"The Foolishness Of God" - Inspirational Weekend

I photographed this scene at the Honolulu Foster Botanical Gardens.   The man (unknown to me) is studying a guide to the plants and paths in the Garden. It was an opportunity to show the immense size of the tree compared to the height of the man.  As he is studying the guide and which path to take, it reminds me of how we need to study the Bible to direct our paths and choices.

As I was reading the Bible earlier this week, the phrase "foolishness of God" struck me and I decided then and there to do a blog post on I Corinthians 1:25.   

Of course, there is no foolishness of God.  It just appears that way to ungodly men who do not appreciate or understand the Gospel and Christ crucified.   There are so many scoffers today (2 Peter 3:3-4).  They scoff not only about the supposed "delay" of the Rapture, but also about the fact that the Son of God who was crucified could save us when He did not save Himself from death on the cross. They fail to comprehend that Jesus had to shed His precious blood as a way to save all who believe in Him .....His blood washes away our sins.  On the cross, Christ was our substitute; He took the sins of the whole world upon Himself so that we might not die in our sins if we believe in Him.  The fact that Jesus was resurrected gives us believers hope of eternal life as well.  We also will be resurrected after death or caught up to Heaven in the Rapture, whichever occurs first.  Many people today are immersed in pleasure, career, selfish pursuits of all types, ambition, and the list goes on.   They live secular lives, never giving thought to Jesus and God and where they will spend eternity.   The Gospel and Christ puts a damper, so they think. on their selfish pursuits and wild lifestyles.  Even if they are not pursuing a wild life, they are still dead spiritually without faith in Jesus, and will spend eternity in Hell unless they repent and live a life totally surrendered to the Lord.  

Also, ungodly persons feel that the actual preaching itself of the Gospel is foolishness. But God can use the meekest and weakest of men to preach Christ with clarity and effectiveness.   Therefore, they can be stronger in their effectiveness than the wisest of worldly men.   The world's wisdom is foolishness.  

I Corinthians 1:25 speaks not only of the foolishness of God, but also of the weakness of God as being stronger than men.   God is not weak; it only appears so to people who are carnally minded and who do not have a spiritual understanding of the things of God.   It no doubt takes strength on the Lord's part not to just zap all the ungodly and be done with it.  .However, we are in the age of grace right now and God is long suffering.  

"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

After the Rapture of the Church, and during the seven-year tribulation, there will be much destruction and the wicked people will suffer and die.  Now is the time to turn to the Lord in repentance !!  To depart from evil is the wisest thing anyone can do;  that and turning to the Lord and living for Him.

When you appreciate the beauty of orchids and all of God's creation, you can see the wisdom of God in His handiwork.  Seeing all the marvels of nature should draw us close to the Lord; He is, after all, the Creator of man as well.  Just think of the miracle of a baby growing in the womb; the precision found in the heavenly planets and stars.  Also consider the tender love that wild animals (as well as our pets) show towards their offspring ....because of the instinct the loving heavenly Father put within them.  Think about the instinct of the wild birds to migrate each year....the list could continue forever!  One thing I never tire of is the beauty of sunsets and sunrises.  Below is a very short time lapse video of gorgeous sunsets:

Also consider the caterpillar that miraculously becomes a butterfly:

I used to own tropical fish, and spent much relaxing time watching them swim in the tank.  God showed love and wisdom in creating such a variety of fish and other animals for our enjoyment. Enjoy the following:

How mighty and amazing is our Creator!  How dare mankind to ignore Him and even to blaspheme Him !  The wonders of His creation testify to His great love and His awesomeness.  Yet man can be extremely proud and defiant towards Him, to their own peril.  We only have one life!  Only what's done for Christ will last !  (As the powerful poem goes).

Many people today think they are way too wise to believe the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are very proud of their human wisdom.   Just remember that what the world considers foolishness is instead a sign of God's love and wisdom.   Open and read your Bible. By doing so you will come to intimately know God and Jesus and your love for them will grow as you study and pray and learn to comprehend their loving attributes.

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"  -  I Peter 1:18-19

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

"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

Prophecy Updates - Current World Events From A Biblical Viewpoint - Amir Tsarfati

I felt the need to post a couple of recent videos concerning world events (including America).  I know the election is on everyone's mind right now, but we must also pay attention to other news as it will also affect us one way or another.   The first video was posted on You Tube this morning and discusses what Russia is up to lately. 

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9gLvJO1Iw8

One of the subjects discussed in the above video link is the fact that Russia has been making maps of where internet cables are located in various areas and may possibly be intending to "cut" the cables to disrupt communications for whatever reasons, maybe if war breaks out.

