"Give God The Eraser" - Inspirational Weekend

Someone once said, "Write your plans in pencil, but give God the eraser."  This is so true, as only the good Lord knows what the future holds; and also because life is so precarious and risky and uncertain.  We do not even know what the next day may hold, or even the very next hour.  We could make all kinds of grandiose plans for the next day, only to find ourselves in a terrible accident and then handicapped; or we could die before our next breath.   Yet man is notorious for making plans and ignoring God in the process.   I realize we have to have goals in life and to prepare for the future as much as possible, but we need to plan with the knowledge that everything we work for could be taken away at any moment.  We need to put our trust in God and seek His will.  First !

God is in charge !

This all reminds me of James 4:14 , but I will also quote here verses 13 through 16:

"(13) Go to now, ye that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: (14) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow: for what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  (15) For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (16) But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil."

Verse 14 above tells us that life is like a vapor..... a mist, always fleeting, and then fades away. Vanishes. No one can depend on or calculate on the "permanence" of a vapor.  Something as evanescent as a vapor cannot be depended upon and cannot last.   We all have seen a morning mist or ground fog and watched it disappear as the sun rose in the sky.  The vapor or mist simply vanishes with no trace remaining; no outline or anything that will remind us that it ever existed.

"As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.  For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more."  -  Psalm 103:15-16

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.  The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:"  -  1 Peter 1:24

This post is meant to uplift you, but the Scriptures quoted here tell us how frail and transitory life really is.  Which points us to the fact that we need to have a hope beyond what this life on earth holds.  A glorious hope for eternal life with the Lord in heaven !!  So many people live life on earth as if this is all there is; as if there is no hereafter once you die.   "Eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we die" type of mentality.   True believers know better.  This life on earth is a test. A schoolhouse to prepare us for our future with God and Jesus.   It took me a long time to realize that truth; the Bible taught me that, but for many years I did not study God's Word.  I seldom if ever prayed.  I thank the good Lord that He opened my spiritual eyes and my heart to truly embrace the Gospel and Jesus Christ and to have a close relationship with Him.   

In these perilous times in which we live - these last of the last days -  we need to hang on to the hope and promises of God and Jesus.  If we don't, we will be depressed and feel like there is no hope.  But true believers know that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).   Give your heart and mind and soul to Jesus Christ in faith.  Repent of your sins and confess them to God and ask Jesus to come into your heart.   Time is short before the Rapture to heaven of true believers.   

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 4:7

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."   -  Jesus speaking at John 14:27

God Rejoices Over You With Singing !!

Yes, the Almighty powerful true God rejoices with singing !  The thought of Him singing never occurred to me until I read Zephaniah 3:17 which says, "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing."  Isn't that amazing !  This verse in the Revised Standard Version even says that "He will exult over you with LOUD singing."

Some may say that is just figuratively speaking; He doesn't really sing.  I tend to take this verse literally, that God does indeed sing with joy over us.   This verse is primarily speaking of Jerusalem and Israel, and some commentators believe it is speaking of Christ's 1000 year reign of peace on earth after the seven-year Tribulation during the Millennial Kingdom.   Still other scholars are of the opinion that this verse includes the Christian Church today, Christ's Bride.  Regardless, it is a joyful thought for us to consider that our Lord can sing over us like a loving parent does over his child in his arms.   

Zephaniah 3:14 tells us "Sing, O daughter of Zion, shout, O Israel; Be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem."   The people of Jerusalem were singing praises to God, which in turn caused God to expresses joy Himself when His people praised Him.   Therefore, we can make God want to sing when we praise Him in worship and in song.  There is one happy, joyful hymn I enjoy that just makes me feel good all over, especially if I count my blessings as it says to do :

When we count our blessings we are aware of how good the Lord has been to us; we are more appreciative of His love and tender care, and it makes us realize how much we need Him.  Sing along with this happy song and see if your spirits lift and take you to a new appreciation of all that God has bestowed upon you in the way of love and tender mercies and blessings. 

God wants us to be happy, and the only way we can be truly happy is by following Jesus and obeying Him in all we say and do. The way to do this is to pray without ceasing, thereby developing a close personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  When I observe sunsets and beautiful flowers and landscapes, it gives me a feeling of awe where God's power is concerned, and also makes me feel so tiny and insignificant in His presence. At the same time, observing His creation and thinking about His awesomeness draws me closer to Him.   Below is a beautiful time lapse video of skies.

My hope and prayer is that you enjoy these videos and photographs and that you are happy and safe in the Creator's loving and protective arms; that your days may be filled with joy and praise to the Lord.  

Following is one more time lapse video to brighten your day and your week to follow.

Keep a song in your heart, sing praises to God, give Him thanks, and see if you can perceive and sense God singing with joy !

