Danger ! Scientists Claim Fukushima May Continue To Leak Forever! But There Is Still Hope!

I cannot get the Fukushima radiation disaster off of my mind !  My heart breaks thinking of how family members and others will develop various types of cancers; of how there will be many deformed babies; many very early deaths of the majority of people.   It is depressing to think about all the repercussions of this nuclear disaster !  There are many videos on the internet now concerning the radiation from the nuclear power plant meltdown at Fukushima.   I wrote earlier about the grave danger we are in right now and in the near future. Please check it out as well.   Below are two videos concerning this that are eye-opening !

I urge you to watch both of these videos.  It is urgent and important that we stay informed.

In the second video, the one directly above, it makes the statement that radiation from Fukushima will leak until the end of time.   Scientists have expressed that belief.

I prefer to pay more attention to what the Bible has to say about the future.  There is still hope!  As I have stated many times previously, Jesus' return cannot be that far into the future.  We need Him now desperately.  He will right all the wrong and will bring to ruin those who are destroying the earth.  

"And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great, and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."

Revelation 11:18

"With God all things are possible."  -  Matthew 19:26b   

The Sovereign of the Universe, The Almighty and All Powerful God, will be able to reverse any damage to the earth.   After the Rapture of true believers, and after that the 7 year tribulation period, Jesus will return with His saints and He will destroy all the wicked at the Battle of Armaggedon.   After that will follow 1000 years of Christ's reign on earth while the devil is bound during that time   There cannot be radiation polluting the earth during Christ's Millennial Reign.   The earth will be like a paradise during that period.   So the Lord has the power to reverse and end any radiation leakage.  

But we must keep in mind what 2 Peter 3:9-18 tells us. " the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burnt up...........nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness......Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless......."

If God can create a new heavens and a new earth, He can surely end the dangers of Fukushima radiation.    Remember, with God all things are possible. If the old earth, with its pollution and radiation, is destroyed - burnt up - the new earth will be pure and new and uncontaminated.

Look at Revelation 21:1 where it tells us, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first   heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."   No more sea !!  Therefore no more radiation in the sea, and the Lord will make sure there is no more radiation on the land or in the air, as well.  But, again, it will be a new heavens and a new earth.

In light of the perilous times we find ourselves living in now, and the fact that Jesus will return at any time,  we need to make sure that we surrender our lives over to the Lord ...NOW !   If you are not already a follower of Jesus Christ, you need to pray to the Lord and confess your sins, have a repentant heart (sincerely give up those sins), and believe that Jesus died for you and shed His blood at Calvary so that you might have eternal life by believing in Him and in His resurrection.

"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.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." -  Romans 10:9-10

You will know you are truly saved by the love you have for Jesus, and by your desire to eagerly plunge into the Scriptures and your wanting to know more about God. You will pray more and learn to develop a close, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   Get involved in a true, Bible-based church where you may also be baptized as a public declaration of your faith in 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

"He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
Revelation 21:7

"It Is All About Attitude" - Inspirational Weekend

The still, tranquil lake in my photograph above is a reminder that as followers of Christ, we also should be still and serene and calm.  God can show you by His Holy Spirit the right attitude you should have.....a Christ-like attitude.  

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."  -  Philippians 2:5 (KJV)

"Make your own attitude that of Jesus Christ."  -  Philippians 2:5  (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

If you read your Bible daily and pray daily, you cannot help but gain a good attitude.  God's Word has power !  I remember how easily agitated I used to get over even the slightest little upset.  This was many years ago before I was born again.  Prayer draws you closer to God, and so does daily Bible reading.  You learn of Jesus' attributes from the Holy Word, and thereby you can learn to imitate the Savior.  The Lord changed my attitude by renewing my mind with His Word and His Holy Spirit.

"Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children."  -  Ephesians 5:1

Children love to imitate their parents in words as well as in actions  Believers are children of God and should also imitate Him.   Jesus was all about love.  He was patient and kind and had compassion for people.  His love was so great that He willingly died and bled for our sins, so that we might, by believing in Him and in His resurrection, have eternal life.  

Be loving, be humble, be patient.  In other words, exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit found at Galatians 5:22-23  :   "But the fruit of the Spirit  is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Most Christians are familiar with what I have just stated and are familiar with the Scriptures that I quoted here.   But not all that read this blog are Christians.  The purpose of my writing is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to share Bible Prophecy that is coming true now in these last days we are living in.

Back to attitude.  Remember, we chose what attitude to have on any given day or circumstance.  It is an ongoing choice, daily.   Someone once said, "The choice to rejoice leads to an attitude of gratitude."  We all have heard that "Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent of how you respond to it."  Attitude !  

Another very important attitude is that of forgiveness.   We cannot be bitter and angry and resentful and expect the Lord to bless us when we have that sort of an attitude.   God has forgiven us of so much, shouldn't we do the same for others !!

