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

 

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

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

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

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

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

https://hopeforourtimes.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Waimea Bay - Oahu, Hawaii]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

URGENCY!     Many people just don't get it!   

Time is short!   Jesus could return at any moment!

Are you ready to meet the Lord?   

Jesus is waiting to hear from you!

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

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

Following are some Scriptures concerning salvation:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -   and life!

"Hold On Tight ! Almost There!" (With Encouraging and Hope Filled Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Barber's Point Lighthouse, Oahu, Hawaii]

We all have often heard how children, when on a road trip with parents, will impatiently and constantly repeat "Are we there yet?"  We who are true children of the heavenly Father are, in today's perilous times, wondering the same thing in regards to the soon return of Jesus as to when our "flight 777 to heaven on Titus213 airlines" will occur?  We ARE almost there!  Trust the good Lord! Hold on Tight to faith in Jesus and in His promises!

A wonderful and comforting promise of  Jesus is found at John 14:1-4 which follows:

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

That is our blessed hope!  Titus 2:13, 14 tells us:   "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."

Many Christians today are feeling "battle weary."  But we must not lose hope!  We must keep the faith! God's promises never fail!  The fact that His Holy Word the Bible prophesied about these current last days and how those prophesies are now daily - even hourly, or by the minute - coming true right before our very eyes ;  that should all the more increase our faith and hope that our "battle" on this earth will be over soon when we meet our beloved Jesus !  Yes, many have said our life on earth is but a "journey" or a "pilgrimage", and that is very true.  But as for these last days we find ourselves caught up in -  it is a true battle !  A spiritual battle!

Romans 8:35-39 informs us: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

When the apostle Paul in the above verses mentions angels, principalities, powers, he, for the most part, refers to spiritual forces such as fallen angels and evil entities and, yes, the devil.  All of which wage war against true believers in the Lord.  This battle ground, so to speak, is further discussed in Ephesians, which speaks of the "whole Armor of God."  Please, please read all of Ephesians 6, as well as all of Romans 8 as well.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,  against the the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  -   Ephesians 6:10-13

Following is an excellent 13 minute video about the Armor Of God and what it means and entails:

As we all know, many during the past year have suffered extreme losses, such as the death of a loved one, loss of employment, and the list goes on.  But God wants us to learn from what we are going through, so it says in the following 13 minute video. It says, "God isn't letting you down, He's letting you learn!"  

Another excellent video which follows stresses for us to focus on God and not our battles!

Not long ago, on this blog, a post was made concerning the Rapture, in which is explained the meaning of "Flight 777 on Titus 213 airline".   Here is the link https://inspiringnaturephotography.blogspot.com/search?q=departure+soon+flight+777

One more wonderful video for you !  It is 13 minutes in length and tells us the ONLY THING we can take to heaven with us.  A must watch for all Christians!

In view of the fact that these are the last moments of the last days, it is imperitive that all persons concern themselves where they will spend eternity.  Remember, eternity is a long time to spend in the wrong place -  the wrong place being hell!

For any unsaved persons reading this blog, and for any believers who have unsaved relatives that they might want to share the following Salvation Scriptures with,  please take heed to the following:

"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

"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 !!

"Keep It Simple!" (With Videos - One by Pastor Chuck Smith) - Inspirational Weekend

 While viewing the following sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, it occurred to me that I have not always kept it "simple" on this blog.  In my enthusiasm to help others, I tend to include as much information as possible for your benefit because I know the times are urgent and also that Jesus will return soon and my wish is for many to come to a saving faith in Him so that they may be raptured to heaven to be with Him before the 7 year horrific Tribulation period begins.  

Pastor Chuck Smith's sermon is based upon 2 Corinthians 11:3 which follows:

"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

Pastor Smith's sermon is 40 minutes long;  I pray that you watch all of it, as I feel it is one of his best!

Pastor Chuck says to "simply teach the Word of God simply."  He reminds us that the Pharisees of Jesus' day were mainly interested in all the minute details... and skipped mercy, and faith, and justice.

