"ARE YOU POOR IN SPIRIT?" (Videos - One a Charles Spurgeon Sermon) - Inspirational Weekend

[Pali Overlook - Oahu, Hawaii]

No, not poor in the sense of being mean-spirited, and not in the sense of one being poor in spirituality itself ! First let's read Matthew 5:3 where we find the Beatitudes of Jesus, otherwise known as "the sermon on the mount."  

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

 One Bible Commentary (on The Biblical Illustrator) explains that poorness of spirit involves humility, contentment, submission, and gratitude. By the poor in spirit are meant those who have been convinced of their spiritual poverty.   Another commentator at the same site tells us that "You may as well expect fruit to grow without a root, as the other graces without this; till a man be poor in spirit he cannot mourn. ... Till we are poor in spirit we are not capable receiving grace.  God doth first empty a man of himself,  before He pours in the precious wine of His grace.  None but the poor in spirit are within Christ's commission.  Till we are poor in spirit, Christ is never precious!  ..  So to him that is poor in spirit - that sees his want of Christ -  how precious is the Savior! ..He that is poor in spirit is weaned from himself ! ....    He that is poor in spirit is a Christ - admirer.   .. He that is poor in spirit is much in prayer  ... and to take Christ upon His Own terms.  He blesses God for the least crumb that falls from the table of free Grace. ..  Christ begins with this [for one to be poor in spirit], and we must begin here if ever we be saved. ... Poverty of spirit paves a causeway for blessedness."

Following is a wonderful 51 minute sermon by Charles Spurgeon concerning the meaning and blessedness of "the poor in spirit" with many wonderful spiritual gems included by him.

Spurgeon, in the sermon above, tells us to live quietly for God.  He tells us "Above all other evils we have most to dread our own fullness.  The greatest unfitness for Christ is our own imaginary fitness.  When we are utterly undone we are near to being enriched with the riches of graces. Out of ourselves is next door to being in Christ.  Where we end,  mercy begins;    or has already begun.  The deeper the destitution the better."

I urge you to watch the entire sermon above -  it will bless you !

[Above Diamond Head Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

 "For every look at self, take ten looks to Christ."  -  Robert Murray M'cheyne

"Much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stems from our unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly.  We insist upon trying to modify Him and to bring Him nearer to our own image."  -  A.W. Tozer

"This book (the Bible) will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book." - John Bunyan

"If satan can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."  -  Adrian Rogers

"The first lesson in Christ's school is self-denial."  -  Matthew Henry

"Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as humility."  -  Jonathan Edwards

Here is a wonderful devotional song on being poor in spirit: 

 If the Lord tarries, more posts will follow here on this blog concerning the Beatitudes of Jesus.

Please remember, our strength comes from the good Lord, and that includes strength to face and endure perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-4) such as we find ourselves experiencing in the world in these last moments of the end times. We can find that strength from our worship of the Lord -  and do not forget our personal quiet time alone with the heavenly Father, in prayer and in reading His Holy Word, the Bible.  Nothing can take the place - nor should it - of our devotional time, communing with and basking in the Presence of the Lord. Only He can give us the inward peace we need to face whatever life throws at us. 

Again, nothing can take the place of a strong, intimate, loving, personal relationship with God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ! That is what it is all about, folks !   People will fail you, but our Father in heaven and Jesus will never let you down or forsake you!  Spend much time in prayer and reading and studying the Bible.  You will grow to know the Lord better, and thereby to love Him more and more.  You will be blessed for your efforts.  You MUST spend time with someone in order to get to know them, and the good Lord deserves our time more than anyone --  He wants to fellowship with us on a personal level. 

"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."  -    Hebrews 13:5

"And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom Thou hast sent."    -    John 17:3

"As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love.  If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love."      -  Jesus at John 15:9-10

"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.  ... I am the good shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of mine."  -   John 10:11,14

Notice in verse 14 above:  that Jesus knows His sheep, and "Am known of mine."   You MUST know the Lord and have a close intimate relationship with Him!

