PRIDE OR HUMILITY ? (WITH VIDEOS - ONE A SERMON BY ADRIAN ROGERS) & ARTICLE ON HOW TO BE HUMBLE - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

[Male Peacock]

I have always thought that a male peacock was the epitome of pride!  Male peacocks strut and show off as if they believe they are so wonderful and special and spectacular! Actually, they are!  Most people have heard how some people view short of stature men who boast and strut around and puff out their chests as if they are similar to a banty rooster!  This post does not intend to criticize and "bash" anyone, but only to point out that pride is NOT becoming; worse, it is a sin that God hates most of all! We all tend to have a bit of a pride problem; we were born with it; it comes from within - and we inherited it from the fall of Adam in the Garden.

God hates pride because it is a sin that caused the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden.  And pride made a beautiful angel into a devil - pride created Satan, the deceiver and destroyer! Satan's kingdom is founded on pride. And when a person is extremely proud, they tend to be independent of God Himself. A proud person thinks "I can handle it", and a proud person wants things their own way and not God's way.  

Following is a 38 minute excellent sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers on how pride can devastate a life! It is a helpful and insightful sermon - the best sermon I have ever heard on the subject of pride!

In his sermon, Pastor Rogers includes an abundance of Scriptural references.

By the way, he passed away in 2005.  He was an American Southern Baptist preacher and an author as well.

The reason I choose the topic of pride for this article is because my previous post was about meekness and Jesus' teaching on that subject in His Sermon on the Mount, or the Beatitudes, found at Matthew 5:5.  And another reason is because in my daily Bible reading recently, I came across Psalm 138:6, which also deals with pride.  It follows: 

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

 

In Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Psalm 138:6-8 he explains:

"Though the Lord is high He has respect to every lowly, humbled sinner, but the proud and unbelieving will be banished from His blissful presence.  Divine consolations have enough in them to revive us even if we walk in the midst of troubles, and God will save His own people that they may be revived by the Holy Spirit, the Giver of life and holiness.  If we give to God the glory of His mercy, we may take to ourselves the comfort. This confidence will not do away with, but quicken prayer.  Whatever good there is in us it is God Who works in us, both to will and to do.  The Lord will perfect the salvation of every true believer and He will never forsake those whom He has created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works."  -  end of Henry's quote

[Rooster at Hanauma Bay - Oahu, Hawaii (Acrylic painting on canvas]

As I prayed for the Holy Spirit's guidance and help in writing this article, I at once was answered partially by a Scripture popping into my mind which was:

"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth ME, that I AM  the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."  -     Jeremiah 9:24

In Webster's 1828 dictionary it tells us that to glory or glorying means exulting with joy, or boasting; a display of pride.

So we should not take ourselves so seriously!  We should not be all wrapped up in ourselves and our accomplishments.  Instead, whatever we have or whatever we do accomplish or we are capable of, whatever gifts or talents we have --  bottom line:  It all comes from God and His blessings to us!   It is the good Lord in His love and mercy Who provides.  We should fall on our knees every day in gratitude to Him and thank Him for His goodness and love and provisions! For all He has done for us!  Be grateful to Him.  All of God's kindnesses to us should humble us.

 

 

Albert Barnes' Notes (Commentary) explains Jeremiah 9:24 for us:

"This is the prophet's remedy for the healing of the nation (Israel).  It is the true understanding and knowledge of God of which the first means the spiritual enlightenment of the mind (1Corinthians 2:13-14), the other, the training of the heart unto obedience (John 8:31-32).  This knowledge of God is further said to find in Him three chief attributes:  (1) lovingkindness  - i.e.,   readiness  to show grace and mercy; (2) judgment - a belief in which is declared in Hebrews 11:6 to be essential to faith; (3) righteousness -  which is essential to religion absolutely.   ....  Unless men believe that God's dealings with them in life and death are right and just, they can neither love nor reverence Him."  -  end of Barnes' quote

[Loving Spoonbills]

So the opposite of pride is humility! At the GotQuestions.org website there is an excellent article concerning what the Bible says about how to humble yourself. Here is the link to that article:  https://www.gotquestions.org/how-to-humble-yourself.html

Here are a few quotes from the above article, but I pray that you will go to the above link and read it all !  "We cannot become more humble by focusing on humility, as it becomes a source of pride when we believe we have achieved it.  .... The Bible has much to say about seeing ourselves in proper perspective.  Holding the Biblical perspective humbles us. Humility increases when we are willing to be humbled by God, circumstances and others.  Our sinful natures do not want to be humbled."