The posts on this blog tend to give a broad explanation of salvation, but only to edify and to make sure you understand what salvation is all about.  Much is said here about the power of Jesus' shed blood, and how He was the Sacrificial Lamb;  there  is no salvation without the shedding of His blood to pay our sin debt in full as He took our place on that Cross, so that by belief in Him and His atonement we may have everlasting life.   

I am reminded of how some people, at large assemblies by prominent evangelist, make a "decision" to follow Christ by coming forward, etc.  But statistics have proven that many of them - most of them, in fact -  fall away and don't last long.  My opinion is (and also the opinions of others that study such things) that they just don't understand that it is much more than a "decision"- more than a head knowledge of Jesus or that it is simply the right thing to do.  They need to be told salvation is a total, strong commitment to  follow in Christ's footsteps as best they can; a total surrender to the Lord, and giving up their will to always endeavor to do His will -  to obey Him.  Much more than that, it involves a love and devotion to Him that is truly heart-felt; an all consuming desire to please Him with all of your heart, mind, and soul !

 In other words, some people think they are saved when in actuality they are not. Saying a sinner's prayer one time and then going on about being totally living for worldly things and desires, does not mean you are necessarily a Christian.  Some professing Christians never read their Bible and hardly, if ever, pray.  Sanctification is  a process, it doesn't all happen overnight, that is true.

Having said all that, however, belief in Jesus as the Savior is what saves you.  Period!

Remember at Calvary, the thief on the cross near Jesus expressed faith in the Lord, and Jesus told him that he would be with Him in paradise. That thief had no opportunity to serve the Lord or do anything other than to express his belief in Jesus. ( Luke 23:39-43).  Also, when Paul and Silas were in prison and a miracle happened (an earthquake) that caused the prison doors to open and everyone's bands were loosed.  The jailer asked Paul and Silas what he must do to be saved,  and they said "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."  (Acts 16:25-34).

In 2017 here on this blog, a post was also made which shared this information and more.  Here is a link

A wonderful hymn that explains this truth of faith only in Jesus as the Savior is the old favorite titled "Just as I am"   Here it is for you who are not yet saved (and for us older saved ones to enjoy again)

"All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."   Jesus at John 6:37

Another hymn to encourage unsaved souls is "Softly and Tenderly" found below:

Jesus will return soon!

Be Rapture Ready!

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

 

Following are Salvation Scriptures !  If you are not saved, take these verses to heart, repent, and turn to the Lord and pray for forgiveness.  If you are sincere, God will answer that prayer and welcome you to His family!

 "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

 

Just a short note:  Faith is number one!  Belief in Jesus as the Savior!

Although knowledge is important, a person can know all "about" Jesus and salvation, but that does not necessarily mean that he is truly saved.  

It is not "what" you know, but Who you know!

The important thing is to develop a close, intimate, loving, personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior!  We do that by much time in prayer and by much study and reading of God's Holy Word, the Bible.  The good Lord wants to fellowship with us!  You cannot get to know a person or be "friends" with Him if you never communicate with Him.  

The Lord expects and desires faith and belief from us! 

He expects and demands obedience from us, and to put His will first in our lives.  

All of which we will delight to do, and will want  to do, if we are truly saved, truly born again.

Believe in the Lord with all of your heart, mind, soul, strength !

"And Jesus answered and said unto 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

 Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!

 

 

"Don't Give Up! Keep On Keeping On!" ( With Helpful Videos and Scriptures to Accomplish That) - Inspirational Weekend

[Scene at Dole Cannery -  Oahu, Hawaii]

Today, with its chaotic and troublesome world occurrences, (and that is putting it mildly!) , many people feel like "Why should I even get up and face the day?"  Many troubled souls have also committed suicide as a way to exit this evil world and to end their suffering and hopelessness.

A wonderful sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley is full of encouragement and tells of ways to keep on keeping on.  Dr. Stanley also tells us, in this sermon that, as a follower of Christ, giving up is NOT who we are.  The sermon is 43 minutes, and can be found by going to You Tube and entering "The Courage to Keep Going - Dr. Charles Stanley".   Any sermons in the past by Charles  Stanley that I have given a link to, have been promptly deleted on this blog. Thus, I urge you to go to You Tube and watch this powerful and hope-building sermon!

