IMPORTANT! MUST WATCH VIDEOS ON THE SOON RAPTURE, AMERICA'S LAST DAYS, AND THE A.I. INVASION (NOW AND DURING THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION

 

All of the following information will affect everyone on planet earth !  And soon!  Actually, the entire world is already being affected right now in some manner by what the title of this article informs us:  The Rapture to heaven of true believers will occur soon, America's future outlook as discussed below, and a video on how artificial intelligence is used today and will be used more so during the 7 year Tribulation period.   

First, an excellent sermon by Pastor Jack Hibbs on the imminent return of Jesus at the Rapture in the following recent video which is titled: "He's Coming For You".  A must watch!  

Pastor Hibbs, in the above sermon, stresses  how we all need to be on the "right path", a path acceptable to God, in order to enter Heaven.  Make sure God and Jesus know you !

The next recent video features Jeff Kinley, a pastor and  author who also speaks at various Christian prophecy conferences and the like.  His concern in the following must view video is the decline of America !  America is not mentioned in the Bible where the end times are concerned. There is much valuable insight here on what occurs during the tribulation period. It is interesting that he tells us that during the 7 year Tribulation there will be NO  atheists.  Yet, still, the majority of mankind at that time will not repent. Since a major religious revival in America is not likely right now,  according to Kinley, he suggests that local community churches endeavor to have revivals in their areas. 

Pastor Billy Crone, in the following video, gives interesting (and sometimes frightening!) information on the subject of Artificial Intelligence- how it is being used now and then also in the future reign of the antichrist.  Of note, he tells us that we don't need humans to fight wars anymore!  A. I. will fight instead! Concerning "Skynet" right now, Pastor Crone says to find out what that is all about at the present and will be in the future tribulation period, go watch old "Terminator" movies !

https://prophecywatchers.com/videos/billy-crone-the-a-i-invasion/

Being up to date on current prophetic events today is important!  It alerts one to the urgency of the times and informs us that we are, indeed, living in the last moments of the end times as prophesied in the Bible!  If you are a true believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior, you're good to go!  You have a wonderful hope to see you through these turbulent and chaotic last days!  The hope found at Titus 2:13, 14, which follows:

"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."

 It would benefit all Christians to do research concerning the end times!   The most beneficial thing we all can do, however, is to have a close, personal, intimate, loving, sustaining relationship with God through His Son Christ Jesus!  We do that by much prayer and much Bible reading and Bible study.. and by more prayer and even more prayer!  That is the only way to truly and wholeheartedly come to actually know God.  Among your friends, if you never communicate with them, both you and them drift away from each other and have less and less in common.  If you never communicate with the good Lord, you will never get to know Him and His attributes and characteristics and His love for you -  you cannot truly know a Person unless you are in frequent contact and fellowship with Him !  The Heavenly Father and Jesus want and desire to fellowship with you!   You do not want to live your life and then at the end when you die and are judged have Jesus say "I never knew you!"   (Matthew 7:23).  

If you are not already a true believer in Jesus, and do not know that  His shed blood at the Cross can cleanse you of your sins by His redemptive work ,  - that He paid your sin debt in full by dying in your place - then now is the time (before it is too late) to repent of your sins, to pray for forgiveness, and to live a life of total surrender to the Lord's will !   It is not a mere intellectual knowledge of Him and His sacrificial death as the Lamb of God that saves you.  It is a total and all encompassing knowledge with your entire being - your spiritual being and heart ; and not just your "heart" only but from the depths of your very soul to believe that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven!

"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

Following is an 8 minute video on the way to salvation by Dr. Charles Stanley.  Please watch!  But remember that just repeating a sample prayer (as given in the following video) does NOT save you.  You have to believe the prayer with all of your very being, or it is best to say a prayer of your very own in all sincerity asking for forgiveness and for Jesus to be with you from now on!

If you are already saved, or even if you are an unbeliever, you cannot deny the fact that we live in extremely troublesome times!  You might find the following Christian video comforting, no matter what your circumstances are and what trial you might be facing personally right now!  I highly recommend this Christian You Tube channel to you!  (Grace For Purpose). It has many sample prayers which will enrich you spiritually and which will give you comfort within your soul.   Of course, only the Bible - God's Holy Word - can truly help do that best of all -  Read your Bible daily!  Pray without ceasing !

