"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 !!

 

"True Perspective For Such A Time As This" (Videos - One A Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith) - Inspirational Weekend

[Red Cassia Tree Blossoms]

I had spent much time preparing for this post, but last night while laying in bed and praying, I felt led to focus on different Scriptures and a different topic.  So, with the good Lord's help (as always) here goes !

Believe me, without praying in advance for the Holy Spirit's guidance, these blog posts would not be possible! Jesus tells us at John 15:5 =   "I am the vine, ye are the branches; he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing."

That is something the world in general does not even understand; meaning people who are not spiritually minded and who concern themselves only with the material and secular view of life in this mixed up world.  They may think that Christians who devote their time and thoughts on the good Lord and His will are fanatics or just crazy.  But what matters is What God and Jesus think!  How the good  Lord views a person; not how the world judges a person.  

"But the LORD said unto Samuel,  look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance; but the LORD looketh on the heart." -   1 Samuel 16:7

The sermon following is from the Bible book of Lamentations.  But before that, here is a brief 7 minute very informative overview of Lamentations:

Before the sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, let us consider Lamentations 3:21-24 :  

"This I recall in my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."

What encouraging words for us today in this modern, topsy-turvy world !  Pastor Smith, who passed away in 2013, was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.  His 29 minute sermon is based on Lamentations 3:21-24.  

God is a promise keeper! Pastor Smith, in the above video, tells us: "God will keep His promises to you -  it all depends on where you stand with God."  

Remember the old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"?  It ties in with Pastor Chuck's sermon above and I felt it needed to be included here for you.  Enjoy !

In the sermon here by Pastor Smith, he tells us (1) "It is good to be on God's side" - and (2) "Hope in God and wait for His salvation."

Many people today realize things are just in a turmoil in this world (and that is an understatement!)  They see  no way out -  like no relief is ever going to be possible.  The Bible prophesied about our day!  We are in the end of this dispensation- the end of the Church age!  Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 concerning occurances proving these are now the end times !  

Jesus tells us at Luke 21:25-26 :  "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."   

  But then pay attention to what Luke 21:27 and 28 tells us ! "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh."

True believers in the good Lord realize all this chaos and upheaval occuring today is proof that Jesus' return will be very soon to rapture His Bride (The Church, true followers of Christ).  

Will you be Rapture Ready?

Jesus loves you, and He is waiting to hear from you!

When you put your faith in Him and believe with all of your very soul - all of your very being- that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven; that His shed blood at Calvary can wash you clean from your sins because He paid your sin debt in full by His ransom death -- He died in your place and took on your sins so that you may have eternal life if you but believe in Him as the Redeemer- Just BELIEVE!!

"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."  - Romans 5:9

However, you do need to repent of your sins in all sincerity, as well as pray with all of your heart and soul for forgiveness ! At Matthew 4:17 it tells us:  "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

This world is dying!  In Jesus, we LIVE! 

When you run to Jesus in faith, He will welcome you with open arms and embrace you with His love and His forgiveness!

Following are some "Salvation Scriptures" for those who may not yet have believed in Jesus Christ as the Savior.  Also, the following verses are good for you who are already Christians to share with unbelieving relatives or friends to help bring them to salvation.  We are only vessels - we do NOT save anyone - but we share the Gospel with others and God's Holy Spirit saves them !  

"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

     "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

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

 

"Trusting God Will Give You Strength To Endure" (Video by Charles Swindoll on trusting God and video by Charles Spurgeon) - Inspirational Weekend

[Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii Beach with Diamond Head Extinct Volcano ]

You have no doubt heard it said, "Be careful what you ask God for."   Many times I have prayed to the good Lord to make me more Christ-like.  So He answered that prayer - big time - by giving me much to forgive where other people are concerned.  Being a forgiving person is imitating Christ.

Jesus had much - and many - to forgive.  But He also had much love for lost mankind and died a cruel death at Calvary so that those who would have faith and believe in Him could have everlasting life.  What love!

As believers in Jesus as the Savior, we should put Him and God first in our lives and share the Gospel with lost souls.

As Pastor Charles Lawson has said, " ....... Lift up the Lord God; exalt God and magnify His holy name;  the more we know about God, the more our faith is strengthened."

