Encouragement To Endure In A Chaotic World (Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith)

Here it is Tuesday already and I am wondering what news will unfold this week -  especially if it is in fulfillment of Bible Prophecy.  I had originally intended to post a video here concerning the soon cryptocurrency that will be used instead of cash.  But I happened to accidentally run across a video which sparked my enthusiasm and which is more up-building and encouraging than more information on the "Bad" happening now or that will happen in the near future because of the New World Order and the people pushing for it.  But if you are interested, go to the Web and enter "Microsoft patent 060606 on cryptocurrency "  (Note the 666).  It seems "this cryptocurrency will measure body activity of the user in the form of body radiation, body fluid flow, a brain wave pulse rate, etc,; and then will award cryptocurrency in exchange for the appropriate body activity"  (quoting part of www.reddit.com).  I kid you not!!  Absolutely unbelievable!

To begin with words of encouragement, following is a video narrated by Pastor Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel churches.  The message in this 14 minute sermon clip is based on Nahum 1:7.  The sermon stresses putting God first in our lives, and then everything else will fall into its proper place. 

The writing above on the video is partly obscured and is worth taking to heart!  It says:

"When you pray - God listens.

When you listen - God talks

When you believe - God works."

Nahum 1:7 encourages us:  "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him."

We are certainly living in troublesome times right now, no doubt about it!  Following are some Christian quotes and Bible verses that deal with faith.  Faith can see you through all trials and is closely related to trust in God and Jesus.

This quote by Martin Lloyd-Jones is quite to the point and applies always:  "Faith is a refusal to panic."

"Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake."    - Martin Luther

"Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist."  -  Peter Kreeft

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Nahum 1:7 has this to say: "He is a God of infinite mercy; and in the midst of all this wrath mercy is remembered."

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the ONE Who is leading."  -  Oswald Chambers

The following Scripture (1 Samuel 12:24) is very meaningful to me, or I should say personal in a very real sense.  I was so lost and sinful when I was younger, and the good Lord rescued me from all that darkness and brought me into His saving light and led me to a living faith in the Savior, Jesus.  I am filled with gratitude for how He has renewed my mind and transformed my heart.  No believer in Jesus is perfect, of course, and we will not be so until we are with the Lord in glory.  The main thing is that once we are truly born again (a spiritual rebirth) we do not deliberately and willfully sin -  which is outright rebellion against God. We make mistakes, we sin accidentally and in ways like anger or resentment, but we take it to the Lord and pray for forgiveness and He will help us to overcome it.  

"Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.  For consider what great things He has done for you."     -    1 Samuel 12:24

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."  -   Galatians 2:20

"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 diligently seek Him."  -   Hebrews 11:6

The above verse is so very important !  You must have faith in order to please God !!  Most Christians realize this, but some new to the Gospel may not understand the importance of faith and total surrender to the good Lord.

This world has gone mad, so to speak!  We need to have faith in order to endure what lies ahead as well as to endure what is happening at the present time.

This is where faith and strong trust and confidence in the Lord  comes in!  

We believers have a blessed hope!  Jesus will soon take us to be with Him when the Rapture of the Church occurs.  Keep looking up!

Titus 2:13 tells us :"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

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

"The Power That Banishes Fear" (With Video by Dr. David Jeremiah) - Inspirational Weekend

The title of this article above - "The power that banishes fear" - is from what Dr. David Jeremiah tells us in the following 13 minute sermon clip:

Dr. Jeremiah tells us that we can "either pray or worry", and that "our minds should be totally on God."  Watch the video for the solution that banishes fear.

Many people the world over are now experiencing fear because of the pandemic.  This post will focus on ways to help us to cope instead of focusing on the virus itself.  

