"Our Choices Have Consequences!" (With Videos - One On the Bible's "Mark of The Beast") - Inspirational Weekend

 

When we are young, we tend to often act without thinking things through first.  Sadly, that is also true at times when we become mature adults.  Part of that is the result of acting immediately on feelings (such as hurt or anger), without realizing or even caring that what we do or say may affect others, as well as ourselves, adversely -  if not at the present time, then further down the road in our unknown future.

Take, for instance, the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden.   We all know the bad choice they made -  disobeying God, big time!  Their disobedience not only affected themselves, but all of mankind right up until our present time!   They introduced sin into what was once a perfect paradise, and look where we are now.  

But God!

The loving heavenly Father made a way for humans to be reconciled to Him - through the sacrificial and redeeming death of His Son, Jesus, who paid our sin debt for us - so that by faith in Him as the Savior, we may have life everlasting and forgiveness for our sins !  What love and mercy in God's heart for mankind!

Following is a 15 minute video on the subject of how our choices have consequences -  even of "monumental proportions"!

One important thought brought out in the above video :  besides Adam and Eve playing the "blame game" -  is the following thought:  There will be a Judgment Day!  Man was created as a spiritual being, and that spirit can never be destroyed.  Therefore, any punishment a person will have to endure will be a lasting one - never ending.

But if you are a born again believer (by a spiritual birth from above) ; if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior and have repented of your sins and sincerely pray for forgiveness, you have a wonderful hope of future bliss in heaven when you die!  God is love, and He forgives abundantly!  

(Verses on Salvation to follow).

Another recent Christian video follows with information on the "mark of the beast" of the Bible book of Revelation.  One thing to note:  "It is all about the battle of who to worship!"  The following 15 minute video tells us that even with the mark of the beast, the issue is all about "who" to worship.  If one takes the mark of the beast during the 7 year Tribulation, that person shows he directs his allegiance to and worship to the antichrist.  

Remember, the devil tempted Jesus Himself to worship him!

"Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and said unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.   Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him."  -  Matthew 4:8-11

We Christians, true believers in the Savior, must follow Jesus' example !  Rebuke the devil!  Do not listen to that deceiver's lies !  The devil will lie to you through other people -  be cautious and discerning!  Beware of anyone who constantly lies and deceives.

That is one reason to be constantly in prayer and in the reading and studying of God's Holy Word, the Bible !  It will give you strength and discernment.  But most importantly, it will draw you closer to the good Lord !  When you communicate almost non-stop with God and Jesus, you will feel His presence and guidance and understand better what His will is, not only for you personally, but for mankind in general.   The blessedness of fellowship with the Lord (and He does desire our fellowship) is that you will have a personal, close, intimate, loving, trusting, and lasting relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ!   How awesome is that!  It is the heavenly Father's will that we do so!

Here is a partial quote from A.W. Tozer: "Do not try to short-circuit God's plans for your discipleship and spiritual maturity here.  If you and I were prepared for heaven in the moment of our conversion, God would have taken us home instantly!.  .......   God can be known only as He reveals Himself!  I have found this to be a fact: every redeemed human being needs the humility of spirit that can only be brought about by the manifest Presence of God.  This mysterious yet gracious Presence is the air of life eternal.  It is the music of existence, the poetry of the Christian life.  It is the beauty and wonder of being one of Christ's own -  a sinner born again, regenerated, created anew to bring glory to God!  To live surrounded by this sense of God is not only beautiful and desirable, but it is imperative!" - end

What Tozer said above about God revealing Himself:  God does this through the Bible, events in your life and in the heavens, through other godly people, and the list goes on.  But for this to be so, you need to be in communion with the good Lord often to hear Him "speak" and for Him to "reveal" Himself to you and your heart and soul.  

Pray without ceasing!

Constantly pour over His holy word!

Have faith and believe!

"He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him."   -  Jesus at John 14:21

Also, at John 14:23 =  "Jesus  answered and said unto him, If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

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

"Excuses are the cradle that satan rocks men off to sleep in."  -  unknown

"Because where we put our hope and what we put our hope in will truly determine how we live."  -  Peter Eide

"Satan can climb housetops, and enter closets, and even if we could shut out that foul fiend, our own corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace prevent."  -  Charles Spurgeon

"God wants full custody, not just weekend visits."  - unknown

"A prayerless spirit has no affinity for a clean heart.  Prayer and a pure heart go hand in hand.  Purity of heart follows praying, while prayer is the natural, spontaneous outflowing of a heart made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ."  -   E.M. Bounds

Following are Salvation Scriptures for those reading this article that may not be saved; or for those who are in doubt of their salvation.   By the way, doubt of your salvation is a trick of the devil to bring you down, for the most part.

