" Do You Ever Catch A Glimpse Of Eternity?" - (With Videos, One with Chuck Smith as Narrator) - Inspirational Weekend

[Seattle Botanical Gardens]

My photograph above has an elderly couple and their dog walking down one of many paths at the botanical gardens in Seattle, Washington.  This photo rather fits the subject of this article, and the title above (Do you ever catch a glimpse of eternity?).  The elderly couple in the above image are soon to see eternity literally, and the path they are walking reminds one of the paths of life that we take, to determine our destiny -  where we will spend eternity - in heaven or hell.

The inspiration for the title of this post is from the song:  "You Raise Me Up" by Selah, which is my favorite version of it.  Here is that moving and beautiful song:

Many people today, as a rule, do not think very often about eternity or what happens when they die.  That includes some Christians who, for the most part, do not read their Bibles.  It is so very important, as this blog has stressed over and over again, to read your Bible daily and to pray daily, even several times daily.  If you are not acquainted with Scripture and you have no relationship with the Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, something is terribly wrong !  

"There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."  -     Romans 3:11

The above verse is disturbing because it is typical of this godless society (for the most part), where people are lovers of themselves and of pleasures, and caught up in the frenzy of the world's carnal appetites.  

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."  -  1 John 2:15-17

Thank the good Lord that there are still many true and devout followers of Jesus today, as well as many pastors who guide their flock properly with sound Biblical truths and especially stress the Gospel - salvation by belief in Jesus and that His shed blood at Calvary can wash our sins away if we sincerely believe He is the Savior and the only way to heaven!

Following is a 4 minute devotional by In Touch Ministries (Dr. Charles Stanley's site)  which is titled "How do we seek God?"

Many Christians are aware that we are today, in a sense, the modern day Church of Laodicea.  In Revelation 3, Jesus addresses that lukewarm church of ancient times, and gives them warning !  A warning that is applicable for us today!  

Following is an excellent 12 minute video on the subject titled:  "The Book of Revelation is Unfolding Before Our Eyes ( The Revelation of the Church of Laodicea) :

With the coronavirus, and losses of jobs and businesses, and just the general craziness of today's chaotic world, many people are just plain weary and some are filled with the sense of hopelessness. The following short video tells us to fight the good fight of faith.  One  narrator in this video is Pastor Chuck Smith, the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.  

Christian videos and sermons are wonderful and I am grateful to be able to view them on the Web.   They can be very inspiring and encouraging.  But the most important thing we can do is to develop a close, loving, personal, and living relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior.  How do we do this?  By daily Bible reading and much daily prayer !  The Bible will teach us about God's/Jesus' love and attributes and character, and the more we read, the more we will come to appreciate all the good Lord has done for us, especially our salvation by faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior, the only way to heaven.  We will come to love Him more and more through Scripture as well as by much prayer.  God wants to fellowship with us, as has been stated often on this blog.  When we pray to Him and pour out our hearts and concerns to Him, He will listen; and when He answers our prayers,  WOW!...  It is wonderful to have your prayers answered and to know that your relationship with Him is growing stronger day by day!

[Poinciana Blossoms]

Time is short and running out!

Jesus will return soon to take His Bride (the Church, true followers) to be with Him in heaven.

Are you rapture ready?

If you are not saved, if you have not put your faith and belief in Jesus the Savior, following are some Scriptures for you to take seriously:

"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

"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."    -  John 3:16

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

"Are The Things You Are Living For Worth Christ Dying For?" (Sermon Video by Leonard Ravenhill; And Video on Unshakable Faith) - Inspirational Weekend

[Sunrise, Kauai, Hawaii]

The above title of this post ("Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?") is a direct quote by Leonard Ravenhill. It is on his tombstone  !  Ravenhill lived from 1907 to 1994 and was one of England's foremost outdoor evangelists of his time. You may, of course, find out more about him on the Internet; this post wants to focus on his quotes and share an important 13 minute sermon clip by him.  The sermon is blunt - he tells it like is - and to the point (which is what we need more of today from our pulpits).  Ravenhill does not sugar-coat anything when it comes to the Gospel. Brace yourself for some very convicting comments (convicting to a Christian's heart if he is guilty of sin) in his sermon titled : "John the baptist: the spirit of a prophet". The sermon below speaks very little of John the baptist, and dwells mostly on addressing Christians and what they need to focus on - and more - and chock full of gems spoken by Ravenhill like, for instance, "The greatest sin in the world [is to say and believe] "I can manage my life without God."

