"Remember Who Holds Tomorrow" (With Sermon by Charles R. Swindoll) - Inspirational Weekend

[Dinard Blue Heaven Orchid]

I had originally meant to do research on another subject, but for some reason I have been listening over and over to a certain hymn these last few days.  Every morning at the beginning of my Bible study, I always listen to several hymns on You Tube before I read and study and journal on a Bible Scripture or two.  Following is a beautiful rendition of that hymn:  "I know who holds tomorrow";  please listen carefully to the lyrics -  there is a powerful message there.

In this chaotic and upset world we are living in..... in the trials and hardships and worries and sorrows..... in the dread of what the future holds or might hold (like perhaps a nuclear world war) ;  we need to look to the One Who holds tomorrow.... to the only One Who can help us and save us.   

We need Jesus.  Those of us who are saved and washed white as snow in the Lamb's shed blood at Calvary,  the true Shepherd Who guides us and cherishes us,   ....  We have nothing to fear if we are born again believers.  We have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13), and that is that soon Jesus will return to take us to Heaven to be with Him, before the wrath of God is poured out on the earth and on ungodly men during the 7 year Tribulation period.  

I have written much about the Tribulation in previous articles.  For more information, go to the "Search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and type in "Tribulation" and several articles will appear that you may chose from to read.  There are also videos on those links.  Also, do the same with the word "Rapture" for more information on that subject...... a sure return of the Lord Jesus Christ which is very imminent. It will happen soon, according to the way Bible prophecy is being fulfilled , or the precursors are here leading up to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. 

If the Rapture happened today, would you be ready?

The only way to be ready is to be a born again believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.  

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."

Not only are we living in the last moments of the end times, but none of us know the day we might die.  Other than the promises and prophecies of the Bible, we do not know what tomorrow might bring so far as our living or dying is concerned.  That is, we do not know the timing of our death; but if we are true believers in the saving power of Jesus Christ, we know we will go to be with the good Lord the moment we die.  

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."  -  2 Corinthians 5:8

"Every day you are alive is a special occasion."  -  Charles Swindoll

Celebrate life!

Live life to the full!

Live to obey Yahweh !

Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with lost souls !

Following is a 38 minute sermon by Charles R. Swindoll titled: "You Do Not Know What Tomorrow  Will Bring."  It is a sobering sermon and makes us realize what truly matters in this life.

In the above sermon, Swindoll tells us to "Respect our Lord's will, as this will guard you from pride."   Pride is a sin that God hates!

Charles Swindoll also mentions what James 4:13-14 has to say about making plans for tomorrow:

(13) "Go to now, ye that say, today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:  (14) Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow: for what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

As one commentator says, "Our lives....are not substantial.  .... they are like an early morning mist that soon clears away.  (Hosea 13:3).  For life is brief,, and in the midst of life we are in death.  ...... It is in this light that [people] should determine what they (or rather, God) consider to be important.  And if they truly recognize that their lives might disintegrate like a puff of smoke

at any moment, they will undoubtedly put more consideration into looking at the things that are unseen, and building up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). "

"While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."                              2 Corinthians 4:18

[Hong Kong Orchid Tree Blossoms]

Wake up!  Jesus could return at any moment.  Nothing needs to be fulfilled from the Bible for His return.  We are living in the last days, friends.  

The apostle Peter tells us at 2 Peter 3:11, concerning the end times, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness."  

Do the following if you are not saved:

Turn to the good Lord now in faith and repentance and acknowledge that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

Believe that Jesus is the Savior and the only way of salvation and surrender your life to Him. 

Call on the Lord in faith and confess your sins and commit your life to Him.

"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 answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."   -  John 3:3

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

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

Latest Middle East Update From Amir Tsarfati And Some Encouraging Scriptures

[Another View Of Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

These people in my beach photograph above are enjoying the surf and the beauty of this beach and are no doubt oblivious to the dangerous world events that we face today.  As I have previously stated, many people today (perhaps the majority of people) are so wrapped up in the pleasures of this world (and, of course, the everyday cares of life) that they pay no attention to the perilous signs of the end times; the last moments of the last days.  I used to be the same way.  Thank the good Lord that He opened my eyes and my heart to spiritual matters;  to a saving faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior, and to a desire to follow in His footsteps  and to endeavor to lead a life which is pleasing to Him.