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."  Romans 8:16   

"For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."  -  Galatians 3:26

"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 answered and said unto him, Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."    -  John 3:3

"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 !

"Victory By Faith ! Be Strong! The Lord Watches Over You!" (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

   [Mom and baby monk seals at Waikiki]

My photograph above was taken back in August of 2017, when the above monk seals caused quite a stir at Waikiki beach by taking a rest there.  A rare occurance in Waikiki, to be sure.  

The mother seemed not to be alarmed by all of the people around and about; as if she had faith that no harm would come their way.

We true believers in the Savior Jesus Christ should have ultimate and unshakable faith in the good Lord: that no harm will come to us if we abide in His will and obey Him.  That is, unless it is His will that we should hurry on home to Him by natural death or death by harm from someone with evil intent; or also we could die by some type of accident.  We all know this; but what we don't know is when we will die.  That is in the good Lord's hands.  However, many believers believe that Jesus will return very soon to take true believers to be with Him in heaven -  at the Rapture of the Church.  That being the case, some of us will NOT die before being taken to heaven! Hallelujah !  (John 11:25, 26)

How to be strong and of great faith in the Lord is helped by knowing your weaknesses in your spirit and endeavoring to correct those flaws with the Lord's help.  Following is a wonderful 12 minute  Christian video which tells us warning signs that our spirit may be weak.

  The above video stresses that we pray and ask the good Lord to help us.   But pray with faith!

Sure, we Christians are NOT perfect.  We still make mistakes due to our inherited sin nature from Adam.  However, though we may sometimes sin (due to our imperfection -- or even from existing health issues, etc., (such as pain or stress and heartbreak and grief - all of which are usually  temporary occurrances; making us on edge and not always full of grace, perhaps); though we may sin and are not sinless,  we sin.. LESS.  Less than ungodly people of the world; and we true believers do NOT, as a rule, sin intentionally like worldly people do. 

Remember,  " .. the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins"  -  Psalm 7:9 b

That means, God understands the character of all people because He is intimately acquainted with all of their thoughts and purposes and feelings . Which is meant by the expression "the heart and the reins".  (So one Bible Commentary tells us.)  It  goes on to say, "The word 'heart' in the Scriptures is often used to denote the seat of the 'thoughts', and the word 'reins' seems to be used to denote the most secret feelings, purposes, and devices of the soul - as if lodged deep in our nature, or covered in the most hidden and concealed portions of the man.  (As if utterly concealed from the eye and so unknown to other people.)   But they are all known by God.   [since God knows all hearts of all people, He is able to judge aright].  .. And to determine correctly in regard to their character, or to administer His government on the principles of exact justice.  [...] (Therefore,)  God would confirm those who are truly righteous, and would bring the wickedness of the ungodly to an end."  - end of quote.

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."  -  1 John 5:4

"My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart."  -    Psalm 7:10

In the above Psalm, we can rest assured that if we are endeavoring to obey the Lord as best we can, and we are sincere and truthful, and love the good Lord, that He will save and protect us.

That is encouraging to know in this mixed up and dying world, which can be very cruel at times!

   Recently, (this past week) the good Lord impressed upon me to take a deep look into and to ponder the message in the hymn "I Surrender All."  It was written by a man who was an artist and who had other talents as well, who gave it all up to do the Lord's work.  He wrote more than 60 hymns, but his most famous was "I Surrender All."  His name was Judson Van DeVenter and he was born in 1855.  More information may be found here  about DeVenter and his famous hymn.

Following is my favorite version of "I Surrender All".   However, most of the versions do not contain all of the stanzas.

     The last stanza most often omitted in versions of this hymn is as follows:

"All to Jesus I surrender; Now I feel the sacred flame. -  Oh, the joy of full salvation! -  Glory, glory, to His name!"

Following are two quotes from Corrie ten Boom:

"You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have."

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."

And a quote by Frederick W. Faber:  "They always win who side with God."

    Speaking of the future, (as in Corrie ten Boom's quote above),  to true Christians their future is not unknown.  Oh, present earthly events are not always known, of course, but the ultimate and most important future of Christians is to be with the Lord forever in heaven, and of that hope believers are sure of, because the Bible confirms it!

Titus 2:13 and 14 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."

And of particular comfort are the beautiful words of Jesus at John 14:1-4:  "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.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

  What wonderful words of encouragement and hope!  

