"True Perspective For Such A Time As This" (Videos - One A Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith) - Inspirational Weekend

[Red Cassia Tree Blossoms]

I had spent much time preparing for this post, but last night while laying in bed and praying, I felt led to focus on different Scriptures and a different topic.  So, with the good Lord's help (as always) here goes !

Believe me, without praying in advance for the Holy Spirit's guidance, these blog posts would not be possible! Jesus tells us at John 15:5 =   "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."

That is something the world in general does not even understand; meaning people who are not spiritually minded and who concern themselves only with the material and secular view of life in this mixed up world.  They may think that Christians who devote their time and thoughts on the good Lord and His will are fanatics or just crazy.  But what matters is What God and Jesus think!  How the good  Lord views a person; not how the world judges a person.  

"But the LORD said unto Samuel,  look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance; but the LORD looketh on the heart." -   1 Samuel 16:7

The sermon following is from the Bible book of Lamentations.  But before that, here is a brief 7 minute very informative overview of Lamentations:

Before the sermon video by Pastor Chuck Smith, let us consider Lamentations 3:21-24 :  

"This I recall in my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness.  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."

What encouraging words for us today in this modern, topsy-turvy world !  Pastor Smith, who passed away in 2013, was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.  His 29 minute sermon is based on Lamentations 3:21-24.  

God is a promise keeper! Pastor Smith, in the above video, tells us: "God will keep His promises to you -  it all depends on where you stand with God."  

Remember the old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"?  It ties in with Pastor Chuck's sermon above and I felt it needed to be included here for you.  Enjoy !

In the sermon here by Pastor Smith, he tells us (1) "It is good to be on God's side" - and (2) "Hope in God and wait for His salvation."

Many people today realize things are just in a turmoil in this world (and that is an understatement!)  They see  no way out -  like no relief is ever going to be possible.  The Bible prophesied about our day!  We are in the end of this dispensation- the end of the Church age!  Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 concerning occurances proving these are now the end times !  

Jesus tells us at Luke 21:25-26 :  "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken."   

  But then pay attention to what Luke 21:27 and 28 tells us ! "And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh."

True believers in the good Lord realize all this chaos and upheaval occuring today is proof that Jesus' return will be very soon to rapture His Bride (The Church, true followers of Christ).  

Will you be Rapture Ready?

Jesus loves you, and He is waiting to hear from you!

When you put your faith in Him and believe with all of your very soul - all of your very being- that He is the Savior and the only way to heaven; that His shed blood at Calvary can wash you clean from your sins because He paid your sin debt in full by His ransom death -- He died in your place and took on your sins so that you may have eternal life if you but believe in Him as the Redeemer- Just BELIEVE!!

"Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."  - Romans 5:9

However, you do need to repent of your sins in all sincerity, as well as pray with all of your heart and soul for forgiveness ! At Matthew 4:17 it tells us:  "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

This world is dying!  In Jesus, we LIVE! 

When you run to Jesus in faith, He will welcome you with open arms and embrace you with His love and His forgiveness!

Following are some "Salvation Scriptures" for those who may not yet have believed in Jesus Christ as the Savior.  Also, the following verses are good for you who are already Christians to share with unbelieving relatives or friends to help bring them to salvation.  We are only vessels - we do NOT save anyone - but we share the Gospel with others and God's Holy Spirit saves them !  

"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

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

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

 

"Hold On Tight ! Almost There!" (With Encouraging and Hope Filled Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

[Barber's Point Lighthouse, Oahu, Hawaii]

We all have often heard how children, when on a road trip with parents, will impatiently and constantly repeat "Are we there yet?"  We who are true children of the heavenly Father are, in today's perilous times, wondering the same thing in regards to the soon return of Jesus as to when our "flight 777 to heaven on Titus213 airlines" will occur?  We ARE almost there!  Trust the good Lord! Hold on Tight to faith in Jesus and in His promises!

A wonderful and comforting promise of  Jesus is found at John 14:1-4 which follows:

"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."

That is our blessed hope!  Titus 2:13, 14 tells us:   "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."

