This article will focus on help from the Scriptures to endure to the end. To endure until Jesus takes us to be home with Him in heaven.
First, two encouraging videos by Don Moen. The first one is titled "We Wait" which only runs for 6 minutes.
In his video above, Don shares a fantastic quote: "If you really want to get to know God, make a friend of silence."
I had a relative who had to have some kind of background noise (usually from the TV) going constantly throughout the entire day. Many people are the same; silence is a rarity for them. But when you are silent, you will be able to worship God without distraction and you will be more likely to hear His "voice" speaking to you through His Holy Word, the Bible. However, some say to read out loud when you read your Bible. Whatever works for you.
We can even pray silently and God and Jesus will still "hear" us in our thoughts and our spirit.
The following 11 minute video by Don Moen is really relevant to the turbulent times we find ourselves experiencing now. It is titled "Let's Turn Our Fear Into Faith. "
He sings my favorite song of his in the above video which is: "God Will Make A Way"
God, through His Word, can lift you up above all opposition, regrets, depression, anxiety, and fears ! This is mainly true when you are putting your faith and trust in the good Lord already. However, even if you are not a believer and you begin to read the Bible, it will encourage you if your heart is right.
Everyone should also memorize as many Bible verses as possible!
Here is a wonderful and beautiful message from Dr. Charles Stanley published on June 16, 2020. Since it is not a sermon, it may not be deleted from this blog. But if it is deleted, just go to You Tube and enter : "A Comforting Message in Fearful Times - Dr. Charles Stanley." It is 12 minutes in length.
In the above video, Charles Stanley quotes many Bible verses from the book of Psalms. He tells us to live by the Word of God and not by this world's corrupt standards; for us to trust God and Jesus at all times and for us to not be afraid.
God uses the Book of Psalms to help us to worship Him and to help us in our prayers. All of the Bible is beneficial for that, really, but Psalms especially.
A quote on You Tube says it well : "He came to pay a debt He didn't owe and because we have a debt we cannot pay."
But the Bible says it better:
"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21
"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; " - Colossians 2:13, 14
"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed." - 1 Peter 2:24
About 3 years ago the following song was posted on this blog. It is beneficial and encouraging to include it here again. It is beautiful and uplifting. It is titled " A Prisoner Of Hope":
Following is a quote (I don't remember the source) that cautions us to trust God and Jesus and for us to not try to "fix" things and circumstances ourselves, but to look to the good Lord for guidance.
Step 1: You can't.
Step 2: Know that He can.
Step 3: Let Him ! Get out of His way !
The above quote reminds me of what Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us:
"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 paths."
Romans 10:9,10,13 assures 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
"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 blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !!
Today, with its chaotic and troublesome world occurrences, (and that is putting it mildly!) , many people feel like "Why should I even get up and face the day?" Many troubled souls have also committed suicide as a way to exit this evil world and to end their suffering and hopelessness.
A wonderful sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley is full of encouragement and tells of ways to keep on keeping on. Dr. Stanley also tells us, in this sermon that, as a follower of Christ, giving up is NOT who we are. The sermon is 43 minutes, and can be found by going to You Tube and entering "The Courage to Keep Going - Dr. Charles Stanley". Any sermons in the past by Charles Stanley that I have given a link to, have been promptly deleted on this blog. Thus, I urge you to go to You Tube and watch this powerful and hope-building sermon!
Dr. Stanley, in the above mentioned sermon, tells us to be strong in the Lord in order to endure. We do that by reading His Holy Word daily and also by much prayer. That will build a strong relationship with God through His Son Jesus. God wants to fellowship with us, and when we pray and read the Bible, we will draw closer to Him. We will then experience a strong, intimate, loving and personal relationship with Him, and we will grow in strength and trust in Him. In the above mentioned sermon, Charles Stanley tells us "When everything around us is falling apart, then get on your knees in prayer." And, for us to "rejoice in the Lord when times are tough."
One verse that is of great comfort is Hebrews 13:5 which follows:
"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."
Following is a short daily devotion from Dr. Stanley's In Touch Ministries titled : "When Adversity Hits, Look Up".
Below is a 43 minute video by Pastor Adrian Rogers) titled : "How to pray in the Spirit"
Please, please watch the above video!
Below is another video on prayer you will enjoy.