"With the power of God within us, we need never fear the powers around us."  -  Woodrow Kroll

"You and I cannot change or control the world around us, but we can change and control the world within us." - Warren Wiersbe

"Fear cannot get a stronghold in the heart of someone who's full of  the vision and the Majesty of God."  -  David Wilkerson

"Life makes many an attempt to take away our faith.  Things happen to us and and to others which baffle our understanding: Life has its problems to which there seems no solution and its questions to which there seems no answer; life has it's dark places where there seems to be nothing to do but hold on.  Faith is always a victory, the victory of the soul which tenaciously maintains its clutch on God." - William Barclay

Christians have a hope that strengthens them and helps them to endure:

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."  -  Titus 2:13

Concentrate on what is the true center of Christian Life.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on the things on the earth."  -   Colossians 3:1-2

A wonderful verse to apply here is found at Nehemiah 8:10 b ".... For the joy of the Lord is your strength."

It is true that Christians can feel fear and worry and anxiety, but we should not let it take control of us.  Those feelings should be temporary as we should place our hope and trust in the good Lord.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."       -  2 Timothy 1:7

Psalm 62:5-8 assures us, (5) "My soul, wait thou only upon God; For my expectation is from Him.   (6) He only is my rock and my defense: I shall not be moved.  (7) In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  (8) Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us."

 "Wherefore hast Thou afflicted Thy servant?" -   Numbers 11:11

The above verse was used in a devotion by Charles Spurgeon, and following is a partial quote from a portion that devotional.

"Our heavenly Father sends us frequent troubles to try our faith.  If our faith be worth anything, it will stand the test......   A faith which can say "though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him",    (Job 13:15)    is heaven-born faith.  

"Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope"    (Romans 5:3).  The Lord is honored by these growing virtues" says Spurgeon. "The wisdom and power of the Great Workman are discovered by the trials through which His vessels of mercy are permitted to pass.  Present afflictions tend also to heighten future joy.  ...... Will not the recollection of past sufferings enhance the bliss of the glorified?"

When we are in heaven, there will be peace and harmony and much love.  We need to endure to the end.  The best way to endure is to have a close, intimate, loving, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son.  How do we do this?  Many of you know it is by prayer without ceasing and much time spent in the Bible, the Holy Word of God.  By doing those two things, you will learn more about God and Jesus, and your love for them will grow and blossom and develop into something beautiful and eternal.

Remember that song, "This world is not my home?"  We need to remind ourselves of that when we get caught up in day to day living and cares and worries.  And now, we have much chaos and evil in this old world, and all that is on everyone's mind now is the recent pandemic.   Just remember, this world is passing away but he who does the will of God will remain forever  (1 John 2:17).

Here is a version of the song mentioned above, sung by Jim Reeves. 

Bible prophecy is being fulfilled right now at warp speed.  Not only on a daily basis, but even minute by minute some new conflict or development proves that we are living in the end times and that Jesus will soon return to Rapture true believers to heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins.  Friends, many things happening today were prophesied concerning the Tribulation period.... they are right now precursors to the Trib.  .... we are not in the Tribulation now, but we are ever so close to it according to the Bible.  It is like God is shaking and stirring up things in an endeavor to wake up as many people as He can and thereby have them turn in faith to Jesus as the Savior before it is too late.   If you are not saved by faith in Jesus as the Savior, Who is the only way to the Father and to heaven, following are some Scriptures to encourage you to surrender to the redeeming power of Jesus :

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

"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."

"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 !!

"In The Shadow of God's Wings" (With Video Sermon By Adrian Rogers) - Inspirational Weekend

[South African Starling]

We are all aware of the many catastrophic occurrences in these the last days the Bible prophesied about; we will not go into any depth about that in this weekend post.  Instead, let us be encouraged by Scriptures from the Bible, and by quotes from various Christian authors and pastors, and the like.  (Much has been written on this blog about Bible prophecy and end times signs; you may go to the search box at the upper right hand side of this page and type in things like: "last days", "Mark of the Beast" , "7 year Tribulation, " "The Rapture" , and other such topics and it will bring up several posts  - some with videos - which you may view.)

Today, Psalm 57 seemed to cry out to me to comment on it.   It was written by ancient King David while hiding in a cave when King Saul pursued him in an attempt to kill him.  Following are 4 verses from Psalm 57, but we will go into more depth concerning verse 1.

