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Somebody’s Watching You

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2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere,...

There was a popular song back in the 1980’s titled: Somebody’s Watching Me. The lyrics question: Who’s Watching Me? 1 Peter 1:10-12 states a surprising fact about who’s been watching: The prophets, who prophesied of the grace (divine blessing) which was intended for you, searched and inquired earnestly about this salvation.11 They sought [to find out] to whom or when this was to come which the Spirit of Christ working within them was indicating when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that should follow [them].12 It was then disclosed to them that the services they were rendering were not meant for themselves and their period of time, but for you. [It is these very] things which have now already been made known plainly to you by those who preached the good news (the Gospel) to you by the [same] Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Into these things [the very] angels long to look!

Did you catch the last phrase in verse 12? Into these things [the very] angels long to look! In this passage Peter writes that the prophets didn’t really understand what they were writing about and longed to understand. But not only did the prophets want to know, angels wanted a peak. In fact there is a special classification of angels called Watchers. Daniel 4:13 states: I saw in the visions of my head [as I lay] on my bed, and behold, a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven. In fact Paul states in 1 Cor. 4:9: For it seems to me that God has made an exhibit of us apostles, exposing us to view last [of all, like men in a triumphal procession who are] sentenced to death [and displayed at the end of the line]. For we have become a spectacle to the world [a show in the world’s amphitheater] with both men and angels [as spectators].

Decades ago I was going through some very difficult circumstances and a prayer mentor said to me: you are on display for the angels. I didn’t truly understand what he was referring to. Now I have a little more revelation regarding its meaning. You see angels cannot receive salvation through Jesus. They see the Godhead in all their Glory from the other side of timeless eternity. What they have never experienced is what every blood, bought saint of Jesus experiences everyday: Grace, forgiveness, faith in the unseen as if it is seen, and much more. The amazing thing about all of this? They marvel at the mystery of it all: God’s Mercy, Grace, Love and Kindness – towards creatures like us. Mind you, creatures they have been sent to serve. Creatures of weakness, and foolishness, displaying the Power and Grace of Almighty God. This is what caused the devil to stumble. He became offended at God’s Grace, and inheritance being shared with lesser mortals.

Has a miracle often caused you to praise and worship God? Often those miracles are administered by angels sent to serve you and me. Those miracles cause us to worship and marvel at God’s Grace and Goodness. But guess what? When angels observe you and I struggling, and fighting to believe and trust in the unseen as if it is seen. When they see us giving thanks through difficult circumstances, praising and worshipping the Father and Jesus as if we were there – we become their miracle. You are God’s miracle and you cause Heaven and Earth – Angels and Creation – to worship the Creator. So stay alert. You are being watched as God’s trophy of Grace. You are amplifying the Worship and Praise in Heaven.

The Stance of the Gospel of Peace

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Nahum 1:15 Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good tidings, who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your appointed feasts,
perform your vows. For the wicked one shall no more pass through you; he is utterly cut off.

The root meaning for the root word “good tidings” especially pertained to military encounters whose messenger was fresh from the field of battle. The news that would be brought regarding the battle was the good news of victory. The prophet Nahum refers to the “wicked one.” The New Testament equivalent for this word is Belial. Paul refers to it in 2 Cor. 6:15: What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? NIV Paul is using this name to refer to satan.

What’s the good news of Nahum? Belial, the wicked one, has been utterly cut off. How is he cut off? By the message of the Good News. What is the message of the Good News? For us as believers in Jesus it’s all about the His Blood. But how is this Good News Activated? It’s in the feet of those who proclaim peace or shalom. Paul refers to this in Ephesians 6:15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. The messenger stands on Peace and in Peace. That is their warfare because their trust is in the Prince of Peace. This is how they fight the Good Fight of Faith.

