A recent article in the Wall Street Journal provided information about how to have a happy marriage. When we were married 60 years ago, we decided to make our marriage based on Scripture. During those years, we have never had a major argument or disagreement. I point this out to confirm what Scripture teaches. If you were to ask how that is possible, my reply would be the discipline and control over one’s pride and self-centeredness.

Ephesians 5:21 – 29 “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church.”

Having worked with thousands of employees and being a high school coach, everyone wants to know: “How am I doing?” You may remember Ed Koch, the mayor of New York City, asked everyone: “How am I doing?” I have given many appraisals telling an athlete their strengths and weaknesses and the areas they needed to work on. In management I have given possibly a thousand appraisals to employees explaining how they were doing. I believe everyone needs to know how they are doing and especially married couples. How often have you heard, she left me and I have no reason why she did? In many cases it was a lack of communications.

The WSJ paper gave an example of an appraisal that married couples should give to each other on a regular basis. A question one might ask: Is there anything I do that annoys you? Each is asked the question. Next, do I fulfill your needs? You could come up with ten questions that you could ask each other every three months or as needed. Remember that pride; “I am always right” can put stress on a marriage. Or self-centeredness, you are not giving me what I need.

It didn’t take long in our marriage to realize that we think differently. However, I realized that my role as husband was to let my wife know how much I loved her and showed it and told her every day. That love had to be as similar as I could get to Christ loving the church. As a result, my wife was extremely supportive and submissive allowing me to lead spiritually and assume the role as head of the household. That is a leadership role and not, I am the boss. Above all, I was extremely proud of my wife as she was unusually talented, having been a school teacher and a choir director in practically every church we have attended. I point this out because respect and being proud of your spouse is a must. If there is a problem here, it needs to be one of the questions on your marriage appraisal that needs to be pointed out. If your husband eats like a slob in public, it needs to be covered. If he loves you as Christ loves the church, he will not accept it as criticism and make a change. As a Christian, it is his obligation to change if it annoys you. His and her job is to make each other proud of their spouse. This is one purpose of the appraisal.

How important is a peaceful home for your children? I believe, to some degree, one can measure the success of their marriage by how their children behave. There are always exceptions. Some children are born being bipolar, medically impaired, etc. We are extremely proud of our adult children and our grandchildren. How can a couple not get along if they are praying together and reading their Bibles daily? If you are praying daily, from the time your children are born, that God will give them purpose and direction in their life, you will see your prayers answered. Pray that they make the correct spiritual decisions and put God first in their lives and others as themselves. Pray that they meet the right mate in marriage. Of course, parents must set a Christian example for children to believe in God’s promises. Parents must teach loyalty, accountability, respect for authority and the Golden Rule.

If children see prayers answer and supernatural events occur, it gives them the basis to be believers. One of our children was saved at the age of eight. Remember, the Bible says that our legacy can be carried on to fourth and fifth generation. How important is it to follow the Bible in being married? If you do, it is everything God promises.

May I stress to Christian parents with children, pray “together” daily, aloud for their children. It may be best the first thing each morning or the last thing prior to going to bed. Then years later see if God doesn’t keep His promises. It will give your marriage a peace like nothing else.

P.S. Mons and dads are you praying together for your children? Matthew 18:19 – “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” Do you want them to be adult believers? God promises your prayers will be answered. Try doing this every morning or before going to bed at night.

Have you notice that some believers are truly devoted followers of Christ and others seem to be very shallow and not totally committed? Some Christians live no differently than unbelievers. Others serve in the church but outside the church, they have little witness as a Christian. Christ describes different types of Christians.

Mark 4:14 – 20 – “The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

Jesus is the farmer and anyone who comes after, who teaches the Word of God. The seed is the Word of God. The path was a hard surface. Some are impressed by the Word and emotionally accept Christ and the Word. However, as soon as they hear it, Satan deceives them into believing that they really don’t need surrendering their self-centeredness. Their stability and commitment was stolen. They were unwilling to make a commitment and continue to live as they always have. They spent no time in prayer and Bible study.

Some seed was placed on rocky soil. There was enough soil to grow but they had no roots or depth. They were like a tree with no roots in a strong wind. Temporarily they may have been enthused but the world easily leads them away. They decide not to believe in Scripture and its promises and they fall away. James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Still others are like a seed that is sown among thistles and thorns. These people hear and accept the Word and it begins to grow. Thorns and thistles stand for the world’s distractions such as the deceitfulness of riches, material things and the lusts for other things. This seed was choked out. They allow their security to come from the world and not from God. They have a tendency to believe they can become prosperous or meet their needs without anyone’s help. They believe the Word but they just never get around to living it. They lacked the discipline and the tenaciousness to stick to it.