"I will praise Thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works."          -  Psalm 9:1

"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."  -  Hebrews 13:15

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."   -  Jesus speaking at John 10:10b   

"After The Rapture.... What Happens Next? (with video) - Inspirational Weekend

To sum it all up, no sane person would want to live on this earth after the Rapture of the church occurs.  It will be a time of desolation, violence, wars, natural disasters, lawlessness, and untold suffering as Almighty God in heaven pours forth His wrath upon all the ungodly earth dwellers during that time....the time of the seven-year Tribulation.  This is only doom and gloom for the unbelievers;  true believers have the hope of the imminent Rapture when they will be taken to heaven to be with the Lord.   It is prudent to be aware of what will happen on the earth and what will happen to wicked mankind, so you can prepare yourself spiritually by belief and faith in Jesus Christ and surrendering your life to Him, and you can also help friends and relatives and other lost souls to come to Christ so that they will not suffer the Tribulation period.   The following video is an excellent tool to help you to do just that....save your soul and the souls of others.   The creator of this video encourages you to share his video with as many others as you possibly can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWavGDD6r7U

The above video explains what might happen in the first few minutes after the Rapture, the first few hours after the Rapture, and then the day after the Rapture which will be hell on earth.   The creator of this video speculates that many left behind will realize what has happened, and will repent and turn to God and ask Christ to save them; perhaps more people will be saved right after the Rapture than ever before (at one time).   One bit of information that I have mentioned before myself (that there may be a gap of time between the Rapture and the Tribulation), but this video mentions several things that must take place (according to Bible prophecy) that must happen before the seven-year Tribulation begins, all of which will take time that cannot be completed only during the Tribulation period.   I pray that you watch this video; it is an hour long but you will want to see it all once it begins.   I intend to share this video with as many people as I can.

An interesting link concerning- in brief - prophetic events that must take place in the end times may be read here.    

As I have strongly urged you many times before, if you find yourself left behind during the Tribulation, do NOT take the Mark of the Beast (the antichrist).   Many will take it in order to buy and sell and to have food, but they will forfeit their very souls by thus pledging their allegiance to the antichrist instead of to the One True God, Yahweh.   (Revelation 3:16-18).   Most scholars believe this Mark will be an RFID chip or some similar type of tattoo that has your entire history in it, such as your bank account so that it can be used to buy and sell.....and no doubt connected to some internet system to keep track of you and your actions.  

Below are two passages of Scripture that pertain to the Rapture of true believers.   There is much to be joyful about and much to look forward to if you have put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."  -  1 Corinthians 15:51-54 

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words."  -  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

Billy Crone On The Imminent Rapture - Pre-trib, Pre-wrath, Mid-trib, Post-trib; Which ? - Informative Video

So many Christians are in a "battle" with each other over whether the Rapture of the Church will occur before the Tribulation, or somewhere during or even after the seven-year Tribulation.  We need to spend less time debating about all this and more time in evangelizing and saving souls from hell, so says Billy Crone in the following video and I entirely agree with him on that.   He shares excellent Scriptures and reasons to support his view, which is that the Rapture will occur prior to the tribulation period.   Please watch the entire video as it is chock full of fantastic information.

I mention the Rapture often, because it is closer to happening than ever before, the way Bible prophecy is being fulfilled at such a fast pace now....many things converging all at one time.   My hope is that the Scriptures and the videos I share will bring others to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior before the Tribulation.  After the trib. begins, it will be more difficult to do so; you will be subject to mistreatment in the antichrist's one world government, and you must choose to be martyred rather than to take the Mark of the Beast.  (Revelation 13:16-18).  Those who take the Mark of the Beast in order to buy and sell and to keep from starving will lose their very souls.   You do not want to go through the Tribulation !!  More information about this may be read here.

In the video above, Billy Crone focuses primarily on the Rapture and the reason for the Pre-Tribulation belief, which he explains thoroughly.   I like how he says that Jesus would not "beat up" His Bride (the Church) before He "married her" (in heaven) by causing her to suffer any part of the Tribulation.    

"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,"                      -  1 Thessalonians 5:9

"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."        -  Romans 5:9

"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."  -  Hebrews 10:37

News Alert ! Aleppo Has Fallen - Damascus Will Be Next !

Just posted today by Amir Tsarfati, another update on Middle East affairs.  This is HUGE !!   Aleppo has fallen!  It is the largest city in Syria and it has fallen into the hands of the Syrian regime, the Russian military, and the Iranians.  Amir feels certain that Damascus will be the next to fall.  (Isaiah 17)    Please watch this short video report by Mr. Tsarfati, a Christian living in Israel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8RdUTGDoe8

Last week I posted another video with Amir about Damascus .  In that post I quoted the prophecy in Isaiah 17 which says that Damascus will be a heap of ruins....destroyed completely, in other words.  Isaiah 17 also informs us that it will be Israel who destroys Damascus.  I urge you to read that post.

These current events prove how relevant and true Bible prophecy is, and things are converging now like never before.....things pertaining to the end times.   We need to make sure we are right with the Lord as time is short...He will return soon !   Will you be ready?   Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and your Lord and Master?   If not, you will be left behind when Jesus raptures His Bride, the Church, and then you will suffer horrendous atrocities and untold suffering during the seven-year tribulation that will follow.   Unless you turn to Jesus Christ, you will suffer eternity in hell.

Romans 10:9-10, 13 tells us, "(9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Don't delay!  Repent of your sins; change your life to be a godly one; believe in Jesus with all of your heart, mind, and soul.   All you need to do is to confess your sins to God, ask for forgiveness, and truly repent and totally commit your life to the Lord.  As time goes on, as you read the Bible and pray continuously, you will see unfolding in your life a close,  personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   Our whole purpose in life is to bring honor and glory to the Lord !

