THE WAY TO HEAVEN; THE HOLY SPIRIT (DO YOU HAVE IT?); WHAT DOES BORN AGAIN MEAN? - WITH VIDEOS AND MORE! - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

The above photograph is of one of my grandchildren when he was a baby. There is nothing more precious than a tiny new born baby!  But spiritually speaking, there is nothing more wonderful and precious and to be treasured than "the new birth; being born again."   That occurs at the moment when a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior -  believing in Him in all sincerity and with all of your very being that He alone is the Savior, the Redeemer, Who gave His life as a ransom so that we might have eternal life if we have faith in Him and the power of His shed blood to cleanse us from our sins, and the fact that He rose from the dead, proving that we may also have eternal life by faith in Him.  (Romans 10:9-13)

In other words, at the moment you are saved by faith, you are "reborn" in spiritual manner, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.  (Ephesians 1:13).

The excellent You Tube Christian Channel "Lion of Judah" has the following 15 minute video which helps to explain what happens to you when you are born again.  Please watch !  

In the above video it mentions that being born again is not really or exactly you "turning over a new leaf."  Watch the video in the beginning where it explains this.  It reminds me of many years ago when I worked in a small office environment, and one of the men there was a real character.  He truthfully said of himself -  with some humor and much truth :  " I need to turn over a whole new bush!"   Can anyone relate, or do you know someone like that ?

Actually, the above statement by my former co-worker is a good beginning!  A beginning of realizing that you are a mess (a sinner) and that you need help ! That can lead you to know Christ, if your heart is right and someone shares the Gospel with you.  Or even if you just read the Bible in earnest, the Holy Spirit can convict you of your need of a Savior, and lead you to repentance.  The Bible is, after all, "God-breathed", meaning God's Holy Spirit guided and inspired the men of old to write down the words of our Heavenly Father, which later became the Holy Bible.  

                                               [Seattle, Washington Botanical Gardens]

"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 3:7

Charles Spurgeon has written a wonderful devotion on the above Scripture,  John 3:7, which follows:

"Regeneration is a subject which lies at the very basis of salvation, and we should be very diligent to take heed that we really are "born again",  for there are many who fancy they are, who are not.  Be assured that the name of a Christian is not the nature of a Christian; and that being born in a Christian land, and being recognized as professing the Christian religion is of no avail whatever, unless there be something more added to it - the being  "born again" is a matter so mysterious that human words cannot describe it.  "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth;  so is everyone that is born of the Spirit."  [John 3:8]    Nevertheless, it is a change which is known and felt; known by works of holiness, and felt by a gracious experience.  This great work is supernatural.  It is NOT an operation which a man performs for himself:  a new principle is infused which works in the heart, renews the soul, and affects the entire man.  It is NOT a change of my name, but a renewal of my nature, so that I am not the man I used to be, but a new man in Christ Jesus.  To wash and dress a corpse is a far different thing from making it alive: man can do the one, God alone can do the other.  If you have then been "born again", your acknowledgment will be:  "O LORD Jesus, the everlasting Father, Thou art my spiritual Parent; unless Thy Spirit had breathed into me the breath of a new, holy, and spiritual life, I had been to this day "dead in trespasses and sins.  My heavenly life is wholly derived from Thee -  to Thee I ascribe it."   -  "My life is hid with Christ in God."  [Colossians 3:3].    -      It is no longer I who live, but "Christ Who liveth in me."  [Galatians 2:20].      May the LORD enable us to be well assured on this vital point, for to be unregenerate is to be unsaved, unpardoned, without God, and without hope."   -  end of Spurgeon's quote.

(Charles Haddon Spurgeon lived from 1834 to 1892 in England.  He was a Baptist preacher who to this day remains very influential in many various Christian denominations.  He was and still is known as the Prince of Preachers.")

                                                       [Kailua Beach -  Oahu, Hawaii]

In todays topsy-turvy world, nothing is certain anymore, or so it seems!  BUT GOD!  We can be certain that God and His Word and His Promises will always remain certain and true and stable!

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever."  -  Hebrews 13:8

Hang on to that, folks!  The way things are going now, (current world events that prove spiritually and also  according to Bible Prophecy), that our precious Savior will return very soon and take us to be with Him in heaven.  It doesn't get any better than that!  

The above video quotes John 14:1-3, where Jesus tells us that He is in heaven preparing a place for us (mansions, KJV) and that He will return for us!  We all need that good news today!  Hope! Something to hang on to.  And of course, our hope is in the blessed Lord!

"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

Recently, I have re-read a 29 page booklet by Andrew Murray that I have had in my possession for a few years.  It's title is "Lord, teach us to pray" and it concerns the "Lord's Prayer" which Jesus taught His disciples. Most of its contents is rather elementary, or would be to pastors or to faithful Christians of many, many years of faith in the Lord.  It is good to go over material from time to time that you are familiar with, because often you glean new insights you missed previously;  this is especially true of the Bible itself, as you no doubt have observed for yourself.  You know, how you may have read the Bible through many times, but one day a particular verse just "hits" you for the first time -  really speaks to you as if you had never seen it before!  