Later in this post I will share some Scriptures about strength from God,  but right now here is a 14 minute sermon by Charles Swindoll on trusting God.

In the above sermon clip, Charles Swindoll tells us that "many are much better at worrying than you are at trusting God."  As many have learned from experience, trusting God will give you strength to endure.

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

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in Whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."  -  Psalm 18:2

Psalm 37:39 says, "But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: He is their strength in the time of trouble."

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;" -   Ephesians 3:16

"But the God of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."  -  1 Peter 5:10

Following is a 47 minute sermon by Charles Spurgeon on the above verse, 1 Peter 5:10

Please listen to Spurgeon's explanation of 1 Peter 5:10 where he  speaks of Peter's words on perfection, stablish (establishment), strengthening, and settle you.

One verse that I memorized many years ago and that is extremely  encouraging is  Philippians 4:13 which says, 

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."

As Pastor David Wilkerson has said, "Listen to God!  God wants  quiet, quality time with you!"

This blog has shared much information on how we are now living in the last moments of the end days as prophesied in the Bible.  Go to the search box in the above right hand side of this page and type in such things as Gog Magog War, the Rapture, last days, 7 year tribulation and so on and several articles will appear for you to read about eschatology.  

Time is short!

Jesus will return soon to take His Bride (true believers) to heaven with Him in the Rapture.  

Are you Rapture ready?

You can only go to heaven if you have been born again from above.  To be born again is to repent and turn to Jesus in faith and believe that He is the Savior and that His shed blood at Calvary can wash away your sins.  To be born again is a spiritual "rebirth."

"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 on Him  should not perish, but have everlasting life."  -  John 3:16

This believing in Jesus is not talking about intellectual knowledge.  It is referring to a heart-felt and soul stirring knowing that Jesus is the Savior and that the only way to heaven is through true and sincere and soul changing faith in Him.   FAITH !  BELIEF !

"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 loves you!

He is waiting for you and His arms are open wide to embrace you with love and forgiveness!

The more you read your Bible and pray, the more you will learn just how much the good Lord loves you!   And you will come to love Him with all of  your heart and soul and very being!

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

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

"Think On Good Things " - Inspirational Weekend

Many are wondering what this new year of 2019 will bring our way.  Many are just concerned about their New Year's resolutions.  Let us consider some up-building and encouraging Scriptures and Christian quotes to lift our spirits.   Let us not even think about politics or world chaos.  Let us think pure and joyful thoughts about life and the good Lord.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,  whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  -  Philippians 4:8

What a positive and up-lifting verse that is !   You will be a much happier person and a better Christian if you do as it says.

A couple of years ago  I prayed and asked the Lord to please give me a much needed "hug" as I needed His touch and grace.  Shortly thereafter I found the following on the Internet and it was truly a great big hug from the Lord and I realized that in my daily Bible reading, I receive numerous hugs from Him.   For more on hugs from God, go here.

What a wonderful reminder of the power of God's Word !   The Bible is God's Love Letter to us, and also our Instruction Manual.  It can reach even a stony heart and it can transform the vilest person into a saint.  

"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

"Man's way leads to a hopeless end!  God's way leads to an endless hope !"  -  unknown

"Christianity is not consistency to conscience or to convictions; Christianity is being true to Jesus Christ."  -   Oswald Chambers

"I don't need to read the Bible because I'm a great saint.  I read the Bible because I'll find God there.  It's about a daily walk with this person, Jesus."   -  Rich Mullins, a musician best known for "Awesome God."

Another thing, besides reading the Bible, is to be frequently in prayer; daily, hourly, whatever your soul needs and craves when you need to draw close to the good Lord, or to seek His guidance.

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

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

"Prayer is the nearest approach to God and the highest enjoyment of Him that we are capable of in this life."  -  William Law

"As a man prays so is he."  -  A. W. Tozer

"The best and sweetest flowers of paradise, God gives to His people when they are upon their knees.  Prayer is the gate of heaven."  -  Thomas Brooks

"To have God speak to the heart is a majestic experience, an experience that people may miss if they monopolize the conversation and never pause to hear God's responses."   -  Charles Stanley

A peacock struts around as if it is saying, "Look at me".  Peacocks, to me, are the epitome of pride.  God hates pride!

