"Are You A Wayfaring Stranger? Timeless Truth For A Troubled World" (With Videos - One An Adrian Rogers' Sermon) - Inspirational Weekend

                                                [Tourists At Waikiki - Diamond head Crater]

My photograph above was taken a few years ago, showing a typical scene from Waikiki, with many tourists.  But, as the title of this post hints, these are not exactly "wayfaring strangers".   Or, ARE they? Meaning, in a spiritual way, perhaps some of them may be wayfaring strangers.  Many of you might be familiar with that old hymn (or rather, folk song) by that title - "Wayfaring Stranger".  Following is a beautiful version of it by Selah:

The above song expresses a longing to go to heaven and to be with the Lord.  In today's troubled world, there are many who have that same longing: to be in heaven with the good Lord. You have to admit, "things ain't like what they used to be."  Many changes have been implemented lately that prove that we are ever closer to what will occur on a larger scale during the 7 year Tribulation. 

Good News!   True believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior will be "outta here" before then :  before that horrendous judgment period upon ungodly men, meaning the  Tribulation with all of its plagues, destruction, and suffering !  Read the Bible book of Revelation -  it is all there.

True followers of Jesus should feel as the apostle Paul felt when he wrote :  "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  Philippians 1:21;  and, at Philippians 1:23 Paul said: "For I am in a strait betwixt the two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: "

"And to wait for His Son from heaven whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."  -   1 Thessalonians 1:10

"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."                              -  1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  -              2 Peter 3:9

But the focus of this article will be on the salvation of souls and what that entails. 

Some time ago, the old hymn "This World Is Not My Home" was posted on this blog.  It is sung by Jim Reeves (to you old-timers like myself... remember him?)  and was written by Reeve's wife.  Here is that hymn again for you:

The message of the hymn here by Jim Reeves is similar to the message in the folk song "I'm Just a Wayfaring Stranger".   I posted it again now because it is mentioned in the following 39 minute audio sermon by Pastor Adrian Rogers, which follows:

There are many, many gems of gospel truth and encouragement in the above excellent sermon by Pastor Rogers!   One echoes what the two song videos above tell us:  "We (believers) are strangers and pilgrims and do NOT belong to this world."  -  based on 1 Peter 2:11 which tells us:

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"

Another thing Pastor Rogers emphasizes :" Salvation is NOT rooted in the merit of man, but in the mercy of God."   You cannot "work" your way into heaven!

Speaking of his personal testimony, Pastor Rogers tells us: "Before I was saved I was running to sin, but now I am running from sin."  He tells us, "You don't need anything!  If you have Jesus you have everything!"

Just a warning from Pastor Rogers: "If the only thing that keeps you from sinning is the fear of losing your salvation, I doubt that you've ever been saved."

"Lukewarmness is the Christian's Achilles heel.  We cannot lead anyone to Christ who is more committed to the world than we are to Jesus."  -   Joe McKeever

"Don't put a question mark where God puts a period."  -  unknown

"Jesus did not come to make God's love possible, but to make God's love visible." -  unknown

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

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

  Following is a short article by A.W. Tozer titled :"Spiritual Readiness":

"When the Bible says that God is calling a special people out of the nations to bear the name of His eternal Son, I believe it, and His name is Jesus!  Our pious forefathers believed in spiritual preparation, and they said so!  They saw themselves as a Bride being prepared to meet the Bridegroom.  They regarded this earth as the "dressing room" to outfit themselves for heaven.  The evangelical church has come through a period when nearly everyone has believed that there is just ONE pre-requisite to readiness:  being born again.  We have made being born again a special event - when Jesus returns we will whip out the pass to prove our readiness.   Frankly, I do not think it will be like that.  I do not believe that all professed believers are automatically ready to meet the LORD.  Our Savior Himself was joined by Peter and John and Paul in warning and pleading that we should LIVE, and WATCH and PRAY, so to be ready for Jesus' coming."   -  (end of quote).  

Food for thought!

The above quote by Tozer brings home the fact that we need to develop a relationship with the good Lord.   That means to be often in prayer and in His Holy Word the Bible.   To fellowship with Him.  You will never come to know a person or develop a relationship with Him if you never talk to them or spend time with them.  That is obvious, but so many today neglect to do that very thing with God.  He loves us and wants to fellowship with us!  If you do draw close to God, He will draw close to you.  Something wonderful will happen in your heart and soul when your focus and delight is on the good Lord and you spend quality time with Him.  He will transform your mind and heart.

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."  -       James 4:8

Time is short before Jesus returns!

Turn to Him now in true faith and total surrender!

Jesus is waiting for you with love and with outstretched arms full of forgiveness and of tender compassion to hold you close and tight in His embrace and in the safety and salvation found in Him.