Following is a wonderful video by Christian You Tube Channel "Lion of Judah" that explains how to be more like Jesus. Enjoy and be blessed!

And another awesome video by Christian You Tube Channel "Grace For Purpose" which encourages us to put our complete trust in God.  Powerful!

The above video includes Psalm 9:10, which reads:

And those who know your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You."  

In these troublesome and chaotic and uncertain times in which we are now living,  the above Psalm gives comfort.  One thing is certain, God is never changing and He loves you and will never forsake you.  Trust Him!  He keeps His promises! 

True believers in Jesus, the Savior, derive comfort in the promise that He will return soon for us and take us to be with Him in heaven.  How awesome is that!   Many Christians are "battle weary" from numerous things happening in our world these days!  On a global scale as well as on a personal level.  But we have 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 unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."  - Titus 2:13-14

But what if you are not  a true Christian, a person who has been born again - saved by a spiritual birth - by a belief that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven?  He died a cruel and painful death on the Cross in your place -  a substitute for you in the sense that He took mankind's sins upon Himself - paid the debt in full for our sins - ransomed us and became sin for us and shed His precious blood as the Lamb of God, so that when we believe with all of our very being that He is The Savior, His shed blood washes us clean, so to speak.  We are born again - spiritually!!  What love He has for us!!

Following are "Salvation Scriptures" for the unsaved, as well as for Christians to share with unbelieving family members and others.

"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." -  John3:36

"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

 

HAVE A BLESSED AND CHRIST CENTERED WEEKEND -  AND LIFE!

 

" Meekness - It's Beauty And Importance and Why" - (Video Sermon by A.W. Tozer) - Christian Quotes - Inspirational Weekend

 

                                              [American deer, Texas]

My photograph of the deer was taken from the window of my home in Texas, which was in a beautiful and awesome community centered around a very large lake.  The deer were in the area long before the homes were built, and these calm and quiet gentle animals still claimed the land there as their territory. I had several bird feeders hanging from a large, low branch of a tree outside one of my windows, and the deer would come and eat the bird seed which fell to the ground; which eventually led to my buying "deer corn" just for these sweet animals.  They felt safe outside my home, and I was treated year after year when the females would bring their fawns (sometimes twin fawns) to feed on the corn I provided.  Where am I going with all of this?  Well, for the most part deer are meek and quiet. Kinda like we should be around other people, but especially so where the Heavenly Father is concerned.

"As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God."   -  Psalm 42:1

A deer needs water not only for nourishment, but as a source (such as a brook or small lake or pond, etc.) which will erase its scent and trail.  Just as the good Lord provided food and a means of escape for the deer, He also provides us, His children, with food for our body and soul, and He also provides a way for us to escape from whatever might harm us, physically and spiritually.  Someone has said, "evil loses its pursuit trail when we are truly and whole heartedly and often in God's Holy Word, the Bible.  Let our souls pant for God's Word."

The main message of this post concerns Matthew 5:5 in which Jesus tells us: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  This is part of our Lord's "Sermon on the Mount", also known as the Beatitudes.  Most of us already know what "meek" means, but here are a few words from Bible Commentators on what Jesus meant here at Matthew 5:5:  

Albert Barnes' Notes:    " Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries.  It is neither meanness nor a surrender of our rights; nor cowardice; but it is the opposite of sudden anger, malice, or long-harbored vengeance.  Christ insisted on His right when He said, "If I have done evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why smitest thou Me?"      And yet Christ was the very model of meekness. It was one of His characteristics.  (Matthew 11:29)   So was the apostle Paul meek.  No man endured more wrong, or endured it more patiently than he. ...  Meekness is the reception of injuries with a belief that God will vindicate us.  ..... Meekness produces peace.  It is proof of true greatness of soul. "

Pulpit Commentary:  "...[Meekness and Humility] is an inwrought grace of the soul, and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God .(Matthew 11:29; James 1:21). It is the temper of spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us as good and therefore without disputing or resisting.  (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; Zephaniah 3:12) -  because it is only the humble heart which is also meek and which, as such, does not fight against God, and more or less struggle and contest with Him."