The 15 minute video directly above stresses how prayer can be an anchor to the soul, but so many Christians struggle with prayer by simply NOT praying. The narrator says that if Jesus needed to pray when He was on earth, certainly who are we to say we don't have time for prayer !
[Haleiwa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:10-11
One commentary says concerning verse 10 above: "Because the spirit of the Christian has been justified, it is not subject to death as is his body."
Romans 8:26 tells us: "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities [weaknesses] : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."
One commentator on Romans 8:26 informs us: "As hope sustains the believer in suffering, so the Holy Spirit helps him in prayer."
When it says in verse 26 about "groanings", it is referring to the Holy Spirit. In Romans 8:23 it is the believer that groans.
"And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." - Romans 8:23
If you are not saved (born again - a spiritual birth) by believing on Jesus as the Savior, then you have no hope for the future. You will face the Lake of Fire.
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
All of the signs of Jesus' soon return to take his true followers to be with Him in heaven .... all the signs of the "season of His return" are happening now and literally screaming at us to wake up and repent and put our faith in Jesus and His shed blood at Calvary; His redemptive work on our behalf so that we may have eternal life in heaven.
A wonderful video follows explaining Salvation in a sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers.
To keep on keeping on, we need the good Lord's help. If we put our faith and trust in Him, He will mercifully give us help to carry on; He will give us strength to face our obstacles and hardships. Following are some Scriptures which tell us that the Lord will give us strength and hope, and will be with us through thick and thin.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." - Psalm 31:24
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." - Psalm 46:1
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." - Ephesians 6:10
"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9,10
"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 Ghost." - Romans 15:13
"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
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !!
Where to begin? Perhaps I had best let the following videos speak concerning current events as they pertain to Bible Prophecy. First is Pastor J.D. Farag's recent video of May 31, 2020 in which he asks the question : "What on earth is happening?" It is an hour and 2 minutes long.
In the above video, Pastor Farag discusses the recent riots over the death of George Floyd; he discusses how America is currently divided as never before, as well as information on the Covid-19 vaccine and the technology that is now available for The Mark of the Beast and much more. Some of this information you may already be aware of, but Pastor Farag brings out new information and provides Scriptures, which some news sources do not. Some information on the coronavirus vaccine presented in the above video many of you might already know about,as stated above. You do NOT want anything that will alter your DNA, which this (Bill Gates) vaccine will do. Do some research on your own. It is alarming how evil it all is ! I urge you to watch the entire video. Pastor Farag gives the way to Salvation in his closing portion of his video.
Concerning the fires in New York City at the present time, pastor
David Wilkerson prophesied that several years ago. (He died in a tragic car accident in 2011). Here is a short 2 minute audio video clip on that prophesy:
Often on this blog, there have been sermons posted by Pastor Wilkerson. He was the founder of a non-denominational church in New York City, but is best known for his book " The Cross And The Switchblade."
On doing research today concerning Pastor Wilkerson, I found a website where one of his articles was posted on the very day he died (April 27,2011). I felt compelled to include it here now. The article is titled: "When all means fail."
"To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, "You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen." (John 20:29) Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer - who trust beyond hope when all means have failed. Someone has come to the place of hopelessness - the end of hope - the end of all means.
"A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening. That is when satan's hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions. ' Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.' Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind : ' Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don't quit on God - just do not trust Him anymore. It doesn't pay.' Even questioning God's existence will be injected into your mind.
"These have been the devices of satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women whoever lived were under such demonic attacks.
"To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word:
"Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights - and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper: "I am with you. I cannot tell you why now, but one day it will all make sense.You will see it was all part of My plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain'.
"Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail - His love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in His Word. There is no other hope in this world."
End of Pastor Wilkerson's article. Not only were his sermons powerful and spirit filled, but so were his written words! It was felt that you might draw encouragement from his article during these turbulent end times we are experiencing right now.
The above article by Wilkerson is found
here I am not familiar with that site, but wanted to share that article by Pastor Wilkerson with you.
[Beach at Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii]
"Happy moments, praise God
Difficult moments, seek God
Quiet moments, worship God
Painful moments, trust God
Every moment, thank God."
(Comment above found on You Tube)
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." - Titus 2:13
Flowers cheer me up, even when I do not need cheering up; when all is well with me. Most women, and some men, will agree that flowers and their beauty soothe the soul as well as being a delight to behold.