The final illustration is the seed that is sown in good soil. We may be amazed at how few Christians are in this category. They hear the Word and become committed and accepting. They are true Disciples of Christ who surrender to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They accept Christ and the Holy Spirit into their spirit. It is not an emotional response but a spiritual one. They see the value and change in their life and want to witness to others, so they too may receive the promises of God. These believers produce a crop. These believers not only hear with their ears but with their hearts and minds.

These are people who learn to trust God. Proverbs 3:5 – 6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This may be the hardest task, particularly for new Christians. It may be easy to believe in God. However, it is difficult to believe God wants what is best for us. Do you believe that God is working His plan in our lives? What about when we are faced with problems and trials? Trusting God must be completely and irrevocable. Most of us have the problem that if our prayers do not get answered immediately and the way we think they should be, we act on our own, not trusting God to fulfill what we need. Remember Abraham and Sarah was promised a child. When it didn’t happen, they made a plan to have a child by Hagar. As a result, Abraham and Hagar had Ishmael, whose descendants have been enemies of Israel ever since. When Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, they received the son that God had promised, Isaac. It takes a Christian who is planted in good soil to trust God.

It is estimated that about 250,000 people, in the world, die every day. Some have estimated that about 1% or approximately 2,500 will enter heaven. If that is true, that would mean the rest will end up in hell. Whether you believe there isn’t a hell or heaven doesn’t mean there is not one. You may not believe the Bible is the Word of God, if you do not believe there is a God. Or, you may believe there is a God, who loves everyone, and He would never send any to a place called hell, a place of torment. Therefore, you probably are willing to gamble that there is not a hell. What if you are wrong? Let’s learn what the Bible says happens to a person after they die. You do believe, someday you will die, right? No matter what you believe about what happens after death, you could be wrong. THE BIG GAMBLE!

Matthew 7:13 – 15 – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it. “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”

Luke 16:19 – 26 – “Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’”

If you believe there is a God and if you believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, you must believe that there is a place of torment. Prior to Christ’s resurrection, those who were God fearing, their souls went to Paradise. Those who were not God fearing went to Hades a place of torment. Scripture says as the poor man died, angels brought him to Abraham’s bosom or Paradise. We are then told they can remember what transpired while they were on earth. We have learned that those in Hades are tormented by flames.

When Christ was crucified He went from the cross to Sheol or Paradise. Matthew 12:40 – “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Those who died under the Old Covenant could not enter Heaven because the sacrificed blood of animals could not forgive their sins. Sinners, not having been forgiven, could not enter the presence of God. Christ, taking the thief on the cross beside Him, went to Paradise where God’s people were being held. All those who had been waiting temporarily in Paradise were forgiven of their sins by Christ and then ascended to Heaven with Him.

Acts 2:34 – “For David did not ascend to heaven” John 3:13 – “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.” Ephesians 4:8 and 9 – “This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men. (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?)”

Paradise is no longer in Hell. We believe Scripture says that Jesus descended into Paradise to release those saints who were waiting to enter God’s presence and that He also gave the gift of salvation to those still alive by grace through faith. After Pentecost those having received the Holy Spirit, at death, go to join those Old Testament saints in Heaven where Christ remains until His second coming.

Revelation 6:9 – “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony.” Many Christians will be martyred as the Antichrist comes to power and their souls will go to Heaven.

Those in hell and those who will go to Hell will be there until the Day of Judgment when they will be cast into the eternal Lake of Fire.

Revelation 20:14 – 15 – “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

2 Thessalonians 1:8 – 9 – “He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

Revelation 14:10 – 12 – “they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.”

Revelation 20:15 – “Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”

In many churches today, ministers do not preach about hell. I heard a number of sermons, but it was the one preached about hell that led me to my conversion. If the Bible is God’s Word and He tells us there are two places we will go after death, I was not willing to gamble with where I would spend eternity. I have seen enough supernatural things happen in my life to confirm that I made the right decision. How about you? Do you profess to be a Christian but live as the world lives, uncommitted to the gospel of Jesus Christ living a holy life? If you are still very self-centered, you probably have not totally surrendered and have allowed the Holy Spirit to guide you daily. However, if you have, this is what God promises:

I Peter 1:4 – “and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,” Hebrews 13:5 – “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Matthew 6:31 tells us God will meet our needs. 1 John 5:14–15– “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Philippians 4:7 – God will give us peace and guard our hearts. Romans 8:39 No one can separate us from the love of God. John 14:1 – 3 Christ promises, He will take us to heaven with Him. Is eternity worth living for Christ?