Following are Salvation Scriptures to act upon NOW if you are not saved by the cleansing power of Jesus' blood when you put your faith and belief in Him as the Savior.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth upon 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 !!

 

"Why Do We Suffer?" (With John Newton Sermon) - Inspirational Weekend

Why do good people suffer grief and trials and hardships?  Many have asked that question, and there have been many answers.  Here we will take a positive look and answer the question from a biblical point of view.  

First of all, it is true that many worldly and ungodly people suffer hardship because it is their own fault.  Actually, that can be true of Christians as well.  Bad choices.  Not going first in prayer to the good Lord to ask for direction and guidance in a matter.  

But sometimes it is just the fact that life in this old world can be unfair.......cruel, even.  Then there is the devil.  He is especially after and targeting Christians - to drag them down - because he already has the world in his hands; he already has ungodly people following him.

Remember Job?  For those of you who are not familiar with his story in the Bible, for any who are not believers, here is a brief summary of what happened to him.  Job was a wealthy man in ancient times, and had 7 sons and 3 daughters.  He loved God and kept his integrity.  One day the devil said to God, "Hast not thou made a hedge about him [Job], and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?  Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.  But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face."   (Job 1:9-12) . 

God answered satan by saying, All that Job had was now in the devil's hand and in the devil's power, only the devil could not, by God's command, put a hand on Job himself.  The devil immediately began attacking Job by killing all of his children, and by Job losing all of his wealth.  What was Job's reaction?  He said, "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."  In all of this Job did not sin and did not charge God foolishly.   (Job 1:20-22). So satan tried again and told God, "Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.  But put forth thy hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face."   (Job 2:3-10).   "And the LORD said unto satan, behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life."  (Job 2:6)  The devil promptly struck Job with boils from his feet to his head.   Job, though a bit self-righteous, still kept true to God.  And after some time, God blessed Job with more than he had had previously, including ten more children.  (Job 42:7-17)

We see from this that God Himself at times allows extreme suffering and loss and grief.  God cannot be stirred up to do things against His will.  Though it is not always clear how, everything that happens is part of His divine purpose.   When we are going through difficult times, we need to ask for the good Lord's help to see it through to the very end.  Rejoice and be glad, for God has something wonderful in store for those who endure !

James 1:2-3 tells us,  (2) "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Some Bibles use the word "trials" in verse 2 instead of "temptations."  These verses in James remind me of what Jesus said at Matthew 5:11, 12 , which follows:

(11)  "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.  (12)  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted  they the prophets which were before you."

One commentator explains:  "Those who suffer most, God imparts the highest rewards. Hence, the crown of martyrdom has been thought to be the brightest that any of the redeemed shall wear - many of the early Christians sought to become martyrs.  Regard suffering as a great privilege thus to be persecuted and to suffer - a thing not to be mourned over, but as among the chief blessings of life."

In other words, our reason to rejoice in trials and persecution is our reward in heaven.  The Christian life is not only believing, but also suffering.  

"For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake:"  -  Philippians 1:29

"Reasons it is a privilege to suffer in the cause of Christ: (1) because we then resemble the Lord Jesus, and are united with Him in trials; (2) because we have evidence that we are His, if trials come upon us in His cause; (3) because we are maintaining such a cause is worth much of suffering; (4) because it will be connected with a brighter crown and more exalted honor in heaven."   - So says one commentator.

Everything is not doom and gloom !!   In 1 Peter 1:3-6 Peter gives us several reasons for rejoicing:

(3)  "Blessed  be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope - by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  (4) To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (5) Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  (6) Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:"

We can rejoice (verse 3 above) (1) because we have a Lively Hope; we can rejoice (2) because we have a lasting Inheritance as mentioned in verse 4 ; (3) because we have a Long-term
Salvation as told in verse 5; and (4) because we have a  longed for Final Reward as brought out in verse 6 of 1 Peter chapter 1. So you can see that things are not all that bad!  Rejoice in the Lord always!

Our trials are really working for our good.  God is in the process of shaping and molding us.....refining us and making us stronger in our dependence upon Him; helping us to become more like Christ.
We may not see the benefit today, but when we stand before the Lord in heaven and we are rewarded for our walk with Him and for the sufferings we endured here below, it will be worth it all then.

Following is a 6 minute audio video by John Newton concerning "The School of Suffering".   Two things he said in this quick sermon clip stood out to me:  (1) "A Christian without trials would be like a mill without wind or water" and, (2) "The difficult things we meet with not only prove but strengthen the graces of the spirit."

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

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."  -  Romans 8:28


But what if you are not a true believer and are not born again?

You are lost and destined for hell if you do not repent of your sins and turn to Jesus in heartfelt belief that He is the Savior and the only way to God and to heaven.

