"It Is All About Attitude" - Inspirational Weekend

The still, tranquil lake in my photograph above is a reminder that as followers of Christ, we also should be still and serene and calm.  God can show you by His Holy Spirit the right attitude you should have.....a Christ-like attitude.  

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 2:5 (KJV)

"Make your own attitude that of Jesus Christ."  -  Philippians 2:5  (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

If you read your Bible daily and pray daily, you cannot help but gain a good attitude.  God's Word has power !  I remember how easily agitated I used to get over even the slightest little upset.  This was many years ago before I was born again.  Prayer draws you closer to God, and so does daily Bible reading.  You learn of Jesus' attributes from the Holy Word, and thereby you can learn to imitate the Savior.  The Lord changed my attitude by renewing my mind with His Word and His Holy Spirit.

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children."  -  Ephesians 5:1

Children love to imitate their parents in words as well as in actions  Believers are children of God and should also imitate Him.   Jesus was all about love.  He was patient and kind and had compassion for people.  His love was so great that He willingly died and bled for our sins, so that we might, by believing in Him and in His resurrection, have eternal life.  

Be loving, be humble, be patient.  In other words, exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit found at Galatians 5:22-23  :   "But the fruit of the Spirit  is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Most Christians are familiar with what I have just stated and are familiar with the Scriptures that I quoted here.   But not all that read this blog are Christians.  The purpose of my writing is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to share Bible Prophecy that is coming true now in these last days we are living in.

Back to attitude.  Remember, we chose what attitude to have on any given day or circumstance.  It is an ongoing choice, daily.   Someone once said, "The choice to rejoice leads to an attitude of gratitude."  We all have heard that "Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent of how you respond to it."  Attitude !  

Another very important attitude is that of forgiveness.   We cannot be bitter and angry and resentful and expect the Lord to bless us when we have that sort of an attitude.   God has forgiven us of so much, shouldn't we do the same for others !!

"Persistence in prayer for someone we don't like, however much it goes against the grain to begin with, brings about a remarkable change in attitude."  -  F. F. Bruce

If you make it your goal to please the Lord, that alone will remarkably change your attitude.  Endeavor to help others as much as possible.   Do not be selfish and self-centered.  Focus on Jesus and imitate Him.   

Read Acts 5:40-42  where the apostles were beaten and were commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus.  Verse 41 says, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name."   And what did they do?  They went again and continued to preach and teach about Jesus (verse 42). Talk about courage and zeal and boldness! The early apostles were even willing to die for Jesus and the preaching of His Gospel.   How many Christians today are willing to do the same?   One commentator has said, "Wherefore, it is no marvel that there be so few found which are strong and stout to bear the cross, because we are almost all drowned and overwhelmed with the sense of the flesh; and there is scarce one amongst an hundred which considereth that the reproach of Christ doth far excel all the triumphs of the world, which is the only matter of comfort.  Wherefore, we must use the greater diligence in thinking upon this sentence; that we are at this day made partakers of  "the sufferings of Christ, that we may be partakers of His glory"

We are all imperfect, and make mistakes and need guidance.  Let that guidance come from the Lord through prayer and through His Holy Word.  My prayer is that you develop a close, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Do that and see how your attitude is improved,   You will think more about wholesome and good things, positive things.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  -  Romans 12:2

"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                        

Fukushima - We Are In Grave Danger

It is the worst environmental disaster in the history of the world !  Fukushima radiation is not only in the Pacific ocean, but also in our food and water.   Air currents have carried the radiation far and wide ..  all over the world. The main stream media has been silent, for the most part, or played down the dangers of this excessive radiation count.  Quite frankly, the radiation is also in us because we eat the contaminated food and drink the water and breathe the air !   Some experts believe it will never be completely cleaned up at the Fukushima disaster area....it is an impossible task.   Check out this article for more details and the current unimaginable radiation levels.