It seems fitting to quote here, 2 Timothy 3:1-5:  

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful,  unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Wow!  Talk about telling it like is !  The above verse clearly describes these last days we are currently experiencing.

Some of the other signs of the end times are spoken of by Jesus at Luke 21:25-28 as follows:

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And when these begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

I encourage you to please read all of Luke 21, as well as Matthew 24, and Mark 13 which also speak of the signs of the last days.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wisely said, " Silence in the face of evil is itself evil:  God will not hold us guiltless.  Not to speak is to speak.  Not to act is to act."

"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?"  -  The Apostle Paul at Galatians 4:16

We are all imperfect and make mistakes;  I am no different. But I endeavor to tell the truth. Sometimes a resource used and quoted on this blog may be in error, unfortunately, and when I discover it to be so, I correct the error or delete it.  Since we are all imperfect, we should not judge others when they mess up at times. (Unless it is out and out heresy, of course.)  We should endeavor to show them their error, and teach them more accurately -- do not judge them unless, that is, it is a deliberate and stubborn heresy, which is repeated often, and which purposely intends to deceive others.

Our time on this earth is short, especially now the way Bible prophecy of the last days is being fulfilled at a tremendously fast pace.  And very many are being fulfilled all at once right now - a convergence.  Jesus will soon return to take his followers in the Rapture to be with Him in heaven.  Our blessed hope!

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

We should focus on things above and on pleasing the good Lord as best we can.  He is our Judge.  Jesus is our Redeemer.  Our love and gratitude to the Lord should be expressed to Him always.  Spend much time in prayer and in reading the Bible.  That will enable us to know God and Jesus better, and we will find that our love for Him will grow stronger and stronger as we read about His love and character and attributes in His Holy Word. That, and as we pray several times daily , will enable us to develop a strong, close, intimate, personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus. That is what it is all about, folks!  You cannot come to actually know a person unless you spend time with Him and communicate with Him; it is the same way with God.  He wants to fellowship with us!  God/Jesus is the best friend we will ever have!

Ephesians 5:15-17 tells us:  "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Below is a 3 minute devotional by In Touch Ministries.  It dwells on the topic "Unshakable Faith".

Two wonderful comments especially stand out in the above video.  "When we abide in the Spirit, we have the power to endure hardship and suffering."   And, "Getting to know God is easier when we approach Him with a humble and genuine spirit."

"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." - Jesus at John 3:19-21

 What if you are not saved, not born again?  Following are some Scriptures for you:

About asking Jesus to come into your heart.... that is good.  However, you must truly repent of your sins, and believe with all of your mind, soul, and all of your very being that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven.  Believe that He, as the sacrificial Lamb of God, shed His precious Blood on the Cross, and that by doing so, He paid our sin debt in full .  He took our place at Calvary and made a way as the Redeemer for us to be saved and for us to have the hope (a sure hope) of eternal life. There will be a change in you and what you focus on if you are truly saved.  When a person is truly saved, the Holy Spirit will reside within him, to guide and teach him, and so much more !  

"In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." -   Ephesians 1:13

Jesus, at Luke 13:3-5 tells us: "I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."  -   Romans 12:1-2

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

"The Anchor Of The Soul" - Inspirational Weekend

As many of you may know, the Lord has many names.  One of them is found at Jeremiah 17:7 which tells us :"Blessed is the man that trusted in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is."

In a round about way you could say, from the above verse that God (Jesus) is our hope.   I mean, He is our hope most definitely, but Jeremiah 17:7 doesn't say it directly, just that our hope in the Lord will give us blessings.