Many Christians today are feeling "battle weary."  But we must not lose hope!  We must keep the faith! God's promises never fail!  The fact that His Holy Word the Bible prophesied about these current last days and how those prophesies are now daily - even hourly, or by the minute - coming true right before our very eyes ;  that should all the more increase our faith and hope that our "battle" on this earth will be over soon when we meet our beloved Jesus !  Yes, many have said our life on earth is but a "journey" or a "pilgrimage", and that is very true.  But as for these last days we find ourselves caught up in -  it is a true battle !  A spiritual battle!

Romans 8:35-39 informs us: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

When the apostle Paul in the above verses mentions angels, principalities, powers, he, for the most part, refers to spiritual forces such as fallen angels and evil entities and, yes, the devil.  All of which wage war against true believers in the Lord.  This battle ground, so to speak, is further discussed in Ephesians, which speaks of the "whole Armor of God."  Please, please read all of Ephesians 6, as well as all of Romans 8 as well.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,  against the the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."  -   Ephesians 6:10-13

Following is an excellent 13 minute video about the Armor Of God and what it means and entails:

As we all know, many during the past year have suffered extreme losses, such as the death of a loved one, loss of employment, and the list goes on.  But God wants us to learn from what we are going through, so it says in the following 13 minute video. It says, "God isn't letting you down, He's letting you learn!"  

Another excellent video which follows stresses for us to focus on God and not our battles!

Not long ago, on this blog, a post was made concerning the Rapture, in which is explained the meaning of "Flight 777 on Titus 213 airline".   Here is the link https://inspiringnaturephotography.blogspot.com/search?q=departure+soon+flight+777

One more wonderful video for you !  It is 13 minutes in length and tells us the ONLY THING we can take to heaven with us.  A must watch for all Christians!

In view of the fact that these are the last moments of the last days, it is imperitive that all persons concern themselves where they will spend eternity.  Remember, eternity is a long time to spend in the wrong place -  the wrong place being hell!

For any unsaved persons reading this blog, and for any believers who have unsaved relatives that they might want to share the following Salvation Scriptures with,  please take heed to the following:

"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 !!

"THE VERY BEST DWELLING-PLACE ! - EVERLASTING ARMS !" (Videos - One A Sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith) - INSPIRATIONAL WEEKEND

[Scenic Overlook, Taro Fields, (near) Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii]

As stated previously on this blog, to live in Hawaii has been said to be like living in Paradise!  But we all know where the very best dwelling-place is!   HEAVEN!  And, later, during the 1000 year reign of Christ, we will enjoy life again on this earth.  More about the millennial reign on another post here in the future, perhaps.

We believers can enjoy a sense of dwelling with the good Lord right now.  The following verse at Deuteronomy 33:27 gives an explanation of what is meant:

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: "  -  Deut. 33:27 a 

One commentator has given a wonderful explanation on the above Scripture:   "God is the refuge or dwelling-place of His people, their protection amid the storms of life, and the unfailing source of comfort and blessing to them in their pilgrimage state.  Over them is His sheltering protection, and underneath them the support of His everlasting arms."

On the subject of God's everlasting arms and the Eternal God, here follows an excellent 37 minute sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith (now deceased) who was the founder of the Calvary Chapel Churches.

Pastor Smith tells us that God's everlasting arms are to "hold us up, and to take care of us", and "When you hit bottom... great! Because underneath you are the everlasting arms." Also, Pastor Chuck reminds us "Don't fight tomorrow's battles with today's strength."  

J.R. Miller wrote a fantastic and empowering article on the subject of "The Everlasting Arms."  Here is a link to it:  https://img.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/article_pdf.php?aid=32442

Miller was a 19th Century (1840-1912) American author and Pastor.  You may check the Internet for more information about him.

Please read all of this article above if you possibly can.  It is very encouraging, and a very tender and loving message.  Following are portions of Miller's article:

"We are not fighting our own battles unaided.  We are not alone, unsheltered, unprotected, in this great world of danger.  We are kept by the power of God.  God's omnipotence encircles us and enfolds us.  The things that are too strong for us we need not fear - for Almighty Arms are encircling us.  .... Our part, then, is simple TRUST ! ......  This picture of God embracing His children with His arm, tells of His love for them.  It tells also of intimacy, closeness of relation.   .... God draws us nearest when we are in trouble or we are in pain!  The "arm" is also the symbol of strength.  A mother's arm may be physically frail - but love makes it strong.  The arm of God is strong. It is omnipotent.  It supports the worlds! When that Divine arm encircles one of His feeble children - all the power of the universe cannot tear it away!  ....  Then, when death comes, and every earthly thing is gone from beneath us, and every hand unclasps from ours, and every face of love fades from our eyes, and we sink away into what seems darkness and the shadow of death,   it will be only into the Everlasting Arms....."   (end of quote.)