Pray for forgiveness, turn from your sins and do not go back to your sinful life.   Only Jesus can give true freedom; only Jesus can wash away your sins.

Think about it:  Jesus loves you so much that He died a cruel and painful death on the cross at Calvary so that if you but believe in Him you have the hope of eternal life with Him forever !!  He took all of our sins upon Himself while on the cross; He took our place so that we could live forever.

Choose life eternal !

Choose Jesus !

We are living in the last hour of the last days.  Bible prophecy is being fulfilled or current events are precursors to what the Bible said would happen in these end times.

Time is short!  Don't be left behind to face the catastrophes and the destruction and the wrath of God during the 7 year tribulation which happens after Jesus returns to Rapture true believers to be with Him in heaven.

Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 where the signs of the end times are explained;  take the message to heart and make your decision NOW to accept Jesus as your Savior.  Only He can give you hope and 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 answered and said unto him,  If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him."  -  John 14:23

"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 AN OBEDIENT CHILD? SALVATION DEMANDS OBEDIENCE! (WITH VIDEOS - ONE A SERMON ON OBEDIENCE BY A. W. TOZER) - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

 

                                                   [Hen and chicks -  Kauai, Hawaii]

It may seem an odd choice for a photograph here on this blog, but to me it rather fits the subject matter of this weekend article  -  Obedience.   I took this photo on the Island of Kauai - near a famous blow-hole there by the ocean (where waves hitting the rocks spew up a high spray which can sometimes reach 50 feet into the air, from a "hole" in the rock or rocks).  The name of the blowhole is "Spouting Horn" in a beach park on Kauai's south shore near Poipu- it was several years ago when I visited there that I took the photo above.  (I have been to Kauai Island several times).   At any rate, all of the islands here (not only on Kauai, but the other Hawaiian islands as well (even more populated Oahu and Honolulu) have numerous fowl running around like they own the place.  Some are rather tame, and others are very skittish and wild.  

 

                                   [Spouting Horn Blowhole -  Kauai]  (Internet photograph)

To get to the point, the little chicks follow their momma around and do not want her out of their sight -  and the same goes for how the hen feels about her brood.  The chicks "obey" their mom well because they keep her in their sight.  This is rather how we Christians, true believers and followers of Jesus Christ the Savior, should be in regards to our Guide - our LORD !!   To follow Him and His lead, His guidance and His commandments.  To walk close beside Him and in His footsteps; to keep Jesus always in sight - and close by!  To carefully observe His ways and endeavor to imitate Him as best we can -  and in all that we do and say! Even, as well, to have the good Lord always on and in our minds and hearts. 

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  Behold, your house is left unto you desolate."    -  Jesus at Matthew 23:37-38

As I entered the above Scripture, it reminded me of America.  America in general for decades has ignored God and His commandments -  now we seem to be paying the price!  

Of course, there are still many sincere and active believing Christians in America and around the world,  who are true to the good LORD and who are looking for His glorious return to take us home to be with Him.  (Titus 2:13-14)

Following is a 38 minute audio sermon by A.W. Tozer titled: "As Obedient Children".  It is a wonderful and insightful sermon you do not want to miss!   It taught me something new!   Well, not new so much as it gave me more understanding.  

Tozer, in the above sermon, emphatically states a scriptural truth :  "Salvation apart from obedience is contrary to Scripture."   Many gems of spiritual truths to be found here in Tozer's sermon!

And here is a very short ten minute video reading some of Andrew Murray's writings on the subject of "With Christ in the School of Obedience".  It is a wonderful message and is accompanied by beautiful scenery in the video. It reminds us that "part of the beauty of your salvation is obedience" and gives Biblical examples of obedience by Moses, Noah, Abraham and others.

By the way, to any students of the Bible, there are many quotes (articles) by Andrew Murray on the subject of Obedience, as well as other subjects by him, at a link on the website raptureready.com.  Once at that website look for the link that says "Best of the Christian Classics."   Once there, it lists many other authors besides Murray,  such as Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, John Wesley, etc.  Check it out!