Maranatha!

If Jesus were to return today, would you be Rapture ready?

Following are Scriptures that explain Salvation for any unbelievers reading this blog.

But remember, all it takes to be saved is repentance and -- Believe in Jesus as the Savior!

But you cannot understand anything well unless it is properly explained.  Ultimately, of course, the Holy Spirit will give your heart and mind and soul understanding!

"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

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."   -    Jude 21

"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

John 11:25,26 tells us : "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?"

"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 !

"Little children, let no man deceive you:  he that doeth righteousness is righteous; even as HE is righteous."    1 John 3:7

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world."    -  1 John 4:4

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."  -   Revelation 1:8

Don't Ever Stop Doing This ! (With Videos) & Andrew Murray's Sermons

 

Let us begin with the following 10 minute Christian video which explains the title of this article:

In the above video, we are encouraged to "come to God's throne."  In other words, go to Him in prayer about everything, and never stop praying, whatever you do !

"Pray without ceasing."  -  1 Thessalonians 5:17

There are other things we should do and not stop doing, when it comes to spiritual things.  We also should not lose faith.  However, let us focus for the most part on prayer right now; how we should persevere in prayer, which is a form of faith itself.  The act of prayer shows faith in the good Lord, and that He does hear us and He does answer heartfelt prayers that are in agreement with His will.

This blog has stressed over and over again that God wants to fellowship with us.  We do that by much prayer to Him and by many hours pouring over His Holy Word.  You cannot come to truly know a person if you never communicate with him.  Obviously, the same applies to the good Lord.  He loves us deeply, and we should feel the same towards Him and express it with much time spent with Him.  What the wonderful and precious result of that will be is a strong, enduring, loving, intimate and personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  That relationship will continue to grow and blossom into something beautiful that will last for all eternity!

E. M. Bounds has been quoted previously on this blog.  He wrote many fantastic articles concerning prayer, which have been compiled into a rather large book titled "The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer", which I am happy to have in my possession.   Following is a partial quote on his article titled "Prayer incidents in the life of our Lord." =

"The spirit of prayer with Christ was to do God's will.  So he who follows Christian prayer must have God's will as his law, his rule, and his inspiration.  He is not the best pray-er  who has the greatest fluency, the most brilliant imagination, the richest gifts, and the most fiery ardor, but he who has imbibed most the Spirit of Christ.  It is he whose character is the nearest to a facsimile of Christ upon whom God's power is bestowed and to whom God's person and will are revealed.   ...[..]...  The condition of receiving God's revelation and of holding God's truth is one of the heart, not of the head.  The ability to receive and search out is like that of the child, the babe, the synonym of docility, innocence and simplicity.  These are the conditions on which God reveals Himself to men.   ....[...].. It is not by hard, strong, stern, great reasoning that the world gets God or gets hold of God, but by big, soft, pure hearts.   To become babes again, on our mother's bosom, quieted, weaned, without clamor or protest, is the only position in which to know God.  A calmness on the surface, and in the depths of the soul, in which God can mirror His will, His Word, and Himself -   this is the attitude towards Him through which He can reveal Himself, and this is the right attitude of prayer.   .... Prayer to Jesus, just as it is to us, was a necessity, an absolute, invariable condition of securing God's fullest, consecrating and qualifying power.  And so the Holy Spirit comes upon us in fulness of measure and power only in answer to ardent and intense praying......"  (End of E.M. Bounds' quote.)

Following is a link to an article on this blog written 3-3-18, which includes two short audio sermons from the works of Andrew Murray:  one on the subject of  prayer, and the other about faith.  They are excellent 16 minute sermon clips with many gems within them which will bless you spiritually!

https://inspiringnaturephotography.blogspot.com/2018/03/faith-and-prayer-work-together-videos.html

Not to be overlooked is Jesus' parable of  the widow in Luke 18 who, with her insistence and constant pleas to an unjust judge, secured the request of her petitions from him, though he cared nothing about her or her problems.  

"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;  (verse 1) and then Jesus continues in verses 6 and 7: " Hear what the unjust judge saith.   And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?"

Please read all of the above account at Luke 18:1-8.  Very faith building!