Actually, only the good Lord can truly and completely soothe the soul and give you hope and encouragement and a reason to live; and give you everlasting life if you believe in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus on the cross; that His shed blood cleanses you from all sin when you put your whole faith and belief in Him as the Savior.
This reminds me of the hymn "In Christ Alone". I posted a video of that hymn recently on this blog. Two stanzas stood out for me in that hymn : "And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me." And, "No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand."
Just a note, people you knew before you were saved, cannot believe the change in you is real once you become a child of God by belief in His Son Jesus. That applies to unsaved acquaintances of your past. Not knowing the Scripture at Romans 8:1(nor any other Scriptures as well), and being carnally minded, they cannot grasp the new spiritual birth concept. Most of the time they will not listen to you or anything you have to say about Jesus or salvation. Many of you true followers of Jesus have experienced this from others.
"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you." - 1 Peter 4:4 (KJV)
The NLT Bible renders the above verse: "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you."
The following verse in Romans 8:1 is good to make them (former unsaved associates) aware of ; and it is also encouraging for us as believers to focus on:
"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
This means your past sins have been erased in God's sight as the Father now sees you as washed clean by Jesus' sacrifice and redemptive work on the Cross. When God sees you now, (as you being saved by faith) He sees you through Jesus. You are a new creation!
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Here again is a video of the hymn "In Christ Alone" :
It is very true, as many men of God have stated, that when you give your life to Jesus and become a sincere and devoted believer, the devil will attack you with various trials (and even doubts about your faith) because you are a threat to that evil deceiver and he hates you as he fears God. The devil is also angry because he once had you in his grip, but when you came to faith in Jesus the evil one had no more power over you. And the devil, the slanderer, will endeavor to turn people and events against you.
In my previous post last weekend (scroll down to view) there was included a short 4 minute sermon clip by Pastor Jack Hibbs on the subject "We are in a spiritual battle". You might want to go there and watch it.
Leonard Ravenhill said, " If you stir hell up [by sharing the Gospel or by just living a holy life ] the devil will stir up everything he can against you: you'll get misrepresented, misunderstood......"
Let's go ahead and include that sermon by Ravenhill now. It is only 25 minutes long. The sermon is titled :"Suffering - the marks of God's approval".
"These people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me." - Jesus at Matthew 15:85
That verse directly above, spoken by Christ, applies to many who are mere professors of Christianity, and that are not truly born again.
"God's will: nothing more; nothing less; nothing else; at any cost." - author unknown
Note: the devil is also known as the destroyer at Revelation 9:11; and he is called a murderer and the father of lies at John 8:44; satan is called "the god of this world" at 2 Corinthians 4:4; and, again, he is called the deceiver at Revelation 12:9.
Be on guard ! Recognize satan's tactics when they occur!
1 John 4:4 says: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."
Most Christians are familiar with the above Scripture at 1 John, but following is some commentary on that verse they may find helpful and, in addition, unbelievers who might read this article may also be encouraged to come to faith and/or see Jesus working in your life by the following explanations:
Adam Clarke's Commentary tells us: (on "ye are of God"); "Ye are under the influence of the Divine Spirit, and have overcome them (false teachers). Your testimony, proceeding from the Spirit of Christ, has invalidated theirs which has proceeded from the influence of satan; for greater is the Holy Spirit which is in you, than the spirit which is in the world."
Today there are still false teachers as you know, but this verse can also apply to worldly people as well (those who are not saved and who do not believe in Jesus). Watch your associations ! (1 Corinthians 15:33; James 4:4)
Albert Barnes tells us in his commentary on 1 John 4:4; "God/Jesus, Who dwells in your hearts, and by Whose strength and grace alone you have been enabled to achieve this victory, is more mighty than satan, who rules in the hearts of the people of this world.... the apostle meant to say that it was by no power of their own that they achieved this victory, but it was to be traced to the fact that God dwelt among them, and had preserved them by His grace. What was true then is true now. He who dwells in the hearts of Christians by His Spirit, is infinitely more mighty than satan, "the ruler of the darkness of this world." And victory, therefore, over all his arts and temptations may be SURE. In his conflicts with sin, temptation, and error, the Christian should NEVER DESPAIR, for his God will insure him the victory."
Focus on the good Lord and the things above; be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong faith in God/Jesus. Do NOT focus on the bad and the negative; if you begin to do that, go to God in prayer and He will help you to overcome the negativity. Have faith!