" (1)  Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me.  For my soul trusteth in Thee:  Yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.  (2) I will cry unto God most high; Unto God that performeth all things for me. (3) He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up.  Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.  (4) My soul is among lions."

Many of you can relate to the above words of Psalm 57.  Today's world is full of chaos, and it affects all of us in some way.

In verse 1 above, let us concentrate on when David said: "In the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be over past."

This is obviously a metaphor taken from the brood of a hen (or other bird) whose young ones take shelter under the mother bird's wings when they see danger, such as from a bird of prey; and there they continue to hide themselves until the enemy disappears.  Also, in a storm or intense rain, the mother covers them with her wings to give them shelter.  David the psalmist has this particularly in view, as when he wrote:  "Until these calamities be over past."

One commentator has said, "David believed that these calamities would pass away, or would cease; that a time would come when he would not thus be driven from place to place.  At present he knew he was in danger and he desired the divine protection, for under that protection he would be safe."

[Mandarin Duck]

"Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: Hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be over past." -    Isaiah 26:20

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."  -   Psalm 27:13

The above verses do not necessarily mean to be so fearful in your heart that you do not go about daily routines -  we cannot just stay in bed all day and pull the covers over our heads, so to speak.  The main thing is to trust in the good Lord and wait for his guidance and direction.

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

"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means.  The Lord be with you all."  -   2 Thessalonians 3:16

[Nene goose -  Hawaii's State Bird]

"Daily take some time to set your eyes on God's overwhelming presence of love instead of the circumstances of life.  Meditate on the truth that God's presence not only follows you, but is with you and offers rest to your overwhelmed soul."  -  Proverbs 31 ministries

"Being at peace with yourself is a direct result of finding peace with God."  -  Olin Miller

"Socrates used to say ' Philosophers can be happy without music'; and Christians can be happier than philosophers, when all outward causes of rejoicing are withdrawn.  In Thee, my God, my heart shall triumph come what may of ills without!  By Thy power, O blessed Spirit, my heart shall be exceeding glad, though all things should fail me here below."   -  Charles Spurgeon

"With the power of God within us, we need never fear the powers around us."  -  Woodrow Kroll

Jesus is the answer to all of our fears !   When you have Him by your side and the Holy Spirit living within you, He will help you and guide you and give you peace.  Really, even if someone kills us, our spirit lives on and we will join the good Lord in heaven at death.

The apostle Paul put it beautifully when he said, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  -  Philippians 1:21

"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

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

It all boils down to having faith in Jesus and believing that He is the Savior; that His shed blood at Calvary washes away all of your sins when you believe with all your very being that His death, His redemptive work at the cross, paid your sin debt in full.  He was our substitute and died in our place, taking  the sins of the world upon Him at the cross.  He is the only way to heaven; and only He can save a sinner from the darkness and death; and bring him into His saving Light and life.

"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."   -   Jesus at John 3:16

When you have Jesus with you, you can face anything!

Following is an excellent 39 minute sermon by Adrian Rogers on ways to draw closer to Jesus.

Time is running out!

Jesus will return soon to Rapture true followers of Christ to heaven to be with Him.

Are you Rapture ready?

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


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

"Slim Pickin's ?" - Inspirational Weekend

[Brazilian Cardinal On Coconut Shell On Hawaiian Beach]

Some time ago, from my reference photograph above, I completed an oil painting of this cardinal and titled it "Slim Pickin's".  Although the coconut contained sand from the beach, somehow the bird was finding some "slim pickin's" to nibble on.

It occurred to me just now that many people are surviving on just slim pickin's in their life, with no real "meat" of truth or hope to sustain them.  It's even true with some Christians who never read their Bible and seldom pray.

What to do?

First of all, we must have a vibrant and living faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior.  Without that, you are dead....spiritually dead, and will not make it to heaven.

Secondly, we must die to self.  Yes, in an age where people are always thinking of themselves first and love to take selfie photos and the like, we must learn to put the heavenly Father and Jesus first in our lives.  

"Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay.  But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in."    -   C.S. Lewis (from his book, Mere Christianity)

Let us consider some Christian quotes and, most importantly, some Scriptures which follow that will enrich our soul and mind and heart.

"God always gives His very best to those who leave the choice with Him."  -   James Hudson Taylor

"Life is not about how long you live, but whether you are living intentionally and devotedly to Christ."  -  Dr. Charles Stanley

"Your life helps paint your neighbor's picture of God."   -  unknown

"Being at peace with yourself is a direct result of finding peace with God."  -  Olin  Miller

"The safest place in all the world is in the will of God, and the safest protection in all the world is in the name of God."   -  Warren Wiersbe

[Haleiwa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Lately, quotes by Christians on this blog have been more rare, as I think we should focus primarily on God's Holy Word. Following are some verses from Psalm 40, which all Christians can relate to:

Psalm 40:1-3 :    (1) "I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  (2) He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (3) And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."  -  Nehemiah 8:10 b

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

"And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."  -    Jeremiah 29:13

[Waterfall At Waimea Bay Botanical Gardens, Oahu, Hawaii]

Please ponder over the above Scriptures; let them sink deep into your heart.  But nothing compares to actually opening the Bible and pouring over God's Holy Word daily for yourself.   As has been stated here before, the Bible is God's love letter to us, as well as His instruction manual to guide us along life's paths as we endeavor to do His will.   When you read the Bible daily, you learn more about God and His Son Jesus, and you appreciate their attributes and that they personify love.... a love beyond our finite understanding.  You will grow to love the Lord more and more as you read His Holy Word..... you will draw ever closer to Him.

The same applies to daily prayer.  The good Lord wants to fellowship with us.  He loves us.  You cannot  develop a good relationship with anyone if you never communicate with him.   As you read the Bible and pray daily, you will find that you will grow in your relationship to the Lord.   It will become a close, intimate, personal, ongoing love relationship.  Isn't God awesome!

So do not live a life of "slim pickin's".  A life without Jesus is a failure.   True success is a life lived in obedience to Him.

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

"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 !!

"The Safest Place To Be" - (With Video Sermon by Charles Spurgeon) - Inspirational Weekend

[Country Scene, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii]

The scene above is tranquil.  The horses are calm and content, and all is safe.   

Webster's 1828 dictionary tells us that "a tranquil mind is essential to happiness."  In today's chaotic world, tranquility can be like an impossible dream.   

But God.  

If you have a close, intimate, personal love relationship with God through Jesus Christ, it is possible to be calm and at peace.

"Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."  -  Isaiah 26:3

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

Following is a short sermon clip by Charles Spurgeon on "The Safest Place" :

In the above sermon, Spurgeon draws on John 10:28.  Following is John 10:28-29:

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

Talk about security and safety!   What better place to be than in God's and Jesus' hands!  That is true only if you are a born again true believer in Jesus, and that you have cultivated a close and personal love relationship with Him and God.   

You draw close to the good Lord and develop a strong relationship with Him when you pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and are constantly devouring God's Holy Word.  It is in that way that you come to a greater knowledge of Him and Jesus, and learn to love Him more and more.   As you appreciate His attributes and learn more about Him and His great love, you will become more aware of His presence and His guidance in your life.   You will feel safe and secure "in His hand."  Even if someone takes your life, or you die of natural causes, you will still be "in His hand"  -  only in heaven after death.  What a glorious promise and a grand hope !

If you are a true believer in Jesus as the Savior,  no one can "pluck" you out of His hand or out of the Father's hand.  No man, no devil can tear you from the Lord's hand and heart.

[Famous Old Tree, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii]

In verse 29 of John 10, it says,  "My Father is greater than all."   Adam Clarke in his commentary tells us :  "More

powerful than all the united energies of men and demons.  He who loves God must be happy; and he who fears Him need fear nothing on this side of eternity."

In other words, there is no power in man or devils to defeat the purpose of the Redeemer to save His people.  We can discern our safety if we truly, humbly, and daily commit ourselves  to God and Jesus. Our perseverance is the only way we can have evidence that we are His people.  