Success results from one’s character and knowing one’s purpose. It is also making a commitment to excellence and having the discipline to achieve. Most successful people need core values as to what they believe in order to make correct decisions consistently. The Bible tells the importance of being truthful; being decisive and honorable will lead to success. I have had the privilege of having attended many leadership seminars. I have read many, many books on successful leadership and rules of becoming successful. I have studied Scripture almost daily, for more than fifty years. My background is a high school coach, a production foreman for Birds Eye Frozen Foods, 23 years as a store manager for Montgomery Ward and 28 years as a business consultant and financial advisor. Following is what I have been taught:

Successful people are usually early risers. They are people who prepare and are organized. Their confidence comes from their accomplishments and achievements. They are ones who believe they can be successful and expect to be. Let me stress, success starts with knowing your purpose in life. Scripture tells us, God’s purpose for us is never an afterthought; it was planned prior to our birth. The Bible is very clear that God has a purpose for us and he created us with the abilities to fulfill whatever that purpose might be.

Satan has an agenda to keep us from performing what God had intended for us. Satan plants the seeds of insecurity, low self-esteem, unworthiness and even fear to stop us from completing what God intended. He may use parents, siblings, teachers or employers to put us down. It seems he finds ways to discourage and defeat us, but only if we allow it. Most people live lives with God-given gifts that they have never developed or used. Successful people overcome the negative thinking that we confront daily. What would the world be like if we all sought God’s intended purpose and we used our talents to go with it? There is a time coming when that will happen, it is called the Millennium or a 1000 years when Christ rules.

Confidence is an area that many people feel inadequate. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Confidence can result from believing God, through the Holy Spirit, He wants us to be successful and prosperous. We are told He will meet our needs. God wants to use our competitive spirit to be flexible, be a risk taker and to increase our faith and courage. Confidence often comes from adequate preparation, repetition and experience. When favorable results occur, give God the credit as He is the one who will help you become successful. We must have a humble spirit. The Bible teaches to be meek. That does not mean weak. There are times that require sternness.

Here are a number of things the Bible teaches a successful person to do: You must have a vision, goal or purpose in whatever you are doing. There must be clarity of purpose. Too often, people have too many uncertainties and their purpose is not transparent.

The Apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:7 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” and “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” . I Corinthians 10:31b

Too many Christians believe that unless they live and work as the world does, they will be at a disadvantage. Some claim that instead of using biblical principles and standards, they have no choice but to be aggressive and to do whatever it takes to survive in today’s workplace. As far as they are concerned, survival in the workplace jungle demands that successful people must be both ruthless and aggressive. Christians who separate their spiritual lives from the workplace must address the question of ruthlessness from a “bottom line” perspective or doing whatever is necessary to become a success. We believe that you must never be aggressive; you can do better by being assertive.

Is there a difference between being aggressive and assertive? Let me interject a fine distinction between being aggressive and assertive. Aggressiveness employs a combative attitude. Its means are severe and intense. The goal is the all in all. The aggressive person mows down anyone or anything that gets in the way of reaching the goal. Assertiveness, however, is boldness or confidence. The way one reaches the goal is as important as reaching the goal, but not at the expense of hurting others or utilizing questionable tactics. An example of success, with an aggressive behavior, is Mr. Trump running for president. My recommendation is to be more assertive and humble. That example is more Carly Fiorina, also running for president. Can you see aggressiveness is the world’s way and assertiveness is God’s way?

So I ask the question: How important is success to you? You must first define what success means to you. Is it living and working to please God, or to please others? What is more important: accumulating a lot of stuff, or seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness? Is wealth and material goods your goal, or are they the by-product of serving God and putting Him first? Christ was the most powerful person ever to live. What was most important to Him? Was it His mission to gain fame and notoriety, or to set an example that others could follow? He is our example! We were placed on this earth to live by that example and to lead in changing the hearts of others that they too might be Christian examples. Success is also determining one’s purpose and pursuing it with all the passion one has and doing whatever you have chosen; do it to please God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in making every major decision.

The more we study the Bible and become more spiritual and Christ-like the greater is our motivation, we are more energized, enthused and it usually raises our productivity. We have a greater commitment to following the teachings of Christ. We become more trusting and obedient to the commandments of God. As our attitudes change, we learn to love rather than hate, to forgive rather than be unforgiving. As our spiritual condition gradually changes, our perspectives on life should change. We can overcome the hindrances of being critical, jealous, greedy, prideful, having unbelief or lustful. There is a worldly success and a spiritual success. We want to be successful in the eyes of God and not necessarily in the world’s eyes.

This Sunday will be the fourth blood moon that falls on a Jewish religious holiday. In Las Vegas, NV it will occur between 7:15 p.m. and 8:00. Only four times will this have happened in the past 500 years. The previous three have seen supernatural events occur after each time. We believe these are signs from God alerting the world that a special situation will occur.

No one knows what will occur or when it will happen. You may have heard all kinds of predictions. The Bible says that anyone who predicts a certain thing will happen at a particular day or hour is a FALSE PROPHET. Matthew 24:36 – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” NIV

Continue to live a normal life, realizing that there is a God, and be prepared for whatever may occur. Every Bible believing Christian understands that the world is living the way the end time’s prophecy indicates. However, we cannot predict how close that will be. All Jesus told us was to always be prepared spiritually. If you are, only good things are ahead and we are told not to worry.

A real rarity is about to take place. We can see the fourth blood moon that will fall on a Jewish holiday. On April 15, 2014 there was a blood moon or a lunar eclipse. This occurred on Passover. Another blood moon appeared on October 8, 2014 on Feast of the Tabernacles. Then again a blood moon happened on April 4, 2015 on Passover and one will occur again on September 28, 2015, again on Feast of the Tabernacles, for the fourth consecutive time. Anytime there have been four lunar eclipses in a row, where the moon turns blood red, each appearing on a Jewish holiday, a major event has occurred. In the past 500 plus years, it has occurred three times and now will be the fourth.

Genesis 1:14 – “And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years.”

Joel 2:30 – 31 – “I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.”

Acts 2:20 – “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.”

For those who are unaware, in 1492 during four blood moons the Spanish inquisition of Jews occurred. All Jews were told to convert to Catholicism or leave the country. Many of those who stayed were killed. That same year an Italian Jew, Columbus, who was mostly financially supported by Jewish investors set sailed and discovered the American continent at San Salvador. Some believe many Jews from the lost tribes of Israel migrated to England. From England, some were believed to have converted to Christianity and they came to help settle America. America may have been created partly to protect Jewish citizens from those lost tribes, as well as militarily protection for Israel.

In 1948, the next time that there were four blood red moons falling on Jewish religious holidays, Israel on May 14, 1948 became a homeland to the Israelites and an official country. God began calling Jews from all over the world to return to their God-given covenant land as previously prophesized.

The next time this lunar eclipse phenomenon occurred was in 1967. Israel was attacked by Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon and they repelled their enemies. The war lasted six days and Israel captured Sinai, Golan Heights, Gaza Strip and the West Bank. They were able to unify control over Jerusalem their covenant land. The Soviet Union supplied most of their enemies’ military equipment and economic assistance. President Lyndon Johnson rallied to assist Israel. During this war there were a number of supernatural events that happened and the Jews believed it was because God was on their side.

Since the U. S. has withdrawn from its power to keep peace, we have seen wars in Iraq and in Syria. We are seeing Russian personnel seemingly, to partially take over Syria. Syria is one of the nations with Russia, Iran and other nations that seem to be getting ready for war against Israel as described in Ezekiel, chapters 38 & 39.

It has been announced that the UN has authorized a Palestine flag be flown outside the UN building in NYC. It is also rumored that the UN will pronounce that Palestine can become a state. It is thought that the UN will require Israel to give up the West Bank and part of Jerusalem. It is also believed that while Pope Francis is here, he and President Obama will agree with that recommendation. The Vatican announced that it had already made a treaty with the “state of Palestine.” As many as 135 countries recognized Palestine as a state. The Pope has angered a number of Jewish people. The Pope is also said to have brokered the agreement between the U.S. and Cuba.

