How To Banish Fear And Be Blessed (With Videos, and One Video with Dr. David Jeremiah)

 

[Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

It was not intended on my part to write today primarily concerning fear, although it needs to be addressed because it is obvious we live in a dangerous world, and fear is a "natural" reaction to that, even for true believers in Jesus.   In the Bible, even strong and mighty prophets were occasionally struck with fear.  The issue is to overcome the fear as much as possible and to not be crippled emotionally or spiritually by that tool of the devil to tear us down and make us ineffectual witnesses for Christ.  Of course, we all realize that some things call for necessary fear, when we are in danger and our survival instincts "kick in." For example, when you are home alone and someone is trying to break into your house; or you are hiking in the woods and come face to face with a wild bear.  That kind of fear calls for immediate action and is needed to save yourself... with the good Lord's help. That is obvious to everyone.  

The point is, for the most part, it is better to put our trust in the good Lord, and to wait on Him to act in our behalf; indeed, to wait on Him to bring us to our real home, heaven, and to carry out His magnificent plan for His coming kingdom.  We must be patient !   It will not be long before Jesus takes us home.  (John 14:1-4)

"Wait on the LORD: Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the LORD."  -  Psalm 27:14

We need to exercise caution in these chaotic times. The Bible prophesied that these last days would be characterized by "perilous times" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).   But the most important thing to do is to look to the good Lord for protection and guidance.  We do that by strong faith and much prayer and much reading of God's Holy Word, the Bible -  God's Love Letter to us and His Instruction Manual for us.

Following is an excellent 8 minute clip by Dr. David Jeremiah on fear.  He focuses primarily on the fear of a soon financial collapse, but bases his comments on Psalm 37.  Please watch !

Just a note: some Bible Prophecy experts believe that the soon Rapture of the Church (Christ's Bride - who are true believers in the Redemptive work of Jesus at Calvary; who believe Jesus is the Savior by His shed blood for us as He took our place on the cross and paid our sin debt in full) - some scholars believe that perhaps the Rapture will be the event that ushers in the coming world financial collapse.

As for fear, if you are saved (born again, spiritually) by believing that Jesus is the Savior, and the only way to heaven and eternal life, just remember that God will fight for you no matter what battle is occurring in your life right now.  

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  -   2 Timothy 1:7

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

"Be careful  [anxious] for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."   -   Philippians 4:6-7

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."   -  Jesus at John 16:33

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."    -      Matthew 10:28

"There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love."  -  1 John 4:18

Here is an informative article on the subject of fear:

 https://www.raptureforums.com/bible-study/a-spirit-of-fear/

Please watch the following 11 minute encouraging video on how to be still and wait on God - a much needed message to help believers to endure during these troublesome times.  Truly faith in God and the patience to endure unbearable trials will see us through until the good Lord takes us home to be with Him in heaven!

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.  The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."  -  Psalm 46:10, 11

"Peace comes when there is no cloud between us and God."  -  Charles H. Brent

"God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which a great blessing can come out of the difficulty."  -  Peter Marshall

"No one can pray and worry at the same time."  -  Max Lucado

"Faith attracts the positive.  Fear attracts the negative."  -  unknown

"Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them."              -  John Newton

"We would worry less if we praised more."  -  unknown

"Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven."   -  Henry Ward Beecher

Here is a wonderful hymn you will enjoy that applies to our discussion here in this post.  "Be still my soul".  The first few words in the hymn are : "Be still my soul: the Lord is on thy side.  Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.  Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change, He faithful will remain."

As for being blessed, there is no greater blessing and miracle than the gift of salvation!  What love of the heavenly Father and of Jesus that the Savior died a cruel and painful sacrificial death and by that death, paid our sin debt in full so that we might have eternal life, simply by us believing that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven!

What LOVE !!  And that is another blessing, the love of God and of Jesus for us.  And remember, salvation is a GIFT !

"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

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:"  -   Ephesians 1:3,4

"But He said, Yea, rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."  -  Luke 11:28

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him."  -   James 1:12

"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."  -   Revelation 1:3

Don't think of a blessing from God as being only prosperity !!  The true and lasting blessings are salvation and being saved from God's wrath. And we, when we are saved, are now a part of God's family.  

Please read also the Beatitudes (The Sermon on the Mount) by Jesus at Matthew Chapter 5:1-12 where He mentions many blessings for us!  Here is verse 3 of Matthew 5 for you to consider :

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

It is highly urged that you read all of Matthew 5!  