"Persistence in prayer for someone we don't like, however much it goes against the grain to begin with, brings about a remarkable change in attitude."  -  F. F. Bruce

If you make it your goal to please the Lord, that alone will remarkably change your attitude.  Endeavor to help others as much as possible.   Do not be selfish and self-centered.  Focus on Jesus and imitate Him.   

Read Acts 5:40-42  where the apostles were beaten and were commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus.  Verse 41 says, "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name."   And what did they do?  They went again and continued to preach and teach about Jesus (verse 42). Talk about courage and zeal and boldness! The early apostles were even willing to die for Jesus and the preaching of His Gospel.   How many Christians today are willing to do the same?   One commentator has said, "Wherefore, it is no marvel that there be so few found which are strong and stout to bear the cross, because we are almost all drowned and overwhelmed with the sense of the flesh; and there is scarce one amongst an hundred which considereth that the reproach of Christ doth far excel all the triumphs of the world, which is the only matter of comfort.  Wherefore, we must use the greater diligence in thinking upon this sentence; that we are at this day made partakers of  "the sufferings of Christ, that we may be partakers of His glory"

We are all imperfect, and make mistakes and need guidance.  Let that guidance come from the Lord through prayer and through His Holy Word.  My prayer is that you develop a close, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Do that and see how your attitude is improved,   You will think more about wholesome and good things, positive things.

"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 12:2

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  -      

Philippians 4:8                        

Fukushima - We Are In Grave Danger

It is the worst environmental disaster in the history of the world !  Fukushima radiation is not only in the Pacific ocean, but also in our food and water.   Air currents have carried the radiation far and wide ..  all over the world. The main stream media has been silent, for the most part, or played down the dangers of this excessive radiation count.  Quite frankly, the radiation is also in us because we eat the contaminated food and drink the water and breathe the air !   Some experts believe it will never be completely cleaned up at the Fukushima disaster area....it is an impossible task.   Check out this article for more details and the current unimaginable radiation levels.

Living in Hawaii, our shores are also affected.  There have been mutations and dead fish and whales. There is a reason for dead mammals and dead fish here as well as along the western coast of the USA.  I no longer feel the urge to plunge into the ocean any more....I rarely even go to the beach now.

It reminds me of the Scripture at Revelation 11:18 where it says that God will "destroy them which destroy the earth."   

Sorry if this sounds all doom and gloom.   The good part is that Jesus will return soon and rescue us from this wicked and contaminated earth.   In light of all the recent prophetic developments, we know it cannot be much longer before we are raptured to heaven.  Again, only the heavenly Father knows the day and the hour when it will occur; but Jesus gave us signs of when we are living in the last days at Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21.   

Following is a short clip about Fukushima and its harmful repercussions:

It has occurred to me that even buying organic foods to stay healthy is futile; they are affected by the radiation fall out as well.   Bottled water may not be that safe now either, although I continue to buy it.   Be very careful when it comes to consuming fish or don't eat it at all, preferably.

Our hope should be in the good Lord.   Pray, read the Bible, be immersed in spiritual things and do not be enamored  with the things of the world, which are soon to be destroyed.  

1 John 2:15-17 tells us,  (15) "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  (16) For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  (17) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.."

Keep looking up !   

Be alert!

Be ready !

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."  -  1 Corinthians 16:13

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

"The Beauty Of Meekness" - Inspirational Weekend

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, a meek person exhibits humbleness, humility, lowliness, and modesty.  The meek do not feel they are better than others, and have a quiet and mild disposition. There is grace and beauty in meekness.  It is one of the fruit of the Spirit :

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law."  -  Galatians 5:22-23

As believers and followers of Jesus, we should endeavor to imitate Him as much as we possibly can. And the Bible tells us that Jesus was meek when He walked the earth about 2000 years ago.  Christ was a perfect model of meekness.  Therefore, we need to be meek individuals as well because we call ourselves Christians.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."   -  Jesus speaking at Matthew 11:29 .

Unfortunately, in today's modern English, "meek" is considered the same as being "weak".  Not so.  Meekness is strength under control. 

"Jesus calls us to His rest, and meekness is His method.  The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort."

A. W. Tozer

Meekness is when someone gives you a hard time or physically or verbally abuses you, and you do not retaliate but can still show kindness and feel pity for that person, for he no doubt is a lost soul.  Or a Christian in a weak and sinful moment, perhaps.   You can see, therefore, that a meek person does not show uncontrolled anger, and shows no malice or the wish for revenge.   Meekness is bearing injuries with grace, believing that God will vindicate us. (Romans 12:19)

Moses was a very meek person  (Numbers 12:3).  As a rule, he had a gentleness of spirit.  The apostle Paul was also meek. He endured much wrong and yet suffered it patiently.  