You will enjoy the following hymn "Leaning on the everlasting arms". 

Jeremiah 32:27 :"Behold, I Am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for Me?" 

Jeremiah 17:7 : "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."

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

 Hebrews 10:37: "For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."

    As I uploaded my photograph of the butterfly,  I thought "metamorphosis" in my mind immediately.  We all know that particularly applies to insects such as a butterfly.  It was first a worm - a caterpillar- when it was in the chrysalis state, before it changed and developed into a beautiful creature as above. So the word metamorphosis means any change of form or shape;  a transformation.  Not only where insects are concerned: it can mean ANY change of form or shape!  (So explains Webster's 1828 dictionary.)

That is true of a sinner when he sincerely repents and turns in faith and belief in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  

Did you realize that the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, refers to man as a "worm"?  Check out Job 25:6, Psalm 22:6, and Micah 7:17.  And God Himself refers to Israel (Jacob) also as a worm in Isaiah 41:14 which follows:

"Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel;  I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."

The point is, the same can be said today of when a sinner, a "worm" in a sense (who is not a Christian) is transformed into a new creature when he becomes a true believer in Jesus Christ as the Savior.  If he is truly saved and born again, he will change and become more Christlike and he will learn to rid his life of anything that hinders his walk with the Lord.

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

If Jesus were to return today or next week, or in the following months (no one knows the day or the hour, the Bible tells us) -  if the Savior would return soon for His true believers, would you be raptured to heaven to be with Him?  

Are you Rapture Ready?  

If you are not saved by faith and belief that Jesus' shed blood at the cross can save you - by wiping the slate clean, so to speak-  because He died in our place - He ransomed us - He paid our sin debt for us, in full !   Just believe in Him and in His resurrection; repent and pray for forgiveness -  in all sincerity and with all of your very being and soul !

Following are Salvation 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

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

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

The above will occur stronger over time after you have been saved;  you may not understand much about reformation and restitution and sanctification when you are first born again.  After all, you are a "babe in Christ" at first; but saved indeed (!!) if you have a faith and belief in Jesus as the Savior -  a true repentance and salvation.  Other things (such as restitution and giving up certain habits and the like) will take time to realize and also to learn to know what it is to follow in Christ's footsteps.  What saves you is NOT WORKS but Faith!  However, if you are "born again", works will naturally follow. 

"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.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."  -  Ephesians 2: 8-10

Have a blessed and Christ centered weekend -  and life!  

DEPARTURE SOON! FLIGHT 777 on TITUS 213 AIRLINES! DON'T MISS IT! (Videos)

 

 

I could not resist using the above title for this blog post!  The main reason for the title above being: perhaps it would capture the attention - in a big way - of lost souls so that they might be led to salvation in the belief that Jesus Christ is the Savior, and the only way to heaven!

 More about the meaning of 777 later.  The Scripture Titus 2:13 is quoted in the above internet image.

Following are two sermon videos by Pastor Jack Hibbs which explain beautifully the Rapture of true believers to heaven !  Each video is 29 minutes in length.   A must see to inform believers as well as for the hopeful salvation of those who do NOT know Jesus as their Savior.   Here is part 1 :

And Part 2 about the Rapture:

As many of you are aware, "the Rapture triggers the beginning of the end", so says Pastor Hibbs.  Please notice all of the many present "end time signs" according to the Bible that are occurring right now at warp speed !

Much has been written previously on this blog concerning the soon Rapture of Christ's "Bride" - the Church.  You may view those articles (some include videos) by going to the "search box" in the upper right hand side of this page and entering "Rapture" or "Rapture of the Church," or "Jesus' return," etc.