"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."  -    Romans 15:13

For believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior, our ultimate hope is to be with Him in heaven.

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

Speaking of when Jesus returns soon for the Rapture of His true believers,  1 Thessalonians 4:17 tells us : "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."      What a wonderful and glorious hope!

Following is a moving song about the anchor of hope:

Hebrews 6:19  tells us: "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast and which entereth into that within the veil."

Hope is an anchor; Jesus is hope and is also an anchor. 

Following is a partial quote from Adam Clarke's Commentary on Hebrews 6:19 :

"The hope of eternal life is here represented as the soul's anchor; the world is the boisterous, dangerous sea; the Christian course , the Voyage; the port is everlasting felicity; and the veil or inner road, the royal dock in which that anchor was cast......  the soul may be strongly tossed ....but the anchor is in sure ground, and itself is steadfast; it does not drag, and it does not break; faith, like the cable,.... is the connecting medium between the ship and the anchor, or the soul and its hope of heaven; faith sees the haven, hope desires and anticipates the rest;  faith, works, and hope holds fast; and shortly the soul enters into the haven of eternal repose."

A wonderful explanation of the part of Hebrews 6:19 that tells us :  "And which entereth into that within the veil"    follows by Albert Barnes' Notes :

"The illusion to the "anchor" here is dropped, and the apostle speaks simply of hope.  The "veil" here refers to what in the temple divided the holy from the most holy place.  The place "within the veil" - the most holy place- was regarded as God's Special Abode -  where He dwelt by the visible symbol of His presence.  That Holy place was emblematic of heaven; and the idea here is that the hope of the Christian enters into heaven itself; it takes hold on the throne of God; it is made firm by being fastened there.   It is not the hope of future riches etc., for such a hope would not keep the soul steady; it is the hope of immortal blessedness and purity in the world beyond."

For some believers, they may not feel for sure that they are truly saved; sometimes the devil makes us doubt our salvation.  I would like to give a link here to an article written by me last year.  It has a  brief sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers about not being a doubting Christian. The sermon is titled: "How to be saved and know it."  Other information with Scriptures is also on that post.  Here is the  link :

https://inspiringnaturephotography.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-to-know-if-you-are-truly-saved-with.html

Have you put your trust and faith in Jesus?  Have you believed that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven and eternal life?  If not, there is no hope for you except eternal separation from God and Jesus.  For all who do not accept Jesus as their Savior will spend eternity in hell.   A bad choice !!

Salvation is simple.  First you must realize that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior.  

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

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

 A person needs to repent and pray for forgiveness.  He needs to realize that Jesus died in our place on the cross to pay our sin debt in full; that His shed blood washes us clean if we believe in His redemptive work at Calvary and have faith and belief that He is the Savior.  This is not intellectual knowledge of Jesus; it is a knowing with all of your very being that He is the Savior and that He is our only hope of eternal life. 

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

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

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

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

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

"Encouraging Scriptures and Christian Quotes to Help Us To Endure" - Inspirational Weekend

[Hamakua Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, Oahu, Hawaii]

I have spent many different days at the above marsh in Kailua, Oahu; taking numerous photographs of the wildlife and flowers in the area.  Several of those photos have been posted to this blog previously.   It is always a pleasant time spent there.  I am reminded of a quote by Martin Luther :  "I would not give one moment of heaven for all the joy and riches of the world."

Great attitude of Luther!  Actually, all true believers should feel this way, since we know the main focus of our life should be on Jesus and God.  

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."  -    Colossians 3:2

We believers know that this world is not our home.  What a better place awaits us in heaven!

"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

What wonderful words of hope and encouragement !!  As mentioned several times on this blog, we are living now in the end times!     The end of the age Grace and the end of the Church age........is almost  here !  

Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, for the signs of the season of Jesus' soon return in the air to take His Bride (the Church -  true, devout believers) to be with Him in heaven.  

[Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

"May the horrible trinity of the world, the flesh, and the devil never overcome us."  - Charles Spurgeon

And the world will not corrupt you if you are a true believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.  Yes, we are all imperfect in this fallen world, and even Christians sometimes sin and fall short.  But true believers will repent and pray to God for forgiveness (in sincerity)!  Jesus' followers will not deliberately and willfully make a habitual practice of sin.  

"Prayer is a shield to the soul."  -   John Bunyan

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

"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."  -   Acts 6:4

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation   [afflictions]; continuing instant in prayer;"              -   Romans 12:12

As stated numerous times on this blog, it is very important to pray often and, as well, to be reading the Bible daily.  Why?  Because that is the only way you can establish a relationship with the good Lord.  By reading God's Word, you will learn to see and appreciate His attributes, His love, His tender mercies, and much more!  It will thereby increase your love for God/Jesus, as you learn to appreciate all that has been done for you from the Lord.  And by prayer and trust in Him, you will draw closer to Him; and He will draw close to you.  You cannot build a relationship with anyone unless you communicate frequently with them; and it follows that the same is true of God.  When you establish (by the Lord's help) a living and loving relationship with God through His Son Jesus, it will blossom into something beautiful that will last for all eternity!

Revelation 1:3 tells us:  "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the  words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand."

Although the verse directly above is referring specifically to the book of Revelation,  the same is also true of the rest of the Scriptures; in the sense that we  benefit from all of God's Holy Word.  It is important to immerse yourself in ALL of the Bible.  Revelation is special, and tells us much concerning the Tribulation period and the end of things.  God wins !! (Just especially so is the book of Revelation a blessing.  No other book in the Bible makes the claim of a special blessing as does Revelation.)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."  -   2 Timothy 3:16,17

Following are some Scriptures for those of you who may not be saved by a heartfelt and soul-felt true belief in Jesus as the Savior; that only by belief in Him, and His redemptive work at Calvary... His shed blood... His paying our sin debt in full by dying in our place that we may obtain eternal life.

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

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

"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."  -    John 3:16

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

What You Need Every Moment - (Andrew Murray Sermon; Hymn Video)

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day."  -   2 Timothy 1:12

Most Christ followers are familiar with the above Scripture.  It is a strong testimony to the faith of the apostle Paul. 

Following is a beautiful hymn based on the above verse:

You may be familiar with the writings of Andrew Murray, who was a South African preacher and author and lived from 1828 to 1917.  Following is a 36 minute audio sermon by Murray which discusses  2 Timothy 1:12 as well as many other spiritual gems that you will benefit from:

In the above sermon, Andrew Murray explains the importance of the Holy Spirit - how it is  essential to living effectively as a believer.  He tells us that "we need Christ every moment of everyday!"    Murray also discusses the apostle Paul and how Paul gave himself wholly to Jesus.   As Murray says, "We need Jesus to help us to keep on going, ....... and asks the question if we have given up everything we have into the keeping of Jesus ."   

Just a reminder,  God and Jesus... when they tell us something to do or not to do,  it is NOT advisory, as if we can pick and choose which to obey and which not to obey.  We should obey always !  Dr. Charles Stanley often says "Obey God, and leave all the consequences to Him."

No one can "have the Holy Spirit within them" unless they are truly born again (a spiritual rebirth from the Lord).  In other words, by believing with all of your very being that Jesus is the Savior, whose redemptive work on the cross .... His shed blood... His sacrifice to pay our sin debt in full.. all that can save us and wash our sins away... wipe the slate clean and save us for eternal life.  Just believe in Jesus as the Savior.   This is not intellectual knowledge; it is a true faith with all your heart and soul and your very being that Jesus is indeed the one known as the Christ, the Redeemer, the Son of God and, again, the Savior... the only way to heaven.