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, said, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

Matthew 5:5

The above Beatitude is taken from Psalm 37:11, which says,  "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."

One commentary states that in the above Psalm, meekness here refers not so much to an attitude toward people as to a disposition before God.... meaning humility.  A willingness to bend, and obey God no matter what.  To realize that the Lord is sovereign and we are His servants.   

Following is a sermon by Charles Spurgeon concerning meekness and the Beatitude of Matthew 5:5.

In this sermon, Spurgeon explains what it means to "inherit the earth."

Remember, a truly righteous person is meek, and willing to be taught of God and eagerly and reverently pours over God's Holy Word, receiving understanding with the help of the Holy Spirit.  An arrogant and proud person, who thinks he knows all there is to know, is not teachable and will not, as a rule, be drawn to God and His Word.   Remember, God is far from the proud person.

"Though the LORD be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly: but the proud He knoweth afar off."  

Psalm 138:6

"The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way."  -  Psalm 25:9

May we be humble and pleasing to God.  May we have a quite and mild spirit and be full of kindness and mercy toward others.  In effect, be imitators of Jesus Christ.

Yes, there is beauty in meekness.  

"For the LORD taketh pleasure in His people:  He will beautify the meek with salvation."

Psalm 149:4

Prophecy Update By Amir Tsarfati - Video On Current Middle East Events

Just posted today, February 6, 2017, a prophecy update by Amir Tsarfati concerning Middle East events and how Bible Prophecy is being fulfilled before our very eyes.  This video was filmed on top of Golan Heights on the border of Syria, and you can see Syria in the background.  This video is only 22 minutes in length and Amir gives a very detailed and informative explanation of current events.  Remember, what occurs in the Middle East affects the rest of the world.  Israel is God's prophetic time clock and all that is happening there and in the Middle East right now proves that we are in the last days - the end times - in light of how it all fulfills Bible Prophecy.

Mr. Tsarfati also touches upon America and its roll in Middle Eastern events.  I urge you to watch this as its message is relevant Now !!   He tells us that Damascus is now two-thirds empty of inhabitants and that the prophecy at Isaiah 17:1 will no doubt be fulfilled very soon.  There are buried and concealed weapons underneath hospitals and the like in that city now, and if it were struck by missiles that would definitely assure Damascus' total destruction.

"The burden of Damascus, behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap."  -  Isaiah 17:1

Speaking again of Damascus, Isaiah 17:14 tells us, "And behold at eveningtide trouble; and before the morning he is not.  This is the portion of them that spoil us, and the lot of them that rob us."

In other words, in the evening Damascus will be standing, but by morning it will be no more......destroyed.    Sounds like bomb damage to be destroyed as totally and as quickly as that.   

Mr. Tsarfati also makes reference to the Gog - Magog invasion and war.   What is happening now in the Middle East is a precursor to that prophetic war.   I have written about that war here.

All of this means the return of Jesus to rapture true believers is very near.  Now is the time to turn to Him and put your faith in Him and to believe that He died for you, redeemed you, and was resurrected from the dead.   Repent of your sins and ask forgiveness and live a life totally surrendered to Him and to His will.   Time is short !

"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."  -  Romans 10:9

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."  -  Romans 10:13

"The Importance Of Patience - With God And Man" - Inspirational Weekend

We all need patience, especially mothers with young children.  As Christians, it becomes us and gives glory to the Lord when we exhibit patience with others.  It pleases God when we are patient with Him and learn to wait upon Him to answer our prayers and to give us guidance and direction in troublesome times as well as in normal daily affairs.   It has been said, if you ask the heavenly Father for patience, He will send you trials to teach you patience and endurance.   And when you ask the Lord for patience don't tell Him that you want it right now !!  We may be amused by that statement, but it pretty well describes modern man's impatience. It is in our makeup to expect instant results.  After all we have instant mashed potatoes, microwaveable meals, immediate response from our Internet, and the list goes on.   We also do not like to wait in lines or to be stuck in stalled traffic.   Again, we need patience.   After all, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."  -  Galatians 5:22-23

"Longsuffering" in the verse above is an old English word for patience.  "Patience is a quiet, steady perseverance; the bearing of pain, provocation, annoyance, and misfortune, without complaint, irritation, or loss of temper."  So says the dictionary.   We all know what patience means without having to consult a dictionary, but do we actually live it out in our lives?  