And do not forget the blessing to be with Jesus for all eternity in heaven which was mentioned above concerning eternal life.  Here are the Savior's words at John 14:1-4:  

"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."         

Hallelujah !!  

Maranatha !!

We should constantly be praising and thanking and glorifying God for His love and tender mercies.  

Be often in prayer, and pray for the good Lord to show you His will for you in all matters.  Pray for Him to guide you in ways to help others.

If someone is reading this who is not saved; who has not surrendered to Jesus in faith and belief in His ransom sacrifice, following are some Scriptures for you to take seriously.  More so, for you to repent and pray for forgiveness !  Do this with all heartfelt sincerity and with a desire to always do the heavenly Father's will in the future.

"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

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

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of:  but the sorrow of the world worketh death."    -    2 Corinthians 7:10

"And Jesus answering saith unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."   -   Luke 5:31,32

It Won't Be Long Now ! Must Read Urgent Article And Videos About Current Events As Pertains to Bible Prophecy End Times

 The above parrots I photographed in Waikiki !  Their owner was nearby.  Just felt like sharing this today.... maybe because we Christians should be "parroting" to others about the signs of the end times - which we are most definitely experiencing now - and, most importantly:  sharing about the hope and salvation and eternal life found only by believing in Jesus Christ as the only way to heaven, the only way to the Father.

"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

The post here on September 17, 2020, was concerned mostly with the proper fear and reverence of God.  While doing my Bible Study this morning, part of it was focused on Psalm 130: 3-7.  I hope you will take the time to read all of that Psalm.  Following are verses 3 and 4:

"If Thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O LORD, who shall stand?  But there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared."

If God were not a forgiving God (to those who are truly repentant and are sorrowful for sinning and disobeying the good Lord) - we would be toast if He were cruel and unforgiving towards us.  We would fear to approach a God who was harsh and "out to get us"!  We would run the other way.  But knowing that the Lord is forgiving and merciful, we sinners may come to Him in faith and can be assured of His mercy and forgiveness.  One commentator says on Psalm 130:4  "Not a fear of bondage, but of LOVE, fearing to offend."

Love for God will make you want to spend time with Him.  This and more is brought out in the following 6 minute sermon clip by Pastor David Wilkerson.

Here is a link to the latest report from prophecynewswatch.com. There is more than one article you might find interesting (and shocking) concerning current events as relates to Bible Prophecy.  For one, China is on the way to becoming a superpower; for another, the recent peace treaty (Abraham Accord), is it preparation for the antichrist?  Check it out, as there is more information pertinent to our very lives.

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/

Some of you may be familiar with Mark Hitchcock, a prominent pastor and author of today.  Here below is a 10 minute video concerning the Mark of the Beast, Armageddon , and the Great Tribulation, and more.  Those who regularly keep themselves updated on these things may already be familiar with what Mark Hitchcock has to say, but it is still beneficial to watch, especially for newcomers to Bible Prophecy and how what the Bible told us in times past is coming true today at a fast and furious rate !  Which proves we are now experiencing the last moments of the last days and that Jesus will return soon for His followers before the Tribulation begins.  

Pastor Hitchcock has his own You Tube channel, which I discovered today.  Check it out !

Also, for end times signs, please read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.  We do not know the day or the hour, but Jesus told us we would recognize the "season" of His return.  We are now in that season!

You may, as well, go to the search box on the top, right hand side of this page and enter such things as : "signs of last days, convergence of prophetic signs, Rapture, 7 year Tribulation, the Mark of the Beast"  and so on.   And there are articles on Forgiveness, Endurance, Peace, and the like.  Some of these other articles also have videos.

                                                       [Torch Ginger]

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure."   -   1 John 3:2-3

In verse 3 above, let us consider what it means to "purify ourselves."

No way does it mean that we have the power on our own to purify or cleanse ourselves.   We should put forth some effort to become more like Jesus, however; we do that when we read our Bibles and note the Savior's graces and attributes to learn how we also should behave as His true followers. When we are truly born again by sincere faith in Jesus as the Savior, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).  Also, remember what the Lord said at John 14:23, which follows:

"If a man love Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."

