"How To Know And Recognize God's Voice" - Inspirational Weekend

(1)"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;"   -  Hebrews 1:1-2

God is the original author of the entire Bible, and He inspired holy men to put His thoughts and commandments in writing.  All Old Testament writers are viewed as prophets in that their testimony was preparation for the coming of Christ.   As verse 2 above states, in these last days God speaks to us by His Son Jesus or the Holy Spirit, which is part of the Godhead.   

In Old Testament times, God also spoke through visions and dreams and angels and in other ways; even in a whisper (1 Kings 19:12).  One thing about it, in OT times the person was absolutely sure it was God who was speaking,

Today, God speaks to us by the Holy Spirit through His Holy Word the Bible, through prayer, the church, and even through circumstances.   This is only true if we have a strong, intimate love relationship with Him.  That takes time and effort on our part.  Make time to read God's Word; make time for prayer.   If you never hear God "speak", then your relationship with Him is severely lacking in intimacy.   Or maybe you have never truly been born again.

"He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."               -  John 8:47

If the above Scripture in John is true of you, you need to get on your knees and pray for forgiveness of any sins, give your heart and soul in surrender to the Lord, and believe in Jesus as your Savior, Lord, and Master.   Now is the time to get right with the Lord !  (2 Corinthians 6:2)

You need to be born again, become a child of God, so that the Holy Spirit may speak to you and give you understanding of spiritual matters.

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man."    -  1 Corinthians 2:14-15

The "natural man"  is described in Jude 19 as one who is sensual.  The one who is not a Christian is, for the most part, dominated by the physical and worldly or natural life.  Because he is not filled with the Holy Spirit,  he cannot understand or is not equipped to receive the truth that only the Spirit can give a person.  Therefore, he needs the new birth  (John 3:1-8).  Otherwise, he cannot enter the kingdom of  God.

Ducks and other waterfowl often gather in flocks so numerous that it is breathtaking to see them take to flight all at once.   We Christians should flock together also as Hebrews 10:25 commands us to do:  "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

When we meet together at church, we hear the Word of God preached and many times it is God "speaking" specifically to us on a matter we need to hear..... a word of correction or encouragement or an answer to a dilemma we might be facing.   So when we worship, that is one way we can recognize God's voice.

We also hear the Lord speak to us through a member of our church, or through a Christian friend or family member.  Listen to their advice, but remember they are imperfect humans and we need to "Test" what we hear by pouring over God's Holy Word.

In fact, the Bible tells us to test the spirits:

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."  -  1 John 4:1

Sometimes the voice you hear may be the devil, or your own thoughts and desires may lead you astray.  Test to see if what you hear lines up with God's Word, and pray to Him about it.  Ask Him for wisdom and discernment. If the thoughts are vague or confusing, it is not the Lord.  God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).   Ask yourself if what you hear is going to help you to be more Christlike, or if it will help you to produce more of the fruit of the Spirit in you.  (Galatians 5:22-25)

You most likely will not actually hear God's audible voice; rather, it is a still small voice that speaks to your heart and soul and that prompts your spirit to act.  Remember how Elijah witnessed the LORD's action of a great and strong wind, and after the wind an earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire;  but the LORD was not in either of them.  Then, after all that, God spoke to Elijah in "a still small voice."          (1 Kings 19:9-12)  

The bottom line is:  As you worship the Lord, study the Bible, and are often in prayer, you will start to develop spiritual awareness and be able to comprehend and perceive our Lord's heart and mind and His will.  You will hear His voice in your soul more frequently and you will know and recognize that it is Him speaking.

Develop a close, personal, and intimate love relationship with God through Jesus Christ and you will experience His voice frequently. 

Nothing else is as important as this relationship and hearing from God.

"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

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"  -  2 Corinthians 10:5

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of a stranger."  -  Jesus at John 10:4-5   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don't waste your life.  

Remember that we are at the finish line.

Do not be distracted away from the Lord.

Time on this earth is short.....

 Jesus will return soon.

Will you be ready?

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

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

It is all about love and obedience.

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

"Bible Prophecy, God's Patience, And You" (With Video) - Inspirational Weekend

With the recent Hurricane Harvey and the present Hurricane Irma in the USA, many people are speculating that it is God's judgment upon America.  I will not venture an opinion except to say that hurricanes are just a fact of life here in America.  But it is true that God has used weather in Biblical times to punish the ancient peoples.

