Author: Kate Plourde Page 18 of 59

On August 22, 2023

1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

We know we are in the end times because there is a growing number of people turning to witchcraft.

Netty has been practising magic for 16 years. She cast a spell to get her current job in banking. She credits other spells with securing subsequent salary raises. She once used a spell to make her boss like her more. Another bagged her the love of her life, seven years ago. She still has the honey jar she used for it – into which she put herbs, a petition and a Corona bottle cap he’d discarded. (She assures me he knows about it.) Raised a Catholic, Netty has not completely reneged on the faith, nor does she see any conflict in casting spells and praying to saints. You might call her a Christian witch. You might be surprised to know there are thousands of them.

Organised religion is in decline. In Western countries, growing numbers are turning their backs on the Church. Thousands of churches shutter each year, faced with dwindling congregations and funds. The 2021 census on religion in England and Wales alarmed many: for the first time since its advent in 1801, less than half the population described themselves as Christian, down from 72 per cent two decades ago. Those ticking “no religion”, the second-most common response, soared to 37.2 per cent. The UK is now, statistically speaking, one of the least religious countries in the world.
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/religion/2023/08/strongfaith-faithless-age-strong

Lev 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

2 Ki 21:6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

What happens to those who practice such things?

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

What does God say about people who practice this?

Exo 22:18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

Granted, today everyone is able to come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and be freed from such sins. But in the Old Testament, judgment was served quickly. If you are involved in these things, repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and He will free you from the bondage of this sin! If you are a Christian and have been talked into using the Holy Spirit board, don’t! I had not heard about this but it’s been out since 2022! This is no game for believers. Use discernment, Christian! You can better believe that anything that has occult in its history cannot be of any good to believers. The devil will make it appear as good for Christians, but he is the father of lies (John 8:44)! He is a deceiver and will make things to appear as though they are from God. Remember, Satan is known as an angel of light but his goal is to draw everyone into darkness! (2 Corinthians 11:14)

The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

On August 21, 2023

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

This was not at the top of my list for songs that speak to my heart. However, upon doing the research for this post, it has since risen to the top! No one wants to admit they are a sinner. This hurts our pride and, therefore, is not a title we willingly claim. It is for this very reason that Christ went through the agony of the cross. Dr. C. Truman Davis wrote an article entitled “A Physician’s View of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.” If you haven’t read it before, please take a moment to read it as it will most definitely change the way you think about what Christ went through for you and I! It is heart-wrenching to say the least! I’m thankful Dr. Davis took it upon himself to research it and to share it with us! Our society has no idea what the Lord Jesus went through in order to be the Perfect Sacrifice for our sins!

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Isaac Watts

The History Behind the Hymn

It was a daring move when, in 1707, Isaac Watts published his first book of hymns. At that time it was the practice of almost every congregation of the Church of England to sing only Old Testament psalms in their public worship. However, Watts had grown to dislike this because it restricted the Christian from being able to explicitly celebrate in song all those aspects of the gospel that are fulfilled and illuminated in the New Testament.

In the preface to Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Watts addresses the worship situation of his time and offers a defense for writing and publishing new music.

Many Ministers and many private Christians have long groaned under this Inconvenience, and have wished rather than attempted a Reformation: At their importunate and repeated Requests I have for some Years past devoted many Hours of leisure to this Service. Far be it from my Thoughts to lay aside the Psalms of David in public Worship; few can pretend so great a Value for them as my self . . . But it must be acknowledged still, that there are a thousand Lines in it which were not made for a Saint in our Day, to assume as his own; There are also many deficiencies of Light and Glory which our Lord Jesus and his Apostles have supplied in the Writings of the New Testament; and with this Advantage I have composed these spiritual Songs which are now presented to the World.