Dr. Stanley, in the above mentioned sermon, tells us to be strong in the Lord in order to endure.  We do that by reading His Holy Word daily and also by much prayer.  That will build a strong relationship with God through His Son Jesus.  God wants to fellowship with us, and when we pray and read the Bible, we will draw closer to Him.  We will then experience a strong, intimate, loving and personal relationship with Him, and we will grow in strength and trust in Him.  In the above mentioned sermon, Charles Stanley tells us "When everything around us is falling apart, then get on your knees in prayer." And, for us to "rejoice in the Lord when times are tough."

One verse that is of great comfort is Hebrews 13:5 which follows:

"Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."           

Following is a short daily devotion from Dr. Stanley's In Touch Ministries  titled :  "When Adversity Hits, Look Up".

 Below is a 43 minute video  by Pastor Adrian Rogers) titled : "How to pray  in the Spirit" 

Please, please watch the above video!  

  Below is another video on prayer you will enjoy.

The 15 minute video directly above stresses how prayer can be an anchor to the soul, but so many Christians struggle with prayer by simply NOT praying.  The narrator says that if Jesus needed to pray when He was on earth, certainly who are we to say we don't have time for prayer !

[Haleiwa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."   -   Romans 8:10-11

One commentary says concerning verse 10 above:  "Because the spirit of the Christian has been justified, it is not subject to death as is his body."

Romans 8:26 tells us:  "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities [weaknesses] :   for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:  but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

            

One commentator on Romans 8:26 informs us: "As hope sustains the believer in suffering, so the Holy Spirit helps him in prayer."

When it says in verse 26 about "groanings", it is referring to the Holy Spirit.   In Romans 8:23 it is the believer that groans.  

"And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body."  -      Romans 8:23

If you are not saved (born again - a spiritual birth) by believing on Jesus as the Savior, then you have no hope for the future.  You will face the Lake of Fire.

"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

All of the signs of Jesus' soon return to take his true followers to be with Him in heaven .... all the signs of the "season of His return" are happening now and literally screaming at us to wake up and repent and put our faith in Jesus and His shed blood at Calvary; His redemptive work on our behalf so that we may have eternal life in heaven.  

A wonderful video follows explaining Salvation in a sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers.

To keep on keeping on, we need the good Lord's help.  If we put our faith and trust in Him, He will mercifully give us help to carry on; He will give us strength to face our obstacles and hardships.  Following are some Scriptures which tell us that the Lord will give us strength and hope,  and will be with us through thick and thin.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  -   Philippians 4:13

"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."                -   Psalm 31:24

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  -    Psalm 46:1

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might."  -   Ephesians 6:10

"And He said unto me,  My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.    Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ rest upon me.   Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."                    -     2 Corinthians 12:9,10

"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

"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

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

Be Strong And Courageous - God Will Make A Way (With Videos by Don Moen)

There will be more words of encouragement in this article.  We all need encouragement even in "normal" times, and especially now when things such as the lock down have drastically altered our lives.

Our main encouragement should be from the good Lord and from His Holy Word, the Bible.  And do not forget to spend much time in prayer.  As stated many times previously on this blog, God and Jesus want to fellowship with us!  We do that, of course, by prayer and Bible reading.  The Bible is God's Love Letter to us, as well as His Instruction Manual.  From spending time in God's Word, we learn of His love for us as well as His many attributes and character, which in turn makes us love Him and Jesus even more.  The more we fellowship with Him, the more we will develop a strong, living and vibrant, and close relationship with Him - a relationship that will grow and blossom into something beautiful and lasting for all eternity!

Jesus tells us at Mark 12:30-31 : "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."

Yesterday I discovered that the singer Don Moen has his own you  tube channel.  My favorite song by him is "God will make a way."  Most of you are no doubt familiar with it.  Here it is for you :

Search for Don's you tube channel by entering there:  Don Moen tv

Here is a wonderful 8 minute sample of one of his devotions at his channel.

