"The Potter And The Clay; Have Thine Own Way, Lord" - Inspirational Weekend

For 3 or 4 days that hymn "Have Thine Own Way Lord" has been going through my mind often.  In the morning I listen to old hymns on You Tube before I begin my Bible reading and study every day, and that is one hymn I have listened to frequently.  Have you ever had a tune pop up in your mind and it won't let go?  I felt compelled to do a post here about letting God have His own way, as well as Bible verses about the Potter and the clay.   Let's begin with a 5 minute video (below) with quoted Scriptures while showing a potter molding and shaping a clay pot.  It is interesting and inspirational.

When I was a child, the artist/singer Jim Reeves was popular.  My mother, but especially my stepfather, liked Country Music which I had no choice but to listen to.   I grew to enjoy the songs by Jim Reeves.....there is something unique about his voice.   Following is his version of the hymn "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" ;

To let the Lord have His own way, we need to first know what His way - His Will - is for us individually as well as for the nations   Almighty God spoke to the prophet Jeremiah concerning the nation of Israel and likened Himself to a Potter, with Israel being the clay.  You might like to read Jeremiah 18 and 19 for some background.   

"The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, (2) Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.  (3) Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.  (4) And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. (5) Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, (6) O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD.  Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel." - Jeremiah 18:1-6  

Jeremiah knew that not only did this refer to Israel, but to himself and to each individual as well....that we believers are going to be molded and shaped by our Heavenly Father, to conform to His will for us.  That means He wants us to be more Christ-like.  "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn amongst many brethren."  -  Romans 8:29. "For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps."  - 1 Peter 2:21  .   

"Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay: For shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not?  Or shall the thing framed say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?"  -  Isaiah 29:15

Romans 9:20-21 tells us, "(20) Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?  Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?  (21) Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"

Who are we puny humans to defy God?  To purposely disobey Him by being stubborn and self-willed?  God is the Sovereign of the universe and He is in control, not us.   It all boils down to surrendering all to God/Jesus and putting His will first in our lives.  There is a previous post here about how to surrender all to God .  The main thing is to simply obey Him in all matters, putting God's will first as I stated previously.  We learn to know His will by prayer and by reading His Holy Word.  The Lord shapes us and molds us so that He may use us in His service.  That especially includes witnessing about Jesus to lost souls.        1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God's will is to "have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

God loves us just as we are right now, but because of His love He continuously molds and shapes us into "vessels of honor", so we can be filled with His Holy Spirit and live lives that bring Him glory and honor   This growth process is a continual, daily process of molding and changing us.  If we "mess up" take comfort in the knowledge that you are a child of God and He is disciplining you and forming you - patiently - into a godly and more Christ-like child.   

God will use other people to help mold you, and He will use His Word as well.  He is patient with you, and you need to realize His love in order to behave in a manner of gratitude, obedience,  reverence, and to love Him in return.    Surrender all to Jesus; be totally and wholeheartedly committed to Him and His will, and you will be blessed.

"One of the most arduous spiritual tasks is that of giving up control and allowing the Spirit of God to lead our lives."  -  Henri Nouwen

"We are either in the process of resisting God's truth, or in the process of being shaped and molded by His truth."  -  Charles Stanley  

Where Is Your Hope ? In Men Or In God? (In View Of America's Recent Election)

In light of the recent election in America, how does it all fit with Bible prophecy and the end times?  My mind is crammed full of so much information, that I hardly know where to begin; yet at the same time I will try to abbreviate it all somewhat.   I purposely do not delve into politics on this blog, but you have to admit this election was a bit miraculous in many ways.   Some are saying that Donald Trump is our modern day Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-2; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23) and that Trump fulfills prophecy in other ways as well .  I will not go there about Trump, but the Bible tells us that in the last days before the Rapture of the Church, (true followers of Jesus), that things will be normal in the sense that people will be marrying and carrying on business as usual when Jesus returns for His Bride, the Church.

"And as it was in the days of Noe (Noah), so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.  Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."  -  Jesus speaking at Luke 17::26-30 .  See also Matthew 24:37-39.  

The Son of man in these verses is, of course, referring to Jesus Christ.  In Zechariah 12:3 it states that, regarding Israel, that all the nations of the world will be against the tiny country of Israel.   Donald Trump, however, is saying he will be friends with Israel.  That does not fit Bible prophecy.   Jan Markell has written an article titled, "So Is The Rapture Now On Hold?" which you can read here.   She states at the end of the article that the Rapture is not delayed.   However, American politics will not affect God's plans in any way whatsoever.  He may, though, use this country's politics to bring His plans to pass.    God is in charge !