There are many examples of patience - as well as impatience - in the Bible.  Moses showed impatience and anger with the stubborn and complaining people that he was leading from Egypt to the Promised Land.  God told Moses to speak to a rock to bring forth water from it, but instead in anger and impatience with the grumbling people, Moses struck the rock twice with his rod.  It was an act of rebellion against God's command and the Lord punished Moses by forbidding him to enter the Promised Land.  (Numbers 20:1-13)

Everyone has heard the expression, "The patience of Job."  Job suffered extreme loss and hardship.  He lost his ten children in one day, as well as all his wealth in the same day.  Then his health was affected by painful boils all over his body.  His so-called friends accused him of wrong-doing and said he must have sinned terribly and was being punished for his wickedness,  Through all of this Job exhibited much patience.   

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.  Behold, we count them happy which endure.  Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."                     -  James 5:10-11

Jesus was a patient teacher and healer.  The heavenly Father is also patient.

"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

What a loving and awesome God !

"Quite honestly, most people are quick to 'write someone off'.  But our God is a God of second chances.  Learn from One who is patient with you and you'll learn to be patient with others."

Woodrow Kroll

Here is a 13 minute sermon by Charles Spurgeon about patience.  He also touches on gossip at the same time.  

Patience can draw us closer to God.  Let's face it, when we experience trials and hardships, we are more likely to turn to the Lord in prayer for help and guidance.  It also means we need patience to wait on and trust God for an answer and direction.  When we wait patiently on the Lord it renews our strength.

There is a worship song by John Waller that tells us what to do while we are waiting on the Lord:

Presently, in America, Christians are not persecuted as much as they are in other countries where they are being martyred.   We should use what precious time we have left in winning lost souls by the Holy Spirit.  The Rapture could happen at any time and there are still many people who need to be saved.  We need to show patience with people, yet at the same time let them know that times are urgent and Jesus will not tarry for very long before He returns.  Keep in mind, only the Heavenly Father knows the day and the hour of Christ's return, but the Lord told us what would be the signs of His near return in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21.  Many Bible prophecies are being fulfilled at a rapid pace right now, and converging all at once.

Be alert!  Be ready !

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

"But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."  -  Romans 8:25

Guess What May Be Hastening The Fulfillment Of Bible Prophecy ! (With Video)

Are you watching the news ?  I have said before that Bible Prophecy is being fulfilled almost daily now.  To discern this, you need to not only watch the news but also to read your Bible, in particular about Bible prophecy.  The average person doesn't have a clue about the prophetic times we find ourselves living in right now.   And many Christians are included in that statement, because their pastors do not teach Bible prophecy.  The following video is a sermon by a pastor here on Oahu that, after his regular sermon each Sunday, does teach prophecy as well.  He is there faithfully preaching and teaching Bible prophecy in light of recent headlines, etc.     Following is the January 29, 2017, lesson.

Christians should be vigilant and watchful and on guard.  It is still a dangerous time for believers.  We need to be in prayer and in our Bibles daily, in order to be strong and to be able to endure what may follow.  There could be some bad times here in America (as well as across the world) before the Rapture of true believers occurs.   But rest assured, we will not suffer God's wrath --- that occurs during the 7-year Tribulation period sometime after the Rapture.   

There are end-time prophecies throughout the Bible; the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.  If you enter "end times" or "tribulation" or "Rapture" in the Search Box on this blog, you will see my other posts concerning prophecies and some with sermons and commentary.   You need to be careful what you see on the Internet; as you well know, not all of it is true or reliable.   Keep up on You Tube with "Prophecy Watchers" and "Prophecy In The News" for reliable resources on Bible prophecy.   Another excellent You Tube site is "Skywatch TV".

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

"Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."

Jesus speaking at Revelation 22:7

 

"How To Have Your Prayers Answered" - Inspirational Weekend

"Prayer is simply faith....faith and prayer move God."  -  E.M. Bounds

First of all, to have your prayers answered by God, you need to be a born-again believer in Jesus Christ.   The only prayer God hears by a deliberate sinner is one where the sinner comes to God in true repentance and sincerely asks for forgiveness and for Jesus to come into his heart and transform him and his life.  Needless to say, when believers commit unintentional sin, we too should confess it and ask the Lord for forgiveness.  We cannot be deliberately sinning and expect God to grant our every request.  Indeed, you should question whether you are truly a believer if you deliberately and willfully sin.   But I am reminded of King David where he committed adultery and had the woman's husband killed.  When he felt remorse and repented, the Lord forgave him, but there were consequences.  David had severe trials and family relationships went sour; one of his sons wanted to overthrow him and become king instead, and David had to flee for his life. (2 Samuel 11, 12, and 15).

The LORD God had said of David that he was "a man after Mine own heart."                                             (1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22)

So even godly David fell into gross sin, but when he showed true repentance, God forgave him.  My point is, when you sin , immediately repent and ask God's forgiveness so that He can heal you and restore you to a right relationship with Him once again.   Then He will continue to answer your future prayers.