WILL IT BE : JOY IN THE MORNING or I'LL CRY TOMORROW? (Videos)

 

[Yellow Protea]

The yellow flowers in my photograph above rather remind one of "sunshine", or at least are a joyful expression of beauty from God.  Actually, all of creation is a testimony to God's love and His majesty and His love for humankind.  Yet, sometimes we humans suffer much adversity, some of our own making, and some from people, and - yes - some adversity from the heavenly Father Himself.  This post will dwell mostly on the good aspects of the "Why" we sometimes suffer trials and the like.

Remember - some of you older folks - that movie made in 1955 starring Susan Hayward titled: "I'll Cry Tomorrow?"  The movie was about the life of a popular Broadway star and singer named Lillian Roth, who later fell on hard times.   You can look more info up about her and the movie on the Web. Even years later, I found myself thinking about that saying "I'll Cry Tomorrow" when I had trouble or hardship. My point, however, is to here stress the attitudes we have -  the choice to either be sorrowful or to be happy.  And, more importantly, God's purpose behind any suffering we might experience.

Now sometimes we just cannot avoid being sorrowful!  Such times as the death of a loved one, or the betrayal of a friend, or extreme physical pain or some type of illness; and just plain being heartbroken!   We all recognize that to be a fact.  

The good Lord knew we would have troubles in this evil world, and told us:

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me."   -   John 14:1

"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."   -       John 14:27

The apostle Peter tells us at 1 Peter 5:7,  "Casting all your care upon HIM, for He careth for you."

"For HIS anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life:  weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."  -   Psalm 30:5

One commentator on the above verse has said : "The return of God's favor to an afflicted soul is like life from the dead -  nothing so reviving. All our bliss is bound up in God's favor; and if we have that, we have an infinite treasure, whatever else we may want."

The above quote is especially true when we have sinned and/or have a tender conscience.  And maybe one has "backslidden", or for some other reason feels as if God has withdrawn His presence from him.   Another commentator has observed that, when God seems distant, "this loneliness of soul, this desolation of spirit, shall be removed, and the light shall again shine." [then joy in the morning will return].

Remember that God is love.  1 John 4:7, 8 makes that clear in these verses shown below:

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Psalm 30:5 above tells us that God's anger endureth for a moment.  One commentator says that not only is God's divine anger consistent with His divine love, but that anger is absolutely essential to righteous love.  "Because God is righteous, He is also angry with the wicked, with corruption... falsehood, envy, hatred, strife..."  and God will punish accordingly as a parent does his rebellious child.

A commentator at the "Biblical Illustrator"  explains..." I do not say weeping is the messenger of God's anger, and that joy, on the other hand, is the messenger of His love.  They are both messengers of His will; they both subserve His redemptive purposes; both of them alike may be messengers of His anger, as both of them alike may be messengers of His love.  .....   when the house is hushed and low with grief, when the heart is low, followed - as blessed be God! -they are followed - by days of gladness, by giving "the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" ....... Through weeping and through joy, through this strangely mingled experience of human life, God is slowly working out that great purpose and toward that great end, the eternal good of all His creatures."

What a wonderful and beautiful explanation above of why we sometimes (or often) suffer!  Many who are Christians already know much about this fact, but some may be reading who are not believers who would benefit from the above comments.

Considering the fact that we are living in the last moments of the end times as prophesied by the Bible, here is a wake up sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson.  Not about prophecy itself, but about the certainty of death and the choice people must make! 

Following is a hymn that has been posted here previously, but here it is once more: 

As brought out in Pastor Lawson's sermon above and many times on this blog, in order to have eternal life, we need to put our faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior, and the only way to find true happiness and eternal life!   Following are some Scriptures for those of you who are not saved and have not believed in the shed blood of Jesus at the Cross to save you --  He paid your sin debt in full by dying in your place at Calvary --  He was the sacrificial Lamb who redeemed you, if you but put your faith in Him.   It is not a head knowledge, not intellectual knowledge.   You will know with all of your being that He is the only way, the truth, and the life!  (John 14:6) --  if you are truly born again ( a spiritual birth from above.)

