"Encouragement And Fellowship" (And Important Video by Pastor Jack Hibbs) - Inspirational Weekend

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[Makapu'u Lighthouse, Oahu, Hawaii]

The lighthouse is sometimes thought of by Christians as a symbol for our Savior, Jesus Christ, as most of you are very aware.  It has been mentioned on this blog previously.   The trail to this lighthouse is all uphill, but easy to hike for most.  It is about a 2 mile round trip.  

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I  am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."   -  John 8:12

The way of Salvation by belief in Jesus as the Savior, and belief in His Resurrection, is not difficult.  A young child can understand salvation.   

What is difficult at times is the uphill climb to reach Jesus, so to speak. And once we go through trials, temptations, hardships, and suffering, we must remain on the trail and path to Him and with Him in order to follow Him in faith and follow in His footsteps. 

"Order my steps in thy word: And let not any iniquity have dominion over me."  -  Psalm 119:133

"Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not."   - Psalm 17:8

As mentioned in the above Psalm 119, God's Holy Word, the Bible, will help us to understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus.  The Bible is God's love letter to us, as well as His instruction manual for us.  He speaks to us as we read His written Word and we will appreciate and be grateful to Him and Jesus for their love and guidance and tender mercies. Jesus showed His great love for us by dying in our place and paying our sin debt so that we may gain eternal life by faith in Him.

Talk about encouragement and fellowship:  The most important fellowship ever is to be found with our heavenly Father and with Jesus when we read the Bible and pray without ceasing.  When we have a close, personal, intimate love relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son, He will always be near us to comfort us, encourage us, strengthen us, and we will experience a love like none other.  God loves it when we draw near to Him, and He will never abandon us.  (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6)

"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 speaking at John 14:21

What this article is leading up to now is the fact that we need to associate with and have fellowship with other believers. Most of us are familiar with Hebrews 10:24, 25 which follows:

(24) "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:  (25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

The good Lord takes note of our trust and belief in Him , as well as our actions and our speech.

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened , and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name."  -  Malachi 3:16

When Malachi wrote the above, Israel, as usual, was in disobedience to God.  But there were these few that feared God who spoke often, no doubt, to each other about the Lord.  See how God treats such persons: He paid attention to their words and faith and their hearts and approved of their pure attitude and conversation and a book of remembrance was written.   

The good Lord must also be pleased when true believers gather together and speak of Him and Jesus in our church services today, as well as in other gatherings.

We were not meant to be an island, keeping to ourselves.  

Remember, when Jesus sent His disciples in His own lifetime to preach the gospel, He sent them out by twos.  What the apostles needed in their journeys as preachers, we need equally on our journey through life.  We today need the love and encouragement and spiritual support of other believers.  I thank the good Lord for my loving church family.

All true believers know all that is mentioned above, but there may be some reading this that never attend church, and need the encouragement to do so.  

It is urgent that we encourage one another today, as the world has gotten more evil and corrupt.   The good news is that soon Jesus will Rapture His Bride (the Church) to be in heaven with Him.

Most of you are familiar with signs of the end times in which we find ourselves today.  We do not know the day or the hour of the Lord's return, but Jesus gave us signs to watch for so that we would know the "season" of His return.   Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 for these signs.

I wanted to share with you a recent video concerning Bible prophecy by Pastor Jack Hibbs and Don Stewart.  They cover current events as it relates to the prophecies in the Bible, and Pastor Jack gives a wonderful concluding prayer at the end.  They tell us not to be scared by prophecies, but rather that they are to help you to be prepared.  They tell us that Russia just recently has moved super-bombers to South Africa;  there is much valuable information in this 1 hour and 29 minute video.  I hope you will be able to watch the entire discourse.

"While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light...."      -     Jesus at John 12:36 a

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." -    2 Corinthians 4:6

"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."  -     1 John 1:7

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 !!

"It Won't Be Long Now!" (Videos on End Times and Current Events, Salvation, Amir Tsarfati Update, How To Become A Mature Christian) - Inspirational Weekend

[Sunrise -  Kauai Beach, Hawaii]

My mind is so full of things that I want to share with you now that I almost don't know where to begin.  Realizing that time is short and that Jesus will return any day now for His Bride (true believers) it is imperative that as much information as possible concerning these last moments of the end times be told as the times are urgent and the message of God and of His Son Jesus Christ must be proclaimed as if there is no tomorrow.  Some will die tonight without knowing Jesus as their Savior.  We should have so much love for Him and for others that we share the Gospel of Jesus and of salvation by Him as if it is our last day on earth.

Times are urgent !  We must be about our Father's business:  winning souls !