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." - Colossians 3:1,2
This article focuses on the devil more than I ever think about him; it was with the aim to make people aware of his evil schemes and how we must remain in close fellowship with the good Lord in order to overcome the wickedness of this world of today.
Do NOT focus on the evil one !! Keep your focus on the things above!
Pray often ! Read your Bible often!
Just a few more words of caution about the evil devil, and then let us please move on to good, and lovely, and pure things.
To put it bluntly, satan is after your mind! Your mind is the devil's top priority. To ward off this evil deceiver's attacks, you need to feed your mind often with God's Word (the Bible) and thereby reprogram your mind. (Romans 12:1,2). And, of course, be often in prayer. This, and much more, is brought out in the following 13 minute video. This video gives the best explanation EVER on what the Bible calls the whole armor of God! (Ephesians 6:10-18)
When the devil attacks you with doubts or any form of torment he can think of, tell that accuser, "I'm not wearing my own righteousness, I am wearing the righteousness of Jesus Christ." So says the narrator in the above video. You can also say out loud to the accuser and the deceiver, "I plead the blood of Jesus." That will send the devil away from you fast! The name of Jesus has power!
Suffering, therefore, according to Ravenhill, is the mark of a true believer, because he has the marks of God's approval. Not all believers suffer as greatly as did Job or the apostle Paul, for example, but none of us are exempt from trials and hardships in this life. As the Bible encourages us, trials will send you flying to the good Lord and on your knees in prayer, and you will therefore learn to rely on Him more and more as He molds and shapes you - thereby producing a close, intimate, loving, and personal relationship that you will have with Him. And hardships and problems that seem insurmountable will help you to become more Christlike as you seek help and guidance and direction from God; and His answers to your prayers will build your faith, as well.
"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets." - Jesus at Luke 6:26
That verse above can well apply to some of the "celebrity preachers" of today.
The secret of endurance? Walk with God!
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" - Micah 6:8
Following is a daily devotional (published May 28 ) of Charles Stanley on the topic "The Storms of Life". Please watch it; it takes only almost 3 minutes to view it.
The verses quoted in the above video are from 1 Peter 4:12-19. After the verses above are read there is a brief commentary on them. It would be beneficial for all of you to go to Dr. Stanley's devotions every day.
[Cannonball Tree Blossoms]
The world we now live in is very different from when I was young. It is very different also from even about 10 years ago. As stated before on this blog, we are now seeing the beginning stages of the New World Order, or the One World Government; which will include the One World Economy and the One World (false) Religion. There is much chatter on the Web about the soon to be cryptocurrency - meaning the world will go "cashless." That will set the stage for the future "Mark of the Beast (antichrist)" during the Tribulation which follows the Rapture of the Church, Jesus' Bride. (Go to the "search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter such information as "cryptocurrency, ID 2020 Alliance, ID 2020 vaccine, New world order" and so on for more information. Many other topics you may also enter such as "Faith, hope, salvation, forgiveness, the Rapture," etc. )
Also, please check on the web concerning prophecies of these end times we are currently experiencing. But better yet, read your Bible daily and pray to the heavenly Father to guide you, and to help you know His will for you in all matters.
It is so very important to be in God's Word daily. The Holy Spirit will give you understanding if you are a born again believer in Jesus as the Savior.
If you are a saved and true believer in the Redemptive work of Jesus on the Cross, and you believe that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven; that His shed blood washes our sins away when we put our faith and trust in Him and when we believe with all of our very being that He alone is the way to heaven because He is the Savior...... then you will NOT be here for the soon to be 7 year Tribulation period. Those 7 years will be hell on earth, full of horrific judgments and the wrath of God on the ungodly persons left on earth then. There will be plagues and destruction such as we cannot even begin to fathom. Read the Bible book of Revelation to find out more about the judgments and plagues and horrors of the Tribulation . Actually, the 7 year Tribulation is also God's way to bring the Jewish people to come to acknowledge that Jesus is the true Messiah.
As stated above, true followers of Jesus will be raptured to heaven before the 7 year Tribulation when He returns soon - very soon - to take believers (the Church) to glory with Him.
There is a ton of information in this article ! The reason is, it could possibly be the last blog post I write. I am hopefully waiting for Jesus' soon return!
Time is short!
Turn to Jesus in faith before it is too late!
Jesus will welcome you with love and forgiveness and hold you tight and secure forever in His safe and protective embrace !
"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
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." "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
"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
Time is running out!
