"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 !!

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

"Flee! Flee To A Strong And Safe Refuge!" (With Hymn by Martin Luther) - Inspirational Weekend

• [Mother Peacock and Baby]

My photograph above of the mother peacock with her baby seems to fit the title of this post, as the mother shelters and protects her baby and is a refuge for it to flee to when danger is afloat.  My photo below gives a better idea of the mother's protection.

Most of you (especially Christians) will agree that this old and troubled and chaotic world is not a safe refuge by any means!  So what can we do?  The answer is found in Psalm 46:1 which follows:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Following are abbreviated quotes from James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary on Psalm 46:1 =

".....  It is a blessed thing to know Jesus Christ, the Friend who sticketh closer than a brother.  God is our refuge from isolation and from human misunderstanding

.....  Again, it is a hard, but it is a Divine, lesson to be calm and restrained under wrongful blame, a difficult, but a splendid victory.  God is our refuge from provocation.

..... Again, everything around us changes. The world itself is but for a time.  We ourselves grow old and change, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea, and forever, (Hebrews 13:8), and he that doeth the will of God abideth forever (1 John 2:17).   God is our refuge from change.

God is our refuge from sin and sorrow :  [ abbreviated = ]  ..... "the forgiveness of sins is offered to us in Jesus Christ our Savior.  ...  In sorrow,  if we but look up to the face of our Father, without Whom not a sparrow falls to the ground; and say... "Thou, O God, art my refuge in the day of trouble.

God is our refuge from uncertainty.  ...   God reveals Himself to the childlike in heart, and His revelation addresses itself to the whole of our nature and not to one part:  to the warm, loving heart, as well as to the cold, scoffing intellect.    ...  Light is sprung up in the darkness...

To those that thus receive the LORD, the refuge becomes also an Almighty Strength in whose Holy Spirit the very weakest of us can live a life to His glory and to the good of others."  (End of Nisbet's quotes)

On this Psalm 46, Martin Luther, in 1529, wrote his wonderful hymn : "A Mighty Fortress is our God", and here it is for your encouragement below:

Following are abbreviated  comments by Charles Spurgeon on Psalm 46:1 on his "Faith's Checkbook" devotion of 12-22-20:

" ...  Very few earthly helps could be called "very present".   They are usually far in the seeking, far in the using, and farther still when once used.  But as for the Lord our God, He is present when we seek Him, present when we need Him, and present when we have already enjoyed His aid.

"He is more than "present", He is very present  .  More present than the nearest friend can be, for He is in us  in our trouble;   more present than we are to ourselves, for sometimes we lack presence of mind.

"He is always present, effectually present, sympathetically present, altogether present.  He is present now if this is a gloomy season.  Let us rest ourselves upon Him.  He is our refuge ;  let us hide in Him; He is our strength; let us array ourselves with Him; He is our help; He is our very present help.  Let us repose in Him NOW.  We need not have a moment's care or an instant's fear. "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."     -   Psalm 46:7,11

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

"I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."  -  Psalm 130:5

"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 the Savior at John 14:1-4

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

From the Scriptures immediately above, we have a sure hope that Jesus will return to take true believers to heaven to be with Him!

Think about it!  How wonderful and encouraging that is!

And all indications from how Bible prophecy is playing out now and coming true at warp speed in these the last moments of the last days.... Jesus' return must be very soon!  Many scholars and theologians agree!  But most importantly, God's Holy Word the Bible agrees!

If Jesus returns today or tomorrow or soon thereafter, are you "Rapture Ready?"  You are if you are born again (a spiritual birth from above; from God and Jesus - a belief that Jesus is the Savior and that  His shed  blood at the Cross can wash you clean if you but believe with all of your very being that He is the Savior, and the only way to the Father and heaven.)  If you believe like that, then you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and are truly a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If you are not saved, not born again, do NOT delay!  Time is running out!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms, and embrace you with His love and His forgiveness!

Following are Scriptures on how to be saved.  Repent of your sins and pray to the good Lord for forgiveness.  He honors a sincere heart; a heart sorrowful for sins and full of repentance.

"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

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness."   -   Jesus at  John 12:46

"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!

