ARE YOU AN OBEDIENT CHILD? SALVATION DEMANDS OBEDIENCE! (WITH VIDEOS - ONE A SERMON ON OBEDIENCE BY A. W. TOZER) - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

                                                   [Hen and chicks -  Kauai, Hawaii]

It may seem an odd choice for a photograph here on this blog, but to me it rather fits the subject matter of this weekend article  -  Obedience.   I took this photo on the Island of Kauai - near a famous blow-hole there by the ocean (where waves hitting the rocks spew up a high spray which can sometimes reach 50 feet into the air, from a "hole" in the rock or rocks).  The name of the blowhole is "Spouting Horn" in a beach park on Kauai's south shore near Poipu- it was several years ago when I visited there that I took the photo above.  (I have been to Kauai Island several times).   At any rate, all of the islands here (not only on Kauai, but the other Hawaiian islands as well (even more populated Oahu and Honolulu) have numerous fowl running around like they own the place.  Some are rather tame, and others are very skittish and wild.  

 

                                   [Spouting Horn Blowhole -  Kauai]  (Internet photograph)

To get to the point, the little chicks follow their momma around and do not want her out of their sight -  and the same goes for how the hen feels about her brood.  The chicks "obey" their mom well because they keep her in their sight.  This is rather how we Christians, true believers and followers of Jesus Christ the Savior, should be in regards to our Guide - our LORD !!   To follow Him and His lead, His guidance and His commandments.  To walk close beside Him and in His footsteps; to keep Jesus always in sight - and close by!  To carefully observe His ways and endeavor to imitate Him as best we can -  and in all that we do and say! Even, as well, to have the good Lord always on and in our minds and hearts. 

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."    -  Jesus at Matthew 23:37-38

As I entered the above Scripture, it reminded me of America.  America in general for decades has ignored God and His commandments -  now we seem to be paying the price!  

Of course, there are still many sincere and active believing Christians in America and around the world,  who are true to the good LORD and who are looking for His glorious return to take us home to be with Him.  (Titus 2:13-14)

Following is a 38 minute audio sermon by A.W. Tozer titled: "As Obedient Children".  It is a wonderful and insightful sermon you do not want to miss!   It taught me something new!   Well, not new so much as it gave me more understanding.  

Tozer, in the above sermon, emphatically states a scriptural truth :  "Salvation apart from obedience is contrary to Scripture."   Many gems of spiritual truths to be found here in Tozer's sermon!

And here is a very short ten minute video reading some of Andrew Murray's writings on the subject of "With Christ in the School of Obedience".  It is a wonderful message and is accompanied by beautiful scenery in the video. It reminds us that "part of the beauty of your salvation is obedience" and gives Biblical examples of obedience by Moses, Noah, Abraham and others.

By the way, to any students of the Bible, there are many quotes (articles) by Andrew Murray on the subject of Obedience, as well as other subjects by him, at a link on the website raptureready.com.  Once at that website look for the link that says "Best of the Christian Classics."   Once there, it lists many other authors besides Murray,  such as Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, John Wesley, etc.  Check it out!

Following is a partial quote by Andrew Murray from his article on "The School of Obedience":

Murray (from the preface):  ".... The Father in heaven asks and requires, and actually expects, that every child of His yield Him whole-hearted and entire obedience, day by day, and all the day!  To enable His to do this, He has made a most abundant and altogether sufficient provision in the promise of the New Covenant, and in the gift of His Son and Spirit.  This provision can alone, but can most certainly be enjoyed, and these promises fulfilled, in the soul that gives itself communion with the Three-in-One God,  so that His presence and power work in it all the day.  The very entrance into this life demands the vow of absolute obedience,  or the surrender of the whole being, to be, think, speak, do , every moment, not but what is according to the will of God, and well-pleasing to Him  ... We need the Holy Spirit to give us such a vision of their glory, and divine power, and the demand they make on our immediate and unconditional submission that there may be no rest till we accept all that God is willing to do for us.  Let us all pray that God may, by the light of His Spirit, so show His loving and almighty will concerning us, that it may be impossible for us to be disobedient to the heavenly vision." -  end of Andrew Murray's quote

  [Kilauea Lighthouse at Wildlife Refuge -  Kauai, Hawaii] 

"Christ is the key which unlocks the golden doors into the temple of Divine truth." -  A. W. Pink

"Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers."  -  Francis Chan

"It is altogether doubtful whether any man can be saved who comes to Christ for His help with no intention to obey Him."  -   A.W. Tozer

"If you look up into His face and say, 'Yes, Lord, whatever it costs', at that moment He'll flood your life with His Presence and power."  -  Alan Redpath

"Why should I tremble at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know He is no little Husbandman; He purposeth a crop."  -  Samuel Rutherford 

Here is a worship song sung by Matt Redman which many of you are no doubt familiar with.  It is called "The Heart of Worship" or "It's all about You, Jesus": 

Really, really, pay close attention to the lyrics in this song!  Part of the lyrics say:  "I'm coming back to the heart of worship; and it's all about You, Jesus.  I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it; when it's all about You."   Many people "attend church" but do not really worship the Lord in truth and spirit.

