WHEN YOUR VERY FOUNDATIONS ARE SHAKEN ! (With Videos - One A Sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson)

                                           [Above Diamond Head Beach - Oahu, Hawaii]

Somehow, my photograph above reminds me of how some people live only for pleasure (such as surfing and other water sports), not to mention the darker types of pleasure involving deep dark sinful practices and lewd conduct.  Don't get me wrong !  God wants us to take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of His creation;  in the many blessings He provides.  Go surf!  Go on adventure trips!  Enjoy life!  Just do not forget God!  Do not forget the One Who created you and Who loves you!   We should always put God first in our lives, as Christians are well aware of.  

An excellent example of putting the good Lord first and of obeying Him completely is Hosea. Hosea was a prophet of the Old Testament times who  put his wants and desires aside and did exactly as God told him.  In fact, in the following 48 minute sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson, the pastor clarifies  vividly and clearly how Hosea actually lived out the experiences of the prophecy he proclaimed and taught....His life was the message ! 

Please realize this sermon is relevant to you and me today!  Many spiritual gems are to be found and digested and savored in Pastor Lawson's excellent teaching on Hosea!  For instance, when Hosea paid money to get back his wife, Gomer, (giving her another chance), it was like Hosea - in a sense - "ransomed her"- and it is a picture  of the coming "Redeemer" ( meaning Jesus Christ).  God loves you, and there is no greater love than that!   Personally, that is what keeps many believers, and myself, hanging on for dear life to the blessed hope we have in God and Jesus.  (Titus 2:13-14).

                                                                       *  *  *  *    *    *  

Amazing how recently I read a portion of a small book by D. L. Moody that fits in with our discussion on this post.  I have had that book for several years, but only very recently read this portion concerning the difference between the love of Jesus in contrast to other religions:  

Moody:  "Christianity alone will stand the test of raising man out of the pit.  And how does it propose to do it? Not by minimizing the danger and need.  It says: "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.  From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores."  It demands as the first necessity  a new birth, regeneration by the Holy Spirit.  "Ye must be born again."  It does not place sanctification before justification, but having first  imparted life from above, it throws around the redeemed sinner the love of Christ and the fellowship and guidance of the Holy Spirit.    ...

"A converted Chinaman once said:  "I was down in a deep pit, half sunk in the mire, crying for someone to help me out.  As I looked up I saw a venerable, grayhaired man looking down at me.  

"My son,' he said, 'this is a dreadful place.'

"' Yes,' I answered, 'I fell into it: can't you help me out?'

" 'My son, ' was his reply, 'I am Confucius.  If you had read my books and followed what they taught, you would never have been here.'

" 'Yes, father,' I said, 'but can't you help me out?'

" As I looked, he was gone.  Soon I saw another form approaching, and another man bent over me, this time with with closed eyes and folded arms.  He seemed to be looking to some far-off place.

" 'My son,' Buddha said, 'just close your eyes and fold your arms, and forget all about yourself.  Get into a state of rest.  Don't think about anything that can disturb.  Get so still that nothing can move you.  Then, my child, you will be in such delicious rest as I am.'

" ' Yes, father, ' I answered, ' I will when I am above ground. Can't you help me out?'  But Buddah, too, was gone.

I was just beginning to sink into despair when I saw another figure above me, different from the others.  There were marks of suffering on His face.  I cried out to Him: 

" ' O, Father! can you help me?'

" 'My child,' He said, ' what is the matter?'

" Before I could answer Him, He was down in the mire by my side.  He folded His arms about me and lifted me up; the He fed me and rested me.  When I was well He did not say: ' Now don't do that again,' but He said:  'We will walk on together now'; and we have been walking together until this day. "

"This was a poor Chinaman's way of telling of the compassionate love and help of the Lord Jesus."      - end of Moody's quote.