Following is a partial quote by Andrew Murray from his article on "The School of Obedience":

Murray (from the preface):  ".... The Father in heaven asks and requires, and actually expects, that every child of His yield Him whole-hearted and entire obedience, day by day, and all the day!  To enable His to do this, He has made a most abundant and altogether sufficient provision in the promise of the New Covenant, and in the gift of His Son and Spirit.  This provision can alone, but can most certainly be enjoyed, and these promises fulfilled, in the soul that gives itself communion with the Three-in-One God,  so that His presence and power work in it all the day.  The very entrance into this life demands the vow of absolute obedience,  or the surrender of the whole being, to be, think, speak, do , every moment, not but what is according to the will of God, and well-pleasing to Him  ... We need the Holy Spirit to give us such a vision of their glory, and divine power, and the demand they make on our immediate and unconditional submission that there may be no rest till we accept all that God is willing to do for us.  Let us all pray that God may, by the light of His Spirit, so show His loving and almighty will concerning us, that it may be impossible for us to be disobedient to the heavenly vision." -  end of Andrew Murray's quote

  [Kilauea Lighthouse at Wildlife Refuge -  Kauai, Hawaii] 

"Christ is the key which unlocks the golden doors into the temple of Divine truth." -  A. W. Pink

"Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers."  -  Francis Chan

"It is altogether doubtful whether any man can be saved who comes to Christ for His help with no intention to obey Him."  -   A.W. Tozer

"If you look up into His face and say, 'Yes, Lord, whatever it costs', at that moment He'll flood your life with His Presence and power."  -  Alan Redpath

"Why should I tremble at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know He is no little Husbandman; He purposeth a crop."  -  Samuel Rutherford 

Here is a worship song sung by Matt Redman which many of you are no doubt familiar with.  It is called "The Heart of Worship" or "It's all about You, Jesus": 

Really, really, pay close attention to the lyrics in this song!  Part of the lyrics say:  "I'm coming back to the heart of worship; and it's all about You, Jesus.  I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it; when it's all about You."   Many people "attend church" but do not really worship the Lord in truth and spirit.

In today's chaotic and uncertain times, we need God's supernatural help and strength.  For guidance there, the following prayer by the Christian You Tube Channel "Grace For Purpose" helps encourage us in that regard, and it reminds us that we all will have our "valley experiences", as they serve a purpose for our benefit from God's perspective. (Scroll down to the previous post on Tuesday, July20, 2021, which also discussed valley experiences).

The above beautiful 12 minute video also reminds us "It's all about Jesus."

  Is that how you feel?  Is your life centered around Jesus?  Is Jesus/God first in your life?

Sometimes we are so boggled down with the cares of life- the struggles of life - that we lose our focus!  Our focus on spiritual things then take second place to our worries and cares, which seem to consume our minds and  which, also, leaves no room for contemplating our spiritual well-being.  It should not be that way, but we are imperfect humans.  We sometimes slip up -- and downright sin!  

The more you focus on spiritual things, the less you will "slip up."  Why?  Because if you are constantly devouring God's Holy Word - the Bible - and feasting on its truths and encouragement -  it is as if God is "speaking" to you personally through the Holy Spirit inspired words of the Holy Scriptures.  And He really is doing just that!   Your faith will grow and so will your love and closeness to the good Lord as you read and study your Bible!  And do not forget to pray often; prayer will bring you closer to God as well as Bible reading.  "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." -  Proverbs 23:7 a  - So keep God's Word in your mind and your heart!  Meditate on it day and night.  Think on things above, not the things of this dying world!

That is what it is all about, friends!  A close, personal, intimate, loving, living, blossoming relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ the Savior !   We are just traveling through on this earth; heaven is our true home!  But only if we have a faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior, without which we will never see heaven.

Jesus died and suffered a cruel death as our substitute on the cross!  His shed blood can wash us clean and make us new creatures by a spiritual birth when the Holy Spirit dwells in us at the moment of true salvation!  

Ephesians 1:13 encourages us:  "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."

One needs to realize the enormity of his sins and how they separate him from God.  If you are truly repentant and pray to God for forgiveness -  in all sincerity and remorse at heart for your sinfulness - God will answer that prayer!  Just believe with all of the very fiber of your being - your heart and soul and every breath you take-  that Jesus is the Savior, and the only way to heaven!  

Following are Scriptures for those who are not yet saved!  The times we live in are urgent!  Jesus will return very soon to take His followers to heaven in the Rapture!   Will you be rapture ready?

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

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

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation.)"  -  2 Corinthians 6:2

"Jesus 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 !

"We Are At The Finish Line" (With Video On Bible Prophecy And Current Events) - Inspirational Weekend

As you can see in my photograph above, this Hawaiian Moorhen is standing in waters surrounded by tangled tree branches.   Sometimes we can feel knee deep in troubled waters and entangled in prison-like barriers that keep us from our full potential of being an effective witness for Jesus.   We may have many obstacles that keep us in a state of depression or of not knowing the way out.   

But a true believer will not stay in a depressed state for long if he will turn to the Lord in prayer and leave his burdens at the foot of the cross......in Jesus' capable hands of love and compassion.   

