Watchman, Sound the Warning

Watchman, Sound the Warning

So you, O son of man, I have set you as a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. 

When I say to the wicked, O wicked man, you shall surely die; if you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity (sin); but his blood will I require at your hand. [Ezek 33:7, 8]

The Lord goes on to say in His Word that if the watchman warns the wicked, but he chooses not to listen or turn from his sins, he will die in his sin, but the watchman will have delivered his soul.

Yet, what is the heart of the Creator? What is His desire?

Say to them, As I live, says the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel? [vs 11] (emphasis mine)

The Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever. In this particular situation, the Lord was speaking to Israel through His prophet Ezekiel. Nevertheless, the Lord is consistent and steadfast. The Creator does not delight in the death of sinners; He would prefer they change their heart (mind), and turn away from their iniquities.

Speaking through the apostle Peter, Jesus made it clear what the will of God Almighty is. People, even today, think that the Lord tarries (is too slow) in His returning, but in reality, He is patient. Something that most of us lack and must practice often - patience. Not an easy call!

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise (to return), as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering (patient), not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [2Pet 3:9]

No matter what one has done, including witchcraft or sorcery (occult), Jesus willingly shed His precious blood to pave the way to be forgiven of sins, and reconciled back to the [heavenly] Father.

Christ is the ONLY way back. Yeshua (Jesus) is ready and willing to forgive if one repents and changes their mind, forsaking their sin. If you confess Jesus is Lord, and believe He was resurrected from the dead, you will be saved. [Rom 10:9-11]

The only sin that is unforgiveable is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. 

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. [Mat 12:31]

This last section of the series is a watchman's warning about witchcraft and the necessity to cleave to God through Yeshua (Jesus), and overcome the enemy and his legions.

However, the strong undercurrent is the hope that the sinner changes his/her mind and heart, repents, and submits wholly to the Saviour and Redeemer, Jesus.

Spiritual Warfare and Witchcraft

Back in early October, when it was mentioned that the Lord had impressed upon me to alert people with a stern warning regarding ‘witchcraft/sorcery’, I made mention of something else that may need to be done, along with spiritual warfare, IF one was personally instructed by Yeshua/Jesus, through the Holy Spirit [and/or the written Word].

Late September, early October, many, but not all, covens or individuals globally begin early on with rituals, sacrifices, spells, etc. in preparation for one of their highest regarded religious celebrations, Halloween/Samhain. To others, it is more of a tradition, a ritualistic ceremony, and still to others, it is a non-religious festival. Other pagan holidays celebrated these days may also invoke earlier preparation by occult practitioners than in bygone days.

Undoubtedly, no one needs me to announce that times have drastically changed. We are in a time like no other that we know of. Violence, murder, chaos, corruption, deception, rejection of God and Jesus, and an exaltation of evil – certainly none of that is new, as history records crusades, genocides, and other horrific acts of sin and wickedness.

What does differ is the volume (global, nearly every country) and intensity (almost daily, the majority of scenarios extreme). Throw in the increased number of mankind (billions), the acceptance of things once considered abnormal and perverse, the celebrating of evil as good, and good as evil (a gross flip).

What is new is the introduction and the acceleration of AI [Artificial Intelligence] and various technologies (including digital [holograms, 3D printing [even of food such as meat], teleporting] et al), all moving forward at an immeasurable and exponential growth rate (soon to be beyond mankind’s control, if it is not already), and we find ourselves in unknown, foreboding times.

Those who know their Creator do understand the times we are in, and cleave to Him steadfastly, for the Bible has made it clear, and the Holy Spirit warns and guides us of our desperate need for God. Jesus/Yeshua was succinct in describing these days, yet thorough enough for us to recognize that time when we see it, if we discern and not go into denial.

We must not shut our eyes to the reality of the time out of fear and unbelief. We do not have to like it, but we do have to accept that which is written, for the logos Word of God will ‘not’ be changed. Yet, when we ‘trust’ our God, we will not walk in perpetual, unhealthy fear, nor will we fall into the quicksand of unbelief or apostasy.

Open communication and honesty with the Lord are crucial, as it is (or should be) in any close and genuine relationship. Obedience is not a heavy weight. It flows freely from the heart saturated in humility and full of love for God through the Messiah.

If one has been familiar with my writings over the years [decades], they know that writing about witchcraft, sorcery, the occult is not something that has consumed me. However, on the other hand, it is not something I avoid simply because it is not a popular topic.

The enemy is not exalted, but he is not ignored either. Our Creator does not avoid the matter, but  alerts us to an enemy, his legions of demons, and spiritual warfare – a harsh reality. God provides all we need to be equipped for battle, such as armour and weapons (see Ephesians 6, 1 Peter 5:8, 9, John 10:10 for examples).

