"God Has Your Back!" (Recent Information on Coronavirus and two video clips by Pastor J.D. Farag) - Inspirational Weekend

We all know what is on everyone's mind now - yes, the coronavirus and all of the recent changes in our normal routines.  Not much about it has been written on this blog lately, mostly because it was felt that you - the public - were no doubt doing your own research on the latest developments.  I have also been - daily - watching the news and reading articles concerning this pandemic.

This post will share recent articles concerning the disease and two short videos as well as some wonderful Scriptures to ease your anxiety and help keep you focused on the good Lord and how He is your refuge and help.

To begin with, here are some Scriptures to soothe your emotions:

"Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.  His heart is established, he shall not be afraid......"  -   Psalm 112:6-8a

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled.  Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah" -  Psalm 46:1-3

Please read all of Psalm 46 !  In verse 10 of Psalm 46 it admonishes us : "Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Many Christians are familiar with verse 10 above.  And most think it means to be quiet and listen to God.  And that is true; however, it was spoken to the nations by God, and "be still"  - in Hebrew - most likely means "enough".   God wanted the people to look to Him and not attempt to look for security in their own efforts and in their own strength.   That is true today as well, for many persons, including professing Christians, say to themselves, "I can handle this," instead of looking to God for help and praying for His guidance.

We should take everything to the good Lord in prayer!  Not only now concerning this coronavirus, but take everything - always - to God/Jesus!

"Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."  -   1 Peter 5:7

Following is a link to a recent article (published on 3-17-20):

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=3913

The article above is titled "Foreshocks of Revelation: One Day Everything Will Be Shaken".   The author quotes other Scriptures besides those in the Book of Revelation.   Also, in his article he quotes Revelation 6:15-17 which follows:

(15) "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; (16) And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  (17)  For the great day of His wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?"

The above verses are concerning the things which happen during the 7 year Tribulation period.  (Which occurs after the Rapture of true believers; when Jesus comes for them to take them to heaven - again, the Rapture takes place before the Tribulation).  

Did you know that some of the elite, the globalists, etc., have recently, because of this coronavirus outbreak, already gone to their underground bunkers for safety?  Many if not most of these bunkers in which to ride out such catastrophes as this recent virus, are built inside (and under) mountains!  Also, right now, some of these rich people and the elites have opted to go out to sea for safety - no doubt in their private yachts - to escape this recent pandemic.  It is very interesting that these mountains that men turn to first for safety during the 7 year Tribulation, that when the Lord comes to smite these wicked unbelievers, they will cry out for the mountains and rocks to fall on them instead, as mentioned in Revelation 6:16. This should make us realize that we are very near the tribulation period -  which of course means the Rapture of the Church is ever so near, when Jesus returns before the horrors and destruction and plagues that occur during the Trib.

Here is another article published 3-18-20 that deals primarily with the Coronovirus itself:

https://rapture-watch.com/2020/03/18/the-coronavirus-global-pandemic-whats-next/

 In the above recent article, the author gives us 3 bold steps to take now during these troublesome last days of this weary and corrupt world, and just downright evil times.

The best thing we can do now is to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Pray for the healing and the salvation of those who are infected with the coronavirus.  Also pray for your family members and for friends, that they stay healthy and free from this virus. We need to witness now like never before about the salvation found only in Jesus Christ. Share the Gospel with great urgency, for soon we (true believers) will leave this chaotic world and be with our Lord in heaven.

Just a note, I have heard that this coronavirus only thrives in cold weather.  If this is true, (and it may or may not be true), many are hoping that as the weather warms up, this virus will die out.  I live in Hawaii and it has been a very warm winter this year and, as many of you know, it is warm weather here year round. The only cases of this pestilence in Hawaii have been from travelers out of state and out of the country; last I know of, anyway. So far, unless it happened today, I have not heard of any cases of locals living on Oahu, Hawaii, contracting the disease.

Friends, we live in exciting times!  Unless we pass away (in death, of course) very soon, we will live to see the imminent return of Jesus at the Rapture of the Church.  If you are a true believer and have been born again (a spiritual rebirth from above) you have nothing to fear! God has your back!  I do not mean that disrespectfully of our Heavenly Father.  He really is watching out for us, and wants the best for us.  He is there to guide us and protect us and to remind us of His great love for us.