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. "     Jesus at Matthew 7:7-8

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."   -  Matthew 21:22

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."    -   Matthew 26:41

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which is in secret shall reward thee openly."               -  Matthew 6:6

"Those persons who know the deep peace of God, the unfathomable peace that passeth all understanding, are always men and women of much prayer."  -  R.A. Torrey

"Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer."  -  John Bunyan

"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties."  -  Oswald Chambers

"Don't pray when you feel like it.  Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.  A man is powerful on his knees."  -  Corrie ten Boom

Please realize how urgent it is to pray "without ceasing."   We all know that the times we are living in now are unstable - chaotic -  and that we cannot completely depend on anyone or anything except the good Lord.  He will be our comfort, our guide, our protector, and our hope!  And so much more!

Much has been written on this blog concerning the end times and Bible prophecy being fulfilled right now like never before - and at warp speed.  That is another reason to be in prayer constantly and also to witness to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

(For more information on the end times, go to the search box at the top right hand side of this page and enter topics such as " 7 year tribulation, the Mark of the Beast, signs of last days"  etc.    Also are many encouraging articles about endurance and faith and salvation and many other topics.  Many articles also have videos.)

Following is a wonderful old hymn concerning the "Sweet Hour of Prayer":

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."  -   1 John 2:17

"It Is Not About Why, But About Who!" and "God Will Lighten Your Darkness!" - (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

The title of this article ("It's Not About Why, But About Who!")  is from the following 24 minute sermon by Charles Lawson, in which he quotes Psalm 91 and Proverbs 3:5-6, which Scriptures most of you are familiar with.    One thing to note, in his sermon below,  Pastor Lawson tells us "When you choose God, He will direct and choose your way."  And, "Your way is your attitude toward God."

"The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith.  The two are at opposite sides of the same coin."  -  A.W. Tozer

"The evidence of spiritual growth is when in difficulties you run to the Lord first - in prayer!  Get on your knees!"  -  David Wilkerson 

Today's world has its share of "darkness" and troubles.  It affects us all in one way or another. In the following 14 minute sermon by Pastor David Wilkerson, he tells us that we may go through many darknesses, but if you are a true Christian, Jesus will rescue you and strengthen you !

"If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the right shining of a candle doth give thee light."   -  Jesus at Luke 11:36

At John 3:19-21 Jesus tells us:  "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that they are wrought in God."

In view of the fact that we are now living in the last moments of the last days (according to how Bible Prophecy is now coming true daily)  we do well to concern ourselves with living a life in obedience to the good Lord and watching expectantly for Jesus' return!   (Titus 2:13)

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

Following is a 4 minute sermon clip by Pastor David Wilkerson on the topic of : It's time to wake up!  Please watch!  Pastor Wilkerson stresses how we should make time for the good Lord! His return is near!  What will Jesus find you doing then?

Concerning Bible prophecies and the fact that nothing should alarm true believers in Jesus Christ the Savior,   Charles Spurgeon has this to tell us in one of his "Faith's Checkbook" devotions based on Daniel 12:13 =

"We cannot understand all the prophecies, but yet we regard them with pleasure and not with dismay.  There can be nothing in the Father's desire which should justly alarm His child. Though the abomination of desolation be set up, yet the true believer shall not be defiled; rather shall he be purified, and made white, and tried.  Though the earth be burned up, no smell of fire shall come upon the chosen.  Amid the crash of matter and the wreck of worlds, the Lord Jehovah will preserve His own - Calmly resolute in duty, brave in conflict, patient in suffering; let us go our way, keeping to our road, and neither swerving from it nor loitering in it.  The end will come, let us go our way till it does.  Rest will be ours.  All other things swing to and fro, but our foundation standeth sure.  God rests in His love, and therefore we rest in it.  Our peace is, and ever shall be, like a river.  A lot in the heavenly Canaan is ours, and we shall stand in it, come what may.  The God of Daniel will give a worthy portion to all who dare to be decided for truth and holiness as Daniel was.  No den of lions shall deprive us of our sure inheritance."

Times are urgent in which we are now living!  Urgent especially if you are not saved, are not born again, and have not put your trust and faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Him as the only way to the Father and heaven!   Jesus paid your sin debt in full on the cross !  He was our substitute as the Lamb of God to take our sins upon Himself and Redeem us by the shedding of His precious blood.  Think of how He suffered for you!  Think of His great love and compassion for you!

Following are some Salvation Scriptures for those who are not saved to take to heart --  to realize their perilous unsaved condition, and to repent of their sins in all sincerity, and turn to the Lord, recognizing their sinful state and that only Jesus can save us if we but put our faith in Him.... Pray for forgiveness !  Turn to Him with all of your very being in faith NOW !!