The next video is by Israeli Amir Tsarfati, who gave his life to Jesus when he was a high school senior.   He has a thriving ministry and travels extensively to preach about end-time events and Bible prophecy.  In August of this year he spoke at a church here in the Honolulu area.   In this video below he speaks of events in the Middle East, mentions American politics (Hillary and Trump), the Rapture, and something interesting about when the Pope recently visited Sweden.   It seems the Pope thinks we need to add six more beatitudes to the Holy Bible.   Amir quotes what they are in the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAsgcB9-anw

You may find Amir on You Tube at Behold Israel and also at his website http:www.beholdisrael.org 

I have mentioned before about the move for a One World Government, a Global Economy, and a One World Religion.   All the chaos we see happening is preparing us to surrender to a world dictator, the antichrist, who will seem, at first, to solve the world's problems.  He will come to power during the seven-year Tribulation period.   But Jesus followers, take heart!  We will be raptured before the antichrist appears on the scene.   If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord and Master, now is the time to do so !   You will avoid all of the horrors and destruction that take place in the Tribulation.   But most of all, you will be with Jesus in heaven while God's wrath is being poured out on the ungodly left on earth during that 7 year period; and you will be with God and Jesus for all eternity as well.  

We live in an amazing time when end-time Bible prophecy is being fulfilled daily.  It just increases the believers' faith to witness all that is happening now and gives us hope and faith that the Lord will return very soon.  This hope gives joy and peace to believers, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit."  -  Romans 15:13

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

"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."   -  Jesus speaking at John  14:1-3

"When Troubles Come Your Way" - Inspirational Weekend

Troubles, trials, and heartache come and go in our lives.  Some can be our own fault, some can be the fault of others, and still some trouble comes our way because God is disciplining or chastising us.  And then again, some troubles are really imaginary; they are only in the mind.   This reminds me of a French philosopher who made the statement, "My life is full of catastrophies, most of which never happened."   

But for troubles and trials that are all too real and painful, what can we do?  One of the things I learned from Dr. Charles Stanley is that we should look at everything as coming from God.   He can use our afflictions to draw us to Him and to correct us and set us on the right path.   Following is a quote by E.M. Bounds:  " Trouble is God's servant, doing His will unless He is defeated in the execution of that will.  Trouble is under the control of Almighty God, and is one of His most efficient agents in fulfilling His purposes and in perfecting His saints.  God's hand is in every trouble which breaks into the lives of men.  Not that He directly and arbitrarily orders every unpleasant experience of life.  Not that He is personally responsible for every painful and afflicting thing which comes into the lives of His people.  But no trouble is ever turned loose in this world and comes into the life of saint or sinner, but comes with divine permission, and is allowed to exist and do its painful work with God's hand in it or on it, carrying out His gracious designs of redemption.   All things are under divine control."

All that being true, the best course of action to take when troubles and afflictions arise is to turn to the Lord in prayer.   "And call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me."  - Psalm 50:15 .    Prayer is the best and the most helpful thing to do in times of trouble.   Ask the good Lord what He wants you to do; ask for guidance.   Sometimes the answer is to just "wait on the Lord."  Psalm 27:14 tells us, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD."   That verse has helped me tremendously to cope in times of distress and trouble.  

Following is a 5 minute sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley titled, "Focus on God, not your problems".

 Sometimes in an emergency we might feel like we need an answer immediately, never mind waiting on God.   This is where faith comes in.  Trust and faith.   You still need to get on your knees and pray with all your heart and pour everything out to the good Lord.   It is possible to receive an answer right away from Him.  If not, you may need to consult a pastor or a mature Christian for advice.  Better yet, have that person pray for you as well.   In my experience, however, the Lord always points the way.  But in an emergency situation, other people can be a great help.

Ultimately, it is Yahweh to whom we should look for guidance and comfort. No one can do what He can do.  He will send His Holy Spirit to help you cope and find your way in the midst of turmoil or just plain old troubles.   All of this may be things you already know, but we all need reminders from time to time.   

"Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble."  - Job 14:1

"And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;"  -   Luke 18:1

"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."   -         Romans 8:26

This song by Selah, "You Raise Me Up", seems to be a fitting way to end this post.  It is uplifting and encouraging, and quite beautiful.  When you pray, God raises you up and gives you hope.

Keep looking up !  Have a wonderful weekend !

"Thoughts On Prayer and Living For God" - Inspirational Weekend

Forget yourself!  If you truly want to live for God, you must put Him and Jesus first in your life; put God's will first above anything and everyone else.  Forget about your self-centered desires, and ask the good Lord what His will is for your life.  Our chief purpose is to glorify God !   This reminds me of Ecclesiastes 12:13 :  ":Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."  When you have a reverent fear of God and want to do His will above all else; and when you endeavor to keep His commandments, then you are leading a life that pleases the Lord and that glorifies Him.  

