"Bible Prophecy, God's Patience, And You" (With Video) - Inspirational Weekend

With the recent Hurricane Harvey and the present Hurricane Irma in the USA, many people are speculating that it is God's judgment upon America.  I will not venture an opinion except to say that hurricanes are just a fact of life here in America.  But it is true that God has used weather in Biblical times to punish the ancient peoples.

Many signs are coming to pass now that the Bible foretold by the prophets of old; or are in the process of coming true, in the beginning stages.   Take the War of Gog and Magog which is mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39.  The nations mentioned in those prophecies are now lining up against Israel and joining forces to soon come against Israel, God's covenant people.  As mentioned several times before on this blog, the nation of Israel is God's prophetic time clock.  I have written before about the Battle of Gog and Magog and in one instance I go into much detail, found here.

As to the exact timing of this war, there are many different views held by Bible scholars.   Some feel the battle takes place before the Rapture of the Church; some believe Gog and Magog happens early in the 7 year Tribulation; others say that it occurs after the Rapture but before the Tribulation.  There are several other opinions as well.   The point is, God knows when it will be; our job is to believe it by faith because God's Holy Word prophesied it, and also to use it as an evangelizing tool to win souls to the Lord.

Another prophecy, found in Isaiah 17, concerning Damascus, Syria, is about to be fulfilled.  Please read all of that chapter, but I will quote Isaiah 17:1, 

"The burden of Damascus, Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall become a ruinous heap."   Much of the area around Damascus has been destroyed already, but this prophecy emphatically states all of Damascus will totally be destroyed. Reading further in Isaiah 17, we see that its destruction comes by way of Israel.   

The above two prophecies are now about to happen at any time; preparations are taking place right now.   This is why Bible prophecy is such a wonderful evangelizing tool;  it proves the Bible is true and it creates an urgency for an unbeliever to accept Jesus as their Savior before it is too late to do so.  These events also encourage believers to "Look up, because your redemption draws nigh",   Luke 21:28.  It is an exciting time for Christians, knowing that the Lord will soon return to take them to be with Him in heaven.   

Following is a video on current events and Bible prophecy by Amir Tsarfati, who is a Jewish Christian with a thriving ministry based in Israel.  Amir mentions that North Korea is like a smokescreen to that which happens with Russia and Iran.  It is a very interesting update on current affairs.

Aren't you glad that God is patient !  I am.  I was slow to understand God's patience with me and how He was drawing me to Him by His forbearance.  I am filled with gratitude for His persistence in clearing the sawdust out of my mind and for giving me understanding of His Word and for drawing me to Him and to Jesus.   

"No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day."    -  Jesus at John 6:44

God was also patient with Adam and Eve when they sinned and even made clothes for them from animal skins.

The Lord showed extreme patience with the rebellious nation of Israel, who murmured against Him and were ungrateful for all of His provisions and protection.

Those of you who read your Bibles are very familiar with the Lord's love and extreme patience throughout all of Scripture; and no doubt in your own life as well.   

"But thou, O LORD, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."  -  Psalm 86:15

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."  -  2 Peter 3:9

Romans 2:3-4 says, "Do you suppose, O man - you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself - that you will escape the judgment of God?  Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"

Take time this weekend to thank your Heavenly Father for His blessings and for Jesus and for His patience.  He loves you.

"Your Best Friend Ever" - Inspirational Weekend

What is a friend?  The dictionary says a friend is "a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; a person who gives assistance; a patron or supporter."  I don't know who originated the following quote, but it is quite beautiful:

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

A true friend is a treasure indeed.  Today, many people spend more time alone on the internet or in front of the television than they do mingling with other people. Sometimes finding a best friend is not that easy; but then again, you need to be a friend to have a friend.

You may already know Who the best friend ever is:

A new believer in the Lord tends to think of Jesus primarily as the Savior.  But as one reads the Bible, prays, and grows in faith, he will realize that Jesus is very much his Friend as well.   Not any so-called earthly friends are likely to die for you, but Jesus did just that and suffered a torturous and painful death at that.   