That brings me to the thought that you need to have a close, personal, intimate relationship with God through Christ Jesus so that your prayers will more likely be answered by Him.  If you have this close relationship and are reading your Bible daily, you will have a better idea of what God's will is, and you will pray accordingly.  If a prayer goes against God's will He, of course, will not answer that prayer.  

1 John 5:14-15 informs us:  (14) "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:  (15) And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him."

Someone has said there are no unanswered prayers.  That your prayer is answered even when God says "no".  And how often have you prayed and then waited and waited for what seemed like forever before your prayer was answered?   We dare not question the Lord's timing.  He knows best.

For our prayers to be answered, we need to be definite and specific in our requests to God.  We should not be vague in our prayers, nor should we have some sort of abstract belief that God "might" answer our requests.  Faith and prayer go hand in hand.

Remember the parable of the importunate widow?  (Luke 18:1-8)  She continually persisted in her plea to an unjust judge, who got so tired of her pestering him that he finally granted her request.  This widow is a wonderful example of what insistent prayer  can do.  "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."  -  James 5:16b

We need to pray with importunity, insistence, earnestness, faith;  heaven respects and God hears and answers such prayers.   Importunity in prayer consists of "insistence, intensity, persistence, perseverance, and patience. " 

Sometimes we pray in a ho-hum manner and/or out of habit and do not pray fervent, heartfelt prayers,  not prayers with importunity, as we should be doing.  Prayers with no soul, if you will; or "prayerless prayers", as E. M. Bounds calls it.  If you are so disinterested in your manner of prayer and your prayer is not heartfelt, why should the Lord be interested in paying attention to and answering your dull prayers?

"It is because of the hasty and superficial conversation with God that the sense of sin is so weak and that no motives have power to help you to hate and flee from sin as you should."  -  A.W. Tozer

"Prayer is not monologue, but dialog.  God's voice in response to mine is its most essential part."        - Andrew Murray

It has been said, "Prayer moves the arm which moves the universe." Also,  "When our prayers are answered it is the evidence of our abiding in Christ. To pray and receive clear answers, not once or twice, but daily, this is the sure test, and is the gracious point of our vital connection with  Jesus Christ."  -  E.M. Bounds   

"If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."  -   Jesus speaking at John 15:7

Just a thought: the fact that God answers prayer is proof that He does exist.  The fact that a life can be transformed through faith in Jesus Christ is proof of our Lord's redeeming power. Therefore, God and Jesus care about us, are interested in us, and listen to us.  And, if we have a pure heart, will also answer our prayers.   Don't be a Christian in name only; let it be true and totally surrendered devotion to the Lord and not to the world. 

Also, when God answers our prayers, it brings glory to Him.  We are always to give God the glory !

Answered prayer gives us the assurance that God is near, that He loves us, and is watching over us.  Answered prayer also builds our faith.  It encourages us to come even more frequently to the Lord with our requests, and with great faith that He will answer in due time.   

I have also written about reasons to pray as well as the power of prayer  .   The main thing is not to just read about prayer, but to actually get down on your knees and pray fervent and heartfelt prayers to the good Lord.   The time is short.  The Rapture could occur at any time.   We are now living in the end of the end times.  Now is the time to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  If you are not sure how to pray, stop and ask the Lord for the wisdom to pray in His will.  

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;  and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."  -  James 1:5-7

The above verses give another way to have your prayers answered:  to ask in faith, not doubting.

"....(the) power of prayer can never be overrated.  They who cannot serve God by preaching need not regret.  If a man can but pray he can do anything.  He who knows how to overcome with God in prayer has heaven and earth at his disposal."  -  Charles Spurgeon  

"Prayer - secret, fervent, believing prayer - lies at the root of all personal godliness."   

William Carey

More could be written about how to have your prayers answered, but I have touched upon the vital points to consider.   For a long time, I did not pray at all, but I was not truly born again then.  It took awhile for me to get into the habit of praying frequently once I actually knew the Lord.   It really does make a difference in your relationship with the Lord when you are often in fellowship with Him, and it surely builds your faith and love for God when He answers your prayers.  

Have a blessed and Christ-filled weekend!

"I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God:  Incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech."  -  Psalm 17:6

"The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

Psalm 34:17

The Future Of America (With Informative Video)

With the new President of the United States, are "Happy Days" here again?  Will the church go back to sleep or relax and not pray for our country anymore?   Just exactly what is the future of America?  Some believe the church has now let her guard down.   Or should I say, "many" believe we will cease to be the watchmen on the wall and will fall into apathy.  This will not be the first time that has happened.  

Regardless of who is President, Bible Prophecy will continue to come to pass, as it is doing almost on a daily basis right now in these end times we are presently living in.   After the soon Rapture of the church,  there will be immediate chaos and it will take time - maybe a few years - before the 7- year Tribulation actually begins..  What no doubt will happen immediately after the Rapture will be the ushering in of the New World Order.  