"How To Acquire Wisdom" - Inspirational Weekend

Most of us, myself included, realize that we may not be the "sharpest knife in the drawer"....there are plenty of others who are geniuses while we are not. The online dictionary says that knowledge is "Acquaintance with facts, truths, or principals; as from study or investigation."  But wisdom can judge what is true and apply what knowledge we have to make decisions and choices.  "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge" says Dr. Charles Stanley.  The wisdom that we should be concerned about is not as the world sees things, but instead true godly wisdom should be our goal.  

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."  -  James 1:5-6

The King James Study Bible notes tells us "wisdom is not just acquired information but practical insight with spiritual implications."  We therefore need to pray for wisdom to guide us in our everyday life, and in the decisions we make.   I am reminded of ancient King Solomon who was the wisest man that ever lived.   When God spoke to Solomon at the beginning of his reign over the nation of Israel,  God simply said, "Ask what I shall give thee."  Solomon was young (around 20 years old) at the beginning of his kingship, He replied to the LORD, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?  And the speech pleased the LORD, that Solomon had asked this thing."  So God told him "Behold, I have done according to thy word: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee."  (Read 1 Kings 3:1-15).  

Solomon was also given riches and honor by God.  He did fine until he married foreign wives who worshiped false gods and they turned Solomon's wisdom into folly.  Think about it....he had 700 wives and 300 concubines....how foolish is that !  But his greatest folly was, when he was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, "and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father."   ( 1 Kings 11:1-13)   If the wisest man who ever lived could fall away from Almighty God, let us be ever so cautious not to make the same mistake.  It may be that we worship the god of money, or materialism itself, or worship another person other than God.  Beware lest you fall!

"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall"  -  1 Corinthians 10:12

Solomon, before his folly, wrote many Proverbs as well as Ecclesiastes and perhaps Song of Solomon as well.  Proverbs especially speaks much of wisdom, as the following verses show.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

- Proverbs 9:10

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:  and with all thy getting get understanding."      - Proverbs 4:7

"He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good."

- Proverbs 19:8

It is evident that true wisdom comes from God.  "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."  -  James 3:17.    By reading and meditating on God's Word we gain knowledge and as we put God's precepts into practice and also deep into our heart and soul, we acquire this wisdom from above.   We need to study, ponder, and follow God's Word  in order to know how to put God's Word into practice in everyday life.   To live godly and wisely.  If you truly have God's wisdom it will be evident by how you live.  

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge amongst you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."   -  James 3:13

Following is an excellent sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley titled "Acquiring Wisdom".  He gives 7 ways  as to how we can acquire wisdom.

Dr. Stanley points out that the most important and wisest choice we can make is to to choose life and Jesus as our Savior, Lord and Master.  In other words, to determine where you will spend eternity.

"And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."  -  Job 28:28

Have a blessed and Christ-centered weekend !

News Alert - Israel Attacks Damascus !

Following is a video update by Amir Tsarfati , a Jewish believer in Jesus Christ as the Messiah.  Amir is a Christian who has a thriving ministry and who lives in Israel.  Bible Prophecy is coming to pass right before our eyes, as Israel has just attacked Damascus.  ( Isaiah 17)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk7m6N2Tzwk

The Prophecy about Damascus being totally destroyed as shown in Isaiah 17 has not been completely fulfilled yet, however, as Damascus is not a total heap of ruins yet.   Let me quote part of Isaiah 17.

"The burden of Damascus.  Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."  -  Isaiah 17:1

"In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel:  and there shall be desolation"  -  Isaiah 17:9

Verse 9 makes it clear that Damascus will be destroyed by Israel.

Speaking of Damascus,  verse 14 of Isaiah 17 tells us, "And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not.  This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us."

Verse 14 tells us that at the evening time, Damascus is standing, but before the morning will be destroyed.   This smacks of a nuclear bomb.

I have written about this prophecy before at this link .   A wonderful article from RaptureReady.com goes into more detail here

Israel is God's time clock.  Pay attention to events in the Middle East.  We are in the end times and we need to be looking up in expectation of Jesus' return.   Time is short.  Bible prophecy is being fulfilled daily now like never before as we head to the end of these end times.

Regarding signs of the end times, at Luke 21:28 Jesus said,  "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."  -  Jesus at Luke 21:36

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"The Potter And The Clay; Have Thine Own Way, Lord" - Inspirational Weekend

For 3 or 4 days that hymn "Have Thine Own Way Lord" has been going through my mind often.  In the morning I listen to old hymns on You Tube before I begin my Bible reading and study every day, and that is one hymn I have listened to frequently.  Have you ever had a tune pop up in your mind and it won't let go?  I felt compelled to do a post here about letting God have His own way, as well as Bible verses about the Potter and the clay.   Let's begin with a 5 minute video (below) with quoted Scriptures while showing a potter molding and shaping a clay pot.  It is interesting and inspirational.

When I was a child, the artist/singer Jim Reeves was popular.  My mother, but especially my stepfather, liked Country Music which I had no choice but to listen to.   I grew to enjoy the songs by Jim Reeves.....there is something unique about his voice.   Following is his version of the hymn "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" ;

To let the Lord have His own way, we need to first know what His way - His Will - is for us individually as well as for the nations   Almighty God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the nation of Israel and likened Himself to a Potter, with Israel being the clay.  You might like to read Jeremiah 18 and 19 for some background.   