Within Watts’ book, under the section “Prepared for the Holy Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper” is the first public printing of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

Concerning the hymn’s creation, there is no special story that singles it from among the many others he wrote. (He is credited with something like 750 hymns.) But what makes the hymn unique is the particular beauty of its language and imagery, and the power with which it highlights the most significant event in human and personal history — the cross of Jesus Christ our God.
https://believersportal.com/story-behind-when-i-survey-the-wondrous-cross-hymn/

A Lesson for Me

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

I was raised Catholic and because I was taught that salvation was by works plus Christ’s work on the cross, I would battle my flesh whenever I wanted to boast at the good things I had done. After salvation, however, I learned through the Scriptures that it was by God’s grace that I was saved through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross!

Eph 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.

No longer could I boast about what I had done! Oh but I sure could boast on what Christ did so I could be saved!

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Message for today

The above verse brings tears to my eyes! After reading the doctor’s medical account of the crucifixion of our Saviour, I can totally understand why Issac Watts penned “Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,”! Our Saviour had to suffer such excruciating pain in order to pay our penalty! 😥 Oh what great a love would drive Him to do so! I love my husband and I would surely die for him. But the Lord Jesus died for me while I was yet a sinner!!! (Romans 5:8)

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

1Pe 2:24-25 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

My Saviour hung on the cross … a wooden cross … one that took His earthly body. But praise the Lord, He has risen and is coming again!

Php 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – Beneath the Cross of Jesus

On August 18, 2023

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty Rock
within a weary land;
a home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat
and the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me:
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess,
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.

3 I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than
the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by,
to know no gain nor loss;
my sinful self my only shame,
my glory all the cross.
Elizabeth C. Clephane

The History Behind the Hymn

I never heard of Elizabeth Clephane until I did the research on this hymn. Of course, I knew the hymn but knew nothing about its author. What a blessing to read of her life! She is in the same company as a few of my friends who are undergoing the same frail health.

Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane was born in Scotland in 1830 and died in 1869. The daughter of a county sheriff, she lived most of her brief life near Edinburgh.

Though in frail health most of her life, Elizabeth found the strength to help the poor and sick in her town. She and her sister gave all that they could spare to charity including, it is said, selling their horse and carriage for the benefit of the needy. The townspeople of Melrose referred to Elizabeth as “the Sunbeam.”

“Beneath the cross of Jesus,” focusing on the shelter of the cross, was first published three years after the author’s death in 1872 under the title “Breathings on the Border,” perhaps a double entendre referring to a geographical location near Melrose, the Scottish Borders, and a reference to the border between life and death.

Originally five stanzas, another omitted stanza, perhaps autobiographical, provides further insight into the comfort that the writer found in the shadow of the cross and the inspiration that the cross gave her as she anticipated her own death:

There lies beneath its shadow,
but on the further side,
the darkness of an open grave
that gapes both deep and wide;
and there between us stands the cross,
two arms outstretched to save,
like watchman set to guard the way
from that eternal grave.
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-beneath-the-cross-of-jesus

A Lesson for Me

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

When the realization hits as to why Christ came to earth and what He did for me, my heart was broken. Someone else took my punishment!

Why would the Lord do this for me? With my finite mind, there is no way I can comprehend the mind of God. But what I can comprehend is His Word. The Scriptures tell us of His love (John 3:16), and that His mercy is new every single morning (Lamentations 3:22-23)! There is balm to be had for the deepest wounds!

Upon the cross of Jesus
mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One
who suffered there for me:
and from my stricken heart with tears
two wonders I confess,
the wonders of redeeming love
and my unworthiness.

Message for today

The moment I meditate on God’s redeeming love, and my unworthiness of His saving grace, my heart is stricken with the same tears as Elizabeth’s. How many tears have been shed for the same reasons? Each one of those tears is recorded in Heaven. (Psalm 56:8) Every heartache, every tear of joy, every tear shed when I lost someone dear, is known by my Heavenly Father!