Yeshua (Jesus) exposed darkness and the evil hidden within it. He did not sidestep it. He warned us that we would have trouble in this world, but He comforts us with the reminder that He has overcome the world. [Jn 16:33] We are advised that our weapons are not of the flesh (not carnal), and therefore spiritual.

Certain prophets and apostles spoke of the adversary, but also about a Messiah, sent by Almighty God. The book of Revelation clears up more of the mystery of the adversary and how it will end, but keep in mind that God was quick to warn mankind right from the beginning, in the Garden of Eden [Genesis].

There are multitudes of pastors and teachers in the church who mostly avoid the topic, as if it were wrong to discuss spiritual warfare, the devil and demons, and witchcraft/sorcery. But God would not have us ignorant or in denial in days as dark and evil as these days now.

He made us aware of these things through His written Word by the prophets and the apostles, as well as through miraculous things that Jesus/Yeshua accomplished when He walked amongst us, such as deliverance from demons.

I am convinced that the purpose or reason that I was so led to end the series on warfare and the increase of witchcraft/sorcery/occult these days is due to the closeness of the appearance of the Lawless one (the Antichrist of all antichrists) and the beast system that God allows Satan to temporarily bring in.

None of us want to hear about the evil that will flood the world for a season as the devil’s wrath comes to fruition. However, God warned us about His judgment. We know it begins in His own house (the church, the house of God). There will be those who confuse the devil's wrath with God's.

Here is a hint. Satan cannot roll the skies up like a scroll, or remove mountains and islands. [Rev 6:14] Neither can the devil cause the stars to fall like figs from a tree. [Rev v 13] Even the purpose of the great tribulation is so people finally realize their need for God. Hopefully, they run TO Jesus/Yeshua, and not FROM.

This should prove the love of Christ Jesus (not that He has to prove anything). The reasoning is not for sensationalism or fearmongering, but for a positive purpose, which is to prepare people for that which is already evident before our eyes (escalating and accelerating evil), but also to confirm the closeness of the Lawless one. I do believe he is waiting for the ‘green light’.

Ultimately, that ‘go’ can only come from God, and in the way that it is written in the holy Bible. When the restrainer is removed, then, the appearance of the wicked one that the prophets of old, and John the Revelator clearly foretold of, shall be made manifest.

Revelation tells us how it all ends, and Christ (Messiah) is the Victor. If only the great tribulation, and the 1,000-year reign, and the short time that the devil is loosed afterwards was over. How we yearn to be with our Creator, Saviour, Redeemer, the living God, into eternity.

Ah, but for now, we practice patience (there is that frustratingly challenging word again). And we can gladly give thanks now and always and forever. We can praise Him for the final, glorious and victorious outcome. Selah

Know that the Lord is God: it is He that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise:

Be thankful unto Him, and bless His [holy] name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endures to all generations. [Ps 100:3-5]

In the Heat and the Heart of the Battle

It had been mentioned in the previous article about prayer and fasting. Christians globally are praying for loved ones who are caught in the snares of the enemy. Others still are praying for themselves, needing God’s help to deliver them from some addiction or besetting sin.

Multitudes are suffering division within the family, heaviness, addictions, infidelities, suicidal tendencies, mental illnesses, financial ruin, and a plethora of devastating circumstances, and they do not understand why.

Then we have those who are compromising; those who are leading a great number of people astray with false doctrines, New Age practices, witchcraft, and other forms of idolatry, and open acceptance of abominations – compromising with the world, the flesh and Satan, making church a mockery.

 

It is the first time in my 17 years of posting articles online on this particular website [blog] that one series monopolized the entire year, but that is how this played out – completely unplanned, wholly unexpected. Be that as it may, it seems an appropriate happenstance orchestrated by the Lord (in a concatenation of articles all relating to the ‘Season of Consequences’ [2023]), to end the series on spiritual warfare in these ‘end times’ (last days).

There are some who prophesy that all the evil plans that the devil and his barbaric armies have and are plotting and plundering, both in the physical and the spiritual realms, will never know the climax of victory, or the successful campaign of torturous persecution and slaughter.

But what does the Bible say? Satan/Lucifer does have power (or no one would pay him any mind), and he has been tragically successful in countless campaigns since the beginning of mankind’s creation, allowed by God, of course. Again, read about his rampages and deceptions throughout the holy Bible.

Abortions, genocides, poverty, torture, disease, and every abomination that has ever taken place has been allowed by God, but it is a combination of sins, provoked and assisted by Satan; the devil’s work. Since our creation, we ask ‘why’.

It is conjecture [speculation] on my part, but I have often wondered if all the evil that has taken place on earth since the fall of mankind in Eden is allowed so that another rebellion never again takes place, as all of creation in the heavenlies and in earth witnessed the destruction, horror and brutalities of evil.

