Wait For Guidance From The Lord (Sermon by Pastor Jack Hibbs) - Inspirational Weekend

Much has been written previously on this blog about waiting -  specifically waiting on God before we act and waiting for His will and His direction.  Following is a 29 minute sermon by Pastor Jack Hibbs titled, "Are You Waiting?"

In this sermon, Pastor Hibbs tells us, "Our past is in the past.  Our past has been erased by Jesus on the Cross.  Jesus sets you free from your past.  You are no longer who you were before being saved."   Encouraging words for the new believer as well as those who may begin to question their salvation for whatever reasons.

If anyone tries to criticize you because of your past sins,  take heart because the Bible tells us that once you are saved, truly born again,

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new."           -  2 Corinthians 5:17

It does not mean you will be perfect as Jesus was the only perfect person to walk on this earth.  None of us will reach perfection until we find ourselves in glory with the Lord.   But you will have a new relationship with God and Jesus, and sanctification can take time; some of us are "slower" than others.   The evidence of your faith and conversion is if you display the fruit of the spirit as found in Galatians 5:22-23, which follows:

(22) But the fruit  of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Take note also of the works of the flesh at Galatians 5:19-21 .

Also, once you are truly saved, you can rest in the promises of God and Jesus to always be with you.  One thing to remember is found at Romans 8:1, which follows:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

So take heart, those of you who need encouragement!

Someone has said, "Being a Christian does not make you sinless; but it makes you sin.....less."

"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 15:31

Nehemiah 8:10 b  tells us, "...  For the joy of the LORD is your strength."

"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."   -  Philippians 4:13

Hebrews 13:5 b says, "For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Following is a wonderful hymn that many of you may be familiar with:

Remember, we are here to glorify God and we can do that by living as godly a life as we possibly can and by obeying Him and putting Him and Jesus first in our lives.

In order to do that, we need to spend time in fellowship with the good Lord.   In order to have a relationship with anyone, we need to converse with them frequently and spend much time with them.  That way we get to know them better.   The same is true for the LORD.   We need to read His Word daily, and pray frequently throughout the day.  That way you learn of His love and tender mercies and His attributes, and you will draw closer to Him as a result.   You will have a close, personal, intimate, love relationship with Him, and He desires that 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 4:8

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 on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

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

"God Will Carry You Through" (Sermon by Charles Lawson) - Inspirational Weekend

In the last post on this blog, we discussed how God understands us.  Following is a 39 minute sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson titled  "A God Who's For Us".  

It is an encouraging sermon. Pastor Lawson reminds us that we are complete in Christ.  

Hebrews 13:5 tells us, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have:  for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

One commentator has said, "Seek to be able to trust God's promises with simple and childlike faith.  Rest upon it....... Coming where it does, this promise is meant to reassure us in whatever position we are.....The words must mean that God will be in all our circumstances....... "I will not leave thee" must mean I will guide thee:  choose thy lot, appoint thy changes; where thou comest thou shalt be brought by Me."

What comforting and reassuring words from Hebrews 13:5 !!

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing 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

"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."                          1 Corinthians 2:5

What if you are not saved, not a believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior?   Following are some Scriptures for you:

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

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

"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him."  -    1 John 5:1

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."        -          1 John 5:13

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

Jesus loves you and is waiting for you with open arms to embrace you with love and forgiveness if you repent and believe in Him as the Savior with all of your very being.  

Surrender to Him now while there is still time!

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

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

"Guess Who Understands?" - Inspirational Weekend

                                                     

  My computer is acting up so I pray I can finish this post. 

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

True believers have the love of God to help sustain them, and to give them hope.   Jesus paid their sin debt in full by His shed blood at Calvary.   Past sins no longer apply once you are saved; you have  been washed clean by the  blood of Jesus when you put your faith and trust in Him and you believe in Him as the Savior.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit."    Romans 8:1

Isn't that the personification of a loving and caring Heavenly Father!  And Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life a ransom so that if we but believe in Him we may gain eternal life.  Such love!

God and Jesus truly understand us.   Following is a devotional quote by A.W. Tozer on this subject:

"We should revel in the joy of believing that God is the sum of all patience and the true essence of kindly good will!   Because He is what He is, we please Him most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms with all our imperfections and believing that He understands everything --  and loves us still!  The God Who desires our fellowship and communion is not hard to please, although He may chasten us, He  even does this with a smile -  the proud, tender smile of a Father Who is bursting with pleasure over an imperfect son who is coming every day to look more and more like the One whose child he is!  This is the best of good news!  God loves us for ourselves. He values our love more than He values galaxies of newly created worlds.  He remembers our frame and knows that we are dust!"

"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

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."  -  Nehemiah 8:10 b

True believers have so much to be thankful for.  Always praise the Lord and tell Him how grateful you are for His goodness and mercy and love.