I will not go into all the darkness of this evil world in this article.  You are no doubt familiar with how crazy this world has become, and its decadence in so many areas of life.  At least true believers in the Savior who try to live a godly life recognize the decay in society today.

Let us talk about Faith, Hope, and Love.  Here is a link to a post I made in 2017 on that subject.  At this link, there is also a short sermon by Charles Spurgeon on how Jesus loves us.   Reading over it again today was encouraging for me, and for all battle weary Christians it will give you encouragement to endure all trials you may be facing today.   There is tremendous power in Faith, Hope, and Love.

"But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation."  -  1 Thessalonians 5:8

Ephesians 6:11-13 tells us:  (11) "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  (12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  (13) 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."

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."     -    

Philippians 4:13

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

Galatians 1:3-4 says:  (3)  "Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,  (4)  Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:"

Isn't it amazing how Scriptures can soothe and inspire the soul !!

If you are a born again believer in the Savior Jesus Christ, you have the Holy Spirit living within you to help you to persevere and to endure and to guide you on life's paths and keep you from falling into the hands of the devil.    

Following is a 37 minute Middle East Update by Israeli Messianic Jew Amir Tsarfati, who has a thriving ministry that takes him all over the world where he preaches the Gospel and Bible Prophecy. This is his latest video posted May 25, 2019.  He not only discusses the Middle East but also about the UK and the EU.  

Remember to be constantly in prayer and to read and study God's Word daily.  You will thereby grow in faith and draw closer to the good Lord.  You will develop a true and lasting relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  It will be a close, personal, and intimate love relationship that will see you through life's difficulties and will keep hope in your heart that soon we will be raptured to be with the Lord forever.

Keep looking up !

Keep watching !

"Start Listening For The Trumpet Of God" (With Prophecy Update Video) - Inspirational Weekend

[Fishermen at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

When I think of fishermen, I am reminded of the apostles; some of which had been fishermen.  Jesus told them He would make them "Fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19).

All true born again believers should be on fire by sharing the Gospel with lost souls, especially since we are so far into the very last moments of the end times;  we are soon expecting Jesus to rapture His Bride (the Church) to be with Him forever; to be caught up with Him away from this wicked and perverse world.  

On a recent video I watched, a preacher said, to the effect, that he was no longer looking for "signs" of the end times...... he was instead listening for the trumpet to sound; the trump of God.  He believes Jesus' return and the Rapture is that close and I agree with him.

"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:"   -   1 Thessalonians 4:16

"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.  "  -  1 Corinthians 15:52

As you know, the above verses are referring to the Rapture of the Church, true believers in Jesus Christ.  I should include 1 Thessalonians 4:17 which says:

"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."

What a glorious hope and promise!!  

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

This "trump of God" is not referring to the 7 trumpets of Revelation.  Both 1 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians were written long before John wrote the book of Revelation, so the readers of Paul's Epistles would have no idea about the 7 trumpets of Revelation.  Paul's writings were in reference to the Church and the end of the Church age at the Rapture of true believers.  Those trumpets in the book of Revelation were angelic trumpets, while the trumpet that sounds at the Rapture is definitely called "The trump of God."

Following is a short 12 minute video by Chad, Watchman on the wall 88.  He is young but very thorough in his information on the end times and I believe he is definitely led by the Holy Spirit. Please watch

In Chad's video posted May 21, 2019, he talks about Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38 and 39, just like I did in my post a few days ago. (Scroll down one post right before this one.)   He also talks about a recent Yahoo news article about a possible Middle East war that could go nuclear.  