Anyway,  here is a short quote from Murray's booklet:  "Yes, to pray. This is what we need to be taught.  Though in its beginnings prayer is so simple that the feeble child can pray, yet it is at the same time the highest and holiest work to which man can rise.  It is fellowship with the Unseen and Most Holy One.  The powers of the eternal world have been placed at its disposal..  It is the very essence of true religion, the channel of all blessings, the secret of power and life. Not only for ourselves, but for others, for the Church, for the world, it is to prayer that God has given the right to take hold of Him and His strength.  It is on prayer that the promises wait for their fulfilment, the kingdom for its coming, the glory of God for its full revelation.  And for this blessed work, how slothful and unfit we are.  It is only the Spirit of God that can enable us to do it aright.  How speedily we are deceived into a resting in the form, while the power is wanting."   -  end of Andrew Murray's quote.

There are many professing Christians today that do not pray - or, if they do, very seldom. And sometimes it is painfully obvious that they probably are not influenced by the Holy Spirit.  None of us are perfect, and neither are there any perfect Christians!  But it is essential that we believers be indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  Following is an informative and helpful 10 minute video titled " Undeniable Proof that the Holy Spirit is In Your Life"  (by You Tube Channel "Grace for Purpose."

There are many gems in the above video!  One of which is that the Holy Spirit will help pray for and with you!

If Jesus were to return to take His Bride (the Church; true believers) to heaven in the Rapture  -  if it occurred tonight, or next week, or next month,   would you be ready?  Or would you be "left behind"?

  To go to heaven, either when you die naturally or you are "caught up" to meet Jesus in the air at the Rapture,  you first need to be born again.  That is discussed above in this article.  You need to recognize that you are a sinner and in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ.  You cannot save yourself or earn your way to heaven by any "good works" or whatever else you may have been taught. God does not grade on a "curve"; like if your good deeds outdo or outweigh your bad deeds, you're okay and good to go!  (Good enough to enter heaven, many people think). 

"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

If you repent, feel a deep remorse for your sins against God and heaven, and you turn to Jesus/God in heartfelt sincerity and pray for forgiveness, you will be forgiven!  No matter how terrible you have sinned.  It has been said by a pastor, that even if Hitler had repented and asked for forgiveness, God would have granted his request.

Following are salvation Scriptures for a guide for those who have not yet surrendered their lives to the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"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

"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 !!

 

IS IT WORTH IT OR IS HE IS WORTHY?! (ENCOURAGEMENT IN DIFFICULT TIMES - Videos, Scriptures, Christian Quotes)

 Again, a rainbow reminds me of God's many promises, and how He loves us and watches over us and guides us !  How encouraging is that!  By the way, that is a moon in the lower part of my photograph, which was taken just at dawn on my patio.

Last night I was very touched by watching a video concerning a Christian missionary who suffered tremendously and had much trauma as a missionary in the Congo for 20 years.  Quite a long time ago, I had heard the story of a child's faith that God would answer a prayer that very day for a hot water bottle (to help save a baby's life) and for God to also - that very day - send a doll for the baby's sister ; the children's mother had just died in childbirth.  Many of you may be familiar with that moving and miraculous story.   Well, here it is now in video from the missionary who experienced it!  But take note also: God asked the missionary a question: :

God used the missionary's suffering to help others.  Her name was Helen Roseveare and she lived from 1925 to 2016.  A must watch 18 minute video above.  It will bless and encourage you!

Sometimes, as in Helen's life, God trusts us with some pretty heavy and tough experiences, and He does not always tell us the reason why!

Right now - this very minute -  as I looked through one of my notebooks for encouraging Scriptures, the Lord led me to the following devotional by Charles Spurgeon!  Wow! Spurgeon's words here are a perfect fit for our discussion now.

Spurgeon used Exodus 3:7 as the basis for his devotion, which tells us: "I know their sorrows."

Charles Spurgeon:  " The child is cheered as he sings, "this my father knows"; and shall not we be comforted as we discern that our dear Friend and tender Soul-Husband knows all about us?

1. He is the Physician, and if He knows all, there is no need that the patient should know.  Hush, thou silly, fluttering heart, prying, peeping, and suspecting!  What thou knowest not now, thou shalt know hereafter, and meanwhile Jesus, the beloved Physician, knows thy soul in adversities.  Why need the patient analyze all the medicine, or estimate all the symptoms?  This is the Physician's work, not mine; it is my business to trust,  and His to prescribe.  If He shall write His prescription in uncouth characters which I cannot read, I will not be uneasy on that account, but rely upon His unfailing skill to make all plain in the result, however mysterious in the working.

2.  He is the Master,  and His knowledge is to serve us instead of our own; we are to obey, not to judge. "The servant knoweth not what his lord doeth."  Shall the architect explain his plans to every hodman on the works?   If he knows his own intent, is it not enough?  The vessel on the wheel cannot guess to what pattern it shall be conformed, but if the potter understands his art, what matters the ignorance of the clay?!  My Lord must not be cross-questioned any more by one so ignorant as I am.

