Woe to anyone who doesn't care for GOD's WORD.

Woe to anyone who is jaded, indifferent, or uncaring.

Woe to anyone who think their religion is the ultimate one.

Woe to anyone who doesn't think about JESUS at all.

But He cares about every soul.

He will find that one, lost sheep.

The one GOD gave Him to save.

Would you be that sheep?

And so, as I prepared for bed last night, not wanting to be distracted from things of GOD, the HOLY SPIRIT guided me to this desire, and prayer:

For clarity of mind.

For purity of heart.

For strength of spirit.

As is always the case, I get up and take pen and paper, that I may jot it down.

Knowing that in the early morning, I must write about it,

and share with you.

As I am doing now.

Think of JESUS.

Of how pure, perfect, and precise He is.

Of how our salvation rests in Him alone.

Of how all power was given Him.

Not much can be said of the world.

Which relies on the LORD's enemy.

If your life seems drab, dull, dark, depressing, and dreary, know that the enemy is responsible for it, and wants you to keep dipping.

He cannot offer you LIGHT, which is JESUS.

He cannot offer you LOVE, which is GOD.

He cannot offer you STRENGTH, which is SPIRIT.

That's why, as born again watchman, I implore you to watch your gates.

To fortify your fortress.

To watch, and wait for CHRIST.

To pray, that you may endure all hardship.

For the path is narrow; not necessarily easy.

But certainly a sure thing, when you follow JESUS.

He is the be-all, and end-all, of all existence.

The gates, and fortress, we speak of are the gates, and fortresses, of your mind, body, soul, and spirit.

That's what the enemy is after.

Some helpful links:

The REAL target

The REAL battle

The REAL enemy

Make sure you are entrenched safely with GOD.

That He alone is Who you glorify, and never self, or others.

Make sure you know Scripture.

And live by the Bible.

Make sure you truly believe in JESUS.

And know He loves you, suffered and died for you,

and offers you eternal life, through His death, and resurrection.

Make sure you listen to the HOLY SPIRIT.

Who JESUS prayed for, before He left us -- temporarily -- but will reclaim His throne, at the appointed time only GOD knows.

Make sure you are born again.

So you can be a new person in CHRIST.

All things JESUS are all believers care for.

Not the cruel, corrupt, chaotic world that claims to love us, but really aims to destroy us, or pit one against the other.

Take the path paved by JESUS.

Take that walk with Him.

Follow His SPIRIT.

And be forever safe.

And blessed.

And saved.

Lastly, find comfort in this:

Psalm 23:6

King James Version

6 Surely goodness and mercy 

shall follow me 

all the days of my life: 

and I will dwell

in the house of the Lord 

for ever.

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Distraction is DESTRUCTION

Image: Cengizhan Ozturk on Pexels

Fear-FREE focus

 

Proverbs 4:25-27

King James Version

25 Let thine eyes look right on, 

and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

26 Ponder the path of thy feet, 

and let all thy ways be established.

27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: 

remove thy foot from evil.

When you are a child of GOD, a believer in JESUS, a faithful servant of CHRIST, and a student of the HOLY SPIRIT, you are focused.

You do not deviate, are not distracted, and thus, are not destroyed.

Much as CHRIST's enemy tries to attack you, every single time.

Just so you know, the devil has many devices.

But the born again has a mission, are powered by faith, and by our love for GOD.

Obedience to GOD's will is our DNA.

One great example of such focus is Nehemiah.

"Interestingly, he was cupbearer to Artaxerxes I.

Who happens to be the fifth king of kings to the Achaemenid Empire, 

from 465 to December 424 BC.

This empire was also called "The First Persian Empire".

It was founded by Cyrus the Great in 550 BC.

You mean, Israel and Persia were once friends?"

-- "City in RUINS"

He was tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem.

It was a formidable task, but GOD wanted it done.

Of course, Nehemiah's enemies were in a rage when he was securing the walls of the city.

They aimed to put every block to his thinking, and rebuilding.

Here's what they did, and how Nehemiah responded.

Nehemiah 6:1-2

King James Version

6 Now it came to pass when Sanballat, and Tobiah, 

and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, 

heard that I had builded the wall, 

and that there was no breach left therein; 

(though at that time I had not set up 

the doors upon the gates;)

2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, 

Come, let us meet together 

in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. 