Many signs are coming to pass now that the Bible foretold by the prophets of old; or are in the process of coming true, in the beginning stages.   Take the War of Gog and Magog which is mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39.  The nations mentioned in those prophecies are now lining up against Israel and joining forces to soon come against Israel, God's covenant people.  As mentioned several times before on this blog, the nation of Israel is God's prophetic time clock.  I have written before about the Battle of Gog and Magog and in one instance I go into much detail, found here.

As to the exact timing of this war, there are many different views held by Bible scholars.   Some feel the battle takes place before the Rapture of the Church; some believe Gog and Magog happens early in the 7 year Tribulation; others say that it occurs after the Rapture but before the Tribulation.  There are several other opinions as well.   The point is, God knows when it will be; our job is to believe it by faith because God's Holy Word prophesied it, and also to use it as an evangelizing tool to win souls to the Lord.

Another prophecy, found in Isaiah 17, concerning Damascus, Syria, is about to be fulfilled.  Please read all of that chapter, but I will quote Isaiah 17:1, 

"The burden of Damascus, Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall become a ruinous heap."   Much of the area around Damascus has been destroyed already, but this prophecy emphatically states all of Damascus will totally be destroyed. Reading further in Isaiah 17, we see that its destruction comes by way of Israel.   

The above two prophecies are now about to happen at any time; preparations are taking place right now.   This is why Bible prophecy is such a wonderful evangelizing tool;  it proves the Bible is true and it creates an urgency for an unbeliever to accept Jesus as their Savior before it is too late to do so.  These events also encourage believers to "Look up, because your redemption draws nigh",   Luke 21:28.  It is an exciting time for Christians, knowing that the Lord will soon return to take them to be with Him in heaven.   

Following is a video on current events and Bible prophecy by Amir Tsarfati, who is a Jewish Christian with a thriving ministry based in Israel.  Amir mentions that North Korea is like a smokescreen to that which happens with Russia and Iran.  It is a very interesting update on current affairs.

Aren't you glad that God is patient !  I am.  I was slow to understand God's patience with me and how He was drawing me to Him by His forbearance.  I am filled with gratitude for His persistence in clearing the sawdust out of my mind and for giving me understanding of His Word and for drawing me to Him and to Jesus.   

"No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day."    -  Jesus at John 6:44

God was also patient with Adam and Eve when they sinned and even made clothes for them from animal skins.

The Lord showed extreme patience with the rebellious nation of Israel, who murmured against Him and were ungrateful for all of His provisions and protection.

Those of you who read your Bibles are very familiar with the Lord's love and extreme patience throughout all of Scripture; and no doubt in your own life as well.   

"But thou, O LORD, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth."  -  Psalm 86:15

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."  -  2 Peter 3:9

Romans 2:3-4 says, "Do you suppose, O man - you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself - that you will escape the judgment of God?  Or do you presume on the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"

Take time this weekend to thank your Heavenly Father for His blessings and for Jesus and for His patience.  He loves you.

"Your Best Friend Ever" - Inspirational Weekend

What is a friend?  The dictionary says a friend is "a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; a person who gives assistance; a patron or supporter."  I don't know who originated the following quote, but it is quite beautiful:

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

A true friend is a treasure indeed.  Today, many people spend more time alone on the internet or in front of the television than they do mingling with other people. Sometimes finding a best friend is not that easy; but then again, you need to be a friend to have a friend.

You may already know Who the best friend ever is:

A new believer in the Lord tends to think of Jesus primarily as the Savior.  But as one reads the Bible, prays, and grows in faith, he will realize that Jesus is very much his Friend as well.   Not any so-called earthly friends are likely to die for you, but Jesus did just that and suffered a torturous and painful death at that.   