It is titled:  "Promises from God's Word  -  Be strong and take courage"

"Faith is not to get you out of a hard place but to change your heart IN the hard place."  -  Pastor David Wilkerson

"Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked."   -    Psalm 97:10

"Trust in Him at all times; ye people; pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us." -  Psalm 62:8

"He only is my rock and my salvation.  He is my defence; I shall not be moved."  -   Psalm 62:2

Following is an encouraging devotion from Charles Spurgeon, based on the Scripture at Isaiah 51:5 which says, "On My arm shall they trust."

Spurgeon tells us: " In seasons of severe trial, the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust to, and is therefore compelled to cast himself on his God alone.  When his vessel is on its beam-ends and no human deliverance can avail, he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God.  Happy storm that wrecks a man on such a Rock as this!  O blessed hurricane that drives the soul to God and God alone!  There is no getting at our God sometimes because of the multitude of our friends,  but when a man is so poor, so friendless, so helpless that he has nowhere else to turn, he flies into his Father's arms, and is blessedly clasped therein !  When he is burdened with troubles so pressing and so peculiar, that he cannot tell them to any but his God, he may be thankful for them; for he will learn more of his LORD than at any other time.  Oh, tempest-tossed believer, it is a happy trouble that drives thee to thy Father !  Now that thou hast only God to trust to, see that thou puttest thy full confidence in Him.  Dishonor not thy LORD and Master by unworthy doubts and fears, but be strong in faith, giving glory to God.  Show the world that thy God is worth ten thousand worlds to thee.  Show rich men how rich thou art in thy poverty when the Lord God is thy helper.  Show the strong man how strong thou art in thy weakness when underneath thee are the Everlasting Arms.  Now is the time for feats of faith and valiant exploits.  Be strong and very courageous, and the Lord thy God shall certainly, as He built the heavens and the earth, glorify Himself in thy weakness, and magnify His might in the midst of thy distress.  The grandeur of the arch of heaven would be spoiled if the sky were supported by a single visible column, and your faith would lose its glory if it rested on anything discernible by the carnal eye.  May the Holy Spirit give you to rest in Jesus ....."

Very heartening and hopeful words above from this "Prince of Preachers", as Spurgeon has been called.  Hopefully his devotion and some Scriptures in this post will encourage you to keep on keeping on in today's troubled world.

"Don't let your focus move from God to your circumstances.  God always keeps His promise."   -  Dr. Charles Stanley

"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

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

Jesus' words above at John 14:1-4 gives us hope and helps us to endure until He returns to take us home to be with Him in heaven.  Which may be very very soon, the way His signs of the end times are now playing out -  found at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Luke 21:28 is where Jesus has been referring to the signs of the end times (which we are now living in)  and then gives us hope by saying "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

If you are not a true believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ, it is urgent that you consider that your eternity will be in hell, unless you repent and turn to Jesus in faith, and believe that His shed blood at Calvary can wash you clean.... wipe the slate clean, so to speak.  Your sins will be forgiven.  Salvation is not difficult.  We simply need to become as little children, who are trusting and humble and obedient to their parents.

"... Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."     -  Jesus at Matthew 18:3-4

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

"The Best Guide Ever !" (With Video On Current Events And Bible Prophecy) - Inspirational Weekend

[Grand Tetons , Wyoming]

Many of you may travel a lot and, if so, sometimes it is necessary to have a tour guide who can point out things which are a must see, and to warn against any dangerous areas.  A good guide is a must at times.   

Psalm 48:14 speaks of the best guide ever:  

"For this God is our God for ever and ever:  He will be our guide even unto death."

God will be our guide and will conduct us all along through life.  If we are true believers, He will guide us to heaven after our death, or at the Rapture of the Church, whichever comes first for us.  He is not only our guide, but our friend and our protector.  He will do this for those who put their trust in Him.

One commentator has said:  "Man needs nothing more for this life than the confident assurance that he has the eternal God for his guide, and that he will never be left or forsaken by Him in any possible situation in which he may be placed.  If God, by His own hand will lead me safely through the dark valley - that valley which lies at the end of every traveler's path -  I have nothing to fear."