"The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, (2) Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.  (3) Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.  (4) And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. (5) Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, (6) O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD.  Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel." - Jeremiah 18:1-6  

Jeremiah knew that not only did this refer to Israel, but to himself and to each individual as well....that we believers are going to be molded and shaped by our Heavenly Father, to conform to His will for us.  That means He wants us to be more Christ-like.  "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn amongst many brethren."  -  Romans 8:29. "For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps."  - 1 Peter 2:21  .   

"Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: For shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not?  Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?"  -  Isaiah 29:15

Romans 9:20-21 tells us, "(20) Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?  Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?  (21) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"

Who are we puny humans to defy God?  To purposely disobey Him by being stubborn and self-willed?  God is the Sovereign of the universe and He is in control, not us.   It all boils down to surrendering all to God/Jesus and putting His will first in our lives.  There is a previous post here about how to surrender all to God .  The main thing is to simply obey Him in all matters, putting God's will first as I stated previously.  We learn to know His will by prayer and by reading His Holy Word.  The Lord shapes us and molds us so that He may use us in His service.  That especially includes witnessing about Jesus to lost souls.        1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God's will is to "have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

God loves us just as we are right now, but because of His love He continuously molds and shapes us into "vessels of honor", so we can be filled with His Holy Spirit and live lives that bring Him glory and honor   This growth process is a continual, daily process of molding and changing us.  If we "mess up" take comfort in the knowledge that you are a child of God and He is disciplining you and forming you - patiently - into a godly and more Christ-like child.   

God will use other people to help mold you, and He will use His Word as well.  He is patient with you, and you need to realize His love in order to behave in a manner of gratitude, obedience,  reverence, and to love Him in return.    Surrender all to Jesus; be totally and wholeheartedly committed to Him and His will, and you will be blessed.

"One of the most arduous spiritual tasks is that of giving up control and allowing the Spirit of God to lead our lives."  -  Henri Nouwen

"We are either in the process of resisting God's truth, or in the process of being shaped and molded by His truth."  -  Charles Stanley  

Where Is Your Hope ? In Men Or In God? (In View Of America's Recent Election)

In light of the recent election in America, how does it all fit with Bible prophecy and the end times?  My mind is crammed full of so much information, that I hardly know where to begin; yet at the same time I will try to abbreviate it all somewhat.   I purposely do not delve into politics on this blog, but you have to admit this election was a bit miraculous in many ways.   Some are saying that Donald Trump is our modern day Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-2; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23) and that Trump fulfills prophecy in other ways as well .  I will not go there about Trump, but the Bible tells us that in the last days before the Rapture of the Church, (true followers of Jesus), that things will be normal in the sense that people will be marrying and carrying on business as usual when Jesus returns for His Bride, the Church.

"And as it was in the days of Noe (Noah), so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."  -  Jesus speaking at Luke 17::26-30 .  See also Matthew 24:37-39.  

The Son of man in these verses is, of course, referring to Jesus Christ.  In Zechariah 12:3 it states that, regarding Israel, that all the nations of the world will be against the tiny country of Israel.   Donald Trump, however, is saying he will be friends with Israel.  That does not fit Bible prophecy.   Jan Markell has written an article titled, "So Is The Rapture Now On Hold?" which you can read here.   She states at the end of the article that the Rapture is not delayed.   However, American politics will not affect God's plans in any way whatsoever.  He may, though, use this country's politics to bring His plans to pass.    God is in charge !

The globalists are already trying to change things by taking a recount of the votes in order to make it look as if Clinton won, so they can work towards their New World Order ....One World Government, One World Economy, and One World Religion, in order to control the masses.   As you know, Trump is acting independently of the Elites and is his own man.   Unfortunately, he is terribly outnumbered.  We need to pray for him and also pray for America.  We desperately need to pray for ourselves as to what lies ahead, and also for God to intervene in order to help us gain lost souls to His kingdom before time runs out .....before the Rapture of true believers and the Tribulation period after that.

We need to look to the good Lord for help and direction and safety.  Have faith and trust in God, not men.

"Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help."  -  Psalm 146:3 .   In this verse the son of man is not referring to Jesus but to men in general.

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."  -  Psalm 118:8-9

I intend to do another post soon concerning the One World Government and its economy and false religion.   In the meantime, you may want to read Revelation 13 concerning this New World Order.  The one world religion is described in Revelation 17 if you would like to read that as well.   It is my opinion that this new system will not occur until during the 7 year tribulation period, when the antichrist is revealed.  However, the foundation for the NWO has already been laid and is being implemented in ways even now,  Therefore, if this new world government and other prophesied events are soon to occur, that means the Rapture of the true believers is even closer.   We will be in heaven when all hell breaks loose upon the earth during the Tribulation.   

Keep watching for the Lord !  Live godly lives so that you will be among those raptured when Jesus returns.   But it is not your works that save you, it is faith and heartfelt belief in Jesus as your Savior and the belief in the fact that He was resurrrected that seals you as a child of God, with heaven as your future home.  

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."  -  Ephesians 2:8-9

"And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."  - 1 John 3:3

"Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.;"  -  Titus 2: 12-13

"Thanksgiving Is The Language Of Heaven" - Inspirational Weekend

"Thanksgiving is the language of heaven....." says A.J. Gossip, a professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow.   I thought that quote was rather beautiful and expresses all the praise, thanksgiving, and worship to God that the angels and the saints in heaven are continuously proclaiming.  Imagine if all mankind on earth were to do the same.....now, before they die.   It would be a healing and transforming movement.   