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."   -  John 15:13

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."   -   Romans 5:8

Jesus' sacrificial death proves His great love for us.  No other friend could love you that much.   When I think on it and try to comprehend the power and depth of His love, my mind just cannot fathom such a wonderful and true love as His.   I never felt love from my earthly father , or from my mother either, for that matter. My father's parents raised me for the most part, and I sensed that they loved me by their care, but they never actually told me that they loved me.   My family was just not demonstrative in any way. Guess who has had difficulty in understanding and demonstrating love?  Yep, me.  The turning point in my life was when, after much heartfelt prayer to the Lord for an extended amount of time several years ago, I blurt out to the Lord with all my heart "I love you", and actually understood what love for God and Jesus meant.   In the years following, after much prayer and Bible reading, my love has grown for the Lord, and also so has my gratitude for all that He has done in my life and my heart, soul, spirit, and mind.   He has truly transformed my mind and set my priorities straight.  (Romans 12:2)

Part of having Jesus as a friend is to be a friend to Him.  We do that by obeying His commandments.

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."   -  John 15:14   

When you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Mark 12:30),  obeying His commandments will be easier and you will find a true joy in having close fellowship with Him.  After all, life is all about relationships and the reason you were created was to have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  And to love, honor, reverence, obey, and draw close to Him and to share His love and the Gospel with others. Remember, however, that obedience to Him is the only means by which we can declare our love to Christ.  

Another way Jesus is our friend is the fact that He prays for us.  

"Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them."   -  Hebrews 7:25     (See also Luke 22:31-32).   

Unlike our earthly friends, who can be fickle, Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.  (Hebrews 13:5).   He really, really loves us. Let that sink deep into your mind and heart.   He is always willing to forgive us.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  -  1 John 1:9

Remember the hymn "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" ?  I thought I would share it now with you:

Pay close attention to the words in this hymn.  We can take everything to the Lord in prayer, and He will help us in our time of trial or sorrow.  

You must be born-again and a true believer in Jesus as your Savior and Lord and Master to be a friend of His.   Imagine, the glorious Creator and Redeemer, the very Son of God, calls us His friends if we obey His commands; and He in turn is our very best Friend ! 

If you are an unbeliever and are living in sin, you are not being a friend of God and you will perish in your sins unless you repent and turn from your wrongdoing, and by faith accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.  

"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

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

Keep in mind that we are now living in the last hours of the last days that the Bible prophesied about;  many prophecies are coming to pass now or are leading up to their soon fulfillment.  Jesus could return at any moment to rapture true believers to be in heaven with Him before the 7 year Tribulation of God's wrath occurs on the earth to all the ungodly who will be left behind.   No one knows the day or the hour that Jesus will return, but students of Bible prophecy feel it must be very soon in light of world conditions and the convergence of so many end times signs right now on earth.

Don't be left behind to face the horrors of the Tribulation period. You also do not want to go to Hell as an unbeliever.  Give your heart to Christ before it is too late.   

Jesus loves you.

Jesus will forgive you.

Jesus is waiting for you with open arms to embrace you with love and acceptance once you repent and come to Him in faith.

This reminds me of that poem, part of which says:  "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."

It is all about Jesus, folks.  

Turn to Him in total surrender.

Live for Him and Him only.   

Jesus is your best Friend Ever !

Days Of Chaos; Bible Prophecy Unfolding (With Video)

                                                     

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

The above verses have their major fulfillment during the 7 year Tribulation period, but we see signs happening right now leading up to that prophecy in the near future.  People are fearful now of all the chaos and the world in turmoil and the threat of World War 3. But remember what Luke 21:28 tells us:

"And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

For a true believer in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, these chaotic times and Bible prophecy prove to us that He will soon return to rapture His followers to be in heaven with Him.   These are exciting times for Christians, even though they are being persecuted.   They realize their deliverance is near and they have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13).  

After true believers in the Lord are raptured, they will be in heaven with Him for 7 years, or a little longer depending on when the 7 year tribulation actually begins on the earth.  The Tribulation will not necessarily happen immediately after the Rapture occurs.  Many scholars feel that it will take time for all the prophecies to unfold and for everything to progress to the time the antichrist comes on the scene and signs a 7 year peace agreement, or covenant, with Israel.   The signing of that covenant is what begins the Tribulation period.  (Daniel 9:27).  The antichrist will break that covenant after 3 -1/2 years.   Remember, Israel is God's prophetic time clock; the Lord has not finished with His chosen people.  The Tribulation is God's way of dealing with Israel and to have a remnant turn to Him and believe in Jesus as their Messiah.