Following are scriptures to help unsaved and lost souls to come to faith in Jesus, the Savior.  

"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

"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

Remember to pray sincerely and in earnest for forgiveness, and to truly repent of your past sins -- have a vivid sense of remorse for your past sins.  

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say,  Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  -   Matthew 4:17

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

 

"HOW TO SPEND THE DAY WITH GOD!'' - (Matthew Henry Sermon Video) & Christian Quotes - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

                                                       [Diamond Head Beach and Lighthouse - Oahu, Hawaii]

Since a lighthouse to Christians can be a symbol for the Lord Jesus, and likewise of God, I chose to use my photograph above to compliment the title of this post :"How To Spend The Day With God."  Actually, this post's title is also the title of a 35 minute sermon by Matthew Henry which follows:

Matthew Henry was a Puritan (or "non-conformist" - which was any English Protestant who did not conform to the doctrines or practices of the established Church of England during the 1600's).  Henry lived from 1662-1714.  He was in poor health physically and intellectually; but spiritually he was gifted.  As a child prodigy he was able to read out loud a chapter of the Bible when he was only 3 years old.   Just a note, many persons- including myself - refer to his Bible Commentaries for reference.

The main point to consider is the  content of the above sermon video.  It is very encouraging to all of us in today's stormy times. One point he made is: "Though a stormy day... yet we must hope and have patience.  Be joyful because Christ is in the ship and also at the helm."    And ...." To wait on God is to live a life of desire towards God, to wait on Him in faith and expectation.....Be entirely conformed to God's will.  ......Only the ones willing to do as they are taught by God will God continue to teach His ways. "    There are many more gems of insightful and of helpful nature for us in the above video!

Following is an almost 3 minute video trailer about Matthew Henry's life and times:

When Matthew Henry was about 13 years old, he wrote a short biography concerning the saving of his soul.  Quite insightful and impressive as to the knowledge and spiritual understanding of one so young!  For those who are interested, here is the link to that:   look for the portion titled " A Catalog of Mercies".       http://www.sounddoctrine.net/LIBRARY/Bible%20Studies/MHenry-biography.htm

In considering our troublesome times during these last days of the Church Age,  as well as the concerns and hardships and fears of many persons today as to what might lie ahead, here is a helpful quote - a short devotional by Charles Spurgeon, titled "Rain Without Clouds? Never!"   Spurgeon bases his comments on Ecclesiastes 11:3 : "If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth."

Spurgeon comments: "Why, then, do we dread the clouds which now darken our sky?  True, for a while they hide the sun, but the sun is not quenched; he will shine out again before long.  Meanwhile, those black clouds are filled with rain; and the blacker they are, the more likely they are to yield plentiful showers!  How can we have rain, without clouds?  Our troubles have always brought us blessings, and they always will.  They are the black chariots of bright grace.  These clouds will empty themselves before long, and every tender herb will be the gladder for the shower.  Our God may drench us with grief, but He will not drown us with wrath; nay, He will refresh us with mercy.  Our LORD's Love Letters often come to us in black-edged envelopes.    His wagons rumble but they are loaded with benefits.  His rod blossoms with sweet flowers and nourishing fruits.  Let us not worry about the clouds but sing because May flowers are brought to us through the April clouds and showers.

"O, LORD, the clouds are the dust of Thy feet!   How near Thou art in the cloudy and dark day!  Love beholds Thee and is glad.  Faith sees the clouds emptying themselves and making the little hills rejoice on every side."   -  end of quote

"The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.  The LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet."      -    Nahum 1:3

"Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but because it contradicts them." - unknown

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength."           -   Charles Spurgeon

"Tears clean the windows of your soul." -  Nick Vujicic (Life without Limbs.org)

"Thou art still the God of my salvation and Thou wilt bear me up, and carry me through, and lighten all my pressure, until Thou shalt bring me home to behold Thy glory and to dwell with Thee forever."     -  Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary.