The globalists are already trying to change things by taking a recount of the votes in order to make it look as if Clinton won, so they can work towards their New World Order ....One World Government, One World Economy, and One World Religion, in order to control the masses.   As you know, Trump is acting independently of the Elites and is his own man.   Unfortunately, he is terribly outnumbered.  We need to pray for him and also pray for America.  We desperately need to pray for ourselves as to what lies ahead, and also for God to intervene in order to help us gain lost souls to His kingdom before time runs out .....before the Rapture of true believers and the Tribulation period after that.

We need to look to the good Lord for help and direction and safety.  Have faith and trust in God, not men.

"Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help."  -  Psalm 146:3 .   In this verse the son of man is not referring to Jesus but to men in general.

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."  -  Psalm 118:8-9

I intend to do another post soon concerning the One World Government and its economy and false religion.   In the meantime, you may want to read Revelation 13 concerning this New World Order.  The one world religion is described in Revelation 17 if you would like to read that as well.   It is my opinion that this new system will not occur until during the 7 year tribulation period, when the antichrist is revealed.  However, the foundation for the NWO has already been laid and is being implemented in ways even now,  Therefore, if this new world government and other prophesied events are soon to occur, that means the Rapture of the true believers is even closer.   We will be in heaven when all hell breaks loose upon the earth during the Tribulation.   

Keep watching for the Lord !  Live godly lives so that you will be among those raptured when Jesus returns.   But it is not your works that save you, it is faith and heartfelt belief in Jesus as your Savior and the belief in the fact that He was resurrrected that seals you as a child of God, with heaven as your future home.  

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."  -  Ephesians 2:8-9

"And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."  - 1 John 3:3

"Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.;"  -  Titus 2: 12-13

"Thanksgiving Is The Language Of Heaven" - Inspirational Weekend

"Thanksgiving is the language of heaven....." says A.J. Gossip, a professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow.   I thought that quote was rather beautiful and expresses all the praise, thanksgiving, and worship to God that the angels and the saints in heaven are continuously proclaiming.  Imagine if all mankind on earth were to do the same.....now, before they die.   It would be a healing and transforming movement.   

The Bible has much to say about giving thanks to the Lord.   When we sing hymns and give praise and thanks to God, it uplifts our spirits to grand heights,   Harry Ironside, an American preacher, has said  "We would worry less if we praised more.  Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and disatisfaction."

"Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: and call upon Me in the day of trouble:  I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me."  -  Psalm 50:14-15.

"Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:" - Psalm 147:7

Philippians 4:6 tells us: "Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."  All Scripture is wonderful and beneficial, but Philippians 4 is special to me.  Read verses 6-8 and also verse 13, the latter verse reads, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."   That verse 13 saw me through some tough times and kept me hanging on.   But I digress a bit.  

Following is a sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley titled, "Thanksgiving In The Midst of Adversity." 

If you are not currently experiencing adversity, chances are you have in the past and will again in the future.  Not to mention the conflict and adversity in America itself in these last days we are living in.  I urge you to watch this 23 minute video, as it is quite relevant to everyone.   In this sermon, Dr. Stanley gives 9 ways we can be thankful even in the midst of adversity.   One thing he touched on and that I have learned from experience is that we need to view everything that happens to us as coming from God, or allowed by God.  When we do that, and go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him what He is trying to teach us by this adversity, it helps to alleviate the stress and sense of helplessness that can overcome us when we are stricken by hard times, heartache, pain......and the list goes on.  Just remember that you are not alone.......God is with you.  (Hebrews 13:5).  If you would spend time in prayer and Bible reading, (developing a close, personal relationship with Him) you would realize the Lord is near and waiting to direct your path.  Remember that when we are grateful, we will learn to focus on God and not on our circumstances.

"Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow."        -     Henry Ward Beecher 

Bottom line is :  When you have a close, personal and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you will find the faith and the strength to persevere during trials and hardships, and to wait on the Lord for direction.  Only He can give you the endurance necessary to "ride out" various adverse conditions.  

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."                            -  1 Thessalonians 5:18

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

"End-Time Events And The Last Jubilee Year (2017?) - Inspirational Weekend

Would you like a brand new start with all debts forgiven?  To be set "free"?   Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it !   Well, the ancient Israelis were told to have a "Jubilee" year every 50 years, in which that would all happen, making it a new start for everyone at that time.   We all know of the 7 day Sabbath, which is a rest for man.  Then the Jews were to have a 7 year Sabbath, which was a rest for the land.   Dan Goodwin, author and Bible prophecy speaker and evangelist, calls the Jubilee year a "Super Sabbath."  Please watch the informative video that follows.

We all remember the Israeli 6 day war of 1967.   Mr. Goodwin and others believe that might have been a Jubilee year, which would make 2017 another Jubilee year.  No one is exactly sure when the Jubilee is today because the Jews stopped celebrating it long ago around the Second Century BCE.  In the video above, Dan Goodwin believes 2017 is very significant as he believes the Lord Jesus Christ could possibly return then.....although he makes it clear he is not date setting.   Jesus in the Bible at Matthew 24:36 tells us, "But of that day and hour knoweth  no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only."

