Attuning to Divine Whispers: The Practice of Spiritual Watches

Summary

### Summary

In today's sermon, we delved into the profound practice of keeping spiritual watches. This practice transcends the mere recitation of prayer points and enters a realm where one becomes attuned to the divine whispers and the spiritual dynamics at play. Keeping watches is about being still and listening to what God has to say, as well as being prepared to respond to the challenges and questions posed by life's circumstances and the kingdom of darkness. This practice is not for the spiritually immature but for those who are secure in their relationship with God and can engage in secret spiritual labor without seeking public validation.

We explored the dual benefits of keeping watches: receiving divine instructions and obtaining answers to life's perplexing questions. This practice equips believers with the wisdom and answers needed to navigate life's challenges effectively. It also positions them as valuable assets in God's strategic plans, making them indispensable in the spiritual realm.

We also discussed the importance of understanding the signs that God provides. These signs can be physical or spiritual and require discernment to interpret correctly. For instance, births and deaths are significant signs that point to God's timing and purposes. Patterns in our lives and the rise of certain leaders or prophets are also signs that need to be interpreted to understand God's movements and intentions.

The sermon emphasized the need for believers to be vigilant and discerning, to stand upon their watch, and to interpret the signs that God provides. This practice not only brings divine wisdom and answers but also ensures that believers are aligned with God's will and purposes, making them effective watchmen in their generation.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Essence of Keeping Watches: Keeping spiritual watches is about being still and listening to God's voice. It transcends the recitation of prayer points and involves a deeper level of spiritual engagement where one becomes attuned to divine whispers and spiritual dynamics. This practice is for those who are secure in their relationship with God and can engage in secret spiritual labor without seeking public validation. [00:48]

2. Dual Benefits of Watches: Keeping watches provides two significant benefits: receiving divine instructions and obtaining answers to life's perplexing questions. This practice equips believers with the wisdom and answers needed to navigate life's challenges effectively. It positions them as valuable assets in God's strategic plans, making them indispensable in the spiritual realm. [02:09]

3. Interpreting Signs: Understanding and interpreting signs is crucial for a watchman. These signs can be physical or spiritual and require discernment to interpret correctly. For instance, births and deaths are significant signs that point to God's timing and purposes. Patterns in our lives and the rise of certain leaders or prophets are also signs that need to be interpreted to understand God's movements and intentions. [14:25]

4. The Role of Attacks: Sometimes, the attacks that God allows in our lives are suggestive of our watch hours. These attacks can serve as indicators of when we should be keeping our watches. By understanding the timing and nature of these attacks, we can better align ourselves with God's protective and guiding presence. [06:01]

5. The Importance of Vigilance: Believers must be vigilant and discerning, standing upon their watch and interpreting the signs that God provides. This practice not only brings divine wisdom and answers but also ensures that believers are aligned with God's will and purposes. It makes them effective watchmen in their generation, capable of navigating spiritual and physical challenges with divine insight. [12:02]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:48] - The Essence of Keeping Watches
[01:25] - Listening to God's Voice
[02:09] - Dual Benefits of Watches
[03:16] - The Role of Divine Answers
[04:15] - God's Strategic Plans
[05:31] - God's Communication Style
[06:01] - The Role of Attacks
[07:29] - Understanding Your Watch Hours
[08:38] - The Science of Attacks
[09:29] - Practicalizing Your Watches
[10:08] - The Example of Moses
[11:02] - Activating God's Involvement
[12:02] - The Importance of Vigilance
[13:14] - Responsibilities of a Watchman
[14:25] - Interpreting Signs

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Habakkuk 2:1-2 (NIV)
> "I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.'"

2. Exodus 14:21-24 (NIV)
> "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. During the last watch of the night, the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion."

3. Psalm 74:9 (NIV)
> "We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be."

### Observation Questions

1. What are the two main benefits of keeping spiritual watches as mentioned in the sermon? [02:09]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of understanding and interpreting signs? [14:25]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of attacks in relation to our watch hours? [06:01]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's communication style? [05:31]

### Interpretation Questions

1. In Habakkuk 2:1-2, what does it mean to "stand at my watch" and how does this relate to the practice of keeping spiritual watches discussed in the sermon? [00:48]
2. How does the story of Moses in Exodus 14:21-24 illustrate the importance of keeping watches and God's involvement in our struggles? [10:08]
3. Psalm 74:9 speaks of a time when there were no signs or prophets. How does this contrast with the sermon’s emphasis on the importance of interpreting signs? [14:25]
4. The sermon mentions that watchmen receive answers to life's perplexing questions. How does this align with the biblical examples provided? [02:09]

