"ARE YOU POOR IN SPIRIT?" (Videos - One a Charles Spurgeon Sermon) - Inspirational Weekend

[Pali Overlook - Oahu, Hawaii]

No, not poor in the sense of being mean-spirited, and not in the sense of one being poor in spirituality itself ! First let's read Matthew 5:3 where we find the Beatitudes of Jesus, otherwise known as "the sermon on the mount."  

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

 One Bible Commentary (on The Biblical Illustrator) explains that poorness of spirit involves humility, contentment, submission, and gratitude. By the poor in spirit are meant those who have been convinced of their spiritual poverty.   Another commentator at the same site tells us that "You may as well expect fruit to grow without a root, as the other graces without this; till a man be poor in spirit he cannot mourn. ... Till we are poor in spirit we are not capable receiving grace.  God doth first empty a man of himself,  before He pours in the precious wine of His grace.  None but the poor in spirit are within Christ's commission.  Till we are poor in spirit, Christ is never precious!  ..  So to him that is poor in spirit - that sees his want of Christ -  how precious is the Savior! ..He that is poor in spirit is weaned from himself ! ....    He that is poor in spirit is a Christ - admirer.   .. He that is poor in spirit is much in prayer  ... and to take Christ upon His Own terms.  He blesses God for the least crumb that falls from the table of free Grace. ..  Christ begins with this [for one to be poor in spirit], and we must begin here if ever we be saved. ... Poverty of spirit paves a causeway for blessedness."

Following is a wonderful 51 minute sermon by Charles Spurgeon concerning the meaning and blessedness of "the poor in spirit" with many wonderful spiritual gems included by him.

Spurgeon, in the sermon above, tells us to live quietly for God.  He tells us "Above all other evils we have most to dread our own fullness.  The greatest unfitness for Christ is our own imaginary fitness.  When we are utterly undone we are near to being enriched with the riches of graces. Out of ourselves is next door to being in Christ.  Where we end,  mercy begins;    or has already begun.  The deeper the destitution the better."

I urge you to watch the entire sermon above -  it will bless you !

[Above Diamond Head Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

 "For every look at self, take ten looks to Christ."  -  Robert Murray M'cheyne

"Much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stems from our unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly.  We insist upon trying to modify Him and to bring Him nearer to our own image."  -  A.W. Tozer

"This book (the Bible) will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book." - John Bunyan

"If satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."  -  Adrian Rogers

"The first lesson in Christ's school is self-denial."  -  Matthew Henry

"Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as humility."  -  Jonathan Edwards

Here is a wonderful devotional song on being poor in spirit: 

 If the Lord tarries, more posts will follow here on this blog concerning the Beatitudes of Jesus.

Please remember, our strength comes from the good Lord, and that includes strength to face and endure perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-4) such as we find ourselves experiencing in the world in these last moments of the end times. We can find that strength from our worship of the Lord -  and do not forget our personal quiet time alone with the heavenly Father, in prayer and in reading His Holy Word, the Bible.  Nothing can take the place - nor should it - of our devotional time, communing with and basking in the Presence of the Lord. Only He can give us the inward peace we need to face whatever life throws at us. 

Again, nothing can take the place of a strong, intimate, loving, personal relationship with God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ! That is what it is all about, folks !   People will fail you, but our Father in heaven and Jesus will never let you down or forsake you!  Spend much time in prayer and reading and studying the Bible.  You will grow to know the Lord better, and thereby to love Him more and more.  You will be blessed for your efforts.  You MUST spend time with someone in order to get to know them, and the good Lord deserves our time more than anyone --  He wants to fellowship with us on a personal level. 

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

"And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom Thou hast sent."    -    John 17:3

"As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love.  If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love."      -  Jesus at John 15:9-10

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.  ... I am the good shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of mine."  -   John 10:11,14

Notice in verse 14 above:  that Jesus knows His sheep, and "Am known of mine."   You MUST know the Lord and have a close intimate relationship with Him!

Following are scriptures to help unsaved and lost souls to come to faith in Jesus, the Savior.  

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

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

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

Remember to pray sincerely and in earnest for forgiveness, and to truly repent of your past sins -- have a vivid sense of remorse for your past sins.  

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

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

 

"Reasons To Rejoice And Shout For Joy!" (Also Video About Bible Prophesied Events Which Might Occur This Year!) - Inspirational Weekend

[Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii]

First, let us view a 9 minute video concerning  what could possibly happen this very year.....things the Bible prophesied centuries ago.  It is by Pastor Tom Hughes, and he titles the video " 6 signs of Perilous Times" :

You want to pay special attention to sign #6 above, but all of it is eye-opening information.  This video was just recently published on January 15, 2020.