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 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

"Full Throttle All The Way To The End!" (On Having Strength To Endure - Videos by Pastor Jack Hibbs, and Video on The Anti Christ Spirit) - Inspirational Weekend

 

Part of the title above for this post is from a quote by Pastor Jack Hibbs which is contained in the following 53 minute sermon he preached earlier this month: "Full throttle all the way to the end." His encouraging words that follow stress how we need the strength of the good Lord - always - but in these perilous times especially.  One thing he says in his video below "God is going through this with you" is a good reminder for all of us - no matter what we're facing now. Pastor Hibbs reminds us that God is always present with true believers and that He is the God of the impossible!  It is one Pastor Hibb's best sermons that I have ever watched ! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtP6bJ8cOCA

There is also a part two dated 2-18-22 found on You Tube which I have not as yet watched myself.   I have tried several times to put the link to Part 2 and it will now work for me.  Go to you tube and enter "Stop: A "How To" when we need the strength of the Lord -  Part 2 

Many people today (even many unbelievers) are still interested in some things concerning the end times which we find ourselves experiencing now.   Most are especially interested in the antichrist and the meaning of 666 as found in the Bible.    Me, I am more interested in JESUS CHRIST and looking for HIS coming!!   However, following is a short 15 minute video on the topic of the antichrist spirit in the world today.  The Christian video below mentions that the coming antichrist will be more of a political leader, rather than a religious one.

"When a man's heart is right with God, the mysterious utterances of the Bible are Spirit and life to him.  Spiritual truth is discernible only to a pure heart, not to a keen intellect.  It is not a question of profundity of intellect, but of purity of heart."   -  Oswald Chambers

"The lip of truth shall be established for ever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment."  -     Proverbs 12:19

On the above verse at Proverbs 12:19, Charles Spurgeon has written in his "Faith's Checkbook" devotional the following:

"Truth wears well.  Time tests it, but it right well endures the trial.  If then, I have spoken the truth and have for the present to suffer for it, I must be content to wait.  If also I believe the truth of God and endeavor to declare it, I may meet with much opposition, but I need not fear, for ultimately the truth must prevail.  What a poor thing is the temporary triumph of falsehood!  "A lying lip is but for a moment."   It is a mere gourd which comes up in a night and perishes in a night; and the greater its development the more manifest its decay.  On the other hand, how worthy of an immortal being is the avowal and defense of that truth which can never change; the everlasting GOSPEL, which is established in the immutable truth of an unchanging GOD !   

"An old proverb saith, "He that speaks truth shames the devil."  Assuredly, he that speaks the truth of God will put to shame all the devils in hell and confound all the seed of the serpent which now hiss out their falsehoods!   O my heart, take care that thou be in all things on the side of truth, both in small things and great; but specially on the side of HIM by Whom grace and truth have come among men!"    -  (end of Spurgeon's quote)

[Rainbow Bridge-  Haleiwa town, Oahu, Hawaii]

"Let God have your life, He can do more with it than you can!"  - unknown

"Promises are God's golden fruit to be plucked by the hand of prayer."  -  E. M. Bounds

"If Christ is the Way, we waste time traveling any other."  -  unknown

"Holiness, not happiness, is the chief end of man."  -  Oswald Chambers

If Jesus were to return to take His people to heaven tonight, would you be rapture ready? Only those who have put their faith and trust and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior are truly "born again" (a spiritual re-birth). Also to believe in the power of Jesus' shed blood on the cross, that as a sacrificial Lamb, He died in our place -  took our sins upon Himself and paid our sin debt in full, by which His shed blood can wash us clean if we but have belief that He is the Savior (and believe that He was resurrected) as Romans 10 tells us.  We must believe with all of our very being in the Savior Jesus - with all of our soul, and mind, and heart !  Not mere head knowledge, or intellectually. Following are Scriptures to help lead you to understand and come to Salvation.

"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

'

Please watch Dr. Charles Stanley's  8 minute video below concerning how to be saved and have the hope of eternal life!

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !

 

"HE FIGHTS FOR YOU!'' and "WALK IN THE LIGHT" (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

  In my photograph above we find patches of sunlight along the shady path.  Life is like that !  Life can be dark and filled with peril; or lots of obstacles, if nothing else; or problems and heartbreak and the list goes on.  But now and then in the pathway of life, there are rays of sunshine and hope and happiness.  For that bit of sunshine we are always very grateful and bask in it while it lasts.