"Great Reset; New World Order; What's Next ?? "- Videos On End Times and Current Events - (Amir Tsarfati, Jan Markell, David Wilkerson)

[Kaelepulu Stream Near Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii]

My photograph above was taken, obviously, a long time before social distancing and any "lockdown."  Many unexpected events have occurred since then - even since January of this year, which is obvious to everyone in the world by now.  But not everyone is aware of what's "behind the scenes".   Following is a 54 minute video by Bible Prophecy experts which gets down to the nitty gritty of our current situation.  It is a MUST that you view this video, for your own safety and life,  even.  Featured in the following video are Jan Markell, and pastors Tom Hughes and Brandon Holthaus.

Many of you believers are no doubt familiar with the Scripture about "peace and security" found at 1 Thessalonians 5:3 which follows:

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."   -   (speaking of sinful and wicked persons who do not know Christ.)

Also in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 4 - 11 concerns true believers in Jesus as the Savior; those verses follow:

"But ye, brethren,  are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light , and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober,  putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

It would be beneficial for everyone to read all of 1 Thessalonians 5.

[A day at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Here is a link to Jan Markell's newsletter which is found at her website:  olivetreeviews.org    .  Her entire website is one that you might want to visit often, not only for her newsletter, but other pertinent information concerning our prophetic times (the last moments of the last days).  There you will find articles by various pastors and others, as well as videos.

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Uncertain-Times---Not-At-All-.html?soid=1101818841456&aid=OrunIPQ8p2o

The information in the newsletter link above is a must read!  Following is a quote in the above newsletter link from an E-mail sent to Jan by a pastor:   "We don't live in uncertain times.  Not at all!  These times are as certain as any time in all of human history, and the God of the universe laid out this time in great detail, point by point, and in fact with all the details needed by His people, to live in times of  absolute certainty !!  So no, there is nothing uncertain about the times we live in to the believer who is seeking to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

In the link above, on the newsletter, there is included a recent video that is very enlightening so far as our current world situation is concerned.  I will post a link to it here, in case you do not check out Jan's newsletter.  It is a "Prophecy Roundtable -  Globalism and the New World Order", featuring Jan Markell, Amir Tsarfati, and Pastor  Barry Stagner.  It is well worth your time (and your mind) to watch all 70 minutes of this recent video.

Note: Having difficulty with the link.  You can go to Behold Israel on You Tube and look for the video by Amir "Prophecy Round table : Globalism and the New World Order" posted on August 29, 2020.    Or simply go to the above link to Jan Markell's newsletter and you will, as said previously, find the video there.  

[Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Lately on this blog, there have been mostly posts concerning salvation.  I feel as if this is most important for Christians to share with others.  Jesus said to His disciples:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."   -  Matthew 28:19,20

Again, to Martha at John 11:25,26:  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?"

Belief in the Gospel; belief that Jesus died for our sins and took our place on the cross and shed His precious blood so that by believing that He is the Savior, and that His shed blood (as of a sacrificial Lamb) can wash our sins away.... wipe the slate clean, and we become a new creation .  This is the most important message Christians can preach !

"Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things have passed away; behold, all things are become new."   -    2 Corinthians 5:17

However, almost 1/3 of the Bible consists of prophecy!  Since God included it in His Holy Word, it should be considered important too!  Many, because of prophecies in the Bible, and how they came true in the past and they are coming true right now as well.....many persons have come to faith in Christ by knowledge of Bible prophecy - they were convicted that the Bible is true, and therefore all of God's Holy Word concerning Jesus and Salvation must be true as well.  

In Ezekiel 33, much is said concerning us to be "Watchmen on the wall."  Obviously, it meant those in Ezekiel's time, but the same principle definitely applies to true believers today -  to sound the alarm in these times as well.  Part of Ezekiel 33 applied to sounding the alarm about the danger of war.  Verse 6 says:

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."

Also verses 7-9.... "So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me.  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."

So we see that not only should we warn people to turn FROM SIN and instead turn to belief in JESUS AS THE SAVIOR, but we should also warn of war (as in Ezekiel 33) and other dangers; to alert people of the signs of the times and caution them to avoid certain things; especially to avoid things that go against God's Holy Word.  

All true believers should be "ministers" in a sense, as well as "watchmen"  that warn of evil and corruptness and dangers to avoid; (the signs of the times... these last days) and to obey only God. That is, we should obey traffic laws and other such things, but do not do anything that God's Holy Word says to avoid!