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."   -  John 15:13

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."   -   Romans 5:8

Jesus' sacrificial death proves His great love for us.  No other friend could love you that much.   When I think on it and try to comprehend the power and depth of His love, my mind just cannot fathom such a wonderful and true love as His.   I never felt love from my earthly father , or from my mother either, for that matter. My father's parents raised me for the most part, and I sensed that they loved me by their care, but they never actually told me that they loved me.   My family was just not demonstrative in any way. Guess who has had difficulty in understanding and demonstrating love?  Yep, me.  The turning point in my life was when, after much heartfelt prayer to the Lord for an extended amount of time several years ago, I blurt out to the Lord with all my heart "I love you", and actually understood what love for God and Jesus meant.   In the years following, after much prayer and Bible reading, my love has grown for the Lord, and also so has my gratitude for all that He has done in my life and my heart, soul, spirit, and mind.   He has truly transformed my mind and set my priorities straight.  (Romans 12:2)

Part of having Jesus as a friend is to be a friend to Him.  We do that by obeying His commandments.

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."   -  John 15:14   

When you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Mark 12:30),  obeying His commandments will be easier and you will find a true joy in having close fellowship with Him.  After all, life is all about relationships and the reason you were created was to have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  And to love, honor, reverence, obey, and draw close to Him and to share His love and the Gospel with others. Remember, however, that obedience to Him is the only means by which we can declare our love to Christ.  

Another way Jesus is our friend is the fact that He prays for us.  

"Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."   -  Hebrews 7:25     (See also Luke 22:31-32).   

Unlike our earthly friends, who can be fickle, Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.  (Hebrews 13:5).   He really, really loves us. Let that sink deep into your mind and heart.   He is always willing to forgive us.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  -  1 John 1:9

Remember the hymn "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" ?  I thought I would share it now with you:

Pay close attention to the words in this hymn.  We can take everything to the Lord in prayer, and He will help us in our time of trial or sorrow.  

You must be born-again and a true believer in Jesus as your Savior and Lord and Master to be a friend of His.   Imagine, the glorious Creator and Redeemer, the very Son of God, calls us His friends if we obey His commands; and He in turn is our very best Friend ! 

If you are an unbeliever and are living in sin, you are not being a friend of God and you will perish in your sins unless you repent and turn from your wrongdoing, and by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.  

"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

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."

Keep in mind that we are now living in the last hours of the last days that the Bible prophesied about;  many prophecies are coming to pass now or are leading up to their soon fulfillment.  Jesus could return at any moment to rapture true believers to be in heaven with Him before the 7 year Tribulation of God's wrath occurs on the earth to all the ungodly who will be left behind.   No one knows the day or the hour that Jesus will return, but students of Bible prophecy feel it must be very soon in light of world conditions and the convergence of so many end times signs right now on earth.

Don't be left behind to face the horrors of the Tribulation period. You also do not want to go to Hell as an unbeliever.  Give your heart to Christ before it is too late.   

Jesus loves you.

Jesus will forgive you.

Jesus is waiting for you with open arms to embrace you with love and acceptance once you repent and come to Him in faith.

This reminds me of that poem, part of which says:  "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."

It is all about Jesus, folks.  

Turn to Him in total surrender.

Live for Him and Him only.   

Jesus is your best Friend Ever !

Days Of Chaos; Bible Prophecy Unfolding (With Video)

                                                     

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring: Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."     -  Jesus at Luke 21:25-26

The above verses have their major fulfillment during the 7 year Tribulation period, but we see signs happening right now leading up to that prophecy in the near future.  People are fearful now of all the chaos and the world in turmoil and the threat of World War 3. But remember what Luke 21:28 tells us:

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

For a true believer in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, these chaotic times and Bible prophecy prove to us that He will soon return to rapture His followers to be in heaven with Him.   These are exciting times for Christians, even though they are being persecuted.   They realize their deliverance is near and they have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13).  