After the 7 year Tribulation,  Jesus and the raptured saints will return to the earth and Jesus will conquer at the war of Armageddon.    Jesus will put an end to His enemies and satan will be bound for a thousand years, unable to mislead mankind during the Millennial Reign of Jesus on earth.   (Revelation 20:1-3).  At the end of the 1000 years, satan will be let loose again and, unbelievably so, many will follow the devil instead of staying close to Jesus and obeying Him  (Revelation 20:7-8).   In verses 9 and 10 of Revelation 20, it tells how God destroys the rebels and casts the devil into the lake of fire where he can no longer deceive mankind. Then comes the great white throne judgment of unbelievers and all ungodly people are thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).  In fact, I strongly urge you to read all of Revelation 20, 21, and 22.  It speaks about the new heaven and the new earth, and how God will wipe away all tears, and that there will be no more death and no more sorrow  (Revelation 21:1-4) .    

What a loving and yet just God we worship!   Christians know how it all ends:

GOD WINS !

Following is a video from prophecywatchers.com featuring L.A. Marzulli  who discusses a variety of end time and prophetic topics.

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

"Emergency Number For When You Are Worried" - Inspirational Weekend

This mother Hawaiian Monk Seal and her baby are taking it easy on the beach at Waikiki.   I took this photograph on August 7 of this year.  These seals are native to Hawaiian waters and islands only, and are on the endangered list as there are only 1400 of them left in Hawaii.   The baby seal (on the left in the photo) was quite large itself and was still nursing its mother.  The youngster has no idea that soon its mother would abandon him and he would be on his own to face dangers (from sharks) and to learn to fend for himself.  He really has a lot to be worried about, if he only knew.

People today are anxious about many things;  world leaders themselves are also worried and do not know the solution to many problems facing us in these perilous end times.   Oh sure, they have their agendas and think a New World Order is the solution, with a one world economy, a one world government, and a one world religion soon on the horizon.   The Bible in Revelation 17 and 18 speaks of this new world order.   It also speaks of the antichrist who will rule the world....this can be found in Revelation 13, where the antichrist is referred to as the "beast".    

I have written concerning all this in previous posts, and you may do a word search in the search box at the above right on this page to find out more about topics such as the antichrist and the end times. Right now I would like to just focus on what we as individuals can do to stop worrying and to put our trust in the Lord instead.  Here is a link to a previous post of mine which also deals with the topic of worry.   But this article will deal with different Scriptures and different Christian quotes as well as having a sermon on worry by Pastor Greg Laurie.  

As seen above in #3, the "emergency number" to call is Matthew 6:19-34 when you are bombarded with worry.  Please read all the verses; but for now I will quote verses 31-34 which follow:

"(31)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (32)  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek):  for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  (33)  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  (34)  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Pay special attention to verse 33 which says to "seek first the kingdom of God."  If we do that and put spiritual things and God and Jesus first in our lives,  God will take care of our basic needs.  In today's world, things are so chaotic that we have many issues to face that are more troublesome and problematic than what to wear ! A few years ago A. W. Tozer remarked, "In a world like ours, courage is an indispensable virtue."  Having a strong relationship with the Lord will give you courage. In our troubled times, violence and general unrest have taken over it seems.  In times like these, we need to be on our knees in prayer and devouring the Word of God with a hunger and thirst that only His Word can satisfy. We need to turn to God and trust in Him to see us through these dangerous days in which we live.   Christians have a blessed hope (Titus 2:13) of Jesus' soon return to take us to heaven to be with Him.  We do not put our faith in governments or in any man to solve our problems, but we put our faith and trust in the good Lord.   He gives true protection and hope.

Jesus is our King !

Jesus is our Savior, our Redeemer, our Master, our Teacher, and our Friend !

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee."  -  Psalm 56:3

"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means.  The Lord be with you all."                 -  2 Thessalonians 3:16

Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, (6) " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (NASB)

How comforting are the Scriptures above !  When things get confusing and you are worried out of your mind, just pray and read the Bible and things will get back into proper perspective again. If we have a close, personal, and intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we should never panic and be overly anxious.  

"We shall be quiet from the fear of evil, for no threatenings of evil can penetrate into the high tower of God."  -  Hannah Whitall Smith

"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety."  -  George Mueller

"Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear."  -  Corrie ten Boom

On the subject of worry and anxiety, I am certainly qualified to comment on as I was a "professional worrier" before I came to truly know the Lord.  If there was nothing to worry about, I worried when there was nothing to worry about (as if things were not normal unless there was something to worry about),  so accustomed I was to the habit of worrying.   Can anyone out there relate?