I have written before about the seven year Tribulation period and included Scriptures and videos.  One post may be found here  and another post here .  Please check them out as Bible scholars expound on prophecy about the tribulation period in them, and in one there is a sermon on the trib. by Dr. Charles Stanley.

Following is a recent video from Prophecy Watchers featuring Tom Hughes, a pastor and the recent author of a book about America in the New World Order.  

We need to keep in mind that no government has ever offered or will it ever offer real hope and peace.  We should not put our hope in a President or government, but instead put our hope and trust in the good Lord to rescue and deliver us from all evil.  As stated, the NWO will not occur until after the Rapture of the true believers.   If you find yourself left behind, you should immediately repent and turn to Jesus for salvation; there will be some saved during the Tribulation period, but they will pay with severe hardship and probably most of them will be martyred for not worshiping the Beast, the antichrist, and for not taking his mark in their hand or in their forehead. (Revelation 13:16-17)  The best time to repent and accept Jesus as your Savior, Lord, and Master is right now !      Before the Rapture of true believers.  You do not want to be here during the Tribulation when God pours out His wrath on the wicked!   

Remember, the NWO is not only a one world government, it is a one world economy and a one world religion (a false religion).  (Revelation 13, 17, and 18).

It is a time to be constantly in prayer, to live a godly life, and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He is the only way to heaven.  

"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

We need to be no part of this world and should not be craving its lustful desires and pleasures; we need to be a separate people for God, sanctified :

"Wherefore come out from them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you."  -  2 Corinthians 6:17

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.  Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."   -  Proverbs 4:14-15

"The Power Of Prayer" - Inspirational Weekend

Many thousands of prayers were answered today when now President Donald Trump was inaugurated.  There is power in prayer !  I have written about prayer before.  You might want to go here for that post on "Reasons to Pray", where there is also a sermon by Charles Spurgeon concerning prayer.  Today I will concentrate on the power of prayer with famous quotes and many Scriptures. 

 One quote I have used before is by Charles Spurgeon, who said, "A prayerless soul is a Christless soul."  We need to pray to build a relationship with the Almighty God and His Son Jesus Christ.  That is what the Lord wants most from us: a strong, personal, intimate relationship with Him.  That is our purpose in life, to worship God and to fellowship with Him in praise and prayer.  Our Heavenly Father also wants us to share the Gospel of Jesus with others; and it should be urgent that we do so because we are living in the last days and we want as many souls as possible to be saved and to go be with the Lord in heaven before the Great Tribulation occurs.   We need to occupy ourselves in the Lord's work until Jesus returns in the Rapture to take us home with Him.   

"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's."  -  Romans 14:8

"Yes, worship of the loving God is man's whole reason for existence."  -  A.W. Tozer  

"The most important thing a born again Christian can do is pray."  -  Chuck Smith

"Seven days without prayer makes one weak."  -  Allen E. Vartlett

"He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life."  -  William Law

And while you are reading this about prayer, it is good to note what Paul E. Billheimer said, "Satan does not care how many people read about prayer, if only he can keep them from praying."  One of the devil's most effective tools against Christians is to get them so busy and occupied and keep them busy so that they have no time for prayer.   It is sad to think that Christ suffered and died for us at Calvary and that we do not have time for Him and for His Father.  We should be so grateful for all the Lord has done that we want to be with Him always and to give Him thanks continually in prayer. 

"Don't pray when you feel like it.  Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.  A man is powerful on his knees."  -  Corrie ten Boom   

When you come right down to it, the power of prayer is the power of God.  The omnipotent God in heaven; the Creator of the universe and of we finite humans.   When we pray to Almighty God we should expect almighty results.   That is, if we pray in accordance with God's will and if we are born again Christians.   God will also answer a sinner's prayer when he comes to the Lord in repentance and asking for forgiveness.  After a vile sinner repents, God will hear and answer his prayers as well,  as he grows to know the Lord and lives a godly Christian life.  Yes, there is power in prayer, because He saves us from sin and the grasp of the evil devil.   Not only that, but God makes us as a new creature: 

 "Therefore  if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are past away; behold, all things are become new."  -  2 Corinthians 5:17     God's great power !

There is much power in prayer because of what Jesus said at Matthew 7:7-8 :  "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth: and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."  That is true power of prayer.  

The Bible throughout gives us many examples of the power of prayer.   One instance is when God decided to destroy the wicked city of Nineveh and told the prophet Jonah to preach to them and to warn them.  Most of you are familiar with the story and how Jonah disobeyed and caught a ship to Tarshish instead, was thrown overboard and was swallowed by a great fish.    Deep in the belly of the fish Jonah prayed to God, and the Lord caused the fish to vomit Jonah on the shore. Power of prayer!  When Jonah finally obeyed and went to Nineveh to warn them of their destruction, the wicked people there repented and prayed, and "God repented of the evil, that He had said that He would do unto them; and He did it not."  - Jonah 3:10     Power of prayer !