The Chinaman's relating of how Jesus is so loving and compassionate and merciful, made me misty eyed.  And in the above sermon video by Pastor Lawson, he mentions that our attitude should be to "Look into the face of the devil and sing "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me."  What a wonderful hymn that is!  For a long time I would actually cry when it was sung in church services (not loud and audibly, but usually with tears flowing down my face) , because that beautiful hymn made me realize all the gratitude I should have for the Lord for saving a sinner so great as I ! And it also made me realize how greatly He loves His children - even me!  Here is a lovely version of that much loved hymn:

"The name of Jesus is greater than any of your problems and any of your pain.  When in the middle of a spiritual battle that you cannot explain - claim the name of Jesus !!"   - So the following encouraging video tells us !  Please watch the 12 minute video by the fantastic Christian You Tube Channel "Grace For Purpose".  It will encourage you and strengthen you with its message!

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

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."   -  Titus 3:4-7

"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

God loves you !

Have blessed day!

ONLY GOD CAN PROTECT US ! - ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOU! (Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

My cat, Lika, shown above, likes to nap in this spot frequently, although she varies her choice often and moves to other favorite napping areas.  In the following video, it opens with a discussion about fears in the nighttime while you sleep, and how it is a command of God that we not be fearful.  There is much encouragement on other topics as well in the following 22 minute video, complete with many scriptural references.  It explains what "the shadow of God" means, and how no evil can overwhelm you when you abide under the shadow of the LORD.

The above video is from "The Lion Of Judah" channel.  If you have followed this blog lately, you know that I sometimes use that excellent Christian You Tube source.  Lately, for my own edification, I've been enjoying the Lion of Judah Prayer Channel.  I pray everyday on my own, but also listening to the audio prayers can be comforting.  For those who never pray, or who just don't know what to pray or how to pray, I encourage you to go to the Lion of Judah Prayer channel on You Tube.  Following are a couple of samples from that source.  

Since the title of this article post concerns protection from God, the first prayer below is also a prayer for protection.  In this 11 minute video, it mentions how "no plague to come near our dwelling."

Below is another 11 minute video; this one an example of a morning prayer.

On the Lion of Judah Prayer channel, there are also prayers for nighttime and sleep, as well as many other topics of prayers.  Hope you check it out !   But of course, the main thing is to daily read your Bible and to have fellowship with the good Lord through your own private prayers to Him.  That is the only way you will ever feel close to God and Jesus -  by spending quality time with them.  By doing so, you will find that a strong bond will form between you and the good Lord, because you will begin to know Him intimately the more you spend time with Him.   Just like with a human friend; the more you communicate with your friends, the closer the bond between you, as you grow to understand their attributes and characteristics and the like.  The same is true with the LORD.  But some fail to grasp this fact and how important it is to develop a close, intimate, personal, loving and trusting relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. 

This is especially important NOW to be in frequent contact with the Lord in prayer-  I do not have to tell you anything about the dangerous and evil times we are living in right now.   You already know, especially if you are up in years and remember how different things were in the 1950's and 1960's, etc.   Goodness, even 20 years ago it was an entirely different story than the way it is now. Not that things were perfect, of course, or that the precursors to what we see happening today weren't already in place back then waiting for the times and circumstances to begin what we now currently face.

We are living in the last moments of the last days of this Age of Grace, the Church Age.  This blog has posted much information about the last days and the Rapture of true believers by Jesus soon, as well as other future events such as the Gog of Magog War, the 7 year tribulation, the Mark of the Beast, and much, much more.  For more information on that, go to the "search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter one or more of the mentioned topics, or topics of other interests for you -  such as forgiveness,  strength, endurance, and the like.  

[Juvenile Shama Thrush]

Some Scriptures for you :

Romans 8:32-39 tells us: (32) He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  (33)  Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect?  It is God that justifieth.  (34)  Who is he that condemneth?  It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us.  (35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? (36)  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (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."

"And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."       -   Jesus at Matthew 10:22

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

Let those Scriptures above sink into your heart and soul.  The verses directly above (at John 14)  should be especially encouraging as Jesus tells us that He is now in heaven preparing a place for us, and that He will return for us to take us to be with Him in heaven (in the Rapture of the Church - His Bride, true believers)-  and Jesus' return is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment!  What a glorious hope!  