In today's chaotic and uncertain times, we need God's supernatural help and strength.  For guidance there, the following prayer by the Christian You Tube Channel "Grace For Purpose" helps encourage us in that regard, and it reminds us that we all will have our "valley experiences", as they serve a purpose for our benefit from God's perspective. (Scroll down to the previous post on Tuesday, July20, 2021, which also discussed valley experiences).

The above beautiful 12 minute video also reminds us "It's all about Jesus."

  Is that how you feel?  Is your life centered around Jesus?  Is Jesus/God first in your life?

Sometimes we are so boggled down with the cares of life- the struggles of life - that we lose our focus!  Our focus on spiritual things then take second place to our worries and cares, which seem to consume our minds and  which, also, leaves no room for contemplating our spiritual well-being.  It should not be that way, but we are imperfect humans.  We sometimes slip up -- and downright sin!  

The more you focus on spiritual things, the less you will "slip up."  Why?  Because if you are constantly devouring God's Holy Word - the Bible - and feasting on its truths and encouragement -  it is as if God is "speaking" to you personally through the Holy Spirit inspired words of the Holy Scriptures.  And He really is doing just that!   Your faith will grow and so will your love and closeness to the good Lord as you read and study your Bible!  And do not forget to pray often; prayer will bring you closer to God as well as Bible reading.  "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." -  Proverbs 23:7 a  - So keep God's Word in your mind and your heart!  Meditate on it day and night.  Think on things above, not the things of this dying world!

That is what it is all about, friends!  A close, personal, intimate, loving, living, blossoming relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ the Savior !   We are just traveling through on this earth; heaven is our true home!  But only if we have a faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior, without which we will never see heaven.

Jesus died and suffered a cruel death as our substitute on the cross!  His shed blood can wash us clean and make us new creatures by a spiritual birth when the Holy Spirit dwells in us at the moment of true salvation!  

Ephesians 1:13 encourages us:  "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."

One needs to realize the enormity of his sins and how they separate him from God.  If you are truly repentant and pray to God for forgiveness -  in all sincerity and remorse at heart for your sinfulness - God will answer that prayer!  Just believe with all of the very fiber of your being - your heart and soul and every breath you take-  that Jesus is the Savior, and the only way to heaven!  

Following are Scriptures for those who are not yet saved!  The times we live in are urgent!  Jesus will return very soon to take His followers to heaven in the Rapture!   Will you be rapture ready?

"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

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

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

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

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

HAVE A BLESSED AND CHRIST CENTERED WEEKEND -  AND LIFE !

LET'S TALK ABOUT HOLINESS AND DEVOTION TO CHRIST! (3 Videos by A.W. Tozer and Christian Quotes) - Inspirational Weekend

 

The shady path in my photograph above is, in one way, like a refreshing cool spot on a hot day.  In another way, it is like the path of life which is sometimes shady and shadowy and uncertain; even dark and gloomy at times.  It all depends on how you want to look at it.  

Granted, life's hardships and trials and uncertainties are real, like the current pandemic and other drastic changes in our lives and in our world today.  It is discouraging if you only look at the present circumstances, true.  But Christians realize all that is occuring today is proof positive of our Jesus' soon return!  As promised!  What a blessed 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 Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." -  Titus 2:13-14

This blog has previously shared sermons and quotes by A.W. Tozer, and will now share 3 videos of his writings, narrated by others.  He was an American preacher and author, and he died in 1963.  His epithat reads "A.W. Tozer - A Man of God."  In one of the  audio videos of his writings which follows, there is a short biography about him.  Please listen with much attention!  It is a valuable and insightful message from his book "How To Be Filled With the Holy Spirit" (64 minutes).  If you do not have time to listen to it in its entirety now, then begin at the 34:51 minute mark on Chapter 3 :

Chapter 1 above:  Who is the Holy Spirit?