[Twilight Surf - Kauai, Hawaii]

Various interpretations or meanings of the number 777 are given.   Basically, the number 7 is the number of completeness and perfection.  One person has said "that #7 is the foundation of God's Word and is used 735 times in the Bible (54 of which are in the Book of Revelation alone).  The meaning of multiple 7's such as 777 and 7777 is that it is a reinforcement of perfection and of God's recognizable and unmistakable hand in the affairs of man. "   Another person says, "  777 biblically means or deals in reference with things that are in association with the name of Jesus."  In Judaism 777 is considered as a symbol of God.   It is also said that, in general, 777 represents the perfect trinity of God the Holy Spirit, God the Son, and God the Father.    Thus the reference above to "Flight 777" representing the Rapture to heaven to be with God and Jesus  --  "a caught up" ("harpazo" -Greek;  "Rapturo" - Latin)  in the air to meet the Lord.  To "fly away to eternal bliss!"  More about being "caught up" at 1 Thessalonians 4 and in the above sermons by Pastor Jack Hibbs.

Make sure you do not miss "Flight 777 on Titus 213 airlines"  !!

Just a personal note, you may find more information on the Web concerning the biblical meaning of the number 7, 77, 777... etc.   But do NOT get all caught up in that, please!   The main thing is FAITH in God and Jesus and to fellowship with the good Lord daily!  This blog has over and over again stressed  how important prayer and daily Bible reading are as that will help you to grow spiritually and to have a close, intimate, personal, loving and trusting relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  It doesn't get any better than that!  Except, of course, when we are with the Lord Himself in heaven!

Like it was said above, do NOT get caught up in the meaning of numbers except what the Bible itself tells us !!

[Ko olina Resort, Oahu, Hawaii]

ABOUT THE DAY OF THE LORD:

Please read all of 1 Thessalonians 4 as well as 1 Corinthians 15: 51-58 

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 tells us:  

"But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  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.  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."

What love the Heavenly Father has for us!  

Jesus loves you and is waiting to hear from you!

 Following is an 8 minute video by Dr. Charles Stanley on   "How to Receive God's Salvation".  You must turn to the good Lord in heartfelt and sincere prayer!  God will answer such prayers -  those from deep within the soul and heart that have a longing for Him and that believe Jesus and His shed blood can cleanse them -  wipe the slate clean -  if they but believe with all their very being that Jesus is the Savior and the only way to heaven.

Please, please realize that simply repeating an example of "a sinner's prayer" - as given in the above video -  does NOT necessarily guarantee your salvation.  You must mean the prayer with all of your heart and be sincere in wanting to obey God and to follow Jesus !   It is good to hear a sample prayer for forgiveness and for salvation, but you must MAKE it your own or say one of your own from your own heart and soul!   Many have said a similar sample prayer as that in the above video and have gone on to continue in a life of habitual sin - deliberate and willful sin in disobedience to the heavenly Father. They were evidently not saved in the first place. Your prayer must - again - be from the heart and full of repentance !  If you are then truly saved (born again) your life will reflect that fact in your conduct and in what your priorities are!  It does not mean that you are saved by works; rather, that if you are saved there will be a change in you (as Dr. Stanley explains in the above video.)  It will be a heart-change as well as a soul-change, and you will then be filled and sealed with the Holy Spirit.   

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

Romans 8:16 tells us, "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: "

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

When you turn to HIM in repentance and faith and belief,  Jesus will be there to welcome you with love and forgiveness, and to embrace you and envelope you within His arms of tender mercies and security!

Maranatha!

"Our Choices Have Consequences!" (With Videos - One On the Bible's "Mark of The Beast") - Inspirational Weekend

 

When we are young, we tend to often act without thinking things through first.  Sadly, that is also true at times when we become mature adults.  Part of that is the result of acting immediately on feelings (such as hurt or anger), without realizing or even caring that what we do or say may affect others, as well as ourselves, adversely -  if not at the present time, then further down the road in our unknown future.

Take, for instance, the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden.   We all know the bad choice they made -  disobeying God, big time!  Their disobedience not only affected themselves, but all of mankind right up until our present time!   They introduced sin into what was once a perfect paradise, and look where we are now.  

But God!