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life: And he that winneth souls is wise."  -   Proverbs 11:30

Videos concerning Bible Prophecy and end times current events will follow on this post, but first, for any who are not saved and for some who may doubt their salvation, the following 24 minute video by Chad Thomas explains salvation thoroughly and he uses illustrations to help make it clear.   Please watch!

Many are aware of the evangelist and Messianic Jew Amir Tsarfati.  He is an Israeli who has many reliable sources of information concerning the Middle East conflict and how it all ties in with Bible Prophecy of these end times we are experiencing right now.  The following 42 minute video by Amir (which was posted today) exposes the lies of the mainstream media and gives us the truth of what is actually happening in the Middle East at this time.

Please take the time to watch the entire video above by Amir.  He talks about the Kurds and what really is true about them and President Trump's reason to leave them on their own.  Much more is discussed above.... you need to hear it.  Amir says, "Let the Lord find us doing His will.  Be ready and spread the Gospel."

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."  -    Romans 13:11

Recently there was a news article that said that Americans are becoming less Christian and that over a quarter follow no religion.  Also, that there is a rapid decline in numbers over the past decade.

It is true that religion doesn't save you.  It is a strong, intimate, personal relationship with the Savior Jesus Christ that saves you.  As many of you realize, religions are dead wrong. By that I mean that truth can be found only in a true Bible based Christian church that preaches Jesus and His resurrection and that the only way to heaven is through faith and belief in Christ and His sacrificial death and His redemptive work for us on the cross.  (John 3:16; John 14:6). And many so called modern day Christian churches water down the Gospel and emphasize "feel good" messages that have no depth and no truly saving sermons.  Also, many churches today depend on elaborate entertainment to draw a crowd......thereby some churches are full of unconverted souls as well as  worldly Christians.

Many modern day Christians are lukewarm and not totally surrendered to the good Lord's will.  God and Jesus should be first in our lives.   We should be pouring over the Holy Word (the Bible) daily and praying without ceasing, for in that way we will learn to communicate with our Lord and thereby draw closer to Him.

Do not think that since you are a "babe in Christ" that you need to rely only on Bible Studies at your church, or only on sermons.  We need to do all of that, of course,  but as said many times here previously, the good Lord wants to fellowship with us. He loves us passionately and we should feel the same about Him.  If we truly love God and Jesus, we will want to spend time with Him in our own private prayer time and our own time spent in the Bible, God's love letter to us.  Only by that can you come to know the good Lord intimately and appreciate His love and mercy and patience as you learn more about His attributes as found in the Bible; your love for Him will grow and grow and grow as you learn of His great love for you and for the grace He gives you by saving you and keeping you safe in His loving embrace.  If you do not ever read your Bible or seldom, if ever, pray, you will always remain a "babe in Christ."  You will never reach spiritual maturity and you will not grow as a Christian.  We all need to draw close to the good Lord.

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you...."  -   James 4:8 a

If you have trouble in understanding the Bible and don't read it for that reason, you are missing so much spiritual food.  Pray to the Lord for His Holy Spirit to guide you and give you understanding as you read the Bible.  That prayer is definitely within the Lord's will and He will answer it.

Do not be so caught up in pleasure and worldly pursuits that you have no time for God and Jesus.  That is not showing gratitude for Jesus' sacrificial death so that you might have eternal life by faith in Him and in His resurrection.

Following is a 13 minute video by Chad Thomas on end time prophecy concerning the soon destruction of Damascus and also more on the war of Gog and Magog.  Chad believes that the destruction of Damascus (Isaiah 17:1) will occur first and then the war of Ezekiel 38 and 39 will happen during the 7 year Tribulation period.  Right now, Russia, Iran, Turkey, and others mentioned in Ezekiel are in Syria and at the ready to attack Israel.  Bible prophecy being fulfilled right before our very eyes !  Remember, Israel is God's prophetic time clock;  the tribulation period will bring the Jewish people to believe in Jesus, the true Messiah.  Keep your eye on the Middle East !  Better yet, first keep your eye on the good Lord and His many promises as found in the Bible.  God  loved us enough to have the prophets of old warn us about these last days we are living in now!  We do not know the day or the hour of Christ's return, but the Bible gives us warnings as to the "season" of His soon coming to take true believers to heaven to be with Him.  Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 for the signs of Jesus' soon appearance.

Below is a video about God's Love Letter to You, which is very moving and will touch your heart:

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."

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

Keep watching!

Keep looking up!

It won't be long now!

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

"Think On Good Things " - Inspirational Weekend

Many are wondering what this new year of 2019 will bring our way.  Many are just concerned about their New Year's resolutions.  Let us consider some up-building and encouraging Scriptures and Christian quotes to lift our spirits.   Let us not even think about politics or world chaos.  Let us think pure and joyful thoughts about life and the good Lord.