Chapter 2:  The Promise of the Father

Chapter 3 above concerns "how to be filled with the Holy Spirit" and "How to receive Him.'

Chapter 4 -  How to cultivate the Spirit's companionship

The above video is so relevant today as never before!  Many professing Christians think of Christianity as being primarily a "social"  thing -  go to church and fellowship and have potlucks , etc.  All that is good and fine -  Hebrews 10:25 tells us to fellowship with one another and to not neglect our gathering together.   But true Christianity is meant to have - First and Foremost - a strong personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior!  We do that through much time spent with the good Lord in prayer and in reading the Holy Word, the Bible.  

Following is a 29 minute audio video of another of Tozer's works, titled "Total Commitment to Christ" in which there is a brief biography about Tozer at the end .  

The video above explains how to follow Christ with your whole heart.  Please watch!  It will bless you!

The last video from one of Tozer's writings, at least on this post today, is Chapter One of "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer, which is 13 minutes in length.  

On the above, this person's you tube channel has up to 23 chapters of this particular work by Tozer.  She has a wonderful and perfect voice for this work!  I, personally, have not yet listened to all 23 chapters, but I intend to do so, if time permits and the Lord tarries awhile.

[Cereus - Night Blooming Cactus]

"No man who merely skims the book of God can profit thereby; we must dig and mine until we obtain the hid treasure."  -  Charles Spurgeon

"The door of the Word only opens to the key of diligence. The Scriptures claim searching."  -   Charles Spurgeon

"A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." -  Charles Spurgeon

"Everyone thinks  of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." -  Leo Tolstoy

"Heaven goes by favour (grace). If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."   -  Mark Twain

"Excuses are the cradle that satan rocks men off to sleep in."  -  unknown

[Bird of Paradise]

It is my prayer that the above videos and quotes will open your eyes to what is truly important today! Which is a living, vibrant, loving, close and beautiful relationship with the heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus Christ !  The Savior ! The only way to the Father and to heaven!  

If you are not born again -  have not put your faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, when on the Cross, He paid our sin debt in full by taking our place (taking our sins upon Himself as the Lamb of God and shedding His blood as atonement), so that we, if we but have faith and belief in Him as the Savior, His shed blood will wash away our sins - wipe the slate clean, so to speak - and we may then have the hope of eternal life.   

Following are salvation scriptures for those who may not yet have put their trust and belief in Jesus Christ.  Those who are already true believers might want to memorize or at least share the following verses with unsaved family members and acquaintances.

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

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."        -   Hebrews 12:14

"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

"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

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

From Jesus's words above at Matthew 4:17, unsaved persons need to also repent of their sins and have a complete change of heart and a sincere desire to live surrended to the Lord and His will.  That means to obey as best we finite humans are able, and- after we are saved - to repent of any sins then, as well.   Repent means a change of mind and heart, to obey and conform to the good Lord's will and commands.

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

"Are You A Wayfaring Stranger? Timeless Truth For A Troubled World" (With Videos - One An Adrian Rogers' Sermon) - Inspirational Weekend

                                                [Tourists At Waikiki - Diamond head Crater]

My photograph above was taken a few years ago, showing a typical scene from Waikiki, with many tourists.  But, as the title of this post hints, these are not exactly "wayfaring strangers".   Or, ARE they? Meaning, in a spiritual way, perhaps some of them may be wayfaring strangers.  Many of you might be familiar with that old hymn (or rather, folk song) by that title - "Wayfaring Stranger".  Following is a beautiful version of it by Selah:

The above song expresses a longing to go to heaven and to be with the Lord.  In today's troubled world, there are many who have that same longing: to be in heaven with the good Lord. You have to admit, "things ain't like what they used to be."  Many changes have been implemented lately that prove that we are ever closer to what will occur on a larger scale during the 7 year Tribulation. 

Good News!   True believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior will be "outta here" before then :  before that horrendous judgment period upon ungodly men, meaning the  Tribulation with all of its plagues, destruction, and suffering !  Read the Bible book of Revelation -  it is all there.

True followers of Jesus should feel as the apostle Paul felt when he wrote :  "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21;  and, at Philippians 1:23 Paul said: "For I am in a strait betwixt the two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: "

"And to wait for His Son from heaven whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."  -   1 Thessalonians 1:10

"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."                              -  1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  -              2 Peter 3:9

But the focus of this article will be on the salvation of souls and what that entails. 