Are you hurting today, Reader? Have you spent half the night crying? Are you in the same ill health as Elizabeth? If you are born again, your Father knows all about it. He is there to apply that balm to your distraught heart. Will He remove your sickness or problem? I don’t know. But what I do know is that He will provide you with the strength to live through each and every day.

But if you are not born again, it’s time you find forgiveness and peace at the foot of the cross of Jesus. He stands waiting to hear from you. It is there you will find peace for your soul! (Matthew 11:28-30)

Pro 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

The Lord hears your prayer when you turn to Him with a repentant heart and ask His forgiveness. Invite Him into your life – make a decision to follow Him every day. He hears the prayers of His children. If you do not get saved, the verse above says that He is far from you. Do not be far, Reader. Turn to Him before it’s eternally too late.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Rapture and End Time News – Truth is out there: UFOs take center stage in Washington

On August 17, 2023

We know we are in the end times because the news media, the government, and the buzz on social media are all talking about the same thing: UAP’s (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) or UFO’s as they were previously called. They are even holding congressional meetings over the topic.

An unprecedented report by a special task force of the Navy, released a year ago, documented 144 UFO sightings that occurred only between 2004 and 2021. The Pentagon doesn’t exactly know what they are and there’s no evidence to suggest they were sent by aliens planning a covert invasion. But when an official U.S. intelligence report categorizes them as “Unidentified Aerial Phenomena” (UAP), it’s a game changer.
https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/bkqcmjn32

In my personal opinion, we are not dealing with creatures from another planet or galaxy.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

According to Strong’s Concordance, the word “high” here does not mean people of stature.

epouranios
ep-oo-ran’-ee-os
From G1909 and G3772; above the sky: – celestial, (in) heaven (-ly), high.
Strong’s concordance

Notice Paul says this is spiritual wickedness. I firmly believe that these UAP’s are the fallen angels who were cast out of Heaven when Lucifer rebelled and took a third of the angels with him. (Isaiah 14:12, Revelation 12:3-4) I’m also of the opinion that the devil’s plan is falling into place and he is setting everything up to be able to give the right excuse to explain away the disappearance of the church at the Rapture.

People will believe what they are told when it’s plastered all over the news and social media. There are still a few today who do the research and question, but it won’t be so after the rapture! They will believe the lies because the Bible says they will.

2 Thess 2:11-12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Don’t be one of those who will be damned because you did not believe the Bible. All our answers are in there, including what’s going on in these end times. Not once has the Bible been wrong! Not once!

The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – Sweet Hour of Prayer

On August 16, 2023

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Sweet Hour Of Prayer Sweet Hour Of Prayer
That Calls Me From A World Of Care
And Bids Me At My Fathers Throne
Make All My Wants And Wishes Known
In Seasons Of Distress And Grief
My Soul Has Often Found Relief
And Oft Escaped The Tempters Snare
By Thy Return Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Sweet Hour Of Prayer Sweet Hour Of Prayer
The Joys I Feel The Bliss I Share
Of Those Whose Anxious Spirits Burn
With Strong Desires For Thy Return
With Such I Hasten To The Place
Where God My Saviour Shows His Face
And Gladly Take My Station There
And Wait For Thee Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Sweet Hour Of Prayer Sweet Hour Of Prayer
Thy Wings Shall My Petition Hear
To Him Whose Truth Are Faithfulness
Engage The Waiting Soul To Bless
And Since He Bids Me Seek His Face
Believe His Word And Trust His Grace
I Will Cast On Him My Every Care
And Wait For Thee Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Sweet Hour Of Prayer Sweet Hour Of Prayer
May I Thy Consolation Share
Till From Mount Pisgahs Lofty Height
I View My Home And Take My Flight
This Robe Of Flesh I Will Drop And Rise
To Seize The Everlasting Prize
And Shout While Passing Through The Air
Farewell Farewell Sweet Hour Of Prayer
William w. walford

The History Behind the Hymn

William W. Walford was a blind preacher of England and the author of the hymn beginning “Sweet hour of prayer.” This hymn first appeared in print in the New York Observer on September 13, 1845.