Don't panic and grow anxious about all this information and the current chaos in the world.   You have nothing to fear if you are a true born again believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me."  -  Psalm 138:7

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."  -   Isaiah 26:3

"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

I am moved to share another video about the Rapture of the Church that was just posted May 22, 2019, by prophecywatchers.com

In this video host Gary Stearman discusses with Pastor Jack Langford the possibility of the Rapture occuring on Pentecost, which is June 9 of this year.  They are quick to tell us that they are not saying it will happen for sure then, because the Bible tells us we do not know the day or the hour of Jesus' return for us. At any rate, there is a lot of interesting and pertinent information in this 29 minute video which follows:

Although I may not always agree with everything in some of these videos, (many of which I will never post here), many do have   valuable information that deserves to be shared, for everyone's benefit.  You can learn from them, like in this recent video above Pastor Langford discusses the various Jewish feasts and harvests that is quite interesting.

It is obvious that I have the Rapture on my mind a lot as of late.  I feel compelled to share any and all information I can find on this subject, this blessed hope that we have (Titus 2:13). It is important that we be alert and watchful, and share the gospel with everyone, as the time is short.  

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."  -  James 5:8

Believers need to be in God's Holy Word daily, and to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  It is so true that to be able to truly know a person, you must communicate frequently with him.  The same is true  of Yahweh.  You need to  pray frequently and to pour your heart out to the good Lord.  By reading the Bible daily you learn of God's attributes, the love of Him and of the Savior.  And in return, by prayer and by spending much time in God's Word, you learn to love the Lord more and more, and you will draw ever closer to Him.   All of which means that you have a close, intimate, personal love relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  Such a close relationship will give you peace and endurance and a great faith.

Be about the Lord's work while you wait for His soon return.  

If you are not a born again believer in Jesus as the Savior, you need to turn to Him in faith NOW before it is too late.  You do not want to be left behind for the horrors of the 7 year Tribulation.  It will be much more difficult to be saved during that time of God's wrath.  

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

Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior.

Believe in Jesus and His redemptive power by His shed blood at Calvary..... that He can wash your sins away and that you will be white as snow.

Call on the Lord.  Confess your sins.  Commit your life to Him.

He will welcome you with arms wide open and full of love and forgiveness.

Jesus loves you! 

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

Keep Looking Up ! (Video by Amir Tsarfati on Middle East Update; Another Video On America's Future)

[Makapu'u Beach And Lighthouse Oahu, Hawaii]

If you look closely you will see Makapu'u Lighthouse on the distant cliff in the background of my photograph.  I have walked the trail leading to the lighthouse some time ago.  

Whenever I think of or see a lighthouse, it reminds me of Jesus, who has been called "the lighthouse".  Some time ago I posted the song on You Tube by that name.  Lovely lyrics.  God and Jesus are light personified;  they shed light on true believers by illuminating Bible truths in their hearts and in their actions.   We need to take the time daily to be in God's Holy Word, for that way we learn His attributes and character and get to know Him better and draw ever  closer to our Creator.  The same is true of our Savior, Jesus:  we draw closer to Jesus by filling our minds and our hearts with His Words found in the Bible.   Also, frequent prayer brings us closer to the good Lord.   You cannot truly know a person unless you communicate with him; the same is true of our Lord.

This article will be shorter than usual, but I am including two very important and recent videos that you need to be aware of.  The first video is 29 minutes in length and its topic is "America in Bible Prophecy."   Pastor Tom Hughes is interviewed  by Gary Stearman at prophecywatchers.com .   There is good information here:

Pastor Hughes said, "To de-stabilize the world is satan's major goal."   I said almost the same thing in my previous post just prior to this one.   He also said that there were over 800 Bible prophecies regarding the second coming of Christ.  He talks some about the New World Order, and I am sure you will find the information about America's future eye-opening.

I have been eagerly awaiting a new video from Messianic Jew Amir Tsarfati and found it today on You Tube.   If you regularly follow this blog, Amir is no stranger to you as I post his Middle East Updates frequently.  This update is 50 minutes in length.