Concerning the Holy Spirit, following are some words of Jesus:

"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever."  -  John 14:16

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost  [ Holy Spirit]  Whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."    -  John 14:26

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you."  - John 16:7

As stated in previous posts here,  over and over again this blog has stressed the importance of being in God's Holy Word the Bible on a daily basis, as well as to pray without ceasing, (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  That is the only way a person will be able to develop a close, intimate, personal, and loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  You cannot get to know anyone if you never communicate with them!  The same is true when it comes to the good Lord, of course.  God loves us and desires to fellowship with us.  

If you have never repented of your sins and asked God for forgiveness and turned to Jesus with a longing to know Him, the Savior -  then please do so now!  It is childlike simple:  simply believe in Christ and that He alone is the Savior and the way to the Father and to heaven.   You need to realize that you are indeed a sinner and in need of a Savior !   

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

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

Following are some Scriptures for the unbeliever:

"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

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 explains the Gospel:  "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."

"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

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

Jesus will return soon to take true believers to heaven.  Will you be ready ?

Can You Imagine ?! (A.W. Tozer quote;Getting to Know God; Song I Can Only Imagine; Hymn)

The ducks above are enjoying the puddles after a recent shower here on Oahu.  As I viewed my photograph of them today, it made me think that their reflections were mirrored in the water rather like the way our actions and speech and manner of life as Christians reflect a message to the world (water) or, more likely, to our immediate neighborhood or town.  As has been said by others,  a Christian's life may be the only "Bible" some people ever read.

"The world doesn't need a definition of Christianity as much as it needs a demonstration."   -   author unknown

Christians are not perfect; they still sin (but not deliberately and willfully against God if they are true believers).  They are not sinless -  but they sin....less!   We must be careful and discerning in everything and endeavor to reflect a Christ-like attitude at all times, in spite of our weaknesses.

If you are truly born again and filled with the Holy Spirit (which happens when you put your whole faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior), then you will receive help from the good Lord and the Holy Spirit to do the best you can, with His help.  Remember, believing in Jesus as the Savior does not mean just intellectual knowledge -- It means believing with all of your very being; your heart and soul and mind, so that you are  a new Creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) and your mind will be transformed to reflect that (Romans 12:1,2).

Following is a wonderful quote by A. W. Tozer:

"A satisfactory spiritual life will begin with a complete change in relation between God and the sinner; not a judicial change merely but a conscious and experienced change affecting the sinner's whole nature.   The atonement in Jesus' blood makes such a change judicially possible and the working of the Holy Spirit makes it emotionally satisfying........ 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........   We can get a right start only by accepting God as He is and learning to love Him for what He is.  As we go on to know Him better, we shall find it a source of unspeakable joy that God is just what He is.  Some of the most rapturous moments we know will be those we spend in reverent admiration of the Godhead."

Following is a song everyone is familiar with by Mercy Me which is "I Can Only Imagine".  It has had 79 million views on You Tube in the past 9 years. But this version is not original one due to copyright :

Truth is, we cannot even begin to comprehend the wonders of what heaven will be like.  The main thing is that we will be with our Savior Jesus!

Revelation 21:1-5 gives us comforting words concerning some of what being in heaven will entail :  (1) And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (2) And I John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (3) And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God.  (4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (5) And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.  And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."

Talk about words of hope and comfort!  The above verses remind us that there is something much better (super fantastic!!) that awaits true believers.  Just keep on keeping on!  It won't be long now before Jesus returns to take us to our true home !!

Below is an old hymn many will remember:  "When We All Get To Heaven" :

I must confess, when I began this article, I had intended to include videos and information on current events (which were depressing).  It all tied in with how Bible Prophecy is being fulfilled today at warp speed.   The good thing about it was that it makes us realize that our Savior will return and take us home with Him soon!  But as I began to write, I felt the Lord leading me in another direction -  a more positive and uplifting view for this post, with hymns and Scriptures.  It is a positive fact that Jesus will return for His true believers any day now, in light of Bible prophecy, but let's discuss that (Bible Prophecy) in another post another time.  You may read more on that subject by going to the "Search Box" at the upper right hand side of this page and entering such things as "The Rapture, end times, Bible prophecy," etc. 