If you are already a believer, remember what Jesus said concerning these end times we are experiencing. In particular the signs that are occurring now that He told us would happen in the "season" of His return ( the signs found at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21). He said when these end times signs begin to happen:
"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 Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !!
My photograph above is a scene near the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. As many of you know, Hawaii is often called a "paradise". It is very beautiful here (as well as the other islands of Hawaii that I have visited), but we can be sure that heaven itself will be even more spectacular and glorious than anything on this earth!
As corrupt and evil as this world has become because of wicked men and leaders, I thank the good Lord that there are still some places of beauty and peace yet to be found here. But this world is not my home, and if you are a true believer in Jesus and you are a devout reader of the Holy Word, you realize that this dying world is not your home either. In fact, many comments I read on the Internet by believers that they are of a longing to go to be with their Lord and Savior. And many feel in their spirit that His return is very, very soon.
It is not just wishful thinking on their part; today many things that are occurring are a fulfillment of Bible prophecies concerning these end times or last days we are currently experiencing. I personally have felt an urgency - a prodding if you will - to warn others to turn to Jesus in faith NOW while there is still time. I have many family members who are unsaved, as many of you probably do as well.
Below is a 13 minute video by Watchman on the wall 88 (Chad Thomas) the "Great Shakings that are currently upon us - the World". In this video concerning world events and natural disasters such as increased earthquakes, and much volcanic activity, among other things prophesied in the Bible (read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) , Chad impresses upon us the urgency of the times and how we need to come to faith in Jesus as the Savior - like NOW ! Chad brings out the fact that even unbelievers know things are not right; that something unusual is occurring right now; and many are very fearful of what might lie ahead, meaning : Just how bad is it going to get ?!! Like was stated in a recent post of mine, Bible sales have skyrocketed since this coronavirus hit.
Many believe in the strong possibility of Jesus returning to take His true followers to heaven in the rapture which could happen during Pentecost of this year ! Chad, and other scholars of eschatology, stress that no one knows the day or the hour, but we can recognize the signs of the end of this dispensation, the end of the age of Grace, the end of the Church age. And Chad makes a strong case that it MIGHT happen at Pentecost of this year (May 31). He gives valuable information in a series of 3 videos on this topic. Go to you tube and enter "Watchman on the wall 88" and search for these 3 recent videos on a possible Pentecost Rapture. Many scholars agree to the possibility of Jesus returning then, as I just stated, but the Bible says that no one knows the day or the hour. It could happen on Pentecost, or before or afterwards. Just live your life in expectation of His soon return, whenever it might be. Be about the Father's business and preach the Gospel to others, and live your life by always endeavoring to please the good Lord. We please Him by obeying His commands and putting Him first in everything; by loving Him with our whole heart, and soul, and strength and mind.
(Mark 12:30,31)
Jesus is the only way to the kingdom of heaven !!
"Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." - John 14:6
As was reported in my previous blog post, many persons are stressed to the max from the lockdown for the virus, and some of it is because people were meant to "socialize" and not to be restricted, for the most part, to isolation in their homes. Many are stressed because they lost their jobs or businesses, and are having financial struggles. And as stated in my previous blog post, many have committed suicide.
Please spend your time at home in reading the Bible and in much prayer ! We are in a spiritual battle ! For our faith and even for the clarity of our minds! Satan will try to tear us down and whisper to us things that will (he hopes) cause us to sin or destroy our faith. Following is a short (almost 4 minutes) video by Pastor Jack Hibbs concerning this spiritual battle.
Charles Spurgeon wrote on "Whose Battle?" in one of his devotions under his brief commentaries on his "Faith's Checkbook" devotions. Following is a small portion of it: He quotes 1 Samuel 17:47 which reads: "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saith not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands." Spurgeon goes on to say, "Let this point be settled; that the battle is the LORD's, and we may be quite sure of the victory, and of the victory in such a way as will best of all display the power of God. ...... If we are indeed contending for truth and righteousness, let us not tarry till we have talent or wealth or any other form of visible power at our disposal. .... Let us run to meet the enemy. If it were our own battle we are standing up for, we might not be confident. But if we are standing up for Jesus and warring in His strength alone, who can withstand us? Without a trace of hesitancy let us face the Philistines; for the Lord of Hosts is with us, and who can be against us?"