Amir believes (as do many others) that God used President Trump at this time to move in behalf of Israel.  Needless to say, President Trump has also helped America as well.  Don't believe the lies of the Democrats and the mainstream media !!  Our president has done some pretty amazing things.....great achievements in a relatively short amount of time.  Amir also discusses in this video the Third Temple, the antichrist, and much more.

It is good to stay informed of current events, but don't let that take up time in which you could be in prayer and in God's Holy Word.  We grow in maturity the more time we spend with the Lord.  

It is extremely important to memorize Scripture and to daily worship the good Lord.  Scriptures help to build your faith and draw you ever closer to God and Jesus.  In today's chaotic and immoral world, we need to focus on spiritual things to help us to grow strong and to help us endure any persecution that comes our way.

(1) "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."       - Colossians 3:1-2

"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."     -  James 4:4,  KJV

(7) "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  (8) Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."   -  James 4:7-8  KJV

"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

"What To Do When The World Has Gone Crazy" - Inspirational Weekend

[Scenic Overlook At Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii]

Have you noticed that the world has, by all appearances, gone crazy?  Even some world leaders are not making rational decisions any more.  It is all the signs of the end times.  Yes, we are living in the last days of this wicked and perverse world.  What is one to do? especially Christians who are admonished to be no part of the world and its desires?

(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."                -  1 John 2:15-17

The above verses are referring to the world or realm of sin which is controlled by satan and which is against God and righteousness. 

"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world:  he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."    -  Revelation 12:9

The reason the world has gone crazy is that the devil and his minions are desperate, knowing their time is short, and they are stirring up the nations and peoples to provoke them to evil and destruction.  

"Be sober, be vigilant;  because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world."  -  1 Peter 5:8-9

The above verses in 1 Peter 5 tell us what we can do to resist the devil: keep a strong and steady faith in the good Lord.  And I will add, read  your Bible daily and pray without ceasing, to help you to stay strong and to develop a close, intimate, personal, love relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son.  If you have a close relationship with the Lord, you will not stray and be caught up in the wicked craziness of this old world.

"If you feel like you're out of step with the world, don't let it bother you. Just make sure you're in step with God."  -  Alan Smith

According to Charles Spurgeon, an old Proverb says: "He that speaks truth shames the devil."

So what can we do to cope and endure during these hectic and crazy end times we find ourselves in right now?

First, do not get all down and depressed.  The fact that Bible Prophecy is coming true at a fast pace right now -  a convergence of many signs of the last days happening all at once and at the same time now -  that means Christians should be ready for the soon return of Jesus, when He will rapture us to heaven to be with him.

Jesus tells us at Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

Think of it, Jesus' return is imminent.  It could happen at any moment now.   That should put a fire in the spirits of true believers and get them motivated to witness to others who are lost souls, who need a Savior. It should also make us Christians elated and make us look forward with joyful expectation of our Lord's soon return.   

For more on end times signs of the last days, read Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.   

[Baby Makapu'u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Christians should endeavor to live godly lives and to preach the Gospel, and to put God first in their lives.  Think of what Jesus did for us by dying a sacrificial and cruel death on the cross; He took our sin upon Himself and became our Redeemer and Savior.  All we have to do is believe on Him and we are saved for eternity.  

"If we comprehend what Christ has done for us, then surely out of gratitude we will strive to live "worthy" of such great love.  We will strive for holiness, not to make God love us but because He already does."  -  Philip Yancey

"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing."  -  Psalm 100:2

"God is the One Who enables you both to want and to actually live out His good purposes."  -  Philippians 2:13, CEB

If you are a born again (from above) believer, the Holy Spirit will motivate you and help you to do God's will by sharing the Gospel and living a life that is pleasing to the good Lord.

So Christians will, in these end times, be motivated to talk about Jesus and to win souls to the Lord . (The Holy Spirit is actually the one Who moves in the heart of an unbeliever and helps him to come to Jesus in true Faith).  We are just the instruments to guide.  We merely plant the seeds; God brings it to fruition.