[Hanalei  Taro Fields, Island of Kauai, Hawaii]

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; For Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety."  -  Psalm 4:8

"The fear of man bringeth a snare:  But whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe."  -  Proverbs 29:25

It is evident that the above Scriptures point to faith in Jesus as the only solution....the way to eternal life and peace and safety.  We are living in the last moments of the last days.  Jesus will return very soon to rapture His Bride, true believers, to be with Him in heaven.  Will you be among those taken up to meet Him in the clouds?

To be rapture ready means that you have repented of your sins and that you have been born again..... a spiritual rebirth, by believing in Jesus as the only way to heaven and to God the Father.  Jesus died a cruel death so that we, if we but have faith and belief in Him, could gain eternal life.   He was our substitute on the cross; He paid the price for our sins.  He is our Redeemer.

"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 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."   -  Jesus at John 3:16

The good Lord did not make salvation difficult.  The above verses make it clear that it requires faith in Jesus as the Savior.

Won't you turn to the Lord in faith now?

He is waiting for you with open arms of love and forgiveness.

Following is a song on John 10:27, 28 :

"Anything that endures for a shorter time than the soul does  is incapable of satisfying the soul."  - Dr. Ravi  Zacharias

"We choose daily to surrender our will, our emotions and all we are to Jesus and follow Him.  It is not denial of self of things, it is putting Jesus at the center and the core of the heart of all your decisions and walking in that every day."  -  Dr. Charles Stanley

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

"Knowledge Helps In Many Spiritual Ways" (With Christian Quotes And A Video On The Rapture) - Inspirational Weekend

"The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."  -   Daniel 11:32b

I often stress that we need to draw close to God, by prayer and by reading His Holy Word -  spending much time in His presence.  Many professing Christians never read their Bibles, except for the times they attend Church services.  God wants to fellowship with us !!  We are able to fellowship with Him by much prayer and much Bible reading and studying.  When we read the Bible, we can see the characteristics of God, the attributes that verify that God is love and that He loves you beyond all that you can imagine.  He even sent His beloved Son to bleed and die in your place, so that all who believe in Jesus may have eternal life.   But back to having a relationship with God - a close, personal, intimate, love relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ - in order to draw close to God so that He will draw close to you, you need to be always in prayer and always in His Holy Word.  It means life itself - and life eternal in Heaven.    As Charles Spurgeon says, "to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge."

Following is a lengthy devotion by Charles Spurgeon, of which I will quote the majority of it.

"Every believer understands that to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge; and this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to the Christian.  It strengthens his faith.  ....... It is the Spirit's peculiar office to lead them [Christians] into all truth, and all this for the increase and the fostering of their faith.  

Knowledge strengthens love.......  Knowledge opens the door, and then through that door we see our Savior.  Or, to use another similitude, knowledge paints the portrait of Jesus, and when we see that portrait then we love Him; we cannot love a Christ whom we do not know, at least, in some degree.   If we know but little of the excellencies of Jesus, what He has done for us, and what He is doing now, we cannot love Him much; but the more we know Him, the more we shall love Him."

Spurgeon goes on to tell us that "knowledge also strengthens hope......knowledge supplies us reasons for patience.  How shall we have patience unless we know something of the sympathy of Christ, and understand the good which is to come out of the correction which our heavenly Father sends us?  Nor is there one single grace of the Christian which, under God, will not be fostered and brought to perfection by holy knowledge.  How important, then, is it that we should grow not only in grace, but in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

"He who prays as he ought will endeavor to live as he prays." - Owens 

"One is given strength to bear what happens to one, but not the one hundred and one different things that "might" happen."  - C.S. Lewis

"The greatest tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer."  -  F.B. Meyer

"Jesus was God spelling Himself out in language humanity could understand."  -  S.D. Gordon

"IF you have a Bible that's falling apart, you'll have a life that's not."   -   Adrian Rogers

"Jesus gives us real eyes so we can realize where the real lies."     -   Michael McInerny

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  -  Romans 15:13 , ESV 

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, "  -   Ephesians 3:20, KJV 

"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not."   -   Galatians 6:9. KJV

I hope you enjoyed and were uplifted and inspired by the above Christian quotes and Scriptures.  Especially the Scriptures, which should be our main source of inspiration.  There is nothing more soothing and encouraging than to read the Bible daily.  But that also applies to being on your knees in prayer to the good Lord.