3.  He is the Head.    All understanding centers there.  What judgment has the arm?  What comprehension has the foot?  All the power to know lies in the head.   Why should the member have a brain of its own when the head fulfills for it every intellectual office?  Here then, must the believer rest his comfort in sickness, not that he himself can see the end, but that Jesus knows all. Sweet Lord, be Thou for ever eye, and soul, and head for us, and let us be content to know only what Thou choosest  to reveal."  -  end of Spurgeon's quote.

[Haleiwa Beach Park - Oahu, Hawaii]

Check out these sayings on Church properties:

"Free trip to heaven.  Details inside!"

"We are a Facebook church.  We seek HIS face, and open HIS book!"

"Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives."

"Come work for the LORD.  The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low.  But the retirement benefits are out of this world !"

                                                  *   *    *   *   *    *   *

In these perilous times, run to God!  If you truly know God,  nothing in this life can phase you or completely ruin you!   So it encourages us in the following 12 minute video by "Lion of Judah" Christian You Tube channel:  

The above encouraging video tells us, for one thing, "The hand of God is what will save you!  It requires humility to recognize God as the  Director of your life!"  And, very important also :  "God will never hate you!"

One Scripture used previously on this blog really describes the crazy and distorted mindset of many in today's upside-down and topsy-turvy deceived world: 

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"  -   Isaiah 5:20

Not to elaborate right now on the above verse, ( I have done so previously and will again hopefully later on), but this applies not only to a global and/or worldwide mindset these days, but to individuals as well, of course, since individuals make up the world!  You know what I am trying to say! Something to think about!

"Behold, God is my salvation: for the LORD Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation." -  Isaiah 12:2

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all." - Psalm 34:19

"For HE hath made HIM to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."  -   2 Corinthians 5:21

"I pray that out of HIS glorious riches HE may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."  -  Ephesians 3:16

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

Jesus will love you forever, according to John 6:37.  He will never abandon you!

"Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." -  Hebrews 13:5

All of the above Scriptures should touch and melt our hearts !  What love God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have for us!  Our lives should reflect much gratitude in return!  Love and gratitude to the good Lord can be expressed by obedience and by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is also obeying the Lord. 

The following quote is by Lyle Bert, who is a handicapped person: 

"A person who has no legs can still achieve great heights; A person who has no hands can still grasp an idea; A person who has no sight can still have great vision, And a person who can't move can still lead."

The above quote made me think of Nick Vujicic !!  He was born without limbs and has been an inspiration to many as he travels the world and gives Christian motivational speeches. A few years ago here in Hawaii, I attended one of his live presentations.

Following is a short 7 minute video by Nick on "God's Plan For Your Life":

There are many of Nick's inspiring talks on You Tube!  Go check them out.   His website is 

lifewithoutlimbs.org

                                                     *    *     *    *      *    *

Many times this blog has stressed that Jesus' soon return is imminent!   The Rapture of true believers could occur at any time - especially in light of how Bible prophecies are being fulfilled now at warp speed -  almost on a minute by minute basis!

If Jesus returned to take believers to heaven tonight, or tomorrow, or very soon (no one knows the day or the hour, but God the Father -  (Matthew 24:36))  .... If our Savior returned now, would you be Rapture Ready?   Could you honestly say that you are living for Him and watching with great expectation and hope for Him?  Does your life exhibit your love for Him?

If you are not a born again believer in Jesus the Savior, following are some Scriptures for you:

"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

God loves you!

Have a blessed day!

PROPHECY NEWS - GOG AND MAGOG WAR - ISRAEL'S NEW GOVERNMENT (With Videos)

 High and powerful surf as in my photograph above taken on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, has always been awe inspiring to me !  For that matter, all of the good Lord's creation leaves me in awe of His power and His majesty!  Not only the beauty of creation, but just the astounding fact that He in His majesty and sovereignty and wisdom -  and the list goes on! -  that our loving heavenly Father, Who can be so tender and merciful and loving towards us finite humans also has the power to create such awesomeness as found in nature -  and the universe, for that matter.

Recently I was amazed by God's power in another way --  that the nation of Israel is changing government -  a part Jewish and part Muslim government - which will lead to the entrance of the Antichrist soon !  Which means that   Ancient Bible Prophecy about the end times is coming true right now!!  The Jews will be deceived (not realizing he is the antichrist), however it has recently  been brought to my attention that the antichrist himself who will soon take over will also be part Jewish and part Muslim.  

Isaiah 10:5-6 says: "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down" like the mire of the streets."

 

  Maybe more about that later. However, according to one scholar, the recent (under President Trump) Abraham Peace Accords are part Jewish and part Muslim.

Following is a recent 51 minute video by Amir Tsarfati concerning not only the new Israeli government, but also information on how close might be the Gog and Magog war ! Amir is a Christian Jew with a thriving ministry.  You will learn much from his video below!   

 Unfortunately, for some reason I cannot paste that video here.  Please go to You tube at Behold Israel and enter "Amir Tsarfati-  Middle East Update: how close are we to to Gog and Magog?  - posted on June 3, 2021

 

Here is another recent video by prophecywatchers.com with host Gary Stearman and his guest Billy Crone as they discuss the Tribulation, the Temple, and the Antichrist.  Of interest in this 29 minute video below is a short animated clip of what the coming new temple in Jerusalem will look like!  Pastor Crone thinks that perhaps part of the covenant with the antichrist will be to have the New 3rd Temple to be built.  