"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate."  -  Proverbs 8:13

"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."  -  1 John 2:16

Talking about pride is bordering on the negative in this "positive" article; but perhaps there is someone reading this that needs to be reminded that God hates pride.  Pride will keep you from having a close, personal, intimate, love relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Let us be humble and turn to the Lord in love and submission.  Let us endeavor to always please Him in every way, and to live as godly a life as possible.

Recently I came across the full version of the "Serenity Prayer" which was written by Reinhold Neibuhr, who lived from 1892 to 1971.  Like many, I was only familiar with the first paragraph of this beautiful and hopeful prayer.   I feel the Lord urging me to share it with you today.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things that I can; 

And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; 

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

As it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

If I surrender to His will;

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with Him 

Forever and ever in the next.

Amen.

Don't let the world situation or your own personal trials wear you down; don't lose your joy.   If you are a child of God, you have much to rejoice about.  If Jesus is your Savior and you have been born again, then look up !  Your redemption draweth nigh!  (Luke 21:28)

True believers have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13).  Jesus will return soon to take His faithful followers  to be with Him in Heaven. 

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, now is the time to do so before it is too late.  Don't be left behind to face the horrors and wrath of the 7 year tribulation period.  Please do not lose your soul.  Please do not reject Jesus.  He is the only hope for us to gain eternal life in heaven.   

Jesus loves you.  

He will welcome you with open arms of love and forgiveness if you but repent and turn to Him in godly sorrow for your sins.  

Believe Jesus is the Savior.  Not with an intellectual knowledge, but with a heart full of belief that He and only He can save you by His shed blood at Calvary.  He died as a substitute in your place so that if you but believe in Him and that His shed blood can wash away your sins and make you a new creation, you will be saved and become a child of God.

Pray for forgiveness.  Repent.  Surrender to the good Lord with all of your very being.  The Bible tells us that we must also believe in Jesus' Resurrection.

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 Godliness" (With Charles Spurgeon Sermon) - Inspirational Weekend

In my previous post last weekend, we discussed "The Mystery of God", which pointed to Jesus Christ as the mystery of God, and how also His rule in God's soon to be kingdom was part of that mystery.  Today, we will talk about "The Mystery of Godliness".  

Remember, a mystery in the New Testament sense is not something which cannot be understood.  It is rather some plan or purpose of God which has always been known to Him, but which he kept  the meaning hidden until He knew the time was right to reveal it.  Mysteries were revealed by Christ and eventually by the Holy Spirit.

I am sharing here a 52 minute sermon by the "prince of preachers", Charles Spurgeon, which is titled "The Great Mystery of Godliness".  This sermon is well worth the time to listen to, as are all of Spurgeon's discourses.

Spurgeon explains that the great mystery of godliness is the manifestation of God in human flesh, that He might save men from sin.  Jesus took the sins of man upon Himself so that He paid the price for sin in our place.  Therefore, if we believe in Him as the Savior, and have faith, we may have forgiveness of sins and gain eternal life.

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."  -    1 Timothy 3:16

There are many Scriptures that admonish true believers to have godliness themselves; to lead a godly life.   Godliness is reverential piety toward God.  The two words express inward and outward holiness.

"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."  -  1 Timothy 2:2

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."  -   1 Timothy 4:8

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."  -  1 Timothy 6:6

"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue."  -  2 Peter 1:6

So called carnal Christians need to wake up and take these Scriptures to heart. You cannot be a part of the world and have godliness at the same time.  I really feel like there is no such thing as a carnal Christian, with the exception, perhaps, of new believers that do not yet have a clear understanding of how the world can corrupt and ensnare you to keep you from being an effective and "on fire" follower of Jesus Christ.

"The key to godliness is not more knowledge but more obedience."  -  Woodrow Kroll

"How can you give up the world?  Just do what you ought to do and it will give you up."  -  Jack Hyles

"Grace and peace are possible since God has given us (all Christians) everything we need to live godly lives."  -  Dr. Thomas Constable

"Prayer - secret. fervent, believing prayer -  lies at the root of all personal godliness."  -  William Carey

"Godliness, as well as the doctrine of our faith, is a mystery."  -    William Gurnall

When a person gives evidence of a sincere appreciation and love towards the heavenly Father, that is one of the most evident signs of genuine godliness.