The Bible tells us that the land Israel is occupying belongs to God. He has only given Israel permission to use it. If Israel’s land is divided as the UN supposedly will recommend, it is very possible that God could become angry!!! The Prophet Joel indicates 2:18 – “Then the LORD was jealous for his land and took pity on his people.”

As you read this, keep in mind the following Scripture: Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

God must keep His promise. If He says He will curse a nation that curses Israel, it will be done. Up until recently, God has been blessing America to be the most prosperous nation ever. If God has cause to curse America, what could actually happen?

My belief is that what happens after September 28 is prophesized in the Bible. However, we will not know what that will be until after it happens. Throughout the years God has made Himself known to the Israelites. They continued to deny His existence and worshipped hand-made idols. Their continual disobedience to His will and His Commandments made God angry and He often punished them. From AD 70 to 1948 they were spread throughout the world with no homeland available. For those who knew the Old Testament realized that there would be a day when God would bring them back to the land He promised as their inheritance. So we wait with anticipation hoping that the coming event will be a positive and not a negative.

We as American Christians must realize that God has not always been a protective God. When we read of past Jewish history, we understand that God only accepts so much sin and then He disciplines: Twice Israel was destroyed as a nation. In 586 the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar totally destroyed the nation, Jerusalem and the temple. After 70 years they returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Some 650 years later in 70 AD the Romans totally destroyed Israel, Jerusalem and the temple. They were no longer a nation for 1,878 years. The Old Testament prophets predicted that the nation would again take place in the future, thus proving that God kept His word. Another four blood moons occurred and on June 1967, through another war, Jerusalem became the unified capital of Israel. There is no other nation that was once totally destroyed and its people dispersed throughout the world and survived. Israel was driven out and twice destroyed. The Hebrew language was almost extinct. Today, the Israelis speak Hebrew, their original language. One promise of many promises that is still to be fulfilled is the rebuilding of the Temple on the Temple Mount.

So what may we expect on September 28? My recommendation is to be spiritually prepared for whatever happens. The Bible emphasizes that no one knows when Christ returns but are expected to be ready to meet Him.

“This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.” (Psalm 91:2 – 6)

Many suffer from worry and fear and some do constantly. Christians are told not to worry or be afraid for God is with us through His Spirit that is within us. The world is filled with evil and many are fearful that something dreadful might happen. There are so many promises in Scripture that those having the Holy Spirit in their lives will be safe and protected. No matter how intense our fears may be, we must trust that whatever might occur, God knows about it prior to it happening. That doesn’t mean we will never be sick or be in an accident. It means that God is watching over us every second. God wants us to have faith and a trust that He is with us. In fact, God wants us to live an abundant life filled with joy, no matter our present situation or our future.

James 1:2 – 4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

How many people do you know that have overcome their doubts and fears, then found lasting happiness? Happiness and pleasure is usually a temporary state that we received from favorable external sources. When these external circumstances become unfavorable we often find ourselves unhappy. Human nature seeks to be happy and joyful. How long does joy last when a person is fearful? When some find joy difficult to achieve, many seek addictions as an escape from the frustrations of life. It is this carnal nature that believes happiness and joy only comes from the world’s pleasures. Many find themselves in an unhappy situation and are looking for ways to change their external surroundings.

The entire world is looking for joy in their lives, as defined in Webster’s dictionary. It is described as an emotional feeling of having good things, living a delightful life and generally having a feeling of gladness. However, fear can destroy all happiness and joy if it only comes through the world’s pleasures.

There is a joy given by the Holy Spirit. This joy is described as a “fruit of the Spirit”. This joy is continuous and is experienced even going through difficult times and times of fear. This Spirit is given to us when we accept Christ as our Savior and it is there to build our faith and trust that God is our protector and will guide us.

The Apostle Paul says it was this inner joy that encouraged him during his times of imprisonment and his many trials. It is this spiritual joy that encouraged Paul to press on and be enthusiastic toward the goal of living for Christ as he encountered difficult external circumstances. We too can have that same spiritual joy that keeps us positive and trusting as we encounter difficult and fearful times.

Often we do not have a joyful life if we feel threatened. Most do not realize how paralyzing fear can be in one’s life. Many fear the threat of failing and are unwilling to take risks. Does God want us to fail? That fear comes from a lack of faith and not being able to trust God.

Matthew 6:25 – 27 – “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

Jesus tells us not to worry about things that God can supply us with. Fear and worrying can affect one’s health, keep you from being productive or lessen you ability to trust that God will protect and meet your needs. Fear and worrying can immobilize us to the point we are unable to have the abundant and joyful life that Christ promised. If we can only believe that God promises to protect us at all times, through all situations, can we have the life that we are promised as Christians. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT NOW?