The above observation is true of Christians as well as the ungodly.  However, the Christian's problems or storms can be a way of God the heavenly Father to teach us lessons of endurance and to help us learn to go to Him often in prayer for guidance and relief; in other words, the true believer's problems should make him draw ever closer to the good Lord.  God and Jesus will not only comfort us, but will fight for us as well.  This is brought out beautifully in the following 9 minute sermon clip by (the now deceased) Pastor David Wilkerson.

 The bad news is, the battle or war raging in the inner man (and the destructive opposition from the devil) will go on as long as we live.  That is why we need strong faith in the LORD as well as to fellowship with Him often in prayer and Bible reading. God's Holy Spirit is not only our Comforter, but He is also our Protector and Guide - He will fight for us ! That is the good news!

   As I uploaded the above Hibiscus photograph here, the dried up and dead former blossom on the left reminded me of the Christian's former life of darkness before he was born again and became a true "child of light", as perhaps the here shown glorious open blossom depicts the present full of light and beauty he has become now that he is a "child of God" by faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior, Who is the only way to the Father in heaven.

However, as we all realize, Christians are NOT perfect and at times we fall short - we sin.  That is why we need a close, intimate, personal, loving relationship with God through His Son Jesus.  We are less likely to sin if that is the case -  to not make it a habit to sin !  We will not deliberately and willfully sin in opposition to the good Lord's wishes and commandments. For the most part, true believers sin "accidentally" and at times do not even realize it until later.  We still, once we are aware of our sin, must repent and endeavor to not repeat that sin.  Repentance means to regret your sin and to turn away from it, but especially it means a complete change of mind which leads to a change of actions!  Becoming more Christlike, in other words, over time. 

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." -  Acts 2:38

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

If you are a Christian, the question arises "Are you hot or cold?  Are you lukewarm?"

Please watch the following and thought provoking 11 minute video which discusses lukewarm Christians, but has wonderful information for all of us, be we on fire for the Lord or lukewarm.

  We Christians are familiar with the fact already that God is light and that we are "children of the light" .  However, the video above makes it all so abundantly clear that we need to show our light by separating from any evil and living for Christ!  "There is no spiritual neutrality!"

"This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  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.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word  is not in us." -  1 John 1:5-10

Many of you are aware of all the "changes" lately that affect everyone - the entire globe will be affected in time, and that is partially true right now.

 

But true believers have a blessed hope that keeps them hanging in there!  

That is the soon return of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

:

By the way, this has been shared on this blog previously, but here it is again:  Some commentators admit that the better translation of Titus 2:13 would be "The great God even our Savior Jesus Christ."  It is abundantly clear that this verse strongly emphasizes the Deity of Christ.

Romans 9:5 agrees : "Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, Who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen."

 Bible Prophecy concerning these last moments of the end times are being fulfilled not only on a daily basis, but almost an hourly or minute by minute basis!  Seems like things are really happening all at once and fast right now!

Jesus will return soon!  Don't let scoffers (2 Peter 3:3) convince you it will be otherwise!

"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." -   2 Peter 3:3-4

If you have not put your faith in the cleansing power of Jesus' shed blood on the cross -  that by His sacrificial death He paid our sin debt in full by dying for us and taking our sins upon Himself -  He ransomed us;   that by this redeeming act, He made a way for us to have everlasting life if we but put our faith and belief in Him as the Savior!   If you are unsaved, this means to gain eternal life you must repent of your sins and pray for forgiveness with all of your very being and in sincerity, and - again - with all of your very being believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior !

Following are some Salvation Scriptures :

"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

"Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."    -   Revelation 22:7

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !

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

"It Is Not About Why, But About Who!" and "God Will Lighten Your Darkness!" - (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

The title of this article ("It's Not About Why, But About Who!")  is from the following 24 minute sermon by Charles Lawson, in which he quotes Psalm 91 and Proverbs 3:5-6, which Scriptures most of you are familiar with.    One thing to note, in his sermon below,  Pastor Lawson tells us "When you choose God, He will direct and choose your way."  And, "Your way is your attitude toward God."