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you move from merely reciting prayer points to keeping spiritual watches and listening for God's voice? [00:48]
2. Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt God was giving you a sign? How did you interpret it, and what was the outcome? [14:25]
3. The sermon suggests that attacks can indicate our watch hours. Have you noticed any patterns in your life that might suggest specific times you should be more vigilant in prayer? [06:01]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper level of spiritual engagement to become more attuned to divine whispers and spiritual dynamics? [00:48]
5. Think about a recent challenge you faced. Did you seek divine wisdom and answers through keeping watches? How did it impact your response to the situation? [02:09]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of vigilance and discernment. What practical steps can you take to become more vigilant and discerning in your spiritual life? [12:02]
7. How can you apply the concept of interpreting signs in your daily life to better align with God's will and purposes? [14:25]

Devotional

### Day 1: The Essence of Keeping Watches
Keeping spiritual watches is about being still and listening to God's voice. It transcends the recitation of prayer points and involves a deeper level of spiritual engagement where one becomes attuned to divine whispers and spiritual dynamics. This practice is for those who are secure in their relationship with God and can engage in secret spiritual labor without seeking public validation. [00:48]

In the practice of keeping spiritual watches, believers are called to a deeper level of engagement with God. This is not merely about reciting prayer points but about being still and listening to the divine whispers that guide and direct one's spiritual journey. It requires a maturity in faith and a secure relationship with God, allowing one to engage in spiritual labor without the need for public recognition or validation. This practice is about tuning into the spiritual dynamics at play and responding to God's voice with discernment and obedience.

The essence of keeping watches is to cultivate a space where one can hear God's voice clearly. It is a practice that demands stillness and attentiveness, moving beyond the surface level of prayer into a profound communion with the divine. This deeper engagement positions believers to receive divine instructions and insights that are crucial for navigating the complexities of life and fulfilling their spiritual calling.

Habakkuk 2:1 (ESV): "I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint."

Reflection: How can you create a space in your daily routine to be still and listen to God's voice? What steps can you take to deepen your spiritual engagement beyond reciting prayer points?

### Day 2: Dual Benefits of Watches
Keeping watches provides two significant benefits: receiving divine instructions and obtaining answers to life's perplexing questions. This practice equips believers with the wisdom and answers needed to navigate life's challenges effectively. It positions them as valuable assets in God's strategic plans, making them indispensable in the spiritual realm. [02:09]

The practice of keeping spiritual watches offers profound benefits for believers. Firstly, it allows them to receive divine instructions that are essential for their spiritual growth and daily living. These instructions provide clarity and direction, helping believers to make informed decisions and align their actions with God's will. Secondly, keeping watches enables believers to obtain answers to life's perplexing questions. In moments of uncertainty and confusion, this practice becomes a source of divine wisdom and insight, guiding believers through their challenges.

By engaging in this practice, believers become valuable assets in God's strategic plans. They are equipped with the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate the complexities of life and contribute meaningfully to the spiritual realm. This makes them indispensable in fulfilling God's purposes and advancing His kingdom on earth.

James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: What are some perplexing questions or challenges you are currently facing? How can you incorporate the practice of keeping watches to seek divine wisdom and answers for these situations?

### Day 3: Interpreting Signs
Understanding and interpreting signs is crucial for a watchman. These signs can be physical or spiritual and require discernment to interpret correctly. For instance, births and deaths are significant signs that point to God's timing and purposes. Patterns in our lives and the rise of certain leaders or prophets are also signs that need to be interpreted to understand God's movements and intentions. [14:25]

A key aspect of being an effective watchman is the ability to understand and interpret the signs that God provides. These signs can manifest in various forms, both physical and spiritual, and require a keen sense of discernment to interpret correctly. For example, significant life events such as births and deaths often carry deeper spiritual meanings and can indicate God's timing and purposes. Similarly, patterns in our lives and the emergence of certain leaders or prophets can serve as indicators of God's movements and intentions.

Interpreting these signs is not always straightforward and requires a deep connection with God and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. It involves paying attention to the subtle cues and patterns that God uses to communicate His will and purposes. By developing this skill, believers can gain a deeper understanding of God's plans and align themselves more closely with His divine agenda.

Matthew 16:3 (ESV): "And in the morning, 'It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."

Reflection: What are some signs in your life that you believe may carry spiritual significance? How can you develop a deeper sense of discernment to interpret these signs correctly?

### Day 4: The Role of Attacks
Sometimes, the attacks that God allows in our lives are suggestive of our watch hours. These attacks can serve as indicators of when we should be keeping our watches. By understanding the timing and nature of these attacks, we can better align ourselves with God's protective and guiding presence. [06:01]

In the spiritual journey, believers may encounter various attacks that God allows for specific purposes. These attacks can often serve as indicators of when one should be keeping their spiritual watches. By paying attention to the timing and nature of these attacks, believers can gain insights into the spiritual dynamics at play and align themselves more closely with God's protective and guiding presence.

Understanding the role of attacks in one's spiritual life requires a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing these challenges as mere obstacles, believers can see them as opportunities to deepen their reliance on God and to be more vigilant in their spiritual practices. By recognizing the patterns and timing of these attacks, believers can better prepare themselves and respond with greater spiritual resilience and discernment.

Ephesians 6:12 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or attack you have faced. How can you use this experience to better understand your watch hours and align yourself with God's protective presence?