Living in Hawaii, our shores are also affected.  There have been mutations and dead fish and whales. There is a reason for dead mammals and dead fish here as well as along the western coast of the USA.  I no longer feel the urge to plunge into the ocean any more....I rarely even go to the beach now.

It reminds me of the Scripture at Revelation 11:18 where it says that God will "destroy them which destroy the earth."   

Sorry if this sounds all doom and gloom.   The good part is that Jesus will return soon and rescue us from this wicked and contaminated earth.   In light of all the recent prophetic developments, we know it cannot be much longer before we are raptured to heaven.  Again, only the heavenly Father knows the day and the hour when it will occur; but Jesus gave us signs of when we are living in the last days at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.   

Following is a short clip about Fukushima and its harmful repercussions:

It has occurred to me that even buying organic foods to stay healthy is futile; they are affected by the radiation fall out as well.   Bottled water may not be that safe now either, although I continue to buy it.   Be very careful when it comes to consuming fish or don't eat it at all, preferably.

Our hope should be in the good Lord.   Pray, read the Bible, be immersed in spiritual things and do not be enamored  with the things of the world, which are soon to be destroyed.  

1 John 2:15-17 tells us,  (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 forever.."

Keep looking up !   

Be alert!

Be ready !

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."  -  1 Corinthians 16:13

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh"   -  Luke 21:28

"The Beauty Of Meekness" - Inspirational Weekend

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a meek person exhibits humbleness, humility, lowliness, and modesty.  The meek do not feel they are better than others, and have a quiet and mild disposition. There is grace and beauty in meekness.  It is one of the fruit of the Spirit :

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law."  -  Galatians 5:22-23

As believers and followers of Jesus, we should endeavor to imitate Him as much as we possibly can. And the Bible tells us that Jesus was meek when He walked the earth about 2000 years ago.  Christ was a perfect model of meekness.  Therefore, we need to be meek individuals as well because we call ourselves Christians.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."   -  Jesus speaking at Matthew 11:29 .

Unfortunately, in today's modern English, "meek" is considered the same as being "weak".  Not so.  Meekness is strength under control. 

"Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method.  The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort."

A. W. Tozer

Meekness is when someone gives you a hard time or physically or verbally abuses you, and you do not retaliate but can still show kindness and feel pity for that person, for he no doubt is a lost soul.  Or a Christian in a weak and sinful moment, perhaps.   You can see, therefore, that a meek person does not show uncontrolled anger, and shows no malice or the wish for revenge.   Meekness is bearing injuries with grace, believing that God will vindicate us. (Romans 12:19)

Moses was a very meek person  (Numbers 12:3).  As a rule, he had a gentleness of spirit.  The apostle Paul was also meek. He endured much wrong and yet suffered it patiently.  

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

Matthew 5:5

The above Beatitude is taken from Psalm 37:11, which says,  "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

One commentary states that in the above Psalm, meekness here refers not so much to an attitude toward people as to a disposition before God.... meaning humility.  A willingness to bend, and obey God no matter what.  To realize that the Lord is sovereign and we are His servants.   

Following is a sermon by Charles Spurgeon concerning meekness and the Beatitude of Matthew 5:5.

In this sermon, Spurgeon explains what it means to "inherit the earth."

Remember, a truly righteous person is meek, and willing to be taught of God and eagerly and reverently pours over God's Holy Word, receiving understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit.  An arrogant and proud person, who thinks he knows all there is to know, is not teachable and will not, as a rule, be drawn to God and His Word.   Remember, God is far from the proud person.

"Though the LORD be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knoweth afar off."  

Psalm 138:6

"The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way."  -  Psalm 25:9

May we be humble and pleasing to God.  May we have a quite and mild spirit and be full of kindness and mercy toward others.  In effect, be imitators of Jesus Christ.

Yes, there is beauty in meekness.  

"For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people:  He will beautify the meek with salvation."