You will have the Lord's spirit living within you, and that will enable you to be "pure" in the sense that He will be transforming you into His own image.  We all realize that we will never be totally pure or perfect until we are in glory !  But we should make it our top priority to live for Christ and we should reflect His attributes as much as we possibly can.  But it can only be done with His Spirit enabling us.  And remember, the various trials and sufferings we endure, and (as one commentator says) :"by a thousand tests..... by infinitely varied images of mercy.....by the martyrs fortitude and the missionary's sacrifice....proved itself in many a patient and suffering life....  these are among its constituent arts..."  As you endure trials, you will turn more and more to the good Lord in prayer for help and strength and guidance, and that in turn will draw you closer to Him as well as increase your faith and trust in Him; especially when He answers your prayers!

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without Me ye can do nothing."  -   Jesus at John 15:5

The words of Jesus in the above verse says it all !  In order to bear fruit (and to become more Christ- like) we need Him to help us.

So do not be fearful when all these "strange new world" affairs occur; they were prophesied in the Bible to happen in these end times.  Instead, realize that soon we true followers of Jesus will be in heaven with the Lord; before the evil 7 year Tribulation occurs.  We are out of here soon, believers!  Now that is something to look forward to with great joy !

"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

"Are You Afraid Of God?" (Sermon Videos On The Proper Fear Of God) - "Inspirational Weekend"

 

                                                [Twilight Surf -  Kauai, Hawaii]

Those who are unrepentant sinners definitely should be afraid of God and His final judgment on them if they do not repent before they die.  Also, the Bible tells us that many unbelievers left behind after the Rapture of the Church (Christ's Bride; true believers) will have an opportunity to come to faith in Jesus, the Savior, during the 7 Year Tribulation period which follows the Rapture.  But they will do so as a sure guarantee that they will suffer death (by beheading; Revelation 20:4) by the antichrist system and government during the Tribulation.

One verse needed to be shared here is James 2:19:  "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."   

Sadly, many unrighteous people today believe there is a God, but they do not even "tremble" like the demons do, because they are so far gone in their wickedness.  

Following is an excellent 5 minute sermon clip by deceased Pastor David Wilkerson titled "Fear the Lord"  

Some Scriptures in the above sermon are: 

"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."  -    Proverbs 3:7

"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:  and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil."  -  Proverbs 16:6

Fear of the Lord means - for true believers - to have a deep reverence for Him, an awe of Him and of His power and Majesty, a proper respect for Him; which in turn will lead a person to have a great love for Him.  "In the Old Testament, they considered a proper fear of God was a token of true piety."

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."  -   Proverbs 9:10

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  -  2 Corinthians 7:1

Psalm 128 is only 6 verses, and it is all about fearing the LORD. Following are verses 1 to 2:

"Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways.  For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee."

Below is a 30 minute sermon by Pastor Charles Lawson titled:   "Afraid of God".  In it, Pastor Lawson tells us that: "If you fear God, it is a good sign that you know Him."  Excellent Sermon!  Please watch !

Here is another daily devotional by Intouch Ministries (Dr. Charles Stanley).  It is a short 2 minute clip,  but full of precious thoughts concerning the proper fear of God.  It admonishes us to not treat God too lightly - like a "Buddy" of sorts.  God/Jesus is your friend, that is true, but we must approach Him with the realization that He is Holy and therefore our fellowship with Him should be filled with honor and respect.  

Much has been mentioned on this blog about fellow-shipping with the good Lord.  He wants to hear from you!  We should spend much time with Him in heartfelt prayer, as well as daily reading of His Holy Word, the Bible.  By doing so, you will grow in your love for Him and you will desire to draw ever closer to Him.  You cannot fellowship with anyone and get to know them if you never communicate with them.   Obviously, the same is true of Almighty God, the Sovereign of the Universe!  It is a privilege to be able to commune with Him in prayer!   By spending time with the good Lord in Bible Reading/Study and being often in prayer, we will develop a close, personal, loving, intimate, living relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  That is the main goal everyone should desire.

With the world in such a turmoil in these last moments of the last days,  and the fact that Jesus could return for His followers at any moment to rapture them to heaven, we should be busy in spiritual endeavors  --  doing God's will and sharing the Gospel of Jesus, the Savior ! Don't cling to a dying world!

"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 lusts thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."  -    1 John 2:15-17

If you are not saved, have not been "born again" ( a spiritual rebirth), then please prayerfully consider the following salvation Scripures.

"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 is waiting to hear from you!

He loves you!