Many years ago I ran across a quote by the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne who lived between 1533 and 1592 and it set me to thinking.   I had remembered the quote as being, "My life is full of catastrophes, most of which never happened."   In order to quote it accurately, I looked up Montaigne quotes today on the internet and the closest that came to it was the quote by him, "There were many terrible things in my life and most of them never happened."  Whichever quotation by him is correct, you get the message.   We can worry so much that we imagine the worst case scenario about the least little thing.

I no longer worry like I did for a good part of my life.... and that is due to the transforming power of God's Holy Word and of the love of Jesus and the Holy Spirit within me now that I am truly born again.   That is the key.....surrender to Jesus and take all of your cares to Him in prayer and live a holy and blameless life and you will experience hope and peace from the Lord.  

Besides, worry is a sin when you let it consume you.  We need to have more faith in the Lord than that;  worry shows a lack of trust in God.  Pastor Greg Laurie gives a wonderful sermon on worry in the video below, which is titled "Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety" :

Have a Christ-centered weekend !  Be happy and trust in the Lord.


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

"Emergency Number For When You Are In Danger" - Inspirational Weekend

About two years ago a young pair of Bulbul birds made a nest in one of the palm trees in front of my patio.  Only problem is, you can see from the photo above that the branch began to die, which means it will fall off the tree eventually.  The nest is barely visible on the brown branch above, and the bulbul is in shadow a bit, but you can still see him from his red rump.  These birds were going about their business of being new parents and were not aware of the danger lurking.  

So it is with many people today.  They are going about their everyday routines, scarcely noticing that the world is falling apart and in grave danger.   For those who are aware that we are living in perilous times and on the brink of World War 3, it can be frightful to ponder the possibility of nuclear war soon.   We are living in the last days, and many Bible prophesies of the end times are coming to pass right before our very eyes.  

When in danger, you need to turn to the good Lord and be fervent in prayer, devouring the Holy Word with an appetite that consumes you for more and more spiritual food.

The emergency "number to call" when in danger is number 4 above:  Psalm 91.   I urge you to please read all 16 verses of that Psalm and I will touch upon some of its verses now.  Psalm 91 has been called the protection prayer.

Psalm 91:1-2 tells us, (1) "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  (2) I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him will I trust."    If we have faith in God and trust Him with our whole heart, we shall have courage for any challenge or catastrophe that comes our way.  Even if we face death in a war,  as Christians "to die is gain"  (Philippians 1:21).  We will be with the Lord forever and away from this evil world.   

Verse 4 of Psalm 91 comforts us by saying, "He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."    This is such a great illustration ! The Lord loves us tenderly, and will protect us as a hen protects her brood by covering them with her wings from predators or any dangers whatsoever.  

Verses 11 and 12 of Psalm 91 gives us more comfort when it says,  (11)  "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  (12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."   Folks, God loves us and wants the best for us.  If we are living godly lives and obeying Him, He will protect us in many ways and from many dangers.  This is brought out in verses 14-16 which follow:

(14) "Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name.  (15) He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.  (16) With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation."

So all these promises and assurances of the Lord will be true for the godly who love and trust God.  

Now is the time to have a close, personal, intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ.   You build such a relationship by prayer and obedience and trust, and by focusing on the Lord and not on the things of this dying world.  Also, you come to know God's attributes and draw closer to Him by reading His Holy Word. But first, if you are not a believer, you must realize that you are a sinner and in need of a Savior. Come to God and ask for forgiveness of your sins, be truly repentant and turn from your wrongdoing, and believe with your whole heart that Jesus bled and died for you at Calvary, if you will just have faith in Him and believe in His resurrection.  (Romans 10:9,10,13).   

Tomorrow may be too late, because Jesus will return at any time soon and you need to come to Him in faith NOW.  

Following is a wonderful sermon by Charles Spurgeon, who has been called "The prince of preachers".   He goes into more detail on Psalm 91 in this insightful sermon.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."   -  Jesus at John 14:27

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."  -  Philippians 1:21

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."  -  Psalm 34:7

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