"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."  -  Philippians 4:8

What a positive and up-lifting verse that is !   You will be a much happier person and a better Christian if you do as it says.

A couple of years ago  I prayed and asked the Lord to please give me a much needed "hug" as I needed His touch and grace.  Shortly thereafter I found the following on the Internet and it was truly a great big hug from the Lord and I realized that in my daily Bible reading, I receive numerous hugs from Him.   For more on hugs from God, go here.

What a wonderful reminder of the power of God's Word !   The Bible is God's Love Letter to us, and also our Instruction Manual.  It can reach even a stony heart and it can transform the vilest person into a saint.  

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,  that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  -  Romans 12:1-2

"Man's way leads to a hopeless end!  God's way leads to an endless hope !"  -  unknown

"Christianity is not consistency to conscience or to convictions; Christianity is being true to Jesus Christ."  -   Oswald Chambers

"I don't need to read the Bible because I'm a great saint.  I read the Bible because I'll find God there.  It's about a daily walk with this person, Jesus."   -  Rich Mullins, a musician best known for "Awesome God."

Another thing, besides reading the Bible, is to be frequently in prayer; daily, hourly, whatever your soul needs and craves when you need to draw close to the good Lord, or to seek His guidance.

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request 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

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

"Prayer is the nearest approach to God and the highest enjoyment of Him that we are capable of in this life."  -  William Law

"As a man prays so is he."  -  A. W. Tozer

"The best and sweetest flowers of paradise, God gives to His people when they are upon their knees.  Prayer is the gate of heaven."  -  Thomas Brooks

"To have God speak to the heart is a majestic experience, an experience that people may miss if they monopolize the conversation and never pause to hear God's responses."   -  Charles Stanley

A peacock struts around as if it is saying, "Look at me".  Peacocks, to me, are the epitome of pride.  God hates pride!

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate."  -  Proverbs 8:13

"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."  -  1 John 2:16

Talking about pride is bordering on the negative in this "positive" article; but perhaps there is someone reading this that needs to be reminded that God hates pride.  Pride will keep you from having a close, personal, intimate, love relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Let us be humble and turn to the Lord in love and submission.  Let us endeavor to always please Him in every way, and to live as godly a life as possible.

Recently I came across the full version of the "Serenity Prayer" which was written by Reinhold Neibuhr, who lived from 1892 to 1971.  Like many, I was only familiar with the first paragraph of this beautiful and hopeful prayer.   I feel the Lord urging me to share it with you today.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things that I can; 

And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with Him 

Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

Don't let the world situation or your own personal trials wear you down; don't lose your joy.   If you are a child of God, you have much to rejoice about.  If Jesus is your Savior and you have been born again, then look up !  Your redemption draweth nigh!  (Luke 21:28)

True believers have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13).  Jesus will return soon to take His faithful followers  to be with Him in Heaven. 

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time to do so before it is too late.  Don't be left behind to face the horrors and wrath of the 7 year tribulation period.  Please do not lose your soul.  Please do not reject Jesus.  He is the only hope for us to gain eternal life in heaven.   

Jesus loves you.  

He will welcome you with open arms of love and forgiveness if you but repent and turn to Him in godly sorrow for your sins.  

Believe Jesus is the Savior.  Not with an intellectual knowledge, but with a heart full of belief that He and only He can save you by His shed blood at Calvary.  He died as a substitute in your place so that if you but believe in Him and that His shed blood can wash away your sins and make you a new creation, you will be saved and become a child of God.

Pray for forgiveness.  Repent.  Surrender to the good Lord with all of your very being.  The Bible tells us that we must also believe in Jesus' Resurrection.

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

"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!

Inspirational Weekend - "The Love Letter"

"Forget Me Not"

12" x 16" oil on canvas

My oil painting above tells you what "love letter" this post is referring to.  Yes, the Bible, God's Holy Word, is His love letter to us.   In it he gives guidance, comfort, love, instruction, and especially His qualities and characteristics so that we can come to know Him and Jesus better by reading the Word.   And as we come to know God better, we can't help but be filled with gratitude and love for Him.    

The painting above is full of symbolism.  The cup with the forget-me-not flowers on it is a reminder to always remember with gratitude what God has done for us...especially in sending Jesus as our Savior;   the red rose symbolizes Jesus' shed blood; the yellow peace rose is for the peace only God can give; the  eyeglasses are to tell you to read closely the Word;  the water in the small vase symbolizes living water from Jesus and nourishes the soul with peace.  And then the Bible, which is God's Love Letter to us. ....   And it is also His Instruction Manual.

The excellent video below is very uplifting and it will conclude this Inspirational Weekend post.

It is titled, "God's Love Letter For You."

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love;  therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.  -  Jeremiah 31:3