For those of you who may not be saved, following are some Scriptures for you .

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

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"   -  John 11:25-26

,

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

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

In order to be saved, you first need to admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior  -  Romans 3:23

Then you need to believe with all your very being that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; the Savior..   -  John 3:16 ;  John 11:25-26

Call out in faith to the Lord; commit your life to Him.        - Romans 10:13

The Lord understands us and is full of tender mercies and loves us more than we can fathom.

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

"Wake Up And Shine For Jesus" (With A Video on Prayer And A Video on Faith) - Inspirational Weekend

As Amir Tsarfati has said,  "We are here for a greater cause, to share the Gospel and to help the church to wake up."

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."   - Jesus at Matthew 6:33

"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."   -  Matthew 7:14

Much has been written on this blog concerning prayer, and following is a powerful sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson on prayer.  It will bless you.   

"If you find your life of prayer to be always so short, and so easy, and so spiritual, as to be without cost and strain and sweat to you, you may depend on it, you have not yet begun to pray."   -    Alexander Whyte

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."  -  Philippians 4:6

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

"Rest in what God says.  Do not live by your feelings."  -  David Wilkerson

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart: And lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path." -   Proverbs 3:5-6

Following is another sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson, this time on the subject of faith.  I pray you will take the time to watch this 31 minute video.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  -  Hebrews 11:1

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."  -  Hebrews 11:6

"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man shall draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." - Hebrews 10:38

The title of this post is "wake up and shine for Jesus".  We need to be awake to the signs of the times; how Bible prophecy is being fulfilled today like never before, proving we are in the last moments of this current dispensation.  Go to the search box in the upper right hand side of this page and enter things like "end times", or "the Rapture" and so on for more information on eschatology.

To wake up and shine for Jesus is to put Him first in our life, and to obey Him, and to follow in His footsteps as closely as we are able.  We should share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with lost souls, and endeavor to live a life that is becoming to a Christian; a life that reflects Jesus.

Remember what the poem in my previous post said?  "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."

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

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"  -  Romans 3:23

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal  life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  -  Romans 6:23

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

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

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

"Only One Life" (With Thankfulness Scriptures) - Inspirational Weekend

"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

The above verse is what we should be most thankful about, not only at Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.   Jesus died and suffered a cruel death so that we might gain eternal life, if we but put our faith, trust, and hope in Him.....believe He is the Savior and that He took our place at Calvary to pay our sin debt in full.   Just Believe.      This does not mean mere head knowledge, or only an intellectual belief.  You must  believe with all of your heart, soul, mind, and every fiber of your being that He is the Savior, the only way to God the Father, the only way to heaven.  

"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

One must put Jesus FIRST in their life, above anything and above anyone.   If you truly are saved, you will have such love for the good Lord and such gratitude for all He has done for you, that you will be totally surrendered to Him and to His will, not your will.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful."  -  Colossians 3:16

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

"O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever."  -  1 Chronicles 16:34

There are many other verses in the Bible that remind us of how thankful and grateful we should be to the good Lord for all of His grace and tender mercies.  We should make it our aim to draw ever closer to Him and to fellowship with Him often.  You cannot have a close relationship with anyone unless you communicate with them regularly.  Pray often and read your Bible daily.  That is the only way to develop a close, personal, intimate, ongoing love relationship with God through His Son Jesus.

Some time ago on this blog I posted a portion of a famous poem by C.T. Studd and provided a link to where readers could view the entire poem.   Now here is the entire poem below.  It is titled, "Only One Life, 'Twill Soon Be Past."

Two little lines I heard one day, traveling along life's busy way;

Bringing conviction to my heart, and from my mind would not depart;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then, in "that day" my Lord to meet, and stand before His Judgment seat;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice,

Bidding me selfish aims to leave, and to God's holy will to cleave;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its clay I must fulfill,

Living for self or in His will;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,  when satan would a victory score;  when self would seek to have its way,

Then help me Lord with joy to say; 'twill soon be past,

Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, in joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;

Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, and from the world now let me turn, living for Thee, and Thee alone, bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne,

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, 

"Thy will be done. And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say "'twas worth it all."  

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

Extra Stanza:

Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

And when I am dying how happy I'll be, if the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

Only one life, It will soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."    -  Matthew 6:33

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

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

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

"Slim Pickin's ?" - Inspirational Weekend

[Brazilian Cardinal On Coconut Shell On Hawaiian Beach]

Some time ago, from my reference photograph above, I completed an oil painting of this cardinal and titled it "Slim Pickin's".  Although the coconut contained sand from the beach, somehow the bird was finding some "slim pickin's" to nibble on.