"The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith.  The two are at opposite sides of the same coin."  -  A.W. Tozer

"The evidence of spiritual growth is when in difficulties you run to the Lord first - in prayer!  Get on your knees!"  -  David Wilkerson 

Today's world has its share of "darkness" and troubles.  It affects us all in one way or another. In the following 14 minute sermon by Pastor David Wilkerson, he tells us that we may go through many darknesses, but if you are a true Christian, Jesus will rescue you and strengthen you !

"If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the right shining of a candle doth give thee light."   -  Jesus at Luke 11:36

At John 3:19-21 Jesus tells us:  "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that they are wrought in God."

In view of the fact that we are now living in the last moments of the last days (according to how Bible Prophecy is now coming true daily)  we do well to concern ourselves with living a life in obedience to the good Lord and watching expectantly for Jesus' return!   (Titus 2:13)

"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."   -   Hebrew 10:37

Following is a 4 minute sermon clip by Pastor David Wilkerson on the topic of : It's time to wake up!  Please watch!  Pastor Wilkerson stresses how we should make time for the good Lord! His return is near!  What will Jesus find you doing then?

Concerning Bible prophecies and the fact that nothing should alarm true believers in Jesus Christ the Savior,   Charles Spurgeon has this to tell us in one of his "Faith's Checkbook" devotions based on Daniel 12:13 =

"We cannot understand all the prophecies, but yet we regard them with pleasure and not with dismay.  There can be nothing in the Father's desire which should justly alarm His child. Though the abomination of desolation be set up, yet the true believer shall not be defiled; rather shall he be purified, and made white, and tried.  Though the earth be burned up, no smell of fire shall come upon the chosen.  Amid the crash of matter and the wreck of worlds, the Lord Jehovah will preserve His own - Calmly resolute in duty, brave in conflict, patient in suffering; let us go our way, keeping to our road, and neither swerving from it nor loitering in it.  The end will come, let us go our way till it does.  Rest will be ours.  All other things swing to and fro, but our foundation standeth sure.  God rests in His love, and therefore we rest in it.  Our peace is, and ever shall be, like a river.  A lot in the heavenly Canaan is ours, and we shall stand in it, come what may.  The God of Daniel will give a worthy portion to all who dare to be decided for truth and holiness as Daniel was.  No den of lions shall deprive us of our sure inheritance."

Times are urgent in which we are now living!  Urgent especially if you are not saved, are not born again, and have not put your trust and faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Him as the only way to the Father and heaven!   Jesus paid your sin debt in full on the cross !  He was our substitute as the Lamb of God to take our sins upon Himself and Redeem us by the shedding of His precious blood.  Think of how He suffered for you!  Think of His great love and compassion for you!

Following are some Salvation Scriptures for those who are not saved to take to heart --  to realize their perilous unsaved condition, and to repent of their sins in all sincerity, and turn to the Lord, recognizing their sinful state and that only Jesus can save us if we but put our faith in Him.... Pray for forgiveness !  Turn to Him with all of your very being in faith NOW !!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms in an embrace of love and forgiveness!

"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

"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

"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

"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."     -   John 3:16

"Grace be with you all!"  (Titus 3:15)

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

"Are You In The Furnace of Affliction? If So, What To Do?" (With Sermon Clip by Andrew Murray)- Inspirational Weekend

 

[Yellow Protea]

"I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."  -  Isaiah 48:10

Today, we have the Covid 19 virus, we have lawlessness,  corrupt hearts and minds of many to deal with, and we also are (some of us, particularly the elderly) having health issues other than the virus.  We are concerned about what the future may hold and/or will things ever get better.  All of you are aware of these concerns, and many more.  

The above quoted Scripture at Isaiah can be exceedingly faith building to those of us who are true believers in the Savior, Jesus Christ.  Once again, encouragement can be found by Charles Spurgeon's insight on the above verse, which follows:

 

"Comfort thyself, tried believer, with this thought:  God saith, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction".  - Does not the word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame?  Yea, is not it an abestos armour, against which the heat hath no power?  Let affliction come -  God hath chosen me.   Poverty, thou mayst stride in at my door, but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me.  Sickness, thou mayst intrude, but I have a balsam ready:  God has chosen me.  Whatsoever befalls me in this vale of tears, I know that He has "chosen" me.  If, believer, thou requirest still greater comfort,  remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace.  In that silent chamber of yours, there sitteth by your side One to Whom thou hast not seen, but Whom thou lovest; and oft times when thou knowest it not,  He makes all thy bed in thy affliction, and smooths thy pillow for thee.  Thou art in poverty, but in that lovely house of thine the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor.  He loves to come into these desolate places that He may visit thee.  Thy Friend sticks closely to thee.  Thou canst not see Him, but thou mayst feel the pressure of His hands.  Dost thou not hear His voice?  Even in the valley of the shadow of death  He says "Fear not, I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God."  