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

[Angel Trumpets]

"He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them."  -       Psalm 145:19

Charles Spurgeon ( 1834 - 1892) was a prominent pastor in England, and who is still very influential even today among the clergy as well as everyday ordinary people ,  wrote an excellent devotional on the above verse at Psalm 145.   Following is a short portion of it:

"Those who fear HIM are men under the holiest influence and, therefore their desire is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  ...  God-fearing men desire to be holy, to be useful, to be a blessing to others, and so to honor their LORD.  They desire supplies for their need, help under burdens, guidance in perplexity, deliverance in distress, and sometimes this desire is so strong and their case so pressing that they cry out in agony like little children in pain; and then the LORD works most comprehensively and does all that is needful according to this WORD -  "and will save them." 

Yes, if we fear God, we have nothing else to fear; if we cry to the LORD, our salvation is certain.

Let the Reader lay this text on his tongue and keep it in his mouth all the day, and it will be to him as  "a wafer made with honey."    -   (end of quote).  

It is a good practice to memorize several scriptures (as many as possible for you) so that - no matter where you are during the day or night and it is not feasible to read the Bible or you have no Bible available at the time --  then you may meditate on the Holy Word and be refreshed, especially if you are in an uncomfortable circumstance.

When the Bible speaks of "the fear of God" , for the most part it means to reverence Him, to hold Him in awe, to hold Him in high esteem, to recognize that He is the Sovereign of the universe, to give Him proper respect and to give Him all the glory!

We show that in many ways, but mostly by obeying Him and doing His will; by putting Him First in our lives.  That of course means Jesus as well  (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit).

If you are not saved and have not put your full belief and trust in Jesus Christ as the Savior, following are some Scriptures especially for you:

"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

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

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

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !

DEPARTURE SOON! FLIGHT 777 on TITUS 213 AIRLINES! DON'T MISS IT! (Videos)

 

 

I could not resist using the above title for this blog post!  The main reason for the title above being: perhaps it would capture the attention - in a big way - of lost souls so that they might be led to salvation in the belief that Jesus Christ is the Savior, and the only way to heaven!

 More about the meaning of 777 later.  The Scripture Titus 2:13 is quoted in the above internet image.

Following are two sermon videos by Pastor Jack Hibbs which explain beautifully the Rapture of true believers to heaven !  Each video is 29 minutes in length.   A must see to inform believers as well as for the hopeful salvation of those who do NOT know Jesus as their Savior.   Here is part 1 :

And Part 2 about the Rapture:

As many of you are aware, "the Rapture triggers the beginning of the end", so says Pastor Hibbs.  Please notice all of the many present "end time signs" according to the Bible that are occurring right now at warp speed !

Much has been written previously on this blog concerning the soon Rapture of Christ's "Bride" - the Church.  You may view those articles (some include videos) by going to the "search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and entering "Rapture" or "Rapture of the Church," or "Jesus' return," etc.

[Twilight Surf - Kauai, Hawaii]

Various interpretations or meanings of the number 777 are given.   Basically, the number 7 is the number of completeness and perfection.  One person has said "that #7 is the foundation of God's Word and is used 735 times in the Bible (54 of which are in the Book of Revelation alone).  The meaning of multiple 7's such as 777 and 7777 is that it is a reinforcement of perfection and of God's recognizable and unmistakable hand in the affairs of man. "   Another person says, "  777 biblically means or deals in reference with things that are in association with the name of Jesus."  In Judaism 777 is considered as a symbol of God.   It is also said that, in general, 777 represents the perfect trinity of God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, and God the Father.    Thus the reference above to "Flight 777" representing the Rapture to heaven to be with God and Jesus  --  "a caught up" ("harpazo" -Greek;  "Rapturo" - Latin)  in the air to meet the Lord.  To "fly away to eternal bliss!"  More about being "caught up" at 1 Thessalonians 4 and in the above sermons by Pastor Jack Hibbs.

Make sure you do not miss "Flight 777 on Titus 213 airlines"  !!