Some time ago, the old hymn "This World Is Not My Home" was posted on this blog.  It is sung by Jim Reeves (to you old-timers like myself... remember him?)  and was written by Reeve's wife.  Here is that hymn again for you:

The message of the hymn here by Jim Reeves is similar to the message in the folk song "I'm Just a Wayfaring Stranger".   I posted it again now because it is mentioned in the following 39 minute audio sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers, which follows:

There are many, many gems of gospel truth and encouragement in the above excellent sermon by Pastor Rogers!   One echoes what the two song videos above tell us:  "We (believers) are strangers and pilgrims and do NOT belong to this world."  -  based on 1 Peter 2:11 which tells us:

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"

Another thing Pastor Rogers emphasizes :" Salvation is NOT rooted in the merit of man, but in the mercy of God."   You cannot "work" your way into heaven!

Speaking of his personal testimony, Pastor Rogers tells us: "Before I was saved I was running to sin, but now I am running from sin."  He tells us, "You don't need anything!  If you have Jesus you have everything!"

Just a warning from Pastor Rogers: "If the only thing that keeps you from sinning is the fear of losing your salvation, I doubt that you've ever been saved."

"Lukewarmness is the Christian's Achilles heel.  We cannot lead anyone to Christ who is more committed to the world than we are to Jesus."  -   Joe McKeever

"Don't put a question mark where God puts a period."  -  unknown

"Jesus did not come to make God's love possible, but to make God's love visible." -  unknown

"It is Christ's will that [man] should be thus isolated, and that he should fix his eyes solely on HIM."     -  Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

"If the LORD be with us, we have no cause of fear.  His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayers -  His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable."  -  John Newton

  Following is a short article by A.W. Tozer titled :"Spiritual Readiness":

"When the Bible says that God is calling a special people out of the nations to bear the name of His eternal Son, I believe it, and His name is Jesus!  Our pious forefathers believed in spiritual preparation, and they said so!  They saw themselves as a Bride being prepared to meet the Bridegroom.  They regarded this earth as the "dressing room" to outfit themselves for heaven.  The evangelical church has come through a period when nearly everyone has believed that there is just ONE pre-requisite to readiness:  being born again.  We have made being born again a special event - when Jesus returns we will whip out the pass to prove our readiness.   Frankly, I do not think it will be like that.  I do not believe that all professed believers are automatically ready to meet the LORD.  Our Savior Himself was joined by Peter and John and Paul in warning and pleading that we should LIVE, and WATCH and PRAY, so to be ready for Jesus' coming."   -  (end of quote).  

Food for thought!

The above quote by Tozer brings home the fact that we need to develop a relationship with the good Lord.   That means to be often in prayer and in His Holy Word the Bible.   To fellowship with Him.  You will never come to know a person or develop a relationship with Him if you never talk to them or spend time with them.  That is obvious, but so many today neglect to do that very thing with God.  He loves us and wants to fellowship with us!  If you do draw close to God, He will draw close to you.  Something wonderful will happen in your heart and soul when your focus and delight is on the good Lord and you spend quality time with Him.  He will transform your mind and heart.

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."  -       James 4:8

Time is short before Jesus returns!

Turn to Him now in true faith and total surrender!

Jesus is waiting for you with love and with outstretched arms full of forgiveness and of tender compassion to hold you close and tight in His embrace and in the safety and salvation found in Him.

Following are Salvation Scriptures to act upon NOW if you are not saved by the cleansing power of Jesus' blood when you put your faith and belief in Him as 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 upon 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

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

 

Don't Ever Stop Doing This ! (With Videos) & Andrew Murray's Sermons

 

Let us begin with the following 10 minute Christian video which explains the title of this article:

In the above video, we are encouraged to "come to God's throne."  In other words, go to Him in prayer about everything, and never stop praying, whatever you do !

"Pray without ceasing."  -  1 Thessalonians 5:17

There are other things we should do and not stop doing, when it comes to spiritual things.  We also should not lose faith.  However, let us focus for the most part on prayer right now; how we should persevere in prayer, which is a form of faith itself.  The act of prayer shows faith in the good Lord, and that He does hear us and He does answer heartfelt prayers that are in agreement with His will.

This blog has stressed over and over again that God wants to fellowship with us.  We do that by much prayer to Him and by many hours pouring over His Holy Word.  You cannot come to truly know a person if you never communicate with him.  Obviously, the same applies to the good Lord.  He loves us deeply, and we should feel the same towards Him and express it with much time spent with Him.  What the wonderful and precious result of that will be is a strong, enduring, loving, intimate and personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  That relationship will continue to grow and blossom into something beautiful that will last for all eternity!