Back in February of 2017, there was an article I wrote on "The Beauty of Meekness". that had a  48 minute video sermon by Charles Spurgeon titled : "Blessed Are the Meek".  If interested, here is that link:

https://inspiringnaturephotography.blogspot.com/2017/02/the-beauty-of-meekness-inspirational.html

Right now, let us consider Psalm 149:4 = "For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation."

That Psalm was quoted on the link above, but not explained in any depth.

Charles Spurgeon's comment on Psalm 149:4 :  "This meekness makes a Christian attractive.  If we want to draw others to Christ, we must let them see how sweetly blessed is the Christian life and how a man can be sternly upright, and yet at the same time be blessedly cheerful;  how he can be dead against sin, and yet full of holy love to the sinner; how he would not to save his life, budge an inch from that which is right and true, and yet would give his life away if by blessing another he might bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Beautify us thus with salvation, and great good will come of it."

W. Bolland comment (on The Biblical Illustrator):   "The garment of salvation: it was wrought by the Son of God, and like Himself, is "holy without spot."  - The glory of salvation:  How beautiful will he be in the palm of victory in his hand, and the crown of glory on his head, and sitting down with the wedding garment wrought by the Son of God Himself, at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. "

Related to our discussion here, following is an 11 minute audio sermon by A.W. Tozer titled "Meekness and Rest" from his book (read by another person) titled "The Pursuit of God."

In the above sermon, Tozer says:  "Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method.  To have true meekness is to become as little children."

If you go full screen on the above sermon clip, you will see comments by Tozer concerning his book "The Pursuit of God."  It will bless you to read it all.  Here is a portion of what he wrote:  "Desire God above all! Be athirst to taste for yourselves the piercing sweetness of the love of Christ about Whom all the holy prophets did write and the psalmists did sing. .. The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God  Himself in the core and center of their hearts."

{A.W. Tozer was an American pastor and author and lived from 1897 to 1963).

                           [Canadian Geese at Greenlake - Seattle, Washington]
              

 "Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting.... Welcome it and thank God for it as a cup of blessing. "                   -  Ralph Waldo Emerson

"If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step.  The first step is to realize that one is proud."  -  C.S. Lewis

"They always win who side with God." -  Frederick W. Taber

"The aim is to manifest the glory of God in human life; to live the life hid in Christ in God in human conditions.  Our human relationships are the actual conditions in which the ideal life of God is to be exhibited."  -   Oswald Chambers

                                [From Baby Makapu'u Beach - Oahu, Hawaii]

The good Lord knows that we will never be perfect this side of Heaven, but that is what his Word tells us to endeavor to do. (Matthew 5:48).  Meaning we need to rely on His strength to do so (although perfection is beyond us finite humans).  It is the heart God looks at!  Remember how terribly King David of old sinned with Bathsheba and on top of that, had her husband murdered !!  As stated before on this blog and in the Bible - of course - God still called David a man after His own heart. (Acts 13:22) When we sin, we must feel true remorse and repent, as King David did.  We must confess our sins to God, and then turn from them.... not making sin a lifestyle with no remorse or guilt.

Jesus will return very soon - as promised - to take true believers in Him as the Savior to be with Him in Heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins.

Are you Rapture ready?

Time is short!  Don't delay !

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

Are you born again ?  It is a spiritual rebirth -  the Holy Spirit from God the Father indwells a person who is truly born again - who is truly saved by faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior (Ephesians 1:13); making that person clean in the eyes of God because God sees that newly saved person as looking through His Son Jesus -  the Redemption found at the Cross when Jesus shed His precious blood so that we may be "washed and cleansed " by His blood when we come to true belief in Him as the Redeemer- the Savior, the Lamb of God. 

Following are salvation Scriptures for the unsaved to take to heart and act upon!  

 

"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

 

Do not forget that true repentance is also needed !  But the main thing is - first - just to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior !!

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

Sometimes, with some people, a true understanding of repentance comes later - after the understanding of faith in the Savior, Jesus.  By that, meaning that they do not grasp everything all at once  (they are babes in Christ - 1 Corinthians 3:1) -  but their faith and belief in Jesus is true  and they understand that, although as they grow in faith and pray and read the Holy Word of God - the Bible - they comprehend more as time goes on.  That is why it is important for all believers to spend time in fellowship with the good Lord!  Pray often, learn to know the characteristics and attributes of the good Lord by reading the Bible.  