Just a personal note, you may find more information on the Web concerning the biblical meaning of the number 7, 77, 777... etc.   But do NOT get all caught up in that, please!   The main thing is FAITH in God and Jesus and to fellowship with the good Lord daily!  This blog has over and over again stressed  how important prayer and daily Bible reading are as that will help you to grow spiritually and to have a close, intimate, personal, loving and trusting relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  It doesn't get any better than that!  Except, of course, when we are with the Lord Himself in heaven!

Like it was said above, do NOT get caught up in the meaning of numbers except what the Bible itself tells us !!

[Ko olina Resort, Oahu, Hawaii]

ABOUT THE DAY OF THE LORD:

Please read all of 1 Thessalonians 4 as well as 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 tells us:  

"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.   But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.    Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another,  even as also ye do."

What love the Heavenly Father has for us!  

Jesus loves you and is waiting to hear from you!

 Following is an 8 minute video by Dr. Charles Stanley on   "How to Receive God's Salvation".  You must turn to the good Lord in heartfelt and sincere prayer!  God will answer such prayers -  those from deep within the soul and heart that have a longing for Him and that believe Jesus and His shed blood can cleanse them -  wipe the slate clean -  if they but believe with all their very being that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven.

Please, please realize that simply repeating an example of "a sinner's prayer" - as given in the above video -  does NOT necessarily guarantee your salvation.  You must mean the prayer with all of your heart and be sincere in wanting to obey God and to follow Jesus !   It is good to hear a sample prayer for forgiveness and for salvation, but you must MAKE it your own or say one of your own from your own heart and soul!   Many have said a similar sample prayer as that in the above video and have gone on to continue in a life of habitual sin - deliberate and willful sin in disobedience to the heavenly Father. They were evidently not saved in the first place. Your prayer must - again - be from the heart and full of repentance !  If you are then truly saved (born again) your life will reflect that fact in your conduct and in what your priorities are!  It does not mean that you are saved by works; rather, that if you are saved there will be a change in you (as Dr. Stanley explains in the above video.)  It will be a heart-change as well as a soul-change, and you will then be filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit.   

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

Romans 8:16 tells us, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: "

 "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

When you turn to HIM in repentance and faith and belief,  Jesus will be there to welcome you with love and forgiveness, and to embrace you and envelope you within His arms of tender mercies and security!

Maranatha!

Must See! Important Prophecy Video Updates (J D Farag, and Prediction of NYC fires by Pastor David Wilkerson)

[View From Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Where to begin?  Perhaps I had best let the following videos speak concerning current events as they pertain to Bible Prophecy.  First is Pastor J.D. Farag's recent video of May 31, 2020 in which he asks the question :  "What on earth is happening?"  It is an hour and 2 minutes long.

In the above video, Pastor Farag discusses the recent riots over the death of George Floyd; he discusses how America is currently divided as never before, as well as information on the Covid-19 vaccine and the technology that is now available for The Mark of the Beast and much more.  Some of this information you may already be aware of, but Pastor Farag brings out new information and provides Scriptures, which some news sources do not. Some information on the coronavirus vaccine presented in the above video many of you might already know about,as stated above. You do NOT want anything that will alter your DNA, which this (Bill Gates) vaccine will do.  Do some research on your own.  It is alarming how evil it all is !  I urge you to watch the entire video.  Pastor Farag gives the way to Salvation in his closing portion of his video.

Concerning the fires in New York City at the present time, pastor 

David Wilkerson prophesied that several years ago.  (He died in a tragic car accident in 2011). Here is a short 2 minute audio video clip on that prophesy:

Often on this blog, there have been sermons posted by Pastor Wilkerson.  He was the founder of a non-denominational church in New York City, but is best known for his book " The Cross And The Switchblade."        

On doing research today concerning Pastor Wilkerson, I found a website where one of his articles was posted on the very day he died (April 27,2011). I felt compelled to include it here now. The article is titled: "When all means fail."     