E. M. Bounds has been quoted previously on this blog.  He wrote many fantastic articles concerning prayer, which have been compiled into a rather large book titled "The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer", which I am happy to have in my possession.   Following is a partial quote on his article titled "Prayer incidents in the life of our Lord." =

"The spirit of prayer with Christ was to do God's will.  So he who follows Christian prayer must have God's will as his law, his rule, and his inspiration.  He is not the best pray-er  who has the greatest fluency, the most brilliant imagination, the richest gifts, and the most fiery ardor, but he who has imbibed most the Spirit of Christ.  It is he whose character is the nearest to a facsimile of Christ upon whom God's power is bestowed and to whom God's person and will are revealed.   ...[..]...  The condition of receiving God's revelation and of holding God's truth is one of the heart, not of the head.  The ability to receive and search out is like that of the child, the babe, the synonym of docility, innocence and simplicity.  These are the conditions on which God reveals Himself to men.   ....[...].. It is not by hard, strong, stern, great reasoning that the world gets God or gets hold of God, but by big, soft, pure hearts.   To become babes again, on our mother's bosom, quieted, weaned, without clamor or protest, is the only position in which to know God.  A calmness on the surface, and in the depths of the soul, in which God can mirror His will, His Word, and Himself -   this is the attitude towards Him through which He can reveal Himself, and this is the right attitude of prayer.   .... Prayer to Jesus, just as it is to us, was a necessity, an absolute, invariable condition of securing God's fullest, consecrating and qualifying power.  And so the Holy Spirit comes upon us in fulness of measure and power only in answer to ardent and intense praying......"  (End of E.M. Bounds' quote.)

Following is a link to an article on this blog written 3-3-18, which includes two short audio sermons from the works of Andrew Murray:  one on the subject of  prayer, and the other about faith.  They are excellent 16 minute sermon clips with many gems within them which will bless you spiritually!

https://inspiringnaturephotography.blogspot.com/2018/03/faith-and-prayer-work-together-videos.html

Not to be overlooked is Jesus' parable of  the widow in Luke 18 who, with her insistence and constant pleas to an unjust judge, secured the request of her petitions from him, though he cared nothing about her or her problems.  

"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;  (verse 1) and then Jesus continues in verses 6 and 7: " Hear what the unjust judge saith.   And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?"

Please read all of the above account at Luke 18:1-8.  Very faith building!

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. "     Jesus at Matthew 7:7-8

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

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."    -   Matthew 26:41

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which is in secret shall reward thee openly."               -  Matthew 6:6

"Those persons who know the deep peace of God, the unfathomable peace that passeth all understanding, are always men and women of much prayer."  -  R.A. Torrey

"Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer."  -  John Bunyan

"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties."  -  Oswald Chambers

"Don't pray when you feel like it.  Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.  A man is powerful on his knees."  -  Corrie ten Boom

Please realize how urgent it is to pray "without ceasing."   We all know that the times we are living in now are unstable - chaotic -  and that we cannot completely depend on anyone or anything except the good Lord.  He will be our comfort, our guide, our protector, and our hope!  And so much more!

Much has been written on this blog concerning the end times and Bible prophecy being fulfilled right now like never before - and at warp speed.  That is another reason to be in prayer constantly and also to witness to others about the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

(For more information on the end times, go to the search box at the top right hand side of this page and enter topics such as " 7 year tribulation, the Mark of the Beast, signs of last days"  etc.    Also are many encouraging articles about endurance and faith and salvation and many other topics.  Many articles also have videos.)

Following is a wonderful old hymn concerning the "Sweet Hour of Prayer":

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

"Pray Always And Pray Effectual Prayers - Do Not Be Lukewarm" (Video On Prayer By Pastor Adrian Rogers) - Inspirational Weekend

[Waterfall At Descanso Gardens Outside Los Angeles, California]

Monday of this week, the good Lord admonished me and corrected me in the matter of prayer.  I pray everyday and talk to Him throughout the day, but lately they have been short prayers.  It was as if He was telling me to spend even more time with Him on my knees.  It also occurred to me that the Lord wanted me to share more about prayer with you friends here.  Actually, last year I did write an article titled "Faith and Prayer Work Together".  There were two short sermon clips included in that post which were by Andrew Murray; one clip on prayer, and the other clip on faith.  Here is the link to that article:
https://inspiringnaturephotography.blogspot.com/search?q=faith+and+prayer+work+together

Prayer is commanded.  If we are not praying and do not have the desire to pray, then we need to ask ourselves if we sincerely desire time with God, or are we self-absorbed and think only about our fleshly desires and what this world offers.