Christians:  Occupy!  Be about the Lord's work.  He will return soon.  

[Rabbit Island, Oahu, Hawaii]

What should you do if you are not a believer and you have not been saved? Here are some Scriptures that will answer that question:

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

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

"Jesus 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

Believe and have faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus loves you.

He will welcome you with open arms of love and forgiveness.

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

Current Middle East Events with Two Amir Tsarfati Recent Video Updates

With so much occurring of Biblical proportions in today's world,  it seems appropriate to focus right now on two videos by Messianic Jew Amir Tsarfati, whose ministry takes him all over the world,  sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever he travels.  The first video was posted to You Tube on Sunday, March 24, 2019, and concerns world events as well as a  Middle East update.  Amir also speaks about the soon to happen Rapture of the Church, as well as about Jesus' later Second Coming.   Following is that 36 minute video which is quite informative:

Amir also posted a video on Monday, March 25, 2019, with Pastor Jack Hibbs from California.   It is a 25 minute video on current Middle East events as well and is below:

They mention in the above video that the world says that Israel is "occupying the land", which is not true.  If you read your Bible, and in particular the Old Testament, you will discover that God Himself gave this land of Israel to the Jewish people; and back then in ancient times, it was a much larger territory than it is presently.

I will let the above two videos speak for themselves and I pray that you will watch them both.  They are full of nuggets of priceless gold in terms of the Biblical implications and the meaning of current events, not only in Israel, but the entire world.

For more on end times and the Rapture and the 7 year Tribulation period, go to the search box in the upper right hand side of this article, and type in a subject like, perhaps "The Mark of the Beast" or "end times" and more articles will pop up that you may choose to read on that topic.

We are definitely living in the last hour of the last days, as prophesied in the Bible.  Now is the time to be busy in the Lord's work: the work of sharing the Gospel with lost souls.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in 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."    -   Jesus at Matthew 28:19-20, KJV  .

Do you want to go to heaven?  

Do you want to stay out of hell?

Then you must surrender your life to the good Lord.  You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Savior, who alone can wash away your sins with His shed blood, if you but believe in Him.   You must repent of your sins -  that means forsaking all sin and living as godly a life as possible once you become a believer.  Pray for forgiveness and surrender your life to the Lord's will.  

This is not talking about head knowledge:  which is a mere intellectual acknowledgement that Jesus alone is the Savior.  This is referring to deep, heartfelt conviction and a repentant and surrendered soul to Jesus and God.  Merely professing that Jesus is the Savior does not save you or make you a true believer.   True belief and faith will transform you and you will be a new creation in Christ.  

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

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

You may be transformed by the renewing of your mind by pouring over Scriptures daily and deeply studying God's Holy Word.  You also need to communicate often and daily with the Father by faithfully praying with heartfelt sincerity and deep devotion. When you endeavor to build a strong, deep, intimate, love relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, you will discover that you have changed and are now focused on things above.

Colossians 3: 1, 2 tells us:  (1) "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  (2)  Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth."

 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

"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

"God's Many Promises" (video Sermon on the Lord's promises by Charles Spurgeon) - Inspirational Weekend

The photograph above was taken a couple of days ago of my Christmas Cactus.  It has been blooming profusely since February.  Isn't it funny how such a thing as this plant - blooming once a year (although one year it bloomed twice) -   how such a simple pleasure of its gorgeous blossoms can give you a sense of well-being;  a sense that  all is well and going as "scheduled"; that all is normal and things are okay.  That the promise of future things (such as next year will bring more beautiful blossoms on my cactus) will surely come to pass, and that life goes on.

I realize that today in this chaotic world, all is NOT normal and is not going as we sincere Christians would want.  Yet, at the same time, all we see happening now is fulfilling Bible prophecy as pertaining to the last days of this system of things.  We are in the last hour of the end times.  We should be "looking up" - looking to the time of Jesus' return, as our redemption "draws nigh."  (Luke 21:28

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose."  -  Romans 8:28

The verse above is very familiar to Christians.  This is a promise from God, and we can depend upon it.  It gives us comfort and, if we are true believers, we will be so grateful for this promise that we will live our lives in a manner that is pleasing to the good Lord.