Following is a 29 minute video on the Rapture of true believers by Prophecy Watchers with host Gary Stearman interviewing author and scholar Ken Johnson.   Mr. Johnson goes deep into ancient sources for his books, and informs us in this recent video that the ancient prophets believed in the Rapture.   

If the rapture happens today, will you be ready?

To be ready you need to be a born again believer in the Savior Jesus Christ. 

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

"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."      -  Jesus at John 3:16

Jesus loves you !

He will welcome you with open arms of love and forgiveness!

Believe on Him !

Surrender your life to Him!

Life is full of choices.  Don't make the wrong choice by denying Jesus.  He died a horrible, cruel death, and took on the sins of the world-  and of you -  so that He took your place on the cross so that you may have eternal life if you but believe in Him.

What love !


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

"Be Ready! Is Isaiah 17 Prophecy About To Be Fulfilled?" (Amir Tsarfati Latest Middle East Update Video) - Inspirational Weekend

[Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Here is another update on Middle East events published May 17, 2019, by one of the most informed evangelists out there, Amir Tsarfati, who is a Jew who believes in Jesus and who has a thriving ministry that takes him all over the world where he preaches the Gospel as well as Bible prophecy.   I find him a most reliable source with inside information that is right on the mark.  The video is 54 minutes in length, and with Amir is Pastor Barry Stagner.

Please take the time to watch the entire video as it is so relevant today.  He tells us about the recent strikes by Israel on targets near and around Damascus, Syria.  Amir says, "Nothing that happens today should surprise any Bible believing Christian" and that all the instability we see now in the Middle East is to be expected according to Bible prophecy.

Pastor Barry Stagner, in this video, mentions that "there is a definite religious aspect to the strife in the Middle East" right now.

They also mention Europe, North Korea, and President Trump, and much more.  

The fact that there are many targets being hit around Damascus recently quickly brings to mind the prophecy at Isaiah 17:1 which reads:

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

It is highly possible that the above verse could come true very soon!!  And if so, some pastors believe that the War of Gog and Magog will happen soon as well, as spoken of in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

As if the Isaiah 17 prophecy happening is the precursor to the War of Gog and Magog.   All of the nations mentioned as coming against Israel are already in place now in Syria or nearby. 

I have written here previously about Isaiah 17:  go here. 

A more detailed study of the Gog of Magog War  is to be found here

So very many signs of the end times are literally shouting out loud, so to speak, that we need to take heed and make sure we are ready to meet Jesus when He soon returns for His Bride, the Church, true believers.   His return is ever so imminent, with so many prophecies coming true now... or precursors to the prophecies happening now.

All one has to do is to believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.  Not a mere head knowledge, but a deep heart-felt love and sincere belief and faith in His power to redeem you and to wash you white as snow in His shed blood at the Cross.

Admit you are a sinner, and in need of a Savior.

Believe that Jesus is the only one who can save you and put you on the path to heaven.  (John 14:6)

Call on His Name ; Commit your life to Him.  Confess your sins.

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

The moment you believe and have faith in Jesus, you are saved forever.  In the past I have written about joining a church, getting baptized, and witnessing to others; and all that is well and good and we should do those things, but they don't save you.  Works do not save you, but belief in the Savior will.