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation:  the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  -  Jesus at Matthew 26:41

We do not want to fall into the category mentioned by Jesus at John 8:47, which follows:

"He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."

Keep in mind in the above Scripture, that Jesus was talking to the hypocritical Pharisees and religious leaders.  So if you are a true believer that verse does not apply to you.   However, there are many who profess to be Christians who are not; they claim to be Christians, but it is in name only.  Granted, some may believe they actually are Christians, when in reality they are lost. We need to help them to come to truly know Jesus as their Savior and for them to love Him with all of their being: heart, mind, soul and spirit.  When you learn to put God and Jesus first, and to love Him deeply, you will want to spend much time with Him in prayer and in reading His Holy Word.

E.M. Bounds, who has written many insightful articles on prayer (I have a large book which includes most, if not all, of his thoughts on prayer), has a lot to say about the necessity of prayer.

He tells us to pray for the desire to pray, for such a desire is God-given and heavenly-born. "Spiritual desire, carried to a high degree, is the evidence of the new birth.  It is born in the renewed soul. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow."  So says Bounds.

"Two things are intolerable to Him (God) - insincerity and lukewarmness," says Bounds, and he goes on to say: "To the Laodiceans He said, in terms of unmistakeable severity  and condemnation:  "I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue  thee out of my mouth."     This quoted verse is found at Revelation 3:16.   When the Lord says in this verse, "I will spue thee out of my mouth," He literally means to vomit.  What a vivid way of depicting His condemnation where lukewarmness is concerned!

Bounds goes on to comment, "This was God's expressed judgment on the lack of fire in one of the churches , and it is His indictment against individual Christians for the fatal want of sacred zeal."

Following is a 44 minute video sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers on the secret of effectual prayer:

This sermon is the best I have ever heard on the subject of prayer!  Pastor Rogers tells us, among many things, that prayer bonds us with God; and that God wants to work within us through prayer.  Pastor Rogers says that our prayers are not answered because we are not rooted in the purpose of God.

Below is a song  by Tauren Wells titled "When We Pray" :

If you follow this blog, you know there is much information given here on the fact that we are living in the last moments of the last days; and much mention of how ancient Bible prophecies are now coming true.  So much is coming true now that the Bible predicted that many prophecy preachers and scholars say there is no way to keep up with it all; with the convergence of so much prophecy happening at warp speed and all at once now.  Guess what this means?!

Jesus will return any day, any moment now, to take His Bride, the Church, to heaven when He appears in the Rapture!!

Maranatha!  We look forward to that blessed hope!   (Titus 2:13)

Are you Rapture ready?

If you have been saved, born again from above, then you are assured to be taken to heaven when Jesus returns very soon.

If you are carnal, and love the world, and have no desire to know God and His Son, Jesus Christ the Savior, then you are bound for the other alternative.....hell.

But it is not too late!

You do not have to be doomed to eternity in hell!

Jesus loves you and is waiting for you to turn to Him in faith!

Admit you are a sinner and in need of a Savior.  (Romans 3:23)

Believe in Jesus as the Savior and surrender to Him (Romans 6:23 and John 3:16)

Call on the name of the Savior and commit to His will and confess your need of Him   (Romans 10:13)

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

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


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

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

[Fishermen at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

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

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

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

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"   -   1 Thessalonians 4:16

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  "  -  1 Corinthians 15:52

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

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

What a glorious hope and promise!!  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."   -  Jesus at John 14:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jesus loves you! 

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

"Why Do We Suffer?" (With John Newton Sermon) - Inspirational Weekend

Why do good people suffer grief and trials and hardships?  Many have asked that question, and there have been many answers.  Here we will take a positive look and answer the question from a biblical point of view.  

First of all, it is true that many worldly and ungodly people suffer hardship because it is their own fault.  Actually, that can be true of Christians as well.  Bad choices.  Not going first in prayer to the good Lord to ask for direction and guidance in a matter.  

But sometimes it is just the fact that life in this old world can be unfair.......cruel, even.  Then there is the devil.  He is especially after and targeting Christians - to drag them down - because he already has the world in his hands; he already has ungodly people following him.

Remember Job?  For those of you who are not familiar with his story in the Bible, for any who are not believers, here is a brief summary of what happened to him.  Job was a wealthy man in ancient times, and had 7 sons and 3 daughters.  He loved God and kept his integrity.  One day the devil said to God, "Hast not thou made a hedge about him [Job], and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?  Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.  But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face."   (Job 1:9-12) . 