### Day 5: The Importance of Vigilance
Believers must be vigilant and discerning, standing upon their watch and interpreting the signs that God provides. This practice not only brings divine wisdom and answers but also ensures that believers are aligned with God's will and purposes. It makes them effective watchmen in their generation, capable of navigating spiritual and physical challenges with divine insight. [12:02]

Vigilance and discernment are essential qualities for believers who seek to be effective watchmen in their generation. Standing upon their watch involves being constantly alert and attentive to the signs that God provides. This practice not only brings divine wisdom and answers but also ensures that believers are aligned with God's will and purposes. By maintaining a posture of vigilance, believers can navigate both spiritual and physical challenges with greater insight and effectiveness.

Being vigilant means being proactive in one's spiritual practices and remaining sensitive to the movements of the Holy Spirit. It involves a continuous effort to stay connected with God and to interpret the signs and signals that He provides. This level of attentiveness positions believers to respond promptly and accurately to the challenges and opportunities that arise, making them valuable instruments in God's hands.

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to increase your vigilance and discernment? How can you cultivate a more proactive and attentive spiritual practice to align yourself with God's will and purposes?

Quotes

1. "When you keep your watches, the God of answers meets with you and gives you wisdom on how to tackle the questions that the challenges of life are. God will present your way on a daily basis. When you keep your watches, God will share with you the burden that is sustained upon his heart. So you begin to prosecute prayer, not on the level of your need, but on the level of God's need. And when you do that, it means you become a valuable, strategic personnel in the implementation of the plan of God in your generation." [03:48] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Sometimes the attacks that God allows to come into your life is suggestive of your watch hours. You need to understand and become conscious of the science of attacks around your life. Let's try again. How many of you in the night, you've sensed an attack? Something with the one that goes like this. And you say, let's try again. It's not necessarily, it's of the devil. But it's not altogether bad. What it means is at that time, you were supposed to be watching." [06:01] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Sometimes, you need the enemy's help to help you keep the watches. And God is laudable. He will allow the enemy to try you so that you can enter into the full shape of your watchman mode. May the Lord give you understanding in the name of Jesus. Try it for two hours, go back to sleep. If the attack comes, increase it for three hours. You will find when sleeping will be convenient and when watching is prescribed. And you will know your own watch scale. Every watchman has his own watch scale." [08:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When you get to deep places, you will now discover that even the kingdom of God operates by mysteries. So if you're operating in the shallow place, the real business, the real transaction that is taking place in the kingdom of God, you will never know, you'll just be a victim of mysteries. Being administered. I want to be where seals break. Where things that were concealed will be brought to light." [38:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The entire spirit realm operates a protocol of secrecy. What gives us the advantage? Because any time you see the devil operating and he looks strange to you, it means there is a mystery involved, there's a secret involved. What gives us the advantage is that the spirit of God happens to be stronger than Google in searching. Well, the Bible says that the spirit of God searches all things. That means there is nothing hidden from the sight of the spirit of God." [39:14] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I'm provoking you to wake up from your slumber. We need to go and read the numbers and check the signs. So that you will know if there's a traitor in the camp. You need to retrieve your weapons. It is God that teaches his people how to war and our fingers to fight. We are going to do a three month study on spiritual warfare. We have been relaxing. It's time for us to be trained on how to fight." [40:38] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "It is time for us to become warriors in the spirit. And we are going to labor. Labor as a people. Labor as brethren. Until a little one becomes a thousand. Until a small one becomes a strong nation. That which God has proposed. No demon will be able to disannul it. In this year we will show principalities and powers that they are not in control. For Jesus said, The prince of this world cometh. And he found nothing. He wanted to orchestrate an activity. He wanted to cast a die. But there was nothing, no raw material for him to work with. He had to postpone his visitation." [41:18] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "A watchman needs to be able to interpret the meaning of the rise of kings. There was such a time that an Assyrian rose in our neighborhood. With a rod. The reason was because, God wanted to punish us for our disobedience. But we have since begged for mercy. And pleaded. Laying hold of the horns of the altar. Any king that rises among a people. Is pointing to something. His rise is a sign. And the sons of the prophets must know the interpretation. They must know why such a man rose among them." [42:41] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Watch men have details. Details that cannot people. And never research into. They know the foundation of things. And because of this knowledge. They can throw their weight around. When they come to the trading floor of intercession. The challenge now. Is Psalms 74 verse 9. That's the challenge. In view of the above. The psalmist said we see not our signs. That is the state of the average believer. He doesn't see his signs. He's blind to his signs. He's blind to the move of God. He's blind to the things that he needs to see. That will give him an insight. Into the fact that God has begun to act on it." [45:16] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "When you begin to shake the spirit realm with your prayers. Signs begin to pop out. They begin to pop out. And wise men can read them. And they draw encouragement. From the things that they see. From the things that they perceive. From the things that they understand. You think nothing has changed. You lie. You see not your signs." [47:08] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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