Another is the time Moses prayed for the Israelites after they made the golden calf and worshiped it, thereby showing blasphemy and idolatry.  God was so angry that He told Moses that He was going to destroy them all and make a nation instead out of Moses.   Moses prayed for 40 days and God listened to him.  "And the Lord repented of the evil which He thought to do unto His people."      -  Exodus 32:14  Think of it, Moses' prayer saved a nation!  Power of prayer !

There are countless other men who prayed and God answered them in mighty ways.  There was Hezekiah, Elijah, Elisha, and Abraham.   In the New Testament, many prayers were answered as well. Amazing miracles resulted from the apostles' prayers, such as raising people from the dead.

My prayer is that you make a strong commitment to the Lord to pray without ceasing and to read the Holy Word daily, thereby growing stronger in faith and the in power of the Holy Spirit.  You will also acquire a deeper relationship with God and the Savior Jesus Christ.  

"Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to satan."  -  John Bunyan

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it."   -  Jesus at John 14:13-14

"And all things you shall ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."  -  Jesus at Matthew 21:22

Prophetic Times - 2017 Paris Conference And The Presidential Inauguration (With Video By Amir Tsarfati)

What exciting and prophetic times we are living in right now !  Bible prophecy is being fulfilled almost daily.  We need to pay particular attention to the nation of Israel and the current events in all of the Middle East.   As I stated previously, Israel is God's prophetic time clock.  The Jewish nation is the apple of God's eye (Zechariah 2:8) ,    I wrote here earlier this month about the UN Resolution 2334 which divides the land of Israel; land which God Himself gave to the Jewish people.  I will not repeat that information again here, except to say that the recent 2017 Peace Conference in Paris did not make any new demands or impose a definite new state of Palestine this past Sunday.   Whew !   It looks as if we - and Israel - have a reprieve for now.   More information about the January 15 Peace Conference may be found here.

Following is a video and prophecy update by Israeli Christian Amir Tsarfati concerning the Paris Conference and the future of Jerusalem.  It is Biblically sound information and he quotes the Bible extensively.

In this video, Mr. Tsarfati says that as long as we Christians are here our job is to spread God's Word and to be on our knees in prayer.  The Holy Spirit within us acts as a restrainer to the evil and God answers our prayers for help against wickedness   Mr. Tsarfati also says that Jerusalem will not be divided as long as Christians are still on this earth.   That means we are extremely close to the Rapture of the Church because of all the uproar now about dividing the land of Israel and other prophecies that are presently taking place before our very eyes.  I urge you to watch the entire above video.

We in America are facing perhaps a civil war, and definitely much civil unrest.  The Presidential Inauguration takes place this coming Friday, and it is a fact that many thousands of protesters are expected to be there and the good Lord only knows what damage they will do.   We need to pray for Donald Trump and for America.  

Remember, where Bible prophecy is concerned, things are not falling apart but instead are coming together.  What you see happening today is prophesied in the Bible.   God is in charge and is in control.  Christians need not fear these perilous times.

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

Psalms 46:1-2  tells us :  (1) "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (2) Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;"

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

"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

"God's Tender Mercies And You" - Inspirational Weekend

Many years ago I saw the movie "Tender Mercies".....it first came out in 1983 and starred Robert Duvall as a country music star who came upon hard times.  It was nominated for 5 Academy Awards and Robert Duvall won best actor for his role in that film, which was rated PG.   I am not here to give a review of the story line.  Rather, I wanted to say that one of the characters in the film quoted from the Bible about God's tender mercies, and that impressed me and stayed with me as I had not been aware of that verse.  I don't remember anything of the verse except the two words, "tender mercies."   Later, as I began to read my Bible once again, I came across several verses mentioning God's tender mercies.   That touched me and in turn drew me closer to the Lord, as it made me realize He had always been near and watching over me.  In reflecting on that fact, I could recall events where He had literally saved me from one catastrophe after another.  He saw me through many trials.  I was so dense spiritually back then that I didn't comprehend His loving care and tender mercies at the time He ministered to me.  Now I understand and I have such love for Him and gratitude in my heart for all that He has done in my life, my heart, my soul, and my mind.

The dictionary defines mercy as compassionate treatment, a disposition to be kind and forgiving.  The word mercy among the Jews signified the pardon of injuries and almsgiving.  To understand mercy, we need to go to the meaning of the Latin word "misericordia".  It is made up of two words:  miserans "pitying", and cor , the "heart"; or miseria cordis, "pain of heart".  This virtue of mercy which we humans should also display is "an alive emotion of the heart which manifests itself by entering into the miseries of our neighbor" and to feel for him deeply and to empathize with him.