"When in the hands of God, our regrets of yesterday turn to beautiful re-designs of tomorrow."      -   Janet Perez Eckles

"Christians, see your position, debtors to grace; show your gratitude by earnest, Christ-like lives, and as God has bidden you live, see to it that you live in earnest."  -  Charles Spurgeon

If Jesus were to return today or next week (no one knows the day or the hour - Matthew 24:36)  -  would you be Rapture Ready?

Perhaps, because of the turmoil and upheaval in the world today, maybe more people are considering their future and what might lie ahead.  But how many of them are concerned with their eternity?  That is the most important decision anyone can make!   Meaning, of course, salvation that is found only in belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior - that He is the only way to heaven and to eternal life!

Following are some salvation Scriptures for you to take to heart and to lead you to a vibrant faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus !   As you read these verses, if you are not yet saved and born again, think about the cruel and painful death Jesus suffered on the cross -  and He did it out of love for you!  He took your place and your sins upon Himself at Calvary; shed His precious blood (as the sacrificial Lamb of God); He paid your sin debt in full - a debt so enormous that none of us could pay it on our own (by our works).  

"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 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

"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 !!

LET'S TALK ABOUT HOLINESS AND DEVOTION TO CHRIST! (3 Videos by A.W. Tozer and Christian Quotes) - Inspirational Weekend

 

The shady path in my photograph above is, in one way, like a refreshing cool spot on a hot day.  In another way, it is like the path of life which is sometimes shady and shadowy and uncertain; even dark and gloomy at times.  It all depends on how you want to look at it.  

Granted, life's hardships and trials and uncertainties are real, like the current pandemic and other drastic changes in our lives and in our world today.  It is discouraging if you only look at the present circumstances, true.  But Christians realize all that is occuring today is proof positive of our Jesus' soon return!  As promised!  What a blessed hope!  

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." -  Titus 2:13-14

This blog has previously shared sermons and quotes by A.W. Tozer, and will now share 3 videos of his writings, narrated by others.  He was an American preacher and author, and he died in 1963.  His epithat reads "A.W. Tozer - A Man of God."  In one of the  audio videos of his writings which follows, there is a short biography about him.  Please listen with much attention!  It is a valuable and insightful message from his book "How To Be Filled With the Holy Spirit" (64 minutes).  If you do not have time to listen to it in its entirety now, then begin at the 34:51 minute mark on Chapter 3 :

Chapter 1 above:  Who is the Holy Spirit?

Chapter 2:  The Promise of the Father

Chapter 3 above concerns "how to be filled with the Holy Spirit" and "How to receive Him.'

Chapter 4 -  How to cultivate the Spirit's companionship

The above video is so relevant today as never before!  Many professing Christians think of Christianity as being primarily a "social"  thing -  go to church and fellowship and have potlucks , etc.  All that is good and fine -  Hebrews 10:25 tells us to fellowship with one another and to not neglect our gathering together.   But true Christianity is meant to have - First and Foremost - a strong personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior!  We do that through much time spent with the good Lord in prayer and in reading the Holy Word, the Bible.  

Following is a 29 minute audio video of another of Tozer's works, titled "Total Commitment to Christ" in which there is a brief biography about Tozer at the end .  

The video above explains how to follow Christ with your whole heart.  Please watch!  It will bless you!

The last video from one of Tozer's writings, at least on this post today, is Chapter One of "The Knowledge of the Holy" by A.W. Tozer, which is 13 minutes in length.  

On the above, this person's you tube channel has up to 23 chapters of this particular work by Tozer.  She has a wonderful and perfect voice for this work!  I, personally, have not yet listened to all 23 chapters, but I intend to do so, if time permits and the Lord tarries awhile.

[Cereus - Night Blooming Cactus]

"No man who merely skims the book of God can profit thereby; we must dig and mine until we obtain the hid treasure."  -  Charles Spurgeon

"The door of the Word only opens to the key of diligence. The Scriptures claim searching."  -   Charles Spurgeon

"A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't." -  Charles Spurgeon

"Everyone thinks  of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." -  Leo Tolstoy

"Heaven goes by favour (grace). If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."   -  Mark Twain

"Excuses are the cradle that satan rocks men off to sleep in."  -  unknown

[Bird of Paradise]

It is my prayer that the above videos and quotes will open your eyes to what is truly important today! Which is a living, vibrant, loving, close and beautiful relationship with the heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus Christ !  The Savior ! The only way to the Father and to heaven!  