What helps a person to be godly and to live a holy life is for him to have a close, intimate, personal, love relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son.   How does that happen?  By much prayer and much Bible study.  As I have said previously, you cannot get to know a person unless you communicate with him.  That is true of God as well.  Take everything to Him in prayer and pray often.  Take time to "listen" to Him speak to you in your heart and through His Holy Word.  When we read in the Bible about the character of the good Lord, we come to know Him better.  We appreciate His many attributes, and grow to love Him more and more the better we come to know Him.  

Perhaps there are those reading this that are not saved; that do not believe in Jesus as their Savior.  I would like to remind you that these are the last days of this age....we are even in the last "hour" of the end times.  You need to repent and turn to the Lord in faith and believe that Jesus is the promised Savior.  Do it now while there is still time before the 7 year Tribulation period and before that being left behind because of unbelief when the Rapture of the Church occurs soon.   

Romans 10:9,10,13 explains,  (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

"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 weekend and a Christ centered life !

  

"Be Victorious ! Be An Overcomer !" - Inspirational Weekend

Life can be difficult and filled with troubles and sorrows and severe trials.  But you do not need to become depressed and to feel absolutely like everything is hopeless.  I have been there, done that in the past.  But since I have been born again, I am filled with hope and faith and much love and gratitude towards our awesome Creator and our Savior Jesus Christ.  

Our main obstacle is the devil and his schemes and temptations, as well as the lure of the world and its sinful pleasures and enticements.  You cannot have one foot in the Christian church and the other foot slipping into the ways of the world.  God wants us to be holy and pure.

"But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written,  Be ye holy; for I am holy."   -  1 Peter 1:15-16

To be holy is to be set apart.....set apart from sin and impurity and set apart to God.

The Bible has much to say about being an overcomer, especially in the book of Revelation.   The word of the Lord given to the apostle John for the 7 churches has mentioned to each church about overcoming.  (Revelation chapters 2 and 3).  But first let's consider other Scriptures about being victorious and being an overcomer.

1 John 5:4-5 tells us,  (4) "For whosoever is born of God overcometh the world:  and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.  (5)  Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Notice that verse 4 above says that those who are born of God (born again) overcome the world.  If you are truly born again then the Holy Spirit indwells you and enables you to have strength to resist worldly lusts and temptations.  You will want to be obedient to God.  Notice also that our victory comes from our faith.

In verse 5 of 1 John 5 it informs us that only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God can truly overcome the world.   Only those who continue to live by faith, and those who trust and obey God will be able to overcome.

To be a conqueror is to be victorious and to be an overcomer.  Consider Romans 8:37-39:

(37)  "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.  (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers,  nor things present, nor things to come,  (39) 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."  

As believers, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).  If you are truly born again, nothing can separate you from the love of God.  You have, with the Holy Spirit's help, the power to overcome anything, even the attacks of the devil. Also, overcomers are all those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ.  Stay strong in the faith.

I had intended to dwell primarily on the verses in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 that deal with the rewards given to those who overcome.  The Lord must have had other plans.  To go into detail will no doubt require another post another time.  For now I will only briefly mention what those rewards are.

Overcomers will be blessed to eat of the tree of life  (Revelation 2:7) ;  they will not be hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:11); they will eat of the hidden manna and be given a white stone with a new name written on it (Revelation 2:17);  they will be given power over the nations (Revelation 2:26); they will be clothed in white garments and their name will not be blotted out of the Book of Life (Revelation 3:5) ;  they will be made pillars in the Temple of God and new Jerusalem's name and the name of God will be written upon them (Revelation 3:12);  and overcomers will sit with the Lord on His throne (Revelation 3:21).  

The most wonderful reward of all is being with the Lord forever in heaven, worshiping Him in an atmosphere of total love and adoration.  Our finite minds cannot begin to comprehend the glory of the Lord and of heaven.  It is so awesome to think about it. 

But if you are not a born again believer - not saved -  then you do not have the wonderful hope of eternal life in heaven. You know what the alternative is........torment in hell forever.  

Choose life !  

Choose Jesus !

Go to the Lord and ask for forgiveness of your sins; be truly repentant and by that turn away from a life of sin; confess  your sins and have a true and sincere belief that Jesus is the Son of God and that He is the Savior of the world.....to all who come to him in faith and belief.   