The loving heavenly Father made a way for humans to be reconciled to Him - through the sacrificial and redeeming death of His Son, Jesus, who paid our sin debt for us - so that by faith in Him as the Savior, we may have life everlasting and forgiveness for our sins !  What love and mercy in God's heart for mankind!

Following is a 15 minute video on the subject of how our choices have consequences -  even of "monumental proportions"!

One important thought brought out in the above video :  besides Adam and Eve playing the "blame game" -  is the following thought:  There will be a Judgment Day!  Man was created as a spiritual being, and that spirit can never be destroyed.  Therefore, any punishment a person will have to endure will be a lasting one - never ending.

But if you are a born again believer (by a spiritual birth from above) ; if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior and have repented of your sins and sincerely pray for forgiveness, you have a wonderful hope of future bliss in heaven when you die!  God is love, and He forgives abundantly!  

(Verses on Salvation to follow).

Another recent Christian video follows with information on the "mark of the beast" of the Bible book of Revelation.  One thing to note:  "It is all about the battle of who to worship!"  The following 15 minute video tells us that even with the mark of the beast, the issue is all about "who" to worship.  If one takes the mark of the beast during the 7 year Tribulation, that person shows he directs his allegiance to and worship to the antichrist.  

Remember, the devil tempted Jesus Himself to worship him!

"Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and said unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me.  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.   Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him."  -  Matthew 4:8-11

We Christians, true believers in the Savior, must follow Jesus' example !  Rebuke the devil!  Do not listen to that deceiver's lies !  The devil will lie to you through other people -  be cautious and discerning!  Beware of anyone who constantly lies and deceives.

That is one reason to be constantly in prayer and in the reading and studying of God's Holy Word, the Bible !  It will give you strength and discernment.  But most importantly, it will draw you closer to the good Lord !  When you communicate almost non-stop with God and Jesus, you will feel His presence and guidance and understand better what His will is, not only for you personally, but for mankind in general.   The blessedness of fellowship with the Lord (and He does desire our fellowship) is that you will have a personal, close, intimate, loving, trusting, and lasting relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ!   How awesome is that!  It is the heavenly Father's will that we do so!

Here is a partial quote from A.W. Tozer: "Do not try to short-circuit God's plans for your discipleship and spiritual maturity here.  If you and I were prepared for heaven in the moment of our conversion, God would have taken us home instantly!.  .......   God can be known only as He reveals Himself!  I have found this to be a fact: every redeemed human being needs the humility of spirit that can only be brought about by the manifest Presence of God.  This mysterious yet gracious Presence is the air of life eternal.  It is the music of existence, the poetry of the Christian life.  It is the beauty and wonder of being one of Christ's own -  a sinner born again, regenerated, created anew to bring glory to God!  To live surrounded by this sense of God is not only beautiful and desirable, but it is imperative!" - end

What Tozer said above about God revealing Himself:  God does this through the Bible, events in your life and in the heavens, through other godly people, and the list goes on.  But for this to be so, you need to be in communion with the good Lord often to hear Him "speak" and for Him to "reveal" Himself to you and your heart and soul.  

Pray without ceasing!

Constantly pour over His holy word!

Have faith and believe!

"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

Also, at John 14:23 =  "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."

"All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."     -  John 6:37

"Excuses are the cradle that satan rocks men off to sleep in."  -  unknown

"Because where we put our hope and what we put our hope in will truly determine how we live."  -  Peter Eide

"Satan can climb housetops, and enter closets, and even if we could shut out that foul fiend, our own corruptions are enough to work our ruin unless grace prevent."  -  Charles Spurgeon

"God wants full custody, not just weekend visits."  - unknown

"A prayerless spirit has no affinity for a clean heart.  Prayer and a pure heart go hand in hand.  Purity of heart follows praying, while prayer is the natural, spontaneous outflowing of a heart made clean by the blood of Jesus Christ."  -   E.M. Bounds

Following are Salvation Scriptures for those reading this article that may not be saved; or for those who are in doubt of their salvation.   By the way, doubt of your salvation is a trick of the devil to bring you down, for the most part.

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."  Romans 8:16   

"For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."  -  Galatians 3:26

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

"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 !