God answered satan by saying, All that Job had was now in the devil's hand and in the devil's power, only the devil could not, by God's command, put a hand on Job himself.  The devil immediately began attacking Job by killing all of his children, and by Job losing all of his wealth.  What was Job's reaction?  He said, "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."  In all of this Job did not sin and did not charge God foolishly.   (Job 1:20-22). So satan tried again and told God, "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.  But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face."   (Job 2:3-10).   "And the LORD said unto satan, behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life."  (Job 2:6)  The devil promptly struck Job with boils from his feet to his head.   Job, though a bit self-righteous, still kept true to God.  And after some time, God blessed Job with more than he had had previously, including ten more children.  (Job 42:7-17)

We see from this that God Himself at times allows extreme suffering and loss and grief.  God cannot be stirred up to do things against His will.  Though it is not always clear how, everything that happens is part of His divine purpose.   When we are going through difficult times, we need to ask for the good Lord's help to see it through to the very end.  Rejoice and be glad, for God has something wonderful in store for those who endure !

James 1:2-3 tells us,  (2) "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Some Bibles use the word "trials" in verse 2 instead of "temptations."  These verses in James remind me of what Jesus said at Matthew 5:11, 12 , which follows:

(11)  "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.  (12)  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted  they the prophets which were before you."

One commentator explains:  "Those who suffer most, God imparts the highest rewards. Hence, the crown of martyrdom has been thought to be the brightest that any of the redeemed shall wear - many of the early Christians sought to become martyrs.  Regard suffering as a great privilege thus to be persecuted and to suffer - a thing not to be mourned over, but as among the chief blessings of life."

In other words, our reason to rejoice in trials and persecution is our reward in heaven.  The Christian life is not only believing, but also suffering.  

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake:"  -  Philippians 1:29

"Reasons it is a privilege to suffer in the cause of Christ: (1) because we then resemble the Lord Jesus, and are united with Him in trials; (2) because we have evidence that we are His, if trials come upon us in His cause; (3) because we are maintaining such a cause is worth much of suffering; (4) because it will be connected with a brighter crown and more exalted honor in heaven."   - So says one commentator.

Everything is not doom and gloom !!   In 1 Peter 1:3-6 Peter gives us several reasons for rejoicing:

(3)  "Blessed  be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope - by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  (4) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:"

We can rejoice (verse 3 above) (1) because we have a Lively Hope; we can rejoice (2) because we have a lasting Inheritance as mentioned in verse 4 ; (3) because we have a Long-term
Salvation as told in verse 5; and (4) because we have a  longed for Final Reward as brought out in verse 6 of 1 Peter chapter 1. So you can see that things are not all that bad!  Rejoice in the Lord always!

Our trials are really working for our good.  God is in the process of shaping and molding us.....refining us and making us stronger in our dependence upon Him; helping us to become more like Christ.
We may not see the benefit today, but when we stand before the Lord in heaven and we are rewarded for our walk with Him and for the sufferings we endured here below, it will be worth it all then.

Following is a 6 minute audio video by John Newton concerning "The School of Suffering".   Two things he said in this quick sermon clip stood out to me:  (1) "A Christian without trials would be like a mill without wind or water" and, (2) "The difficult things we meet with not only prove but strengthen the graces of the spirit."

"I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me."  -  Philippians 4:13

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


But what if you are not a true believer and are not born again?

You are lost and destined for hell if you do not repent of your sins and turn to Jesus in heartfelt belief that He is the Savior and the only way to God and to heaven.

Pray for forgiveness, turn from your sins and do not go back to your sinful life.   Only Jesus can give true freedom; only Jesus can wash away your sins.

Think about it:  Jesus loves you so much that He died a cruel and painful death on the cross at Calvary so that if you but believe in Him you have the hope of eternal life with Him forever !!  He took all of our sins upon Himself while on the cross; He took our place so that we could live forever.

Choose life eternal !

Choose Jesus !

We are living in the last hour of the last days.  Bible prophecy is being fulfilled or current events are precursors to what the Bible said would happen in these end times.

Time is short!  Don't be left behind to face the catastrophes and the destruction and the wrath of God during the 7 year tribulation which happens after Jesus returns to Rapture true believers to be with Him in heaven.

Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 where the signs of the end times are explained;  take the message to heart and make your decision NOW to accept Jesus as your Savior.  Only He can give you hope and eternal life.


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

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."  -  John 14:23

"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 !

"How To Find Contentment" - Inspirational Weekend

The above photograph is of Lika, my calico cat.  She is cat-napping and looks rather content doesn't she! Animals can teach us many lessons.   As a rule, they take life as it comes and never get anxious.

This post is about contentment and how to find it.  The online dictionary defines contentment as happiness and fulfillment; comfort, serenity and peace.  

This post is also about godliness, which means conforming to the laws and wishes of God; holiness, piety.  You are no doubt aware of what Scripture I will be referring to;  yes, 1 Timothy 6:6, which follows:

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."

It means that if you are godly and focused on the good Lord and His will, you will be more likely to feel contentment.  Worldly pleasures and materialism will not consume you to the point where you are always wanting more, more, more; yet you are never satisfied with that mindset, because material things cannot buy you happiness.  Oh, you may have some pleasure in having a new "toy" for a time, but when the newness wears off, you look for something else to possess in an unreasonable quest for happiness through material things or through a relationship.  You know what I am referring to.

I speak from experience.   Before I was born again, I looked for happiness from "things".  I had over 50 rose bushes in my yard and over 100 African violet flowers  under lights in my home.  One Persian cat was not enough, I had to have several and became a breeder.   I could go on and on, but the bottom line is, I was really trying to fill a void with things of this world instead of turning to God, Who only can truly fill that empty void within our souls.

If you learn to be content with what you already have, there will be less striving for more possessions, less debt, and less selfish desires.  Be God-centered and focus on living a life pleasing to Him.  You will find that Jesus can give you true happiness, and a purpose for living that does not include self-indulgence.   

I am reminded of the apostle Paul and what he said at Philippians 4:11-12 :

"(11)  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  (12)  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:  every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

Paul suffered much persecution, hardships, beatings, and imprisonment, yet he found joy and purpose and fulfillment in the Lord and in doing the Lord's work, which was preaching the gospel.  We can take a much needed lesson from observing Paul's life and ministry.  He was not interested in acquiring material goods or in having a big home and all of the world's comforts.  He was focused on doing God's will and reaching lost souls for the Lord.

"The heart," says Wiesinger, "amid every outward want, is then only truly rich when it not only wants nothing which it has not, but has that which raises it above what it has not."

"Let this be thy whole endeavor, this thy prayer, this thy desire, that thou mayest be stripped of all selfishness and with entire simplicity follow Jesus only."  -  Thomas A. Kempis

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

"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."  -  1 Timothy 6:7-8

The verses above remind me of that saying, "You can't take it with you."   So that is why we need to focus on Jesus and spiritual matters and to be busy doing the Lord's work.   It also reminds me of that poem which tells us,  "Only one life to live; only what's done for Christ will last." 

1 John 2:15-17 says,  (15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

We are definitely living in the last hour of the last days.  Bible prophecy is being fulfilled almost on a daily basis.  Jesus will return soon to take true believers to heaven in the Rapture of the Church.   Why be immersed in a world that is soon to pass away?  Why accumulate treasures that you cannot take into eternity?  Remember, if you are a faithful follower of  Christ, this wicked world is not your home.  We belong in heaven, our true and glorious home for all of eternity.   There godliness and contentment will be perfected.

Live for Christ !  Occupy till He returns !  (Luke 19:13)  By occupy that means to be busy in doing the Lord's will and winning lost souls to the Lord and by preaching the gospel.

If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior,  you will never know what true peace and contentment is all about.   Only Jesus can satisfy that deep longing inside, that indescribable "something" that makes the soul long for what you just cannot put your finger on but you know something is missing in life.   What is missing is Jesus, and a strong relationship with God through Christ. Only a deep, personal, intimate love relationship with the Lord can bring true peace and contentment; and in turn you will learn godliness.  Likewise, the more spiritually minded you are, the more you will find contentment.  Godliness and contentment naturally flow together.

If you are an unbeliever, now is the time to accept Jesus as your Savior and believe that only He can wash your sins away by His shed blood at Calvary.   He died for you !   Think about it!  He made a way for you to have eternal life in heaven, instead of in hell. 

We all are sinners in need of the saving power of Jesus (Romans 3:23). It is necessary to believe He is the Savior, and to ask God to forgive you of your sins; to repent with all your heart and to put your faith in Him.  You need to also believe in Jesus' resurrection.

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

Jesus loves you !

He is waiting with open arms of love and forgiveness if you but turn to Him in faith and repentance !

Choose Jesus.

Choose eternal life with Him.

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

"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