"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

However, if you are truly saved, truly born again, the Holy Spirit will work in you to witness to others about Jesus, to help others in trouble, to attend church and fellowship with other believers.  It is a process over time, this sanctification.  To sanctify means to make holy or to set apart as sacred; to cleanse and purify.  All of this takes time and as you grow closer to the good Lord by prayer and constant Bible reading, you will begin to display the fruit of the Spirit.  Everyone matures at a different pace.   Just communicate with the Lord frequently and you will "grow".  But you are saved the moment you believe in the resurrected Jesus!  Even without having done any "works".   Remember the thief on the cross: he believed in Jesus by faith and Jesus told him that he would be with him in paradise.   The thief did no good works before he died; he simply had saving faith in the Savior.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..... "    -   Galatians 5:22-23

"If you are not interested in the fruits of sin, stay out of the devil's orchard."  -  unknown

"Is it possible to be so active in the service of Christ as to forget to love Him?  Many a man preaches Christ but gets in front of Him by the multiplicity of his own works......Christ can do without your works; what He wants is you.  Yet if He really has you, he will have all your works."  -   P.T. Forsyth

"Man was made for the highest and most elevated enjoyment - the enjoyment of the presence of God and the admiration of His infinite perfections.  And when he loses this power to appreciate, admire, and love his God, he sinks from his high calling - to a level with the brute."   - Charles H. Spurgeon

"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

"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

Keep looking up !!

Keep watching !!

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

"What To Do When The World Has Gone Crazy" - Inspirational Weekend

[Scenic Overlook At Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii]

Have you noticed that the world has, by all appearances, gone crazy?  Even some world leaders are not making rational decisions any more.  It is all the signs of the end times.  Yes, we are living in the last days of this wicked and perverse world.  What is one to do? especially Christians who are admonished to be no part of the world and its desires?

(15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17)  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."                -  1 John 2:15-17

The above verses are referring to the world or realm of sin which is controlled by satan and which is against God and righteousness. 

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world:  he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."    -  Revelation 12:9

The reason the world has gone crazy is that the devil and his minions are desperate, knowing their time is short, and they are stirring up the nations and peoples to provoke them to evil and destruction.  

"Be sober, be vigilant;  because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world."  -  1 Peter 5:8-9

The above verses in 1 Peter 5 tell us what we can do to resist the devil: keep a strong and steady faith in the good Lord.  And I will add, read  your Bible daily and pray without ceasing, to help you to stay strong and to develop a close, intimate, personal, love relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son.  If you have a close relationship with the Lord, you will not stray and be caught up in the wicked craziness of this old world.

"If you feel like you're out of step with the world, don't let it bother you. Just make sure you're in step with God."  -  Alan Smith

According to Charles Spurgeon, an old Proverb says: "He that speaks truth shames the devil."

So what can we do to cope and endure during these hectic and crazy end times we find ourselves in right now?

First, do not get all down and depressed.  The fact that Bible Prophecy is coming true at a fast pace right now -  a convergence of many signs of the last days happening all at once and at the same time now -  that means Christians should be ready for the soon return of Jesus, when He will rapture us to heaven to be with him.

Jesus tells us at Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

Think of it, Jesus' return is imminent.  It could happen at any moment now.   That should put a fire in the spirits of true believers and get them motivated to witness to others who are lost souls, who need a Savior. It should also make us Christians elated and make us look forward with joyful expectation of our Lord's soon return.   

For more on end times signs of the last days, read Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.   

[Baby Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Christians should endeavor to live godly lives and to preach the Gospel, and to put God first in their lives.  Think of what Jesus did for us by dying a sacrificial and cruel death on the cross; He took our sin upon Himself and became our Redeemer and Savior.  All we have to do is believe on Him and we are saved for eternity.  

"If we comprehend what Christ has done for us, then surely out of gratitude we will strive to live "worthy" of such great love.  We will strive for holiness, not to make God love us but because He already does."  -  Philip Yancey

"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing."  -  Psalm 100:2

"God is the One Who enables you both to want and to actually live out His good purposes."  -  Philippians 2:13, CEB

If you are a born again (from above) believer, the Holy Spirit will motivate you and help you to do God's will by sharing the Gospel and living a life that is pleasing to the good Lord.

So Christians will, in these end times, be motivated to talk about Jesus and to win souls to the Lord . (The Holy Spirit is actually the one Who moves in the heart of an unbeliever and helps him to come to Jesus in true Faith).  We are just the instruments to guide.  We merely plant the seeds; God brings it to fruition.