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

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

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

"Give God Your Best! Let Your Life Count!" (Chuck Smith Sermon on Romans 5 & 6) - Inspirational Weekend

My photograph above of the slippers on the sand rather reminds me in a roundabout way of that poem several years ago "Footprints in the Sand".  Also, we as true believers in Jesus as the Savior should endeavor to always walk as He walked.  He was perfect, we are not! Until we are in glory with Him, we will remain imperfect in this world.  Yet spiritually, those who are born again are "clean and pure" in God's sight because He sees us through the redeeming work of Jesus; our spiritual rebirth.  

Pastor Chuck Smith (the founder of Calvary Chapel Churches) says that a man is one of two categories: either a servant of sin or a servant of God.  

Here is a wonderful sermon by Pastor Smith on Romans chapters 5 and 6.  It is about an hour and 19 minutes in length, but you will find it so engrossing that the length of it is of no regard to you.

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." -  Romans 6:11

"For sin shall not have dominion over over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."  -     Romans 6:14

Based on Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 6:14, it basically means that God and your salvation (in which you were indwelt with the Holy Spirit by your belief in Jesus as the Savior)  ....God and the Holy Spirit guard you from habitually sinning; although we do at times miss the mark, as Pastor Chuck discusses in the above sermon.  "True believers are under the merciful dispensation of the Gospel; in the death of Christ, God has provided pardon for all that is past, and grace to help in every time of need."

I pray that you will take the time to watch the entire sermon above by Pastor Chuck Smith.  He mentions in his sermon the following hymn, "Take My Life And Let it Be", here sung by Chris Tomlin:

If you have not been saved by belief in Jesus as the Savior and by belief that His shed blood at Calvary can wash your sins away because of his sacrificial death as the Lamb of God, and because He paid our sin debt in full -  took our place - and died so that we may have eternal life;  then please prayerfully consider the following Scriptures:

"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!!

"Great Reset; New World Order; What's Next ?? "- Videos On End Times and Current Events - (Amir Tsarfati, Jan Markell, David Wilkerson)

[Kaelepulu Stream Near Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii]

My photograph above was taken, obviously, a long time before social distancing and any "lockdown."  Many unexpected events have occurred since then - even since January of this year, which is obvious to everyone in the world by now.  But not everyone is aware of what's "behind the scenes".   Following is a 54 minute video by Bible Prophecy experts which gets down to the nitty gritty of our current situation.  It is a MUST that you view this video, for your own safety and life,  even.  Featured in the following video are Jan Markell, and pastors Tom Hughes and Brandon Holthaus.

Many of you believers are no doubt familiar with the Scripture about "peace and security" found at 1 Thessalonians 5:3 which follows:

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape."   -   (speaking of sinful and wicked persons who do not know Christ.)

Also in 1 Thessalonians 5, verses 4 - 11 concerns true believers in Jesus as the Savior; those verses follow:

"But ye, brethren,  are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light , and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober,  putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

It would be beneficial for everyone to read all of 1 Thessalonians 5.

[A day at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Here is a link to Jan Markell's newsletter which is found at her website:  olivetreeviews.org    .  Her entire website is one that you might want to visit often, not only for her newsletter, but other pertinent information concerning our prophetic times (the last moments of the last days).  There you will find articles by various pastors and others, as well as videos.

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Uncertain-Times---Not-At-All-.html?soid=1101818841456&aid=OrunIPQ8p2o

The information in the newsletter link above is a must read!  Following is a quote in the above newsletter link from an E-mail sent to Jan by a pastor:   "We don't live in uncertain times.  Not at all!  These times are as certain as any time in all of human history, and the God of the universe laid out this time in great detail, point by point, and in fact with all the details needed by His people, to live in times of  absolute certainty !!  So no, there is nothing uncertain about the times we live in to the believer who is seeking to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."

In the link above, on the newsletter, there is included a recent video that is very enlightening so far as our current world situation is concerned.  I will post a link to it here, in case you do not check out Jan's newsletter.  It is a "Prophecy Roundtable -  Globalism and the New World Order", featuring Jan Markell, Amir Tsarfati, and Pastor  Barry Stagner.  It is well worth your time (and your mind) to watch all 70 minutes of this recent video.

Note: Having difficulty with the link.  You can go to Behold Israel on You Tube and look for the video by Amir "Prophecy Round table : Globalism and the New World Order" posted on August 29, 2020.    Or simply go to the above link to Jan Markell's newsletter and you will, as said previously, find the video there.  

[Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

Lately on this blog, there have been mostly posts concerning salvation.  I feel as if this is most important for Christians to share with others.  Jesus said to His disciples:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."   -  Matthew 28:19,20

Again, to Martha at John 11:25,26:  I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die.  Believest thou this?"