After true believers in the Lord are raptured, they will be in heaven with Him for 7 years, or a little longer depending on when the 7 year tribulation actually begins on the earth.  The Tribulation will not necessarily happen immediately after the Rapture occurs.  Many scholars feel that it will take time for all the prophecies to unfold and for everything to progress to the time the antichrist comes on the scene and signs a 7 year peace agreement, or covenant, with Israel.   The signing of that covenant is what begins the Tribulation period.  (Daniel 9:27).  The antichrist will break that covenant after 3 -1/2 years.   Remember, Israel is God's prophetic time clock; the Lord has not finished with His chosen people.  The Tribulation is God's way of dealing with Israel and to have a remnant turn to Him and believe in Jesus as their Messiah.

After the 7 year Tribulation,  Jesus and the raptured saints will return to the earth and Jesus will conquer at the war of Armageddon.    Jesus will put an end to His enemies and satan will be bound for a thousand years, unable to mislead mankind during the Millennial Reign of Jesus on earth.   (Revelation 20:1-3).  At the end of the 1000 years, satan will be let loose again and, unbelievably so, many will follow the devil instead of staying close to Jesus and obeying Him  (Revelation 20:7-8).   In verses 9 and 10 of Revelation 20, it tells how God destroys the rebels and casts the devil into the lake of fire where he can no longer deceive mankind. Then comes the great white throne judgment of unbelievers and all ungodly people are thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).  In fact, I strongly urge you to read all of Revelation 20, 21, and 22.  It speaks about the new heaven and the new earth, and how God will wipe away all tears, and that there will be no more death and no more sorrow  (Revelation 21:1-4) .    

What a loving and yet just God we worship!   Christians know how it all ends:

GOD WINS !

Following is a video from prophecywatchers.com featuring L.A. Marzulli  who discusses a variety of end time and prophetic topics.

"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

"Emergency Number For When You Are Worried" - Inspirational Weekend

This mother Hawaiian Monk Seal and her baby are taking it easy on the beach at Waikiki.   I took this photograph on August 7 of this year.  These seals are native to Hawaiian waters and islands only, and are on the endangered list as there are only 1400 of them left in Hawaii.   The baby seal (on the left in the photo) was quite large itself and was still nursing its mother.  The youngster has no idea that soon its mother would abandon him and he would be on his own to face dangers (from sharks) and to learn to fend for himself.  He really has a lot to be worried about, if he only knew.

People today are anxious about many things;  world leaders themselves are also worried and do not know the solution to many problems facing us in these perilous end times.   Oh sure, they have their agendas and think a New World Order is the solution, with a one world economy, a one world government, and a one world religion soon on the horizon.   The Bible in Revelation 17 and 18 speaks of this new world order.   It also speaks of the antichrist who will rule the world....this can be found in Revelation 13, where the antichrist is referred to as the "beast".    

I have written concerning all this in previous posts, and you may do a word search in the search box at the above right on this page to find out more about topics such as the antichrist and the end times. Right now I would like to just focus on what we as individuals can do to stop worrying and to put our trust in the Lord instead.  Here is a link to a previous post of mine which also deals with the topic of worry.   But this article will deal with different Scriptures and different Christian quotes as well as having a sermon on worry by Pastor Greg Laurie.  