But they thought to do me mischief.

Nehemiah's response:

Nehemiah 6:3

King James Version

3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, 

I am doing a great work, 

so that I cannot come down: 

why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, 

and come down to you?

But his enemies wouldn't let up.

Nehemiah 6:4

King James Version

4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort;

and I answered them after the same manner.

Nehemiah 6:5-7

King James Version

5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner 

the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

6 Wherein was written, 

It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, 

that thou and the Jews think to rebel: 

for which cause thou buildest the wall, 

that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

7 And thou hast also appointed prophets 

to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, 

There is a king in Judah: 

and now shall it be reported to the king 

according to these words. 

Come now therefore, 

and let us take counsel together.

Nehemiah's response:

Nehemiah 6:8-9

King James Version

8 Then I sent unto him, saying, 

There are no such things done as thou sayest, 

but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

9 For they all made us afraid, saying, 

Their hands shall be weakened from the work, 

that it be not done. 

Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

He was warned further.

Nehemiah 6:10

King James Version

10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah 

the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, 

who was shut up; and he said, 

Let us meet together in the house of God, 

within the temple, 

and let us shut the doors of the temple: 

for they will come to slay thee; 

yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

Nehemiah's response:

Nehemiah 6:11

King James Version

11 And I said, 

Should such a man as I flee? 

and who is there, that, being as I am, 

would go into the temple to save his life? 

I will not go in.

His impression of the whole thing:

Nehemiah 6:12-13

King James Version

12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; 

but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: 

for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.

13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, 

and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter 

for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

His prayer:

Nehemiah 6:14

King James Version

14 My God, 

think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat 

according to these their works, 

and on the prophetess Noadiah, 

and the rest of the prophets, 

that would have put me in fear.

The result of his prayer, and unbending focus:

Nehemiah 6:15-16

King James Version

15 So the wall was finished 

in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, 

in fifty and two days.

16 And it came to pass, 

that when all our enemies heard thereof, 

and all the heathen that were about us 

saw these things, 

they were much cast down in their own eyes: 

for they perceived that this work 

was wrought of our God.

The lesson that SPIRIT inspired me to give you from all these:

"FORTIFY your FORTRESSES 

through FAITH and FOCUS."

GOD put it upon my heart on 22 January 2024 to write about Nehemiah, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Here are the series of articles His HOLY SPIRIT inspired me to write then:

City in RUINS

RESULT of PRAYERS

REBUILDING the GATES

On FACING setbacks

BUILDERS and WARRIORS

52-day WONDER

JERUSALEM comes ALIVE

DEDICATING the city

Israel is going through the same situation today.

She is being attacked and bullied, on all fronts.

But she stays on the path.

She knows GOD is with her.

Let us, born again workers, watchmen, and warriors, be like Nehemiah.

Let us not be distracted by things of the world.

Let us not be fearful of what people can do to us.

Let us not be cowed, or bullied, into giving up our faith.

Let us remain focused on CHRIST JESUS alone.

Colossians 3:1-4

King James Version

3 If ye then be risen with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2 Set your affection on things above, 

not on things on the earth.

3 For ye are dead, and your life 

is hid with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, 

then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

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Image: Clipart Library

CALL of the TIMES

 Psalm 150:6

King James Version

6 Let every thing that hath breath 

praise the Lord. 

Praise ye the Lord.

TEN months ago, we started this blog you're reading now.

We felt early 2024 was "something else" -- a very strange one.

And now we're in November, so close to the end of the year.

All the more I'm getting a "deja vu" feeling.

I've been here.

I've felt this before.

The year was 2019.

GOD had just made me born again that September.

On the same day, He led me to Bible prophecy.

By November, SPIRIT and I were writing about spiritual warfare. 

In 36 days, before Christmas, we wrote 22 books on it.

This, as the world partied, and prepared for 2020.

And then the covid crisis hit.

Now, we're back with the same feeling.

It's all preparation again, before 2025.

We need to be awake, aware, and alert.

From now, till 20 January 2025.

When Trump goes back to the White House.  

And, of course, beyond that.

Things are "shaping", coming to "form", awaiting "fruition".

There have been many goings-on, since the start of this year.

Let me share excerpts here.

Just so you know what I speak of.

----------------------

21 January 2024

"FORTIFY your FORTRESS"

The year 2024 is nothing to sniff at.

Nothing to sneeze at.

And definitely something you cannot ignore.

Why is that?

Because there is a certain "grouping".

A "movement" of sorts.

A "positioning".

As if all who are for GOD are making a stand now.

As well as those who are against the LORD.

Getting ready for the real battle to come.

I feel it in my bones.

I feel it in the air.

I witness it in daily events.

I see, and feel, the "patterns".

SPIRIT opens my eyes to many things.

Many things happened before the year started.

And after the year started.

The signs are almost blaring.

The siege in Israel.

Strange leaders.

Strange policies.

Strange alliances.

Strange weather.

Strange events.

And yet, it's all been prophesied.

Fortify the fortress of your soul.

Many will want to attack it.

You will be hit on ALL fronts.

Especially if you're not born again.

Especially if you don't know Scripture.

Especially if you don't believe in JESUS.

2 Corinthians 4:4

King James Version

4 In whom the god of this world 

hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, 

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, 

who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

----------------------

True enough, 2024 was substantial.

CHANGE was REALLY in the AIR.

Trump won; Kamala lost.

The Republicans won; the Democrats lost.

Trump is appointing a worthy cabinet.

Israel still has to retrieve her people in Gaza.

She is being hit on SEVEN fronts.

And now, the EIGHT front -- from within.

Netanyahu's going through a lot of attacks.

With Satan making sure Israel's prime minister is destroyed.

Putting all forms of stumbling blocks before him.

With the intent he gets "distracted", and "occupied".

The end result being, he gets "unseated".

As if that could ever happen.

Unless GOD allows it, Himself.

We did write in September, that Netanyahu has the "TOUGHEST job EVER".

Try being in his place, for one.

Let's see if you could do a better job.

Netanyahu knows his enemies.

He's been soldier, diplomat, and leader most of his life.

He only cares Israel survive the onslaught.

And now, Trump's come to help him.

Can you imagine Satan's anger?

Oh, the cruelty of CHRIST's enemy!

All because Israel is winning.

And now, the people of America have won.

A lot will be happening each day.

ESPECIALLY within Israel, and America.

And anything that involves Israelis, and Americans.

Satan is of the mind, "If you can't destroy it from without, destroy it from within".

Well, here's the connection between America, and Israel.

A true contrast today:

America conquered the "within".

Israel is being destroyed from "within".

Before America's 2024 elections, it was the EXACT opposite.

After 7 October 2023, Israel united for the moment.

That being that, here's how it was:

America was being destroyed from "within".

Israel conquered the "within".

As with everything regarding Satan, expect deception, division, and destruction.

As with everything regarding man, expect "temporary".

Because of their friendship, Israel and America are targets.

Thus, the two countries need each other.

They're in this battle together.

Satan's after both of them.

But GOD prevails.

Israel's going through a repeat of pre-October 7, 2023.

Wherein there was infighting again.

Leaving her "exposed".

That's when I felt Israel was in danger.

Satan's really at it, if you must know.

He will always find a weakness in man.

He wants Israel, and America, destroyed.

With the battle, one day, for Jerusalem.

And yet, GOD's plan is in place.

As born again, you must bear all these things.

JESUS did say:

Matthew 24:13

King James Version

13 But he that shall endure unto the end, 

the same shall be saved.

As an unbeliever, you must turn to JESUS now.

Acts 4:12

King James Version

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: 

for there is none other name under heaven 

given among men, whereby we must be saved.

BEST preparation for the times?

For these curious, crucial, chaotic, confusing times?

That we may all manage to survive it?

Whether you're a leader, or a citizen?

Become born again.

So SPIRIT can TEACH you GOD's ways.

So you can COMPREHEND man's ways.

So you can UNDERSTAND Scripture precisely.

So you can REPENT of your sins, and ASK forgiveness.

So you can PRAISE the LORD, rightfully.

So you can ACKNOWLEDGE His POWER.

So you can BE of TRUE service to others.

So you can BE victorious, through CHRIST.

Through SPIRIT, you will see the BIGGER picture.

All will be made clear to you.

1 John 2:27

King James Version

27 But the anointing 

which ye have received of him 

abideth in you, 

and ye need not that any man teach you: 

but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, 

and is truth, and is no lie, 

and even as it hath taught you, 

ye shall abide in him.

Be not like Kamala, who turned away JESUS at her rally.