The Observer contributor who assembled the hymn says:

“During my residence at Coleshill, Warwickshire, England, I became acquainted with W. W. Walford, the blind preacher, a man of obscure birth and connections and no education, but of strong mind and most retentive memory. In the pulpit he never failed to select a lesson well adapted to his subject, giving chapter and verse with unerring precision, and scarcely ever misplacing a word in his repetition of the Psalms, every part of the New Testament, the prophecies, and some of the histories, so as to have the reputation of knowing the whole Bible by heart.”

According to Christianity.com, “Beyond the fact that he was blind and the few details recorded by Thomas Salmon, we know little of William Walford. But his hymn, Sweet Hour of Prayer has touched hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides of the Atlantic, expressing the genuine joy he found in prayer.”

A Lesson for Me

Prayer is probably the hardest thing for the believer because whenever we pray, it has power. Think about it for a moment; if you are praying, you are not succumbing to the wiles of the devil. This is why the enemy strives so hard to keep you from prayer! This is why your thoughts wander and you struggle to stay focused. There is power in prayer and the enemy knows it!

1 Thess 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Paul taught us in Ephesians chapter 6 about putting on the whole armour of God. Once he was finished with the armour, he exhorted us to praying always! Just how can we pray always one might wonder? Paul didn’t intend for us to do nothing else but pray.

Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

What I believe he is telling me here is that I should pray about everything and anything. If I want to follow God’s will for my life, I must ask the Father what His will is. These times bring about anxious thoughts but they need not rule my mind. We are told that we can come boldly unto the throne of grace. But just what does that mean? Born-again believers have a wonderful position with the Father. We are His child! Every child comes to his/her earthly father because that child was born into that family. It is the same with us! At the moment of our conversion, we were placed in God’s family and we have a special honor where we can come to Him without worry.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father’s throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter’s snare
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

Message for today

The Lord wants us to come before Him and tell Him everything that is on our mind. Paul made sure to equip believers with everything we needed in order to walk with the Lord. Just as I go to my spouse with whatever is on my mind, I can go directly to the Father and share with Him what is on my heart.

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

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

Friend, the Father is perfect in every way. He possesses ultimate grace, ultimate forgiveness and mercy; if we have need of anything, He is the Perfect One to approach with that need! We need the power of prayer ever so much more today! The enemy knows his time is short and his agenda is clearly being revealed to believers world-wide. We absolutely need our “Sweet Hour of Prayer” in order to recognize what is against the will of God. Stay prayed up, believer!

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Rapture and End Time News – End Time Signs

On August 15, 2023

As I watch the news, I don’t know why I am amazed, but I am. Jesus warned us that these things would be happening in the end times.

Mat 24:3-8 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (4) And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. (5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ( 8 ) All these are the beginning of sorrows.

He said in verse 8 that all these are the beginning of sorrows. You may say that earthquakes, wars and pestilence have been a party of history since the beginning; and you would be right. But Jesus is saying when we see ALL these things happening together, know that the time is near because they are the beginning of sorrows. This phrase speaks of the birth pains that a woman experiences during child birth. What happens in the course of delivery? The pains get closer together and they get stronger! So Jesus is saying that when ALL these things happen together, the birth pains are going to get worse.