Give all anxious thoughts and fears to God/Jesus !

Following are two recent very short video clips on the coronavirus by Pastor J.D. Farag.  He gives excellent advice for us to consider and act upon. One clip is about 2 minutes in length; the other is about 7 minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQb6usW_rYo

And the one posted on March 18, 2020:

"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

"Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you." -   Isaiah 35:4

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

One commentary on the above verses at Philippians 4:6-7 calls these verses  "A Divine Prescription" -  meaning prayer, supplication, thanksgiving.

If you are not saved, not a believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior, consider the following Scriptures:

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."

"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

Instead of just suggesting that you also read Psalm 91, I will include it here now in its entirety.  It is a very special Psalm for everyone -  believers and non-believers, for hopefully unbelievers will come to salvation because of the many promises found in Psalm 91.  Note how it mentions pestilence.

Verse (1)  He that  dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say  of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him will I trust. (3) Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler; and from the noisome pestilence. (4) He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust:  His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  (5) Thou shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;  (6) Nor the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  (7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.  (8) Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. (9) Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;  (10) There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.  (11)  For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.  (13) Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.  (14) Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known Mine Name. (15) He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honour him.  (16) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."

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

"Emergency Number For When You Are In Danger" - Inspirational Weekend

About two years ago a young pair of Bulbul birds made a nest in one of the palm trees in front of my patio.  Only problem is, you can see from the photo above that the branch began to die, which means it will fall off the tree eventually.  The nest is barely visible on the brown branch above, and the bulbul is in shadow a bit, but you can still see him from his red rump.  These birds were going about their business of being new parents and were not aware of the danger lurking.  

So it is with many people today.  They are going about their everyday routines, scarcely noticing that the world is falling apart and in grave danger.   For those who are aware that we are living in perilous times and on the brink of World War 3, it can be frightful to ponder the possibility of nuclear war soon.   We are living in the last days, and many Bible prophesies of the end times are coming to pass right before our very eyes.  

When in danger, you need to turn to the good Lord and be fervent in prayer, devouring the Holy Word with an appetite that consumes you for more and more spiritual food.

The emergency "number to call" when in danger is number 4 above:  Psalm 91.   I urge you to please read all 16 verses of that Psalm and I will touch upon some of its verses now.  Psalm 91 has been called the protection prayer.

Psalm 91:1-2 tells us, (1) "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  (2) I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him will I trust."    If we have faith in God and trust Him with our whole heart, we shall have courage for any challenge or catastrophe that comes our way.  Even if we face death in a war,  as Christians "to die is gain"  (Philippians 1:21).  We will be with the Lord forever and away from this evil world.   

Verse 4 of Psalm 91 comforts us by saying, "He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."    This is such a great illustration ! The Lord loves us tenderly, and will protect us as a hen protects her brood by covering them with her wings from predators or any dangers whatsoever.  

Verses 11 and 12 of Psalm 91 gives us more comfort when it says,  (11)  "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  (12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."   Folks, God loves us and wants the best for us.  If we are living godly lives and obeying Him, He will protect us in many ways and from many dangers.  This is brought out in verses 14-16 which follow:

(14) "Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.  (15) He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.  (16) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation."

So all these promises and assurances of the Lord will be true for the godly who love and trust God.  

Now is the time to have a close, personal, intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   You build such a relationship by prayer and obedience and trust, and by focusing on the Lord and not on the things of this dying world.  Also, you come to know God's attributes and draw closer to Him by reading His Holy Word. But first, if you are not a believer, you must realize that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Come to God and ask for forgiveness of your sins, be truly repentant and turn from your wrongdoing, and believe with your whole heart that Jesus bled and died for you at Calvary, if you will just have faith in Him and believe in His resurrection.  (Romans 10:9,10,13).   

Tomorrow may be too late, because Jesus will return at any time soon and you need to come to Him in faith NOW.  

Following is a wonderful sermon by Charles Spurgeon, who has been called "The prince of preachers".   He goes into more detail on Psalm 91 in this insightful sermon.

"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

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  -  Philippians 1:21

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."  -  Psalm 34:7

Romans 10:9,10,13 says, "(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."