A stance is everything in fighting. It’s your foundation and base. If your foundation, or base, is out of balance you will surely fall. If your foundation, or base, is out of balance neither your offense nor your defense will be effective because the enemy already has you off balance. We overcome our enemy by the Good News of the Blood and the Peace that Good News brings. Revelation 12:9-11 (911!!!) reminds us: And the huge dragon was cast down and out—that age-old serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, he who is the seducer (deceiver) of all humanity the world over; he was forced out and down to the earth, and his angels were flung out along with him.10 Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come—the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out!11 And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

That Blood works because of the One Who sacrificed His Life that we might live. Yet it’s only activated in those who do not cling to life but face death head on. The Apostles were always facing death and Paul reminded us of it: Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter.37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers,39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(Romans 8:36-39)

Yet in the midst of their for Jesus, to themselves, and for others, they became more than conquerors and gained a victory. This is why Paul reminded the Ephesians: Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. (Eph. 6:11) He repeats this topic of standing in verses 13-14: Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth….(Eph. 6:13-14) The conclusion? Tighten up on the Truth, the Gospel, the Blood of Jesus. Know what His Blood and Gospel has secured and fight the Good Fight of Faith knowing that Resurrection Life awaits those who gladly lay down their lives for the Reward of the Lamb and for His suffering! The Battle is won by the proclamation of what His Blood has done. When you feel defeated and discouraged begin to remind the enemy what Jesus’ Blood has done and proclaim it aloud never forgetting your stance is everything. Remember your stance is everything.

Who or What is Your Jericho?

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Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho [a fenced town with high walls] was tightly closed because of the Israelites; no one went out or came in. AMPC

Jericho was the first fortressed city that Israel encountered in their advancement into the Promised Land. It was the first thing that stood between them and the manifestation of their inheritance, and their promises from God. And it was the first thing they were going to have to fight through to break through into all God had for them.

I don’t know about you but I hate conflict and confrontation. Unfortunately, it’s what all the saints of Jesus are called to. The Pre-incarnate Jesus is mentioned in Joshua 5:13-15 and He is described as a Man…with His drawn sword in His hand and Prince of the Lord’s host. King David referred to God, the Father as Lord of Hosts, or Lord Sabaoth, literally interpreted as Lord of Angelic Armies. If you consider yourself a lover and not a fighter – think again. You are called to both. Even the title assigned to Jewish people, Israelites, is an indicator of Jesus’ followers job description. If you remember, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, because he had wrestled with God and overcome. In other words, Jacob had to wrestle or “fight” God for the blessing.

Jericho was tightly closed because the Prince of Heaven’s Armies, as well as His warriors, were just outside its walls. Now that is an interesting thought. Jericho being tightly shut because King and Warrior Jesus, and His people, are just outside getting ready to conquer and cause its walls to fall in submission, and surrender.

But here’s another thing to consider: In the spring, when kings go forth to battle,….2 Samuel 11:1. In Biblical times wars were going to be fought in the spring time. Guess what? Not a whole lot has changed. Ecclesiastes reminds us that To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:…(Eccl. 3:1) We are presently in one of God’s Biblical seasons. There are seasons, or cycles of manifestation, or mountaintop highs, and then there are seasons, or cycles of wildernesses, or valley lows. And presently, we are in a season, or cycle of warfare – spiritual warfare to be more exact. But there’s a sad verse that follows 2 Samuel 11:1 and its this, One evening David arose from his couch… (2 Samuel 11:2) HIS COUCH? What was David the giant-killer, lion smashing, bear stomping warrior of God doing on a couch? He was sending others to battle. He was being tempted to lust after his next door neighbor’s wife. It did not end well for David. It’s true All things work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28) but that doesn’t mean you are going to be unscathed by the poor decisions you have made.

Why do I bring all of these things to your attention? Because now is time when you are called to battle for what God has promised you. In this season, who or what is your Jericho? Who or what is tightly closed to you because you brought Jesus to the fight? Is your Jericho a person, a circumstance, a healing, or a broken-hearted hurting? Is your Jericho an unfulfilled promise or prophetic word you have yet to see manifested that was given years or decades ago? What would happen if you listed those and presented them to the Lord as something to fight towards, and for? What would happen if you got off the “couch” circumstances have assigned you and began to thank God for the unseen as if it is seen?

You might be tempted to think, Well I’ve been dealing with this for decades; I’ve been waiting for the manifestation of this promise for decades. But let me ask you a question, Have you waited for 40 years? Wilderness, wandering Israel had. Have you waited as long as Jesus? He’s still waiting on the Father to answer some of His prayers. Besides, what other plans do you have? Get off your “couch of resignation” and armor up for the fight. We just celebrated Jesus’ fight for our salvation. Fight from victory not towards victory. If you are fighting for victory you have already lost the battle. You aren’t fighting from a place of faith but from unbelief. Ask forgiveness for that and press on. Stand up in and through the finished work of the Cross and Resurrection. Put your trust in His Blood and begin to rigorously give thanks for the unseen as if it is seen.