"Victory By Faith ! Be Strong! The Lord Watches Over You!" (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

 

   [Mom and baby monk seals at Waikiki]

My photograph above was taken back in August of 2017, when the above monk seals caused quite a stir at Waikiki beach by taking a rest there.  A rare occurance in Waikiki, to be sure.  

The mother seemed not to be alarmed by all of the people around and about; as if she had faith that no harm would come their way.

We true believers in the Savior Jesus Christ should have ultimate and unshakable faith in the good Lord: that no harm will come to us if we abide in His will and obey Him.  That is, unless it is His will that we should hurry on home to Him by natural death or death by harm from someone with evil intent; or also we could die by some type of accident.  We all know this; but what we don't know is when we will die.  That is in the good Lord's hands.  However, many believers believe that Jesus will return very soon to take true believers to be with Him in heaven -  at the Rapture of the Church.  That being the case, some of us will NOT die before being taken to heaven! Hallelujah !  (John 11:25, 26)

How to be strong and of great faith in the Lord is helped by knowing your weaknesses in your spirit and endeavoring to correct those flaws with the Lord's help.  Following is a wonderful 12 minute  Christian video which tells us warning signs that our spirit may be weak.

  The above video stresses that we pray and ask the good Lord to help us.   But pray with faith!

Sure, we Christians are NOT perfect.  We still make mistakes due to our inherited sin nature from Adam.  However, though we may sometimes sin (due to our imperfection -- or even from existing health issues, etc., (such as pain or stress and heartbreak and grief - all of which are usually  temporary occurrances; making us on edge and not always full of grace, perhaps); though we may sin and are not sinless,  we sin.. LESS.  Less than ungodly people of the world; and we true believers do NOT, as a rule, sin intentionally like worldly people do. 

Remember,  " .. the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins"  -  Psalm 7:9 b

That means, God understands the character of all people because He is intimately acquainted with all of their thoughts and purposes and feelings . Which is meant by the expression "the heart and the reins".  (So one Bible Commentary tells us.)  It  goes on to say, "The word 'heart' in the Scriptures is often used to denote the seat of the 'thoughts', and the word 'reins' seems to be used to denote the most secret feelings, purposes, and devices of the soul - as if lodged deep in our nature, or covered in the most hidden and concealed portions of the man.  (As if utterly concealed from the eye and so unknown to other people.)   But they are all known by God.   [since God knows all hearts of all people, He is able to judge aright].  .. And to determine correctly in regard to their character, or to administer His government on the principles of exact justice.  [...] (Therefore,)  God would confirm those who are truly righteous, and would bring the wickedness of the ungodly to an end."  - end of quote.

"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

"My defense is of God, which saveth the upright in heart."  -    Psalm 7:10

In the above Psalm, we can rest assured that if we are endeavoring to obey the Lord as best we can, and we are sincere and truthful, and love the good Lord, that He will save and protect us.

That is encouraging to know in this mixed up and dying world, which can be very cruel at times!

   Recently, (this past week) the good Lord impressed upon me to take a deep look into and to ponder the message in the hymn "I Surrender All."  It was written by a man who was an artist and who had other talents as well, who gave it all up to do the Lord's work.  He wrote more than 60 hymns, but his most famous was "I Surrender All."  His name was Judson Van DeVenter and he was born in 1855.  More information may be found here  about DeVenter and his famous hymn.

Following is my favorite version of "I Surrender All".   However, most of the versions do not contain all of the stanzas.

     The last stanza most often omitted in versions of this hymn is as follows:

"All to Jesus I surrender; Now I feel the sacred flame. -  Oh, the joy of full salvation! -  Glory, glory, to His name!"

Following are two quotes from Corrie ten Boom:

"You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all you have."

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."

And a quote by Frederick W. Faber:  "They always win who side with God."

    Speaking of the future, (as in Corrie ten Boom's quote above),  to true Christians their future is not unknown.  Oh, present earthly events are not always known, of course, but the ultimate and most important future of Christians is to be with the Lord forever in heaven, and of that hope believers are sure of, because the Bible confirms it!

Titus 2:13 and 14 tells us: "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior 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."

And of particular comfort are the beautiful words of Jesus 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."

  What wonderful words of encouragement and hope!  