[Banyan Trees Across from Waikiki Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Dear friends, I know most of you have been through difficult times in your lives; times where there seemed to be no hope and you did not know how to cope; times where you felt lost and abandoned by others.   If you were not a true believer in Jesus during those times, it looked especially depressing, for you did not have a faith that could have helped you cope much better; a faith that gave you hope.

For those of you who have a saving, believing hope in the sacrificial death of Jesus, Who took our place on the cross and bore our sins.... paid our sin debt in full ...  you have a hope of Jesus helping you now, and the hope of soon being with the good Lord in heaven.

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

Believe the Bible ! Jesus' soon return is spoken of in the Bible, which tells us we are in the last moments of the last days if we read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.  Only God the Father knows when that day will be that Jesus returns, but Jesus gave us signs so that we would know we were in the season of His return -  found in the before mentioned Bible Chapters.

[Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii]

Remember, God/Jesus will never leave us; and we, by His grace, will never abandon Him.

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  -   Hebrews 13:5

Following is an 18 minute video on how the next few weeks could be huge prophetically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHcbK6bWGwM&t=92s 

Are you Rapture Ready?

Jesus loves you.

He will return soon to take all true believers to be with Him in heaven.

Don't be left behind to face the horrors and the plagues of the 7 year Tribulation which occurs after the Rapture.

Turn to the Lord now while there is still time.

Admit you are a sinner and in need of a Savior.  (Romans 3:23)

Believe with all your being that Jesus is the Savior and that He can wash away all your sins and declare you saved when you put your full trust and belief in Him.  (John 3:16;  John 14:6)

Call on the name of the Lord and commit your life to Him in full surrender.  (Romans 10:13;  Romans 8:1)

The good Lord made salvation easy to understand; all He asks is that you repent of sin and that you totally surrender your life to Him as you believe in Jesus as the Savior with all of your heart and soul.

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."

Remember, the good Lord wants all of your heart.  We must look to Him as our guide and follow in Jesus' footsteps as best we can.  If you do so, your life journey on this earth will more joyful and full of His grace; and will take you to your journey to heaven.


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

"There Is An Expiration Date!" (With Video by Adrian Rogers) - Inspirational Weekend

[Diamond Head Beach and Lighthouse, Oahu, Hawaii]

Most of us are aware that Christians have applied a lighthouse as a symbol of Jesus Christ,  Who is our guiding light.   We are now living in the Age of Grace, or the Church Age.  For that, there is an expiration date !   And it will expire very soon !

For Christians, be Rapture ready!  Be occupied with the Lord's work and sharing the Gospel -  the life and teachings of Jesus and His deity, and His death, burial, and resurrection.   Because He took on all of our sins at the Cross, and shed His blood so that we might be washed clean when we put our faith in Him and believe He is the Savior, the 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

"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 read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 .   There it mentions various signs that would occur during the end times.   You will discern that many of these signs are occurring right now, proving that Jesus will return soon to rapture true believers to be in heaven with Him.   Never before have all of these signs converged at one time like they are right now.  Even children can recognize this is an evil world, corrupt and chaotic.  

"Woe unto them  that call evil good, and good evil;  that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter !"   -   Isaiah 5:20

The above verse in Isaiah aptly describes today's world, where evil insists that we accept the world's views on various things and lifestyles, and which the world claims is okay despite what the Bible clearly admonishes us against.

Yes, as many of you realize, we are living in the last moments of the last days.   I have written much about this on this blog.  Following is a previous article of mine which tells of the days of Noah, the giants, the origin of demons, and the altering of DNA in humans (and animals) which helps us to realize that we are living in the last days.... the last moments of the church age, when Jesus will return soon to take believers to heaven.  The 8-27-2019 article mentioned explains how the age we live in now is truly like the days of Noah, and ripe for God's intervention and first for Jesus to rapture true believers to heaven before the judgments and plagues and wrath poured out on those unsaved people during the 7 year Tribulation. 