Christians:  Occupy!  Be about the Lord's work.  He will return soon.  

[Rabbit Island, Oahu, Hawaii]

What should you do if you are not a believer and you have not been saved? Here are some Scriptures that will answer that question:

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

"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

Believe and have faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus loves you.

He will welcome you with open arms of love and forgiveness.

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

"Your Life Guard Walks On Water!" - Inspirational Weekend

The lifeguard boat above is my photograph of Waimea Bay on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.  The boat is positioned right below the lifeguard station.  Notice the upside-down "RESCUE" sign on the surfboard in the background.  This boat rather reminds me of how the apostle Peter got out of the boat he was in and attempted to walk on the water towards Jesus (Matthew 14:22-32).  He actually did walk on the water while he kept his eyes on Jesus, but when he took his gaze off of the Savior, he realized how strong the wind was and the waves around him, and he became afraid, and cried to the Lord to save him as he began to sink.

"And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"     -  Matthew 14:31

Jesus' rescue of Peter was sure and true; yet He reprimanded Peter for his little faith.   Remember, "without faith it is impossible to please God"   ( as found at Hebrews 11:6) .  Let us not be too hard on Peter, however, because he alone of all the disciples had the faith to begin to walk on the water towards Jesus.   He is like many of us today;  lots of good intentions but with no true depth of faith.   I firmly believe that those of us believers who have suffered many trials and heartaches grow stronger as we rely upon the good Lord; all the problems and defeats and struggles tend to make us grow stronger, if we keep our eyes upon Jesus and rely on His help and strength.

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

"By trials God is shaping us for Higher things."   -  Jeremy Taylor

Someone has said:  "When you feel you are drowning in life's situations, don't worry!  Your Life Guard walks on water!"

"The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us."       -  C.S. Lewis 

I used to just stumble through life; existing with no real goals nor thinking of the future in any great depth.  I was, for the most part, only thinking of the present and what I wanted and - when I was really suffering in much lack as well as in trials -  I was just relying on myself to get through the day, so to speak.  That was before I came to know the good Lord; before He "renewed my mind." (Romans 12:2)

 Salvation itself is a miracle from God.  When all material things were taken from me, and I felt as if I had no one, I began praying in earnest to God and I also began to read the Bible in earnest.  The good Lord began to renew my mind, and I eventually put Him first.......so I thought.  At first, I still  identified myself as an artist; my passion for painting consumed me.  In my mind I was always an artist, instead of identifying myself as a follower of Jesus.   Eventually, I realized I was NOT putting the Lord first and I was ashamed and felt convicted.  The Lord showed me that sharing the Gospel with others, and developing a strong, close, loving relationship with Him was my calling.  I felt Him urge me to write. As an adult I had always had an interest in Bible prophecy, and I knew we were living in the last days and that Jesus would return soon.   It was time to quit my selfish pursuits and put the Lord first.   I am a much happier and more fulfilled person now.   Thank you, Jesus!  Thank you, Yahweh, for to you goes all the glory; for it was nothing I did to change myself but, rather, your tender mercies and love and forgiveness as well as your patience that began to mold me and shape me.

It takes a God of light and truth to bring a lost soul out of the darkness. 

"Our calling and purpose as followers of Christ is to love God completely, to love self correctly, and to love others compassionately."  -  Kenneth Boa

"And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure."  -  Isaiah 33:6

But it is not all about you and me;  it is all about Jesus and doing His will and following in His footsteps as best we can.  I do NOT mean that you are saved by works; no way is that true.

"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

"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and  ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.   ......  For we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."   -  2 Corinthians 4:5,7

When I give my personal testimony or talk about my past, it is to show you how gracious and loving God is to save a wretch like me. It is to encourage any who are hurting and looking for answers.  The good Lord has all the answers and the gift of eternal life!  He can give you hope and a purpose. 

Jesus loves you.  He will return soon to take all true believers to heaven to be with Him. 

Are you ready?

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

"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 !