In the above video, Pastor Crone mentions that when, eventually, the Jewish people (during the 7 Year Tribulation) realize that the antichrist has "duped"  them, the antichrist will slaughter about 2/3 of the Jewish people.   

There is more information concerning that slaughter at   https://christinprophecy.org/articles/the-jews-in-end-time-bible-prophecy/      Check out paragraphs 8 and 9 in the article above.  Scriptures are given there for reference, including Zechariah 13:8-9 and Revelation 12:13-17.

Please, while at the above link  at Christinprophecy.org  , scroll down to the heading "Prophecies Concerning the Church".  It mentions that at the end of the millennium  (after the tribulation and armageddon) then the millennium which is the 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth)  then at the end of the millennium "we will be removed from this earth to the "New Jerusalem" which the Lord has been preparing for us, and from that vantage point, we will witness the greatest fireworks display in history as God envelopes this earth in fire, burning away the pollution of satan's last revolt  (2 Peter 3:10-13)." the article goes on to say, "out of that fiery inferno will come the New Heavens and the New Earth where we will live forever in the New Jerusalem in the presence of God and Jesus."   

I just felt like I must quote that part of the article above  because so many teach that it will not be a literal fire and a literal destruction -- but instead, a cleansing of some sort.  

I apologize for the links not working properly for this article.  Long story about computer issues!  Please make an effort to check out the important links given here!  Great info !

[Waikiki Beach at Dawn - Oahu, Hawaii]

Here is another video which explains in 44 minutes a general summary of prophetic truths.  It is by prophecy expert Don Stewart.... at educatingourworld.com.  But the video was for "hope for our times" channel by Pastor Tom Hughes.  This video is especially helpful for those "new" to the idea of Bible Prophecy coming true in these last days we find ourselves in at this time.  Don Stewart in the following video also talks about the Gog of Magog war.   At the end, he reminds us that the wicked will not understand what is actually taking place or the prophetic significance of it.   A must watch!  

Here is a devotional by Charles Spurgeon that rather fits in with this article's discussion.  It concerns us being glad of heart because of how wonderful our heavenly Father is to us, and because of His wonderful attributes that should lift our spirits to think on them, and of His many blessings.  Spurgeon bases his devotional on Psalm 149:2 which reads; "Let Israel rejoice in Him."

 

Spurgeon:   "Be glad of heart, O believer, but take care that thy gladness has its spring in the LORD.  Thou has much cause for gladness in thy God, for thou canst sing with David, "God, my exceeding joy."  Be glad that the LORD reigneth, that Jehovah is King!  Rejoice that HE sits upon the throne, and ruleth all things!  Every attribute of God should become a fresh ray in the sunlight of our gladness.  That HE is mighty should cause us to rejoice who tremble at our weakness.  That HE is everlasting, should always be a theme of joy when we know that we wither as the grass.  That HE is unchanging, should perpetually yield us a song, since we change every hour.   That HE is full of grace, that HE is overflowing with it, and that this grace in covenant HE has given to us; that it is ours to cleanse us, ours to keep us, ours to sanctify us, ours to perfect us, ours to bring us to Glory.

"All this should tend to make us glad in HIM.  This gladness in God is as a deep river; we have only as yet touched its brink; we know a little of its clear sweet heavenly streams, but onward the depth is greater and the current more impetuous in its joy.  The Christian feels that he may delight himself not only in what God IS , but also in ALL that  God has DONE in the past.  The Psalms show us that God's people in olden times were won't to think MUCH of God's actions,   and to have a song concerning each of them.  So let God's people NOW rehearse the deeds of the LORD!  Let them tell of HIS mighty acts, and "Sing unto the LORD, for HE hath triumphed gloriously."   Nor let them ever cease to sing, for as new mercies flow to them day by day, so should their gladness in the LORD's  loving acts in Providence and in Grace show itself in continued thanksgiving.  Be glad ye children of Zion and rejoice in the LORD your God.!"   - end of Spurgeon's quote.

Here is a short 11 minute sermon by the wonderful Christian channel on You Tube "Grace For Purpose."  It is titled: "God isn't asking you to be Perfect, He wants you to Trust Him in your Weakness"  .   

Take heart! Our Savior will return very soon!  Times are tough for many right now, but we true believers in the atoning shed blood of Jesus know that He has given us a hope which nothing can destroy.  We may face much difficulties of one sort or another, even have loved ones disappoint us... and the list goes on.  Not to mention the evil days in which we are now living.  I hope the above information and Scriptures encourage you to hang in there !

God loves you !  Have a blessed day!

