Life-study msg 36 - The Woman and the Man-Child

Bible reading: Rev. 12

The vision of the woman and the man-child

This woman 

1. Submission - to allow the Husband to impart Himself into her.

2. Not doing anything for God, but we need something of Him 

3. Our receiving Christ will cause us to be "pregnant" to have this manchild. 

This manchild is what God needs to end this age.

This manchild

1. The strong part of this constitution

2. We all need to be manchild - being fully constituted with the elements of Christ 

3. Daily experience - receiving something of Christ 

4. In our experience, we are still woman, the weak ones. We need to learn to submit ourselves to Christ and daily receiving something of Christ. This will make us manchild.

5. Even before us being resurrected, we can be manchild today. 

The manchild is distinct from the woman but is one with the woman, from the strong part of the woman. 

Life-study 21 -God's Preservation of His People

Scripture reading: 

Rev. 7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth nor on the sea nor on any tree.

Rev. 7:2 And I saw another Angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and He cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom [authority] was given to harm the earth and the sea,

Rev. 7:3 Saying, Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we seal the slaves of our God upon their foreheads.

Rev. 7:4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel:

Rev. 7:5 Out of the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand sealed; out of the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand;

Rev. 7:6 Out of the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Manasseh, twelve thousand;

Rev. 7:7 Out of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand;

Rev. 7:8 Out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand sealed.

Rev. 7:9 After these things I saw, and behold, [there was] a great multitude which no one could number, out of every nation and [all] tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes and palm branches in their hands.

Rev. 7:10 And they cry with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb.

Rev. 7:11 And all the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God,

Rev. 7:12 Saying, Amen. The blessing and the glory and the wisdom and the thanks and the honor and the power and the strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen.

The seven seals are a response to the martyred saints' prayers, and the seals will be before the day of the Lord. The day of the Lord in the Bible meaning the great tribulation. The man child will be taken away before the sixth seal (the 1st camp of rapture, the man child, the first fruit). 

1. Rapture: the believers on earth taken alive to the presence of the Lord. It takes place before the great tribulation (principle: the reaping the mature of the crop).

2. Two things God will do to preserve His people 

a. To seal the children of Israel on their forehead (144,000 people) -God's marking out the children of Israel and preserving them in the tribulation (if those do not worship the beast). God's faithful covenant. 

b. The great multitude in white robes  with palm branches are the believers who have suffered many things - grow in life in maturity. If the believers are not mature, they will be left on the earth until they become mature. 

(The reference - revelation of chapter 14, there mentioned three reapings) 

Life study msg 20- The Cry of Martyred Saints and God's Answer—Seals Five and Six

Introduction that linked to the four horses from the last broadcast. 

The mind behind the system: the preaching of the gospel is the strong affirmation of the four horses. 

The Lord used war, death, and famine to release the gospel. 

Reference verses - (Rev. 6:10-17)

Rv 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Master, holy and true, will You not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth? 

This is the cry from the martyred saints. When the Lord Jesus was on the cross, the sinner, who crucified together with Jesus, went to paradise, the pleasant section of the hades. Those who died in Christ are in paradise and there'll be resurrection and rapture and we will all be together someday. There'll be a judgement starting from the House of God.  

Also, we focus is not on the heavens but the very person Christ Himself. 

Rv 6:11 And to each of them was given a white robe; and it was said to them that they should rest yet a little while, until also the number of their fellow slaves and their brothers who were about to be killed, even as they were, is completed.

Facing any catastrophe described below, we need to repent. The day of the Lord is at hand. 

Rv 6:12 And I saw when He opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood;
Rv 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.
Rv 6:14 And heaven was removed like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Rv 6:15 And the kings of the earth and the great men and the generals and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains;
Rv 6:16 And they say to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits upon the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb;
Rv 6:17 For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?

We will have the growth of Christ before the great tribulation begins. 

Life-study msg 12- Eating For Transformation

This msg is corresponding to the church in Pergamos, meaning marriage (marrying to the world) or tower (fortified tower). These are not in a positive sense. This indicates the church was in union with the world. 

However, God wants a church not joint to the world. Instead, God wants a church which is a golden lampstand. 

The debate in Christianity sometimes mistakes that if the church joints itself to the world, it might make the church more attractive to the unbelievers. However, God's desire is to "call out a group of people from the world". Therefore, the church of Pergamos, the church that jointed itself to the world was actually in an "illegal" marriage. 

From Rev. 2:13-14, we find a link between eating God's word and becoming Antipas (against all). Eating God's word cause us to be His testimony and not joint ourselves to the world. Eating God's world keeps us not marry ourselves to the world so that we can be a proper testimony of Jesus. 

*Antipas, My witness, My faithful one.