The commandment spoken by Jesus at Matthew 22:37-40 says,  "(37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment.  (39)  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."  

"God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."  -    1 John 4:16 

With hearts full of love for God and Jesus and also love for our neighbor, we are truly living for God.

Not to forget 1 John 4:7, which tells us , "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."

We get to know God by much prayer and by reading and studying His Holy Word.  His Word is full of His glorious attributes, and the more we read, the more we learn about Him and Jesus; which in turn teaches us to love the Lord more and more as time goes on.  As we draw closer and closer to God, we begin to think of His desires more than we do of our own.  Also, this love for the Lord will incline us to always be obedient to Him, which is another way to glorify Him.   If you are not obedient to God, then perhaps you are not truly born again.  There are many other ways that we may glorify God, but for now let us concentrate on prayer. 

I would like to quote E.M. Bounds from his book on prayer:  " Desire is not merely a simple wish; it is a deep seated craving; an intense longing, for attainment.  In the realm of spiritual affairs, it is an important adjunct to prayer.  Desire precedes prayer, accompanies it, is followed by it.  Desire goes before prayer, and by it, created and intensified.  Prayer is the oral expression of desire.  .....If prayer is asking God for something, then prayer must be expressed.  Prayer comes out into the open.  Desire is silent.  ......The deeper the desire, the stronger the prayer.  Without desire, prayer is a meaningless mumble of words.  Such perfunctory, formal praying, with no heart, no feeling, no real desire accompanying it, is to be shunned like a pestilence.  Its exercise is a waste of precious time, and from it, no real  blessing accrues."

Desire, as expressed by Mr. Bounds, is normal and necessary when it comes to prayer.  But it is selfish desires and putting our will first that is displeasing to the Lord.

E.M. Bounds continues:  "Spiritual desire, carried to a higher 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 thereby.'  (I Peter 2:2).  The absence of this holy desire in the heart is presumptive proof, either of a decline in spiritual ecstasy, or that the new birth has never taken place.  ' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.'  (Matthew 5:6).  These heaven-given appetites are the proof of a renewed heart, the evidence of a stirring spiritual life.    ...........This, then, is the basis of prayer which compels an answer -  that strong inward desire has entered into the spiritual appetite, and clamors to be satisfied.    ..........  God draws mightily near to the praying soul.  To see God, to know God, and to live for God - these form the objective of all true praying.  Thus, praying is, after all, inspired to seek after God."

One time, a few months back, I was in deep, earnest prayer and weeping as I prayed and pleading with God. A still small voice spoke to my heart and soul, saying, "Is anything too hard for Me?"   I knew it was the Lord encouraging me.   Later, I looked up Scriptures on that subject and found in Genesis 18:14 "Is anything too hard for the LORD?"  and Jeremiah 32:27 which says, "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for Me?"    Other verses were found at Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, and Isaiah 59:1.   I know God will answer that prayer (I am still waiting) because to me it was like a promise from Him that He would.  So I know that sincere, heartfelt prayer reaches the heart of God and that He does answer that type of prayer.  Think about it, all of our prayers should be deep, heartfelt, and prayed with faith that He hears us and will answer us in His due time.   The Lord has answered my prayers in the past and I believe He will continue to do so.

Never give up and continue to approach God with faith and hope and perseverance.  Be like the widow who sought justice from an unjust judge.  She continually confronted the judge until he grew weary of her pestering him, and he finally answered her petition.  (Luke 18:1-8)   

Let's enjoy a refreshing and soothing video showing scenes from Maui, Hawaii, with quiet music in the background.  I have visited Maui a few times so it was a delight for me to "revisit" there by viewing this video.  

It is my sincere wish that your weekend is a happy and enjoyable one, and that you remember to put Christ first in everything you do.   

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."  -  Jesus at Mark 11:24

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

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

Videos - "The Future of War" Featuring Bob Maginnis and "The Bankruptcy of Our Nation"

               

The videos here are very recent and give a glimpse of some of the gigantic problems we face in these tumultuous end-time days we find ourselves living in right now.   The first video features LTC Bob Maginnis who not only talks about his new book "Future War", but also topics such as how our  "culture has misplaced values" and how the making of super soldiers (with brain implants that make them more effective and stronger in battles -  and less human as well)  will dramatically alter them as well as their souls.   Here is that video :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl0hJpoB0GI

The next video, with Jerry Robinson, is about the "allusion of prosperity" we are experiencing and the one phrase he repeats is "The Titanic has hit the iceberg".  It is important to be informed about the economy.