As seen above in #3, the "emergency number" to call is Matthew 6:19-34 when you are bombarded with worry.  Please read all the verses; but for now I will quote verses 31-34 which follow:

"(31)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek):  for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  (34)  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Pay special attention to verse 33 which says to "seek first the kingdom of God."  If we do that and put spiritual things and God and Jesus first in our lives,  God will take care of our basic needs.  In today's world, things are so chaotic that we have many issues to face that are more troublesome and problematic than what to wear ! A few years ago A. W. Tozer remarked, "In a world like ours, courage is an indispensable virtue."  Having a strong relationship with the Lord will give you courage. In our troubled times, violence and general unrest have taken over it seems.  In times like these, we need to be on our knees in prayer and devouring the Word of God with a hunger and thirst that only His Word can satisfy. We need to turn to God and trust in Him to see us through these dangerous days in which we live.   Christians have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13) of Jesus' soon return to take us to heaven to be with Him.  We do not put our faith in governments or in any man to solve our problems, but we put our faith and trust in the good Lord.   He gives true protection and hope.

Jesus is our King !

Jesus is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Master, our Teacher, and our Friend !

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."  -  Psalm 56:3

"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means.  The Lord be with you all."                 -  2 Thessalonians 3:16

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, (6) " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (NASB)

How comforting are the Scriptures above !  When things get confusing and you are worried out of your mind, just pray and read the Bible and things will get back into proper perspective again. If we have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we should never panic and be overly anxious.  

"We shall be quiet from the fear of evil, for no threatenings of evil can penetrate into the high tower of God."  -  Hannah Whitall Smith

"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety."  -  George Mueller

"Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear."  -  Corrie ten Boom

On the subject of worry and anxiety, I am certainly qualified to comment on as I was a "professional worrier" before I came to truly know the Lord.  If there was nothing to worry about, I worried when there was nothing to worry about (as if things were not normal unless there was something to worry about),  so accustomed I was to the habit of worrying.   Can anyone out there relate?

Many years ago I ran across a quote by the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne who lived between 1533 and 1592 and it set me to thinking.   I had remembered the quote as being, "My life is full of catastrophes, most of which never happened."   In order to quote it accurately, I looked up Montaigne quotes today on the internet and the closest that came to it was the quote by him, "There were many terrible things in my life and most of them never happened."  Whichever quotation by him is correct, you get the message.   We can worry so much that we imagine the worst case scenario about the least little thing.

I no longer worry like I did for a good part of my life.... and that is due to the transforming power of God's Holy Word and of the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit within me now that I am truly born again.   That is the key.....surrender to Jesus and take all of your cares to Him in prayer and live a holy and blameless life and you will experience hope and peace from the Lord.  

Besides, worry is a sin when you let it consume you.  We need to have more faith in the Lord than that;  worry shows a lack of trust in God.  Pastor Greg Laurie gives a wonderful sermon on worry in the video below, which is titled "Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety" :

Have a Christ-centered weekend !  Be happy and trust in the Lord.


"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you  -  1 Peter 5:7

"Emergency Number For When You Are In Danger" - Inspirational Weekend

About two years ago a young pair of Bulbul birds made a nest in one of the palm trees in front of my patio.  Only problem is, you can see from the photo above that the branch began to die, which means it will fall off the tree eventually.  The nest is barely visible on the brown branch above, and the bulbul is in shadow a bit, but you can still see him from his red rump.  These birds were going about their business of being new parents and were not aware of the danger lurking.  

So it is with many people today.  They are going about their everyday routines, scarcely noticing that the world is falling apart and in grave danger.   For those who are aware that we are living in perilous times and on the brink of World War 3, it can be frightful to ponder the possibility of nuclear war soon.   We are living in the last days, and many Bible prophesies of the end times are coming to pass right before our very eyes.  

When in danger, you need to turn to the good Lord and be fervent in prayer, devouring the Holy Word with an appetite that consumes you for more and more spiritual food.

The emergency "number to call" when in danger is number 4 above:  Psalm 91.   I urge you to please read all 16 verses of that Psalm and I will touch upon some of its verses now.  Psalm 91 has been called the protection prayer.

Psalm 91:1-2 tells us, (1) "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  (2) I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him will I trust."    If we have faith in God and trust Him with our whole heart, we shall have courage for any challenge or catastrophe that comes our way.  Even if we face death in a war,  as Christians "to die is gain"  (Philippians 1:21).  We will be with the Lord forever and away from this evil world.   