"For all the promises of God in Him [Jesus] are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us."  -  2 Corinthians 1:20

The greatest promise of God was salvation through faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior.  

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

Not only is John 3:16 a glorious promise, it is also a wonderful love story in itself as well.  How can we mere finite humans ever comprehend a love such as that; a love so strong that Jesus was willing to die a horrible and painful death on the cross at Calvary so that if we but believe He is the Christ, the Savior, whose shed blood can wash our sins away, we may thereby obtain eternal life.  Jesus took our place on the cross;  He was our substitute, our Redeemer, the Lamb whose shed blood can save us, if we but have faith and believe in Him.

Another promise of God  (Jesus ) is found at John 14:1-3, 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."

Think of it !  Not only is Jesus in heaven now preparing a place for true believers, but He says that He will come again to take us to be with Him forever.   That is a promise to rejoice over!  It will occur very soon at the rate that prophecy is coming true in these end times; the rate that precursors of prophecy are occurring right at this moment in time.

There are many, many promises of God to be found in the Bible.  Don't forget the promises made to men like Abraham in the Old Testament.   Promises that came true, such as Abraham and Sarah having a son in their old age.  Pour over and study your Bible and you will uncover many of God's promises for yourself.

Not too long ago, I was praying and I was in tears as I pleaded with God to save my unbelieving family members.  The words "Is anything too hard for Me" popped into my mind.   I knew it was the Lord promising me that my prayers would be answered.  I looked up in the Bible and found more than one verse to confirm God's promise.   Previously, I had not come across these verses recently and had quite forgotten them.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"  -  Genesis 18:14

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?"  -  Jeremiah 32:27

Later I ran across Isaiah 59:1 which tells us: 

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear:"

Following is a hymn which has special meaning to me.  It is titled "Standing On The Promises Of God" :

Below is a 49 minute audio sermon by Charles Spurgeon titled "Obtaining Promises."  Please take the time to listen to all of this wonderful discourse.  In it, Spurgeon says to wait and have patience on the good Lord.  Wait for the promise.   He tells us three ways to obtain the promise.   

If you are unsaved - not born again - then all these promises cannot be yours.   That is, unless you repent and pray to the good Lord for forgiveness of your sins.   But first you must believe that Jesus is the Savior, and that He is the only way to heaven and to the heavenly Father.  

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

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  -  John 3:3

"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

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

Time Is Running Out - Israel, The Third Temple, And End Times (With Video)

Sometimes I wonder what I can do to be more effective in warning people that we are living in the end times, and that time is truly running out.  Many people - despite the desperate and chaotic and evil happenings prevalent in today's world -  still carry on their daily affairs as if nothing is about to happen; as if things are even "normal" and that they are immune to the events that are prophesied in the Bible that will soon occur.  Many people are so involved in their every day life and cares of this world, that they cannot see beyond their own immediate concerns.

The good Lord has given me a sense of urgency to share the Gospel and to warn people that we are now in the last hour of the last days. Much evidently falls on deaf ears.  Many scoff at the idea of Jesus returning soon for His Bride (the Church) and the fact that He will take them to heaven to be with Him when the Rapture occurs.  Even this scoffing is a fulfillment  of Bible prophecy.

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

I have written many articles about Bible prophecy and the end times, the Rapture and the Tribulation.  To read more, go to the "Search Box" in the top right hand side of this post and type in a search request and several articles will pop up for you to view.

Following is an article from raptureready.com about how "Times are bad and getting worse".  Wake up !  Be ready for the Lord's return.  Go here to read that article.   The author quotes Scriptures about end times prophecies pertaining to us today.  

Below is a 29 minute video from prophecywatchers.com with host Gary Stearman  interviewing pastor and author Billy Crone about Trump, the Temple, and the antichrist and much more.