We see it in today’s headlines! Here are some news headlines that I came across just this morning:

Oregon facing one of its hottest five-day stretches on record.
Heavy monsoon rains causes deadly landslides and floods in Nepal.
Monsoon rainfall in India results in 42 fatalities in just 24 hours.
Japan to release Fukushima water as soon as August.
Leaked information suggests ATF is about to pass new rule banning private gun sales.
White farmer killed and wife beaten in South Africa were brutally attacked after leading politician led a packed stadium in chants of “kill the Boer”!
Russia moves to boost army near Europe after NATO expansion.
US suicides hit an all-time high in 2022.
World Bank freezes Uganda loans over anti-sodomy law.
Wildfires in Hawaii claim at least 36 lives.
US credit card debt tops $1 trillion, overall consumer debt little changed.
DNA tests suggest more than 10% of seafood sold in Australia not what’s on the label.
Release of Bill Gates’ GM mosquitoes gets pushback in California but is it too little too late?
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un orders preparations for possible war.
AI weaponry on the horizon for world powers

We have weather, wars, contamination, pestilence, hatred, financial crisis, food shortages, and artificial intelligence that is progressing faster than anyone could imagine!

Are you worried? If you’re a believer, your answer should be a resounding No! Prior to the seven-year Tribulation, born-again believers will be

1 Cor 15:50-52 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (51) Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Thess 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thess 4:14-18 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (15) For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (16) For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: (17) Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (18) Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

1 Thess 5:1-11 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. (2) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (3) For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (4) But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (5) Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (6) Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. (7) For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. ( 8 ) But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. (9) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, (10) Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. (11) Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

But for the person who didn’t want to commit to “religion” or that “churchy” stuff, it won’t go well for you. After the church is raptured, these people will be duped by the antichrist and will believer the lies he speaks. You may think that you won’t and that you will get saved once the Rapture is proved to you. However, the Bible says differently, my friend:

2 Thess 2:9-12 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: (12) That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

This is you, if you did not go through the Rapture, reader! You will believe the lies and God will send you a strong delusion. The Greek words for delusion are:

energeia
en-erg’-i-ah
From G1756; efficiency (“energy”): – operation, strong, (effectual) working.

and

planē
plan’-ay
Feminine of G4108 (as abstraction); objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety: – deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.

So this delusion will be a strong, effectual working energy that is objectively fraudulent (deliberate deceit and trickery) and subjectively straying from Christian faith. Friend, you won’t be able to help yourself because you will believe the lies!

The time is coming when it will be too late for you to repent. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved; you will remember each time you laughed it off and ignored it. Please Reader, repent and accept Christ into your life. (Act 16:31, Rom 10:9) I want to be sure that anyone who reads the posts on this blog can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are going to Heaven. Have you received Christ as your Saviour? If no, your sins are not covered by His sacrificial offering of Himself. You have not been redeemed by His blood. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – It Is Well

On August 14, 2023

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Horatio Gates Spafford

The History Behind the Hymn

Horatio Gates Spafford was born in New York, on 20th October 1828, but it was in Chicago that he became well-known for his clear Christian testimony. He and his wife Anna were active in their church, and their home was always open to visitors. They counted the world-famous evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, among their friends. They were blest with five children and considerable wealth. Horatio was a lawyer and owned a great deal of property in his home city.

Not unlike Job in the Old Testament of the Bible, tragedy came in great measure to this happy home. When four years old, their son, Horatio Jr, died suddenly of scarlet fever. Then only a year later, in October 1871, a massive fire swept through downtown Chicago, devastating the city, including many properties owned by Horatio. That day, almost 300 people lost their lives, and around 100,000 were made homeless. Despite their own substantial financial loss, the Spaffords sought to demonstrate the love of Christ, by assisting those who were grief-stricken and in great need.

Two years later, in 1873, Spafford decided his family should take a holiday in England, knowing that his friend, the evangelist D. L. Moody, would be preaching there in the autumn. Horatio was delayed because of business, so he sent his family ahead: his wife and their four remaining children, all daughters, 11 year old Anna, 9 year old Margaret Lee, 5 year old Elizabeth, and 2 year old Tanetta.

ANOTHER TRAGEDY

On 22nd November 1873, while crossing the Atlantic on the steamship, Ville du Havre, their vessel was struck by an iron sailing ship. Two hundred and twenty-six people lost their lives, as the Ville du Havre sank within only twelve minutes.