Psalm 149:4

Prophecy Update By Amir Tsarfati - Video On Current Middle East Events

Just posted today, February 6, 2017, a prophecy update by Amir Tsarfati concerning Middle East events and how Bible Prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes.  This video was filmed on top of Golan Heights on the border of Syria, and you can see Syria in the background.  This video is only 22 minutes in length and Amir gives a very detailed and informative explanation of current events.  Remember, what occurs in the Middle East affects the rest of the world.  Israel is God's prophetic time clock and all that is happening there and in the Middle East right now proves that we are in the last days - the end times - in light of how it all fulfills Bible Prophecy.

Mr. Tsarfati also touches upon America and its roll in Middle Eastern events.  I urge you to watch this as its message is relevant Now !!   He tells us that Damascus is now two-thirds empty of inhabitants and that the prophecy at Isaiah 17:1 will no doubt be fulfilled very soon.  There are buried and concealed weapons underneath hospitals and the like in that city now, and if it were struck by missiles that would definitely assure Damascus' total destruction.

"The burden of Damascus, behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."  -  Isaiah 17:1

Speaking again of Damascus, Isaiah 17:14 tells us, "And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not.  This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us."

In other words, in the evening Damascus will be standing, but by morning it will be no more......destroyed.    Sounds like bomb damage to be destroyed as totally and as quickly as that.   

Mr. Tsarfati also makes reference to the Gog - Magog invasion and war.   What is happening now in the Middle East is a precursor to that prophetic war.   I have written about that war here.

All of this means the return of Jesus to rapture true believers is very near.  Now is the time to turn to Him and put your faith in Him and to believe that He died for you, redeemed you, and was resurrected from the dead.   Repent of your sins and ask forgiveness and live a life totally surrendered to Him and to His will.   Time is short !

"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."  -  Romans 10:9

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  -  Romans 10:13

"The Importance Of Patience - With God And Man" - Inspirational Weekend

We all need patience, especially mothers with young children.  As Christians, it becomes us and gives glory to the Lord when we exhibit patience with others.  It pleases God when we are patient with Him and learn to wait upon Him to answer our prayers and to give us guidance and direction in troublesome times as well as in normal daily affairs.   It has been said, if you ask the heavenly Father for patience, He will send you trials to teach you patience and endurance.   And when you ask the Lord for patience don't tell Him that you want it right now !!  We may be amused by that statement, but it pretty well describes modern man's impatience. It is in our makeup to expect instant results.  After all we have instant mashed potatoes, microwaveable meals, immediate response from our Internet, and the list goes on.   We also do not like to wait in lines or to be stuck in stalled traffic.   Again, we need patience.   After all, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."  -  Galatians 5:22-23

"Longsuffering" in the verse above is an old English word for patience.  "Patience is a quiet, steady perseverance; the bearing of pain, provocation, annoyance, and misfortune, without complaint, irritation, or loss of temper."  So says the dictionary.   We all know what patience means without having to consult a dictionary, but do we actually live it out in our lives?  

There are many examples of patience - as well as impatience - in the Bible.  Moses showed impatience and anger with the stubborn and complaining people that he was leading from Egypt to the Promised Land.  God told Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water from it, but instead in anger and impatience with the grumbling people, Moses struck the rock twice with his rod.  It was an act of rebellion against God's command and the Lord punished Moses by forbidding him to enter the Promised Land.  (Numbers 20:1-13)

Everyone has heard the expression, "The patience of Job."  Job suffered extreme loss and hardship.  He lost his ten children in one day, as well as all his wealth in the same day.  Then his health was affected by painful boils all over his body.  His so-called friends accused him of wrong-doing and said he must have sinned terribly and was being punished for his wickedness,  Through all of this Job exhibited much patience.   

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.  Behold, we count them happy which endure.  Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."                     -  James 5:10-11

Jesus was a patient teacher and healer.  The heavenly Father is also patient.

"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

What a loving and awesome God !

"Quite honestly, most people are quick to 'write someone off'.  But our God is a God of second chances.  Learn from One who is patient with you and you'll learn to be patient with others."

Woodrow Kroll

Here is a 13 minute sermon by Charles Spurgeon about patience.  He also touches on gossip at the same time.  