Jesus also in Matthew 24 and other Gospel books told us signs of His near return; that we would recognize it as near; that we would be aware of the season and its significance; but it is clear we would not know the exact time of His return.   If we did, His return would not be imminent, as the Bible teaches us.  

This 50th year occurs on one of God's Feast Days - the Day of Atonement.  (Leviticus 16; 23:26-32). Today it is commonly called Yom Kippur.  It typifies or points to the work of Christ, who is our High Priest (Hebrews 13:11-12).

In the above video, Mr. Goodwin speaks of an ancient Hebrew, Judah Ben Samuel, who gave prophecies concerning the future Jubilees, including one that says 2017 would be significant.   Here is a link, and another link to the year 2012 articles about Judah Ben Samuel's prophecies, for those who are interested in pursuing this further.   Like Dan Goodwin, I do not put my hope and belief in what a certain man says, but only in what God's Word the Bible tells us....and through what the prophets in the Bible spoke by God's Holy Spirit.

However, we are definitely living in the last of the last days.   Bible prophecy is being fulfilled daily...right in front of us, and is occurring more frequently and with greater intensity than ever before.    This means we are to be watchful and looking up for the Lord's return.  And, as I have said many times previously, we need to be living a life that is pleasing to Jesus and totally surrendered to Him and His will.   This reminds me of the hymn "I Surrender All", which I have posted here before but feel the urge to post it again.

 

I am also reminded of the quote by Adrian Rogers:  "If satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."  

We can get so caught up in our careers and day to day cares and concerns, that we don't take the time to pray and read the Bible.  That is so sad, because that is how we can grow and mature as effective Christians and, most importantly, to have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Unless you spend quality time with someone...talking, sharing, and showing love and concern, you really never come to truly KNOW that person.  The same is true of God.   James 4:8a says, "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you."

"Modern mankind can go anywhere, do everything and be completely curious about the universe.  But only a rare person now and then is curious enough to want to know God."  -  A. W. Tozer

"The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath is against all them that forsake Him."  -  Ezra 8:22b

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

Have a blessed weekend !  Remember, God loves you and He is near, waiting for you to turn to Him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength  (Mark 12:30-31).  Don't delay !  

Billy Crone On Artificial Intelligence, Super Soldiers, RFID Chips, Mark Of The Beast, And More End-Time Events

Back in the 90's Google started out not just being another search engine, but to develop and create Artificial Intelligence.   They gather information on us and then put it into a data base to "feed" the AI so it will have the total human experience.  Many of you are already aware of this fact.  IBM is also working on artificial intelligence, only lately they are calling it Augmented Intelligence.  This can become dangerous if the AI becomes self-aware and decides people need to be terminated.   This and more is touched on in the following 28 minute video featuring Billy Crone, a pastor of a Las Vegas church who also creates many various videos on topics pertaining to these end times we are living in now.  

Please take the time to watch this information packed video on subjects that will wake us up to the corruption and also the unbelievable things that are happening now that will change the way we live and the way we think; that is, if the Lord tarries.  I believe that many of these developments, which are being created and implemented now, will happen during the seven-year tribulation period, which occurs after the Rapture of the Church to heaven to be with the Lord.   I have touched on this in more than one other blog post, one of which is found here.  That post of mine, as well as what Billy Crone discusses in the above video, touches on the Mark of the Beast  (Antichrist) .....read Revelation 13:16-17.    The powers that be plan to microchip everything (trees, animals, humans) so they can keep track of everything and everybody.  This will make it possible to track humans so that they can neither buy or sell without the Mark of the antichrist on their hand or on their forehead. If it is not an RFID chip, it could possibly be a tattoo.  I have heard some scholars say that this chip may be able to alter your DNA to where you, in a sense, lose your soul..... which you will do anyway if you pledge your allegiance to the antichrist, to follow him instead of Almighty God.   

Then there is transhumanism and human hybrids....genetically modifying human beings.   In transhumanism, the thought is that you will be your own god and will be able to achieve eternal life without the One True God.    So they think.   It all goes back to Genesis 3 when the devil told Eve that if she ate of one certain tree forbidden by God, that she would not die and would be like a god herself.   (Genesis 3:1-6).... or better yet, read the entire chapter.   

You may search the Internet for more information on these topics.  What I wish to stress now is that we should be in right standing with the Lord; fully trusting in God and in Jesus as our Savior.  Not just head knowledge of Him, but true, deep-down, heartfelt belief and trust.   So many people who call themselves Christians are fooled by their so-called head knowledge only and not by a true conversion to the Lord.  That is why so many are carnally or worldly minded and do not have their focus on Jesus and pleasing Him and living totally surrendered to Him.  

Turn to the Lord now in faith and surrender to Him before it is too late !

"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