"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."     -     Jesus at Matthew 24:37

My computer is acting up again,  and will not allow me to link to the article mentioned above.   Just scroll down to my previous post on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, and you may read it there.

[Rainbow at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii]

Whenever I see a rainbow, I am reminded of God's many promises.  He has promised a glorious future for true believers in His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior.

Following is a 40 minute sermon on the Rapture by Adrian Rogers, who has gone on now to be in heaven with the good Lord.  He states in this sermon that the world is on a collision course with destiny.

Yes, there is an expiration date approaching for this wicked world.  Be ever mindful of and faithful to the good Lord in our minds and hearts and speech and actions.   Live totally surrendered to Him and seek to do His will always.   

A. W. Tozer has said, "A satisfactory spiritual life will begin with a complete change in relation between God and the sinner; not a judicial change merely, but a conscious and experienced change affecting the sinner's whole nature.  The atonement in Jesus' blood makes such a change judicially possible and the working of the Holy Spirit makes it emotionally satisfying."

Unbelievers, now is the time to get right with the good Lord and surrender your life to Jesus; believe in Him as the Savior, and you will be sealed by the Holy Spirit as a child of God forever.

Ephesians 1:13 tells us, "In whom ye also trusted, after that we heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:  in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, "

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

(note: sometimes at the top of my blog, it says "Not Secure".   I have corrected that only to have it revert back to the same message.  This blog IS secure.   It could be just a glitch as my computer has been acting up a lot lately.)

"The Gift Of God" - Inspirational Weekend

God gives us many gifts, such as the gift of hospitality, the gift of empathy, the gift of service to others, and to some the gift of being effective pastors.   But those gifts and many others, as important as they are, are not the "gift of God" meant here.  You mature Christians already know where I am going with this article.

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

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  -  Romans 6:23

Eternal Life !   

That is God's gift to us !  Like any gift, it is free.  All we have to do is accept it with gratitude.  We do this by believing that Jesus is the Savior and that by putting our faith in Him we may have everlasting life, and all of eternity with Him.  

Even in this life we may have foretastes of the gift of God to be enjoyed, such as peace with God and a quiet trustfulness as to the future, and many other joys as well.  There is much comfort in knowing the good Lord is always near !

"Forget not the channel through whom it flows; it is a gift to thee, because thy Lord paid it all."           -  A.G. Brown

Jesus took our place on the cross and suffered a terrible and painful death so that He paid our sin debt in full.  He was our Redeemer and He did it all out of such a great love for us -  a love so strong and true that we cannot begin to comprehend the depths of it.

When you think about it, eternal life actually begins the moment you surrender your life to Jesus; the moment of conversion, when the soul passes from death to life.  He that hath the Son hath Life. You have freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1), communion with God, and you begin to grow into the likeness of Christ.  There is no longer any fear of death.

Jesus told His disciples (and by extension, us as well) that He was going to prepare a place in heaven for all true followers.  This is found at John 14:1-3, which follows:

(1) "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  (2) In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

With such a wonderful hope - eternity forever with the Lord - how can some people shrug their shoulders in complete unconcern and indifference and go their "merry" way instead, sinning all the way to hell?

And what is equally disturbing, how can professing Christians go the way of the world and still be putting the good Lord first in their lives?  They can't.  Some so-called believers go to bars with worldly people; they talk and act and dress worldly and try to blend in as much as possible with the world.  How does Christ, who bled and died for them, feel when He sees their rebellion?

James speaks of spiritual adultery when he says at James 4:4 :

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?  whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."

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

If you find yourself guilty of being worldly and sinful, think of how it must make Jesus and the Heavenly Father feel after all their love for you has done; after Jesus dying a cruel death to save you if you would but believe in Him.   And then you go and become His enemy by friendship with the world?  That is not showing gratitude for His great sacrifice and His love for you.

Let us be mindful that new converts to Christianity do, for the most part, still exhibit carnal ways and worldliness.  They are "babes in Christ" who, in time, will mature and leave their worldly ways behind them and become more Christlike.  We need to be patient with them until they develop a close, intimate, personal, love relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ."  -  1 Corinthians 3:1

Let us examine ourselves and determine to put the good Lord first in our lives.  He loves us with a love we cannot even begin to fathom; it surpasses anything we can imagine.  