"HOW TO SPEND THE DAY WITH GOD!'' - (Matthew Henry Sermon Video) & Christian Quotes - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

                                                       [Diamond Head Beach and Lighthouse - Oahu, Hawaii]

Since a lighthouse to Christians can be a symbol for the Lord Jesus, and likewise of God, I chose to use my photograph above to compliment the title of this post :"How To Spend The Day With God."  Actually, this post's title is also the title of a 35 minute sermon by Matthew Henry which follows:

Matthew Henry was a Puritan (or "non-conformist" - which was any English Protestant who did not conform to the doctrines or practices of the established Church of England during the 1600's).  Henry lived from 1662-1714.  He was in poor health physically and intellectually; but spiritually he was gifted.  As a child prodigy he was able to read out loud a chapter of the Bible when he was only 3 years old.   Just a note, many persons- including myself - refer to his Bible Commentaries for reference.

The main point to consider is the  content of the above sermon video.  It is very encouraging to all of us in today's stormy times. One point he made is: "Though a stormy day... yet we must hope and have patience.  Be joyful because Christ is in the ship and also at the helm."    And ...." To wait on God is to live a life of desire towards God, to wait on Him in faith and expectation.....Be entirely conformed to God's will.  ......Only the ones willing to do as they are taught by God will God continue to teach His ways. "    There are many more gems of insightful and of helpful nature for us in the above video!

Following is an almost 3 minute video trailer about Matthew Henry's life and times:

When Matthew Henry was about 13 years old, he wrote a short biography concerning the saving of his soul.  Quite insightful and impressive as to the knowledge and spiritual understanding of one so young!  For those who are interested, here is the link to that:   look for the portion titled " A Catalog of Mercies".       http://www.sounddoctrine.net/LIBRARY/Bible%20Studies/MHenry-biography.htm

In considering our troublesome times during these last days of the Church Age,  as well as the concerns and hardships and fears of many persons today as to what might lie ahead, here is a helpful quote - a short devotional by Charles Spurgeon, titled "Rain Without Clouds? Never!"   Spurgeon bases his comments on Ecclesiastes 11:3 : "If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth."

Spurgeon comments: "Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky?  True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; he will shine out again before long.  Meanwhile, those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they are to yield plentiful showers!  How can we have rain, without clouds?  Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will.  They are the black chariots of bright grace.  These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be the gladder for the shower.  Our God may drench us with grief, but He will not drown us with wrath; nay, He will refresh us with mercy.  Our LORD's Love Letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes.    His wagons rumble but they are loaded with benefits.  His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits.  Let us not worry about the clouds but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.

"O, LORD, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet!   How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day!  Love beholds Thee and is glad.  Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side."   -  end of quote

"The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.  The LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet."      -    Nahum 1:3

"Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them." - unknown

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."           -   Charles Spurgeon

"Tears clean the windows of your soul." -  Nick Vujicic (Life without Limbs.org)

"Thou art still the God of my salvation and Thou wilt bear me up, and carry me through, and lighten all my pressure, until Thou shalt bring me home to behold Thy glory and to dwell with Thee forever."     -  Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary.

"When in the hands of God, our regrets of yesterday turn to beautiful re-designs of tomorrow."      -   Janet Perez Eckles

"Christians, see your position, debtors to grace; show your gratitude by earnest, Christ-like lives, and as God has bidden you live, see to it that you live in earnest."  -  Charles Spurgeon

If Jesus were to return today or next week (no one knows the day or the hour - Matthew 24:36)  -  would you be Rapture Ready?

Perhaps, because of the turmoil and upheaval in the world today, maybe more people are considering their future and what might lie ahead.  But how many of them are concerned with their eternity?  That is the most important decision anyone can make!   Meaning, of course, salvation that is found only in belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior - that He is the only way to heaven and to eternal life!

Following are some salvation Scriptures for you to take to heart and to lead you to a vibrant faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus !   As you read these verses, if you are not yet saved and born again, think about the cruel and painful death Jesus suffered on the cross -  and He did it out of love for you!  He took your place and your sins upon Himself at Calvary; shed His precious blood (as the sacrificial Lamb of God); He paid your sin debt in full - a debt so enormous that none of us could pay it on our own (by our works).  

"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 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 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 !!

GOD WILL NOT FAIL YOU ! HANG IN THERE! (Videos - The Soon Return - Will You Miss IT?) Inspirational Weekend

 

The last post on this blog (scroll down) was concerning God's faithfulness with a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith based on Lamentations the third chapter, verses 21 to 24,which follow:

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."

This post will continue with more about the good Lord's faithfulness.  We need - during these chaotic and lawless times - to have something hopeful to hang on to, and what better hope than to dwell on God's faithfulness, and the fact that His promises will all come true!  The hope that true believers in Jesus as the Savior have far better things on the horizon which are soon to transpire!  

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of that 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

Part of the secret to endurance, besides the fact that God's promises will always come true - as they always have - (and to have faith that that is for sure), is to wait patiently with endurance for Him to ease our burdens and to comfort us with His presence (which He does right now to some degree), but also we have the blessed hope of Jesus' return for His "sheep" and the hope of eternal life in a much better place than what this present world offers. 

Verses 25 and 26 of Lamentations 3 encourages us : "The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him.  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD."

Part of "seeking" the Lord, is not just the initial coming to salvation, but to continually seek Him after that - everyday - by frequent daily prayer and to pour over His Holy Word the Bible daily, as a continual feast to feed you spiritually.  Someone has said, "A prayerless Christian is a Christ-less Christian."