After viewing the above serious information, please realize that Jesus could possibly return for the Rapture of His Bride (true believers; true Christ followers) any day now and thereby they will escape the circumstances stated in Pastor Hughes' video.   We will be in bliss in heaven with the Lord!  That is something to rejoice over!  Keep in mind that no one knows the day and the hour of Jesus' soon return, but He gave us signs to watch for so that we would know the "season" of His return.   You may find these signs in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, as well as other places.  We are obviously in the season of His return now in these last moments of the end times we find ourselves in right now.

[Wood Ducks at Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki]

Psalm 5:11, 12 tells us  (11) "But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice:  Let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them:  Let them also that love Thy name be joyful in Thee.  (12) For Thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt Thou compass him as with a shield."  KJV

The above Psalm was written by ancient King David, whom God called "A man after mine own heart."  (Acts 13:22)

Like us, King David of old was not sinless.... none of us are perfect, as we all well know.  When he sinned, he repented.  He truly loved God, and desired to please Him, as we believers today should feel and do.

God is our loving and everlasting Protector.  That, too, is something to rejoice over !  Those who would be protected by Him must trust themselves in His care and be guided by His wishes.   Just remember He is the Almighty God, our loving Father, and He has perfect wisdom and will guide us in the best path to take in all circumstances.  God Himself will defend us.  Sometimes we just need to be silent and wait on Him to fight our battles.

"The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."   -   Exodus 14:14

All the glory belongs to the Heavenly Father !!

Have trust and joy in God and Jesus!!

The truly pious find their happiness in God.

Philippians 3:1 a  tells us, "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord....."

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

Concerning verse 12 of Psalm 5, a portion of Hawker's Poor Man's  Commentary tells us: "I will make mention of Jesus.  I shall find boldness in His blood and righteousness; for Thou Lord, wilt bless Him, and bless His people in Him, and defend all His redeemed here, and crown them with endless joy hereafter, for His name and righteousness sake."

One of the greatest miracles of all is the miracle of salvation !  That the good Lord can take a cold, vile, and wicked heart and turn it into one of His greatest servants, or missionary, or a "prayer warrior" and completely transform that person into a mild and meek and trusting and obedient servant of His !  God can renew a person's mind and heart and fill it with love for Him and love for his fellowman.  A miracle indeed!!

Have you experienced such a miracle?   Have you repented of your sins and turned to the Savior, Jesus, in faith and belief and surrender?

If you become a child of God, a believer in Jesus, you will know an inner peace and a joy within your soul that even hardships and persecution cannot destroy!  You might at times feel sad or mistreated and thereby a bit "down", but deep within your heart you know the good Lord is there with you and "This too shall pass."

This requires a deep, close, intimate, and personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.   This can only happen if you spend much time in prayer and in reading God's Holy Word, the Bible.  You cannot get to know a person very well if you never or hardly ever communicate with him.  This applies to the good Lord as well.  He desires to hear from you and to fellowship with you.

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

He is waiting to hear from you now!

Do not delay!   

"[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

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

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

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

"The Mystery Of God" - Inspirational Weekend

According to Clarence Larkin, there are eleven mysteries of God.  I may in the future, with the Lord's help, discuss here the other ten mysteries; but right now I will just discuss one, with two aspects involved in this one mystery of God.  A mystery in the New Testament meant something that people did not know because the good Lord had not yet revealed the matter, but would make revelation in His due time.  The prophets of old made reference to these mysteries, and even they did not understand in full.

"But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, the mystery of God should be finished, as He  hath declared to His servants the prophets."    -   Revelation 10:7

"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our LORD, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever."  -  Revelation 11:15

Some commentators stress the kingdom is meant primarily in these verses; which of course is ruled by Christ.  Then the mystery is finished.  

Other commentators stress that Jesus Christ is the "Mystery of God."  

It all ties in.

"That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's Mystery, which is Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasure of wisdom and knowledge."   -  Colossians 2:2-3 (English Standard Version)

So Christ is the Mystery of God, and so is the fact that the Mystery is finished, or about to be finished, when the seventh angel sounds, and "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our LORD, and His Christ."  Of course, it also means what God has revealed concerning the spread of the Gospel, the ruin of the antichrist, and the end of the age.  The Mystery is finished also in the sense that God would then have no more to reveal about these kingdom plans beyond what He revealed to John.

One needs to be a born again believer and thereby filled with the Holy Spirit to fully understand the Word of God.  Even then, some passages can still be difficult to comprehend until you mature in faith and in your spiritual walk.   Read your Bible daily and "pray without ceasing"  (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment.  Believe He will answer that prayer, and do not doubt; thereby showing faith.

"Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints."  -  Colossians 1:26

We are living in the last hour of the last days.  Even those who are not Christians can discern that these perilous times we find ourselves caught in are more wicked and violent and filled with chaos than ever in the history of mankind....unless maybe the times of Noah may have been worse.  But back then they did not have nuclear weapons and the capability to destroy the earth like they do now.  

When discussing the signs of the end times, Jesus said:  "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

Jesus said that to believers.   If you are not a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, you have reason to dread what lies ahead.  