The information here is not meant to depress you.   If you are a true believer you realize this world is not our true home and that soon Jesus will return to take us there.   There is a wonderful hope for those who put their trust in Christ and not in this world and its governments.   

"Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help."  -  Psalm 146:3

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."  -  Psalm 118:8

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

Dangers Of Halloween - With Video About Some Of The Symbols of Halloween

Here it is Fall, and almost time for Halloween.   Time to dress our children as witches, and goblins, and even devils.  Or should we put our innocent children to practice a tradition that is steeped in darkness and pagan origin ?  When our children are taught that things of darkness can be fun and supposedly harmless, it teaches them to not be wary of anything dark and satanic.  They grow older and experiment with Ouija boards and other occult things, having no fear of the danger.   Very few Christians take the time to look up things about the pagan origin of Halloween, and they also don't take to heart such Scriptures as 1 Peter 2:9 which says,  "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light:"  (KJV)

Did you know that satanists regard Halloween as a high holy day and offer human sacrifices to the devil at this time?   How much into darkness is that !!  Children who think witches and devils are fun play as at Halloween, can be easily influenced by satan.  They grow up thinking it is all harmless and that makes it easier for them to accept occultic practices.   Sadly, even our churches have Halloween parties.  

Think about how all this must make The Lord God Almighty feel when He sees His children, whether adults or little ones, getting involved in the works of darkness when His desire is for us to be children of light .   

"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.   And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."  -     Ephesians 5:8-11

You may Google "Origin of Halloween"  for more information on this subject.

Following is a video by Skywatchtv.com featuring Derek Gilbert who gives information about popular symbols of Halloween such as vampires, werewolves, and the like (all from a biblical viewpoint).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T3UBFnR_VM

It is my intention to start posting topics such as this and ones on current events in these perilous end times at the beginning of each week.   My Inspirational Weekend posts, which are more biblical and contain positive affirmations of Scripture and Bible topics, will continue to be found here on Thursdays or Fridays to start your weekend with a more soothing and pleasant type of experience.  

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

"There Is Always Hope" - Inspirational Weekend

There will be no negative headlines in this inspirational post....just calming and assuring Scriptures that are full of hope and better things to come.  Also there is a sermon here on hope by Adrian Rogers.   

Hope from a biblical viewpoint is not "wishful thinking" but a "confident expectation".  Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  In a sense, hope is also wrapped up in faith.   Without hope, there seems to be no meaning to life. I have mentioned previously how a few years ago (1998) I literally lost everything and my life seemed hopeless.  I know what it means to do without many necessities.  But that is not what I want to dwell on here, except to say that through reading God's Word and prayer and strength from the Lord, He helped me to hang on and gave me a sense of direction and purpose.   A hope.  Meaning. A close relationship with the Lord.

A favorite verse of mine is found at Hebrews 6:19:  "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail;" .  

Following is commentary by Albert Barnes on Hebrews 6:19:    "Hope accomplishes for the soul the same thing which an anchor does for a ship.  It makes it fast and secure.  An anchor preserves a ship when the wind blows, and as long as the anchor holds, so long the ship is safe, and the mariner apprehends no danger.  So with the soul of the Christian.  In the tempests and trials of life, his mind is calm as long as his hope of heaven is firm.  If that gives way, he feels that all is lost."  Regarding the phrase "And which entereth into that within the vail", Barnes continues :  "The allusion to the "anchor" is dropped, and the apostle speaks simply of hope.  The "veil" here refers to what in the temple divided the holy from the most holy place.  The place "within the veil" - the most holy place - was regarded as God's special abode - where He dwelt by the visible symbol of His presence.  That holy place was emblematic of heaven, and the idea here is, that the hope of the Christian enters into heaven itself; it takes hold on the throne of God; it is made firm by being fastened there.  It is not the hope of future riches, honors, or pleasures in this life - for such a hope would not keep the soul steady; it is the hope of immortal blessedness and purity in the world beyond."

Following is a sermon by Adrian Rogers on how to have a steadfast hope in a shaky world.

The most important thing we can do to hang on during trials and hardships is to keep our eyes on the things above and not on earthly, worldly things and the chaos in our troubled world.   As  Colossians 3:1-2 tells us:  "(1) If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

Also we need to keep looking in expectation for the return of our Lord.   That gives hope.  It also inclines believers to purify themselves, to live a godly life now so as to be found "blameless" when Jesus comes again to take us to heaven.   ( 1 John 3:3)

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

Truly it is a blessed hope and we should always be looking for Jesus' return. And to tell lost souls about it and the Gospel of Christ.  

So when the world is falling apart, turn to the Lord for hope and encouragement.  The power of the Holy Spirit will produce joy and peace within you

Enjoy the following nature video and have a Christ-centered weekend.

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit."  -  Romans 15:13