Wow! Powerful! Spurgeon has a way with words ! I want to add emphatically here that I do NOT believe in Calvinism! That is, the belief that certain ones are predestined to salvation and others are not. Spurgeon was a Calvinist. He, like all of us, was imperfect; but I, and many reputable scholars and pastors, feel that God used Charles Spurgeon mightily and that he spoke much truth.
The Bible, God's Holy Word, is more powerful than any man's inspiring words and is definitely TRUTH and LIFE through and through. It should be the main source of our spiritual food. Following is another Scripture that teaches us to rely on the good Lord, and that He will fight our battles for us:
"The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." - Exodus 14:14
True, the above verse was spoken by Moses to the Israelites as they were pursued by the Egyptians before they crossed the Red Sea. However, the same concept applies today. Can't you recall how, in your own life, the many times God rescued you from circumstances that seemed impossible to surmount -- BUT GOD !
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." - Psalm 46:10
It has been said that the Hebrew word for "be still" probably means "enough". God tells the people to stop trying to find security in their own efforts and strategies and to instead look to Him for help and strength and security.
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me." - John 14:1
"We see from the words of Jesus to His disciples in the verse above, that the best and holiest of God's children and servants, while here in an imperfect state, are subject to desponding, and disquieting and distrustful fears; and that no work is more delightful to our Savior, than to comfort the troubled and perplexed spirits of His servants." So says one commentator on John 14:1.
And to all of us, the following verses of John 14 are a wonderful hope for all true believers - the hope of heaven.
John 14:2-4 encourages us: "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. And wither I go ye know, and the way ye know."
Those words of Jesus directly above can also apply to unbelievers. But only if they repent and turn in heartfelt faith to the Lord, and if they believe with all their very being that Jesus is the Savior. We are not talking about head knowledge of the Lord, or intellectual knowledge of Him. That does not save you! We are saying that you must be truly converted, and truly "renewed in your mind" (Romans 12:1,2); believe with your heart that Jesus' redemptive work on the cross is what saves you, not any "works" you may perform for Him. It is true Faith that the good Lord wants from you.
"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
"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
If you are not yet born again (a spiritual rebirth); not yet saved by the blood of Jesus by putting your faith in Him, then following are some Scriptures for YOU:
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." - John 3:36
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 and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?" - John 11:25-26
"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3
"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
Remember the above quote when you have doubts during this current world crisis or about anything. Better yet, go to your Bible for true Holy Spirit inspired words of hope and encouragement! God will make a way for those who love Him and trust Him !
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !!
Concerning what follows in this article, my photograph above is rather symbolic of the subject matter. Our "lifeboat" is the good Lord and His Holy Word, which also follows that much prayer will strengthen us and help us to endure many trials and hardships. The rescue surfboard in the photo is symbolic of our rescue by God and Jesus, when we turn to them in faith to help us in our time of need or spiritual battle; our rescue from troubled waters.
This lockdown we are experiencing due to the coronavirus has affected many with loneliness and, unfortunately, many suicides have occurred from the anxiety felt because of the virus.
I live alone, except I do have a cat for a companion. For those of you who are alone during this lockdown (although in most areas many restrictions have been lifted..... but watch what happens later in the fall when the flu season is in full force). Hopefully we true believers will have been taken up to heaven by then, when Jesus returns for the rapture of the Church, His Bride. If you are feeling very alone, here is a song to uplift you and to keep your eyes and heart focused on the Lord:
Stay focused on the good Lord and those things above, and you will find strength from Him to endure. Spend much time in prayer and also in reading your Bible. This blog mentions over and over how important it is to develop a close, intimate, personal, and loving relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior. God wants to fellowship with us; He loves us and wants what is best for us. And what is best for us is a strong faith in Him and a trust that never falters or doubts. A living and vibrant faith that helps us to be strong.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26
Following is a 35 minute audio sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers who has since gone to be with the Lord. It is a powerful sermon and I encourage you to listen to it. The title of the sermon is "Learning to Stand Alone."
In the above sermon, Pastor Rogers tells us that, "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." and "If you kneel before God, you will have courage and power to stand alone for Christ." There is much more insightful and encouraging words in the above sermon.
"Quiet your mind and God will speak to your spirit." -- unknown
[Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii]
Deuteronomy 10:12 tells us: "And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul," "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures." - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
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."
Keep looking up!
Jesus will return soon for those who believe in Him as the Savior.
Are you rapture ready?
Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend ... and life !