From Rev. 2:17 indicates that we, originally as clays, have become white stones, the transformed people. Additionally, on the white stones, there are new names written. These new names represent the special experiences we've gone through and thus only we know what the names mean. 

A special portion reserved for us as well (hidden manna). We are really partakers of the divine nature by enjoying the special portion of Christ. 

Let us sing for joy to Jehovah

Thanks to the menstrual cycle and PMS, I often feel weak for one week or two and come to life afterwards. When you have a weak physical body, it is always not easy to achieve whatever you intend to do. Some work has been piled up during this time. Even when I start feeling better, I can feel overwhelmed just by thinking of all the work before me that needs to be dealt with. 

It is, however, a comfort that when I read many of God's workers in history have had some physical limitations. Many times we might think why the Lord doesn't give us a super healthy body so we can do this and that and to glorify God. We don't ask for a weak body to be seen as a spiritual person, but we do have many "problems" and "thorns" in our daily human life. And this morning, I read Psalm 95. 

verse 1-3: Come, let us sing for joy to Jehovah; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise to Him with psalms. For Jehovah is a great God And a great King above all gods. 

The Lord has put limitations to many of us, yet it should not stop us praising God. I am still learning to work and live by the Lord's mercy and grace without feeling much stress so I can faithfully carry out my daily work. And while I feel weak and helpless with many limitations, dear Lord, may You be much closer and dearer to me. 

His name is great in Israel

"God is known in Judah, His name is great in Israel". (Psalm 76:1)

After several months since the last post, surprisingly, or not surprisingly, the suffering has never ceased. I found it funny. Yet when I read this verse this morning, I repented. Lord, may Your name be great among Your people, even during the sufferings. 

Standing before the Son of Man

I've been quite upset these days, and I have asked the Lord to strengthen me by looking away unto Him. However, perhaps the Lord allows me to have some suffering from these things so that I can be forced to come to Him again, again, and again. 

While I brought these matters to the Lord this morning, I also open to His speaking. And His Word in Luke chapter 21 has refreshed me. From verses 28-36, many Words have touched me. 

"...that the summer is already near...But take heed to yourselves lest perhaps your hearts be weighed down with debauchery and drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day come upon you suddenly as a snare...But be watchful...beseeching that you would prevail to escape all these things...and stand before the Son of Man".

The God who has a definite goal with a schedule to accomplish His course

A life-study portion that I enjoyed during my Bible reading time. Sometimes as Christians, we either be too proactive without waiting on the Lord, or we can be over-passive and simply sit and wait the Lord will do something miraculous. Oh, how much we need to be tempered by the Lord in our daily living! 

Whenever we fall into the later situation (being passive) or not too sure how shall we go on, we have to remember that the Lord is also a wonderful example who has a goal with a plan. He knew His overarching goal, and He planned and walked according to the goal. Surely there will be threats either by men or by practical situations (e.g. lack of finance, family problems etc.) but we shall not be afraid nor be threatened. The following is the portion that I enjoy from the life-study while reading Luke chapter 13. We Christians often know the overarching goal in our lifetime and might have received some burden from the Lord in relation to His economy. Though practically, we might be not too sure what the small steps that we shall take. Poverty, pressure, and many things can threaten us to follow the Lord, but may the Lord strengthen us to be those who follow Him with strong faith and boldness. Lord, grant us such a heart so that we can reach the goal with You! 

Concerning anxiety and be ready in Luke chapter 12

Because of NACT so I'm coming back to read the gospel of Luke recently, and something points in chapter 12 refresh me a lot. I have enjoyed a lot of points but I'll just highlight something that I didn't consider much before.

1. Concerning anxiety
Many verses in the first half of the chapter mention dealing with anxiety. Verses 30-31 are fresh to me this time. "For all these things the Gentiles of the world are anxiously seeking but your Father knows that you need these things. However, seek His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you".

Blessed are those who weep now, for you shall laugh

Blessed are those who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are those who weep now, for you shall laugh. (Luke 6:21)


Thank You for the Word of encouragement.

Responding to and realising His move

None of us can really know what life will bring us and take us to. 

I put this conversation with Him concerning the recent burden of the church in London to "migrate". To be honest, whether we have a heart is one matter, but what the Lord thinks how we shall respond to this move is another matter. Even today, I still cannot be sure, but when I read the Word this morning, this footnote inspired me. 

"This book (the book of revelation) stresses not only the Spirit of God as the sevenfold intensified Spirit for God's intensified move, but also our human spirit as the organ for us to realize and respond to God's move. Only spirit (our spirit) can respond to Spirit (God's Spirit)... " (Revelation 1:10 ft.1). This partly answers my inquiries to the Lord concerning His move. 