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

"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

"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

"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

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."   -   John 3:3

"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

"Grace be with you all!"  (Titus 3:15)

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

" Do We Show Mercy or Mercifulness? - The Difference" (with video) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Honu -  Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle]

This post concerns itself with God's mercy as well as what it means to be merciful.  In particular, what mercy is and how mercifulness may differ from mercy (or acts of mercy.)

While browsing my photographs to use in this article, it occurred to me that a few years ago a very unmerciful and cruel and senseless act against one of the protected and endangered Honu on Oahu, Hawaii, created an outcry among locals.   These gentle sea turtles often come to shore to rest awhile and to feed on some of the algae found there (as shown in my photograph above).  Someone (or perhaps more than one person)  slaughtered one of these protected turtles.  These gentle creatures have become use to the presence of man at the beaches where they come to rest.  They grew to trust and to not fear people.  

It makes me want to cry at such cruelty and senseless evil.  But what is also evil is how man treats other people at times.  

"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."   -  Jesus at Luke 6:36

[Turtle Beach (Laniakea Beach) - North Shore, Oahu]

"The world of natural man is by no means predominantly a merciful world. ' The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.'  Not everything which passes for kindness, not everything which is kindness, is mercy. "   So the Biblical Illustrator Bible Commentary explains.  Following will be a partial or, rather, an abbreviated, quote from that commentary on what true mercifulness entails.

"Mercy, as men count it, may be all "outside", no heart in it, or may take its rise from wrong or unworthy motives; while mercifulness must go down to the inner springs of actions, not stop short of guiding principles; have its roots in sound and holy motives. It deals with the quality  of the deed rather than the quantity.  ..... Mercifulness is what we are and what we do.

"True mercifulness is a characteristic of those who hunger and thirst after righteousness and they alone will be merciful in God's way....seeking not to please themselves but to do His will.  ..... True mercifulness is always guided by meekness.     It is exercised towards those who have ill requitted  our kindness, and are undeserving of our mercy.   True mercifulness can only be felt by those who have learned to mourn their sin, and in repentance turned unto God, and so have a fellow feeling with those who sin, and long to rescue them."

What about the mercifulness of God as seen in Christ?  The Biblical Illustrator commentary reminds us that Christ was merciful to all!  Jesus' mercifulness "was provident, thoughtful, wise - seeking the real good of men..... His mercifulness is unchanging.  Time does not wear it out, nor years weaken it.  He was merciful even as He loved, unto the end."

Speaking of Jesus, Hebrews 7:24-25, has this to say: "But this man, because He continueth ever,  hath an unchangeable priesthood, Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."

"How much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God,  purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament,  that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance."  -   Hebrews 9:14-15

Here is a wonderful hymn about the mercy of God!  It is based on Psalm 51.

Back to the Biblical Illustrator Bible Commentary, it compares Jesus' mercifulness to ours: 

"Jesus' mercifulness always kept God's glory in view, and ours so often centering about self.  HIS is a mercifulness shown towards those who were ever seeking His heart, and ours so easily quenched by the first appearance of ingratitude.  His a mercifulness that recognized sin as the source of every man's misery,  and ours so indifferent to the deepest needs of the men and women around us.  His a mercifulness that stooped  to help, that touched as well as pitied, and ours always bestowed with a gloved hand, and at a safe distance...... Believe me, it is time for us to learn that true mercifulness is discriminating, thoughtful, wise.  His a  mercifulness that is always the same; ours so fitful, uncertain, unreliable.  His mercifulness that cost Him self-sacrifice;   ours a doing or giving that will not even cost us a thought. His a mercifulness that permeated the whole man in every thought, and word, and deed;  ours so superficial, so unreal, our thoughts often breathing harsh judgment upon others, our actions marked by so little consideration of those about us or below us to whom we might be merciful."

There is much more wonderful information to be found concerning mercy and mercifulness at the Biblical Illustrator Bible Commentary.   Search for it on the Web !

The bottom line is:  We should endeavor to be as much like Christ as we possibly can.  We will never attain perfection this side of heaven, but the good Lord expects us to have that as an ultimate goal. (1 Peter 1:16).   If we don't aim to be Christ-like now, maybe we are not truly saved; maybe we won't make it to heaven.  You must be born again (a spiritual rebirth) in order to enter heaven.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  -   John 3:3

Following are Salvation Scriptures for those of you who may not have surrendered your life to the Lord.  Some of you may not know the way of salvation.  You must realize that Jesus died to pay your sin debt in full; His shed blood on the cross can wash you clean !  He was the sacrificial Lamb of God Who Redeemed those who will turn to Him in faith, believing that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven.  You must repent of your sins with a sorrow that is real and sincere and pray with all of your being that you wish to be forgiven and thereby give your life in faith to the Savior.