If you are not born again -  have not put your faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ, when on the Cross, He paid our sin debt in full by taking our place (taking our sins upon Himself as the Lamb of God and shedding His blood as atonement), so that we, if we but have faith and belief in Him as the Savior, His shed blood will wash away our sins - wipe the slate clean, so to speak - and we may then have the hope of eternal life.   

Following are salvation scriptures for those who may not yet have put their trust and belief in Jesus Christ.  Those who are already true believers might want to memorize or at least share the following verses with unsaved family members and acquaintances.

"He that believeth the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son hath not life: but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -   John 3:36

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."        -   Hebrews 12:14

"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

"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

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." -   Matthew 4:17

From Jesus's words above at Matthew 4:17, unsaved persons need to also repent of their sins and have a complete change of heart and a sincere desire to live surrended to the Lord and His will.  That means to obey as best we finite humans are able, and- after we are saved - to repent of any sins then, as well.   Repent means a change of mind and heart, to obey and conform to the good Lord's will and commands.

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

WAKE UP VIDEOS !! END TIMES ARE UPON US !! (Pastor Tom Hughes and Don Perkins - and More)

 

                                                             [North Shore Farm - Oahu, Hawaii]

Regarding the recent developments in Israel, in one of the following videos there is a discussion concerning it from a Biblical point of view.  It has often been mentioned on this blog that Israel is God's prophetic time clock.  God has NOT abandoned Israel and Israel has not been "replaced" by the Christian church, as the false teaching of "Replacement Theology" wants us to believe!  Read the book of Revelation (and the entire Bible) and you will realize that even in the coming 7 year Tribulation the Jewish people are very much in the heavenly Father's thoughts and plans!  That is why the Tribulation is known as "Jacob's Trouble."  The Tribulation events will, indeed, cause many of the Jews to accept Jesus as their true Messiah!

The first video is by Hope for our times (.com), by Pastor Tom Hughes and his guest Don Perkins.  It is part 1 of 2 pertaining to future events: the Rapture; what Don Perkins believes about Babylon the Great (he does not believe it is America, as some do, and as has been written about on this blog previously); and this first video also touches on the Millennial Kingdom of Christ (which occurs after the 7 year Tribulation.  Don't miss this fascinating and informative 1 hour video discussion !

The discussion about the 1000 year reign of Christ continues in the hour long (plus 15 minutes) video below of Part 2 from Hope for our times, with Pastor Tom Huges and Don Perkins.  But at the beginning of the discussion is pertinent and insightful information on the current conflict in Israel.  Many are wondering if "this is it" , so to speak, as a final occurrance - a precursor to the soon Rapture - and much more !  You don't want to miss this video!  I learned much from it!  Particularly where the Millennial Kingdom is concerned.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msw_EA-7LfU

And from the wonderful Christian channel, Grace for Purpose, here follows a recent 30 minute video on current happenings pertaining to Biblical prophecy.  

Lion of Judah, a channel on You Tube, is also an excellent Christian source!  The 17 minute video that follows is titled:  "The Book Of Revelation Is Unfolding Before Our Eyes!"

The above videos should wake up everyone to the fact that Jesus' return must be very soon!  Pastor Tom Hughes and Don Perkins discuss that fact in their videos above.

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.  And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain:  for the former things are passed away.  And He that sat upon the said, Behold, I make all things new.  And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."   -   Revelation 21:1-5

All of the above verses are wonderful and encouraging -- and TRUE!  It makes you want to be there and be with the good Lord!  But please note the following verses:

"And He said unto me, It is done.  I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.  I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all LIARS shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."  -   Revelation 21:6-8  

I stressed and capitalized the word "Liars" in the above verse 8 for a reason.  It is appalling how easily and often and without a second thought the way people today lie, and lie, and lie some more without any remorse or even a prick of their conscience !! Meaning they have no guilt or regret whatsoever! This is true even among "professed" Christians -  meaning they may not be truly saved.  Just saying!

                                            [Hamakua Marsh - Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii]

"Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of this prophecy of this book."   -   Jesus at Revelation 22:7

"And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."    -  Jesus at Revelation 22:10-11

Please note that in verse 11 above, Jesus calls Himself  the Alpha and Omega.   Other passages in the Bible have God Himself addressing the fact that He - The Almighty God - is the Alpha and Omega !  Which proves the deity of Jesus Christ !  

In view of the fact that we are in the last moments of the last days, now is the time to get right with the Lord before it is too late !   Give your heart, and life, and soul -- surrendered to Jesus, in true belief that He is the Savior, and the only way to heaven and to life eternal!  He died a cruel and painful death for you and shed His precious blood for you - as the Lamb of God - His was a sacrificial death so that you could gain eternal life by faith and belief in Him !  He paid our sin debt for us!  

Following are salvation Scriptures for those who are not yet born again -  not yet believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior.  

"He that believeth on the Son shall have 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 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

"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

Remember, however, that we must also repent of our sins in order to be saved!

"From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."  -  Matthew 4:17

God loves you!  Have a blessed day!

"THAT'S IT! HERE IT COMES!" (videos on THE SEALS OF REVELATION; THE REAL REASON YOU ARE GOING TO HEAVEN; WHAT WILL GOD SAY TO YOU ON JUDGMENT DAY?) - Inspirational Weekend

 

The title above of this article : "That's it! Here it comes!" is from a quote by Pastor Billy Crone during his discussion with Gary Stearman of Prophecywatchers.com, concerning the seals of the Bible book of Revelation.  As always, Pastor Crone is very clear and informative and rather unique in his presentations of Biblical topics !  A must watch 29 minute video follows:

Many persons, in their self-righteousness, believe they will go to heaven because of their many good works, or charitable donations, and the like.  Some believe that since their family were all Christians and they  were born into a home where both mother and father were Christians, that that is their "ticket" to heaven.  But those true believers who have developed a close relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, know the real reason why some will go to heaven!  Please watch the following recent 11 minute video titled:"The Real Reason you are going to Heaven  (This May Surprise You)"

Many people today are caught up in everyday affairs of making a living and providing for their family; and many are just plain trying desparately to survive!  They do not take time to consider what lies beyond this secular and godless world.  Big Mistake!!  One day we will all die (or, in the case of followers of Jesus Christ, will be raptured to Heaven before  death!)  The point is, WAKE UP and consider eternity!   Eternity is a long time to spend in the wrong place:  HELL!

The following recent 14 minute video is titled: "What Will God Say To You on the Day Of Judgment?"

The video above brings out the fact that every evil word, evil act, and evil thought will be made manifest on Judgment Day!  It also tells us two main things required of us: "to pursue peace and holiness" now while we dwell on earth.

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."              -   Hebrews 12:14

Obviously, however, we need to believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ, in order to be saved in the first place.  Only the shed blood of Jesus - the sacrificial Lamb of God - can cleanse us of our sins; wipe the slate clean, so to speak, as He alone - Him only !! - could pay our sin debt in full  (He ransomed us) at His death at Calvary!  It was and is a debt we could never pay ourselves, because of its enormity!  We cannot work our way to heaven!  Good works do NOT save us. (Ephesians 2:8-9.  Only belief in the power of Jesus' shed blood will save us: meaning to believe in HIM as the Savior with all of our very being; our very essence! Our very soul!  This obviously means true FAITH !    You need to realize the seriousness and the enormity of your sins, and be truly repentant.    Pray for forgiveness in all sincerity and contriteness.  

Following are salvation Scriptures as a guide for those who are not yet believers in the Savior, Jesus Christ.   They are also good verses for Christians to memorize and then to share with unsaved acquaintances and family members.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son will not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."  -    John 3:36

"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

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto 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

Bible prophecy, as said many, many times previously on this blog, is coming true now at warp speed!  The times are urgent, chaotic, and fearful!  More will be written here later concerning recent events and how they are fulfilling Bible prophecy. (If I live so long; or if the Rapture does not occur before then - before I am able to write any more articles !)  I strongly suggest that you do some research right now on your own on You Tube or on websites that give information on the end times and Bible prophecy, (such as Raptureready.com, and Raptureforums.com, and many others).

[Along the Strand, Manhatten Beach, California]

"The prayer of faith is the only power in the universe to which the great Jehovah yields.  Prayer is the sovereign remedy."  -   Robert Hall

"Be sure you look to your secret duty; keep that up whatever you do.  The soul cannot prosper in the neglect of it.  Apostacy generally begins at the [prayer] closet door.  Be much in secret fellowship with God.  It is secret trading that enriches the Christian.  Pray alone.  Let prayer be the key of the morning and the bolt at night.  The best way to fight against sin is to fight it on our knees." -  Philip Henry

"It is Christ's will that [man] should be thus isolated, and that he should fix his eyes solely on HIM."    - Dietrich Bonhoeffer (in "The Cost of Discipleship.")

"Let God have your life, He can do more with it than you can!"  -  unknown

"If the LORD be with us, we have no cause of fear.  His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer -  His grace sufficient, His promises unchangeable."  -  John Newton

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

  

MORE ABOUT WHY GOD NEVER SAYS "OOPS!" (with videos)

 

[Cereus - Night Blooming Cactus]

As promised on the May 1, 2021 article on this blog (go here), here is more information concerning why God will never say "oops" and how he never makes mistakes or changes His mind, despite the fact that sometimes in Scripture it  "appears" that He does so.  The May  1,2021, article mentioned specifically the time that Moses interceded for the Israelites when God threatened to destroy the entire nation and then make a new nation by the descendants of Moses (Exodus 32:7-14).  Please read those verses to better comprehend what transpired there.  Verse 14 tells us: "And the LORD repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people."

As promised, I did more research on those verses (and others) on a respected Bible Commentary and also on the website Gotquestions.org   I will quote some findings from both of those resources, but I recommend you visit the link for the entire article by gotquestions.org.  

In the Bible, there are passages of "anthropathism", which means, according to Gotquestions.org and other sources, "a  figure of speech in which the feelings or thought processes of finite humanity are ascribed to the infinite God.  It's a way to help us understand God's work from a human perspective. 

One Bible Commentary explains, concerning Exodus 32:14, that "changes of purpose are of course, attributed to God by an "economy" or accomodation of truth to human modes of speech and conception.  When God threatened to destroy Israel, He knew that He would spare them; but, as He communicated to Moses, first, His anger, and then, at a later period, His intention to spare, He is said to have "repented." (Again, anthropathism).

As Gotquestions.org tells us, Malachi 3:6, James 1:7, and Numbers 23:19 "prove that God does not change!  God is unchanging and unchangeable.  He is also all-wise.  So He cannot change His mind in the sense of realizing a mistake, backtracking, and trying a new tactic."

Remember the story of Jonah and how God instructed him to go to the sinful city of Nineveh and to tell the inhabitants there that He would destroy Nineveh.  But all of Nineveh repented !  In 3:10 of the book of Jonah it says:  "And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not."

When God said, "I will destroy Nineveh in forty days,"   He was speaking "conditionally" upon their response. God did not change His mind; rather His message to Nineveh was a warning  meant to provoke repentance, and His warning was successful.  (Thus explained plainly by GotQuestions.org.)

In both of the instances above (and more examples also given in the Gotquestions.org link), God was simply showing and staying true to His character, as gotquestions.org tells us. "God loves mercy and forgives the penitent. "

Aren't you glad that God will NOT change His mind where our salvation is concerned !  When we turn to Jesus in true repentance and complete belief in Him as the Savior, we become a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and in a figurative sense, God "changed His mind" about us previous unrepentant sinners and saw us through the cleansing salvation found in His Son, Jesus Christ the Savior.  God now views us through His Son, as His children, and He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  Our change of heart to accept Jesus as the Savior does not mean that God actually changes.  If the heavenly Father does not save us for the sake of Christ, He would have acted contrary to His character, says the article at gotquestions.org .

What a loving and compassionate and patient Heavenly Father we have !!  And, of course, that means Jesus as well, for they are as one. We should show our love and gratitude to the good Lord by living a life of obedience, and that includes not only obeying His commands, but endeavoring to be as Christlike as is possible - actually, that is also a command.  

"Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."  -  Matthew 16:24

We cannot do this all on our own -  it is impossible to depend on our own strength and the Bible tells us instead to rely on the good Lord and His strength.  

"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 may rest upon me."  -    2 Corinthians 12:9

Your attitude has a lot to do with growing in the faith and becoming more Christlike.  That is why we need to constantly pray and be in God's Word daily.  That way we develop a close relationship with God through His Son Jesus -- a personal, loving, trusting, lasting, beautiful closeness with our awesome and loving Creator.  

Being thankful and grateful for our many blessings -  and the blessing of salvation through Jesus most of all - will not only please the good Lord , but benefit yourself as well.  Following is a wonderful 11 minute video concerning being thankful 

This world is rather upside down now and topsy turvy and chaotic.  What helps is a strong faith in the good Lord and to know that soon our Savior will return for us and take us out of this present mess into a glorious home above to be with him!

Don't despair!  We will be going home soon!

A wonderful song follows to remind us to count our blessings!

Following are salvation Scriptures for those who may not be saved.  Those who have not turned in faith and belief that Jesus is the Savior !  He died for you and me and paid our sin debt in full-  ransomed us!  What incredible love He has for us!   Won't you turn to Him in faith and love and gratitude ?!

"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

"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

"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

"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 day.  God loves you!

In The Twinkling Of An Eye! Important and Most Informative Video On The Rapture ! (Pastor Billy Crone) - Inspirational Weekend

 

 "Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, as at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.   So when this corruptible shall have put on immortality,  then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."                    -     1 Corinthians 15:51-54    

Yes, another article and video on the soon Rapture! This video you do NOT want to miss! You will really enjoy how informative this 29 minute video is -  Pastor Billy Crone explains clearly here how the Old Testament (in Daniel,) talked about the The Great Tribulation as being, in reality, "Jacob's Trouble", meaning it was meant for the Jewish Nation and that a remnant of the Jews at that time would be saved during or at the end of the Tribulation (realizing Jesus as the true Messiah).  The main point is, the Tribulation will be for the Jews primarily (some Gentiles left behind from missing the Rapture will be there, of course, during the Trib. and will be saved by faith in Jesus - said faith occurring during the Trib.)  Please listen to Pastor Crone's explanation as to why that fact - that the 7 year Tribulation is for the Jews primarily - argues against  the belief that any Christians alive today will be going through any part of the horrors of that 7 year period. (In other words, Jesus will rapture the Christians to heaven prior  to the Tribulation!)   Pastor Crone is always very informative yet very clear and easy to comprehend in his explanations.  And very much in line with what the Bible tells us!!     The following video is by prophecywatchers.com, and the host Gary Stearman's discussion with Pastor Crone.

Time is short!

Look around you today and witness Bible Prophecy coming true now !

Jesus loves you and wants to hear from you!

If you turn to Him in faith right now and believe that He only is the way, the truth, and the life -  

Guess what?! 

Jesus will welcome you with arms wide open and embrace you with love and forgiveness !!

Following are Salvation Scriptures for those not yet saved -  that have not yet put their faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior.  They must realize that Jesus paid their sin debt in full when He died and shed His precious blood - as the Lamb of God - so that He ransomed them, something only He could do, because none of us can save ourselves-  our sin debt is too enormous and only the  Sacrificial death of the Son of God can wipe the slate clean and pay our debt for us !   You must repent and pray for forgiveness, and believe with all of your very being that Jesus is the Savior !  

"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 !!