Remember that noble speech of Ceasar "Fear not.  Thou carriest  Ceasar and all his fortune."   Fear not, Christian, Jesus is with thee.  In all thy fiery trials, His presence is both thy comfort and safety.  He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own.  "Fear not, for I am with thee" is His sure word of promises to His chosen ones in the "furnace of affliction."  Wilt thou not then,  take fast hold of Christ , and say:  "Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I'll follow where He goes."

 Spurgeon has a wonderful way with words, doesn't he?  The main thing to cling to, no matter what your trial or affliction, is to stay close to the good Lord and have faith in Him and trust Him with all your heart!  Be often in prayer, and surrender to His will - He knows best!  

As brought out in the following 11 minute audio sermon clip of Andrew Murray's writings, "In suffering, it is the Spirit of God and of His glory that rests on us."  - So abide in Christ!

 Andrew mentions in the above sermon, that our trials and afflictions are often a sign of God at work.... His pruning and purging of us.   Many of you know this.  

Someone has said that trials and such brought on by your enemies, draws you even closer to the good Lord. (Looking to Him for guidance and solace and direction and for a solution.) Friends as a  rule do not do that !  So love your enemies and pray for them!  They can be a blessing from God that makes you turn to Him with greater fervor and frequency! -- and thereby increases your need and love for Him.

"Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults!"  -  Benjamin Franklin

"God's people have their trials.  It was never designed by God, when He chose His people, that they should be an untried people..... They were never chosen to worldly peace and earthly joy."     -  Charles Spurgeon

Remember too, that the Good Lord often lets "bad things happen to good people"  because, being imperfect humans, good people sometimes err and sin, even sin unintentionally, and they need to be chastised and disciplined.  

So the main thing we can do to endure affliction is to just stay in close communion with the Lord.  Pray without ceasing!  Read your Bible daily!  Our heavenly Father and Jesus want to fellowship with us.  You cannot grow to know a Person if you never communicate with Him!  Our main concern, besides obeying the Lord, is to develop a close, intimate, personal, loving and living relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ!  That is a wondrous thing,  which will transform your life and blossom into a beautiful and lasting flower of love and glory for the Lord that will last for all of eternity!

 

 

[Shell Ginger]

But what if you are not saved?  Not born again?  Have not believed that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven?   You have not accepted the true fact that Jesus' shed blood at the Cross can wash away your sins and wipe the slate clean, when you realize that He was the Sacrificial Lamb, that redeemed your soul because He took your place on that Cross, by taking on your sins, and paid your sin debt in full, if you will only have faith and believe that He is the Savior.  

Following are some Scriptures to help you to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Savior.  You need to repent of your sins first !   Some thoughts on that from the Biblical Illustrator Commentary are: 

1.  Repentance involves a deep sorrow and conviction for your sins.

 

2.  A confession of your sins.  (Pray to God for forgiveness, in all sincerity and heartfelt remorse)

 

3. You will then utterly forsake sin (deliberate and willful sin.  We all err unintentionally at times)

4. Repentance is a necessary qualification to fit us for glory.

5. Repentance does not only give us a future evidence for heaven, but puts us into actual possession.

6.  Repentance must be continually in us, and not merely for a Lent-season.

7.  This must increase daily more and more in us.

Much more is written on the Biblical Illustrator Commentary on this subject of repentance.  It would be of benefit to you to look it up on the Web.

The Scriptures of Salvation are:  

"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

If you go to the search box on the upper right hand side of this page, and enter topics such as "The Rapture, Jesus' imminent return,"  etc.  you will have those articles on those subjects pop up for you to read and select; some of which have videos.  

Jesus will return very soon, according to the way Bible prophecy is coming true today at warp speed in these, the end times; the last moments of the last days.  

Do not delay in surrendering your heart and life to the Savior!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms in an embrace overflowing with love and forgiveness !