As my photograph above makes evident, I enjoy taking shots of pathways.  The Bible mentions "path" often.

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.   -  Mark 1:3

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.  -    Psalm 23:3

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.    -  Psalm 119:105

Speaking of  Psalm 119:105, remember how it was before you were saved?  It was like stumbling in the dark .. .. the darkness of sin and even, for some, confusion.  But when you were born again by faith and belief in Jesus, the Savior --  A light came on, so to speak, in your very soul, in all of your very being!!  The good Lord rescued  you from the darkness of sin and brought you into His saving Light!  Give Him all the glory!!

[Overlook from Kualoa Ranch, Oahu, Hawaii]

"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

"I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."  -   Romans 12:1,2

If you are not saved by belief in Jesus as the Savior, here 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

"(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

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

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

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

Time is running out!

Jesus will return soon to take true believers to heaven.

Are you rapture ready?

Run to Jesus in faith and belief that He is the Savior and that by His shed blood at Calvary....His precious blood .... His sacrifice to pay our sin debt in full...we might have everlasting life.

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

"While We Wait, Let's Turn Our Fear Into Faith" (Videos by Don Moen, Encouraging Words From Dr. Charles Stanley, Comfort From the Book of Psalms) - Inspirational Weekend

[Kayaks Near Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

This article will focus on help from the Scriptures to endure to the end.  To endure until Jesus takes us to be home with Him in heaven.

First, two encouraging videos by Don Moen.  The first one is titled "We Wait" which only runs for 6 minutes.  

In his video above, Don shares a fantastic quote:  "If you really want to get to know God, make a friend of silence."   

I had a relative who had to have some kind of background noise (usually from the TV) going constantly throughout the entire day.  Many people are the same;  silence is a rarity for them.   But when you are silent, you will be able to worship God without distraction and you will be more likely to hear His "voice" speaking to you through His Holy Word, the Bible.  However, some say to read out loud when you read your Bible.  Whatever works for you.

We can even pray silently and God and Jesus will still "hear" us in our thoughts and our spirit.  

The following 11 minute video by Don Moen is really relevant to the turbulent times we find ourselves experiencing now.  It is titled "Let's Turn Our Fear Into Faith. "

He sings my favorite song of his in the above video which is: "God Will Make A Way"

God, through His Word, can lift you up above all opposition, regrets, depression, anxiety, and fears !  This is mainly true when you are putting your faith and trust in the good Lord already.   However, even if you are not a believer and you begin to read the Bible, it will encourage you if your heart is right.

Everyone should also memorize as many Bible verses as possible!

Here is a wonderful and beautiful message from Dr. Charles Stanley published on June 16, 2020. Since it is not a sermon, it may not be deleted from this blog.  But if it is deleted, just go to You Tube and enter : "A Comforting Message in Fearful Times - Dr. Charles Stanley." It is 12 minutes in length.

In the above video, Charles Stanley quotes many Bible verses from the book of Psalms.  He tells us to live by the Word of God and not by this world's corrupt standards;  for us to trust God and Jesus at all times and for us to not be afraid.

God uses the Book of Psalms to help us to worship Him and to help us in our prayers.   All of the Bible is beneficial for that, really, but Psalms especially.

A quote on You Tube says it well :  "He came to pay a debt He didn't owe and because we have a debt we cannot pay."

But the Bible says it better: 

"For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."    -     2 Corinthians 5:21

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; "  -   Colossians 2:13, 14

"Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by Whose stripes ye were healed."  -   1 Peter 2:24

About 3 years ago the following song was posted on this blog. It is beneficial and encouraging to include it here again.  It is beautiful and  uplifting.  It is titled  " A Prisoner Of Hope":

Following is a quote (I don't remember the source) that cautions us to trust God and Jesus and for us to not try to "fix" things and circumstances ourselves, but to look to the good Lord for guidance.

Step 1:  You can't.

Step 2:   Know that He can.

Step 3:    Let Him ! Get out of His way !

The above quote reminds me of what Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us:

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."

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

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

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


Have blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life !!