All four of Horatio Spafford’s daughters perished, but remarkably Anna Spafford survived the tragedy. Those rescued, including Anna, who was found unconscious, floating on a plank of wood, subsequently arrived in Cardiff, South Wales. Upon arrival there, Anna immediately sent a telegram to her husband, which included the words “Saved alone….”

Receiving Anna’s message, he set off at once to be reunited with his wife. One particular day, during the voyage, the captain summoned him to the bridge of the vessel. Pointing to his charts, he explained that they were then passing over the very spot where the Ville du Havre had sunk, and where his daughters had died. It is said that Spafford returned to his cabin and wrote the hymn “It is well with my soul” there and then, the first line of which is, “When peace like a river, attendeth my way..” There are other accounts that say that it was written at a later date, but obviously, the voyage was one of deep suffering and is the clear inspiration of the moving and well-loved hymn. Horatio’s faith in God never faltered. He later wrote to Anna’s half-sister, “On Thursday last, we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, the waters three miles deep. But I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe….. dear lambs”.

After Anna was rescued, Pastor Nathaniel Weiss, one of the ministers traveling with the surviving group, remembered hearing Anna say, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand why.”

Naturally, Anna was utterly devastated, but she testified that in her grief and despair, she had been conscious of a soft voice speaking to her, “You were saved for a purpose!” She remembered something a friend had once said, “It’s easy to be grateful and good when you have so much, but take care that you are not a fair-weather friend to God.”

Following this deep tragedy, Anna gave birth to three more children, but she and Horatio were not spared even more sadness, as on February 11th, 1880, their only son, Horatio (named after the brother who had died, and also after his father), he also died at the age of four.

FURTHER SERVICE

In August 1881 the Spaffords left America with a number of other like-minded Christians and settled in Jerusalem. There they served the needy, helped the poor, and cared for the sick, and took in homeless children. Their desire was to show those living about them, the love of Jesus.

The original manuscript of Spafford’s hymn has only four verses, but later another verse was added. The music, which was written by Philip Bliss, was named after the ship on which Horatio and Anna’s daughters had died – Ville du Havre.

Horatio Spafford died of malaria on 16th October 1888. Anna Spafford continued to work in the surrounding areas of Jerusalem until her own death in 1923. Both Horatio and Anna were laid to rest in Jerusalem. It can truly be said, in the words that Spafford penned that, “It is well with their souls.”
https://www.bethelripon.com/life-stories/horatio-gates-spafford

A Lesson for Me

Although I cannot say that my trials have ever been as severe as Brother Spafford or his wife, Anna, I can say that the Lord brought me through each one. My husband as had cancer, Crohn’s, and now an autoimmune deficiency. As sick and near death as he was several times, I still have him by my side today. That is not what the Spafford’s went through. I cannot imagine losing a child, let alone four children! As dark as that period was, God spared this dear man’s wife so they would not go through the grief alone.

The Bible verse that spoke to me the most during my difficult trial was Isaiah 43:2:

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee:
when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

There are many out there whose trials are so much worse, and some less, but one thing is for sure, their trial is hard for THEM! God knows what we can handle

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Message for today

If you are living through a trial right now, know that God does provide the spiritual ability to withstand that trial. He gives you the encouragement you need through the Scriptures but you have to do one thing: open the Bible and read it! Search for comfort verses and allow them to provide you with the balm that heals all wounds!