Salvation is not a mere head decision to believe in Jesus;  it is a change of heart, a contrite heart that wants to be right with the Lord.  Only God can take a heart of stone and turn it into a heart of flesh; one that will totally surrender all to Jesus.  

We are living in the last hour of the last days.  Jesus could return at any time; it is that imminent.  

Don't delay!  

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with arms wide open to embrace you in forgiveness.  

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

"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

Keep looking up!   Keep watching !

Have a Christ centered weekend... and life !

"Passport To Heaven" - Inspirational Weekend

The majority of Americans say that they are Christians and believe that they will go to heaven.   Many of these persons never attend Church, except perhaps on holidays.  And it is true many of them are good people that love their families and are law-abiding citizens.   However, it is sad but true that a good portion of these do not have a personal relationship with the Lord and have never been born again.   So how can we be assured that we will go to heaven, either when we die or when Jesus comes in the Rapture to take us alive to be with Him in glory?

"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 is our passport to heaven.   That is, we must by faith believe in Him as the Savior, and that He was resurrected.  (Romans 10:9-13).   We must repent of our sins - turn away from all wrongdoing and do not continue to live a life of sin.  Pray for forgiveness.  So forgiveness from God and Jesus is also part of that passport to heaven.    

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."  -  1 John 5:11-12

This belief in Jesus is not mere head knowledge.  Many years ago I myself believed in my head (but not deep in my heart) that Jesus was God's Son, yet at the same time I was living a worldly, carnal life and was not putting the Lord first in my life.  I had no relationship with Him.   At 16 years old I was baptized, yet I did not truly and totally understand what that meant, what that required of me.   The devil wasted no time in luring me astray.   Many years later, and in dire circumstances, the Lord really got my attention.  One hardship and catastrophe after another until there was nothing left to hang on to.   But God.   I turned to Him with all my heart and then began a relationship with Him and Jesus that filled the void in my heart and soul and life and He began to transform me and mold me.  Romans 12:1-2 tells us, "(1) 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.  (2) 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."  The way to transform your mind is by much prayer and reading of the Bible, God's Holy Word.   If you are truly saved and born again, you will become a new creation.  "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away, behold, all things are become new."  (1 Corinthians 5:17).  As a new believer, and especially as you mature in your Christian walk, you will seek the things above and put spiritual things first.  (Colossians 3:1-2).  In particular, put the good Lord first in your life and seek His guidance in all of your ways and in your life.  The point is, you must have true repentance and from the very heart of your soul seek the Lord with all you've got and put Him first in your life.   It must be a true conversion.  If you are still living like the ungodly world,  you should not expect to go to heaven.

"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

Some people believe they are too wicked to approach God, or that they must first "clean up their act" before they can come to Jesus.  

Remember the woman at the well (John 4:1-26) ?  She was living in sin, yet Jesus approached her and offered her salvation.   

Remember the woman caught in adultery, and Jesus told her "Go and sin no more."  (John 8:1-11)

God expects us to leave our sins,  but it is not a prerequisite to being saved.  He will cleanse us and wash us whiter than snow, if we will but come to Him first in true repentance.  And in faith in His Son Jesus.

This reminds me of that old hymn "Just As I Am" which I am sharing here now.   Pay close attention to the words.

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

There is hope, my friends !    God is love, and He is a God who gives us hope.   What more could we possibly want than to spend eternity with Jesus!    Did you realize that Jesus spoke more about hell than He did about heaven?  No doubt because it breaks His heart to see people go to hell and so He warned us of the doom and torment that awaits there.   Remember, God does not send people to hell; it is our choice to go there if we do not accept Jesus as our Savior and repent.

To summarize, the way to Heaven is by Jesus Christ, the Savior.  We must come to Him in faith.  We must admit that we are a sinner (Romans 3:23; 6:23).  We must confess our sins and repent of them.  To repent means to change your mind, to turn away from sin, to avoid sin and truly become a new person in Christ. 

"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.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.    ......For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  -  Romans 10:9,10,13

Jesus loves you.

Jesus is giving you the invitation to eternal life.

Fall on your knees in repentance and pray for forgiveness.

Accept Jesus as your Savior.  

Jesus will return soon to take believers to be with Him at the Rapture of the church.

