"Bible Prophecy In Action Today! " (Videos - One with Bill Salus and Tom Hughes: Future Prophecies Revealed ! ) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Rabbit Island (Manana Island) and Black Rock Island (Kaohika'pu Island) - from Makapu'u Beach- Oahu Hawaii]

For this weekend post, the videos and links provided will contain the message, for the most part.  This article concerns itself primarily with current events as they relate to Bible Prophecy being fulfilled - right now! - and how you, me -- the whole world -- will be affected!

First the following 29 minute video by Prophecywatchers.com  featuring host Gary Stearman and his guests Bill Salus and Tom Hughes, who discuss "Future Prophecies Revealed."

You might also want to check out Bill Salus' website http://www.prophecydepotministries.net/     His site has interesting and pertinent info concerning our times and check out his links there.

Tom Hughes' website which contain recent prophecy videos and more, may be found here   

https://hopeforourtimes.com/

Bill Salus has a recent article concerning Bible prophecies (20) specifically discussed in detail, complete with some graphic charts, found here   here

At the above link, scroll down for his article titled :"Biblical Prophecies to prepare for now!"

Bill Salus' article discusses the antichrist, Mystery Babylon, the decline of America, and much more that you will want to read!

Following is another wonderful 10 minute video from "Grace for Purpose" with beautiful scenery and many Scriptures to encourage you. It deals primarily with the admonition that Christians should not be conformed to this world - but instead endeavor to please God and to follow in Jesus' footsteps as best we can.   This world is decaying - it is dying !  It is to be replaced eventually by God with a new heavens and a new earth !  (Revelation 21:1-5)   Who wants to be a zombie in a dying world!?  And, face it, if a person is part of the world, he is making himself an enemy of God!  (James 4:4)

As the above video admonishes " Trust God" in these perilous times !   He never changes and He is true to His Word ! -  The world cannot say the same!   

We need to be in prayer constantly!  And the same thing goes for daily reading God's Holy Word - the Bible!   That is the only way a person can come to experience God - to know Him personally and to have a close intimate, personal, living and vibrant, and true relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ!   Our Heavenly Father wants us to fellowship with Him!  You will never grow strong in faith unless you have a blossoming and "fragrant" - a pleasing - relationship with God the Father, which in turn includes Jesus, our Savior !  That is what it is all about, folks!   Plus, how will you know God's will for your life - your purpose - unless you communicate regularly with Him!  Basically, our purpose is to just obey Him and do His will!  And of course, to believe in His Son Jesus Christ as the Savior and the only way to heaven!

For years, I thought my purpose was to just paint with a passion all the beauty and glory of God's creation and to depict it on canvas as best I could.   But when I began to search the Scriptures in earnest (daily and in sincerity to know God and draw closer to Him and Jesus -- (I took a whole year off without painting at all! - just studying His Word and in much prayer ) -   then God let me know His true will for me at this time !!  WRITE!  Share the Gospel of Jesus in that manner!

He answered my desire for years by urging me to write !  I had wanted to do MORE for Him for a long time.

[Waimea Bay - Oahu, Hawaii]

Following is an 11 minute video by Grace For Purpose You Tube channel concerning strange things happening now all over the world -  yet it focuses primarily on how we as true believers should live our lives!   The video encourages us to live with wisdom and to be prayerful.

And one last video now telling us "God Is giving Us - the World - Warning Signs" !!  It is from another wonderful Christian You Tube channel  "Lion of Judah".   This 14 minute video  gives Scriptures concerning the soon return of Jesus !   The Rapture of true Christians -  Christ's "Bride", the Church.   Just a note of caution -  the narrator confuses the Rapture as being the same as the "second coming" (in Matthew 24) when Jesus returns at the end of the 7 year Tribulation at the Battle of Armageddon.  (Matthew 24:30)  and how everyone will see Jesus  then -  at the end of the Trib. .