Israel believes that President Trump was put in power by the hand of God.  Many Americans believe the same.  The eternal covenants God made with Israel in ancient times indicate that He is not done with Israel and will intervene to bring about His plans for that chosen people.  Indeed, the good Lord is already at work for the Jewish people.   Look at the miracles from Him in the 1967 six day war!

Christians are to view these end time signs as proof of the Lord's soon return.  Please read about these signs in Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."    -  Luke 21:28

"And take heed to yourselves lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.  Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."   -   Luke 21: 34-36

Are you born again?  (John 3:3).  Have you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, the Savior?

Have you repented of your sins?  

Do you believe that Jesus is the Savior and that He is the only way to the Father and to heaven?

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  -  John 3:3

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

"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

Israel In Bible Prophecy, The 7 year Tribulation, End Times And You

This assortment of orchids brightens your spirits and assures you that despite all the evil and unrest and chaos in this old world,  God is still there, reminding us of His Presence with His beautiful creations.  It is better to focus on "things above"  ( Colossians 3:1-2) and to have faith that soon the good Lord will rectify all things.

Isn't it strange that we are so obviously living in the end times the Bible prophesied about (Matthew 24, Luke 21, Mark 13) and that the pastors and evangelist, for the most part, do not preach on Bible prophecy at all, and also dare not mention the soon return of Jesus to take true believers in the Rapture to be with Him in heaven.  Some reasons why are given in the following 8 minute video featuring Jan Markell:

Listen to her, because she is well thought of in the ministry circles; she has her own weekly radio show that goes out to over 800 channels, and she herself has been in ministry many, many years.  Every fall she organizes the largest prophecy conference in the USA and many thousands flock there to be informed on Bible prophecy and the hope the Bible gives us.  Find out more at olivetreeviews.org 

If you follow the news regularly, you are aware how extensive the coverage is on the Middle East and Israel in particular.  Many feel that we are on the brink of the war of Gog and Magog  (Ezekiel 38 and 39).   The good Lord has never forgotten His chosen people, Israel.  When Israel's enemies come against them for the battle of Gog and Magog, Yahweh will supernaturally come to their aid and destroy their foes.  

"And it shall come to pass at the same time, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that My fury shall come up in my face.  So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth,  shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground......And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone."  -  Ezekiel 38: 18, 20,22

Also, the 7 year Tribulation period is for Israel's benefit in that it will bring Israel to an acknowledgement of Jesus as the Messiah, and it will restore all of the Land of Israel back to the Jews which was given to them by God back in ancient times.

Gary Stearman, of prophecywatchers.com, explains why there must be a Tribulation and discusses why it will be seven years long and not three and a half years as some are prone to believe.Here is a link to that article:

Please take the time to read this informative and scholarly article.  Mr. Stearman is an expert on Bible prophecy and you can trust his opinions because, of course, he bases everything he says upon what the Bible tells us.

In Mr. Stearman's article, he also gives us a little history lesson, as well as touching on the subject of the antichrist.  You will learn much from this article, and it is not difficult to understand.  But true believers in the Lord will not be here during the Tribulation period; we will have been taken up with the Lord into heaven at the Rapture.  We therefore need to focus on Jesus and not the antichrist.

In view of the fact that we are now living in the last hour of the last days, we need to endeavor to walk the narrow path with faith in Jesus; walk in His footsteps, and imitate Him as best we can.

Jesus admonishes us at Matthew 7:13,14 to (13) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:(14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

We need to examine our thoughts and our hearts:  are they centered on Jesus and on obeying His commandments? Is He truly our Master and the love of our life? In other words, do we put Him first in our life?

If all of the above is not true of your life, then you need to repent and turn to the good Lord with all of your heart and your very being;  ask for forgiveness  and believe and have faith in Jesus as the Savior.  He died a cruel death so that you and I could have eternal life if we put our faith in Him.