Please watch the following 15 minute sermon by deceased Pastor David Wilkerson titled "The Only Hope In The Coming Storm." 

Very moving!

Keep looking up !  Jesus will return soon!

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

"Maybe All The Bad Happening Now Is Actually Good" - (Prophecy Update Video by Pastor J.D. Farag)

The title of this post ("Maybe All The Bad Happening Now Is Actually Good") is similar to what Pastor J.D. Farag said in his recent Bible Prophecy Update posted on Sunday, February 23, 2020. You will see why he said that, when you watch the following 37 minute video:

Often good can come from evil.  Remember Joseph in the Old Testament and how his brothers hated him and sold him into slavery and how he eventually became a powerful figure in Egypt, second only to the Pharaoh himself.  Eventually Joseph's brothers came to Egypt to purchase food, as there was a great famine which necessitated them doing so.   When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers (because at first they did not recognize him as their brother), he said the following:

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."  -   Genesis 50:20

This reminds me of what was said in my previous post on February 22, 2020  (scroll down to view it),  and, that is, "Do not lean upon your own understanding" which is taken from Proverbs 3:5,6 as follows:

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him,  and He shall direct thy paths."

This video above by Pastor Farag is one of his best!  He tells us that many professing Christians today don't see or don't want to see just how near we are to the end of all things as we know it.

Pastor Farag explains the way of salvation towards the end of his update above.

Jesus loves you !

Jesus is returning soon!

Be Rapture ready !


"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."    -    Jesus at Luke 21:28, concerning signs of the end times.  Please read all of Luke 21 !  It describes events that are occurring right now!

"Do NOT Lean Upon Your Own Understanding" (With 2 Videos, One by Pastor Chuck Smith) - Inspirational Weekend

[Two Hawaiian Moorhens]

We can get into a lot of trouble by only relying on our own understanding.  It is wise to go to God's Holy Word, the Bible, for answers to life's dilemmas and trials for direction.  Likewise, we should pray without ceasing to the good Lord about everything.

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us:  (5) "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6) In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.''

We get into a lot of trouble by immediately reacting to a problem or hardship or trial with only our "feelings."  We need the wisdom of God to guide us:  the Bible, and much prayer.

Although this saying did not originate with Dr. Charles Stanley, he has used it in more than one sermon:   "HALT  ...  never get too Hungry, too Angry, too Lonely, or too Tired" -   You do not make good decisions when you are in such a vulnerable state of mind."

[Island Off Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

In Proverbs 3:5, it makes it evident that we should rest in God and thereby be assured of His grace towards us, and that His will and power will help us ; will save us and help us in all things; in all circumstances.  Trust God.

In Proverbs 3:6,  we are admonished to "acknowledge" God and He will direct our paths.   We should not be self-sufficient and self-dependent as that has been the ruin of mankind ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden.

One commentator has said: "The grand sin of the human race is their continual endeavor to live independently of God, i.e., to be without God in the world.  True religion consists in considering God the fountain of all good, and expecting all good from Him."

Following is a 53 minute sermon by Calvary Chapel Chino Valley pastor David Rosales who discusses Proverbs 3:1-10.  If you only want to watch the part concerning Proverbs 3:5-6, just go to the section of minutes 14 to 20.

Many of you are familiar with Pastor Chuck Smith, who passed away not too very long ago.  He is the founder of the Calvary Chapel churches.  Following is a 41 minute audio sermon on Proverbs 3:5-6 by him, only he has an interesting take on those verses, meaning he concentrates on discerning the will of God.  He tells us that all of us today are in the process of fulfilling the purpose God has for our lives.

As has been written on this blog many times, we are in the last moments of the last days as prophesied in the Bible.  So much prophecy is being fulfilled today that many scholars admit it is impossible to keep up with it all, and impossible to report on all of it.  You may read more about it by going to the search box in the upper right hand side of this page and entering such things as "end times, signs of Jesus' return, 7 year Tribulation, the Rapture of the Church, the Mark of the Beast" and many other such topics.  

We need to make sure that we are truly saved and believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior with all of our heart and all of our soul and all of our very being.  Not an intellectual knowledge, but a vibrant, living, and life-changing belief.  A heart changing belief.