"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you."  -  1 Peter 5:7

America has recently suffered two horrific hurricanes and another is making its way to the East Coast right now.   But keep in mind that many other disasters are happening across the Globe which have killed thousands of persons.   America is having wildfires raging in several states, and wildfires are occurring in other countries at the present time as well.  I say all this not to preach doom and gloom, but to emphasize that there is plenty we could be depressed about and we should care about the unfortunate victims of these disasters and help them in any way we can.  If you are poor and cannot financially help, you can certainly pray for them.

"For we know that the whole creation groaneth  and travaileth in pain together until now."                          -  Romans 8:22

Many things.... hundreds of signs... that are happening right now prove that we are "at the finish line"  -  the last hour of the last days.  Many Bible prophecies are converging at the present time.  

For true believers, this means Jesus will return soon to Rapture them to be with Him in heaven and later with Him on earth during the millennium reign.  This is something we eagerly look forward to... all eternity with the Lord.

Don't be depressed...Look up and watch for the Lord's soon return.  (Luke 21:28).  

Following is a video on current events and Bible prophecy in which Amir Tsarfati gives an excellent take on current world events.

"Why should I be concerned with Bible Prophecy?  I have so many problems to deal with as it is," you may ask.   The devil likes to keep us busy with all kinds of things that distract us from the Lord and His will.  We don't pray because we think we don't have time; and prayer is vital for a close relationship with God.  We don't read the Bible because, again, we don't believe we have the time.  The Bible is God's Holy Word, our Love Letter from Him, and our Instruction Manual for living a life that is pleasing to Him.  By the reading of His Word, we come to really really know the Lord and His attributes and His will, thereby helping us to have a dynamic and living relationship with Him.   

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

This "knowing" is not just head knowledge;  it is a relationship, an understanding of His will, and a thirst to know Him more and more intimately and our wanting to please Him in all we do, and say, and in the way we live our lives......to be more like Christ.  This knowing Jesus involves the heart and the soul. It is your very life.   They say people know you by the company  you keep;   be best friends and company with the Lord Jesus Christ.  If you are always in prayer and pour over His Word diligently, you will  become more Christ-like, and thereby be pleasing to the Lord.

My photograph above of the Hawaiian Black-Crowned Night Heron with the small fish in its bill reminds me of how the devil fishes around to snatch as many people as he can in his evil grasp to deceive and destroy them.  

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."  -  1 Peter 5:8

Satan will NOT devour you if you are walking hand in hand with Jesus and if you have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with the Lord.  If you are deliberately sinning to indulge your lustful desires and sinful self-will, then beware.   The Lord wants only those who surrender to Him and who obey Him, and by that show that they love Him.

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."   -  Jesus at John 14:21

Now is not the time to be preoccupied with the things of the world.  We need to be spiritually minded and seek the Lord continually.  Someone once said, "Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey."   Of course we should concern ourselves with heavenly things and look forward to being with the Lord (the destination), but we also need to live (the journey) in a way that pleases Him and leads many others to faith in Jesus.  Once saved, we should not become passive "couch-potato" Christians. We should be busy doing the Lord's work.

"God wants the whole person and He will not rest till He gets us in entirety.  No part of the man will do."  -  A.W. Tozer

Don't waste your life.  

Remember that we are at the finish line.

Do not be distracted away from the Lord.

Time on this earth is short.....

 Jesus will return soon.

Will you be ready?

"A man by his sin may waste himself, which is to waste that which on earth is most like God.  This is man's greatest tragedy and God's heaviest grief."  -  A.W. Tozer

"And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."              -  Ephesians 4:30

It is all about love and obedience.

"Jesus answered and said unto him,  If a man love Me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make our abode with him."    -  John 14:23

"Time Heals All Wounds - Or Does It?" - Inspirational Weekend

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."  -  Romans 8:18

True believers realize and hope for the time when we will be in heaven with the Lord 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."  Revelation 21:4

Just contemplating on that verse makes you feel good and gives you hope and patience to endure various trials here on earth right now.    But what if the emotional or physical pain seems impossible to overcome ?  Or to endure?  What if the hurt and the reason for the hurt keeps playing over and over in your mind......even years after it first occurred?   "Time heals all wounds". so the saying goes, right?    Or, as some would say, "Time will tell" when we cannot comprehend the outcome of a situation.    

When I was in my senior year in high school,  I wrote an essay titled "Time Heals No Wounds".  It was rather negative in content as I was going through (and had previously gone through) some very difficult and heartbreaking times at that young age.   My English teacher liked the essay, however, and insisted that I read it in front of the class, to my horror, as I was extremely shy about things like that.    I did as she asked, and kept that essay for several years and then it got lost in moving to another state.   

My relationship with the Lord has grown and He has "renewed my mind" (Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23) in these latter years of my life.   However, time may not heal all wounds, but it can make the memory of past hurts dull with time, if you will let it and not be bitter and resentful and nurse the hurt for years and not let go of it.    Forgiveness is the key.   Actually, the good Lord is the key!