Verse 4 of Psalm 91 comforts us by saying, "He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."    This is such a great illustration ! The Lord loves us tenderly, and will protect us as a hen protects her brood by covering them with her wings from predators or any dangers whatsoever.  

Verses 11 and 12 of Psalm 91 gives us more comfort when it says,  (11)  "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  (12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."   Folks, God loves us and wants the best for us.  If we are living godly lives and obeying Him, He will protect us in many ways and from many dangers.  This is brought out in verses 14-16 which follow:

(14) "Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.  (15) He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.  (16) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation."

So all these promises and assurances of the Lord will be true for the godly who love and trust God.  

Now is the time to have a close, personal, intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   You build such a relationship by prayer and obedience and trust, and by focusing on the Lord and not on the things of this dying world.  Also, you come to know God's attributes and draw closer to Him by reading His Holy Word. But first, if you are not a believer, you must realize that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Come to God and ask for forgiveness of your sins, be truly repentant and turn from your wrongdoing, and believe with your whole heart that Jesus bled and died for you at Calvary, if you will just have faith in Him and believe in His resurrection.  (Romans 10:9,10,13).   

Tomorrow may be too late, because Jesus will return at any time soon and you need to come to Him in faith NOW.  

Following is a wonderful sermon by Charles Spurgeon, who has been called "The prince of preachers".   He goes into more detail on Psalm 91 in this insightful sermon.

"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

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  -  Philippians 1:21

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."  -  Psalm 34:7

Romans 10:9,10,13 says, "(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."

Commentary on America's Total Solar Eclipse, September 23, 2017, Comets And Heavenly Signs In Light of Bible Prophecy

The news media and the Internet are now concerned with the topic of America's total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017.  Some say it is a sign of Christ's return; others just believe it is a sign of the last days in general.   People look for heavenly signs and attach last days significance to them because the Bible gives heavenly signs to warn us.  

Isaiah 24:19-23 as well as Malachi 4:1-2 speak of heavenly signs which occur during the Tribulation period.  As I have stated previously, things will be pretty much life as normal when the Rapture of the Church occurs, so don't look for a lot of heavenly "catastrophes" before the Rapture happens.   Remember, Jesus said, that this time would be as it was in the days of Noah before the flood.  People would be marrying and carrying on life as usual before the Rapture just as they did in the days of Noah before the flood came and swept them all away except for Noah and his family.  (Matthew 24:37-38).  Jesus also said at Matthew 24:36 , "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, nor the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

This applies not only to the total solar eclipse in America on August 21 of this year, but also applies to the popular speculation of the September 23, 2017 occurance of the stellar alignment at that time as it possibly relates to Revelation 12 prophecy.   

Following is a 14 minute video with Gary Stearman's commentary on these two events as well as comets and the like.  It is from    www.prophecywatchers.com

Also, read more about the September 23, 2017, event here.  At this site you will also find a link to an article about how the year 2017 is very significant.

No one knows the day or the hour of Jesus Christ's return.  Only God the Father knows.   It is unwise to set dates, which Mr. Stearman emphasizes in the video above.  

One good thing about all this buzz about the total solar eclipse and about September 23 of this year is that it is drawing a lot of attention to the Lord, and that is good in itself.  Except if nothing prophetic happens on those dates with those heavenly occurances, a lot of people will be discouraged and may lose faith.   That in itself is one reason why we should not set dates.

In the meantime, let us continue to "look up" and wait patiently for the Lord's return soon.   So many prophecies are being fulfilled today or the precursor events leading up to the fulfillment, that we know we are living in the end times.  Instead of setting dates, let us be ready every day, every hour, every minute for our Lord's soon return.