This blog has stressed often that the good Lord wants to fellowship with His people. When we do that by much prayer and Bible reading and studying, we will grow to know the Lord better; to know His attributes and character; and thereby learn to love Him more and more, day by day.  It is like with your friends and loved ones:  the more time you spend with them, the better you know them and the more you love them and want to spend time with them.  That is how we should feel about the LORD.  You will find that a warm, loving, close, intimate, personal relationship will develop between you and God through His Son Jesus Christ -  when you fellowship with the good Lord constantly. That is what it is all about, folks!  Nothing is more important than your relationship with the Lord!   Nothing!

Following is a 36 minute Christian video titled : "The Stage Is Set For the Second Coming."  I highly encourage you to watch it because there are many spiritual gems to be found there... about your Christian walk, as well as the fact that our Savior could return at any time now.

Going back to the faithfulness of God:  faithfulness is an attribute of God.  But to obtain the fulness of the faithfulness of God, we must realize that it depends on our walking with God and yielding to the guidance of His Holy Spirit.  We, too, therefore should be faithful to read and obey His Word and His Will.  Think about it: we only have that faith and have our own faithfulness by God's grace anyway! When we receive Christ as our Lord, the Holy Spirit indwells us and brings the blessings of love, peace, joy, and faithfulness...  Galations 5:22;  Ephesians 1:13

"And the heavens shall praise Thy wonders, O LORD: Thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints."  -  Psalm 89:5

                                                     [Red Flowers of Cannonball Tree]

Another way to view God's faithfulness is to realize the fact that God will NOT fail you !! or abandon you!!

"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."  -  Hebrews 13:5

The basis of the above verse at Hebrews 13:5 is from the Old Testament:  Joshua 1:5, which tells us: 

"I will be with thee:  I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote a devotional about "He Never Fails" based on Joshua 1:5, a portion of that devotional follows:

"Beloved, a life of warfare is  before us, but the LORD of Hosts is with us.   ......   Have we to contend with cunning and powerful enemies?  Here is strength and valor, prowess and victoryl  Have we a vast heritage to win?  By this sign we shall achieve our purpose:  the LORD Himself is with us.  ....  When I meet death, who is called the last enemy, I pray that I may be at peace.  Only let my great care be to please the LORD in all things.  Oh, for faith and holiness, for these are a pleasure unto the Most High."

[Taro Fields, Overlook Near Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii]

Keep watching !  

Keep looking up!

Your redemption is near!

Following are salvation Scriptures for those who may not yet have accepted and believed in Jesus as the Savior.  These verses are also excellent for Christians to share with unsaved loved ones .

Here is a short 8 minute video by Dr. Charles Stanley on the subject of salvation;  please watch!

Remember, simply repeating "a sinner's prayer" does NOT, in itself, save you.  It is good to have a model or example to help one to understand,  but many have mindlessly repeated a formula type prayer and thought they were saved but by their lifestyle, etc., showed evidence that they were not truly born again.   You are saved by faith and belief in Jesus as THE SAVIOR!  Realize that His shed blood can wash you clean of your sins and save you for life eternal.  You must repent - a complete change of mind in conformity to the Lord's will, and then turn your life around to be obedient to His commands (as best we frail finite humans are able to do).  It would be best to say your own heartfelt and sincere prayer, and to ask for His forgiveness.  

Think how Jesus suffered an agonizing death for you, bled for you, died for you, so that you might have life eternal!  He paid your sin debt in full at His death.  It was a debt so great that none of us could ever have paid it on our own. (Works do NOT save you!)  Ephesians 2:8-9

What love !

What mercy!

The least we can do is follow Him as best we can and share the Gospel with lost souls! Out of our own love for Him and our gratitude to Him for all He has done for us.

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

"THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUE REPENTANCE - YOUR ETERNITY DEPENDS UPON IT! ( With Videos - One a sermon by George Whitefield)" - Inspirational Weekend

 

For some reason, the blood red color of the above bromeliad reminded me of the fact of Jesus' shed blood at the Cross -  His precious blood which alone can wash away our sins and make us a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17).  God made Jesus to be sin for us!

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 explains:  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

   The verses above would make the subject of another complete article on this blog, and perhaps that will be done in the future.  The point now concerns the fact that once a person is truly saved and born again (a spiritual rebirth)  he is considered to be a "new creature" because the heavenly Father sees that person as clean, by the blood of Jesus, and sees that person as righteous by Jesus' redemptive act at Calvary -  sees the saved one "through" Jesus, so to speak.  

It does NOT mean that we are perfect, of course, and that we will never sin again.  Due to the fallen flesh inherited from Adam's fall, we will make mistakes and sin occasionally.  However, unlike the world of unsaved lost souls, we will not deliberately and willfully sin.   We will not go against God's will defiantly and assert our own set of "rules" independently of Him.  Sin will not be our predominant nature.  

This leads to the main subject of this post:  Faith and Repentance.  Charles Spurgeon has said that faith and repentance are inseparable.  Check out You Tube for an audio sermon of his on that subject.