"Leave the broken, irreversible past in God's hands, and step out into the invincible future with God."

- Oswald Chambers.

"God uses broken things.  It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength.   It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume.  It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever."  - Vance Havner

So if you are broken, God can still use you.   You can use your experience to help others in their afflictions; to share your faith of how, if God can help you,  He can help them as well.   God can heal our broken hearts.   Psalm 147:3 says,  "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."  It is God's great and merciful love that heals us.   If you focus on God and Jesus and pray about your situation, you are taking positive action towards leaving the brokenheartedness behind you.   

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:  but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 3:13-14

Following is a song for the broken hearted.  Just pretend it is God speaking in the verses.

We must also remember that sometimes God uses heartbreak and afflictions to shape and mold us and teach us some lessons.....the number one lesson is that we turn to Him in prayer and in total surrender to Him and to His will.   Hardships and trials and heartache will cause us to look to God for help and guidance.   God is our Healer, the Master Physician.   If we handle suffering God's way, we bear witness to the Lord more so than we could have otherwise.  Remember the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh :  "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."            -  2 Corinthians 12:9      Whatever Paul's thorn in the flesh was,  God still powerfully used Paul.   

"Afflictions, though they seem severe, in mercy oft are sent."  -  Unknown

A few months ago, I painted a landscape scene from one of my reference photos, which is shown below:

This is the reference photograph I took of Wind River in Dubois, Wyoming.  I titled the finished painting  "Brokenness Amid Beauty."   The brokenness of course refers to the broken log in the foreground.    Our life can still be beautiful, despite some brokenness in it from time to time.   Keep a close relationship with God and Jesus and you then can always see the sunshine poking through the dark clouds.

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:  but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken."  -       Proverbs 15:13

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."  -  Romans 8:28

Memories To Treasure

In a troubled world like today, we all need special moments and memories to treasure; tender moments that are difficult to explain adequately in words.   They are felt more in the heart and soul; a brief moment that can melt even the most "proper" and reserved person's heart and that makes them feel blessed and they want the moment to last forever.

I felt like that recently when my son and grandson paid me a nice long visit at my place.  My 3 year old grandson met me holding a bouquet of flowers, which are pictured above.  To me it was a precious sight to see them happy and so loving; my grandson holding the flowers and handing them to me as if he had bought them....actually, he did pick out the bouquet himself.

My mind flashed back to the past when my son was around 12 years old and he woke me up one morning with a tray on which was a scrambled egg breakfast he had cooked for me, complete with a flower on the tray which he had picked from a neighbor's yard !   Breakfast in bed.  Another extraordinary moment and memory to treasure in my heart.  It was momentous because my son was displaying his love in a way that came from his heart.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward."  -  Psalm 127:3

God shows grace and love in giving us children and grandchildren. I even have two great-grandchildren, who live on the mainland.  It grieves me that we do not have a stronger bond because of the years and the miles that have separated us....kept us from building a relationship like I would desire to have.  My great-grandchildren are still young, however.   I must be content, for now, by loving them from a distance.  That is also true of my grown granddaughters and my daughter. Maybe, in time, we will live closer together. 

"Hope is the anchor of the soul made possible by our acceptance of God's Grace."  -  Unknown

It seems I am getting more and more sentimental and mellow as I age. I realize I won't live that much longer (unless the Rapture comes first), and every moment spent with loved ones is very special indeed.  My son, his wife, and my grandson are the only family I have with me here in Hawaii.  My daughter-in-law will soon have a baby girl as well.  More joy!

When I was younger, I didn't possess such tender feelings; probably because I was never shown much love as a child and I didn't know how to express love.   

I am very grateful for the good Lord and how He has transformed my heart and my mind and my soul.  There is power in the blood of Jesus !  He can make you brand new!   (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Romans 12:1-2 says it beautifully: "(1) 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. (2) 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."

When I read those verses several years ago, I realized that I needed to renew my mind by reading the Bible.  You are what you feed yourself...and that applies to taking in spiritual food as well.  Of course, you need to spend much time in prayer also to develop a close, intimate, personal relationship with the Lord. That will enable you to live a more holy life. 

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

Those of you reading this that are Christians are aware of these truths.   However, we all need to be reminded to focus on the Lord first and foremost because we live in a fallen world and it is easy to be influenced by it at times; easy to be so busy with everyday work, chores, and meetings and taking the children to this event or that activity, that we do not take time to be with the Lord.   We need quiet times in reflection and prayer and Bible reading to be pleasing to God and to draw close to Him. It also refreshes us.   Reflecting on how the heavenly Father loves us and guides us and forgives us is very special indeed. How He has answered prayers and blessed us and how He has made a way where there was no way are truly treasured memories to constantly ponder and meditate on.   Doing so strengthens our faith.   