That means living a godly life, being constantly in prayer and in God's Holy Word, as well as sharing the Gospel with others.  Let us worship Him in faith, and not be swayed by every prediction that comes along.   

Just have faith.

It will not be long.

Jesus will return soon to take us to be home with Him.

Use this time left to draw closer to God.  Have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with Him through Jesus Christ His Son. You need to pray and read the Holy Word and fellowship with the Lord in order for that relationship to grow where you realize that Jesus is your friend, and that you need to be His friend as well by worshiping Him and obeying Him and sharing Him with others.

1 John 2:28 tells us,  "And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming."

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life."  -  1 John 2:25

"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

"Emergency Number for Peace and Rest" - Inspirational Weekend

These twisting and crooked vines with the beautiful salmon or peach colored blossoms are found on the large Cannonball Tree.  It rather reminds me of life itself, with its ugliness intertwined among the various beautiful moments and memories.   A lot depends on your point of view about life; a positive attitude and a strong faith in the good Lord will help you to focus on the good and not the bad.  Life can be wonderful and a joy, even though we recognize there is also evil in this world.   Our job is to stay away from the evil and to draw close to God instead. 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."  -  James 4:7-8

One day I ran across the following "Emergency Numbers" while surfing the Web and I saved it with the intention of using it in a blog post one day.    So that day is here!

Today I would like to focus on emergency number 7: When you want peace and rest : Matthew 11:25-30.  In this chaotic and war torn world we find ourselves in, we all could use peace and rest.  And true peace and rest is found only in Jesus Christ.   Let us just zero in on verses 28-30 of Matthew 11, which follows:

(28) "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) 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.  (30) For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."

How lovingly Jesus spoke here to comfort those listening.  In His day, the Jews were heavily pressed by the laws and traditions of the Pharisees and Sadducee rulers.  But Jesus spoke primarily to the poor, the lost, and the ruined sinner.   People can be "burdened" by the consciousness of their sins and trembling at their danger and hoping for deliverance.  If they would just turn to Jesus and believe in Him for their salvation, He would give them rest.  If they will trust their souls and concerns to Him, He will carry not only them but also their load.

Of all the yokes ever put upon people, that of the Redeemer is the lightest.  Jesus' laws were reasonable and tender, and it would be a joy to obey Him.  When Jesus said, "For I am meek...", He was giving them a reason why they should follow Him.  He was not harsh and oppressive, like the Pharisees, but instead He was mild, and gentle, and meek , and following Him would be an act of joy and of love.   

It is the love with the "yoke" that takes away the hardness because Jesus walks by our side.  

Sin causes a burden upon our souls.  We need to confess and repent of our sins.  Any other burdens as well will be taken care of by Jesus, the Burden-bearer; the Sin-bearer.  Do not forget Who is carrying your burden with you,  for you, and in you.  Jesus will thereby give us rest....rest from our sins, from the nagging guilt of our conscience, and from the fears of hell.

Following is a moving song by Dennis Jernigan titled "My Yoke Is Easy".  It is 5 minutes in length.

"Christianity is not consistency to conscience or to convictions;  Christianity is being true to Jesus Christ."  -  Oswald Chambers

"We are here guaranteed that obedient-hearted man shall be sustained in every step that he takes.  ........Holy action is always the most prudent, though it may not at the time seem to be so.   ......The Word of God has never misled a single soul yet its plain directions to walk humbly, justly, lovingly, and in the fear of the LORD are as much words of wisdom to make our way prosperous as rules of holiness to keep our garments clean.  He walks surely who walks righteously."  -  Charles Spurgeon  

The following video is not a song, but instead has words of encouragement concerning Matthew 11:28-30.   It is well worth reading and is only 2 minutes long.

I hope this information has blessed you and that you have a Christ-filled weekend !


(ps,   I have no idea why my computer insisted on typing red ink for so much of this post.  I have no idea how to change it -- I did try to  --and I don't want to type it all again.   Pardon the error.)