Patience can draw us closer to God.  Let's face it, when we experience trials and hardships, we are more likely to turn to the Lord in prayer for help and guidance.  It also means we need patience to wait on and trust God for an answer and direction.  When we wait patiently on the Lord it renews our strength.

There is a worship song by John Waller that tells us what to do while we are waiting on the Lord:

Presently, in America, Christians are not persecuted as much as they are in other countries where they are being martyred.   We should use what precious time we have left in winning lost souls by the Holy Spirit.  The Rapture could happen at any time and there are still many people who need to be saved.  We need to show patience with people, yet at the same time let them know that times are urgent and Jesus will not tarry for very long before He returns.  Keep in mind, only the Heavenly Father knows the day and the hour of Christ's return, but the Lord told us what would be the signs of His near return in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.  Many Bible prophecies are being fulfilled at a rapid pace right now, and converging all at once.

Be alert!  Be ready !

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

"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."  -  Romans 8:25

Guess What May Be Hastening The Fulfillment Of Bible Prophecy ! (With Video)

Are you watching the news ?  I have said before that Bible Prophecy is being fulfilled almost daily now.  To discern this, you need to not only watch the news but also to read your Bible, in particular about Bible prophecy.  The average person doesn't have a clue about the prophetic times we find ourselves living in right now.   And many Christians are included in that statement, because their pastors do not teach Bible prophecy.  The following video is a sermon by a pastor here on Oahu that, after his regular sermon each Sunday, does teach prophecy as well.  He is there faithfully preaching and teaching Bible prophecy in light of recent headlines, etc.     Following is the January 29, 2017, lesson.

Christians should be vigilant and watchful and on guard.  It is still a dangerous time for believers.  We need to be in prayer and in our Bibles daily, in order to be strong and to be able to endure what may follow.  There could be some bad times here in America (as well as across the world) before the Rapture of true believers occurs.   But rest assured, we will not suffer God's wrath --- that occurs during the 7-year Tribulation period sometime after the Rapture.   

There are end-time prophecies throughout the Bible; the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.  If you enter "end times" or "tribulation" or "Rapture" in the Search Box on this blog, you will see my other posts concerning prophecies and some with sermons and commentary.   You need to be careful what you see on the Internet; as you well know, not all of it is true or reliable.   Keep up on You Tube with "Prophecy Watchers" and "Prophecy In The News" for reliable resources on Bible prophecy.   Another excellent You Tube site is "Skywatch TV".

"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."  -  Revelation 1:3

"Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."

Jesus speaking at Revelation 22:7

 

"How To Have Your Prayers Answered" - Inspirational Weekend

"Prayer is simply faith....faith and prayer move God."  -  E.M. Bounds

First of all, to have your prayers answered by God, you need to be a born-again believer in Jesus Christ.   The only prayer God hears by a deliberate sinner is one where the sinner comes to God in true repentance and sincerely asks for forgiveness and for Jesus to come into his heart and transform him and his life.  Needless to say, when believers commit unintentional sin, we too should confess it and ask the Lord for forgiveness.  We cannot be deliberately sinning and expect God to grant our every request.  Indeed, you should question whether you are truly a believer if you deliberately and willfully sin.   But I am reminded of King David where he committed adultery and had the woman's husband killed.  When he felt remorse and repented, the Lord forgave him, but there were consequences.  David had severe trials and family relationships went sour; one of his sons wanted to overthrow him and become king instead, and David had to flee for his life. (2 Samuel 11, 12, and 15).

The LORD God had said of David that he was "a man after Mine own heart."                                             (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22)

So even godly David fell into gross sin, but when he showed true repentance, God forgave him.  My point is, when you sin , immediately repent and ask God's forgiveness so that He can heal you and restore you to a right relationship with Him once again.   Then He will continue to answer your future prayers.

That brings me to the thought that you need to have a close, personal, intimate relationship with God through Christ Jesus so that your prayers will more likely be answered by Him.  If you have this close relationship and are reading your Bible daily, you will have a better idea of what God's will is, and you will pray accordingly.  If a prayer goes against God's will He, of course, will not answer that prayer.  