I actually came across this cross-reference for "in spirit" from verse 4:2. "Immediately I was in spirit; and behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and upon the throne there was One sitting". I was touched by the fact that only in our spirit, we can see the throne and see the very dear One whom we fervently love and eagerly await sitting on the throne. If we want to see Him at where we are and in our personal situation, we have to be in our spirit. 

I am the Alpha and the Omega

Recently several verses have been coming to me when I consider the completion of my PhD, and I happened to start my Bible reading in the book of revelation so I am also refreshed by these verses again and again. These verses are:

I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, He who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8)

And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead; and He placed His right hand on me, saying, Do not fear, I am the First and the Last (Rev 1:17).

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (Rev.22:13)

The annual review taken place on Monday seems to indicate that I will need an extra year after my year 3 to complete my PhD. However, not only that I have no money for paying the tuition afterwards but also I don't think I would like to stay for one more year as my feeling to go to Germany is great. On my part, I can only try to work much harder in order to catch up on the progress. Although during the process I also ask the Lord about the completion of my PhD. "Was it a mistake that I came for the PhD programme?", and immediately followed the feeling that "the Lord is never wrong". I know that the Lord could have stopped me many times if He does not want me to come to the UK for this degree, but He just kept opening the way for me. I know that without the Lord, it is even impossible for me to continue my study.

Reflection (2) - recharge, conversations with myself and the Lord

Recently, I have a feeling that I need to come to the Lord just to reflect and to reconsider this coming year. Of course, due to various reasons, I would like to complete my thesis in this coming year and go to Germany, but seriously, there seems to be a long way to go. So today, after almost doing nothing, I come to this video concerning George Müller whose testimony has always been an encouragement to me (https://tinyurl.com/yym9e3bd).

There are several things in my mind that I am seeking the Lord.

1) What is my calling in my life course in relation to my occupation and career?
2) Where I am called to move to?
3) What have I set my mind for in order to complete this PhD in this coming year?

He faileth not, For He is God

He faileth not, for He is God.

"The Lord does not delay regarding the promise, as some count delay, but is long-suffering toward you, not intending that any perish but that all advance to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)"

I have been praying for my housing during the summer as well as the next academic year. Many things seem quite disappointing, and sometimes I don't know what else I can do anymore. However, this morning, I was shepherded by this verse in 2 Peter and being encouraged that His heart towards us is good. In various situations and even in the things regarding His promise, His heart is not to make us perish but so that we can all advance to repentance and gain Him more.

Do not cast away therefore your boldness

I don't mean to be negative- but there have been so many things that frustrate me.

Not only am I under a lot of pressure (housing, work, and so on) but also my companies and I have been praying for the Lord to open a way for us for a long time but nothing happens.

I remember that one day I was just totally falling apart. Too many things that I was trying to sort out did not work and at the same time, the Lord did not open the way as we prayed. I was just so exhausted, so fed up with everything, and not knowing what to do. I just cried and cried a lot. It seemed that my mental capacity had reached the peak that I couldn't even think. Even if I tried to pray, I could not. I didn't know how to pray about the situation. I was just crying out to Him and tell Him that "I really cannot take this anymore, Lord, save me". Well, my wording was far more desperate. I was so desperate to a point that I would rather give up my life just to go through that situation.

I still don't know how the Lord will arrange for me, but I am really tired. Several times this week, I feel that I will not be able to go on in Him unless He shows mercy, and the Lord used the words in Hebrews to encourage me again.

What are the hindrances for the life to be manifested?

John 10:30; 37-38

"I and the Father are one."

"If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; But if I do them, even if you do not believe Me, believe the works so that you may come to know and continue to know that the Father is in Me and I am in the Father."

Sometimes in the church life, we think we are focusing on life. Because of this, if the work does not seem effective or bearing fruit, we might say "that's okay, it is a matter of life. If it doesn't work out, then don't be too bothered about it because we're not really focusing on the work".

I wasn't sure whether this kind of attitude is okay or not.

However, this morning when I read John chapter 10, I realise that if we really pay attention to life, the life shall manifest at a certain point in the Lord's work. As Jesus is one with the Father, so whatever He did, people should be able to recognise from the work that the Father is in Jesus, and Jesus is in the Father.

Additionally, I read the booklet "expecting the Lord's blessing" from Watchman Nee. If the Lord does not bless us, whatever we do is in vain.

All of these just remind me of my portion in the Lord's move in Europe. I am at where the Lord has placed me, but am I a hindrance for the Lord to pour out His blessing? How about the people I have been shepherding, is there any fruit coming out from me being one with the Father?

Lord, I do not want to fall into introspection but at the same time, I do not want to be fruitless. You must bless me, and if there is anything hindering Your blessing, shine on me and burn them away. I desire to be a cleansed channel for You to flow out!

By the Spirit of God I serve

For we are the circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:3).