"To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable.  Jesus said to Thomas, "You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen."  (John 20:29)    Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer -  who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.  Someone has come to the place of hopelessness -  the end of hope - the end of all means.

"A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope.  Death seems inevitable.  Hope is gone.  The miracle prayed for is not happening. That is when satan's hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions.  ' Where is your God now?  You prayed until you had no tears left.  You fasted.  You stood on promises. You trusted.'   Blasphemous  thoughts will be injected into your mind :  ' Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don't quit on God - just do not trust Him anymore.  It doesn't pay.'  Even questioning God's existence will be injected into your mind.  

"These have been the devices of satan for centuries.   Some of the godliest  men and women whoever lived were under such demonic attacks.  

"To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word:

"Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights - and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper:  "I am with you.  I cannot tell you why now, but one day it will all make sense.You will see it was all part of My plan. It was no accident.  It was no failure on your part.  Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain'.

"Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love.  When all means fail - His love prevails.  Hold fast to your faith.  Stand fast in His Word.  There is no other hope in this world."

End of Pastor Wilkerson's article.  Not only were his sermons powerful and spirit filled, but so were his written words!  It was felt that you might draw encouragement from his article during these turbulent end times we are experiencing right now.

The above article by Wilkerson is found

here    I am not familiar with that site, but wanted to share that article by Pastor Wilkerson with you.  

[Beach at Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii]

"Happy moments, praise God

Difficult moments, seek God

Quiet moments, worship God

Painful moments, trust God

Every moment, thank God."   

(Comment above found on You Tube)  

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

Encouragement To Endure In A Chaotic World (Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith)

Here it is Tuesday already and I am wondering what news will unfold this week -  especially if it is in fulfillment of Bible Prophecy.  I had originally intended to post a video here concerning the soon cryptocurrency that will be used instead of cash.  But I happened to accidentally run across a video which sparked my enthusiasm and which is more up-building and encouraging than more information on the "Bad" happening now or that will happen in the near future because of the New World Order and the people pushing for it.  But if you are interested, go to the Web and enter "Microsoft patent 060606 on cryptocurrency "  (Note the 666).  It seems "this cryptocurrency will measure body activity of the user in the form of body radiation, body fluid flow, a brain wave pulse rate, etc,; and then will award cryptocurrency in exchange for the appropriate body activity"  (quoting part of www.reddit.com).  I kid you not!!  Absolutely unbelievable!

To begin with words of encouragement, following is a video narrated by Pastor Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel churches.  The message in this 14 minute sermon clip is based on Nahum 1:7.  The sermon stresses putting God first in our lives, and then everything else will fall into its proper place. 

The writing above on the video is partly obscured and is worth taking to heart!  It says:

"When you pray - God listens.

When you listen - God talks

When you believe - God works."

Nahum 1:7 encourages us:  "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him."

We are certainly living in troublesome times right now, no doubt about it!  Following are some Christian quotes and Bible verses that deal with faith.  Faith can see you through all trials and is closely related to trust in God and Jesus.

This quote by Martin Lloyd-Jones is quite to the point and applies always:  "Faith is a refusal to panic."

"Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake."    - Martin Luther

"Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist."  -  Peter Kreeft

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Nahum 1:7 has this to say: "He is a God of infinite mercy; and in the midst of all this wrath mercy is remembered."

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the ONE Who is leading."  -  Oswald Chambers

The following Scripture (1 Samuel 12:24) is very meaningful to me, or I should say personal in a very real sense.  I was so lost and sinful when I was younger, and the good Lord rescued me from all that darkness and brought me into His saving light and led me to a living faith in the Savior, Jesus.  I am filled with gratitude for how He has renewed my mind and transformed my heart.  No believer in Jesus is perfect, of course, and we will not be so until we are with the Lord in glory.  The main thing is that once we are truly born again (a spiritual rebirth) we do not deliberately and willfully sin -  which is outright rebellion against God. We make mistakes, we sin accidentally and in ways like anger or resentment, but we take it to the Lord and pray for forgiveness and He will help us to overcome it.  

"Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.  For consider what great things He has done for you."     -    1 Samuel 12:24

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."  -   Galatians 2:20

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."  -   Hebrews 11:6

The above verse is so very important !  You must have faith in order to please God !!  Most Christians realize this, but some new to the Gospel may not understand the importance of faith and total surrender to the good Lord.

This world has gone mad, so to speak!  We need to have faith in order to endure what lies ahead as well as to endure what is happening at the present time.

This is where faith and strong trust and confidence in the Lord  comes in!  

We believers have a blessed hope!  Jesus will soon take us to be with Him when the Rapture of the Church occurs.  Keep looking up!

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

Concerning the signs of the end times we are now experiencing, 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."

"Standing On The Promises Of God" - (With 2 Videos, 1 By Charles Spurgeon) - Inspirational Weekend

We all have made promises to others, and usually with good intentions.  But, sadly, we sometimes break those promises, for whatever reason.  But our heavenly Father keeps His promises to us; He is trustworthy, He is love, He has our best interests at heart; especially for true believers who have faith in Him and Jesus.  For those who are lost, unsaved, He has compassion and will hear their prayer when they come to Him in repentance and pray for forgiveness; pray in faith that  Jesus is the Savior and recognize that His death and resurrection has made a way (a promise) that we may have eternal life.  Christ paid our sin debt in full at His sacrificial death on the cross.  He was our substitute and took all of the sins of the world upon Him at Calvary.  His shed blood can wash all of our sins away.  In God's eyes, and by Jesus' redemption for us at the cross, all of our sins are wiped away, the slate is washed clean, all past, present and future sins are forgiven because the heavenly Father sees us as clean, for He sees us through Jesus and Jesus' taking our sin debt upon Himself. We just need to have faith in Him and believe that He is the Savior, and the only way to eternal life.

Once you are saved, do not let anyone condemn you for your past sins.  Romans 8:1 tells us:  "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

The greatest promise of all is God's free gift of salvation!

When you are born again (a spiritual "re-birth") by believing in Jesus and that He is the Savior, you become a new person; you begin a wonderful new existence.

"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  

Do not be discouraged if you fall short and sin - although you should feel remorse if you sin, and you should pray for forgiveness and endeavor to live more godly in the future, with the good Lord's help.   We all sin because of our inherited weakness from Adam's fall.  But true believers sin less !  And they sin unintentionally for the most part.  (If anyone continually sins on purpose and does not have any remorse and whose conscience does not condemn him, then it is questionable that he is truly saved; and that he has not been born again.) As imperfect true believers we may not understand very much when we are first saved and the Lord will graciously be patient with us and guide us to a more correct understanding as to what being a true follower of Jesus Christ actually entails.  Sanctification takes time; spiritual maturity takes time. 

There are many promises of God found in the Bible; in the Old Testament as well as in the New Testament. Let us consider some of them:

Sincere followers of Christ look forward to what Titus 2:13 promises us:  "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;"

 "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."    -    Jesus at John 14:2,3

Some professing Christians, says Jan Markell, are of the  mindset to feel "come Lord Jesus, but not too soon."   In other words, some are loving the world too much and have "plans" and goals for their time on this earth and are not putting the good Lord first.

Heaven and being with our beloved Savior for all eternity is much to be preferred over this corrupt and dying world.  

Another promise from God (Jesus) is that we would receive power from the Holy Spirit, which would strengthen us and enable us to live a life that is acceptable to the good Lord, as well as to share the Gospel of Jesus with others, helping to win lost souls.  That promise is found at Acts 1:8 =  "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:  and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."       

And we have the promise that we will be secure in Jesus if we are true believers.  Jesus tells us at John 10:28,29 :  "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.  My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father's hand."

[Barber's Point Lighthouse, Oahu, Hawaii]

There are many more promises of God to be found in the New Testament, and also in the Old Testament.  In the O.T. we have the wonderful promises made to Abraham.  Consider Genesis 12:2,3 which follows:  

"And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:  And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

 And the promise "And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."  -    Jeremiah 29:13

God promised to be faithful to us and that we can always depend upon His love.  Please read Deuteronomy 7:8-9

God promised to bless those who love His Word.  Psalm 1:2 explains : "But his delight is in the law of the LORD: and in His law doth he meditate day and night."