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

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

Bible Prophecy - Is It Relevant Or Is It A Mere Distraction? (With Video)

Many people - even Christians - do not think Bible prophecy is that important and they are oblivious to the end times signs we see happening in the world today.   To me and many others, Bible prophecy is not only exciting (since we are now living in the prophesied last days), but it is also a reason for hope and rejoicing to know that Jesus Christ the Savior will soon return to take true believers to be with Him in heaven.  It makes you want to shout for joy !

Yet even some preachers do not study Bible prophecy.  One has said that "Bible prophecy is a distraction that no one should spend time studying."  Hard to believe he said that.  Many lost souls have been saved by prophecies, knowing that Jesus could return at any minute.  It has put a sense of urgency in them to not delay putting their faith in the Savior;  they do not want to be left behind to face the horrors of the 7 year Tribulation that follows the Rapture of the Church.... true believers.  Remember, however, to be saved takes faith and belief in Jesus Christ, not fear of the Tribulation time.

Following is a 29 minute video by Christinprophecy.com  with 3 notable scholars discussing various questions people have concerning the importance of Bible prophecy.

For those who do not watch the video (but you will be blessed if you do watch it)  below are some facts worth noting from the video:

1,239 Prophecies are in the Old Testament

578 Prophecies are in the New Testament

  

These make a total of 1,817 prophecies.

8,352 verses contain prophecy.

Amazing !  Many scholars say a third of the Bible is prophecy.  One, Gary Stearman of prophecywatchers.com, thinks that ALL of the Bible is prophetic, and in a way he is right, if you really think about it.

Yes, Bible prophecy is very relevant !!

The main thing is to read and study God's Holy Word and pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  If you do that, you will grow closer to the good Lord and you will develop a strong, close, personal love relationship with Him.  He wants to fellowship with you.  He loves you.

But to fellowship with the good Lord means that you need to be born again (John 3:3).  Believe with all your being that Jesus is the Savior and that His shed blood at Calvary can wash your sins away and thereby wipe the slate clean.   He took your place on the cross so that you could have eternal life if you but believe that He is the Savior, the Christ.  Have faith and turn to Him in repentance and in heartfelt prayer for forgiveness.   Repent means to forsake your sinful life and never go back to it.  You will learn to love the Lord with all of your heart and soul and you will not want to disobey Him.   Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you. (James 4:8).

"Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and ye perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little;  Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him."  -  Psalm 2:12

"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

"  ....... worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."   -  Revelation 19:10b

"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

Israel - The Super Sign Of The Last Days; Prophecy; Middle East Update ( With Two Informative Videos}

You have to admit that Israel is foremost in the news and is mentioned more by the United Nations than any other country.  There has been much conflict there in the Middle East as of late.  It is all fulfilling Bible Prophecy.  The fact is that after about 2000 years Israel was once again a nation on May 14, 1948.....and born a nation in one day, as Isaiah 66:8 prophesied:

"Who hath heard such a thing?  who hath seen such things?  Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day?  Or shall a nation be born at once.  For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children."  -    Isaiah 66:8

When Israel was reborn as a nation in 1948, that was the most dramatic and significant sign that marked the beginning of the last days.  Remember,  Israel is God's prophetic time clock.   God still has a plan for His chosen people.    In fact, the 7 year Tribulation period in the near future occurs to primarily (besides God's wrath and judgment) bring the Jewish people to recognize and believe in Jesus as their Messiah.

Following is an 11 minute video from prophecyinthenews.com  with host Dan Goodwin and pastor and author Ray Bentley, in which they discuss the importance of Israel and Bible prophecy.

Another video follows which features Amir Tsarfati, an Israeli Messianic Jew, who has a thriving ministry which takes him all over the world.   He also conducts tours of the Holy Land and in the video below he has a tour group with him on the Israeli - Syrian border as he updates us on the latest Middle East events, as well as how Venezuela is now related to the Middle East crisis.  Please take the time to watch this entire 42 minute informative video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJzzcCi99PQ


We will be going home soon !

Remember what Jesus said at Luke 21:28 :  "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

Are you ready for Jesus' return?