I enjoy that 1) We're circumcised by Christ's crucifixion and thus have no confidence in the flesh. Therefore, I can forget about everything I perceive about myself, others, and the environment and simply press on to serve Him. My eye has to be single (Matt. 6:22). 2) The Spirit of God is the basis of our service. I need to seize every opportunity to focus on growing in life. Eventually, in all services, we boast in Christ Jesus and glorify Him.

Thank You, Lord, I can simply forget about everything I perceive and focus on Christ and pursue the growth in Life. By this I serve.

A person whom God can entrust Himself to

Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover during the feast, many believed into His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus Himself did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all men, And because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man (John 2:23-25). 

I was praying to God concerning a matter that still bothers me last night. After the prayer, the Lord has given me the sure peace. However, this morning I still could not help but think of that thing. I did not want to be troubled in my mind concerning that matter since I knew that I fully gave it to the Lord last night. Afterwards, when I read the verse, the Lord was speaking to me, "How can I entrust Myself to you if you don't believe the peace that I had given to you and simply want to see the miracle?" I was convicted and reminded of the verse in John 20:29 "Jesus said to him, Becuase you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed". 

Lord, how much I need You. I know the weaknesses within me are still there, and I cannot just forget that matter because it is a big matter that has affected me. Oh Lord, but I open again. My fallen nature attempts me to bring me out of my peace in You and move, but the new creation within me wants to love Your will and fully trust in You. Dear Lord, have Your way in me. I even give up my struggles and attempts to "try" to believe in You. I simply rest in You so You can work Yourself freely in me. 

His petition concerning us causes us not to fail in faith

Luke 22:32 But I have made petition concerning you that your faith would not fail; and you, once you have turned again, establish your brothers.

While eating the Passover feast, the Lord revealed His death to the disciples. And the time when the Lord speaking concerning the disciples and Peter would be stumbled by His death (footnote 1), the record in Luke specifically mentions Simon in the conversations. "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked to have you all to sift you as wheat. But I have made petition concerning you that your faith would not fail; and you, once you have turned again, establish your brothers" (Luke 22: 31-32).

While I read it this morning, I felt the Lord's humanity is sweet and tender toward us. He really knows the healing art.

For example, sometimes I fail in big things, and I trouble myself afterwards. I say to myself, I am a Christian, and why did I fail like this? Was I not being spiritual and not relying on You enough? I can blame myself a lot. Even when I'm encouraged to get over my self-condemnation, it can come back to me again and again. Oh, but my Saviour Lord, He knows that we're going to fail, and He has made petition for us. On our behalf, even before we fail, He was there overseeing and praying for us. Eventually, our failure is not to cause us to turn away from Him but cause us to turn ourselves to Him so that we can establish our fellow believers.

Many times, this is also our experience. We might still be in tears and find it hard to love Him because of our failures. We might be very disappointed about who we are and find it difficult to go on. When we do serve, we doubt ourselves and wonder, Lord, am I still qualified to serve You and follow You?

Oh, He knows, and not only so, what we are going through can be used to establish others. We can fail, but not fail in faith. We might fail for a short while, but not forever. The one remains forever is Himself- the embodiment of the Word and His lovingkindness (Psalm 136; Luke 21:33)

Lord, thank You for having petition for me before I fail. I shall forget the past, and simply focus on You alone. Your intention is not to remove my foreseen failures but to give Yourself to me even more. Cause me always turn my heart to You whenever I feel that I am strong or weak. When my heart turns, You have a way in me and even to others. I love You, Lord.


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*footnote 1: The timing here in Matthew and Mark is different from Luke and John. In Matthew 26:30-35 Mark 14:26-31, Jesus and disciplines went out to the Mount of Olives, and the conversations concerning disciples and Peter would be stumbled followed. Whereas in Luke 22:31-39 and John 13:30-38 indicated the conversations were in the midst of the Passover feast. The record in John did not even mention about their going out to the Mount of Olives.

The dump spirit has been cast out

Luke 11:14  "And once He was casting out a demon, and it was dumb. And when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the crowds marveled".

Speaking for God and speaking forth God is really a spiritual matter. There was a period of time that I found myself not being able to prophesy on the Lord's day meetings as well as speaking God in the small gatherings. I was not so sure what was going on with me. I did have the enjoyment of God during the week and I served the saints by reading or praying together during the weekdays as well. But somehow, I just couldn't speak Him.

I knew that during that time, I was bothered by a certain matter, and I noticed a saint was bothered by that matter as well. So both of us would not be able to speak for the Lord during that time. Now I know what was going on during that time. Both of us were possessed by the dumb spirit. And now, by the Lord's great mercy, we are able to overcome that matter. And now we can speak Him.

Praise the Lord. Do not let us be possessed by the dumb spirit anymore. You have set us free!