It occurred to me just now that many people are surviving on just slim pickin's in their life, with no real "meat" of truth or hope to sustain them.  It's even true with some Christians who never read their Bible and seldom pray.

What to do?

First of all, we must have a vibrant and living faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior.  Without that, you are dead....spiritually dead, and will not make it to heaven.

Secondly, we must die to self.  Yes, in an age where people are always thinking of themselves first and love to take selfie photos and the like, we must learn to put the heavenly Father and Jesus first in our lives.  

"Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay.  But look for Christ, and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in."    -   C.S. Lewis (from his book, Mere Christianity)

Let us consider some Christian quotes and, most importantly, some Scriptures which follow that will enrich our soul and mind and heart.

"God always gives His very best to those who leave the choice with Him."  -   James Hudson Taylor

"Life is not about how long you live, but whether you are living intentionally and devotedly to Christ."  -  Dr. Charles Stanley

"Your life helps paint your neighbor's picture of God."   -  unknown

"Being at peace with yourself is a direct result of finding peace with God."  -  Olin  Miller

"The safest place in all the world is in the will of God, and the safest protection in all the world is in the name of God."   -  Warren Wiersbe

[Haleiwa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Lately, quotes by Christians on this blog have been more rare, as I think we should focus primarily on God's Holy Word. Following are some verses from Psalm 40, which all Christians can relate to:

Psalm 40:1-3 :    (1) "I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry.  (2) He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (3) And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD."

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."  -  Nehemiah 8:10 b

"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 ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."  -    Jeremiah 29:13

[Waterfall At Waimea Bay Botanical Gardens, Oahu, Hawaii]

Please ponder over the above Scriptures; let them sink deep into your heart.  But nothing compares to actually opening the Bible and pouring over God's Holy Word daily for yourself.   As has been stated here before, the Bible is God's love letter to us, as well as His instruction manual to guide us along life's paths as we endeavor to do His will.   When you read the Bible daily, you learn more about God and His Son Jesus, and you appreciate their attributes and that they personify love.... a love beyond our finite understanding.  You will grow to love the Lord more and more as you read His Holy Word..... you will draw ever closer to Him.

The same applies to daily prayer.  The good Lord wants to fellowship with us.  He loves us.  You cannot  develop a good relationship with anyone if you never communicate with him.   As you read the Bible and pray daily, you will find that you will grow in your relationship to the Lord.   It will become a close, intimate, personal, ongoing love relationship.  Isn't God awesome!

So do not live a life of "slim pickin's".  A life without Jesus is a failure.   True success is a life lived in obedience to Him.

".... I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."   -    Jesus at John 10:10

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"    -  John 11:25-26

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

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

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

"You MUST Stop And Watch These Two Phenomenal Recent Video Updates On Current Events And Bible Prophecy Happening Now!" (Amir Tsarfati Update and Pastor J.D. Farag)

The following videos impress upon us that we ARE in the last moments of the end times.  Since I was around 15 years old, the subject of the last days and how long the world would be here and what was true has intrigued me.   My Sunday School teacher back then mentioned something about the year 2000 and one thing led to another and  the result was that the Sunday School teacher began to teach on Bible prophecy after that.  

Having said all that and also that I have ever since been interested in eschatology ---  although I got distracted from it for awhile; it was on my mind often even at the young age of 15 and thereafter,  and in High School I wrote short essays about it for my English Class.  The good Lord knew back then that I would, in my old age, write about Bible prophecy.

I can honestly say that I have never heard anything to excite me and touch my heart and soul about Jesus' return as much as the following video by Amir Tsarfati.  (Except, of course, the Bible itself!) The Rapture of the Church seems even more real to me now than ever before. I never doubted  the Rapture all those previous years, but the Holy Spirit impressed upon me even more while watching this video that Jesus is now at the very door! Amir just posted  this video yesterday.  It is only 36 minutes in length.  Don't miss watching it, please!

Just a note to those who are not familiar with this blog, Amir is a Messianic Jew and lives in Israel.  He has a thriving ministry and travels the world  preaching and teaching about the Gospel and end time prophecy.

Following is a prophecy update by J.D. Farag, a well-known pastor in Hawaii.  People all over the world (his online church family) look forward to his Bible Prophecy Update every Sunday. His update was posted on You Tube yesterday as well.

Some Christians are in denial that the Rapture will happen soon, but current events and Bible prophecies being fulfilled at a fast pace today (at warp speed), proclaim loud and clear that Jesus will return any day now.  No one knows the day or the hour, but only God the heavenly Father.

Be ready always!

Read your Bible daily and pray daily.  That way you will draw close to the good Lord and you will begin to realize a close, intimate, personal, loving and ongoing relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son.

Jesus loves you and wants to see you come to a living and vibrant and strong faith and belief in Him as the Savior.

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

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

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"    -  John 11:25, 26