  Please read your Bible daily and you will find many more promises that God has made to us.  You will also draw closer to the good Lord the more you saturate yourself with His Holy Word and also the more you pray.   It is all about knowing God and Jesus and having a strong, close, vibrant, living relationship with Him; one that is personal and intimate.

We should be very grateful to the good Lord for all of His promises, and pray frequently to Him to give Him thanks for His tender mercies, His unfailing love, His forgiveness, and for salvation and sending Jesus, our Redeemer. We should honor and obey Him and give Him glory for everything !   He is awesome! Actually, words cannot fully express His Majesty.

Following is a hymn about standing on the promises of God:

And below is a 50 minute sermon by Charles Spurgeon titled "Obtaining Promises."   It ties in with what was written above, but focuses primarily upon obtaining the fulfillment of the promises. Spurgeon tells us in his following sermon  that there are 3 ways of  obtaining the promises.   He says that by reading the Bible and meditating upon its promises you will then acquire faith.

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 !!

"Hang In There!" (With Video on Endurance and a Video on the Rapture of the Church) - Inspirational Weekend

[Internet Photograph]

This blog has mentioned many times about the chaotic and dangerous times we live in now.  We definitely need to "hang in there" and have endurance to cope with the stress of this evil world, and wondering if a catastrophe like a nuclear war or an economic collapse or such-like could occur any time soon.   The world is in an uproar, not knowing the way out.  

"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 in fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."   -   Jesus at Luke 21:25-26

If you are a true Christian  that reads the Bible daily and that has a strong, personal. close, and intimate relationship with the good Lord, you realize that there is hope for you and that soon Jesus will return to rapture you to heaven before things get worse.... before the dreaded 7 year Tribulation period of God's wrath upon the wicked occurs.

Following is another video by Chad Thomas in which he clearly explains the Rapture of the church and the revealing of the antichrist.   I have written much previously on this blog about the things he discusses,  but I thought a video would be refreshing for you; plus, it will be beneficial for any first time viewers here.

There are many first time viewers to this blog, and also many who are not saved; who have not been born again; and many who never read the Bible.   I am quoting below a familiar verse to many Christians..... a verse that gives us hope and something to look forward to:  a rescue from this wicked world and a trip to heaven.

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

(See also 1 Corinthians 15:51-53)

[North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii]

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

God's Holy Word, the Bible, gives us many encouraging verses to help us to "hang in there."   Another benefit of daily Bible reading (and prayer) is you draw ever closer to the good Lord, and as time goes on you learn to love Him more and more, as well as the fact that your faith in Him will also increase.  

The Bible gives us much encouragement and helps us to endure trials and hardships.   Following is a 34 minute sermon by deceased Pastor Adrian Rogers on the topic of "Learning To Endure".

In the sermon above, Pastor Rogers gives us five truths learned from tests and trials:  enjoyment, enlargement, enlightenment, enthronement, enrichment.  He explains and gives Scriptures pertaining to these five truths.   He has nothing to say in his sermon about end time events or prophecies, but I felt it relevant to our times just the same.

Learn to trust and have faith in God and Jesus, and you will be helped and encouraged beyond what you could ever expect or hope for.   The good Lord will help you to endure.

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."

Hang in there!

Jesus loves you!

If you are born again, you have a wonderful future in heaven.

Keep looking up !

Keep watching!

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

The Middle East Crisis, Current Events And What The Future Holds (Amir Tsarfati Latest Update Video)

This will be a shorter post than usual, and I will let the two videos here speak for themselves.   They are recent videos on You Tube and concern the world's current events (particularly Israel and the Middle East) and also how Bible prophecy is being fulfilled now, and some things which are precursors to prophecy being fulfilled.