Jesus will return soon to take true believers to be with Him in heaven.   Those left behind will have to go through the 7 year Tribulation, which is filled with judgments of God's wrath and unspeakable destruction and torments and horrors.  

You do not want to be here for the Tribulation; nor do you want to spend eternity in hell in torments.  Repent now, if you are not a believer;  turn to Jesus in faith and belief in Him as the Savior.  Pray for forgiveness and surrender your will and your life to Him and believe in His resurrection.

Jesus is waiting to hear from you.  He is full of love and pardon to those who come to Him in true repentance and faith.  

Do not delay ! 

Romans 10:9,10,13 says it best:  (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

"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

Perilous Times Signify The Season of Jesus' Return (Videos)

Much of what I concentrate on here with this blog is Bible prophecy.  I cannot stress enough how that we are living in the last days as the Bible tells us according to its prophecies.  It is important to realize this and that the Lord's return is imminent so that we may be found blameless and ready when He returns.  

"Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."  -  1 Corinthians 1:8

For the most part today, the following two videos will do most of the commentary.   Both videos are from prophecywatchers.com , featuring Gary Stearman.  Below is a 12 minute clip with guest David Reagan, in which they discuss the season of the Lord's return and also how America is provoking the Lord and that , as Mr. Stearman says, "The world is living on borrowed time."

The following 22 minute video is an interview with Gary Stearman concerning the signs of the times in general as well as the "insanity of the Middle-East."  They quote 2 Timothy 3 concerning the perilous last days and the end times signs spoken of in those first few verses and it is a very enlightening discussion of interest to all persons.   Mr. Stearman also quotes James 5:3 where it says that "your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you....".   Everyone is saying today that as long as you deal with gold and silver, you will be alright.   Not so.

In the video directly above, they also discuss the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster a few years back.   That is of particular interest to me, especially living in the middle of the Pacific ocean here in Hawaii.  The ocean here and on the west coast of the American mainland is definitely contaminated, meaning so are its  fish.  It is unbelievable the amount of radiation still pouring into the ocean all this time later; it is a disaster with no fix in sight.   You can Google it for more information.  A year ago I wrote a post concerning the dangers now present from contamination still spilling out of Fukushima.  Here is that link.   There is also a You Tube video at that link concerning the nuclear power plant meltdown.   

This all may seem like doom and gloom to the unsaved people of the world,  but to believers in Jesus Christ it means we have a hope of soon being with the Lord for all eternity.   Our blessed hope!  (Titus 2:13).

Let's face reality, things cannot continue to escalate without all hell breaking loose.   And it will do so soon in the 7 year tribulation period.  Read the Bible book of Revelation for all the wrath of God that will be poured out upon ungodly people left on earth during that time.  Much of the earth and the water will be destroyed as well.

Believers,  look up !

Jesus is coming for us soon to rapture us to be with Him forever!

Believers will not face the wrath of God during the Tribulation for we will not be on earth at that time, having been taken to heaven before the Tribulation begins.

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

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 tells us,  concerning the Rapture of true believers to heaven,  "(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."

When we see all the evil in the world, and the very real dangers and the threat of nuclear war, we need to realize the Lord will return soon and then we will be with Him in our new home.  That is, indeed, comforting to think about.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Savior and put your faith and trust in Him,  do not delay !!   

Tomorrow may be too late to do so, as the Lord could return at any moment !

"(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

To be saved, you must believe with your whole heart and mind and spirit that Jesus Christ is the Savior and that He died and shed His blood so that all who believe and put their trust in Him can have eternal life.   You must sincerely repent of all your sins and ask for forgiveness and surrender to Him and put your faith in Him.  

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

"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

Special Update - Current Events In Light of Bible Prophecy (With Video)

Many mass shootings and other violence are happening all over the globe right now.  The Bible prophesied about an increase in violence and lawlessness in these end times we are now living in.

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."   2 Timothy 3:1    (Also read verses 2 through 4 of 2 Timothy 3).

If a tragedy hits your home town, what is happening far away across the ocean in the Middle East does not seem nearly as important to you as your immediate experience.   And that is understandable and is as it should be.  But what happens in the Middle East now affects the entire globe.... and will do so even more as time goes on.   

Amir Tsarfati , in the recent video below, explains that war is about to break out between Saudi Arabia and Iran.  Amir goes into much detail, from a Biblical perspective, about current events and speaks of our blessed hope in the soon return of Jesus Christ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7bNSO9NM04

So what are we to do in the meantime ?   We should be about the Lord's business.  He gave us the Great Commission at Matthew 28:19-20 which says, 

"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."

So let us occupy until Jesus returns; be busy witnessing and sharing the Gospel with lost souls; live a life that is a good example of just what godly living involves if you are a true believer in the Lord.

Time is short, folks.   

"When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory."  -  Colossians 3:4

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him."      Colossians 3:17