Sometimes this blog neglects to always mention repentance when salvation and salvation verses are shared here.  Repentance is a necessary requirement of salvation; and yet, at the same time, repentance is one continuing act.

" I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."     -  Jesus at Luke 13:3

Following is a 55 minute audio sermon by George Whitefield on the subject:  "A Repentant Heart", based in part on Luke 13:3.  Whitefield was a Methodist evangelist who was born in Gloucester, England, and lived from 1714 to 1770.  When he was very young, he met John and Charles Wesley. Whitefield's sermon below is excellent !  Please watch !  You will be glad you did.

In the above sermon, George Whitefield tells us to not say we do not have the power to change, for Christ will give us the power and strength to do so!  

Here is a link to a wonderful article on repentance at https://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?s=Bibles&q=repentance

The article tells us that confession belongs to repentance and is needed for Divine forgiveness.  Repentance means to turn away from evil, and to turn to good.  One important comment in the above article is , "Repentance is only a condition of salvation and not its meritorious ground," and "repentance requires true brokenness and with a commitment to change."

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  -     Matthew 4:17

Luke 24:46-48 tells us: "And said unto them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in HIs name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things."  

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death.  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yeah, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge!  In all things, ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."  -   Apostle Paul at 2 Corinthians 7:10-11

"And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."    -  Luke 5:31-32

"Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."   -  Jesus at John 3:7

On the above verse, Charles Spurgeon has written beautifully in his devotion which follows:

"Regeneration is a subject which lies at the very basis of salvation, and we should be very diligent to take heed that we really are "born again", for there are many who fancy they are, who are not.  Be assured that the name of a  Christian is not the nature of a Christian; and that being born in a Christian land, and being recognized as professing the Christian religion is of no avail whatever, unless there be something more added to it -  the being "born again", is a matter so mysterious , that human words cannot describe it.  "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth.  So is every one that is born of the Spirit."  Nevertheless, it is a change which is known and felt; known by works of holiness, and felt by a gracious experience.  This great work is supernatural.  It is not an operation which a man performs for himself:  a new principle is infused, which works in the heart, renews the soul, and affects the entire man.  It is not a change of my name, but a renewal of my nature, so that I am not the man I used to be, but a new man in Christ Jesus.  To wash and dress a corpse is a far different thing from making it alive:  man can do the one, God alone can do the other.  If you have then, been "born again", your acknowledgment will be :  "O LORD Jesus, the everlasting Father, thou art my spiritual Parent; unless Thy Spirit had breathed into me the breath of a new, holy, and spiritual life, I had been to this day "dead in trespasses and sins."  ... "My heavenly life is wholly derived from Thee -  to Thee I ascribe it."    ,,,  "It is no longer I who live, but Christ Who liveth in me."  -   May the LORD enable us to be well assured on this vital point, for to be unregenerate is to be unsaved, unpardoned, without God, and without hope."  (end of quote).

Following is a beautiful hymn used on this blog previously which is about confession of sin and a contrite heart and God's grace --  and more !

Here once again is Dr. Charles Stanley's short 8 minute video on the way of salvation:

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !

ONLY GOD CAN PROTECT US ! - ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU! (Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

My cat, Lika, shown above, likes to nap in this spot frequently, although she varies her choice often and moves to other favorite napping areas.  In the following video, it opens with a discussion about fears in the nighttime while you sleep, and how it is a command of God that we not be fearful.  There is much encouragement on other topics as well in the following 22 minute video, complete with many scriptural references.  It explains what "the shadow of God" means, and how no evil can overwhelm you when you abide under the shadow of the LORD.

The above video is from "The Lion Of Judah" channel.  If you have followed this blog lately, you know that I sometimes use that excellent Christian You Tube source.  Lately, for my own edification, I've been enjoying the Lion of Judah Prayer Channel.  I pray everyday on my own, but also listening to the audio prayers can be comforting.  For those who never pray, or who just don't know what to pray or how to pray, I encourage you to go to the Lion of Judah Prayer channel on You Tube.  Following are a couple of samples from that source.  

Since the title of this article post concerns protection from God, the first prayer below is also a prayer for protection.  In this 11 minute video, it mentions how "no plague to come near our dwelling."

Below is another 11 minute video; this one an example of a morning prayer.

On the Lion of Judah Prayer channel, there are also prayers for nighttime and sleep, as well as many other topics of prayers.  Hope you check it out !   But of course, the main thing is to daily read your Bible and to have fellowship with the good Lord through your own private prayers to Him.  That is the only way you will ever feel close to God and Jesus -  by spending quality time with them.  By doing so, you will find that a strong bond will form between you and the good Lord, because you will begin to know Him intimately the more you spend time with Him.   Just like with a human friend; the more you communicate with your friends, the closer the bond between you, as you grow to understand their attributes and characteristics and the like.  The same is true with the LORD.  But some fail to grasp this fact and how important it is to develop a close, intimate, personal, loving and trusting relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. 