If you frequent this blog, you are familiar with Messianic Jew Amir Tsarfati and his world-wide ministry and his weekly updates on current events in which he also explains Bible prophecy.   Following is his latest update :

Please watch the entire video as it is one of Amir's best.  It is only 43 minutes in length and you will learn so much from him.

The next 29 minute video is from prophecywatchers.com  with host Gary Stearman interviewing Avi Lipkin, who lives in Israel and who is an expert on Middle East events:

Both of these informative videos speak of recent events in the Middle East.  They are just a reminder that we are living in the last moments of the last days;  we are in the end times in which the Rapture of the Church (Christ's Bride) will occur shortly and following that the 7 year tribulation period.   

True believers will not be here for the Tribulation;  they would have already prior to the Trib. been caught up to heaven in the Rapture.

Are you a true believer in the Savior Jesus Christ?  If you are you will be ready for Jesus' soon return.  

For the signs of the end times, read Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13.   When you see these things:

".....then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."                   -   Jesus at Luke 21:28

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

Jesus loves you !

Will you surrender your life to Him in faith and give Him your all?

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."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What About Russia ? Be Prepared ! The Soon Rapture. (With Video)

"I have set the LORD always before me:  because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."  -  Psalm 16:8

Those words from the Psalms are comforting.  Goodness knows there is plenty happening in the world today to move us and shake us.  As I have said before, and so have many others, things are not falling apart but instead are coming together, prophetically speaking.  End time signs as recorded for us in the Bible are converging now at an unprecedented fast pace.  What an exciting time to be living !  Again, for an in depth listing of the signs of the end times in which we are now living, read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.  

Pray for the Lord to give you discernment.  Ask Him for an extra portion of His Holy Spirit.  Just remember, the way prophecy is being fulfilled right now, or on the verge of being fulfilled, should increase your faith tremendously.  Read God's holy Word daily, pray often...several times a day.  Your love for the good Lord will increase and so will your faith.

Here is an article which touches on issues of our current times, but also informs us about the soon Rapture of the Church and how we should be prepared.  The author mentions how the Rapture itself will take place in less than 1/2 a second.  He no doubt is basing that belief on 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 which says:

"(51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  (52) 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."

Evidently, the twinkling (or blinking) of an eye takes less than half a second.  The important thing to consider, however, is to make sure that you are among the true believers taken to heaven in the Rapture.  For that to happen, you need to be born again (John 3:3) and that means to surrender to the Lord and to put your faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior.  You need to repent and ask for forgiveness for your sins and you need to believe in His resurrection  (Romans 10:9, 10, 13).

Following is a must see 12 minute video from prophecywatchers.com with Gary Stearman and his guest Dr. Mark Hitchcock where they discuss the Rapture , Russia rising, and more.   

"The Rapture will change the world," says Dr. Hitchcock, and "We are in the season of the Lord's return."

There is also given much information on Russia and how Russia has more nuclear weapons than any other country in the world, including more than America has.  

We do live in perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5).  For believers, it is an exciting time to be alive, because we know our blessed hope of Jesus' return is very near when He will take us to be home with Him in heaven.  

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

How loving of God to give us His Love Letter (the Bible) to guide and direct us and to warn us of the devil and how we need the Savior, Jesus.   The Bible is therefore also our Instruction Manual.  

Read the Holy Word daily.  You will draw closer to the good Lord.  That is our purpose in life:  to love God with all of our heart, mind, strength and soul  (Mark 12:30); and to bring glory to Him by living a holy life and by obeying Him.  

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."               -         1 Corinthians 10:31

For unbelievers, the time is short !  Now is the time to turn to the Lord in repentance; be sorry for your sins and turn from them; pray for forgiveness, and turn to Jesus in belief and faith that He is the Savior of the world, and He can be your Savior as well.  

"Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near:"   -   Isaiah 55:6

"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

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 loves you and does not wish for you to perish !  He is waiting with arms wide open to embrace you in love and forgiveness if you will repent and turn to Him in faith and believe in Him as your Savior.

Surrender to the Lord before it is too late.  He is waiting to receive you.