The Bible has much to say about giving thanks to the Lord.   When we sing hymns and give praise and thanks to God, it uplifts our spirits to grand heights,   Harry Ironside, an American preacher, has said  "We would worry less if we praised more.  Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and disatisfaction."

"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon Me in the day of trouble:  I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me."  -  Psalm 50:14-15.

"Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:" - Psalm 147:7

Philippians 4:6 tells us: "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."  All Scripture is wonderful and beneficial, but Philippians 4 is special to me.  Read verses 6-8 and also verse 13, the latter verse reads, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."   That verse 13 saw me through some tough times and kept me hanging on.   But I digress a bit.  

Following is a sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley titled, "Thanksgiving In The Midst of Adversity." 

If you are not currently experiencing adversity, chances are you have in the past and will again in the future.  Not to mention the conflict and adversity in America itself in these last days we are living in.  I urge you to watch this 23 minute video, as it is quite relevant to everyone.   In this sermon, Dr. Stanley gives 9 ways we can be thankful even in the midst of adversity.   One thing he touched on and that I have learned from experience is that we need to view everything that happens to us as coming from God, or allowed by God.  When we do that, and go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him what He is trying to teach us by this adversity, it helps to alleviate the stress and sense of helplessness that can overcome us when we are stricken by hard times, heartache, pain......and the list goes on.  Just remember that you are not alone.......God is with you.  (Hebrews 13:5).  If you would spend time in prayer and Bible reading, (developing a close, personal relationship with Him) you would realize the Lord is near and waiting to direct your path.  Remember that when we are grateful, we will learn to focus on God and not on our circumstances.

"Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow."        -     Henry Ward Beecher 

Bottom line is :  When you have a close, personal and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you will find the faith and the strength to persevere during trials and hardships, and to wait on the Lord for direction.  Only He can give you the endurance necessary to "ride out" various adverse conditions.  

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."                            -  1 Thessalonians 5:18

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."  -  Colossians 3:17

"End-Time Events And The Last Jubilee Year (2017?) - Inspirational Weekend

Would you like a brand new start with all debts forgiven?  To be set "free"?   Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it !   Well, the ancient Israelis were told to have a "Jubilee" year every 50 years, in which that would all happen, making it a new start for everyone at that time.   We all know of the 7 day Sabbath, which is a rest for man.  Then the Jews were to have a 7 year Sabbath, which was a rest for the land.   Dan Goodwin, author and Bible prophecy speaker and evangelist, calls the Jubilee year a "Super Sabbath."  Please watch the informative video that follows.

We all remember the Israeli 6 day war of 1967.   Mr. Goodwin and others believe that might have been a Jubilee year, which would make 2017 another Jubilee year.  No one is exactly sure when the Jubilee is today because the Jews stopped celebrating it long ago around the Second Century BCE.  In the video above, Dan Goodwin believes 2017 is very significant as he believes the Lord Jesus Christ could possibly return then.....although he makes it clear he is not date setting.   Jesus in the Bible at Matthew 24:36 tells us, "But of that day and hour knoweth  no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only."

Jesus also in Matthew 24 and other Gospel books told us signs of His near return; that we would recognize it as near; that we would be aware of the season and its significance; but it is clear we would not know the exact time of His return.   If we did, His return would not be imminent, as the Bible teaches us.  

This 50th year occurs on one of God's Feast Days - the Day of Atonement.  (Leviticus 16; 23:26-32). Today it is commonly called Yom Kippur.  It typifies or points to the work of Christ, who is our High Priest (Hebrews 13:11-12).

In the above video, Mr. Goodwin speaks of an ancient Hebrew, Judah Ben Samuel, who gave prophecies concerning the future Jubilees, including one that says 2017 would be significant.   Here is a link, and another link to the year 2012 articles about Judah Ben Samuel's prophecies, for those who are interested in pursuing this further.   Like Dan Goodwin, I do not put my hope and belief in what a certain man says, but only in what God's Word the Bible tells us....and through what the prophets in the Bible spoke by God's Holy Spirit.

However, we are definitely living in the last of the last days.   Bible prophecy is being fulfilled daily...right in front of us, and is occurring more frequently and with greater intensity than ever before.    This means we are to be watchful and looking up for the Lord's return.  And, as I have said many times previously, we need to be living a life that is pleasing to Jesus and totally surrendered to Him and His will.   This reminds me of the hymn "I Surrender All", which I have posted here before but feel the urge to post it again.

 

I am also reminded of the quote by Adrian Rogers:  "If satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."  

We can get so caught up in our careers and day to day cares and concerns, that we don't take the time to pray and read the Bible.  That is so sad, because that is how we can grow and mature as effective Christians and, most importantly, to have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Unless you spend quality time with someone...talking, sharing, and showing love and concern, you really never come to truly KNOW that person.  The same is true of God.   James 4:8a says, "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you."

"Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe.  But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God."  -  A. W. Tozer

"The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath is against all them that forsake Him."  -  Ezra 8:22b

"Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near."  -  Isaiah 55:6

Have a blessed weekend !  Remember, God loves you and He is near, waiting for you to turn to Him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength  (Mark 12:30-31).  Don't delay !  

Billy Crone On Artificial Intelligence, Super Soldiers, RFID Chips, Mark Of The Beast, And More End-Time Events

Back in the 90's Google started out not just being another search engine, but to develop and create Artificial Intelligence.   They gather information on us and then put it into a data base to "feed" the AI so it will have the total human experience.  Many of you are already aware of this fact.  IBM is also working on artificial intelligence, only lately they are calling it Augmented Intelligence.  This can become dangerous if the AI becomes self-aware and decides people need to be terminated.   This and more is touched on in the following 28 minute video featuring Billy Crone, a pastor of a Las Vegas church who also creates many various videos on topics pertaining to these end times we are living in now.  

Please take the time to watch this information packed video on subjects that will wake us up to the corruption and also the unbelievable things that are happening now that will change the way we live and the way we think; that is, if the Lord tarries.  I believe that many of these developments, which are being created and implemented now, will happen during the seven-year tribulation period, which occurs after the Rapture of the Church to heaven to be with the Lord.   I have touched on this in more than one other blog post, one of which is found here.  That post of mine, as well as what Billy Crone discusses in the above video, touches on the Mark of the Beast  (Antichrist) .....read Revelation 13:16-17.    The powers that be plan to microchip everything (trees, animals, humans) so they can keep track of everything and everybody.  This will make it possible to track humans so that they can neither buy or sell without the Mark of the antichrist on their hand or on their forehead. If it is not an RFID chip, it could possibly be a tattoo.  I have heard some scholars say that this chip may be able to alter your DNA to where you, in a sense, lose your soul..... which you will do anyway if you pledge your allegiance to the antichrist, to follow him instead of Almighty God.   

Then there is transhumanism and human hybrids....genetically modifying human beings.   In transhumanism, the thought is that you will be your own god and will be able to achieve eternal life without the One True God.    So they think.   It all goes back to Genesis 3 when the devil told Eve that if she ate of one certain tree forbidden by God, that she would not die and would be like a god herself.   (Genesis 3:1-6).... or better yet, read the entire chapter.   

You may search the Internet for more information on these topics.  What I wish to stress now is that we should be in right standing with the Lord; fully trusting in God and in Jesus as our Savior.  Not just head knowledge of Him, but true, deep-down, heartfelt belief and trust.   So many people who call themselves Christians are fooled by their so-called head knowledge only and not by a true conversion to the Lord.  That is why so many are carnally or worldly minded and do not have their focus on Jesus and pleasing Him and living totally surrendered to Him.  

Turn to the Lord now in faith and surrender to Him before it is too late !

"The Foolishness Of God" - Inspirational Weekend

I photographed this scene at the Honolulu Foster Botanical Gardens.   The man (unknown to me) is studying a guide to the plants and paths in the Garden. It was an opportunity to show the immense size of the tree compared to the height of the man.  As he is studying the guide and which path to take, it reminds me of how we need to study the Bible to direct our paths and choices.

As I was reading the Bible earlier this week, the phrase "foolishness of God" struck me and I decided then and there to do a blog post on I Corinthians 1:25.   

Of course, there is no foolishness of God.  It just appears that way to ungodly men who do not appreciate or understand the Gospel and Christ crucified.   There are so many scoffers today (2 Peter 3:3-4).  They scoff not only about the supposed "delay" of the Rapture, but also about the fact that the Son of God who was crucified could save us when He did not save Himself from death on the cross. They fail to comprehend that Jesus had to shed His precious blood as a way to save all who believe in Him .....His blood washes away our sins.  On the cross, Christ was our substitute; He took the sins of the whole world upon Himself so that we might not die in our sins if we believe in Him.  The fact that Jesus was resurrected gives us believers hope of eternal life as well.  We also will be resurrected after death or caught up to Heaven in the Rapture, whichever occurs first.  Many people today are immersed in pleasure, career, selfish pursuits of all types, ambition, and the list goes on.   They live secular lives, never giving thought to Jesus and God and where they will spend eternity.   The Gospel and Christ puts a damper, so they think. on their selfish pursuits and wild lifestyles.  Even if they are not pursuing a wild life, they are still dead spiritually without faith in Jesus, and will spend eternity in Hell unless they repent and live a life totally surrendered to the Lord.  

Also, ungodly persons feel that the actual preaching itself of the Gospel is foolishness. But God can use the meekest and weakest of men to preach Christ with clarity and effectiveness.   Therefore, they can be stronger in their effectiveness than the wisest of worldly men.   The world's wisdom is foolishness.  

I Corinthians 1:25 speaks not only of the foolishness of God, but also of the weakness of God as being stronger than men.   God is not weak; it only appears so to people who are carnally minded and who do not have a spiritual understanding of the things of God.   It no doubt takes strength on the Lord's part not to just zap all the ungodly and be done with it.  .However, we are in the age of grace right now and God is long suffering.  

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  - 2 Peter 3:9

After the Rapture of the Church, and during the seven-year tribulation, there will be much destruction and the wicked people will suffer and die.  Now is the time to turn to the Lord in repentance !!  To depart from evil is the wisest thing anyone can do;  that and turning to the Lord and living for Him.

When you appreciate the beauty of orchids and all of God's creation, you can see the wisdom of God in His handiwork.  Seeing all the marvels of nature should draw us close to the Lord; He is, after all, the Creator of man as well.  Just think of the miracle of a baby growing in the womb; the precision found in the heavenly planets and stars.  Also consider the tender love that wild animals (as well as our pets) show towards their offspring ....because of the instinct the loving heavenly Father put within them.  Think about the instinct of the wild birds to migrate each year....the list could continue forever!  One thing I never tire of is the beauty of sunsets and sunrises.  Below is a very short time lapse video of gorgeous sunsets:

Also consider the caterpillar that miraculously becomes a butterfly:

I used to own tropical fish, and spent much relaxing time watching them swim in the tank.  God showed love and wisdom in creating such a variety of fish and other animals for our enjoyment. Enjoy the following:

How mighty and amazing is our Creator!  How dare mankind to ignore Him and even to blaspheme Him !  The wonders of His creation testify to His great love and His awesomeness.  Yet man can be extremely proud and defiant towards Him, to their own peril.  We only have one life!  Only what's done for Christ will last !  (As the powerful poem goes).

Many people today think they are way too wise to believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are very proud of their human wisdom.   Just remember that what the world considers foolishness is instead a sign of God's love and wisdom.   Open and read your Bible. By doing so you will come to intimately know God and Jesus and your love for them will grow as you study and pray and learn to comprehend their loving attributes.

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"  -  I Peter 1:18-19

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."  -     I John 2:17

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me."  -  John 14:6

Prophecy Updates - Current World Events From A Biblical Viewpoint - Amir Tsarfati

I felt the need to post a couple of recent videos concerning world events (including America).  I know the election is on everyone's mind right now, but we must also pay attention to other news as it will also affect us one way or another.   The first video was posted on You Tube this morning and discusses what Russia is up to lately. 

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9gLvJO1Iw8

One of the subjects discussed in the above video link is the fact that Russia has been making maps of where internet cables are located in various areas and may possibly be intending to "cut" the cables to disrupt communications for whatever reasons, maybe if war breaks out.

The next video is by Israeli Amir Tsarfati, who gave his life to Jesus when he was a high school senior.   He has a thriving ministry and travels extensively to preach about end-time events and Bible prophecy.  In August of this year he spoke at a church here in the Honolulu area.   In this video below he speaks of events in the Middle East, mentions American politics (Hillary and Trump), the Rapture, and something interesting about when the Pope recently visited Sweden.   It seems the Pope thinks we need to add six more beatitudes to the Holy Bible.   Amir quotes what they are in the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAsgcB9-anw

You may find Amir on You Tube at Behold Israel and also at his website http:www.beholdisrael.org 

I have mentioned before about the move for a One World Government, a Global Economy, and a One World Religion.   All the chaos we see happening is preparing us to surrender to a world dictator, the antichrist, who will seem, at first, to solve the world's problems.  He will come to power during the seven-year Tribulation period.   But Jesus followers, take heart!  We will be raptured before the antichrist appears on the scene.   If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and Master, now is the time to do so !   You will avoid all of the horrors and destruction that take place in the Tribulation.   But most of all, you will be with Jesus in heaven while God's wrath is being poured out on the ungodly left on earth during that 7 year period; and you will be with God and Jesus for all eternity as well.  

We live in an amazing time when end-time Bible prophecy is being fulfilled daily.  It just increases the believers' faith to witness all that is happening now and gives us hope and faith that the Lord will return very soon.  This hope gives joy and peace to believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit."  -  Romans 15:13

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."  -  Jesus at Luke 21:28, speaking of end-time events

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."   -  Jesus speaking at John  14:1-3

"When Troubles Come Your Way" - Inspirational Weekend

Troubles, trials, and heartache come and go in our lives.  Some can be our own fault, some can be the fault of others, and still some trouble comes our way because God is disciplining or chastising us.  And then again, some troubles are really imaginary; they are only in the mind.   This reminds me of a French philosopher who made the statement, "My life is full of catastrophies, most of which never happened."   

But for troubles and trials that are all too real and painful, what can we do?  One of the things I learned from Dr. Charles Stanley is that we should look at everything as coming from God.   He can use our afflictions to draw us to Him and to correct us and set us on the right path.   Following is a quote by E.M. Bounds:  " Trouble is God's servant, doing His will unless He is defeated in the execution of that will.  Trouble is under the control of Almighty God, and is one of His most efficient agents in fulfilling His purposes and in perfecting His saints.  God's hand is in every trouble which breaks into the lives of men.  Not that He directly and arbitrarily orders every unpleasant experience of life.  Not that He is personally responsible for every painful and afflicting thing which comes into the lives of His people.  But no trouble is ever turned loose in this world and comes into the life of saint or sinner, but comes with divine permission, and is allowed to exist and do its painful work with God's hand in it or on it, carrying out His gracious designs of redemption.   All things are under divine control."

All that being true, the best course of action to take when troubles and afflictions arise is to turn to the Lord in prayer.   "And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me."  - Psalm 50:15 .    Prayer is the best and the most helpful thing to do in times of trouble.   Ask the good Lord what He wants you to do; ask for guidance.   Sometimes the answer is to just "wait on the Lord."  Psalm 27:14 tells us, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."   That verse has helped me tremendously to cope in times of distress and trouble.  

Following is a 5 minute sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley titled, "Focus on God, not your problems".

 Sometimes in an emergency we might feel like we need an answer immediately, never mind waiting on God.   This is where faith comes in.  Trust and faith.   You still need to get on your knees and pray with all your heart and pour everything out to the good Lord.   It is possible to receive an answer right away from Him.  If not, you may need to consult a pastor or a mature Christian for advice.  Better yet, have that person pray for you as well.   In my experience, however, the Lord always points the way.  But in an emergency situation, other people can be a great help.

Ultimately, it is Yahweh to whom we should look for guidance and comfort. No one can do what He can do.  He will send His Holy Spirit to help you cope and find your way in the midst of turmoil or just plain old troubles.   All of this may be things you already know, but we all need reminders from time to time.   

"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble."  - Job 14:1

"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"  -   Luke 18:1

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."   -         Romans 8:26

This song by Selah, "You Raise Me Up", seems to be a fitting way to end this post.  It is uplifting and encouraging, and quite beautiful.  When you pray, God raises you up and gives you hope.

Keep looking up !  Have a wonderful weekend !

"Thoughts On Prayer and Living For God" - Inspirational Weekend

Forget yourself!  If you truly want to live for God, you must put Him and Jesus first in your life; put God's will first above anything and everyone else.  Forget about your self-centered desires, and ask the good Lord what His will is for your life.  Our chief purpose is to glorify God !   This reminds me of Ecclesiastes 12:13 :  ":Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."  When you have a reverent fear of God and want to do His will above all else; and when you endeavor to keep His commandments, then you are leading a life that pleases the Lord and that glorifies Him.  

The commandment spoken by Jesus at Matthew 22:37-40 says,  "(37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment.  (39)  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."  

"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."  -    1 John 4:16 

With hearts full of love for God and Jesus and also love for our neighbor, we are truly living for God.

Not to forget 1 John 4:7, which tells us , "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."

We get to know God by much prayer and by reading and studying His Holy Word.  His Word is full of His glorious attributes, and the more we read, the more we learn about Him and Jesus; which in turn teaches us to love the Lord more and more as time goes on.  As we draw closer and closer to God, we begin to think of His desires more than we do of our own.  Also, this love for the Lord will incline us to always be obedient to Him, which is another way to glorify Him.   If you are not obedient to God, then perhaps you are not truly born again.  There are many other ways that we may glorify God, but for now let us concentrate on prayer. 

I would like to quote E.M. Bounds from his book on prayer:  " Desire is not merely a simple wish; it is a deep seated craving; an intense longing, for attainment.  In the realm of spiritual affairs, it is an important adjunct to prayer.  Desire precedes prayer, accompanies it, is followed by it.  Desire goes before prayer, and by it, created and intensified.  Prayer is the oral expression of desire.  .....If prayer is asking God for something, then prayer must be expressed.  Prayer comes out into the open.  Desire is silent.  ......The deeper the desire, the stronger the prayer.  Without desire, prayer is a meaningless mumble of words.  Such perfunctory, formal praying, with no heart, no feeling, no real desire accompanying it, is to be shunned like a pestilence.  Its exercise is a waste of precious time, and from it, no real  blessing accrues."

Desire, as expressed by Mr. Bounds, is normal and necessary when it comes to prayer.  But it is selfish desires and putting our will first that is displeasing to the Lord.

E.M. Bounds continues:  "Spiritual desire, carried to a higher degree, is the evidence of the new birth. It is born in the renewed soul.  'As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.'  (I Peter 2:2).  The absence of this holy desire in the heart is presumptive proof, either of a decline in spiritual ecstasy, or that the new birth has never taken place.  ' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.'  (Matthew 5:6).  These heaven-given appetites are the proof of a renewed heart, the evidence of a stirring spiritual life.    ...........This, then, is the basis of prayer which compels an answer -  that strong inward desire has entered into the spiritual appetite, and clamors to be satisfied.    ..........  God draws mightily near to the praying soul.  To see God, to know God, and to live for God - these form the objective of all true praying.  Thus, praying is, after all, inspired to seek after God."

One time, a few months back, I was in deep, earnest prayer and weeping as I prayed and pleading with God. A still small voice spoke to my heart and soul, saying, "Is anything too hard for Me?"   I knew it was the Lord encouraging me.   Later, I looked up Scriptures on that subject and found in Genesis 18:14 "Is anything too hard for the LORD?"  and Jeremiah 32:27 which says, "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me?"    Other verses were found at Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, and Isaiah 59:1.   I know God will answer that prayer (I am still waiting) because to me it was like a promise from Him that He would.  So I know that sincere, heartfelt prayer reaches the heart of God and that He does answer that type of prayer.  Think about it, all of our prayers should be deep, heartfelt, and prayed with faith that He hears us and will answer us in His due time.   The Lord has answered my prayers in the past and I believe He will continue to do so.

Never give up and continue to approach God with faith and hope and perseverance.  Be like the widow who sought justice from an unjust judge.  She continually confronted the judge until he grew weary of her pestering him, and he finally answered her petition.  (Luke 18:1-8)   

Let's enjoy a refreshing and soothing video showing scenes from Maui, Hawaii, with quiet music in the background.  I have visited Maui a few times so it was a delight for me to "revisit" there by viewing this video.  

It is my sincere wish that your weekend is a happy and enjoyable one, and that you remember to put Christ first in everything you do.   

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."  -  Jesus at Mark 11:24

"Pray without ceasing."  -  I Thessalonians 5:17

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 4:6-7