"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 eternal life."   -   John 3:16

May the good Lord bless you now and always!

Have a Christ-centered weekend -  and life !

"Flee! Flee To A Strong And Safe Refuge!" (With Hymn by Martin Luther) - Inspirational Weekend

• [Mother Peacock and Baby]

My photograph above of the mother peacock with her baby seems to fit the title of this post, as the mother shelters and protects her baby and is a refuge for it to flee to when danger is afloat.  My photo below gives a better idea of the mother's protection.

Most of you (especially Christians) will agree that this old and troubled and chaotic world is not a safe refuge by any means!  So what can we do?  The answer is found in Psalm 46:1 which follows:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Following are abbreviated quotes from James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary on Psalm 46:1 =

".....  It is a blessed thing to know Jesus Christ, the Friend who sticketh closer than a brother.  God is our refuge from isolation and from human misunderstanding

.....  Again, it is a hard, but it is a Divine, lesson to be calm and restrained under wrongful blame, a difficult, but a splendid victory.  God is our refuge from provocation.

..... Again, everything around us changes. The world itself is but for a time.  We ourselves grow old and change, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea, and forever, (Hebrews 13:8), and he that doeth the will of God abideth forever (1 John 2:17).   God is our refuge from change.

God is our refuge from sin and sorrow :  [ abbreviated = ]  ..... "the forgiveness of sins is offered to us in Jesus Christ our Savior.  ...  In sorrow,  if we but look up to the face of our Father, without Whom not a sparrow falls to the ground; and say... "Thou, O God, art my refuge in the day of trouble.

God is our refuge from uncertainty.  ...   God reveals Himself to the childlike in heart, and His revelation addresses itself to the whole of our nature and not to one part:  to the warm, loving heart, as well as to the cold, scoffing intellect.    ...  Light is sprung up in the darkness...

To those that thus receive the LORD, the refuge becomes also an Almighty Strength in whose Holy Spirit the very weakest of us can live a life to His glory and to the good of others."  (End of Nisbet's quotes)

On this Psalm 46, Martin Luther, in 1529, wrote his wonderful hymn : "A Mighty Fortress is our God", and here it is for your encouragement below:

Following are abbreviated  comments by Charles Spurgeon on Psalm 46:1 on his "Faith's Checkbook" devotion of 12-22-20:

" ...  Very few earthly helps could be called "very present".   They are usually far in the seeking, far in the using, and farther still when once used.  But as for the Lord our God, He is present when we seek Him, present when we need Him, and present when we have already enjoyed His aid.

"He is more than "present", He is very present  .  More present than the nearest friend can be, for He is in us  in our trouble;   more present than we are to ourselves, for sometimes we lack presence of mind.

"He is always present, effectually present, sympathetically present, altogether present.  He is present now if this is a gloomy season.  Let us rest ourselves upon Him.  He is our refuge ;  let us hide in Him; He is our strength; let us array ourselves with Him; He is our help; He is our very present help.  Let us repose in Him NOW.  We need not have a moment's care or an instant's fear. "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."     -   Psalm 46:7,11

"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."             -      John 8:12

"I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."  -  Psalm 130:5

"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.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."     -  Jesus the Savior at John 14:1-4

"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."   -    Titus 2:13-14

From the Scriptures immediately above, we have a sure hope that Jesus will return to take true believers to heaven to be with Him!

Think about it!  How wonderful and encouraging that is!

And all indications from how Bible prophecy is playing out now and coming true at warp speed in these the last moments of the last days.... Jesus' return must be very soon!  Many scholars and theologians agree!  But most importantly, God's Holy Word the Bible agrees!

If Jesus returns today or tomorrow or soon thereafter, are you "Rapture Ready?"  You are if you are born again (a spiritual birth from above; from God and Jesus - a belief that Jesus is the Savior and that  His shed  blood at the Cross can wash you clean if you but believe with all of your very being that He is the Savior, and the only way to the Father and heaven.)  If you believe like that, then you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and are truly a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If you are not saved, not born again, do NOT delay!  Time is running out!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms, and embrace you with His love and His forgiveness!

Following are Scriptures on how to be saved.  Repent of your sins and pray to the good Lord for forgiveness.  He honors a sincere heart; a heart sorrowful for sins and full of repentance.

"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

"(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

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness."   -   Jesus at  John 12:46

"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!