1 Cor. 15:52  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.

Category: Miscellaneous

Jesus in the Books of the Bible

Genesis – Creator & promised Redeemer

Exodus – the Passover Lamb

Leviticus – High Priest

Numbers – water in the desert

Deuteronomy – He becomes the curse for us

Joshua – Commander of the army of the Lord

Judges – delivers us from injustice

Ruth – our Kinsman-Redeemer

1 Samuel – all in one, He is the Prophet/Priest/King

2 Samuel – King of grace & love

1 Kings – a Ruler greater than Solomon

2 Kings – the powerful prophet

1 Chronicles – Son of David that is coming to rule

2 Chronicles – the King who reigns eternally

Ezra – Priest proclaiming freedom

Nehemiah – the One who restores what is broken down

Esther – Protector of his people

Job – Mediator between God and man

Psalms – our song in the morning and in the night

Proverbs – our wisdom

Ecclesiastes – our meaning for life

Song of Solomon – Author of faithful love

Isaiah – Suffering Servant

Jeremiah – the weeping Messiah

Lamentations – He assumes God’s wrath for us

Ezekiel – Son of Man

Daniel – the stranger in the fire with us

Hosea – faithful husband even when we run away

Joel – He is sending His Spirit to His people

Amos – delivers justice to the oppressed

Obadiah – Judge of those who do evil

Jonah – the greatest missionary

Micah – He casts our sin into the sea of forgetfulness

Nahum – proclaims future world peace we cannot even imagine

Habakkuk – crushes injustice

Zephaniah – the Warrior who saves

Haggai – restores our worship

Zechariah – prophesies a Messiah pierced for us

Malachi – sun of righteousness who brings healing

Matthew – the Messiah who is King

Mark – the Messiah who is a Servant

Luke – the Messiah who is a Deliverer

John – the Messiah who is a God in the flesh

Acts – the Spirit who dwells in His people

Romans – the righteousness of God

1 Corinthians – the power and love of God

2 Corinthians – He is the down payment of what’s to come

Galatians – He is our very life

Ephesians – the unity of our church

Philippians – the joy of our life

Colossians – holds the supreme position in all things

1 Thessalonians – our comfort in the last days

2 Thessalonians – our returning King

1 Timothy – Savior of the worst sinners

2 Timothy – leader of the leaders

Titus – foundation of truth

Philemon – our Mediator

Hebrews – our High Priest

James – He matures our faith

1 Peter – our hope in times of suffering

2 Peter – the One who guards us from false teaching

1 John – source of all fellowship

2 John – God in the flesh

3 John – source of all truth

Jude – protects us from stumbling

Revelation – King of Kings and Lord of Lords, The Alpha and the Omega, The Beginning and the End, and He is coming again and the One who makes all things new.

Does God Hear/Answer Your Prayers?

As born-again believers, we know that God hears their prayers. We also know that God doesn’t always answer our prayers because we are not praying in His will. However, does God hear the prayers of those who are not born-again? We should let the Bible answer this question.

We must first ask, “What is prayer”? Jesus taught us how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer as an example:

Matthew 6:9-13  After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  (10)  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  (11)  Give us this day our daily bread.  (12)  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  (13)  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Before we cover this model prayer, notice that Jesus prefaced the Lord’s prayer with verse 6:

Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Many religions today teach their members to pray repetitious prayers as a way to get more “religious” and closer to God. But God says differently in the above verse!

How would you like it if your children came to you and only spoke the exact same things every single time they talked to you? That’s not a relationship nor is it fellowship. It is merely a recital.

Jesus went as far to say that these types of prayers were “vain repetitions,” meaning that there would not be any response from God – trying to communicate with Him is in vain. The end result would produce nothing! Furthermore, Jesus said, “…as the heathen do”! Ouch!

Therefore, Jesus didn’t teach us the Lord’s prayer so we could repeat it word-for-word. When the Pharisees prayed in public, they repeated “canned prayers” and recited them out loud so people would “see how holy they were”! But they were far from holy; they were hypocrites. They followed the “letter of the law” but did not follow the “Spirit of the law,” in Christ Jesus.

We do know God hears their prayers when they come to Him for salvation.

2 Peter 3:9 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.

But if they do not get saved, He does not hear their prayers because of their sin.

Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:

Also, one can say they were “saved,” but if that person remains in sin proves that they did not repent of their sin. Repeating a prayer for salvation with an insincere heart doesn’t make one born-again any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. But a sincere prayer asking God for forgiveness of your sins and accepting His son Jesus as Saviour will save! (Romans 6:23)

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

This is why the Bible says you must be born-again! You must separate yourself from sin after you are saved! THAT, my friend, is repentance. A person who steals will repent and steal no more after salvation; one who consistently lies will lie no more after salvation. The born-again Christian is not sinless but that Christian will desire to sin LESS because he wants to please the Lord. A person’s focus changes after salvation; his focus is on the things of God. If Christianity is a chore or labor for a person who has claimed salvation, then that person should check his heart. Loving God is never a chore or labor. It is a by-product of a grateful heart for the one who has obtained salvation through Jesus Christ.

John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  (4)  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?  (5)  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.  (6)  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  (7)  Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

John 9:31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Some reject God’s call to be saved but have put it off thinking they have plenty of time. Others just flat out refuse to be saved because they don’t want to be called religious fanatics.

Proverbs 1:24-26, 28 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;  (25)  But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:   (28)  Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Do you know what God thinks of their prayers?

Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Zechariah 7:11-13 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.  (12)  Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.  (13)  Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

The Lord’s prayer is to be used as an example. We pray to the Father in Heaven and recognize how holy He is. This denotes a relationship and a recognition that He is not only our Parent (our Father) but He is a holy and righteous Judge (who art in Heaven)! Just as you knew that you were in deep trouble when your mother said, “Wait till your father comes home,” so we know that our Abba Father in Heaven will mete out righteous judgment on His children if we do not walk in His will. But to the unsaved, God does not hear their prayers or answer them at all!

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

1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

When prayers are not heard, and the individual is not saved, that person will fall into the hands of God at the great Judgment and will suffer death twice! (The first death is when their body dies and their soul goes to Hell; the second death is when they appear before God and their name is not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life. This is where the second death occurs, and their soul is cast into the lake of fire for all eternity!)

Revelation 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.

Your rejection of God and the Gospel of His Son Jesus Christ, will result not only in your punishment but will pass down to your children and grandchildren because they have watched your “testimony” and have seen that you are not saved. They will follow in the same footsteps as you and will end up in that Lake of Fire as well unless you repent of your sins and live for God. This should be motivation to get saved and live for the Lord so your family will have an example to follow! (2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.)

Hell – What Is It and What Should I know About It?

Rev 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Good morning, Reader! I will be starting a new series dealing with the topic of what excuses people use for not accepting Christ. But before I can start on that series, I feel it’s necessary to explain just what Hell and the Lake of Fire really are and why it’s so important to prevent yourself from going there! Please take a moment and let’s study the matter out together.

What is This Place Called Hell?

Hell is the place where the unsaved go after they die but it is not the place where they will spend eternity. Some refer to hell as the lake of fire but it is not. The lake of fire is the final punishment of all those who were released from hell to be judged at the Great White Throne judgment. (Matt. 22:13, Rev. 20:15) It is not a place where you go to “party with your friends.” There is no joy in hell. It is a place designed for punishment. It is not like prison where you will be provided with three meals a day, television and gym privileges. It is a place originally prepared for Satan and his fallen angels. (Matt. 25:41) But because man with his own evil deeds did not repent, he also will be cast there along with the devil and his demons.

Hell is outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matt. 25:30, Mk. 9:47-48) Those in hell are separated from Christ, who is the Light! They will long to “take back” their rebellious lives and sin; longing to reverse their error in not accepting the Lord’s precious salvation! They will be endlessly crying over their circumstances; they will have inexpressible, irreversible and unending pain! If you’ve burned yourself, even the slightest, you know how painful a burn can be. This will be all over your body – not one spot left untouched.

In hell, the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. This old English term, “worm,” is defined as:

  • Remorse; that which incessantly gnaws the conscience; that which torments.
    Where their worm dieth not. Mark 9.
Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

In other words, one just doesn’t fall asleep when he dies. It is clear that the dead in hell will have memories and they will eternally regret not having accepted Christ’s salvation. (Rev. 14:10-11) Each lost soul will remember those times when someone tried to tell them about the Lord and the need for salvation. This soul will be tortured with regret for all eternity. Each soul will remember his family and will beg to have someone go warn them about what awaits them if they don’t repent of their sin. (Luke 16:19-31, specifically Luke 16:27-31)

Hell is a place of torment, not only mentally as we read above, but physically. Think of the worst pain you’ve ever had and imagine it never going away but staying with you for all eternity. (Matt. 25:41, 46) It’s difficult to imagine in our finite minds just how long eternity is. But do you really want to find out in this way? The Apostle James said in James 4:14 that life is a vapor – it lasts but for a moment and then vanishes. When one thinks about eternity past, present and future, our life is just that. Why would a person prefer to live with their sins in this lifetime (which is very short in comparison to eternity), and trade that life in for eternal punishment???

Who Will Go to Hell?

The Bible is very clear about salvation and what will happen to those who refuse to accept it. Everyone not found written in the Book of Life will be in hell. (Rev. 20:15) The Apostle Paul wrote in Phil. 4:3 that his fellow laborers’ names are in the book of life. Therefore, it stands to reason that anyone who is born-again will have his name in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:27) But those whose names are not found in the book of life will be judged according to their works which are recorded in books as well (Rev. 20:12). These are not works that gain one entrance into heaven. These are sins recorded that will keep you out of heaven; sins that you refused to repent of and these will be exposed at the Great White Throne Judgment. You will not be able to make excuses at this point. It will be too late.

Anyone who did not obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ will go to hell. (2 Thess. 1:8-9) It may astonish you but the fact that you’re delaying salvation reveals that you are willfully rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your delay only goes to show what you think about eternity.

Anyone who doesn’t know God will go to hell. One can “know about” Jesus and yet not know Him personally. (2 Thessalonians 1:8) You may say you know God because you are of a certain religion. I was raised Catholic and I knew about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. But I did not know them personally. You thought you knew your spouse when you first got married, but now that you’ve been married a few years, you really know your spouse. It’s no different with the Lord. The unsaved have heard His name and have used it in cursing. But they really don’t know Him at all.

The unjust will go to hell. The Apostle Peter makes it clear that if God can cast the devil and the fallen angels into hell, He will also cast those who did not accept His Son as Saviour. (2 Peter 2:4-9) The word unjust is anyone who acts contrary to the divine law. The just live by faith. (Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17, Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38) The unjust do not live by faith. They live according to the god of this world who has blinded them. (2 Cor. 4:4)

All the ungodly will be in hell. Much like the unjust, these are people who do ungodly things. Anything that goes against the Scriptures is considered ungodly. We see so much of this now. As well, anyone who did not accept Christ will be punished. Who are the ungodly? Revelation 21:8 outlines it beautifully!

Revelation 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.

Notice the first two listed as well as the last one. People have a tendency to categorize sin: the not so bad and the really bad. However, James 2:10 tells us that if you lied, you are guilty of all sins. Even one sin will keep you out of Heaven. That is the whole purpose of Jesus coming to earth and dying for our sins! (Col. 2:14) He knew we couldn’t go a day without sinning. However, once we are born-again and are forgiven of all of our sins, we have the power to say no to sin! So if you are fearful (afraid to receive salvation) because of what your family may think, you will go to hell. If you don’t believe in Jesus Christ, you will go to hell. If you lie, you will go to hell! The other sins listed are obvious ones and those who do such sins will go to hell.

But there is hope, my friend. Hell is not a laughing matter. You have no idea when you will die. No one knows. You could be in a car accident going home from work and be killed. You could have a heart attack and be gone in a split second! 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 to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Christians, Don’t Be Ignorant

1 Thess 4:13-18  But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  (14)  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.

Good morning, Reader! Today’s verses cause born-again believers all over the world to shout with joy and anticipation at the upcoming reunion with Christ, our Lord! That day to come is the conclusion of all the years of longing to be with the Lord Jesus. The caveat is that the born-again believer that is alive at the time of the Rapture will not die! What a gift that is!

I felt it necessary to discuss the Rapture today because I have a dear friend who has been led astray by what I consider to be a false teacher. This false teacher is cunning and is deceiving many. All these years, my friend believed that the Rapture would occur before the Tribulation. Why was she misled? I believe the reason is that she did not study the matter out so that she was convinced from the Scriptures.

Acts 17:11 tells us that these people would listen to a message and would then search the Bible to make sure that what they were being taught was in line with the Bible’s teachings. Too many people today are being misled by preachers who “tickle the ears.” (Ephesians 4:14) They listen to a message and taken in false teaching without question. They wouldn’t do that with their finances but yet when it comes to the things of God, they allow the devil to creep in and lead them astray. Yes, I say it’s the devil’s doing because he has been corrupting God’s Word since the Garden of Eden. He corrupted God’s words and convinced Eve that God was keeping her from attaining something greater. The devil will do whatever it takes to distract the believer from God’s Word. He will fill the mind with lies and corruption because that is who he is and what he does (John 8:44).

Today’s verses tell us how the Rapture will occur. If the Rapture were to occur at the end of the Tribulation, as my friend believes, it would be difficult to go up to meet the Lord in the air only to immediately return with Christ to earth to fight the Battle of Armageddon. This theory does not jive with the Scriptures. Jesus said that when He left the earth, He would go to prepare a place for believers in His Father’s house; a house which has many mansions. He didn’t say He would prepare a place for us in the future. No! He said “I go to prepare a place for you.” So where did Jesus go after His ascension? He returned to Heaven! This is the place where we will go to meet Him.

Joh 14:1-3  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  (2)  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Furthermore, Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself.”

So let’s get back to today’s scripture from 1 Thess 4:13-18. The Apostle Paul didn’t want his readers to be misled by false teachers. He wrote so his readers would be encouraged and comforted! He didn’t want them to be ignorant of this teaching; he prepared them and taught them. So how will the Rapture happen? Paul says that Jesus will come down from Heaven with a shout and with the trump of God. The word “trump” only appears twice in the Bible: 1 Cor 15:52 and 1 Thess 4:16. Both refer to the Rapture. The trump in today’s Scripture is the “trump of God,” it is not a trumpet used by man but of God Himself. This trump is a big deal! God Himself is calling the saints together! Paul reaffirms that his words are told to us by the word of the Lord! Christ wants us comforted and not fearful. Furthermore, Paul tells us to comfort each other with this information! What comfort is there if we are to go through the Tribulation??? It’s a time in which the world has never experienced the horrifying judgments that are about to happen!

Paul says those who died from the beginning of the church age until the time of the Rapture will rise first; then believers who are still alive on the earth will rise immediately after. Where are we meeting Jesus? We (the dead in Christ and those who are alive at the Rapture) are caught up to meet the Lord IN THE AIR. Jesus Christ’s return after the Tribulation is Christ coming to EARTH.

Those saints will be kept from the coming wrath which will descend upon a wicked world. Ephesians 5:6 and Colossians 3:6 state that God’s wrath is to come on children of disobedience. Why would Jesus allow His bride to go through His wrath? What husband does such a thing? The born-again believers (prior to the Rapture) are not children of disobedience so therefore, we are not the ones to go through the Tribulation. Granted, people will be saved during the Tribulation, but they were children of disobedience prior to the Rapture!

Eph 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Col 3:6  For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Paul again exhorts the Christians that they should not let anyone deceive them with vain words. Unfortunately, my friend has been deceived to believe that she would experience God’s wrath upon the earth. Why would God put His children (the saints) through His wrath? We are not children of disobedience; we are born-again and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and we are sealed by the Holy Spirit! Furthermore, as I said above, we are His Bride! The Perfect Groom, the Lord Jesus, would not put his wife in harm’s way, yet alone through torture; but this Perfect Groom would protect her. What husband allows an intruder to harm his wife??? As well, all born-again believers are members of Christ’s own body, of Christ’s flesh, and of Christ’s bones (Eph 5:30). Since we are part of Him, why would He put us through His wrath? It makes no sense! Jesus Christ is not going through the Tribulation nor is His Bride, who is a part of Him!

As if this isn’t enough, how can we be raptured at the end of the Tribulation and then immediately come back with Jesus Christ to conquer the antichrist? Jesus went to prepare a place for us, as we read at the beginning of this post. If the post-tribulation theory is correct, we won’t be going to Heaven at all to enjoy the place He prepared for us in His Father’s house. That does not make any sense at all. One cannot listen to a false prophet’s words and leave out the other parts of Scripture that totally contradict what the false prophet is saying! The Bible says in:

Rev 19:11-14  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  (12)  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  (13)  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.  (14)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

The raptured Saints will be coming back with Jesus as part of His army! It says in verse 14 that we were in heaven! How do I know that the “we” is comprised of born-again raptured believers? Rev 19:8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, white and clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. This cannot be an army of angels because this army is clean! Angels cannot attain salvation; only mankind. Those who are made clean are those who accepted Jesus Christ as their Saviour (1 John 1:7). It is the blood of our precious Saviour that makes us clean and clothes us in fine, white linen! We are clothed with Jesus’ righteousness!

Dear Reader, if you are born-again, do not believe every wind of doctrine. Study it for yourself as I have and stop listening to what others teach. Let the Holy Spirit be your Teacher (Luke 12:12). There is nothing encouraging about going through the Tribulation. There is nothing comforting about experiencing the wrath of God. During the Tribulation, God’s wrath will descend on a wicked, unbelieving world! His judgment fell on the world when Noah finished building His ark. His judgment fell on Sodom and Gomorrah after Lot and his family were pulled out.

Even during the Tribulation, His mercy is still shown by placing the Two Witnesses (Rev 11:3) and 144,000 Jews (Rev 7:1-8) to spread the Gospel. Those who believe during the Tribulation will pay the price of being martyred for their faith (Rev 6:9-11 and Rev 7:9-10, Revelation 7:13-14). Many will die as a result of believing in Christ during this horrific time. They will pay a price for having waited to accept His salvation.

Won’t you accept Christ now before the Rapture occurs, friend? Please don’t wait! There are seven seals, seven trumpets and seven plagues which will make up God’s wrath during this horrifying time (Matthew 24:21). You must remember that Jesus said in that verse that it will be a time that has never come upon this earth! Why would you want to suffer through these? I know some may think that they will take their chances and live like they want to live now and deal with these judgments later. But Reader, God knows your motives and will not allow you to try to “trick Him”! Romans 1:28-32 tells us that those who do wickedly will be given over to a reprobate mind; yes, even those who try to deceive Him. Noah Webster’s dictionary defines this as:

REPROBATE, a. [L. reprobatus, reprobo, to disallow; re and probo, to prove.]

  1. Not enduring proof or trial; not of standard purity or fineness; disallowed; rejected.
    Reprobate silver shall men call them, because the Lord hath rejected them. Jer 6.
  2. Abandoned in sin; lost to virtue or grace.
    They profess that they know God, but in works deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. Titus 1.
  3. Abandoned to error, or in apostasy. 2 Tim 3.

Do you want to take a chance that this could happen to you? You may think you are not this evil but James 2:10 says that if you have stolen, for example, you are guilty of all the Ten Commandments, not just stealing. Romans 3:23 says that ALL have sinned; yes, you too! The only way you can prevent going through the horrible Tribulation is by accepting Christ as your Saviour; not just “in words” but with a heart conversion which changes you from the inside out! (2 Cor 5:17) Jesus took all our sins upon Himself so we could be reconciled to God through Him! (2 Cor 5:20-21)

There will come a time when it will be too late. You will spend eternity burning in Hell and the Lake of Fire. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved and you laughed it off and ignored it. Just read the account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). That rich man knew what was happening to him in Hell. He recognized his own sins and desperately wanted his family to be warned so they would not experience what he was experiencing. 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 to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

What’s In Store for Tomorrow?

Good morning! As I have been walking this path of caregiver to the love of my life, I must admit that I became fearful on one of those days. The possibility of my husband having to endure a third surgery in less than three weeks put fear in my heart. I believed that he would not be able to physically endure it and I would lose my precious husband. I liken the fear that I felt as the picture I used above. The longer I held on to that fear, the worse I felt – it was as if I was gripped by this fear. It had a hold of me and I felt like I couldn’t break its grip! I drove home that night with a cloud of darkness over me and I did not like it – not one bit! It was only for a few hours and I’m so thankful I didn’t cling to it for longer than that! I don’t know how some do it living this kind of life.

I have this saying: the Holy Spirit “ate my lunch”! He gently scolds me and I am thankful for His presence. His light brightens even my darkest path in life. It reminds me of Jesus being the Light of the world. (John 8:12) God’s Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, gives us light through His Word! He is the spoken Word of God who came to mankind to take on mankind’s sins on the cross. He paid the penalty for our sin so that we would not have to be judged and sentenced to an eternity of pain and suffering!

The light of God’s Word shows us how to handle any situation. There are instructions for every walk in life; for every circumstance! This is where the Holy Spirit helped me to focus on the Lord and not on my circumstances. Why? It is because I don’t know what tomorrow has in store for me or my husband. Only God knows this. It is beyond my control!

It’s like entering a dark room in the middle of the night. There’s not even a glimmer of a candle burning. I press the light button on my watch and that small amount of light permeates the darkness and gives an ever so small glow to a once darkened room. As believers, we are not alone, my friend. Despite the bleakest hours of my life, the Word of God shined its precious, precious light into my heart and lifted my spirit out of a dark place.

Psa 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Friend, if you are saved, it is futile to be afraid of something that hasn’t happened yet. If you find yourself in this situation, get a hold of yourself and pick up your Bible! You can’t open the fridge and expect a full meal to come jumping out at you! You must prepare the meal before you can enjoy its goodness. God’s Word will cast light into the very depths of your soul! The Lord will bring you out of your fear! He doesn’t want us to be afraid – He wants us to trust in Him. So pick up your Bible and bring healing to your spirit!

Psa 119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

This is exactly what I did when I got home. I couldn’t take it anymore. I knew what I had to do and I did it! The same God who healed the blind man, healed the woman with the issue of blood, and rose Lazarus from the dead, is the same God who could work in my life if I let Him. He loves me but He won’t force Himself on me. His Holy Spirit, who resides within me, gently reminds me to turn to God’s Word to encourage myself.

Isa 41:10  Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Do you remember the account of David and how he was severely afflicted by the Amalekites? David’s own people were threatening to stone him because they were afraid of those Amalekites! Yes, David was scared, but what did He do? He encouraged himself in the LORD his God!

1 Sam 30:6  And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

I have the very written Word of God in my hands and it is through reading God’s Word that I’m going to find solace for my troubled spirit. God is my comfort – He provides it whenever I seek Him while I’m going through a storm. He has never failed me. So why didn’t I remember that when I was going through this storm? I could kick myself at times! I am human, of course, but this time was different. I didn’t wallow in my fear and pity for very long. With each trial the Lord blesses me with, I learned to go to that well of refreshing water from His Word more quickly than the previous trial. Yes, I said that the Lord BLESSES me with each trial! By going through a trial, I am being taught to turn to Him and let Him take care of all the details! As soon as I turn to His Word and let His light reveal His goodness and mercy, I heal my weary soul! Now I can help someone else who is going through a similar trial and I can encourage them to learn as I learned.

2 Cor 1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring but I DO know Who brings tomorrow!!! Friend, where are you today? Are you fearful of something? Are you afraid to accept Christ as your Saviour and Lord of your life? (2 Cor 5:17) Why? Are you afraid of what your spouse or your family will think? Are you afraid of the changes that must take place in your life? The Holy Spirit is in charge of making those changes in your life when you submit to Him. (John 14:26, 1 John 2:27, Neh 9:20, Matt 10:19-20)

Just as the Lord shined His wonderful light into my heart the moment I was saved, He will do the same for you. He took care of my family’s resentment – He helped me to take a stand for Him – He encouraged me to keep going! He can do the same for you! 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 to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

God’s Kingdom, Thy Will Be Done

Good morning, dear Reader! My husband is now in rehab and I no longer have to drive one to two hours away to see him! Praise the Lord for His mercy on the love of my life! As I sit here this morning, I think of what this year may bring. Could this be the year of Christ’s return for us where He will take us up to Heaven to be with Him? Oh I surely hope so! The signs of the times reveal that He is right at the door, ready to give us that shout to join Him!

Rev 3:8,10  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name (10)  Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Rev 4:1  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

1 Thess 4:15-17  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.

Amen and amen! Exciting times are coming for the believer. We have been praying for this day for a long time! But how do we pray? The Lord taught us in the Lord’s prayer the pattern we should use:

Luk 11:2-4  And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.  (3)  Give us day by day our daily bread.  (4)  And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Many of us know this prayer by heart, but do we know what we are praying? Do we merely repeat the words over and over again without giving it much thought? Jesus told us not to repeat prayers over and over and said these were vain repetitions like those of the heathen (Mark 6:7). I won’t go into this now but in another future post. The part I’m speaking of is “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

What did the Lord Jesus mean when He taught us to pray for His kingdom? Jesus is speaking of Christ’s kingdom here on earth after the Great Tribulation. After the tribulation there will be 1,000 years of peace with Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords, reigning and ruling over the entire earth from Jerusalem. Life will return to be as it was in the Garden of Eden.

Isa 11:6-9  The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  (7)  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  (8)  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.  (9)  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

Isa 65:25  The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Christ’s kingdom will be that of beautiful peace! This is what we are to pray for, friend! We are to be looking forward to that day, but in the meantime, we are to pray for God’s will to be done in order for that kingdom to come! God gave us everything we need in the Scriptures where we can find out all of the signs of the end times. (I wrote a series on this and you can find it here.) There is much written on this topic but surely you can see for yourself by watching the news or social media; you can see just how evil this world has become.

Unbelievers mock God but there will be a time where He will judge the world of their sin. This judgment is coming and you can count on it. All things work towards the establishing of Jesus Christ’s kingdom on earth.

2 Chron 36:16  But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against his people, till there was no remedy.

Gal 6:7  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Are you ready for the Rapture of the saints to be forever with the Lord Jesus? Have you been saved so that you can be kept from that hour of temptation to come upon the entire earth. It will be a horrific time for those who are left behind; most will die because of they did not take the mark of the beast. It will be a time that has never been seen by anyone in the past. Albert Camus once said:

I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t, than live as if there isn’t and to die to find out that there is.

Ouch! Do you want to be one of those people who currently doesn’t care about God (or even believe in God) or His coming kingdom? There will come a time when it will be too late. You will spend eternity burning in Hell and the Lake of Fire. You will remember each opportunity you were given by God to be saved and you laughed it off and ignored it. 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 to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

What Does Your Book Look Like?

Good morning, Reader! I’m still tied up with my husband’s hospitalization and rehab to come. I apologize for not having the new series ready yet. I had thought he would be out of the hospital by now. But that’s OK. I can right posts on different subjects in the meantime! 😀😀

Once again, the idea for today’s post came to me as I was driving to the hospital. It’s over an hour of driving time where I can think and not be disturbed. My thoughts fell to the path I am walking at the moment. It seems as though I began this trek just a few days ago; but in fact, it’s been nearly a month now! It’s almost as though I am living in a book, going from chapter to chapter. Except this book is one written by God from the time before I was conceived through to the end of my life here on earth.

Psa 139:13-16  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.  (14)  I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  (15)  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  (16)  Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

It’s as though when I was in my mother’s womb, the Lord was writing the Preface to the book of my life! He created every member of my body and knew me intimately! Who better to write that Preface than the One who knows me best, amen?

Each chapter of my life has been knitted together carefully to form a perfect book. Because the Lord wrote my book, He knows the ending quite well. On other other hand, I am currently in a specific chapter not knowing what is to come. What I can tell you is the history – everything that has happened in those previous chapters.

When I read a book, I never skip to the end to find out what’s going to happen. I would rather wait in anticipation and let the story play out. I should treat the book of my life in the same manner! I can tell others about what Christ has done for me and share the details of my salvation with anyone the Lord places in my path. However, I cannot foresee what the ending of my book will be. Only the Lord knows this. What I do know is the Author of my book and I know that He is perfect in all His ways. The Author of my book is my loving Heavenly Father! He does not mean me harm because no father would want to harm his child. God is not only a loving Father but He is a good, good God! Since I was born again nearly 43 years ago, I have developed an intimate relationship with Him.

Knowing this, I can look forward to those future chapters with confidence that my loving Father is in the details of those chapters and the end of my book will take me to Him to forever be with Him! Praise the Lord that we don’t have to be consumed with worry about our future! Our stories are recorded in Heaven and faith in the same God who parted the Red Sea will result in peace during those unknown chapters!

What does your book contain? What chapter are you at in your life? Do you worry about the ending? You don’t need to worry! Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ, personally or do you only know of Him? He is the true sinless Lamb of God! 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 to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Are You a Noah?

Gen 6:8  But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Good morning, Reader! My husband’s illness not only affects him but it affects me as well as our sons and their families. It’s a trial that is extremely difficult, but it is one that has shown me the Lord’s blessings through it all. My readings today were especially thrilling to my spirit!

I’ve read the account of Noah many times but I never thought about it in this way before. As I was commuting back home from the hospital, the Lord impressed upon my heart how I could glean from Noah’s life. Today’s verse said that Noah found grace in the Lord’s eyes. This same grace was given to me in 1980 when I got saved. As believers, we find grace as well in the Lord’s eyes. He tells us so in Ephesians 2:8-9, amen? I was saved by the grace of God and there’s not a thing I can do to gain entrance into Heaven. It’s all about Christ’s payment for my sins that gives me this wonderful blessing!

I think about the trial Noah went through as he tried to live a righteous life in a very wicked world. It must not have been easy for him. It had never rained on the earth so can you imagine what the people did when Noah preached there was a storm coming? Their hearts were so wicked, more so than our wicked world today! Only eight people entered that ark – only eight people in all the earth faithful! How sad is that!

When we are saved, God gives us strength and spiritual wisdom in order to live righteously. We are basically in the same boat as Noah, so to speak (no pun intended). Living in a wicked world calls every believer to shine the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. Noah had that same calling. Unfortunately, he was fighting a losing battle as far as winning souls is concerned. It’s not so for believers today. We still have opportunities so don’t give us the cause!

God told Noah there was a storm coming which would destroy the earth as he knew it. Noah didn’t have a Bible back then so God audibly spoke to him. But you and I have a Bible and we hear from God as He speaks to us through it. God warned Noah of an upcoming storm and gave him instructions on what to do to prepare for that storm. The Lord still does the same work today! Prophecy is right there for us to read and understand through God’s Holy Spirit. We know the storm that’s coming – God’s wrath and judgment is coming to this wicked world during the seven year Tribulation. While we wait for the Rapture to occur, we are to be busy building the church by adding souls to it. Because once the Rapture happens, the Bride of Christ is finished with building the church; just as Noah finished building the ark before the storm came. Those people had 120 years to repent. The world has had over 2,000 years to repent but that time is coming to an end.

My task of winning souls is not yet finished despite the trials I’m currently undergoing. My trials and tribulations will soon come to an end but in the meantime, the same God who helped Noah, is helping me! There is no trial too difficult that God can’t handle my friend. Be strong – don’t quit – the God of all creation is the same God who parted the Red Sea. He’s the same God that raised Lazarus. He’s the same God that healed blind Bartimaeus. Friend, we forget just who God is! There’s nothing impossible with Him! Praise the Lord!!!

Psa 121:1-2  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  (2)  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

This is the end of our series and I hope you have enjoyed it! Don’t these symbolic points of these Feasts excite your spirit? Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ, personally or do you only know of Him? He is the true sinless Lamb of God! 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 to You Can Be Born Again and Know It!

Update on Family Illness

Christmas has come and gone and we are now awaiting the entrance of a New Year! It’s hard to believe that we will be entering 2023 – it seems like yesterday we were celebrating the turn of the century! The Apostle James wrote:

Jas 4:14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

I have been blessed to be able to show my husband that our wedding vows taken almost 49 years ago were meant with all my heart. We have had many “for better” days as well as “for worse” days. But whatever happens to him also happens to me. My heart aches to see him well again; and I must accept that it may not happen this side of Heaven.

Mar 10:7-9  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;  (8)  And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.  (9)  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

It has been since December 6th that his health took a turn and we are at the height of this mountain. Although my husband is not completely alert to what has been happening, with the Lord’s help and guidance, I am. My two sons and their wives have been a blessing during this time and my close friends as well. The Throne of Grace is being bombarded with prayers on his behalf and I know that the Lord’s timing is not our timing.

Psa 121:1-3  A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  (2)  My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.  (3)  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Job 19:25  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

Job 23:10  But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

I know that it is Almighty God Himself that holds my husband and me in the palm of His hands (John 10:29) and His will shall be done for both of us. During the midst of this trial, He is the only One who can actually help us! May we walk this difficult path glorifying His name through it all! After all, He is the one that knows the exact time when we leave this earth (Job 14:5)! God is forever from eternity past, He is into eternity future and He has seen every minute of our lives. He knows our suffering (Psalm 56:8) and each tear is recorded!

Thank you for your prayers! As time permits, I am working on a new devotional series which will hopefully publish with the New Year. In the meantime, I pray you will enjoy the devotionals that I’ve written in the past. Since it was the topic of the end times that drew me to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, may I recommend the following be added to your daily reading? These aren’t exhaustive studies but there is enough information and Scriptures to lead you to the One Who loves you!!

Are We In The End Times?

The Rapture

Revelation At A Glance

Read Through Psalms and Proverbs Every Month

I love to incorporate the Book of Psalms and Proverbs in my daily reading. I’ve been doing this since 1986 and it has been a blessing to me. Both provide comfort, guidance and much wisdom. I would like to share it with you! At the end of the month, you will have read through both books! 😀 Use your calendar as the reference for which day to read, i.e. Day 1’s readings on the first of the month; day 2’s readings on the second of the month, etc. (Psalm 119 has 176 verses so it’s easier to break it up in sections. The structure of this Psalm is comprised of 22 stanzas, each starting with a different letter in the Hebrew alphabet. Each stanza has 8 verses. ) If you look at the bottom of this page, you can create a PDF of this page and print it out.

Day 1:

Psalm 1Psalm 31Psalm 61Psalm 91Psalm 119:1-8
Psalm 121Proverbs 1
Also read Proverbs 31 (if there are only 30days in the month)

Day 2:

Psalm 2Psalm 32Psalm 62Psalm 92Psalm 119:9-16
Psalm 122Proverbs 2

Day 3:

Psalm 3Psalm 33Psalm 63Psalm 93Psalm 119:17-24
Psalm 123Proverbs 3

Day 4:

Psalm 4Psalm 34Psalm 64Psalm 94Psalm 119:25-32
Psalm 124Proverbs 4

Day 5:

Psalm 5Psalm 35Psalm 65Psalm 95Psalm 119:33-40
Psalm 125Proverbs 5

Day 6:

Psalm 6Psalm 36Psalm 66Psalm 96Psalm 119:41-48
Psalm 126Proverbs 6

Day 7:

Psalm 7Psalm 37Psalm 67Psalm 97Psalm 119:49-56
Psalm 127Proverbs 7

Day 8:

Psalm 8Psalm 38Psalm 68Psalm 98Psalm 119:57-64
Psalm 128Proverbs 8

Day 9:

Psalm 9Psalm 39Psalm 69Psalm 99Psalm 119:65-72
Psalm 129Proverbs 9

Day 10:

Psalm 10Psalm 40Psalm 70Psalm 100Psalm 119:73-80
Psalm 130Proverbs 10

Day 11:

Psalm 11Psalm 41Psalm 71Psalm 101Psalm 119:81-88
Psalm 131Proverbs 11

Day 12:

Psalm 12Psalm 42Psalm 72Psalm 102Psalm 119:89-96
Psalm 132Proverbs 12

Day 13:

Psalm 13Psalm 43Psalm 73Psalm 103Psalm 119:97-104
Psalm 133Proverbs 13

Day 14:

Psalm 14Psalm 44Psalm 74Psalm 104Psalm 119:105-112
Psalm 134Proverbs 14

Day 15:

Psalm 15Psalm 45Psalm 75Psalm 105Psalm 119:113-120
Psalm 135Proverbs 15

Day 16:

Psalm 16Psalm 46Psalm 76Psalm 106Psalm 119:121-128
Psalm 136Proverbs 16

Day 17:

Psalm 17Psalm 47Psalm 77Psalm 107Psalm 119:129-136
Psalm 137Proverbs 17

Day 18:

Psalm 18Psalm 48Psalm 78Psalm 108Psalm 119:137-144
Psalm 138Proverbs 18

Day 19:

Psalm 19Psalm 49Psalm 79Psalm 109Psalm 119:145-152
Psalm 139Proverbs 19

Day 20:

Psalm 20Psalm 50Psalm 80Psalm 110Psalm 119:153-160
Psalm 140Proverbs 20

Day 21:

Psalm 21Psalm 51Psalm 81Psalm 111Psalm 119:161-168
Psalm 141Proverbs 21

Day 22:

Psalm 22Psalm 52Psalm 82Psalm 112Psalm 119:169-176
Psalm 142Proverbs 22(Ps. 119 finished)

Day 23:

Psalm 23Psalm 53Psalm 83Psalm 113Psalm 143
Proverbs 23

Day 24:

Psalm 24Psalm 54Psalm 84Psalm 114Psalm 144
Proverbs 24

Day 25:

Psalm 25Psalm 55Psalm 85Psalm 115Psalm 145
Proverbs 25

Day 26:

Psalm 26Psalm 56Psalm 86Psalm 116Psalm 146
Proverbs 26

Day 27:

Psalm 27Psalm 57Psalm 87Psalm 117Psalm 147
Proverbs 27

Day 28:

Psalm 28Psalm 58Psalm 88Psalm 118Psalm 148
Proverbs 28

Day 29:

Psalm 29Psalm 59Psalm 89Psalm 119Psalm 149
Proverbs 29

Day 30:

Psalm 30Psalm 60Psalm 90Psalm 120Psalm 150
Proverbs 30

Day 31: (If there aren’t 31 days in the month, skips this one)

Psalm 31Psalm 61Psalm 91Psalm 121Proverbs 31

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