Rom 8:36-39 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, (39) Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Lord’s love for you is so great that nothing can separate you from His love. Just as the Spaffords were comforted through their loss, God was able to use them until their deaths. Why? It was because they knew the Source of their strength! So can we! 😀 Whether we are taken in the Rapture or in death, we will be with the Lord for all eternity! No more tears or sorrow!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Hymns 2.0 – Holy Holy Holy

On August 11, 2023

Lyrics (click here to hear instrumental)

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity! (1 John 5:7)

Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. (Rev. 4:10)

Holy, Holy, Holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man, thy glory may not see:
Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power in love, and purity. (1 Sam. 2:2)

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy! merciful and mighty,
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity! (Ps. 145:10)
Reginald Heber

The History Behind the Hymn

This beautiful hymn was written by an Anglican bishop named Reginald Heber who lived in Hodnet, Shropshire, England (1783-1826). He was the son of a rich landowner and cleric, and became known as a poet at the University of Oxford. He was ordained in 1807 and took over his father’s old parish. He wrote this hymn in the early 1800’s, and amazingly, he wrote over 100 hymns of which many are still being sung today. Not many hymns have been written about the Trinity but there are a few. He was known as the innovator of hymnology in the Church of England. His efforts and labours took a toll on him, and he died in India at the age of forty-three.

A Lesson for Me

The multiples of threes in this hymn is absolutely beautiful. An interesting side note is that anytime a word appears in the Bible three times sequentially, it is meant to be emphatic! So maybe I should pay attention to it!! The fact that the word “holy” is one of these, there must be something God wants us to know, amen?

1. Holy, Holy, Holy – God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity: Everyone seems to have a hard time with the concept of the Trinity. But the more I read His Word, I have come to see the Trinity in a clearer way. The Father is the head, God Almighty. His Son, Jesus Christ, is the physical incarnation of the Father and His spoken Word. The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit, the Helper and Comforter, was given to us so we are able to glorify God in our walk. I still can’t comprehend how they can be be separate, yet One. That is what faith is all about.

2. Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be – Although this is self explanatory, it reveals to us that our God has no beginning or end. What comfort this brings to me. This means our Father knows every detail of my life, from beginning to end. He knows every part of me; every thought. He knew me when He formed me in the womb. This depicts an intimate God who wants to be a part of every area of my life.

3. Perfect in power in love, and purity – There is no imperfection found in God. His power is perfect and cannot be negated. God’s love is so perfect that through His love comes blessing and judgment. My parents punished me when I did wrong and this taught me not to do it again. So does God – He is the ultimate Parent. He wants to shower me with blessing but because He loves me, He will also discipline me when I need it to protect me.

4. All thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky, and sea – There is nothing that God has created that isn’t perfect. No matter where our eyes settle, we see His handiwork. One only has to look at a butterfly or jelly fish to see the details in His intricate work. The beauty of the growth of a baby in its mother’s womb is magnificent! All of God’s creation will praise Him!

5. Holy, merciful and mighty – I am so thankful that God is not only mighty but He shows mercy as well. He must in order to be holy.

(Isa 6:3) And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

(Rev 4:8) And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Message for Today

Our finite minds cannot comprehend what it will be like in Heaven, other than what has been described to us in Revelation. We can read about it; we can let our imagination run wild as we read the descriptions of the New Heaven and New Earth. However, it is just that: our imagination! Why? Our imagination has its limits – we can only go as far as what we have knowledge of. But the Scriptures tell us that our eyes have never seen and ears have never heard the things that God has in store for us!

Isa 64:4 For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

1 Cor 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I long for the day where our faith will be made sight! The day when we will be able to cast our crowns before the Saviour’s feet is a long-awaited day for Christians. If we are blessed enough to experience the Rapture before our death, then it will most assuredly be a blessed event for the believer! This hymn is a mini sermon in that it bears Scripture with its verses. I placed the Scripture reference beside the verses to show that God’s Word is reflected in each verse. This particular verse refers to Revelation 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: What a glorious day that will be!

Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

If you are not truly born-again, there is coming a time when it will be too late for you to repent and be saved. It is no coincidence that God has placed you here for such a time as this so that you may be saved if you are not already. Please click here and the link will open up in a separate tab You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Rapture and End Time News – Klaus Schwab Identifies Who Will Control the World

On August 10, 2023