Maranatha!

If Jesus were to return today, would you be Rapture ready?

Following are Scriptures that explain Salvation for any unbelievers reading this blog.

But remember, all it takes to be saved is repentance and -- Believe in Jesus as the Savior!

But you cannot understand anything well unless it is properly explained.  Ultimately, of course, the Holy Spirit will give your heart and mind and soul understanding!

"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

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."   -    Jude 21

"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

John 11:25,26 tells us : "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?"

"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 !

"Little children, let no man deceive you:  he that doeth righteousness is righteous; even as HE is righteous."    1 John 3:7

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

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."  -   Revelation 1:8

"It Is Not About Why, But About Who!" and "God Will Lighten Your Darkness!" - (With Videos) - Inspirational Weekend

The title of this article ("It's Not About Why, But About Who!")  is from the following 24 minute sermon by Charles Lawson, in which he quotes Psalm 91 and Proverbs 3:5-6, which Scriptures most of you are familiar with.    One thing to note, in his sermon below,  Pastor Lawson tells us "When you choose God, He will direct and choose your way."  And, "Your way is your attitude toward God."

"The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith.  The two are at opposite sides of the same coin."  -  A.W. Tozer

"The evidence of spiritual growth is when in difficulties you run to the Lord first - in prayer!  Get on your knees!"  -  David Wilkerson 

Today's world has its share of "darkness" and troubles.  It affects us all in one way or another. In the following 14 minute sermon by Pastor David Wilkerson, he tells us that we may go through many darknesses, but if you are a true Christian, Jesus will rescue you and strengthen you !

"If thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when the right shining of a candle doth give thee light."   -  Jesus at Luke 11:36

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

In view of the fact that we are now living in the last moments of the last days (according to how Bible Prophecy is now coming true daily)  we do well to concern ourselves with living a life in obedience to the good Lord and watching expectantly for Jesus' return!   (Titus 2:13)

"For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry."   -   Hebrew 10:37

Following is a 4 minute sermon clip by Pastor David Wilkerson on the topic of : It's time to wake up!  Please watch!  Pastor Wilkerson stresses how we should make time for the good Lord! His return is near!  What will Jesus find you doing then?

Concerning Bible prophecies and the fact that nothing should alarm true believers in Jesus Christ the Savior,   Charles Spurgeon has this to tell us in one of his "Faith's Checkbook" devotions based on Daniel 12:13 =

"We cannot understand all the prophecies, but yet we regard them with pleasure and not with dismay.  There can be nothing in the Father's desire which should justly alarm His child. Though the abomination of desolation be set up, yet the true believer shall not be defiled; rather shall he be purified, and made white, and tried.  Though the earth be burned up, no smell of fire shall come upon the chosen.  Amid the crash of matter and the wreck of worlds, the Lord Jehovah will preserve His own - Calmly resolute in duty, brave in conflict, patient in suffering; let us go our way, keeping to our road, and neither swerving from it nor loitering in it.  The end will come, let us go our way till it does.  Rest will be ours.  All other things swing to and fro, but our foundation standeth sure.  God rests in His love, and therefore we rest in it.  Our peace is, and ever shall be, like a river.  A lot in the heavenly Canaan is ours, and we shall stand in it, come what may.  The God of Daniel will give a worthy portion to all who dare to be decided for truth and holiness as Daniel was.  No den of lions shall deprive us of our sure inheritance."

Times are urgent in which we are now living!  Urgent especially if you are not saved, are not born again, and have not put your trust and faith and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Him as the only way to the Father and heaven!   Jesus paid your sin debt in full on the cross !  He was our substitute as the Lamb of God to take our sins upon Himself and Redeem us by the shedding of His precious blood.  Think of how He suffered for you!  Think of His great love and compassion for you!

Following are some Salvation Scriptures for those who are not saved to take to heart --  to realize their perilous unsaved condition, and to repent of their sins in all sincerity, and turn to the Lord, recognizing their sinful state and that only Jesus can save us if we but put our faith in Him.... Pray for forgiveness !  Turn to Him with all of your very being in faith NOW !!

Jesus loves you and will welcome you with open arms in an embrace of love and forgiveness!