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

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us.  God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him."  -  1 John 4:16

It is all about love.

It is also about relationships.

Go make some memories to treasure.

Especially store up memories where God's love is concerned; His forgiveness and protection and His providing for you and so much more.

Share the love and the Gospel with others, making disciples.

Build up for yourself treasures in heaven.  

"But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."     - Jesus at Matthew 6:20-21

"Start Listening For The Trumpet Of God" (With Prophecy Update Video) - Inspirational Weekend

[Fishermen at Kailua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii]

When I think of fishermen, I am reminded of the apostles; some of which had been fishermen.  Jesus told them He would make them "Fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19).

All true born again believers should be on fire by sharing the Gospel with lost souls, especially since we are so far into the very last moments of the end times;  we are soon expecting Jesus to rapture His Bride (the Church) to be with Him forever; to be caught up with Him away from this wicked and perverse world.  

On a recent video I watched, a preacher said, to the effect, that he was no longer looking for "signs" of the end times...... he was instead listening for the trumpet to sound; the trump of God.  He believes Jesus' return and the Rapture is that close and I agree with him.

"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:"   -   1 Thessalonians 4:16

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump:  for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  "  -  1 Corinthians 15:52

As you know, the above verses are referring to the Rapture of the Church, true believers in Jesus Christ.  I should include 1 Thessalonians 4:17 which says:

"Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

What a glorious hope and promise!!  

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

This "trump of God" is not referring to the 7 trumpets of Revelation.  Both 1 Corinthians and 1 Thessalonians were written long before John wrote the book of Revelation, so the readers of Paul's Epistles would have no idea about the 7 trumpets of Revelation.  Paul's writings were in reference to the Church and the end of the Church age at the Rapture of true believers.  Those trumpets in the book of Revelation were angelic trumpets, while the trumpet that sounds at the Rapture is definitely called "The trump of God."

Following is a short 12 minute video by Chad, Watchman on the wall 88.  He is young but very thorough in his information on the end times and I believe he is definitely led by the Holy Spirit. Please watch

In Chad's video posted May 21, 2019, he talks about Isaiah 17 and Ezekiel 38 and 39, just like I did in my post a few days ago. (Scroll down one post right before this one.)   He also talks about a recent Yahoo news article about a possible Middle East war that could go nuclear.  

Don't panic and grow anxious about all this information and the current chaos in the world.   You have nothing to fear if you are a true born again believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, Thou wilt revive me; Thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and Thy right hand shall save me."  -  Psalm 138:7

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."  -   Isaiah 26:3

"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

I am moved to share another video about the Rapture of the Church that was just posted May 22, 2019, by prophecywatchers.com

In this video host Gary Stearman discusses with Pastor Jack Langford the possibility of the Rapture occuring on Pentecost, which is June 9 of this year.  They are quick to tell us that they are not saying it will happen for sure then, because the Bible tells us we do not know the day or the hour of Jesus' return for us. At any rate, there is a lot of interesting and pertinent information in this 29 minute video which follows:

Although I may not always agree with everything in some of these videos, (many of which I will never post here), many do have   valuable information that deserves to be shared, for everyone's benefit.  You can learn from them, like in this recent video above Pastor Langford discusses the various Jewish feasts and harvests that is quite interesting.

It is obvious that I have the Rapture on my mind a lot as of late.  I feel compelled to share any and all information I can find on this subject, this blessed hope that we have (Titus 2:13). It is important that we be alert and watchful, and share the gospel with everyone, as the time is short.  

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."  -  James 5:8

Believers need to be in God's Holy Word daily, and to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  It is so true that to be able to truly know a person, you must communicate frequently with him.  The same is true  of Yahweh.  You need to  pray frequently and to pour your heart out to the good Lord.  By reading the Bible daily you learn of God's attributes, the love of Him and of the Savior.  And in return, by prayer and by spending much time in God's Word, you learn to love the Lord more and more, and you will draw ever closer to Him.   All of which means that you have a close, intimate, personal love relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  Such a close relationship will give you peace and endurance and a great faith.

Be about the Lord's work while you wait for His soon return.  

If you are not a born again believer in Jesus as the Savior, you need to turn to Him in faith NOW before it is too late.  You do not want to be left behind for the horrors of the 7 year Tribulation.  It will be much more difficult to be saved during that time of God's wrath.  

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."

"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

Admit that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior.

Believe in Jesus and His redemptive power by His shed blood at Calvary..... that He can wash your sins away and that you will be white as snow.

Call on the Lord.  Confess your sins.  Commit your life to Him.

He will welcome you with arms wide open and full of love and forgiveness.

Jesus loves you! 

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

Israel - A Two State Solution ? - Recent U.N. Resolution 2334 Slaps The Face Of Israel

Israel is "the apple of God's eye."  (Zechariah 2:1-8).  If you mess with Israel, you are essentially fighting against God Himself.   God told Abraham in Genesis 12:3, "And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."   Abraham and his future family became the nation of Israel.   God made an everlasting covenant with Israel and that included the Promised Land, Israel.   Israel has existed thousands of years, except for the fact when they were scattered throughout the nations for a time.    There never was a Palestine or Palestinians.    The land belongs to Israel because God gave it to them.  

Below are two videos with commentary by Gary Stearman about the recent developments concerning the implications of the U.N. Resolution 2334 anti-Israel vote.  Both are short videos and I urge you to watch them as they not only delve into history, but also the Scriptures.  

In Mr. Stearman's commentary in the following video, pay particular attention to his explanation of Jeremiah 31:35-40.  All of this territory described in Jeremiah 31 .- what God gave to Israel - has been warned by the U.N. Resolution to now be off limits to Israel.   Not only is it like a slap in the face to Israel, it is also defying God Himself to deny this land to Israel.

You might find the following link interesting pertaining to an article by Joel C. Rosenberg on this recent U.N. anti-Israel vote.  In this article he also gives a link to the full text of U.N Resolution 2334.

Another link gives Scriptures and insight on how a two-state solution fulfills Bible Prophecy.  Perhaps more in the sense of if it could happen....if God lets it happen, which I don't believe He will. He gave the land to Israel.   They may begin the process to some degree, however.  And, granted, there is a possibility there could end up being a two state solution either soon or during the Tribulation period.  However, it will only be temporary if it happens; God intends that land - all of it given to his chosen people back when the Israelis first began to conquer the Promised Land in the days of Joshua and beyond - the Almighty Sovereign God intends that all of that ancient Promised Land will be given back to Israel, and it will happen in the future.

Remember Genesis 12:3 where the LORD says He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those that curse Israel?  Well, this U.N. Resolution is like a curse to Israel.   We need to pray for Israel and for the United States of America as well.   Many in this country are bracing themselves for some great calamity to come upon America soon.   There have been several books written about many adversities that have come upon America in the past each time she goes against Israel in some manner, and in particular when the USA attempts to divide the land of Israel.

What is happening is that Zechariah 12 is currently being fulfilled.  Here are some verses from that chapter:  "(1) The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. (2) Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  (3) And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. (9) And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."

Remember also that the so-called "Palestinians" do not want peace with Israel; they want to annihilate Israel !   How many times have you heard them say, "We will wipe Israel off the map !"  How many times have you heard them call Israel the "Little satan" and, for that matter, call America the "Great satan"?   A two state solution will not bring lasting peace !   Please read again the above verses in Zechariah 12.  Eventually God in heaven will destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem (verse 9).  America should think twice before coming against Jerusalem and Israel.

Keep your eyes on what happens January 15, 2017, at the Paris Peace Conference where 70 nations will meet and discuss this two state solution.  Some feel that they will pass a law to give the Palestinians a portion of what now belongs to Israel; and if they vote on it it will become binding. It is feared, therefore, that Donald Trump will not be able to veto or reverse this vote.  It is also a fear that President Elect Trump may never be allowed to take office or, if he does, that his term will be cut short by an assassination.   Bible Prophecy is indeed taking place and coming true in these last days.  It will not be long now before God intervenes.   First with the Rapture of the church and then all the prophecies of the book of Revelation will come to pass during the 7-year tribulation period.  We are living in a time when all of these events will soon take place.

That is good news !  God is in control !  If you are a true believer in Jesus Christ you need not fear what is to happen.  You will be taken out of all the wrath from God before it occurs. You will be included in the Rapture of the Church. After that, God will pour out His wrath on the ungodly persons left behind.  If you have not given your life to Christ and put your faith in Him and have not repented of your sins, I urge you to do so now before it is too late !

All that is happening worldwide reminds me of the hymn, "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow".  It says, in part, "Because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living just because He lives" and also, "Because He lives I can face tomorrow; because He lives all fear is gone."    Isn't that beautiful !  If you are a born-again child of God, you can rest in those words and not fear what the future holds.  God will take care of you.    I have posted that hymn in the past, but here it is again:

Another good thing to consider is the fact that when things are falling apart, not only in your personal life but in dire world situations as well, people tend to turn to God for answers and to pray more and to attend church more frequently.   This happened after 9 -11, remember? My prayer is that more will turn to faith in Jesus now before the Rapture occurs, so that they may be included in that glorious event. 

"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;"  -  1 Peter 1:13

"For we are saved by hope:"  -  Romans 8:24a

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."  -  Romans 8:28