This is especially important NOW to be in frequent contact with the Lord in prayer-  I do not have to tell you anything about the dangerous and evil times we are living in right now.   You already know, especially if you are up in years and remember how different things were in the 1950's and 1960's, etc.   Goodness, even 20 years ago it was an entirely different story than the way it is now. Not that things were perfect, of course, or that the precursors to what we see happening today weren't already in place back then waiting for the times and circumstances to begin what we now currently face.

We are living in the last moments of the last days of this Age of Grace, the Church Age.  This blog has posted much information about the last days and the Rapture of true believers by Jesus soon, as well as other future events such as the Gog of Magog War, the 7 year tribulation, the Mark of the Beast, and much, much more.  For more information on that, go to the "search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter one or more of the mentioned topics, or topics of other interests for you -  such as forgiveness,  strength, endurance, and the like.  

[Juvenile Shama Thrush]

Some Scriptures for you :

Romans 8:32-39 tells us: (32) He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  (33)  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?  It is God that justifieth.  (34)  Who is he that condemneth?  It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us.  (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36)  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.  (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

"And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."       -   Jesus at Matthew 10:22

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

Let those Scriptures above sink into your heart and soul.  The verses directly above (at John 14)  should be especially encouraging as Jesus tells us that He is now in heaven preparing a place for us, and that He will return for us to take us to be with Him in heaven (in the Rapture of the Church - His Bride, true believers)-  and Jesus' return is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment!  What a glorious hope!  

"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

[Angel Trumpets]

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

Charles Spurgeon ( 1834 - 1892) was a prominent pastor in England, and who is still very influential even today among the clergy as well as everyday ordinary people ,  wrote an excellent devotional on the above verse at Psalm 145.   Following is a short portion of it:

"Those who fear HIM are men under the holiest influence and, therefore their desire is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  ...  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, and 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.

Let the Reader lay this text on his tongue and keep it in his mouth all the day, and it will be to him as  "a wafer made with honey."    -   (end of quote).  

It is a good practice to memorize several scriptures (as many as possible for you) so that - no matter where you are during the day or night and it is not feasible to read the Bible or you have no Bible available at the time --  then you may meditate on the Holy Word and be refreshed, especially if you are in an uncomfortable circumstance.

When the Bible speaks of "the fear of God" , for the most part it means to reverence Him, to hold Him in awe, to hold Him in high esteem, to recognize that He is the Sovereign of the universe, to give Him proper respect and to give Him all the glory!

We show that in many ways, but mostly by obeying Him and doing His will; by putting Him First in our lives.  That of course means Jesus as well  (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit).

If you are not saved and have not put your full belief and trust in Jesus Christ as the Savior, following are some Scriptures especially for you:

"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

"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 !

The Fight Of Your Life ! (Must Watch Video For Help !)

 

In the Bible, lions represent strength and power, courage and protection.  However, most Christians are familiar with 1 Peter 5:8 which tells us:  "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

The devil is "similar" to a lion in wanting to capture you and "devour" you.  Destroy you and tear you to pieces !   But the Bible likens the devil more to be the serpent, the dragon, the deceiver, our adversary.

And therein lies the fight of our lives!   

Spiritual warfare !  Big Time !

        Following is  an excellent 56 minute video on this very subject!  I felt that I must share it with you right away!  I watched it for the first time earlier this morning and it is very thorough with many Scriptures included which will not only inform you and encourage you, but also it will increase your faith in the good Lord  ! !   As the video reminds us, "God is a willing Father Who wants to work in His children's favor."

In the above video,  it reminds us that God is always the Victor!   Our faith can make us victors, as well, with the help of the Holy Spirit.  

As stated also in the above spiritual help:

 1.  Tests are the mothers of testimonies !

  2.  Conflicts are stories that lead to victories!

   3.  Trials can only end in triumphs !

   4.   Problems are won with solutions !

Trust in God!

Do not fear anything !

Fear and Trust cannot live at the same time in one's heart !

What should keep you going is the love of God and of Christ !

Following is a partial quote from one of Charles Spurgeon's devotionals:

"We pray daily:  ' Let thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven.'   (Matthew 6:10).  We have fellowship with Christ in His sufferings.  We are not nailed to the Cross, nor do we die a cruel death, but when He is reproached, we are reproached; and a very sweet thing it is to be despised for following the Master, to have the world against us.  The disciple should not be above his Lord.  In our measure we commune with Him in His labors, ministering to men by the Word of Truth, and by deeds of love.  Our meat and our drink, like His, is to do the will of Him Who hath sent us, and to finish His work.  We have also fellowship with Christ in His joys.  We are happy in His happiness; we rejoice in His exaltation.  Have you ever tasted that joy, believer?  There is no purer or more thrilling delight to be known this side of heaven than that of having Christ's joy fulfilled in us, that our joy may be full.  His glory awaits us to complete our fellowship;  for His Church shall sit with Him upon His throne, as His well-beloved Bride....."   (end of quote).

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the LORD."  -   Isaiah 54:17

"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you."  -  2 Chronicles 20:17

"Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."   -  Joshua 1:9

"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."  -    Hebrews 13:5

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek Him."  -  Hebrews 11:6

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." -   Hebrews 11:1