El Shaddai, the living God, weeps with us, and His holy angels gather our tears in sacred vials. The precious prayers of the saints will be mingled with incense and offered upon a golden altar before God’s throne. [Rev 8:3]

No matter how hard we try, we will find that we cannot be all we are meant to be on our own, or in our own strength, nor can we ‘will’ it. That is okay. That is how God intended it. He wants us dependent upon Him. He is not just our Creator, but to those who love Him, He is our heavenly Father.

The Messiah Yeshua (our Jesus) accomplished everything necessary when He willingly became a living sacrifice, and poured out His precious blood upon a rugged cross, died, was buried and resurrected again, on the third day after His death. Because of Him, and Him only, and through Jesus only, there is a way back to God – to our magnificent heavenly Father.

That reality is our victory; it is the peace that passes all understanding; it is the joy unquenchable (even in the midst of fiery furnaces [excruciating trials/tribulations]). Christ/Messiah is our everything!

God alone changes us. Even the godliest person we can think of has been corrupted and tainted by this world and the devil. It is good that this life is temporal because we face a lifetime of battles, wrestling[s] (struggles), trials, disappointments, sorrows, pain and tears.

That is not a defeatist attitude because we do have victory in Christ, but we will also still have failures. We are imperfect creatures and will still fall short at times, in thought, word or deed, even when unintentional, but we do not give up. We keep a genuine, repentant heart and rise again.

Humbly grab hold of the strong hand of God. Pray for brethren [true body of Christ] because we are one in the Spirit, and in His love. It is why we need one another, but more importantly, why ALL of us need the LORD! We cannot even hope to make it through without Christ Yeshua.

 It is a process we all go through. Not one of us has all the answers, all the explanations, all the love, all the patience, all the knowledge, all the wisdom – only God does.

There is so much that we, as humankind, do not understand about God, the ‘how’s and the ‘why’s’ that frustrate us in the lack of understanding or knowledge. To me, it is akin to an ant trying to understand the ‘how’s and why’s’ of our doings – or not doing. Wisdom of the ant is limited, as is ours. We are the created, not the Creator.

To say a Christian never fails, or has victory 100% of the time, in everything, all the time, is inaccurate. Quite the high standard for this sinful flesh – quite the pressure! To suggest that a child of God can go through life without depression, pain, sorrow, financial troubles, health issues, or any significant loss is not a realistic or true statement.

Twisted truth is still a crooked lie; it turns one in a direction away from the core truth.  We live in a fallen, corrupted, sinful world. It is a true saying that bad things happen to good people. Bad things can happen to anyone.

Name me one person who ever walked this earth that did not taste of or experience tears, pain, sickness, and any number of bitter, unexpected sorrows. Yeshua/Jesus, the patriarchs, the prophets, the apostles, and Christians before our time all suffered when on earth, but their victory is now as they rest in Messiah.  

They are all awaiting the first resurrection except Jesus, who was resurrected by the power of the Spirit of God (the firstfruits – first to be resurrected from the dead).

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. [1Cor 15:20]

Jesus/Yeshua even warned us that in this world we would have tribulation. But He does not want that fact to defeat us because He continues by telling us to be strong, to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. [Jn 16:33] (So, hang on and stick close to the Lord – abide in Him. He has us in the palm of His competent hand.)

Not everything that happens to us is good; some things are tragic and horrific. Yet, eternity is forever – something that is hard for us who live in a ‘temporal’ world to get our head around (to fully understand), but we hold fast to hope.

For we know that all things work together for good, to those who love God and are the called, according to His purpose. [Rom 8:28]

So, I end this entry by mentioning that in the previous article a scripture was posted that was meant as a ‘hint’ if my next post seemed delayed. I shared about how multitudes have been interceding in prayer for various people – family, friends, co-workers, pastors, ministries, countries, hostages, and the list and reasons are endless.

The scripture posted [Mk 9:29]:

And when He was come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, Why could we not cast him out? And He said to them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

I urged readers that if they were praying to seek the Lord about fasting, and to do so, if so led. There are things that I myself have been praying earnestly about, and fasting was indeed mingled in with it. I had clear instruction from the Lord, as He impressed it upon my spirit, and through His Word.

Three days of fluids only, then a break (a weekend). In that time, I managed to get an article was written, where I included scripture about the soldier who refrains from entangling himself in the business of the world (affairs of life), so that he may please the one who called him to be a soldier. [2Tim 2:4] –(paraphrased)

Another three days followed after the break, with the day spent fasting, but one meal refreshed me at day end. Then, a visit was extended from two days to five (grandson). So, my apologies for delay, but in these days and in this time, we should expect the unexpected, trusting God is ordering our steps and guiding us through life.

Never have I felt so close to God, and yet, I hunger to go deeper and deeper, closer and closer still. I am confident that all His children who love Him first are at the same place in their heart.

All of us beloved, are in God's competent hands; under His watchful eye, whether we are aware of that or not, whether we believe or not.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. [Eph 6:10]

Shalom in Christ, beloved saints.

To be continued...

In the presence of His glory

Bonita                                   dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com