Jesus paid our sin debt in full at the cross, when He redeemed us by His shed blood which can wash away our sins if we but put full faith in Him as the Savior.  He was our substitute.  Salvation is not complicated; it just requires unwavering faith and strong heartfelt belief in Jesus.

Romans 10: 9,10,13 tells us: (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10)For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

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

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

"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

Luke 21:28 is where Jesus tells us (concerning the signs of His soon return in these last days) :  

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

You may read more of these signs of the end times in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Jesus is at the very door!

Are you Rapture ready?

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

Wake Up ! Urgent Times Are Upon Us! (Two Videos By Pastor J.D. Farag: One A Prophecy Update And The Other Proof Of The Pre-Tribulation Rapture)

In Pastor J.D. Farag's  Bible Prophecy Update of Sunday, January 19, 2020, which follows, he made a wonderful comment concerning true followers of Jesus..... that they have "a life assurance policy for eternity and that Jesus paid the premium !"  How awesome is that!

Romans 13:11-14 tells us: (11) "And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.  (12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (13) Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.   (14) But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."

Jesus' return is imminent.....it could happen at any time!  Pastor Farag believes that in 2020 God will get everyone's attention in any enormous way for them to realize that the present time is definitely the end times  prophesied in the Bible.   Following is the pastor's excellent prophecy update which is 32 minutes long:

Following is another sermon by Pastor J.D. Farag which gives a wonderful typology of how the ancient Jewish wedding was a picture of the soon Rapture of Christ's Bride (the Church).  It is a fascinating account and please listen to all of this 44 minute video which was also posted on Sunday, January 19, 2020. The main purpose of this following sermon is to prove  the Bible supports the Pre-Tribulation belief that the true followers of Jesus will be raptured before the Tribulation.   It is excellent information and presented so clearly that it grows your faith and understanding.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 tells us:  (16) "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: (17) 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.  (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be:  but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."  -  1 John 3: 2-3

"You MUST Stop And Watch These Two Phenomenal Recent Video Updates On Current Events And Bible Prophecy Happening Now!" (Amir Tsarfati Update and Pastor J.D. Farag)

The following videos impress upon us that we ARE in the last moments of the end times.  Since I was around 15 years old, the subject of the last days and how long the world would be here and what was true has intrigued me.   My Sunday School teacher back then mentioned something about the year 2000 and one thing led to another and  the result was that the Sunday School teacher began to teach on Bible prophecy after that.  

Having said all that and also that I have ever since been interested in eschatology ---  although I got distracted from it for awhile; it was on my mind often even at the young age of 15 and thereafter,  and in High School I wrote short essays about it for my English Class.  The good Lord knew back then that I would, in my old age, write about Bible prophecy.

I can honestly say that I have never heard anything to excite me and touch my heart and soul about Jesus' return as much as the following video by Amir Tsarfati.  (Except, of course, the Bible itself!) The Rapture of the Church seems even more real to me now than ever before. I never doubted  the Rapture all those previous years, but the Holy Spirit impressed upon me even more while watching this video that Jesus is now at the very door! Amir just posted  this video yesterday.  It is only 36 minutes in length.  Don't miss watching it, please!

Just a note to those who are not familiar with this blog, Amir is a Messianic Jew and lives in Israel.  He has a thriving ministry and travels the world  preaching and teaching about the Gospel and end time prophecy.

Following is a prophecy update by J.D. Farag, a well-known pastor in Hawaii.  People all over the world (his online church family) look forward to his Bible Prophecy Update every Sunday. His update was posted on You Tube yesterday as well.

Some Christians are in denial that the Rapture will happen soon, but current events and Bible prophecies being fulfilled at a fast pace today (at warp speed), proclaim loud and clear that Jesus will return any day now.  No one knows the day or the hour, but only God the heavenly Father.

Be ready always!

Read your Bible daily and pray daily.  That way you will draw close to the good Lord and you will begin to realize a close, intimate, personal, loving and ongoing relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son.

Jesus loves you and wants to see you come to a living and vibrant and strong faith and belief in Him as the Savior.

Romans 10:9,10, 13, tells us: (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.   (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

"For 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

"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

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

[Sunrise -  Kauai Beach, Hawaii]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Romans 10:9,10,13 tells us, (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  (13) For whosoever  shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

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

Keep watching!

Keep looking up!

It won't be long now!

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