Confession and Declaration – Day One

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One of the keys to restoring spiritual vision is through the transformation that comes through declaration. Revelation 19:11 states that the “Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of all prophecy.” When we make declaration we are “prophesying” to ourselves. What is prophecy? Prophecy in its essence is the spoken words of God made manifest in reality. Prophetic dreams, visions, or words become manifested realities. Thus when you speak aloud the declarations of God’s Truths you are “prophesying” to yourself, to others and the atmosphere around you. You are speaking for a shift to occur. In these exercises you are seeking for a shift to occur in your spirit and a transformation in your thinking. You are moving beyond your soul man (mind, will, emotions, and personality) addressing your spirit man. As you call to it you cause your soul man to come into alignment. As David spoke to his soul in Psalm 103:1-3 Bless the Lord Oh my soul and all that is within me bless His Holy Name…” If all this is weird, and out of the norm for you, consider the prophets who were to speak to a valley of dry bones to come to life, or for trees to clap their hands.

Revelation 12:11 is our first declaration: And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

The Greek word for “testimony” is “martyria.” It essentially means to testify and is used specifically in Scripture regarding the office committed to the prophets of testifying concerning future events; or what one testifies, or gives a testimony before a judge. (You did’t realize you were called to be a prophet did you?) In this declaration they are overcoming “him” by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of their testimony. So who is “him?” Read the rest of the prophecy in Revelation 12:5-11 below:

Revelation 12: 5-11 And she brought forth a male Child, One Who is destined to shepherd (rule) all the nations with an iron staff (scepter), and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne. And the woman [herself] fled into the desert (wilderness), where she has a retreat prepared [for her] by God, in which she is to be fed and kept safe for 1,260 days (42 months; three and one-half years). Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels went forth to battle with the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought. But they were defeated, and there was no room found for them in heaven any longer. And the huge dragon was cast down and out—that age-old serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, he who is the seducer (deceiver) of all humanity the world over; he was forced out and down to the earth, and his angels were flung out along with him. Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come—the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out! And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

What’s real interesting about this prophecy is that it uses 6 words to describe the devil: dragon, serpent, devil, satan, seducer, and accuser. The title that we want to zero our focus on (we are trying to improve our spiritual vision) is that of satan the accuser. This word in the Greek means that you have become a judge, or plaintiff with an offense. Because of the offenses he makes accusations before the judge. You see this being played out in the book of Job in which satan comes before God’s Throne to accuse Job. For us to be restored to God’s Vision we must overcome the accusations that the devil screams at us, and God. How do you overcome the accusations? By the Blood of Jesus. What has Jesus’ blood done for us? What is it doing for us even as we speak? That is the “Word” of your testimony. Thus our first declaration is to declare our thanks for the awesome victory this has obtained for us:

Day One, Declaration 1: Father God, Lord of Heaven and Earth, I thank and praise you for the precious Blood of Jesus, My Savior, the Lamb of God! I thank you Father that today I stand before Your throne, and before angels, demons, and saints as an overcomer. Jesus has overcome satan, death, hell and sin to make me an overcomer. I stand today overcoming the accusations of your enemy, and mine, by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of my testimony. And my testimony is what Jesus’ Blood has done for me. Thank you Jesus that through Your Blood I have have been washed clean and I am being cleansed. Thank you Jesus that Your blood cleanses away every sin, failure, condemnation, accusation, transgression, iniquity, trespass, and weakness. Thank you Jesus that I have overcome the accuser of the brothers by having Your Blood wash away my past sins, my present sins, and my future sins. I rise up because He rose up. I get back up, even after falling down, because I am washed and I am being washed in the Blood of the Precious, Spotless, Lamb of God. Hallelujah and thank you Jesus! I am Your overcomer! Amen.

Remember don’t just read the confession. Declare it out loud like you mean it. Repeat it throughout the day. Use it when you are reminded of some sin, or failure from your past. Use it when you don’t “feel” like praying or doing right. Prophesy to your obstacles. Prophesy to your pains, or trials. Prophesy to your fears, or doubts. Overcome!