Don't be left behind !

Our citizenship is in heaven.   Don't forget the Passport to make the journey there!

"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered......"   -  Joel 2:32a 

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD:  though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."  -  Isaiah 1:18

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

"And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."           -  1 John 2:17

"Give God The Eraser" - Inspirational Weekend

Someone once said, "Write your plans in pencil, but give God the eraser."  This is so true, as only the good Lord knows what the future holds; and also because life is so precarious and risky and uncertain.  We do not even know what the next day may hold, or even the very next hour.  We could make all kinds of grandiose plans for the next day, only to find ourselves in a terrible accident and then handicapped; or we could die before our next breath.   Yet man is notorious for making plans and ignoring God in the process.   I realize we have to have goals in life and to prepare for the future as much as possible, but we need to plan with the knowledge that everything we work for could be taken away at any moment.  We need to put our trust in God and seek His will.  First !

God is in charge !

This all reminds me of James 4:14 , but I will also quote here verses 13 through 16:

"(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.  (15) For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. (16) But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil."

Verse 14 above tells us that life is like a vapor..... a mist, always fleeting, and then fades away. Vanishes. No one can depend on or calculate on the "permanence" of a vapor.  Something as evanescent as a vapor cannot be depended upon and cannot last.   We all have seen a morning mist or ground fog and watched it disappear as the sun rose in the sky.  The vapor or mist simply vanishes with no trace remaining; no outline or anything that will remind us that it ever existed.

"As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.  For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more."  -  Psalm 103:15-16

"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.  The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:"  -  1 Peter 1:24

This post is meant to uplift you, but the Scriptures quoted here tell us how frail and transitory life really is.  Which points us to the fact that we need to have a hope beyond what this life on earth holds.  A glorious hope for eternal life with the Lord in heaven !!  So many people live life on earth as if this is all there is; as if there is no hereafter once you die.   "Eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we die" type of mentality.   True believers know better.  This life on earth is a test. A schoolhouse to prepare us for our future with God and Jesus.   It took me a long time to realize that truth; the Bible taught me that, but for many years I did not study God's Word.  I seldom if ever prayed.  I thank the good Lord that He opened my spiritual eyes and my heart to truly embrace the Gospel and Jesus Christ and to have a close relationship with Him.   

In these perilous times in which we live - these last of the last days -  we need to hang on to the hope and promises of God and Jesus.  If we don't, we will be depressed and feel like there is no hope.  But true believers know that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).   Give your heart and mind and soul to Jesus Christ in faith.  Repent of your sins and confess them to God and ask Jesus to come into your heart.   Time is short before the Rapture to heaven of true believers.   

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

"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 speaking at John 14:27

News Alert ! Aleppo Has Fallen - Damascus Will Be Next !

Just posted today by Amir Tsarfati, another update on Middle East affairs.  This is HUGE !!   Aleppo has fallen!  It is the largest city in Syria and it has fallen into the hands of the Syrian regime, the Russian military, and the Iranians.  Amir feels certain that Damascus will be the next to fall.  (Isaiah 17)    Please watch this short video report by Mr. Tsarfati, a Christian living in Israel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8RdUTGDoe8

Last week I posted another video with Amir about Damascus .  In that post I quoted the prophecy in Isaiah 17 which says that Damascus will be a heap of ruins....destroyed completely, in other words.  Isaiah 17 also informs us that it will be Israel who destroys Damascus.  I urge you to read that post.

These current events prove how relevant and true Bible prophecy is, and things are converging now like never before.....things pertaining to the end times.   We need to make sure we are right with the Lord as time is short...He will return soon !   Will you be ready?   Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and your Lord and Master?   If not, you will be left behind when Jesus raptures His Bride, the Church, and then you will suffer horrendous atrocities and untold suffering during the seven-year tribulation that will follow.   Unless you turn to Jesus Christ, you will suffer eternity in hell.

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."

Don't delay!  Repent of your sins; change your life to be a godly one; believe in Jesus with all of your heart, mind, and soul.   All you need to do is to confess your sins to God, ask for forgiveness, and truly repent and totally commit your life to the Lord.  As time goes on, as you read the Bible and pray continuously, you will see unfolding in your life a close,  personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   Our whole purpose in life is to bring honor and glory to the Lord !