You must understand that the Rapture occurs quickly - and that no one will see Jesus then ( meaning the world in general.)   The true believers being Raptured will meet Jesus in the air and they most assuredly will see the Savior!  The followers of Jesus will be in heaven with Him for the 7 years (approximately- depending on how soon the Trib. begins after the Rapture).   After the Rapture, as stated,  the Tribulation occurs on the earth.   At the end of the Trib. - at the Battle of Armageddon, as previously mentioned - Jesus will return and destroy His enemies (the unbelievers and wicked will only then see Him) -   and following that  Jesus will usher in His Kingdom on earth, His 1000 year reign.  Jesus will literally return to earth then, beginning when He returns at Armageddon.  But at the Rapture, He will remain in the air where Christians will meet Him and be caught up to heaven with Him.  Whew!  I got a bit redundant there -  but only for emphasis.!!  Many are a little confused about the difference - and the  timing - of the Rapture and the Second Coming -- which are two different occurrences (appearance times) of Jesus.

I included the above video just the same - despite that error - because of the urgency of the times now (2 Timothy 3:1-5),  and the excellent Scriptures included in the video.  

The Rapture:  Read all of 1 Thessalonians 4.   "For the Lord Himself shall  descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD  IN THE AIR; and so shall we ever be with the LORD."  -                               1 Thessalonians 4:16-17  

About the quickness and suddenness of the Rapture:  "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed, in a moment, in the TWINKLING OF AN EYE,  at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality."                        -    1 Corinthians 15:51-53    I read or heard a sermon which told the approximate time of "a twinkling of an eye" -- I can't remember exactly right now, but it was less than the time to blink your eye!   So, again, to emphasize, the Rapture will be sudden and fast, and unseen by those unbelievers who will be left behind.  

Jesus' return after the 7 year Tribulation:    read all of Zechariah 14!  "Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle.  And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there be a very great valley and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.  And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azalyea, ye shall flee like as ye flee from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee."  -    Zechariah 14:3-5

Concerning Jesus' return at Armageddon:  Please read all of Revelation 19!  Actually, read ALL of the entire book of Revelation!     Revelation 19 tells us that the Raptured believers are in heaven at "the marriage supper of the Lamb"  during the 7 year Tribulation period occurring on the earth.   Starting in verses 11-18 it concerns the return of Jesus with His saints at the battle of Armageddon :  "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war.  ......   (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed  Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. .....    15)   And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of ALMIGHTY GOD."            -   Notice that in Revelation 19:14, Jesus has with him the saints that had been previously Raptured , "armies.... white and clean"  -  and then also in Zechariah 14:5  ... "all the saints with Him."    More Scriptures could be given here!  It would benefit you if you searched out and studied them for yourself.  It would be a blessing to you!

URGENCY!     Many people just don't get it!   

Time is short!   Jesus could return at any moment!

Are you ready to meet the Lord?   

Jesus is waiting to hear from you!

Jesus will welcome you with arms wide open to embrace you in His love and forgiveness !!

It is by faith in Jesus as the Savior that saves you!  Just believe !   Head knowledge is involved to a degree in the sense that you understand to some degree what it all means to have complete faith and trust in Jesus  (at conversion, one rarely understands it all -- that comes with time) -- yet it is faith alone that saves a person!  Believe that Jesus paid your sin debt in full -  He took our place on the cross and shed His precious blood (as the Lamb of God) and redeemed us - ransomed us!-  so that we might have eternal life if we believe with all of our very being that He is the Savior!

Following are some Scriptures concerning salvation:

Remember, repentance for your sins and past life of ignoring God, is also necessary!  And once we are saved, being imperfect, we will still sometimes sin, even unintentionally, and we must pray for forgiveness and repent of our sins daily.    Beware if you intentionally sin and have no regret, no remorse for disobeying God !   If you habitually sin without it searing your conscience and thereby do not sincerely repent and pray for forgiveness,  then you may not be truly born again !  

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

At the time someone gives his life and heart to Jesus in full belief and faith, in a sense that is a form of repenting  (my opinion) , because many when first converted do not understand completely about repentance at the beginning!  They may be "sorry" (better yet, remorseful in true grief and guilt) for their past sinful life, yes; but true repentance is shown by how they live their lives after being saved - after being born again !

"(For He hath said, 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

"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 on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  -   John 3:16

  

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -   and life!

WHEN YOUR VERY FOUNDATIONS ARE SHAKEN ! (With Videos - One A Sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson)

                                           [Above Diamond Head Beach - Oahu, Hawaii]

Somehow, my photograph above reminds me of how some people live only for pleasure (such as surfing and other water sports), not to mention the darker types of pleasure involving deep dark sinful practices and lewd conduct.  Don't get me wrong !  God wants us to take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of His creation;  in the many blessings He provides.  Go surf!  Go on adventure trips!  Enjoy life!  Just do not forget God!  Do not forget the One Who created you and Who loves you!   We should always put God first in our lives, as Christians are well aware of.  