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

"Time Is Running Out - Signs to KNOW You Will Go To Heaven; Seek God While He May Be Found" (with videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

                                                        [Hamakua Marsh, Kailua, Oahu]

Do you truly know God?  Not only an intellectual knowledge of Him and Jesus, but a soul stirring and heartfelt belief and faith in Him; to love Him with all of your heart, and soul, strength and mind.  If so, then you will endeavor to obey Him always, and to put His will first in your life.  

"And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these."   -   Mark 12:29-31

Following is a 10 minute video which is excellent in its insight on the subject of seeking God.  Many Scriptures are covered, especially Isaiah 55:6-9 which tells us:

(verse 6)  : "Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: (verses 7-9 : (7)  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.  (8) For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

 

    "The Bible is your lifeline.  The assurance of heaven ought to make a difference in our life."  = A quote from the following 15 minute video titled  " 3 Signs You Are Going To Heaven (This May Surprise You.)"  

I will let the above excellent 15 minute video speak for itself.  However, one of the signs given in it that you will go to heaven, is if you have a peaceful heart.  Boy, do we all need a peaceful heart in these troublesome prophesied end times !  It is possible. However, it does not mean that at times we are not stressed or heartbroken, or do not have  any afflictions that life and the devil throws at us.  It does mean that we will NOT "stay down" if we rely on the good Lord and put our faith and hope in Him, and depend upon Him for strength to endure.

"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

The hope of heaven which true believers have will enable us to carry on about the Lord's business.  Actually, it is God's Holy Spirit within us Who helps and encourages us to "Keep on keeping on."

"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 14:16-17

Note:  In  verse 16 above when Jesus says "Comforter"  it is another expression for the Holy Spirit.  Most of you know that, but for some who are not saved and reading this, it is a new concept to them.

[Barber's Point Lighthouse, Oahu]

Much has been written on this blog concerning the fact that we are living in the last days of this Age of Grace, this dispensation.  These are urgent times, folks !  Today, with all the uproar around  us  and in the world, for that matter, on so many dire and unprecedented issues confronting us:   " Something has to give !!"

And soon it will.  Jesus will return soon to take His true followers to heaven in the Rapture.   Then, or probably soon thereafter, the 7 year Tribulation will begin under the rule of the antichrist.   You do not want to be here to suffer the magnitude of the destruction, horror, and agony of the Tribulation!   ( Go to the "Search Box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter things such as "7 year Tribulation,  The Rapture, End times, " etc. for more information).

So how do you avoid the Tribulation period?  If you sincerely turn to Jesus now in faith and belief that He is the Savior -  that His shed blood at the cross redeemed us and that He was the Sacrificial Lamb whose blood washes away our sins (wipes the slate clean) because He took our place at Calvary - He took our sins upon Himself and paid our sin debt in full;  If you believe all this and that He was resurrected from the dead -  You will be saved and will spend eternity in heaven with Him, our Savior and Redeemer.  You will be taken to heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins !

Following are some Salvation Scriptures for those who are not saved at the present time.  Take them to heart !  Pray to the good Lord for forgiveness, and truly repent of your sins.  God will answer that prayer if you are sincere.... if you have a change of heart and want with all of your being to serve the Lord and obey Him.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The Joy Of The Lord Is Possible In Today's Troublesome Times - How To Rejoice ln The Lord" -Video Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith - Inspirational Weekend

 

                                                     [Kayaks, Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]           

As you can imagine, in Hawaii people flock to the beaches to find some happiness in that past time. There is much beauty to be found in these islands, and that in itself also brings pleasure and happiness to many.

"....for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."  -  Nehemiah 8:10 b

Pastor Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches, says in the following sermon audio video, what many others have also said:  "Happiness is variable, it depends on your circumstances; joy is the experience in Spirit which is independent of your circumstances. "  Especially is this true concerning "the joy of the Lord" (Nehemiah 8:10).  Please listen to Pastor Chuck's excellent 38 minute sermon:

Most of you are familiar with Galatians 5:22-23 which tells of the "Fruit of the Spirit" among which is "joy".

Did you realize that we are commanded to rejoice in the Lord ?