Rumor has it that our president and Pope Francis are agreeing to recognize Palestine as a state and will require Israel, through the UN, to give up the West Bank and half of Jerusalem. It is believed they also see a one world government and a one world religion. Are we nearing the end of the age and fulfilling Bible prophecy?

It appears we are getting closer to the end times when we will need the protection of God. We do not know how many years that will be. When those times come will we be spiritually prepared? A mark will be required on everyone in order to buy or sell. If a believer is unwilling to accept that mark, they could be beheaded. As everything unfolds remember, we are to trust God and live a life filled with joy to the very end. How we handle all of the chaos, will depend on our relationship with Christ. Do we really believe God will protect us and give us joy? Shouldn’t we believe the Bible?

It is surprising that many Christians I know are unreceptive to the idea that they can have an advantage in whatever they do. They find having the Holy Spirit as an advantage, is more wishful thinking instead of actual fact. Their skepticism sounds like: “Yeah, yeah, I’m saved and go to church, but how can this Godly advantage you talk about help me deal with others and in facing life’s problems”? The Christian advantage is similar to salvation—it is not earned; it is a gift. And though the Christian advantage is a gift, its application requires some effort.

Let’s define advantage as having beneficial circumstances, being in a favorable position, or prosperity. It gives you the confidence and ability to deal wisely with everything thrown at you and to come out on top, knowing God has a purpose in it all. It enables you to turn hopeless-looking situations into favorable ones.

The word “advantage” must not be confused with the word “guarantee”. People who enjoy an advantage are more likely to succeed than fail, but they have no guarantees. For example, if a person possesses the characteristics of a marathon runner (large strong heart, muscle cells with large and abundant mitochondria; and long slender legs) they have an advantage over those who do not share these characteristics. They have beneficial circumstances, but simply having this physical advantage (ability) is no guarantee they will win any or all marathons.

Once we recognize: Our advantage is the gift of the Holy Spirit, secured by an all-out commitment to serve Christ and trusting Him to guide every aspect of our life. Unfortunately, for various reasons, we must convince Christians to believe in and learn how to obtain the advantage Scripture tells us we can have and also how we get it.

Acts 2:36–38 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Once an individual has done the above, the Holy Spirit becomes our partner, making available to us that advantage every minute of every day. So we must ask this question: Does the Holy Spirit want each of us, having the Holy Spirit, to become successful? Is He with us to meet our needs? We then must realize that we must ask Him for help and guidance.

How often have you heard a Christian say: “I don’t feel worthy or good enough?” This is normal because we will never be good enough on our own and we don’t feel worthy because we aren’t. Scripture tells us that when we receive the Holy Spirit, He makes us worthy—something that is impossible for most normal Christians to do without Him. So what is the problem that you still don’t believe you have an advantage? More often than not, it is an issue of faith and trusting God. But until we begin trusting God and His Word, we can miss the advantage that is available to us.

We have established that the Holy Spirit comes into our lives when we receive Jesus. He helps us make wise, moral and ethical decisions. He guides, supports and directs as we learn to live as Christ lived. Do we consult Him as we would a flesh and blood partner? Or do we relegate Him to silent partner status? If I had a business partner who never consulted with me and did whatever he wanted, whenever he chose, I would think he didn’t want nor need my input and as soon as possible I would get out of the partnership. These Christians do not tend to miss His valuable assistance. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit doesn’t give up on people who continually ignore Him.

When the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us, He gives us faith to believe God’s promises and to depend on Him for everything we need. When we use faith, like muscles that are exercised, it grows, allowing us to believe and trust God ever more fully.

The Holy Spirit brings to us a supernatural life. He brings truth to light to guard against deception and provides heavenly wisdom to discern right from wrong. He empowers and counsels us so we may not become discouraged. He gives us grace that we might live a happy, abundant life and holiness so that we may overcome our self-centered natures. He gives us love so that we can be content.

Not everyone claiming to be a Christian has the advantage. Many believers desire to live as the world does and reject the work of the Holy Spirit in every facet of their lives. As a result, they deny the advantage they could have. Living a Holy Spirit—led life does not mean we can’t enjoy nice things, have nice homes, drive good cars and treat our families to luxuries. It does mean allowing the Holy Spirit free reign to check our decisions and we are to pray continually for guidance. Our self-centered natures and pride will always fight for control of our lives; therefore, we must decide: How much control are we willing to give the Holy Spirit? This will depend on how much advantage you will obtain and how much success in life you will have.