Remember what it says at Ephesians 2:8?   "For by GRACE are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

To obtain grace, you need to be humble.

"........  {He} giveth grace to the humble."  -  James 4:6 b

It takes humility to confess your sins and to realize that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. 

It takes humility to say, "Not my will, Lord, but thine."

It takes a humble person to surrender all to the good Lord.

After the Lord "woke me up" to be more spiritually minded, every time I heard or sang the hymn "Amazing Grace" I was brought to tears.   I was so grateful to Him for saving me and bringing me out of the darkness and into His life-giving Light.

Following is one of the most beautiful renditions I have ever heard of that wonderful hymn:

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

"Help In Doing The Will Of God When The Flesh Is Weak" - Romans 7 (With Andrew Murray Sermon Video) - Inspirational Weekend

Spring is here is some parts of the USA, while other parts are facing winter storms and extreme cold.   My photograph above was taken at Descanso Gardens outside of Los Angeles, California, a few years ago.  If you ever are near there, this is a must see, especially in the Spring.   Beautiful flowers and trees and the like always cry out of God's wonderful creation; of His love of beauty and His plans for our enjoyment of His masterworks.

"Time is the brush of God, as He paints His masterpiece on the heart of humanity."   -  Ravi Zacharias

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork."  -   Psalm 19:1  (KJV)

With all of creation shouting God's glory, and majesty, and love and so much more, we should be constantly aware of His presence and of His mercy and long suffering.   We should also endeavor to live as holy a life as possible, with the Holy Spirit's help.  If we are truly grateful for all the good Lord has done for us, we will want to please Him as best we can.   One Scripture I have memorized is also in Psalm 19:  verse 14, which follows:

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."

We can please God by much prayer and much Bible reading and studying, because that builds a strong, close, and intimate love relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.  You learn to grow in spiritual maturity, the closer you are to the Lord.  We cannot expect to know Him and His Word and His will, if we never communicate with Him, and if we never open the Bible to learn more about Him.

In today's chaotic and immoral world, we definitely need to be in prayer for many reasons:  for strength to stay pure and unspotted from the world, for strength of endurance, and to face the future with hope.... the blessed hope of Titus 2:13, which tells us, 

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."  

"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

"Time spent in prayer is never wasted."  -  Francis Fenelon

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

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  -   Philippians 4: 6-7

We may always want to do the right thing, if we are born again believers, but we find that our flesh can be very weak at times and we may give in to temptation if we are not careful.

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.  The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."   -   Jesus at Mark 14:38

The Gospel of Matthew says "the spirit is willing.....".  All true Christians are aware of this battle....the flesh against the spirit.   That is where prayer comes in.   If we pray and ask for strength - spiritual strength - to overcome the flesh, the good Lord will answer that prayer and keep you from temptation and sin.  

We also need to be watchful.  Bible prophecy experts tell us this frequently, and it is a good warning for us to live lives that prove we are watching and waiting for Jesus' soon return to take us home to heaven to be with Him.   But also, we should watch for a way out of the temptation that comes upon us .   Pray for help and strength and guidance.   Pray to recognize the devil's tricks and attempts to lure us off the spiritual path;  he uses the same tactics over and over again, so we need to be alert to his schemes and stay close to the good Lord.  

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."   -  Hebrews 4:16

Romans chapter 7 shows the apostle Paul's struggle and war with the spiritual and the flesh.   I urge you to please read all of Romans 7.  Following are some verses from that Chapter:

(19)  "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  (20) Now if  I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. ...(24) O wretched man that I am !  who shall deliver me from the body of this death?  (25) I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

In the following 37 minute audio video, Andrew Murray gives the best discourse I have ever heard on Romans 7 (as well as Philippians 2:12-13).  He answers the question as to why the Christian tries to do their best to overcome sin and imperfection, but  yet still fails.  Murray gives the solution to that dilemma.

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