An excellent example of putting the good Lord first and of obeying Him completely is Hosea. Hosea was a prophet of the Old Testament times who  put his wants and desires aside and did exactly as God told him.  In fact, in the following 48 minute sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson, the pastor clarifies  vividly and clearly how Hosea actually lived out the experiences of the prophecy he proclaimed and taught....His life was the message ! 

Please realize this sermon is relevant to you and me today!  Many spiritual gems are to be found and digested and savored in Pastor Lawson's excellent teaching on Hosea!  For instance, when Hosea paid money to get back his wife, Gomer, (giving her another chance), it was like Hosea - in a sense - "ransomed her"- and it is a picture  of the coming "Redeemer" ( meaning Jesus Christ).  God loves you, and there is no greater love than that!   Personally, that is what keeps many believers, and myself, hanging on for dear life to the blessed hope we have in God and Jesus.  (Titus 2:13-14).

                                                                       *  *  *  *    *    *  

Amazing how recently I read a portion of a small book by D. L. Moody that fits in with our discussion on this post.  I have had that book for several years, but only very recently read this portion concerning the difference between the love of Jesus in contrast to other religions:  

Moody:  "Christianity alone will stand the test of raising man out of the pit.  And how does it propose to do it? Not by minimizing the danger and need.  It says: "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.  From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores."  It demands as the first necessity  a new birth, regeneration by the Holy Spirit.  "Ye must be born again."  It does not place sanctification before justification, but having first  imparted life from above, it throws around the redeemed sinner the love of Christ and the fellowship and guidance of the Holy Spirit.    ...

"A converted Chinaman once said:  "I was down in a deep pit, half sunk in the mire, crying for someone to help me out.  As I looked up I saw a venerable, grayhaired man looking down at me.  

"My son,' he said, 'this is a dreadful place.'

"' Yes,' I answered, 'I fell into it: can't you help me out?'

" 'My son, ' was his reply, 'I am Confucius.  If you had read my books and followed what they taught, you would never have been here.'

" 'Yes, father,' I said, 'but can't you help me out?'

" As I looked, he was gone.  Soon I saw another form approaching, and another man bent over me, this time with with closed eyes and folded arms.  He seemed to be looking to some far-off place.

" 'My son,' Buddha said, 'just close your eyes and fold your arms, and forget all about yourself.  Get into a state of rest.  Don't think about anything that can disturb.  Get so still that nothing can move you.  Then, my child, you will be in such delicious rest as I am.'

" ' Yes, father, ' I answered, ' I will when I am above ground. Can't you help me out?'  But Buddah, too, was gone.

I was just beginning to sink into despair when I saw another figure above me, different from the others.  There were marks of suffering on His face.  I cried out to Him: 

" ' O, Father! can you help me?'

" 'My child,' He said, ' what is the matter?'

" Before I could answer Him, He was down in the mire by my side.  He folded His arms about me and lifted me up; the He fed me and rested me.  When I was well He did not say: ' Now don't do that again,' but He said:  'We will walk on together now'; and we have been walking together until this day. "

"This was a poor Chinaman's way of telling of the compassionate love and help of the Lord Jesus."      - end of Moody's quote.

The Chinaman's relating of how Jesus is so loving and compassionate and merciful, made me misty eyed.  And in the above sermon video by Pastor Lawson, he mentions that our attitude should be to "Look into the face of the devil and sing "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me."  What a wonderful hymn that is!  For a long time I would actually cry when it was sung in church services (not loud and audibly, but usually with tears flowing down my face) , because that beautiful hymn made me realize all the gratitude I should have for the Lord for saving a sinner so great as I ! And it also made me realize how greatly He loves His children - even me!  Here is a lovely version of that much loved hymn:

"The name of Jesus is greater than any of your problems and any of your pain.  When in the middle of a spiritual battle that you cannot explain - claim the name of Jesus !!"   - So the following encouraging video tells us !  Please watch the 12 minute video by the fantastic Christian You Tube Channel "Grace For Purpose".  It will encourage you and strengthen you with its message!