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."  Jesus at Matthew 5:7

But back to God's tender mercies....

God showed extreme mercy to mankind by sending His Son to die to redeem sinful mankind...those who would turn to Jesus in repentance and faith in His shed blood to wash their sins away.  What love!  What mercy !  God is awesome !

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

"The Lord is good to all; and His tender mercies are over all His works."  -  Psalm 145:9

"Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies."  -  Psalm 103:4

"God in His infinite mercy has devised a way by which justice can be satisfied, and yet mercy can be triumphant.  Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, took upon Himself the form of man, and offered unto Divine Justice that which was accepted as an equivalent for the punishment due to all His people."  -  Charles Spurgeon

Following is a sermon by Charles Spurgeon on the mercy of God.  It is short...3 minutes long.

"Embrace in one act the two truths - thine own sin, and God's infinite mercy in Jesus Christ."      -  Alexander MacLaren.

"God's mercy with a sinner is only equaled and perhaps outmatched by His patience with the saints, with you and me."  -  Alan Redpath

What about you and me?  We should follow what Luke 6:36 says, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."  In other words, God's perfection should be our example and our goal. "We, who want so much mercy from God, must learn to show mercy to our fellow-men.  It is impossible to look to Him for mercy when we fail to show mercy to others, or we fail to forgive others !   Not just show mercy in words, but by good deeds".  Help the poor, the depressed, those under extreme trials.  What a sincere and loving and pure motive it is when men make up their minds to endeavor to resemble the most high God in deeds of mercy and loving-kindness.   Let us, like God, be "not weary in well-doing."  God is love, and it takes love on our part to do acts of mercy.  One commentary tells us, "True mercifulness is a characteristic of those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and they alone would be merciful.in God's way, seeking not to please themselves, but to do God's will."

Christ was an example of mercifulness...He always kept God's glory and honor in view.  "Christ's mercifulness recognized sin as the source of every man's misery, and our mercifulness is often so indifferent to the deepest needs of the men and women around us."   We need to examine ourselves and ask ourselves if we are truly following Jesus' example.  

"All that is really good is the outcome of the law of love, and its first result and inseparable companion is mercy."   (A bible commentary quote.)

Following is a moving song by Gordon Mote titled "Mercy Walked In" :

"I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations."  -  Psalm 89:1

"With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright."  -  Psalm 18:25

"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."  -  Lamentations 3:22-23

"Are You A Prisoner Of Hope ?" - Inspirational Weekend

"Turn ye to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee;"  - Zechariah 9:12

The prophet Zechariah uttered the above plea to the Jews who were still in Babylon.   Other Jews had already returned to Israel from Babylon, but some still tarried in the pagan city instead of returning to their ancient homeland and sharing in the restoring of the Jewish nation   They intended to return and hoped to return to their native Jewish land, but some of their excuses for not doing so were that  "they were not willing to break up their associations in Babylon, family ties, increasing wealth there, and business relations."   They indeed had a vague hope of returning to the Jewish nation "someday".  They procrastinated.  "Procrastination includes hope, but it is a hope that imprisons."  

We all have hope where the eternal salvation of our souls is concerned.  None of us intend to be among the lost.  We all have hope that we will not perish forever, or should I say, that we will not burn in hell forever.. But some of us put off coming to Christ and accepting Him as our Savior and Lord and Master.  We think there is plenty of time and we will get around to it someday.  We may be involved in pleasures of the world, or too busy with our careers, or we may even feel we are so sinful there is no hope for us.   So we become prisoners of hope, thinking that someday we will get right with the Lord "when the time is right".  It is an imprisoning hope that keeps us from responding to the gentle, pleading voice of Jesus who is knocking on the door of our heart, asking us to turn to Him in faith and obedience.   "Someday" you say, "but not yet."

"(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 day of salvation.)"   -  2 Corinthians 6:2

"Now is the day of salvation."  Repent and turn to Jesus so you may spend eternity in bliss with Him in Paradise.  You do not want to face the alternative choice, which is hell.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." - Hebrews 11:1

We all know what the word hope means.   One of its definitions is "trust."  True believers trust in Jesus and have faith in His promises and in the salvation He offers.   We have a hope for a glorious future in all of eternity.   Therefore, in a sense, true believers are prisoners of hope as well.   We are prisoners on this wicked earth, and long to be with our Lord .  We have "the blessed hope", and are "looking for the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13).

We are "prisoners of hope" by our faith in Jesus and by His promises to us.   This is expressed beautifully in the following song:

Romans 8:24-25 . "(24) For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? (25) But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

"And now, Lord, what wait I for?  My hope is in thee."  -  Psalm 39:7

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;"  -  Titus 1:2

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