Belief in the Gospel; belief that Jesus died for our sins and took our place on the cross and shed His precious blood so that by believing that He is the Savior, and that His shed blood (as of a sacrificial Lamb) can wash our sins away.... wipe the slate clean, and we become a new creation .  This is the most important message Christians can preach !

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

However, almost 1/3 of the Bible consists of prophecy!  Since God included it in His Holy Word, it should be considered important too!  Many, because of prophecies in the Bible, and how they came true in the past and they are coming true right now as well.....many persons have come to faith in Christ by knowledge of Bible prophecy - they were convicted that the Bible is true, and therefore all of God's Holy Word concerning Jesus and Salvation must be true as well.  

In Ezekiel 33, much is said concerning us to be "Watchmen on the wall."  Obviously, it meant those in Ezekiel's time, but the same principle definitely applies to true believers today -  to sound the alarm in these times as well.  Part of Ezekiel 33 applied to sounding the alarm about the danger of war.  Verse 6 says:

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."

Also verses 7-9.... "So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me.  When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.  Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."

So we see that not only should we warn people to turn FROM SIN and instead turn to belief in JESUS AS THE SAVIOR, but we should also warn of war (as in Ezekiel 33) and other dangers; to alert people of the signs of the times and caution them to avoid certain things; especially to avoid things that go against God's Holy Word.  

All true believers should be "ministers" in a sense, as well as "watchmen"  that warn of evil and corruptness and dangers to avoid; (the signs of the times... these last days) and to obey only God. That is, we should obey traffic laws and other such things, but do not do anything that God's Holy Word says to avoid!

Please watch the following 15 minute sermon by deceased Pastor David Wilkerson titled "The Only Hope In The Coming Storm." 

Very moving!

Keep looking up !  Jesus will return soon!

"God's Protection In These Troubled Times -There Is Always Hope!" (Video With Reinhard Bonnke & Video sermon by Andrew Murray) - Inspirational Weekend

[Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai, Hawaii]

That is me in front of this landmark lighthouse on the island of Kauai several years ago.  A wildlife sanctuary is also there.  I chose a lighthouse photo of mine because this post will mostly concern itself with Jesus, our Savior, the Son of God; and Jesus is often symbolized by a lighthouse; He is our light to guide us over troubled waters and storms of life.  And many today are experiencing storms in their lives like never before; all of us just want things to go back to  "normal".  Since we are living in the end of this dispensation of Grace (The Church Age) and it is obvious that the New World Order is in its beginning stages, things are NOT going to go back to what they were.  It should draw us ever closer to the good Lord and make us look forward with hope and joy to when He returns and takes us to be with Him in heaven before the 7 year Tribulation begins soon.

In a previous post on this blog (August 8, 2020), we discussed Romans 7 and how even the apostle Paul struggled with sin, even though he was saintly and a true servant of the Lord.  This post will focus more on Jesus Himself and the importance of His shed blood at Calvary --  How belief in Jesus as the Savior can give one the hope of eternal life and the fact that His shed blood can wash us clean and that gives us eternal life if we but believe in Him.

Following is a wonderful video that gives insight to the importance of "the Blood".  Think of it, a baby gets its blood from the father.  And who was Jesus' Father?  Yes, Almighty God Himself !  Makes one realize even more so how precious is the blood of Jesus and how it can make us clean from sin.  The video below is 14 minutes and one of the narrators is Reinhard Bonnke: It gives us insight about our protection from God. It is a must watch for all believers !

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the prince of the kings of the earth.  Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood."  -    Revelation 1:5

"Jesus is the great friend of His church and His people, One Who has done great things for them..... He has loved them, and in pursuance of that everlasting love, He has... washed them from their sins in His own blood.  Sins leave a stain upon the soul, a stain of guilt and of pollution. Nothing can fetch out this stain but the blood of Christ; and, rather than it should not be washed out, Christ was willing to shed His own blood, to purchase and pardon and be a purity for them."   -  a partial quote of  Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Revelation 1:5

One of the most comforting verses which tells us that Jesus will always be with us is found at Matthew 28:20 , which is part of the "Great Commission" :

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and , lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. "  

Below is the most wonderful audio sermon by Andrew Murray ever!! in which he uses that verse at Matthew 28:20 as his main subject.  We must seek God/Jesus with our whole heart and there are abundant rewards for those who do so! In the sermon, Murray stresses what God expects from us... mainly only believe !!    But he also admonishes us to seek God/Jesus with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13) and to spend much time in true intense prayer and fellowship with Him.  Please, please watch this excellent 28 minute video!  You will be glad you did.