"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

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."   -  Titus 3:4-7

"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 blessed day!

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 !"

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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

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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!

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

 

   [Mom and baby monk seals at Waikiki]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Following are two quotes from Corrie ten Boom:

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

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

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

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

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

And of particular comfort are the beautiful words of Jesus at John 14:1-4:  "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

  What wonderful words of encouragement and hope!  

Maranatha!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Baby Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a wonderful analogy!  

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

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

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

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

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

But another note on the above commentary: 

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

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

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

  [Hong Kong Orchid Tree Blossoms] 

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

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

[Hawaiian Moorhen, Oahu]

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

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

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

  Watch and Pray!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend  -  and life!  

"Saving, Helping, Keeping, Loving !" (With Videos - One With Pastor Chuck Smith as Narrator)

 

[Torch Ginger]

This post is rather a continuation of the previous one made over this past weekend on November 14 - Mainly because I felt the Holy Spirit leading me and urging me to do so, as more information on the subject of the glory of God was brought to my attention, as well as wonderful Gospel Hymns.  The title of this post is from the following old hymn "Our Great Savior", only this You Tube version titles it  "Jesus!  What A Friend of Sinners!"

When things are tough and you are weary of it all,  the above hymn reminds us that the good Lord is with us to the end!  Very encouraging!

 

Someone has said: "Real inner peace comes from God.  Only God can  turn a mess into a message; a test into a testimony; a trial into triumph; a victim into a victor; and a misery into a ministry.   A diamond is only made through extreme heat and pressure."  

We all realize that the prophesied end times we find ourselves living in now are fearful and uncertain, especially to those who are not followers of the Savior, Jesus Christ.  True Christians who know God's Holy Word, the Bible, and who find there many encouraging promises of the good Lord within its pages, are looking with hope and blissful expectation of Jesus' imminent return !   What a blessed 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

Following is a wonderful and instructing Christian video titled:  "Focus on God Not Your Problems -  God's Got This".   It is only a 13 minute video, and one of its narrators is Pastor Chuck Smith, who was the founder of the Calvary Chapel churches.  I say "was" because he passed away not too long ago, as many of you are aware.

In the video above, we are told: "Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything."

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

But don't neglect to read and ponder over and reflect often on the following verses as well:  Philippians 4:8-9 tells us:  (8)  "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

(9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."

 

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the 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 devotional by Charles Spurgeon, delivered to my email inbox earlier today.  It's topic is best described by its title which is: "To Him be glory, both now and forever."  a direct quote from 2 Peter 3:18.  

 

"Heaven will be full of the ceaseless praises of Jesus. Eternity!  thine unnumbered years shall speed their everlasting course, but forever and for ever "To Him be the glory" .  Is He not a "Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek?"   "To Him be glory."  Is He not King of kings and Lord of lords, the everlasting Father?   "To Him be glory forever."  Never shall His praises cease.  That which was bought  with blood deserves to last while immortality endures.  The glory of the Cross must never be eclipsed; the lustre of the grave and of the resurrected must never be dimmed.  O Jesus! Thou shalt be praised for ever.  Long as immortal spirits live.  Long as the Father's throne endures for ever, forever, unto Thee shall be glory.  Believer, you are anticipating the time when you shall join the saints above in ascribing all glory to Jesus; but are you glorifying Him now?   The apostle's  words are : "To Him be glory both now and forever."   Will you not this day make it your prayer?  "Lord, help me to glorify Thee; I am poor, help me to glorify Thee by contentment; I am sick, help me to give Thee honor and patience; I have talents, help me to extol Thee by spending them for Thee; I have time, Lord help me to redeem it and that I may serve Thee;  I have a heart to feel Lord, let that heart feel no love but Thine and glow with no flame but affection for Thee; I have a head  to think, Lord, help me to think of Thee and for Thee; Thou hast put me in this world for something, Lord, show me what that is and help me to work out my life purpose;  I cannot do much, but as the widow put in her two mites, which were all her living, so Lord, I cast my time and eternity into Thy treasury; I am all Thine; take me, and enable me to glorify Thee now, in all that I say, in all that I do, and with all that I have."

 

What a beautiful devotional !  It shows Charles Spurgeon's pure heart and his desire to please the good Lord .  May we be like-minded!