That is what it is all about!   Not a religion, but a relationship.  A close, intimate, personal, loving, living and true communing relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ!  If you do that, you will grow and blossom and thrive in the Lord like you never thought possible !!

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and Life!

 

"The Great Big Deception! Do Not Be Deceived In These End Times! -- With Videos on UFO's and More (With a Biblical Explanation)

 

My photograph above was taken at Waikiki Beach.  The black-crowned night heron found a perch on a warning sign about the high surf that day.   Concerning the seriousness of this information in this article today, it seemed an appropriate photo to use here to begin the discussion.

The world is in big trouble!  Anyone who keeps up with the news and current events is well aware of that fact.  Most of you are aware of how the governments are lately and frequently releasing previously classified and top-secret information concerning UFO sightings; recently being called UAP for Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon.  

Have you ever wondered why all of a sudden governments are so eager to let the public be told all this?  There is a definite reason.  It will be the New World Order's way of explaining away the disappearance of millions of people all at once very soon: meaning, of course, the Rapture of true believers when Jesus Christ returns to take them to heaven ! ( to spare them from the coming 7 Year Tribulation, and more). Again, meaning the worlds' governments will probably lie and deceive the people left behind by telling them that aliens abducted and removed the Christians from earth! ( so the following videos imply!)

Let the following  video's verify and explain this!

First is a year old video by ProphecyWatchers.com with host Gary Stearman and his guest L.A. Marzulli who studies profusely and is an expert on many subjects, including UFO's. It is a 29 minute video titled: "The Great UFO Deception."

And here is a follow-up video on the one above, posted on 1-8-21. Again, it is 29 minutes and is from prophecywatchers.com with guest L.A. Marzulli and titled:  "What does the Bible say about UFO's?"

The above video is of great interest to Christians especially, because host Gary Stearman and guest L.A. Marzulli give us a Biblical understanding of the UFO subject as well as the "chariots ("chariots of fire"), the whirlwind, the wheels in Ezekiel and much more !

One thing to make clear: Scripture does NOT support the belief of aliens from outer space!  The videos posted here make it clear that these are actually fallen angels - turned into demons - that we are dealing with!   A Great Deception, indeed !

For several years I have been aware of much that is discussed in these informative videos; however, I chose not to focus on all that on this blog.  This blog is primarily to promote the KING, JESUS CHRIST; THE HEAVENLY FATHER; THE HOLY SPIRIT; AND GOD'S KINGDOM, AND THE SALVATION OF THE SOULS OF MANKIND!!  With some Bible Prophecy thrown in as well.  

Well, the fact that we are so close to Jesus' return, and so much is happening to possibly deceive even believers themselves, the above and a bit more below on the subject of the true meaning of UFO's and demons seemed timely and even necessary to include now on this blog !

A short 8 minute video clip by "Christ in Prophecy" follows with an interview with Pastor Billy Crone.  It is interesting what the Pastor tells us about how even secular experts who study UFO's feel now about the true origin of these craft.

 A very recent 29 minute video, published 6-14-21, by prophecywatchers.com, deals with "Project Jehovah and UAP's" -  And,  once again, stresses the "great deception" soon to come.

The devil and his minions are very active now in these last moments of the end times! They know their time is short, and they are particularly after true, devoted Christians!  The evil one already has the godless and evil people right where he wants them; satan particularly hates Christians and wants to bring them down in his grasp.  He once had you there, until you gave your heart and life in true belief and faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ.  The devil loves to make you miserable !  -  With many afflictions and trials, etc.  But you are NOW a child of God!  The blood of Jesus covers you and protects you!  

Following is a video by the wonderful Christian You Tube Channel "Lion of Judah." It has been posted previously on this blog, but here it is again as a reminder for you that you, as a Christ-follower, are protected by the blood of Jesus! One of the following narrators in the video below on the blood of Jesus, is Reinhard Bonnke!

One last- but important and encouraging - video for you! It is found on another special Christian You Tube Channel - "Grace For Purpose."  It is only ten minutes - please watch!  It concerns our safety when we abide in the good Lord's presence - by obeying Him and having faith!  It also mentions how the blood of Jesus will cover you and protect you.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.  Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."  -   Isaiah 26:3-4

"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."  -  Romans 8:6

"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

God loves You !!  Have a blessed day!

Maranatha!

"ARE YOU A SPIRITUAL MOURNER?" (Sermon Video By Pastor Chuck Smith) - (A.W. Tozer Devotional) - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

                                       [Rainbow at Waimea Bay, North Shore - Oahu, Hawaii]

Rainbows are very special to me.  They remind me of God and His promises.  But not only that, if there are difficulties to face with uncertain consequences, viewing a rainbow cheers me and makes me feel that God is near.  Of course, when you are a true believer in the Savior Jesus Christ, you realize that the good Lord is always with you!   But we need to sometimes be reminded of that, and a rainbow does that for me.

"Thou art near, O LORD, and all Thy commandments are truth."  -  Psalm 119:151

"But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the LORD God, that I may declare all Thy works."  -  Psalm 73:28

So, what exactly is meant by spiritual mourning?  First, here is what Jesus had to say when He gave the Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes):

 "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."  -   Matthew 5:4

 

As stated above, it is a spiritual mourning, and not that of a melancholy disposition, nor sorrow over temporary distress, nor for destroyed hopes, and not even for the sorrow when we find ourselves in adversity of any type.  The main cause of this of this mourning Jesus spoke of is because of sin.    And for sin itself  rather than for the consequences of sin.  Even sorrow for secret sins; for sin as seen in the sight of our precious Lord Jesus.   Because as King David of old said: 

"Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest."    - Psalm 51:4

"Hide Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."  -  Psalm 51:9-10

King David sinned really big time during his life.  Psalm 51 deals with his repentance over his adultery with Bathsheba and of causing the murder of her husband.  How bad is that!  Yet David had true godly sorrow over his sins, and true repentance.   And God still felt about and called David "a man after His own heart"!

" .....  He raised up unto them David to be their king to whom also He gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all My will."   -  Acts 13:23

Also, remember how the apostle Peter denied Christ three times in one night, and when the Lord looked intently at him after his cruel denial, Peter wept bitterly.  Godly sorrow! Repentance!

 

 [ North Shore - Oahu, Hawaii]

Christians also mourn - and deeply - the sins of others.  This is especially true of family member's sins, but also of others - even to mourn the sins of one's nation and its leaders!  Jeremiah the prophet felt that way about his nation of Israel as seen in the following verses:

"Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!  On that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men."  -   Jeremiah 9:1,2

One Bible commentator has said:  "The mourning which will entitle a man to blessedness has these qualifications:  It is spontaneous and free: it must come as water out of a spring and not as fire from a flint.  The mourning is spiritual:  when we mourn for sin more than suffering.  We must mourn for sin as it is.  It is  (1) an act of hostility and enmity that affronts and resists the Holy Spirit. (2) sin is an ingratitude in its unkindness against God; (3)  A privation that keeps good things from us, and hinders our communion with God.

 

The same commentator tells us: "that  - with hope - believing that though our tears drop to the earth, our FAITH must reach heaven.    Our mourning must be joined with hatred of sin.  We must not only abstain from sin, but abhor it.   The dove hates the least feather of the hawk;  A true mourner hates the least motion to sin.   ....... Our mourning for sin must be constant.  ... A daily weeping, a daily mourning."

And concerning the mourner's being comforted:  "Spiritual comforts are pure:  they are not mudded with guilt, nor mixed with fear; they are the pure wine of the Spirit.  What the mourner feels is joy. The comforts God gives His mourners are sweet, for the love of God shed into the heart is said to be better than wine.  (Song of Solomon 1:2)   {The comforts from God} are Holy.  Divine comforts give the soul more acquaintance with God.  {These comforts} are satisfying as they fill the heart and make it run over; they are powerful; they strengthen for duty, and they support us under affliction.  ... The comforts of the Spirit are immortal and eternal.  Oh, how superlative are these comforts!"  (Comments from "The Biblical Illustrator")

Following is a 44 minute sermon on this subject and Matthew 5:4 by Pastor Chuck Smith, who was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.  Pastor Smith passed away a few years ago.

Following is a quote from A.W. Tozer, who was an American preacher and author and he passed away in 1963.  

"What a strange paradox!  The atheistic free thinker rants and raves about the Bible being a "dangerous" book at the very same time that the Word Of God is speaking to my soul!  Strange indeed that some humans have the idea that the Word Of God can only be approached with shivering fears.  But that is true only of those who love their sin and hate their Savior.  The blessed truth is that if I hate my sin and love my Savior, the Word of God is a wonderful revelation, indeed, and a trustworthy guide.  We need to be aware always that if we do not keep the Word of God on our side, we will be miserable in our souls continually.  It is up to us.  What do we sincerely will to do with God and His revealed Word?   Years ago, the saintly George Mueller said he had read the Bible hundreds of times, and then he added, "with meditation."  Let us see to it that we read the Word.  More than that, we should actually explore it!"

 

 

[Dawn -  Ala Moana Beach Park -  Oahu, Hawaii]

Has it dawned on you that we are now living in the last moments of the end of this dispensation- the Age of Grace: The Church Age?  Look around you and you see all the signs of the beginning of the New World Order!   The signs that "the season" of Jesus' return is now upon us!   No one knows the day or the hour (but only our heavenly Father knows) when our blessed Savior will return for His true believers. (Matthew 24:36).   But the Bible and Jesus clearly gives us "signs" that His return is near.  Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.  Much written there pertains to the tribulation period which follows the Rapture, true, but we see some of those signs happening NOW which means we must be in the "season" of our Lord's imminent return to take us heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins. 

If Jesus returns today, or next week, or soon.....

Are you Rapture Ready?

  

  The main requirement is to believe that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven and eternal life!    Jesus took our place on the Cross and paid our sin debt in full by shedding His precious blood (as the sacrificial Lamb of God) that we might be ransomed from our sins and forgiven by Him and God if we only have faith and believe! We are washed clean in Jesus' blood and when we are born again, and God sees us as saved from His wrath because God sees us through Jesus - we are cleansed  by the blood of Jesus!

 

Following are Scriptures that explain what Salvation entails.  If you are not a believer now in the Savior, it is urgent that you do so soon!   Eternity is a long time to spend in the wrong place : Hell !

"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

"But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received the atonement."  -   Romans 5:8-11

"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 saith 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

 

One thing to be sure to do,  is to repent  of your sins and to sincerely pray for forgiveness in order to receive the Lord's forgiveness and blessing.

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

PROPHECY NEWS - GOG AND MAGOG WAR - ISRAEL'S NEW GOVERNMENT (With Videos)

 High and powerful surf as in my photograph above taken on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, has always been awe inspiring to me !  For that matter, all of the good Lord's creation leaves me in awe of His power and His majesty!  Not only the beauty of creation, but just the astounding fact that He in His majesty and sovereignty and wisdom -  and the list goes on! -  that our loving heavenly Father, Who can be so tender and merciful and loving towards us finite humans also has the power to create such awesomeness as found in nature -  and the universe, for that matter.

Recently I was amazed by God's power in another way --  that the nation of Israel is changing government -  a part Jewish and part Muslim government - which will lead to the entrance of the Antichrist soon !  Which means that   Ancient Bible Prophecy about the end times is coming true right now!!  The Jews will be deceived (not realizing he is the antichrist), however it has recently  been brought to my attention that the antichrist himself who will soon take over will also be part Jewish and part Muslim.  

Isaiah 10:5-6 says: "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down" like the mire of the streets."

 

  Maybe more about that later. However, according to one scholar, the recent (under President Trump) Abraham Peace Accords are part Jewish and part Muslim.

Following is a recent 51 minute video by Amir Tsarfati concerning not only the new Israeli government, but also information on how close might be the Gog and Magog war ! Amir is a Christian Jew with a thriving ministry.  You will learn much from his video below!   

 Unfortunately, for some reason I cannot paste that video here.  Please go to You tube at Behold Israel and enter "Amir Tsarfati-  Middle East Update: how close are we to to Gog and Magog?  - posted on June 3, 2021

 

Here is another recent video by prophecywatchers.com with host Gary Stearman and his guest Billy Crone as they discuss the Tribulation, the Temple, and the Antichrist.  Of interest in this 29 minute video below is a short animated clip of what the coming new temple in Jerusalem will look like!  Pastor Crone thinks that perhaps part of the covenant with the antichrist will be to have the New 3rd Temple to be built.  

In the above video, Pastor Crone mentions that when, eventually, the Jewish people (during the 7 Year Tribulation) realize that the antichrist has "duped"  them, the antichrist will slaughter about 2/3 of the Jewish people.   

There is more information concerning that slaughter at   https://christinprophecy.org/articles/the-jews-in-end-time-bible-prophecy/      Check out paragraphs 8 and 9 in the article above.  Scriptures are given there for reference, including Zechariah 13:8-9 and Revelation 12:13-17.

Please, while at the above link  at Christinprophecy.org  , scroll down to the heading "Prophecies Concerning the Church".  It mentions that at the end of the millennium  (after the tribulation and armageddon) then the millennium which is the 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth)  then at the end of the millennium "we will be removed from this earth to the "New Jerusalem" which the Lord has been preparing for us, and from that vantage point, we will witness the greatest fireworks display in history as God envelopes this earth in fire, burning away the pollution of satan's last revolt  (2 Peter 3:10-13)." the article goes on to say, "out of that fiery inferno will come the New Heavens and the New Earth where we will live forever in the New Jerusalem in the presence of God and Jesus."   

I just felt like I must quote that part of the article above  because so many teach that it will not be a literal fire and a literal destruction -- but instead, a cleansing of some sort.  

I apologize for the links not working properly for this article.  Long story about computer issues!  Please make an effort to check out the important links given here!  Great info !

[Waikiki Beach at Dawn - Oahu, Hawaii]

Here is another video which explains in 44 minutes a general summary of prophetic truths.  It is by prophecy expert Don Stewart.... at educatingourworld.com.  But the video was for "hope for our times" channel by Pastor Tom Hughes.  This video is especially helpful for those "new" to the idea of Bible Prophecy coming true in these last days we find ourselves in at this time.  Don Stewart in the following video also talks about the Gog of Magog war.   At the end, he reminds us that the wicked will not understand what is actually taking place or the prophetic significance of it.   A must watch!  

Here is a devotional by Charles Spurgeon that rather fits in with this article's discussion.  It concerns us being glad of heart because of how wonderful our heavenly Father is to us, and because of His wonderful attributes that should lift our spirits to think on them, and of His many blessings.  Spurgeon bases his devotional on Psalm 149:2 which reads; "Let Israel rejoice in Him."

 

Spurgeon:   "Be glad of heart, O believer, but take care that thy gladness has its spring in the LORD.  Thou has much cause for gladness in thy God, for thou canst sing with David, "God, my exceeding joy."  Be glad that the LORD reigneth, that Jehovah is King!  Rejoice that HE sits upon the throne, and ruleth all things!  Every attribute of God should become a fresh ray in the sunlight of our gladness.  That HE is mighty should cause us to rejoice who tremble at our weakness.  That HE is everlasting, should always be a theme of joy when we know that we wither as the grass.  That HE is unchanging, should perpetually yield us a song, since we change every hour.   That HE is full of grace, that HE is overflowing with it, and that this grace in covenant HE has given to us; that it is ours to cleanse us, ours to keep us, ours to sanctify us, ours to perfect us, ours to bring us to Glory.

"All this should tend to make us glad in HIM.  This gladness in God is as a deep river; we have only as yet touched its brink; we know a little of its clear sweet heavenly streams, but onward the depth is greater and the current more impetuous in its joy.  The Christian feels that he may delight himself not only in what God IS , but also in ALL that  God has DONE in the past.  The Psalms show us that God's people in olden times were won't to think MUCH of God's actions,   and to have a song concerning each of them.  So let God's people NOW rehearse the deeds of the LORD!  Let them tell of HIS mighty acts, and "Sing unto the LORD, for HE hath triumphed gloriously."   Nor let them ever cease to sing, for as new mercies flow to them day by day, so should their gladness in the LORD's  loving acts in Providence and in Grace show itself in continued thanksgiving.  Be glad ye children of Zion and rejoice in the LORD your God.!"   - end of Spurgeon's quote.

Here is a short 11 minute sermon by the wonderful Christian channel on You Tube "Grace For Purpose."  It is titled: "God isn't asking you to be Perfect, He wants you to Trust Him in your Weakness"  .   

Take heart! Our Savior will return very soon!  Times are tough for many right now, but we true believers in the atoning shed blood of Jesus know that He has given us a hope which nothing can destroy.  We may face much difficulties of one sort or another, even have loved ones disappoint us... and the list goes on.  Not to mention the evil days in which we are now living.  I hope the above information and Scriptures encourage you to hang in there !

God loves you !  Have a blessed day!

"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 !!