In these troubled times of today, these end times, the main thing is to keep your focus on God and Jesus, and on things above.  After all, that is the only thing that can help us to enter heaven.  This world is dying; heaven is alive and glorious!  Words cannot fully express how wonderful heaven will be!  The best thing is, we will be with Jesus, the Savior, for all eternity !

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

Remember the old hymn "Trust and Obey" ?  It rather fits here with Andrew Murray's sermon above.  Here is a lovely version of that hymn:

If you are not saved, have not been truly born again (a spiritual birth from above) then you will not enter heaven when you die.  You will go to the other alternative.

"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

Following are Scriptures that will help you to come to a true, living faith in Jesus Christ the Savior:

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

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

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

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend - and life !

"Are You In 'The Perfect Storm' Right Now? There Is Help For You!" (with Videos: One by Dr. David Jeremiah, and Another Video with Pastor Chuck Smith As a Narrator) - Inspirational Weekend

[Island Off Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

It had rained earlier the day I took the above photograph.  It is the one photo I have taken that comes close to depicting a "storm", which is the subject of this post.  We are referring to the storms of life that come upon us from time to time.  All of us are now suffering the effects of Covid-19 in one way or another; and the same goes for the current world events otherwise; the chaotic and lawless effects of a world gone mad!

The following excellent 29 minute sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah deals with the subject "A Shelter in the Storms of Life".  Dr. Jeremiah tells us what we can do when storms invade our lives.

"Peace is not the absence of stress, peace is the presence of the Savior."   -  Dr. David Jeremiah

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

Many of us tend to not read Nahum often.  But the above verse is so beautiful and comforting. God will deliver those who are His in their day of trouble and danger; and by "a stronghold" it refers to how God is a defense and is our strength and "fortress" by His love and protection of us, His children.

Nahum 1:7 is mentioned in the following 13 minute video below titled : "The Guardian of the World - God is Watching and He is in Control."  Towards the end of the following video, Pastor Chuck Smith (the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches) is also one of the narrators of this encouraging message.

The message above reminds us that we are never alone!  And, also, to not focus on the problem, but instead to focus on God and Jesus, and He will help you and fight your battles !

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

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the LORD."  -  Isaiah 54:17

[Boats and Rainbow Bridge, Haleiwa, North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii]

One Scripture quoted before on this blog, which rather ties in with the subject matter today, is Psalm 27:14, which follows:

"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord."

Psalm 28:7 tells us: "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped."

"I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." -   Psalm 34:4

On the above verse at Psalm 34:4, Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary explains, in part : "David found Him [Yahweh] a prayer-hearing God. "I sought the Lord' in my distress, entreated His favor, and begged His help 'and He heard me' , answered my request immediately and 'delivered me from all my fears.'....God by His providence....and grace...works in us to silence our fears and still the tumult of the spirit.  This latter is the greater mercy of the two.  ......  When we look to the world we are darkened, we are perplexed, and at a loss; but when we look to God, from Him we have the light of both of direction and joy, and our way is made both plain and pleasant."

[Rainbow Shower Tree Blossoms]

 Remember always, if you are a true follower of Jesus, and have been born again (a spiritual rebirth from above) then Jesus makes you a conqueror and makes you victorious!

Romans 8:37 tells us: "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us."

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."                     -   1 Corinthians 15:57

"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world,  even our faith."  -     1 John 5:4

Most of you are familiar with the fact that "storms of life" will make you turn more to prayer and reliance on the good Lord.  It will increase your faith, and make you stronger when you see God working in your behalf and helping you in whatever circumstances are troubling you.   And, as you know, sometimes God Himself will send storms to test your faith, and to help mold you into a faith filled servant of His, by teaching you to rely on Him, and Him only.

Hebrews 12:6 explains, "Whom the Lord loves He chastens."

"Afflictions are but the shadows of God's Wings."  - George Macdonald

If you have not yet put your faith in Jesus as the Savior, and  believe that it is only by Jesus' shed blood at Calvary we can find salvation..... that Jesus' redemptive work on the cross made a way for us to have eternal life because He was our substitute and took our sins upon Himself to pay our sin debt in full !  Now is the time to call upon Him and repent and surrender your life to Him.  Pray for forgiveness!   Following are Scriptures to help 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

"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 !!