"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

"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

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

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

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

"Grace be with you all!"  (Titus 3:15)

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

"Flee! Flee To A Strong And Safe Refuge!" (With Hymn by Martin Luther) - Inspirational Weekend

• [Mother Peacock and Baby]

My photograph above of the mother peacock with her baby seems to fit the title of this post, as the mother shelters and protects her baby and is a refuge for it to flee to when danger is afloat.  My photo below gives a better idea of the mother's protection.

Most of you (especially Christians) will agree that this old and troubled and chaotic world is not a safe refuge by any means!  So what can we do?  The answer is found in Psalm 46:1 which follows:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Following are abbreviated quotes from James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary on Psalm 46:1 =

".....  It is a blessed thing to know Jesus Christ, the Friend who sticketh closer than a brother.  God is our refuge from isolation and from human misunderstanding

.....  Again, it is a hard, but it is a Divine, lesson to be calm and restrained under wrongful blame, a difficult, but a splendid victory.  God is our refuge from provocation.

..... Again, everything around us changes. The world itself is but for a time.  We ourselves grow old and change, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea, and forever, (Hebrews 13:8), and he that doeth the will of God abideth forever (1 John 2:17).   God is our refuge from change.

God is our refuge from sin and sorrow :  [ abbreviated = ]  ..... "the forgiveness of sins is offered to us in Jesus Christ our Savior.  ...  In sorrow,  if we but look up to the face of our Father, without Whom not a sparrow falls to the ground; and say... "Thou, O God, art my refuge in the day of trouble.

God is our refuge from uncertainty.  ...   God reveals Himself to the childlike in heart, and His revelation addresses itself to the whole of our nature and not to one part:  to the warm, loving heart, as well as to the cold, scoffing intellect.    ...  Light is sprung up in the darkness...

To those that thus receive the LORD, the refuge becomes also an Almighty Strength in whose Holy Spirit the very weakest of us can live a life to His glory and to the good of others."  (End of Nisbet's quotes)

On this Psalm 46, Martin Luther, in 1529, wrote his wonderful hymn : "A Mighty Fortress is our God", and here it is for your encouragement below:

Following are abbreviated  comments by Charles Spurgeon on Psalm 46:1 on his "Faith's Checkbook" devotion of 12-22-20:

" ...  Very few earthly helps could be called "very present".   They are usually far in the seeking, far in the using, and farther still when once used.  But as for the Lord our God, He is present when we seek Him, present when we need Him, and present when we have already enjoyed His aid.

"He is more than "present", He is very present  .  More present than the nearest friend can be, for He is in us  in our trouble;   more present than we are to ourselves, for sometimes we lack presence of mind.

"He is always present, effectually present, sympathetically present, altogether present.  He is present now if this is a gloomy season.  Let us rest ourselves upon Him.  He is our refuge ;  let us hide in Him; He is our strength; let us array ourselves with Him; He is our help; He is our very present help.  Let us repose in Him NOW.  We need not have a moment's care or an instant's fear. "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge."     -   Psalm 46:7,11

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life."             -      John 8:12

"I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope."  -  Psalm 130:5

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

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior 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

From the Scriptures immediately above, we have a sure hope that Jesus will return to take true believers to heaven to be with Him!

Think about it!  How wonderful and encouraging that is!

And all indications from how Bible prophecy is playing out now and coming true at warp speed in these the last moments of the last days.... Jesus' return must be very soon!  Many scholars and theologians agree!  But most importantly, God's Holy Word the Bible agrees!

If Jesus returns today or tomorrow or soon thereafter, are you "Rapture Ready?"  You are if you are born again (a spiritual birth from above; from God and Jesus - a belief that Jesus is the Savior and that  His shed  blood at the Cross can wash you clean if you but believe with all of your very being that He is the Savior, and the only way to the Father and heaven.)  If you believe like that, then you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and are truly a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

If you are not saved, not born again, do NOT delay!  Time is running out!

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

Following are Scriptures on how to be saved.  Repent of your sins and pray to the good Lord for forgiveness.  He honors a sincere heart; a heart sorrowful for sins and full of repentance.

"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

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on Me should not abide in darkness."   -   Jesus at  John 12:46

"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 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!