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."  -  Philippians 4:4

"And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee."  -  Deuteronomy 12:7

Following is a partial quote by commentator Alexander MacLaren on Nehemiah 8:10:

"You may say with truth, 'my emotions of joy and sorrow are not under my control. I cannot help being glad and sad as circumstances dictate.'  But yet here it lies, a commandment.  It is a duty, a thing that the apostle enjoins; in which, of course is implied, that somehow or other it is to a large extent within one's own power, and that even  the indulgence in this emotion, and the degree to which life shall be a cheerful life, is dependent in a large measure on our own volitions, and stands on the same footing as our obedience to God's other commandments.  ....    But I will tell you what you can do or refrain from doing -  you can either go and stand in the Light, or you can stand in the shadow.  You can either fix your attention upon and make the predominate subject of your religious contemplations a truth which shall make you glad and strong, or a half-truth, which shall make you sorrowful. and therefore weak.  Your meditations may either center mainly upon your own selves, your faults and failings, and the like; or they may center mainly upon God, and His Christ and His grace, the Holy Spirit and His communion.  You may either fill your soul with joyful thoughts, or though a true Christian, a real devout, God-accepted believer, you may be so misapprehending the nature of the gospel, and your relation to it, its promises and precepts, its duties and predictions, as that the prevalent tinge and cast of your religion shall be solemn and almost gloomy, and not lighted up and irradiated with the felt sense of God's presence -  with the strong, healthy consciousness that you are a forgiven and justified man, and that you are going to be a glorified one."

Alexander MacLaren, in the above quote, and in his entire commentary on Nehemiah 8:10, is excellent to read for it is full of wisdom and spiritual gems which we all need to ponder.  It is quite lengthy, but worth your while to read his entire commentary found on the Web.

One more quote by MacLaren:   "Joy in the Lord is the natural result of Christian faith. ...   The joy that is in Christ is deep and abiding.  Faith in Him naturally works gladness."

[Rainbow Shower Tree]

Isaiah 61:10 tells us: "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be 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."

"And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the atonement."  -  Romans 5:11

"And ye now therefore have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice and your joy no man taketh away from you."   -   Jesus at John 16:22

The above words by Jesus are very special!  All of His words are special of course,  but the above at John 16:22 ring loud and clear to believers now in this chaotic world we find ourselves living in -   the last moments of the end of this dispensation; the end of the age of Grace; the last days.  Jesus was speaking here to His disciples concerning mainly His soon death and resurrection and eventual return.  However, His words are a comfort to us in this modern world as well.  Note in the above verse that He told us "your heart shall rejoice and your joy NO man taketh from you!"   Put your hope and trust in the good Lord, and not in this evil world and its philosophies.

"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 Ghost."  -  Romans 15:13

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 4:7

Are you hurting?  Have you seen much sorrow and heartbreak and hard times?  Consider the following quote by A. W. Tozer:

"It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply."

Remember, afflictions should, hopefully, result in us turning to God in remorse, and looking to Him for guidance and relief.  We are "pruned" by Him in our afflictions.

"I was delivered from the burden that had so heavily suppressed me.  The spirit of mourning was taken from me, and I knew what it was to truly rejoice in God, my Savior."  -  George Whitefield

"The Lord gives His people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to Him."  -  Dwight L. Moody

"The only lasting and fully satisfying joys for any man lie on the other side of a cross."  -  Walter J. Chantry

"It is His joy that remains in us that makes us joyful."  -  A.B. Simpson 

"Joy is not necessarily the absence of suffering, it is the presence of God."  -  Sam Storms

"Happiness is untested delight.  Joy is delight tested." -  Jack Hyles

[Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Much more may be written on rejoicing in the Lord, and many additional Scriptures could be shared here.  It would be beneficial for you to search the scriptures for yourself, and thereby grow in your faith and closeness to the good Lord.  As mentioned frequently on this blog,  God wants to fellowship with us.  We do that by much Bible reading and studying, and also by frequent daily prayer.  You cannot get to really know a person unless you communicate frequently with them. The same is true, of course, when it comes to communicating with the heavenly Father.   You need to develop a close, intimate, personal, loving and abiding relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior.

For those who are not born again, have not put their trust in Jesus and belief in Him as the Savior, please read the following Scriptures.  You need to repent and ask for forgiveness and turn to the Lord while there is still time!  This world is dying!   Heaven is alive and glorious!

"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 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 !!