Then starts spouting Scripture, realizing her error.

And yet we felt GOD was not in her heart.

This, we deplore mightily!

GOD must NOT be mocked!

Instead?

BLESS the LORD!

GIVE your WHOLE heart to Him.

It is time you do so now!

Psalm 113:2-4

King James Version

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord 

from this time forth and for evermore.

3 From the rising of the sun 

unto the going down of the same 

the Lord's name is to be praised.

4 The Lord is high above all nations, 

and his glory above the heavens.

Psalm 150

King James Version

150 Praise ye the Lord. 

Praise God in his sanctuary: 

praise him in the firmament of his power.

2 Praise him for his mighty acts: 

praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: 

praise him with the psaltery and harp.

4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: 

praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: 

praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. 

Praise ye the Lord.

Daniel 2:19-23

King James Version

19 Then was the secret revealed 

unto Daniel in a night vision. 

Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said, 

Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: 

for wisdom and might are his:

21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: 

he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: 

he giveth wisdom unto the wise, 

and knowledge to them that know understanding:

22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: 

he knoweth what is in the darkness, 

and the light dwelleth with him.

23 I thank thee, and praise thee, 

O thou God of my fathers, 

who hast given me wisdom and might, 

and hast made known unto me now 

what we desired of thee: 

for thou hast now made known unto us 

the king's matter.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

King James Version

3 Blessed be God, 

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of mercies, 

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, 

that we may be able to comfort them 

which are in any trouble, 

by the comfort wherewith we ourselves 

are comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, 

so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

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On LOVING GOD

The DAY I KNEW

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SURE and STRONG

 

JESUS said:

Matthew 7:24-25

King James Version

24 Therefore whosoever heareth 

these sayings* of mine, and doeth them, 

I will liken him unto a wise man, 

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended, 

and the floods came, 

and the winds blew, 

and beat upon that house; 

and it fell not: 

for it was founded upon a rock.

What makes us certain about life?

What makes us strong in this world?

The world is filled with tons of temptations.

And tons of traps, that aim to ensnare us all.

We all need to be born again, to have a robust heart.

SPIRIT, through Scripture, will guide us every moment.

We will know the things that matter.

Such as being aligned with GOD's will.

We will know the commands we need to obey.

That our life, and our family's life, can be secure.

Not through fame, or fortune, but through FAITH in GOD.

Unless we follow JESUS, we cannot survive this world.

We need the strength of His mind, that we may survive.

Satan will wear us out, every chance he can get.

Unless our foundation is rooted firmly in CHRIST, we will succumb.

A TRUE BORN AGAIN is steady.

Because of these things:

We LIVE by the BIBLE.

It is the NONNEGOTIABLE gospel.

It is NOT a gospel of accommodation.

We are FREE from ambivalence.

We live FREE of distraction.

We are CONFIDENT in CHRIST.

We are HAPPY with JESUS.

We have VICTORY through JESUS.

We are SOLDIERS of CHRIST.

We are ROCK steady.

We know GOD's PLAN of SALVATION.

We have PEACE through JESUS.

He is our CHIEF Corner Stone.

GOD is STEADY.

JESUS is CONSISTENT.

The ONLY thing that will REMAIN is GOD's WORD.

GOD's WORD stands forever.

As WATCHMEN, we are STEADY at our posts:

"We remain steady, at our posts.

Waiting for our Master's command.

That we may know what to do, where to be, how to act.

We rely on His EVERY command.

Thus, we wait, watch, warn, worship.

His will, ways, and wisdom are planted upon our hearts."

-- "The WARRIOR's protection"

Our pillar is CHRIST.

Our pillow is the WORD.

Our peace is JESUS.

Our homes are fortified with GOD's TRUTH.

Our souls are safe from sin.

Our hearts belong to GOD.

Our minds are fixed on JESUS.

We wear the FULL ARMOR of GOD.

We sleep good nights because of the LORD.

Confident, and grateful, in His LOVE.

We are His.

John 10:27-28

King James Version

27 My sheep hear my voice, 

and I know them, and they follow me:

28 And I give unto them eternal life; 

and they shall never perish, 

neither shall any man 

pluck them out of my hand.

*NOTE:

Matthew 7:1-23 refers to what JESUS said about "these sayings of mine" .

The things we need to do.

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