Joseph had a dream and he told his brothers. They became very angry with him. He had another dream and they planned on killing him. I had a dream and will not share it. Have you ever had a dream that when telling others, they reacted negatively to it?

Genesis 37:5 – 9 – “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.”

September 17, 2001 was the beginning of America’s economic problems. The next big crash of the stock market was September 29, 2008. September 17, 2015 is the final 60 days that congress has to vote down the nuclear agreement John Kerry and President Obama has with Iran. We believe this will not happen and it will begin what Ezekiel says will be the war against Israel.

A war with Israel is described in chapters 38 and 39 of Ezekiel. We read in Ezekiel 39:2 – 4 – “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal; prophesy against him…..I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army—your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.”

Russia leads Iran, Turkey, Libya, Ethiopia and parts of Eastern Europe. It is believed that Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria could be destroyed in this battle. Magog is identified as Russia and Meshech is Moscow and Tubal is Turkey.

Turkey belongs to NATO and has a military treaty with Israel. Turkey must line up with Russia and Iran for the battle to begin. We have witnessed Turkey turning on Israel when they assisted in the attempt to push through Israel’s blockade of Gaza and the Hamas.

We must keep in mind that this is Biblical interpretation and not everyone agrees. In fact, most of the world would not agree. Otherwise, nations would leave Israel alone. It is very clear that God is going to protect Israel and nations are going to try to destroy them. If this does not happen then the Bible has been very misleading and I can’t accept that. We also know this all happens after Israel becomes a nation as it did in 1948, over 1800 years without being a nation.

Also remember that Palestine has never been a nation. They last resided in Lebanon and they were kicked out in 1920 and came to Israel’s covenant land. The only claim the Palestinians has is that they got there 28 years before Israel was mandated as a legitimate country, but Palestine had never been a legal nation. They were just descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Esau was a son of Isaac whose father was Abraham. From Jacob came the twelve tribes of Israel. To some degree Ishmael, Abrahams illegitimate son and Esau, Jacob’s brother, were descendents of Abraham and are fighting against their relatives that came from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This makes Jerusalem and the covenant land a vital part of each family’s heritage. But other nations having a large population of Muslins want to destroy Israel to prove that Mohammed and the Koran is correct and Jesus and our Bible are not. Muslims believe destroying Israel will allow the twelfth Imam, their messiah Mahdi, to come back and rule the earth. Whereas, we believe Jesus will come back to rule the world for a 1000 years. Then there will come a new heaven and the new earth. Our present earth will be destroyed by fire according to II Peter 3:7 – “By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”

For years many have said something had to happen to the U.S., either weakened or losing its super-power status. We have seen President Obama and his administration and Pope Francis become pro-Palestine and anti-Israel. It is believed, regardless what happens to Israel; they will find a way to not support them. We are then told that a poll showed many Jewish people in America who support Obama agreeing that the United States does not need to support Israel when they are attacked.

During this war, God will make Himself known. Ezekiel 38:23 – “And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.” It is starting to make sense. But if this is true, we are very close to the end or future presidents will also agree to no longer support Israel. Or, our national debt could be so great that we would be unable to finance any support for Israel. It is projected to reach $20 trillion shortly and that could financially cripple us. Are we getting close to a stock market crash? Should we not be praying for America?

God waits until the Armies led by Russia touch covenant land before He stops them. That is when prophecy states He must stop them to keep His promise to Israel. The destruction takes place on the Mountains of Israel. Ezekiel 38:21 – 22 – “I will summon a sword against Gog on all my mountains, declares the Sovereign LORD. Every man’s sword will be against his brother. I will execute judgment upon him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.”

When this happens, Israel and other nations will realize who is God. Even Muslims will recognize that they have been worshipping the wrong God. This is when we will see the great spiritual revival giving everyone one a last chance to accept Christ as their Savior.

Peace comes over Israel for a period of time and this could be right away or in a number of years. Then the final war begins, the war of Armageddon. The Bible says, in these days, many will be scoffers and not believe any of this is likely. In fact, many believe that accepting the nuclear agreement with Iran will create peace throughout the world. The Bible also says there will be many false prophets during these times. