"Are You 'Dressed' For Eternity?" - (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

[Baby Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

The title above for this article was inspired by Isaiah 61:10 which follows:

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."

To be dressed for heaven and eternity, then, our apparel must be "the garments of salvation."  

Following is a quote from the "Biblical Illustrator Commentary."

"Garments are used as a covering.  Is a garment for the body more needed than one for the soul?  Which of us could stand in the presence of an angel without sinking to the ground in very shame?  I draw your attention to the glory of God's garments for salvation :  they completely cover all your iniquity and blot out all your sin.

"A garment is used to beautify, to adorn.  The garment of salvation is an adornment for it reveals God in you to your neighbors.  What can be more beautiful than a man or woman or child who tries to bless another - that is the life of the angels: the life of God - ministering unto others.

"Garments are used also as a sign of one's condition or occupation.  Monarchs, priests, judges, and officers of state wear robes to indicate their real or implied superiority.  Shakespeare says, "The apparel oft proclaims the man."  You can generally tell something about a man's character and calling from his clothing.   The world judges Christian people by the garments of their conduct.

"He {God/Jesus} hath clothed me'.  Where is salvation?  In Christ, and Christ is in and for us."

What a wonderful analogy!  

Obviously, the garments of salvation are from God through Jesus Christ, the Savior.  But we need to "put on" those "garments" by faith in the good Lord!

We cannot save ourselves!  It is all a gift from the love and grace found in and flowing from our Lord.

"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

This is mindful of "the fruit of the spirit" found at Galatians 5:22-23 - Which fruit a true believer will have and possess because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit from above.  However, Isaiah 61:10 concerns itself with salvation being from the Lord:  The Giver of the garments of salvation; which is the same as saying "He has saved me."

Much more wonderful information on Isaiah 61:10 is found in the above "Biblical Illustrator Commentary".  Check it out online. 

But another note on the above commentary: 

The part where Isaiah 61:10 says: "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God."     

The Biblical Illustrator Commentary has these encouraging words for us on the above :  

"Where there is a will there is generally a way, and sad though you may be, something is gained if you will resolve to rejoice.  It is always "in the Lord"  that we must rejoice.  Friends are dying, helps are failing, hopes are being blasted.  Rejoice in the Lord!"

  [Hong Kong Orchid Tree Blossoms] 

"And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost."                -     1 Thessalonians 1:6

On another commentary, the above verse is expounded a bit....  "They received the Word with joy  - they realized the joy of conscious forgiveness and acceptance with God. The sinless angels, placed beyond the necessity of pardon, are incapable of experiencing this joy.  It belongs exclusively to the believing penitent."

[Hawaiian Moorhen, Oahu]

"The LORD takes pleasure in those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy and loving-kindness."   -  Psalm 145:20

"Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."   -  1 Peter 1:21

Following is an excellent 11 minute video concerning Jesus' imminent return for the Rapture of true believers .   It is titled "Be Ready For What Is Coming."

  Watch and Pray!

Concerning the fact that the Bible tells us that God's Holy Spirit dwells within us, the following 3 minute devotional is a must for you to listen to.  It is by Charles Stanley's InTouch ministries:

On another source, someone has said:  "Real faith grabs God's attention and will move Him to work in your behalf."

If you are not saved, not born again by believing in Jesus Christ as the Savior.... not believing that His shed blood at the Cross can wash you clean (since He died in our place and paid our sin debt in full)  then please repent before it is too late!  Pray for forgiveness, and believe with all your heart and soul - all of your very being - that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven !

Following are some verses for those who are not yet believers:

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -  John 3:36

"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

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"     -   John 11:25-26

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."       -  John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend  -  and life!  

Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing! Power to Endure! (Quote by David Livingstone)

 

"If you are hanging on by a thread, make sure it is by the hem of Jesus' garment."  - recent quote on outdoor church sign

To Christians, the above quote says volumes and its message is clear.

In other words, in trials and sorrows and storms of life, when there seems to be no way out or no relief in sight, just simply turn in faith to Jesus and hang on -   He will help you!  Pray and pour over the Bible daily.  God's Word has power!

"If ye love Me, keep My commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever.  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.  "     -  Jesus at John 14:15-18

Truly the words of Jesus above at John 14 are very comforting.  If you are a true believer (born again -  a spiritual birth)  the Holy Spirit will dwell in you and be with you always -  even in the worst of trials!

This post could almost end right here!  Jesus almost says it all in John 14.  With the good Lord and the Holy Spirit, we are given power to endure and keep on keeping on.

Another wonderful help to enable us to hang in there with hope and faith is the fact that true Christians have the blessed hope at Titus 2:13-14 which tells us:

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;  Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

                                               [Waimea Bay, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii]

Following is a quote of David Livingstone, a 19th Century missionary from Scotland, who gave his life making Christ known in Africa :

"Lord, send me anywhere;  only go with me.  Lay any burden on me - only sustain me.   Sever any tie but the tie that binds me to Thyself."

What a wonderful and Christ-like attitude -  which we true believers should endeavor to emulate.

Two important things to remember (although there are many other spiritual things to remember besides these two):

 

(1)Wait on the Lord !  ( Psalm 27:14) :  "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart:  wait, I say on the LORD."

(2)  The Lord will never leave you or forsake you!  (Hebrews 13:5):

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Please watch the following video: a hymn about how "Jesus paid it all":

In the 3 minute hymn above it mentions about being before the throne of Jesus,  which reminded me of the  judgment of believers when they die and face the Bema seat of Jesus.  Following is a quote about what to expect when we face Jesus Christ's judgment - a partial quote from Dr. Charles Stanley:

"He will not shame, humiliate or discipline us for how we lived.  Rather, it is a time to give an account for both the worthy and the worthless things we did in life.  The basis on which Jesus judges us is: 

(1) How much truth do you know.

(2) How much opportunity do you have.

(3) How are you responding to the opportunities God gives you."

The above quote by Dr. Stanley does not exactly have anything to say about enduring any suffering.   However, if you are busy doing the Lord's work and obeying Him - you will find joy in doing His will and you will be thinking on spiritual things more so than your trials and afflictions :   And that is a blessing from the good Lord!

"In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."    - Isaiah 30:15

More needs to be written here concerning the above verse at Isaiah 30.  Hopefully soon!  Although the verse is pretty self-explanatory.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  -   Psalm 46:1

The main thing should be kept the main thing!

The main thing is God and Jesus!

Put the good Lord first in your life, and see what He will do!

Are You At Wits' End ? (With Sermon Video by Dr. David Jeremiah) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Yellow African Tulip Tree]

"They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits' end."  -  Psalm 107:27

When I first read that verse, I wondered if the King James Bible had used modern terminology in a recent translation.  Turns out, that expression - at wits' end - has been around a long time.  This idiom,  so says "Dictionary.com", appeared as far back as around 1377 in a poem written by William Langland titled : "Piers Ploughman".  

Dictionary.com gives the meaning of this idiom as :  "completely puzzled and perplexed, not knowing what to do."

The Free Dictionary tells us:  "at one's wits' end -  In a state of distress because one has no more patience or mental stamina, often after having dealt with some kind of  problem or difficult situation."

In today's chaotic and unstable world, many people feel at wits' end.  Christians as a rule are more stable with the hope and promises which the good Lord gives them, but at times they might feel perplexed and see no way out of a situation.  But they find comfort in taking it all to God in prayer and learning to wait patiently on Him and on His direction and guidance.

Following is an excellent 44 minute sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah which addresses this subject and uses Psalm 107 as the basis for his sermon.  The title of his sermon is "When You Can't Take It Anymore" :

Dr. David Jeremiah discusses how the storms of life send us fleeing to the good Lord in prayer and faith for His help in adversity.  He tells us that "the only way out is UP !"

It is not always our fault that we find ourselves deep in troubled waters in these storms of life.  But sometimes it is.  Following is a short discourse by Charles Spurgeon :

"But, oh!  when souls are caught in a storm of conviction of sin, this is a true description of their spiritual distress, -  they are at their wits' end, and do not know what to do.  Everything about them is shaking, and they themselves are reeling to and fro, sometimes this way and sometimes that;  staggering, scarcely able to believe anything, seeing some things double, and everything out of place."

[Internet Photo]

The photo above has been used previously on this blog.  It rather fits the subject of this post this weekend!

"One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning."   -  James Russell Lowell

"The armor-bearer of sin is self-confidence." - Charles Spurgeon

"Our troubles are but as the slivers and chips of His Cross" -  J. Trapp

"Do not strive in your own strength; cast yourself at the feet of the Lord Jesus, and wait upon Him in the sure confidence that He is with you, and works in you.  Strive in prayer; let faith fill your heart -  so you will be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."   -    Andrew Murray

[Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii]

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth."  -       Colossians 3:1-2

"I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." -     Psalm 16:8

"Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, Who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness; and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall every man have praise of God."  -   1 Corinthians 4:5

Here is an old favorite hymn that says it all:  "Trust and Obey"

If you have not been saved, have not believed that Jesus is the Savior and that His shed blood can wash your sins away when you repent and surrender to Him, then please, please take to heart the following Salvation Scriptures. Pray to God for forgiveness and in all sincerity begin with your whole heart and soul -- with all of your very being -- to follow in Jesus' footsteps as best you can and make doing His will your top priority !  If you are truly saved, you will want to obey Him.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

"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."  -     1 Peter 1:18-19

"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

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."   -  John 3:16

We are living in the last moments of the end times !  

Many Bible Prophecies have come true and there are also precursors occurring now that alerts us to those facts  -  that we are soon to see Jesus return for His true believers to take them to heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins!  (go to the "search box" at the top right side of this page and enter subjects such as "Rapture; end times; Great Tribulation; signs of last days", etc. and articles will pop up which you can read and ponder... many with videos.)

Jesus loves you!

Don't delay in surrendering to Him in belief that He is the Savior!

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -   and life !!

Better To Be Purged Than Plucked ! (With Sermon Video) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Hawaiian Black-Crowned Night Heron]

First, let's consider what is meant by purged.  Most Christians already know this, but some who read this blog are not Christians, so here is an explanation.  Often referenced here on this site is Webster's 1828 dictionary found online. It is an excellent reference when it is used for meanings of Bible words.

Purge, according to Webster's, means to clear from guilt or moral defilement; as to purge away sin.  Webster's gave Psalm 79:9 as a reference which reads in the King James Version :  "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy name: and deliver us and purge away our sins, for Thy name's sake."

 

Another wonderful verse is from John 15:2  . Let's consider both verse 1 and 2:

Jesus speaking:

(1) I am the vine, and My Father is the husbandman;

(2) Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit He purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit."

 

Following are from John Trapp's Commentary on the above verses:

"Every branch in Me " = That thinks himself to be in Me, and is so thought to be by others, but proves not to be so.  These are said to 'deny the Lord that bought them, to trample on the blood of the covenant wherewith they were sanctified, to wallow in the mire from which they had been washed.'  (2 Peter 2:1,22  ;   Hebrews 10:20)  So here, to be branches in Christ and yet unfruitful. Not that they ever were in Christ, but seemed to be so, as a pole fixed in the earth, but not rooted........ " He purgeth it"-   Of all possessions, saith Cato, none requires more pains about it than that of the vineyards.  Grain comes up and grows without the husbandman's care (Mark 4:27), he knows not how.   But vines must be dressed, supported, sheltered, pruned every day almost; lopped they must ever and anon, lest the juice be spent in leaves.  And if it be painful to bleed, it is worse to wither.  Better to be pruned to grow than cut up to burn."

Where vines are concened, pruning can be likened to "purging" sins of  people.

 

 

Consider the main subject verses of this post: John 10:27-30 which follow:

 

(27)  My sheep  hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.    (28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish; neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.  (29) My Father, which gave them Me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand.  (30) I and My Father are one."

 

What comforting and hopeful words if you are a true believer in the Savior Jesus Christ !

The above verses spoken by Jesus are explained wonderfully in the following 60 minute audio sermon by Charles Spurgeon.  It is the best explanation of these verses in John 10 that I have ever heard.  Spurgeon lived from1834 to 1892, and is known as "the prince of preachers."  It is estimated that he preached to over 10 million persons in his lifetime.   Please listen to his entire sermon below.   It, too, is comforting and will enrich your life when you consider the way he explains this message of how no one can pluck you out Jesus' or the Father's hands  (although Spurgeon, instead of the KJV "pluck" says "snatch"... which of course means the same thing.)  Of course, the main source to enrich our lives is to read God's Holy Word, the Bible, daily and to be daily in prayer as well!  The good Lord desires to fellowship with us, His children!

In his sermon above, Charles Spurgeon tells us "Know Him and obey Him.  If you do not, you are not His sheep."

Jesus will return soon to take His Bride (true believers, His Church) to be with Him in heaven.

Jesus loves you!

If you are not saved (have not been born again - a spiritual birth from above):

He is waiting to hear from you!

He will welcome you with open arms to embrace you with love and forgiveness!

Following are Scriptures that will help you if you take them to heart and believe with all of your heart and soul -- all of your very being -- that Jesus' shed blood at the Cross can wash you clean- cleanse you from your sins and welcome you into the family of God when you have faith in Him and believe that He is the Savior.  You must first repent of known sins, and pray sincerely for forgiveness!

John 3:36 tells us:  "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

 

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)  -  2 Corinthians 6:2

"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

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and Life!!

"How To Light Up Your Life" - With Videos - Inspirational Weekend

 

Recently, while walking in a suburb in Honolulu that is not near where I live, I passed a church that often posts encouraging comments on its sign outside.  That day the comment read: "Danger: satan is dimming our light so slowly the darkness seems normal."

Talk about food for thought!

Christians already know where this article is leading.  But for many others,  it may be a new notion.

Following is a short devotional by In Touch Ministries (Dr. Charles Stanley) concerning "Rejecting The Darkness) with its scriptural basis of Ephesians 5:1-7

And a very enlightening 36 minute sermon below by Pastor David Wilkerson titled : Man's Hour of Darkness Is God's Hour Of Power".  Please watch !

Christians are familiar with John 8:12 which tells us:  "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,  I am the light of the world, he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

There we have, in the Savior's words at John 8, the way in which we may "Light up our lives."

  Belief and Faith in Jesus as the Savior, and also to "follow" Him as best we can, is the key to light and completeness.  We will never be perfect this side of heaven, but we should endeavor to follow Jesus; to walk in His footsteps, so to speak.

"And He said to them all, If any man will come after Me, let Him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."     -  Jesus at Luke 9:23

 

Keep in mind, that any "righteousness" we have, it is not really "our righteousness"  but the righteousness which comes from the Lord.  

Romans 3:10 informs us:  "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."

We are only justified by the blood of Christ.

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By  Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."  -   Romans 5 :1-2

"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the atonement."   -  Romans 5:9-11

 

 Being realistic, things are tough right now, and a bit overwhelming,  but only if you take your eyes and mind off of Jesus and God's promises.  We believers have a hope and faith that should give us strength and endurance.

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." -   Titus 2:13-14

Following is an excellent devotional by Charles Spurgeon titled - "The Lord Our Righteousness" which is a quote from Jeremiah 23:6 :

"It will always give a Christian the greatest calm, quiet, ease, and peace to think of the perfect righteousness of Christ.  How often are the saints of God downcast and sad!  I do not think they ought to be.  I do not think they would if they could always see their perfection in Christ.  There are some who are always talking about corruption and the depravity of the heart, and the innate evil of the soul.  This is quite true, but why not go a little further and remember that we are "Perfect in Christ Jesus."  It is no wonder that those who are dwelling upon their own corruption should wear such downcast looks,  but surely we are called to mind that, "Christ is made unto us righteousness"    we should be of good cheer.   What though distresses afflict me, though satan assault me, though there may be things to be experienced before I get to heaven,  those are done for me in the covenant of divine grace. There is nothing wanting in my Lord.  Christ hath done it all.  On the cross He said, "It is finished."  Then am I complete in Him and can rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,  "Not having mine own righteousness, which is the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.    You will not find on this side of heaven a holier people than those who receive into their hearts the doctrine of Christ's righteousness.  When the believer says, "I live on Christ alone; I rest on Him solely for salvation and I believe that,  however unworthy, I am still saved in Jesus; then there rises up as a motive of gratitude this thought: "Shall I not live to Christ, shall I not love Him and serve Him, seeing that I am saved by His merits?"  "The love of Christ constraineth us", that they which live should not live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them. If saved by imparted righteousness, we shall greatly value imparted righteousness."

In Pastor David Wilkerson's sermon video above, he mentions the old hymn "Jesus is the Light of the world." Following is a recent rendition of that hymn for you to enjoy:

 

Now is the time to turn to the good Lord in faith, for we are living in the last moments of the end times as the Bible has prophesied.

Following are Scriptures which explain salvation.  Please take them to heart and repent if you are not a believer in the Savior Jesus;  put your faith in Him and in His shed blood at the cross which can wash you clean and create in you a new heart.  Pray for forgiveness and turn to the good Lord in complete surrender.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. -   John 3:36

"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

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believeth thou this?"              -  John 11:25-26

 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."    -  John 3:16

 

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!  

 

 

 

 

 

"Keep It Simple!" (With Videos - One by Pastor Chuck Smith) - Inspirational Weekend

 While viewing the following sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, it occurred to me that I have not always kept it "simple" on this blog.  In my enthusiasm to help others, I tend to include as much information as possible for your benefit because I know the times are urgent and also that Jesus will return soon and my wish is for many to come to a saving faith in Him so that they may be raptured to heaven to be with Him before the 7 year horrific Tribulation period begins.  

Pastor Chuck Smith's sermon is based upon 2 Corinthians 11:3 which follows:

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

Pastor Smith's sermon is 40 minutes long;  I pray that you watch all of it, as I feel it is one of his best!

Pastor Chuck says to "simply teach the Word of God simply."  He reminds us that the Pharisees of Jesus' day were mainly interested in all the minute details... and skipped mercy, and faith, and justice.

The posts on this blog tend to give a broad explanation of salvation, but only to edify and to make sure you understand what salvation is all about.  Much is said here about the power of Jesus' shed blood, and how He was the Sacrificial Lamb;  there  is no salvation without the shedding of His blood to pay our sin debt in full as He took our place on that Cross, so that by belief in Him and His atonement we may have everlasting life.   

I am reminded of how some people, at large assemblies by prominent evangelist, make a "decision" to follow Christ by coming forward, etc.  But statistics have proven that many of them - most of them, in fact -  fall away and don't last long.  My opinion is (and also the opinions of others that study such things) that they just don't understand that it is much more than a "decision"- more than a head knowledge of Jesus or that it is simply the right thing to do.  They need to be told salvation is a total, strong commitment to  follow in Christ's footsteps as best they can; a total surrender to the Lord, and giving up their will to always endeavor to do His will -  to obey Him.  Much more than that, it involves a love and devotion to Him that is truly heart-felt; an all consuming desire to please Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul !

 In other words, some people think they are saved when in actuality they are not. Saying a sinner's prayer one time and then going on about being totally living for worldly things and desires, does not mean you are necessarily a Christian.  Some professing Christians never read their Bible and hardly, if ever, pray.  Sanctification is  a process, it doesn't all happen overnight, that is true.

Having said all that, however, belief in Jesus as the Savior is what saves you.  Period!

Remember at Calvary, the thief on the cross near Jesus expressed faith in the Lord, and Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise. That thief had no opportunity to serve the Lord or do anything other than to express his belief in Jesus. ( Luke 23:39-43).  Also, when Paul and Silas were in prison and a miracle happened (an earthquake) that caused the prison doors to open and everyone's bands were loosed.  The jailer asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved,  and they said "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."  (Acts 16:25-34).

In 2017 here on this blog, a post was also made which shared this information and more.  Here is a link

A wonderful hymn that explains this truth of faith only in Jesus as the Savior is the old favorite titled "Just as I am"   Here it is for you who are not yet saved (and for us older saved ones to enjoy again)

"All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."   Jesus at John 6:37

Another hymn to encourage unsaved souls is "Softly and Tenderly" found below:

Jesus will return soon!

Be Rapture Ready!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms in an embrace of  love and forgiveness!

 

Following are Salvation Scriptures !  If you are not saved, take these verses to heart, repent, and turn to the Lord and pray for forgiveness.  If you are sincere, God will answer that prayer and welcome you to His family!

 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not  the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

"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

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  -  John 3:16

 

Just a short note:  Faith is number one!  Belief in Jesus as the Savior!

Although knowledge is important, a person can know all "about" Jesus and salvation, but that does not necessarily mean that he is truly saved.  

It is not "what" you know, but Who you know!

The important thing is to develop a close, intimate, loving, personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior!  We do that by much time in prayer and by much study and reading of God's Holy Word, the Bible.  The good Lord wants to fellowship with us!  You cannot get to know a person or be "friends" with Him if you never communicate with Him.  

The Lord expects and desires faith and belief from us! 

He expects and demands obedience from us, and to put His will first in our lives.  

All of which we will delight to do, and will want  to do, if we are truly saved, truly born again.

Believe in the Lord with all of your heart, mind, soul, strength !

"And Jesus answered and said unto him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt  love thy neighbor as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these."    -  Mark 12:29-31

 Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!

 

 

"I'd Rather See The Uppertaker Than The Undertaker" (with videos - One By Dr. David Jeremiah - Other Videos About Bible Prophecies)

 

[Black-Crowned Night Heron at Ala Moana  Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii]

The above heron is busy waiting and waiting for some fish to appear.  We true believers should be waiting in excited anticipation for our Savior, Jesus Christ, to come very soon and rapture us to heaven to be with Him!

The title of this post: "I'd rather see the Upper-Taker than the undertaker"  is a direct quote by Dr. David Jeremiah from the following 23 minute sermon concerning the Rapture.  ("The Upper-Taker" being Jesus of course! )   In the following video, the pastor makes a clear and informative explanation concerning our "blessed hope"   (Titus 2:13)  He also gives information on how we believers should be living NOW.

Much has been written in the past on this blog concerning the fact that we are living in the last moments of the last days (of this dispensation).  Times are urgent folks!  Following is a video which tells us about a recent announcement which everyone should take note of!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJdCS-2-ZiA

The above link makes it clear that we are fast approaching the time of Jesus' return and of the 7 year Tribulation which will follow.

The same goes true about how we are living in the end times by the following Bible Prophecy brought out in the following video.

So, what should we do in the meantime to endure?  Be constantly in the Holy Word, the Bible !  Pray without ceasing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night: and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.   But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,  Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with HIM.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also we do."   -  1 Thessalonians 5:4-11

It can be a fearful and troublesome thing to contemplate what the world is like today.  The young tend to  rather accept things as they are (not all of them) and as being "normal", while we older ones remember even 50 or more so years ago how different things were.  Not that things were perfect back then, of course.

Charles Spurgeon has said, : "If we fear God, we have nothing else to fear; if we cry to the LORD, our salvation is certain."

Following is a devotional by Spurgeon titled:  "God Will Answer"  : 

"He will fulfill the desire of them that fear HIM;  He also will hear their cry, and will save them." -  Psalm 145:19

"His own Spirit has wrought this desire in us, and therefore He will answer it.  It is His own life within which prompts the cry, and therefore He will hear it.  Those who fear Him are men under the holiest influence, and, therefore, their desire is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  Like Daniel, they are men of desires, and the LORD will cause them to realize their aspirations. Holy desires are grace in the blade, and the heavenly Husbandman will cultivate them till they come to the full corn in the ear.  God fearing men desire to be holy, to be useful, to be a blessing to others, and so to honor their LORD.  They desire supplies for their need, help under burdens, guidance in perplexity, deliverance in distress;  sometimes this desire is so strong and their case so pressing that they cry out in agony like little children in pain and then the LORD works most comprehensively and does all that is needful according to this word;  "And will save them."

Yes, if we fear God, we have nothing else to fear; if we cry to the LORD, our salvation is certain."

 

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." -   Proverbs 3:5-6

"But I will sing of Thy power; Yea, I will sing aloud of Thy mercy in the morning: For Thou has been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.  Unto Thee, O my strength, will I sing: For God is my defence, and the God of my mercy." -   Psalm 59:16-17

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.  -  Isaiah 41:10

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  -  Philippians 4:13

"Are You In The Furnace of Affliction? If So, What To Do?" (With Sermon Clip by Andrew Murray)- Inspirational Weekend

 

[Yellow Protea]

"I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."  -  Isaiah 48:10

Today, we have the Covid 19 virus, we have lawlessness,  corrupt hearts and minds of many to deal with, and we also are (some of us, particularly the elderly) having health issues other than the virus.  We are concerned about what the future may hold and/or will things ever get better.  All of you are aware of these concerns, and many more.  

The above quoted Scripture at Isaiah can be exceedingly faith building to those of us who are true believers in the Savior, Jesus Christ.  Once again, encouragement can be found by Charles Spurgeon's insight on the above verse, which follows:

 

"Comfort thyself, tried believer, with this thought:  God saith, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction".  - Does not the word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame?  Yea, is not it an abestos armour, against which the heat hath no power?  Let affliction come -  God hath chosen me.   Poverty, thou mayst stride in at my door, but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me.  Sickness, thou mayst intrude, but I have a balsam ready:  God has chosen me.  Whatsoever befalls me in this vale of tears, I know that He has "chosen" me.  If, believer, thou requirest still greater comfort,  remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace.  In that silent chamber of yours, there sitteth by your side One to Whom thou hast not seen, but Whom thou lovest; and oft times when thou knowest it not,  He makes all thy bed in thy affliction, and smooths thy pillow for thee.  Thou art in poverty, but in that lovely house of thine the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor.  He loves to come into these desolate places that He may visit thee.  Thy Friend sticks closely to thee.  Thou canst not see Him, but thou mayst feel the pressure of His hands.  Dost thou not hear His voice?  Even in the valley of the shadow of death  He says "Fear not, I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God."  

Remember that noble speech of Ceasar "Fear not.  Thou carriest  Ceasar and all his fortune."   Fear not, Christian, Jesus is with thee.  In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety.  He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own.  "Fear not, for I am with thee" is His sure word of promises to His chosen ones in the "furnace of affliction."  Wilt thou not then,  take fast hold of Christ , and say:  "Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I'll follow where He goes."

 Spurgeon has a wonderful way with words, doesn't he?  The main thing to cling to, no matter what your trial or affliction, is to stay close to the good Lord and have faith in Him and trust Him with all your heart!  Be often in prayer, and surrender to His will - He knows best!  

As brought out in the following 11 minute audio sermon clip of Andrew Murray's writings, "In suffering, it is the Spirit of God and of His glory that rests on us."  - So abide in Christ!

 Andrew mentions in the above sermon, that our trials and afflictions are often a sign of God at work.... His pruning and purging of us.   Many of you know this.  

Someone has said that trials and such brought on by your enemies, draws you even closer to the good Lord. (Looking to Him for guidance and solace and direction and for a solution.) Friends as a  rule do not do that !  So love your enemies and pray for them!  They can be a blessing from God that makes you turn to Him with greater fervor and frequency! -- and thereby increases your need and love for Him.

"Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults!"  -  Benjamin Franklin

"God's people have their trials.  It was never designed by God, when He chose His people, that they should be an untried people..... They were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy."     -  Charles Spurgeon

Remember too, that the Good Lord often lets "bad things happen to good people"  because, being imperfect humans, good people sometimes err and sin, even sin unintentionally, and they need to be chastised and disciplined.  

So the main thing we can do to endure affliction is to just stay in close communion with the Lord.  Pray without ceasing!  Read your Bible daily!  Our heavenly Father and Jesus want to fellowship with us.  You cannot grow to know a Person if you never communicate with Him!  Our main concern, besides obeying the Lord, is to develop a close, intimate, personal, loving and living relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ!  That is a wondrous thing,  which will transform your life and blossom into a beautiful and lasting flower of love and glory for the Lord that will last for all of eternity!

 

 

[Shell Ginger]

But what if you are not saved?  Not born again?  Have not believed that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven?   You have not accepted the true fact that Jesus' shed blood at the Cross can wash away your sins and wipe the slate clean, when you realize that He was the Sacrificial Lamb, that redeemed your soul because He took your place on that Cross, by taking on your sins, and paid your sin debt in full, if you will only have faith and believe that He is the Savior.  

Following are some Scriptures to help you to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Savior.  You need to repent of your sins first !   Some thoughts on that from the Biblical Illustrator Commentary are: 

1.  Repentance involves a deep sorrow and conviction for your sins.

 

2.  A confession of your sins.  (Pray to God for forgiveness, in all sincerity and heartfelt remorse)

 

3. You will then utterly forsake sin (deliberate and willful sin.  We all err unintentionally at times)

4. Repentance is a necessary qualification to fit us for glory.

5. Repentance does not only give us a future evidence for heaven, but puts us into actual possession.

6.  Repentance must be continually in us, and not merely for a Lent-season.

7.  This must increase daily more and more in us.

Much more is written on the Biblical Illustrator Commentary on this subject of repentance.  It would be of benefit to you to look it up on the Web.

The Scriptures of Salvation are:  

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

If you go to the search box on the upper right hand side of this page, and enter topics such as "The Rapture, Jesus' imminent return,"  etc.  you will have those articles on those subjects pop up for you to read and select; some of which have videos.  

Jesus will return very soon, according to the way Bible prophecy is coming true today at warp speed in these, the end times; the last moments of the last days.  

Do not delay in surrendering your heart and life to the Savior!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms in an embrace overflowing with love and forgiveness !

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) " -   2 Corinthians 6:2

"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

 

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"   -  John 11:25-26

 

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."    -  John 3:16 

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !!