"He Is At The Door! Look Up!" Also "How To Overcome A Spiritual Attack" (Leonard Ravenhill video on Suffering, Video on The Whole Armor of God) - Inspirational Weekend

Flowers cheer me up, even when I do not need cheering up; when all is well with me.  Most women, and some men, will agree that flowers and their beauty soothe the soul as well as being a delight to behold.

Actually, only the good Lord can truly and completely soothe the soul and give you hope and encouragement and a reason to live; and give you everlasting life if you believe in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus on the cross; that His shed blood cleanses you from all sin when you put your whole faith and belief in Him as the Savior.

This reminds me of the hymn "In Christ Alone".  I posted a video of that hymn recently on this blog.  Two stanzas stood out for me in that hymn :  "And as He stands in victory, sin's curse has lost its grip on me."   And, "No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand."

Just a note, people you knew before you were saved, cannot believe the change in you is real once you become a child of God by belief in His Son Jesus.  That applies to unsaved acquaintances of your past.   Not knowing the Scripture at Romans 8:1(nor any other Scriptures as well), and being carnally minded, they cannot grasp the new spiritual birth concept.  Most of the time  they will not listen to you or anything you have to say about Jesus or salvation.  Many of you true followers of Jesus have experienced this from others.

"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you."   -  1 Peter 4:4  (KJV)

The NLT Bible renders the above verse:  "Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do.  So they slander you."

The following verse in Romans 8:1 is good to make them (former  unsaved associates) aware of ; and it is also encouraging for us as believers to focus on:

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



This means your past sins have been erased in God's sight as the Father now sees you as washed clean by Jesus' sacrifice and redemptive work on the Cross.  When God sees you now, (as you being saved by faith) He sees you through Jesus. You are a new creation!

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

Here again is a video of the hymn "In Christ Alone" :

It is very true, as many men of God have stated, that when you give your life to Jesus and become a sincere and devoted believer, the devil will attack you with various trials (and even doubts about your faith) because you are a threat to that evil deceiver and he hates you as he fears God. The devil is also angry because he once had you in his grip, but when you came to faith in Jesus the evil one had no more power over you.  And the devil, the slanderer, will endeavor to turn people and events against you.  

In my previous post last weekend (scroll down to view) there was included a short 4 minute sermon clip by Pastor Jack Hibbs on the subject "We are in a spiritual battle".  You might want to go there and watch it. 

Leonard Ravenhill said, " If you stir hell up [by sharing the Gospel or by just living a holy life ] the devil will stir up everything he can against you:  you'll get misrepresented, misunderstood......"

Let's go ahead and include that sermon by Ravenhill now.  It is only 25 minutes long.  The sermon is titled :"Suffering - the marks of God's approval".

  

"These people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me."   -   Jesus at Matthew 15:85

That verse directly above, spoken by Christ, applies to many who are mere professors of Christianity, and that are not truly born again.

"God's will: nothing more; nothing less; nothing else; at any cost."   -  author unknown

Note: the devil is also known as the destroyer at Revelation 9:11; and he is called a murderer and the father of lies at John 8:44; satan is called "the god of  this world" at 2 Corinthians 4:4; and, again, he is called the deceiver at Revelation 12:9.

Be on guard !  Recognize satan's tactics when they occur!

1 John 4:4 says: "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."       

Most Christians are familiar with the above Scripture at 1 John, but following is some commentary on that verse they may find helpful and, in addition, unbelievers who might read this article may also be encouraged to come to faith and/or see Jesus working in your life by the following explanations:

Adam Clarke's Commentary tells us:  (on "ye are of God"); "Ye are under the influence of the Divine Spirit, and have overcome them (false teachers). Your testimony, proceeding from the Spirit of Christ, has invalidated theirs which has  proceeded from the influence of satan; for greater is the Holy Spirit which is in you, than the spirit which is in the world."

Today there are still false teachers as you know, but this verse can also apply to worldly people as well (those who are not saved and who do not believe in Jesus).  Watch your associations !                                 (1 Corinthians 15:33; James 4:4)

Albert Barnes tells us in his commentary on 1 John 4:4;   "God/Jesus, Who dwells in your hearts, and by Whose strength and grace alone you have been enabled to achieve this victory, is more mighty than satan, who rules in the hearts of the people of this world.... the apostle meant to say that it was by no power of their own that they achieved this victory, but it was to be traced to the fact that God dwelt among them, and had preserved them by His grace.   What was true then is true now. He who dwells in the hearts of Christians by His Spirit, is infinitely more mighty than satan, "the ruler of the darkness of this world."  And victory, therefore, over all his arts and temptations may be SURE.   In his conflicts with sin, temptation, and error, the Christian should NEVER DESPAIR,  for his God will insure him the victory."

Focus on the good Lord and the things above; be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong faith in God/Jesus. Do NOT focus on the bad and the negative; if you begin to do that, go to God in prayer and He will help you to overcome the negativity.  Have faith!

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."    -       Colossians 3:1,2

This article focuses on the devil more than I ever think about him; it was with the aim to make people aware of his evil schemes and how we must remain in close fellowship with the good Lord in order to overcome the wickedness of this world of today.

Do NOT focus on the evil one !!  Keep your focus on the things above!

Pray often !  Read your Bible often!     

Just a few more words of caution about the evil devil, and then let us please move on to good, and lovely, and pure things.

To put it bluntly, satan is after your mind!  Your mind is the devil's top priority.  To ward off this evil deceiver's attacks, you need to feed your mind often with God's Word (the Bible) and thereby reprogram your mind. (Romans 12:1,2). And, of course, be often in prayer. This, and much more, is brought out in the following 13 minute video.  This video gives the best explanation EVER on what the Bible calls the whole armor of God!  (Ephesians 6:10-18)

When the devil attacks you with doubts or any form of torment he can think of, tell that accuser, "I'm not wearing my own righteousness, I am wearing the righteousness of Jesus Christ."  So says the narrator in the above video.  You can also say out loud to the accuser and the deceiver,  "I plead the blood of Jesus."  That will send the devil away from you fast!  The name of Jesus has power!  

Suffering, therefore, according to Ravenhill, is the mark of a true believer, because he has the marks of God's approval.  Not all believers suffer as greatly as did Job or the apostle Paul, for example, but none of us are exempt from trials and hardships in this life.  As the Bible encourages us, trials will send you flying to the good Lord and on your knees in prayer, and you will therefore learn to rely on Him more and more as He molds and shapes you -  thereby producing a close, intimate, loving, and personal relationship that you will have with Him. And hardships and problems that seem insurmountable will help you to become more Christlike as you seek help and guidance and direction from God; and His answers to your prayers will build your faith, as well.

"Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets."   -  Jesus at Luke 6:26

That verse above can well apply to some of the "celebrity preachers" of today.

The secret of endurance?  Walk with God!

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"   -  Micah 6:8

Following is a daily devotional (published May 28 ) of Charles Stanley on the topic "The Storms of Life".  Please watch it; it takes only almost 3 minutes to view it.

The verses quoted in the above video are from 1 Peter 4:12-19.  After the verses above are read there is a brief commentary on them.  It would be beneficial for all of you to go to Dr. Stanley's devotions every day.  

[Cannonball Tree Blossoms]

The world we now live in is very different from when I was young.  It is very different also from even about 10 years ago.  As stated before on this blog, we are now seeing the beginning stages of the New World Order, or the One World Government; which will include the One World Economy and the One World (false) Religion.   There is much chatter on the Web about the soon to be cryptocurrency -  meaning the world will go "cashless."  That will set the stage for the future "Mark of the Beast (antichrist)" during the Tribulation which follows the Rapture of the Church, Jesus' Bride.  (Go to the "search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and enter such information as "cryptocurrency, ID 2020 Alliance, ID 2020 vaccine, New world order" and so on for more information.  Many other topics you may also enter such as "Faith, hope, salvation, forgiveness, the Rapture," etc.  )

Also, please check on the web concerning prophecies of these end times we are currently experiencing. But better yet, read your Bible daily and pray to the heavenly Father to guide you, and to help you know His will for you in all matters.

It is so very important to be in God's Word daily.  The Holy Spirit will give you understanding if you are a born again believer in Jesus as the Savior.

If you are a saved and true believer in the Redemptive work  of Jesus on the Cross, and you believe that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven; that His shed blood washes our sins away when we put our faith and trust in Him and when we believe with all of our very being that He alone is the way to heaven because He is the Savior...... then you will NOT be here for the soon to be 7 year Tribulation period.  Those 7 years will be hell on earth, full of horrific judgments and the wrath of God on the ungodly persons left on earth then.  There will be plagues and destruction such as we cannot even begin to fathom.  Read the Bible book of Revelation to find out more about the judgments and plagues and horrors of the Tribulation .  Actually, the 7 year Tribulation is also God's way to bring the Jewish people to come to acknowledge that Jesus is the true Messiah.

As stated above, true followers of Jesus will be raptured to heaven before the 7 year Tribulation when He returns soon - very soon - to take believers (the Church) to glory with Him.

There is a ton of information in this article !  The reason is, it could possibly be the last blog post I write.  I am hopefully waiting for Jesus' soon return!

Time is short!

Turn to Jesus in faith before it is too late!

Jesus will welcome you with love and forgiveness and hold you tight and secure forever in His safe and protective embrace !

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

Romans 10:9.10.13 tells us : (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.   (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13)  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

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

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

 Time is running out!

If you are already a believer, remember what Jesus said concerning these end times we are experiencing.  In particular the signs that are occurring now that He told us would happen in the "season" of His return ( the signs found at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21).  He said when these end times signs begin to happen:

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."    -  Luke 21:28


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

"Whole Lot of Shaking Going On !" (Important Video by Pastor Jack Hibbs and Chad Thomas ) - Inspirational Weekend

My photograph above is a scene near the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.  As many of you know, Hawaii is often called a "paradise". It is very beautiful here (as well as the other islands of Hawaii that I have visited), but we can be sure that heaven itself will be even more spectacular and glorious than anything on this earth! 

As corrupt and evil as this world has become because of wicked men and leaders, I thank the good Lord that there are still some places of beauty and peace yet to be found here.   But this world is not my home, and if you are a true believer in Jesus and you are a devout reader of the Holy Word, you realize that this dying world is not your home either.  In fact, many comments I read on the Internet by believers that they are of a longing to go to be with their Lord and Savior.  And many feel in their spirit that His return is very, very soon.  

It is not just wishful thinking on their part;  today many things that are occurring are a fulfillment of Bible prophecies concerning these end times or last days we are currently experiencing.  I personally have felt an urgency -  a prodding if you will - to warn others to turn to Jesus in faith NOW  while there is still time.  I have many family members who are unsaved, as many of you probably do as well.

Below is a 13 minute video by Watchman on the wall 88 (Chad Thomas) the "Great Shakings that are currently upon us - the World".  In this video concerning world events and natural disasters such as increased earthquakes, and much volcanic activity, among other things prophesied in the Bible (read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) , Chad impresses upon us the urgency of the times and how we need to come to faith in Jesus as the Savior - like NOW ! Chad brings out the fact that even unbelievers know things are not right; that something unusual is occurring right now; and many are very fearful of what might lie ahead, meaning :  Just how bad is it going to get ?!!  Like was stated in a recent post of mine,  Bible sales have skyrocketed since this coronavirus hit.

Many believe in the strong possibility of Jesus returning to take His true followers to heaven in the rapture which could happen during Pentecost of this year !  Chad, and other scholars of eschatology, stress that no one knows the day or the hour, but we can recognize the signs of the end of this dispensation, the end of the age of Grace, the end of the Church age.   And Chad makes a strong case that it MIGHT happen at Pentecost of this year (May 31).  He gives valuable information in a series of 3 videos on this topic.  Go to you tube and enter "Watchman on the wall 88" and search for these 3 recent videos on a possible Pentecost Rapture.  Many scholars agree to the possibility of Jesus returning then, as I just stated, but the Bible says that no one knows the day or the hour.  It could happen on Pentecost, or before or afterwards.  Just live your life in expectation of His soon return, whenever it might be.  Be about the Father's business and preach the Gospel to others, and live your life by always endeavoring to please the good Lord.  We please Him by obeying His commands and putting Him first in everything; by loving Him with our whole heart, and soul, and strength and mind.

(Mark 12:30,31)

Jesus is the only way to the kingdom of heaven !!

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

As was reported in my previous blog post, many persons are stressed to the max from the lockdown for the virus, and some of it is because people were meant to "socialize" and not to be restricted, for the most part, to isolation in their homes.  Many are stressed because they lost their jobs or businesses, and are having financial struggles.  And as stated in my previous blog post, many have committed suicide.  

Please spend your time at home in reading the Bible and in much prayer !  We are in a spiritual battle !  For our faith and even for the clarity of our minds!  Satan will try to tear us down and whisper to us things that will (he hopes) cause us to sin or destroy our faith.  Following is a short (almost 4 minutes) video by Pastor Jack Hibbs concerning this spiritual battle.

Charles Spurgeon wrote on "Whose Battle?" in one of his devotions under his brief commentaries on his "Faith's Checkbook" devotions. Following is a small portion of it:    He quotes 1 Samuel 17:47  which reads: "And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saith not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands."  Spurgeon goes on to say, "Let this point be settled; that the battle is the LORD's, and we may be quite sure of the victory, and of the victory in such a way as will best of all display the power of God.   ......  If we are indeed contending for truth and righteousness, let us not tarry till we have talent  or wealth or any other form of visible power at our disposal.   ....  Let us run to meet the enemy.  If it were our own battle we are standing up for, we might not be confident. But if we are standing up for Jesus and warring in His strength alone, who can withstand us?  Without a trace of hesitancy let us face the Philistines; for the Lord of Hosts is with us, and who can be against us?"

Wow!  Powerful!  Spurgeon has a way with words !   I want to add emphatically here that I do NOT believe in Calvinism!  That is, the belief that certain ones are predestined to salvation and others are not.  Spurgeon was a Calvinist. He, like all of us, was imperfect;  but I, and many reputable scholars and pastors, feel that God used Charles Spurgeon  mightily and that he spoke much truth. 

The Bible, God's Holy Word, is more powerful than any man's inspiring words and is definitely TRUTH  and LIFE through and through.   It should be the main source of our spiritual food.  Following is another Scripture that teaches us to rely on the good Lord, and that He will fight our battles for us:

"The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."  -   Exodus 14:14

True, the above verse was spoken by Moses to the Israelites as they were pursued by the Egyptians before they crossed the Red Sea.  However, the same concept applies today.  Can't you recall how, in your own life, the many times God rescued you from circumstances that seemed impossible to surmount -- BUT GOD !

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."  -  Psalm 46:10

It has been said that the Hebrew word for "be still" probably means "enough".  God tells the people to stop trying to find security in their own efforts and strategies and to instead look to Him for help and strength and security.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me."   -   John 14:1

"We see from the words of Jesus to His disciples in the verse above,  that the best and holiest of God's children and servants, while here in an imperfect state, are subject to desponding, and disquieting and distrustful fears; and that no work is more delightful to our Savior, than to comfort the troubled and perplexed spirits  of His servants."  So says one commentator on John 14:1.

And to all of us, the following verses of John 14 are a wonderful hope for all true believers -  the hope of heaven.

John 14:2-4 encourages us: "In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And wither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

Those words of Jesus directly above can also apply to unbelievers.  But only if they repent and turn in heartfelt faith to the Lord, and if they believe with all their very being that Jesus is the Savior.  We are not talking about head knowledge of the Lord, or intellectual knowledge of Him.  That does not save you!  We are saying that you must be truly converted, and truly "renewed in your mind" (Romans 12:1,2); believe with your heart that Jesus' redemptive work on the cross is what saves you, not any "works" you may perform for Him.  It is true Faith that the good Lord wants from you.  

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

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.  Not of works, lest any man should boast."  -      Ephesians 2:8-9

If you are not yet born again (a spiritual rebirth); not yet saved by the blood of Jesus by putting your faith in Him,  then following are some Scriptures for YOU:

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

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

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

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  -  John 3:3

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

Remember the above quote when you have doubts during this current world crisis or about anything.  Better yet, go to your Bible for true Holy Spirit inspired words of hope and encouragement!  God will make a way for those who love Him and trust Him !


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

"Help For When You Feel Alone Or Stressed" (With Sermon by Adrian Rogers) - Inspirational Weekend

[Lifeboat at Waimea Bay, Oahu, Hawaii]

Concerning what follows in this article, my photograph above is rather symbolic of the subject matter.  Our "lifeboat" is the good Lord and His Holy Word, which also follows that much prayer will strengthen us and help us to endure many trials and hardships.  The rescue surfboard in the photo is symbolic of our rescue by God and Jesus, when we turn to them in faith to help us in our time of need or spiritual battle; our rescue from troubled waters.

This lockdown we are experiencing due to the coronavirus has affected many with loneliness and, unfortunately, many suicides have occurred from the anxiety felt because of the virus.  

I live alone, except I do have a cat for a companion.  For those of you who are alone during this lockdown (although in most areas many restrictions have been lifted..... but watch what happens later in the fall when the flu season is in full force). Hopefully we true believers will have been taken up to heaven by then, when Jesus returns for the rapture of the Church, His Bride. If you are feeling very alone, here is a song to uplift you and to keep your eyes and heart focused on the Lord:

Stay focused on the good Lord and those things above, and you will find strength from Him to endure.  Spend much time in prayer and also in reading your Bible.  This blog mentions over and over how important it is to develop a close, intimate, personal, and loving relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Savior.  God wants to fellowship with us; He loves us and wants what is best for us.   And what is best for us is a strong faith in Him and a trust that never falters or doubts.  A living and vibrant faith that helps us to be strong.  

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

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."  -  Matthew 19:26

Following is a 35 minute audio sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers who has since gone to be with the Lord.  It is a powerful sermon and I encourage you to listen to it.  The title of the sermon is "Learning to Stand Alone."

In the above sermon, Pastor Rogers tells us that, "Courage is fear that has said its prayers." and  "If you kneel before God, you will have courage and power to stand alone for Christ."  There is much more insightful and encouraging words in the above sermon.

"Quiet your mind and God will speak to your spirit."  -- unknown

[Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii]

Deuteronomy 10:12 tells us:  "And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,"

"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love."   -    1 John 4:18

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand.  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was  buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures."  -    1 Corinthians 15:1-4

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


Keep looking up!

Jesus will return soon for those who believe in Him as the Savior.

Are you rapture ready?


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

"How To Have Strength In Your Weakness" (With Charles Spurgeon Devotion) - Inspirational Weekend

The two cattle egrets above look as if they are practicing social distancing !  May we always have love and concern for others, in spite of the current social distancing mandates right now!

Much is on my mind right now to write about - maybe too much for one article.  Please bear with me as I endeavor to express what the good Lord has put upon my heart to share.

The last post here (scroll down to view) concerned itself with how we need to be strong and courageous and to rely totally upon God and Jesus..... God will make a way for us in our current difficulties and/or our spiritual battles.  

It is no doubt obvious to many that Christians are hated and persecuted in this, for the most part, evil and godless society in which we find ourselves today..... in this end time scenario.

Isaiah 5:20 tells us "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; That put darkness for light, and light for darkness; That put bitter for sweet,  and sweet for bitter!"

True, that was written for those in ancient times, but it also applies today, doesn't it!  Many people of the world will even call evil what is obviously miracles from God.

It reminds me of our blessed Savior, Jesus Christ, and how He was persecuted, slandered, tortured and eventually killed.  Yet He was holy and pure; God in flesh!  

Jesus tells us at John 15:18-20  "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me before it hated you.  If ye were of the world,  the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.  If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also."

 The intent of this article is to discuss strength from the good Lord and this in spite of our weaknesses.  A prime example of this is the Apostle Paul and his "thorn in the flesh" to keep him from being full of pride because of his many revelations from the Lord.  This is found at 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 which follows:

"And lest  I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  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.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

It would be good to read all of 2 Corinthians 12.  Note the apostle Paul's wonderful response and his wise attitude toward his troubles and his thorn in the flesh !  

We learn from our troubles and afflictions, if we are humble enough to turn to the Lord for help and guidance through much prayer during our ordeal, whatever it may be.   Besides, "no pain, no gain"!  The Lord shapes us and molds us to be more Christlike when we suffer;  we will more often turn to prayer - much prayer- when we are afflicted and thereby will grow in our relationship with God and Jesus....To rely on the good Lord for help and guidance and not on our own understanding or our own feeble efforts to do things our way.

I can see now that I will need to discuss 2 Corinthians 12 in more detail in another article in the near future.  

Following is a wonderful devotion by Charles Spurgeon about strength and faith and the grace of God:

"It is our wisdom, as well as our necessity, to beseech God continually to strengthen  that which He has wrought  in us.  It is because of their neglect in this, that many Christians may blame themselves  for those trials and afflictions of spirit which arise from unbelief.    It  is true that satan seeks to flood the fair garden of the heart and make it a scene of desolation, but it is also true that  many Christians leave open the ...."Gates" themselves,  and let  in the dreadful deluge through  carelessness and want of prayer to their strong Helper.  We often forget the Author of our faith must be the Preserver of it also.  The lamp which was burning in the temple was never allowed to go out, but it had to be daily replenished  with fresh oil; in like manner, our faith can only live by being sustained with the oil of Grace, and we can only obtain this from God Himself.  Foolish virgins we shall prove, if we do not secure the needed sustenance for our lamps.  He who built the world upholds it, or it would fall in one tremendous crash; He who made us Christians  must maintain us by His Spirit, or our ruin will be speedy and final.  Let us, then, evening by evening, go to our Lord for the grace and strength we need.  We have a strong argument to plead, for it is His own work of grace which we ask Him to strengthen :  "Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us" (Psalm 68:28).   Think you He will fail to protect and sustain that ?  Only let your faith take hold of His strength, and all the powers of darkness, led on by the master fiend of hell, cannot cast a cloud or shadow over your joy and peace.  Why faint when you may be strong?  Why suffer defeat when you may conquer?  Oh take your wavering faith and drooping graces to Him and Who can revive and replenish them and earnestly pray, "Strengthen, O God, that which Thou has wrought for us."

The above internet image has been used on this blog in the past, but I feel it fits here because only the Word of God can give "hugs" of comfort and guidance and draw you close in a spiritual embrace of the good Lord and His Holy Spirit.  It will give you strength and hope and fellowship with God and Jesus, as will also much prayer.

"Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."  -  Psalm 82:4

"Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in everything 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

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

Here is a wonderful worship song (In Christ Alone) which many of you are familiar with:

These are difficult times in which we live right now.  We need the good Lord to turn to in every trial and spiritual warfare we may be facing.

For those of you who are not saved, who are not born again (a spiritual rebirth), you need to repent and pray for forgiveness and to believe with all of your very being and all of your heart that Jesus Christ is the Savior and the only way to heaven.  Following are some Scriptures for you:

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

"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


All that we see happening now with natural disasters, with the establishing of the New World Order in its beginning stages, the evil and corruptness, and much much more are all signs of the end times as prophecy in the Bible told us would occur at the time of the end of this dispensation. (Please read of these end times signs  at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21)  In other words :

Jesus will return soon to take true believers to heaven with Him before the 7 year tribulation begins.

Turn to Jesus in faith now before it is too late !

He will welcome you with love and forgiveness, and hold you tight in the safety of His arms !

(Go to the search box at the top right hand side of this page and enter things such as:  the 7 year Tribulation, signs of the end times, the mark of the beast, the Rapture,  etc.  and many articles will appear for you to view, some with videos.  There are also articles on faith, endurance, fellowship with the good Lord, and many other topics as well.)

Jesus said the following when discussing the signs of the last days:

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."     -  Luke 21:28

Maranatha !

Hurry Lord Jesus !


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

Be Strong And Courageous - God Will Make A Way (With Videos by Don Moen)

There will be more words of encouragement in this article.  We all need encouragement even in "normal" times, and especially now when things such as the lock down have drastically altered our lives.

Our main encouragement should be from the good Lord and from His Holy Word, the Bible.  And do not forget to spend much time in prayer.  As stated many times previously on this blog, God and Jesus want to fellowship with us!  We do that, of course, by prayer and Bible reading.  The Bible is God's Love Letter to us, as well as His Instruction Manual.  From spending time in God's Word, we learn of His love for us as well as His many attributes and character, which in turn makes us love Him and Jesus even more.  The more we fellowship with Him, the more we will develop a strong, living and vibrant, and close relationship with Him - a relationship that will grow and blossom into something beautiful and lasting for all eternity!

Jesus tells us at Mark 12:30-31 : "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  And the second is like, namely, this, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these."

Yesterday I discovered that the singer Don Moen has his own you  tube channel.  My favorite song by him is "God will make a way."  Most of you are no doubt familiar with it.  Here it is for you :

Search for Don's you tube channel by entering there:  Don Moen tv

Here is a wonderful 8 minute sample of one of his devotions at his channel.

It is titled:  "Promises from God's Word  -  Be strong and take courage"

"Faith is not to get you out of a hard place but to change your heart IN the hard place."  -  Pastor David Wilkerson

"Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: He preserveth the souls of His saints; He delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked."   -    Psalm 97:10

"Trust in Him at all times; ye people; pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us." -  Psalm 62:8

"He only is my rock and my salvation.  He is my defence; I shall not be moved."  -   Psalm 62:2

Following is an encouraging devotion from Charles Spurgeon, based on the Scripture at Isaiah 51:5 which says, "On My arm shall they trust."

Spurgeon tells us: " In seasons of severe trial, the Christian has nothing on earth that he can trust to, and is therefore compelled to cast himself on his God alone.  When his vessel is on its beam-ends and no human deliverance can avail, he must simply and entirely trust himself to the providence and care of God.  Happy storm that wrecks a man on such a Rock as this!  O blessed hurricane that drives the soul to God and God alone!  There is no getting at our God sometimes because of the multitude of our friends,  but when a man is so poor, so friendless, so helpless that he has nowhere else to turn, he flies into his Father's arms, and is blessedly clasped therein !  When he is burdened with troubles so pressing and so peculiar, that he cannot tell them to any but his God, he may be thankful for them; for he will learn more of his LORD than at any other time.  Oh, tempest-tossed believer, it is a happy trouble that drives thee to thy Father !  Now that thou hast only God to trust to, see that thou puttest thy full confidence in Him.  Dishonor not thy LORD and Master by unworthy doubts and fears, but be strong in faith, giving glory to God.  Show the world that thy God is worth ten thousand worlds to thee.  Show rich men how rich thou art in thy poverty when the Lord God is thy helper.  Show the strong man how strong thou art in thy weakness when underneath thee are the Everlasting Arms.  Now is the time for feats of faith and valiant exploits.  Be strong and very courageous, and the Lord thy God shall certainly, as He built the heavens and the earth, glorify Himself in thy weakness, and magnify His might in the midst of thy distress.  The grandeur of the arch of heaven would be spoiled if the sky were supported by a single visible column, and your faith would lose its glory if it rested on anything discernible by the carnal eye.  May the Holy Spirit give you to rest in Jesus ....."

Very heartening and hopeful words above from this "Prince of Preachers", as Spurgeon has been called.  Hopefully his devotion and some Scriptures in this post will encourage you to keep on keeping on in today's troubled world.

"Don't let your focus move from God to your circumstances.  God always keeps His promise."   -  Dr. Charles Stanley

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."    -   Jesus at John 14:27

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."  -   Jesus at John 14:1-4

Jesus' words above at John 14:1-4 gives us hope and helps us to endure until He returns to take us home to be with Him in heaven.  Which may be very very soon, the way His signs of the end times are now playing out -  found at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.

Luke 21:28 is where Jesus has been referring to the signs of the end times (which we are now living in)  and then gives us hope by saying "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

If you are not a true believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ, it is urgent that you consider that your eternity will be in hell, unless you repent and turn to Jesus in faith, and believe that His shed blood at Calvary can wash you clean.... wipe the slate clean, so to speak.  Your sins will be forgiven.  Salvation is not difficult.  We simply need to become as little children, who are trusting and humble and obedient to their parents.

"... Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."     -  Jesus at Matthew 18:3-4

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

Encouragement To Endure In A Chaotic World (Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith)

Here it is Tuesday already and I am wondering what news will unfold this week -  especially if it is in fulfillment of Bible Prophecy.  I had originally intended to post a video here concerning the soon cryptocurrency that will be used instead of cash.  But I happened to accidentally run across a video which sparked my enthusiasm and which is more up-building and encouraging than more information on the "Bad" happening now or that will happen in the near future because of the New World Order and the people pushing for it.  But if you are interested, go to the Web and enter "Microsoft patent 060606 on cryptocurrency "  (Note the 666).  It seems "this cryptocurrency will measure body activity of the user in the form of body radiation, body fluid flow, a brain wave pulse rate, etc,; and then will award cryptocurrency in exchange for the appropriate body activity"  (quoting part of www.reddit.com).  I kid you not!!  Absolutely unbelievable!

To begin with words of encouragement, following is a video narrated by Pastor Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel churches.  The message in this 14 minute sermon clip is based on Nahum 1:7.  The sermon stresses putting God first in our lives, and then everything else will fall into its proper place. 

The writing above on the video is partly obscured and is worth taking to heart!  It says:

"When you pray - God listens.

When you listen - God talks

When you believe - God works."

Nahum 1:7 encourages us:  "The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him."

We are certainly living in troublesome times right now, no doubt about it!  Following are some Christian quotes and Bible verses that deal with faith.  Faith can see you through all trials and is closely related to trust in God and Jesus.

This quote by Martin Lloyd-Jones is quite to the point and applies always:  "Faith is a refusal to panic."

"Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake."    - Martin Luther

"Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist."  -  Peter Kreeft

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Nahum 1:7 has this to say: "He is a God of infinite mercy; and in the midst of all this wrath mercy is remembered."

"Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the ONE Who is leading."  -  Oswald Chambers

The following Scripture (1 Samuel 12:24) is very meaningful to me, or I should say personal in a very real sense.  I was so lost and sinful when I was younger, and the good Lord rescued me from all that darkness and brought me into His saving light and led me to a living faith in the Savior, Jesus.  I am filled with gratitude for how He has renewed my mind and transformed my heart.  No believer in Jesus is perfect, of course, and we will not be so until we are with the Lord in glory.  The main thing is that once we are truly born again (a spiritual rebirth) we do not deliberately and willfully sin -  which is outright rebellion against God. We make mistakes, we sin accidentally and in ways like anger or resentment, but we take it to the Lord and pray for forgiveness and He will help us to overcome it.  

"Only fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.  For consider what great things He has done for you."     -    1 Samuel 12:24

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me."  -   Galatians 2:20

"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

The above verse is so very important !  You must have faith in order to please God !!  Most Christians realize this, but some new to the Gospel may not understand the importance of faith and total surrender to the good Lord.

This world has gone mad, so to speak!  We need to have faith in order to endure what lies ahead as well as to endure what is happening at the present time.

This is where faith and strong trust and confidence in the Lord  comes in!  

We believers have a blessed hope!  Jesus will soon take us to be with Him when the Rapture of the Church occurs.  Keep looking up!

Titus 2:13 tells us :"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

Concerning the signs of the end times we are now experiencing, Jesus said at Luke 21:28 :  "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up , and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

"God Will Take Care Of You! Do Not Limit God ! " (With Sermon by Charles Spurgeon) - Inspirational Weekend

[Koolau Mountains, Oahu, Hawaii]

Where to begin?  So much is happening at warp speed right now so far as current events fulfilling Bible prophecy of these end times we are living in now !  I will not concentrate much on the coronavirus in this article, but I do want to urge you to go on the Web and enter ID 2020 Alliance, or ID 2020 Alliance chip.  There is a lot of information to be found there on that subject concerning the mandatory vaccine for all citizens of the world in order that you may be tracked and thereby be able to return to work, etc.  That vaccine, as I have stated before, will alter your DNA and is dangerous!

Please continue reading here, as towards the end of this article is an encouraging hymn concerning how God will take care of you!

Let us consider an important Scripture:

"Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel."  -   Psalm 78:41

The above verse is referring to the rebellious and stiff-necked people of Israel in ancient times.  It would be good if you read, if not all of Psalm 78, then at least verses 36 to 42.

Quoting from an article :  "Paul S. Rees in an article entitled "God in Shackles" writes these words: "It is we who put shackles upon God.  We cannot keep Him from managing the stars above us, but we can prevent Him from managing the soul within us."   

Isn't this a true description of what modern man has done with the God Who created him and the God Who wants to work His will within man!

A definition of the word "limited" as used in Psalm 78 means to "set boundaries upon", or to "set a mark upon."  

You've no doubt heard the expression "putting God in a box".  It is as if people think that putting God away somewhere in a little box will keep Him from interfering with the way we live our selfish lives.  Someone has said , "It is like drawing a boundary line beyond which God must not pass."

Actually, when you think about it, it is like it has been said, "God hangs the planets in outer space, but He has a difficult time managing the human heart because of man's resistance."

Following is a 42 minute audio sermon by Charles Spurgeon on which he bases Psalm 78:41 as the subject.  

Spurgeon, in the above sermon, informs us that we limit God  by sometimes "Dictation" to Him and other times by "Distrust" of Him.  Unbelievable that "some even push sin to the extreme by the utter "Despair" of His goodness and mercy.  Spurgeon goes into more detail about the above three mentioned ways we limit God.

One thing that hit home with me in the above sermon (because once I also felt like "The chief of sinners" because of my sins before I was born again by faith in Jesus) -- Spurgeon says that if you feel your sins are too great to be forgiven,  "You could never have exceeded the grace of God.  God will forgive you!"

Spurgeon says, "God is the most tender of heart than any other being."

Isaiah 55:8, 9 informs us: (8) "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. (9) For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

"So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: It shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."  -  Isaiah 55:11

Think of all the promises of God found in the Bible - about the end times  and the occurrences we see happening right now in fulfillment of His Word and prophecies;  think of all the prophecies and promises concerning Jesus the Messiah which were fulfilled 2000 years or so ago when He walked the earth and died for our sins;  and be happy about the promise of the soon return of Jesus to take true believers to heaven during the Rapture of the church before the 7 year Tribulation period - and be happy about so many more promises and prophecies !

[Near Sharks' Cove - Oahu, Hawaii]

In today's chaotic and troubled world, we really don't know what to believe anymore, as we are lied to so much.  But Christians put their hope, faith, and trust in the good Lord.  He does not lie!  His Word is truth and life!

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

God wants us to be dependent upon Him, and to not do things "our way".  We need to pray to Him and Jesus to guide us and to help us to do His will.  He wants us to believe His promises, and to look for their fulfillment and to do this without doubt, fear, or distrust -"With their whole heart."  You are commanded to depend on God Himself and Jesus -  not to depend on yourself.

So right now, with the pandemic and the other bothersome occurrences in this present time, we need to look to the good Lord in every thing, in every aspect of how we are to live obediently and to not grieve Him.  This lock-down may go on for some time, with various "privileges" partly restored.   Many Pastors and scholars of eschatology believe that life will not go back to normal.   This is all leading up to the New World Order; the One World Government; the One World Economy, and the One World False Religion.  Read Revelation 13, 17, and 18 concerning that. Better yet, read ALL of the Bible Book of  Revelation.  Think about all of the restrictions and the closure of churches, just to mention a couple of things.  (Have you noticed that liquor stores and other non-essential businesses are open.... yet they close the churches on us!!!!) It is good we have technology and the Internet to watch sermons.  I am grateful for that and I know you are also. 

If you are a true follower of Jesus the Savior, we will not be here to suffer all that is to come -  and we will not have to take the mandatory vaccine either.   Many pastors and scholars realize and preach that Jesus' return is even more imminent than ever before !

Now that is good news !  Praise the Lord!  We are out of here soon! Let us hang on to that blessed hope!  (Titus 2:13). To be in heaven with Jesus is so much better.... so much so that words cannot describe the joy and glory of it !  Thank God for His tender mercies and grace and love and forgiveness!  Thank Jesus for His sacrificial death which paid our sin debt in full !  By faith in His shed blood and His Redemptive work on the cross, by faith in Jesus as the Savior, we also may have eternal life !  Isn't God good !

Other good news is that millions have been saved during this pandemic..... they have put their faith in Jesus.   Also, the sale of Bibles has dramatically increased during this lock down.   See how God can bring good out of even bad things?

[Near Bellows Beach - Oahu, Hawaii]

Romans 5:3-5 explains (3) "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;    (4) And patience, experience; and experience , hope:   (5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us."

"Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work." -2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Following is an encouraging hymn on how God will take care of you:

If you have not been saved (born again from above - a spiritual rebirth) then you will have to endure the horrors and devastation and plagues of the Great Tribulation; and if you take the Mark of the Beast in order to buy and sell, you will be doomed to hell forever.  Read Revelation 13.  

But there is hope for you if you turn to Jesus now in repentance and believe that He is the Savior, and that He is the only way to heaven and eternal life.   If you do not do that now and you end up suffering the soon rule of the antichrist, there is still hope for you to be saved during the Trib. for the Bible assures us of that in Revelation 7:9-14.  

Revelation 7:14 says: "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

However, if you become a believer during the Tribulation, you do not want to take the Mark of the Beast (the antichrist) in order to buy food, etc., or to sell anything.   You will, therefore, either die by starvation, or the antichrist system will eliminate you by beheading you.  But you will be immediately at home with the Lord in heaven at your death !  "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord"  -  2 Corinthians 5:8

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."   -   Revelation 20:4

Following are some Scriptures for those who are not saved at this present time :

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

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

"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 !!