1 John 5:14-15 informs us:  (14) "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:  (15) And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him."

Someone has said there are no unanswered prayers.  That your prayer is answered even when God says "no".  And how often have you prayed and then waited and waited for what seemed like forever before your prayer was answered?   We dare not question the Lord's timing.  He knows best.

For our prayers to be answered, we need to be definite and specific in our requests to God.  We should not be vague in our prayers, nor should we have some sort of abstract belief that God "might" answer our requests.  Faith and prayer go hand in hand.

Remember the parable of the importunate widow?  (Luke 18:1-8)  She continually persisted in her plea to an unjust judge, who got so tired of her pestering him that he finally granted her request.  This widow is a wonderful example of what insistent prayer  can do.  "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  -  James 5:16b

We need to pray with importunity, insistence, earnestness, faith;  heaven respects and God hears and answers such prayers.   Importunity in prayer consists of "insistence, intensity, persistence, perseverance, and patience. " 

Sometimes we pray in a ho-hum manner and/or out of habit and do not pray fervent, heartfelt prayers,  not prayers with importunity, as we should be doing.  Prayers with no soul, if you will; or "prayerless prayers", as E. M. Bounds calls it.  If you are so disinterested in your manner of prayer and your prayer is not heartfelt, why should the Lord be interested in paying attention to and answering your dull prayers?

"It is because of the hasty and superficial conversation with God that the sense of sin is so weak and that no motives have power to help you to hate and flee from sin as you should."  -  A.W. Tozer

"Prayer is not monologue, but dialog.  God's voice in response to mine is its most essential part."        - Andrew Murray

It has been said, "Prayer moves the arm which moves the universe." Also,  "When our prayers are answered it is the evidence of our abiding in Christ. To pray and receive clear answers, not once or twice, but daily, this is the sure test, and is the gracious point of our vital connection with  Jesus Christ."  -  E.M. Bounds   

"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."  -   Jesus speaking at John 15:7

Just a thought: the fact that God answers prayer is proof that He does exist.  The fact that a life can be transformed through faith in Jesus Christ is proof of our Lord's redeeming power. Therefore, God and Jesus care about us, are interested in us, and listen to us.  And, if we have a pure heart, will also answer our prayers.   Don't be a Christian in name only; let it be true and totally surrendered devotion to the Lord and not to the world. 

Also, when God answers our prayers, it brings glory to Him.  We are always to give God the glory !

Answered prayer gives us the assurance that God is near, that He loves us, and is watching over us.  Answered prayer also builds our faith.  It encourages us to come even more frequently to the Lord with our requests, and with great faith that He will answer in due time.   

I have also written about reasons to pray as well as the power of prayer  .   The main thing is not to just read about prayer, but to actually get down on your knees and pray fervent and heartfelt prayers to the good Lord.   The time is short.  The Rapture could occur at any time.   We are now living in the end of the end times.  Now is the time to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  If you are not sure how to pray, stop and ask the Lord for the wisdom to pray in His will.  

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;  and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."  -  James 1:5-7

The above verses give another way to have your prayers answered:  to ask in faith, not doubting.

"....(the) power of prayer can never be overrated.  They who cannot serve God by preaching need not regret.  If a man can but pray he can do anything.  He who knows how to overcome with God in prayer has heaven and earth at his disposal."  -  Charles Spurgeon  

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

William Carey

More could be written about how to have your prayers answered, but I have touched upon the vital points to consider.   For a long time, I did not pray at all, but I was not truly born again then.  It took awhile for me to get into the habit of praying frequently once I actually knew the Lord.   It really does make a difference in your relationship with the Lord when you are often in fellowship with Him, and it surely builds your faith and love for God when He answers your prayers.  

Have a blessed and Christ-filled weekend!

"I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God:  Incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech."  -  Psalm 17:6

"The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

Psalm 34:17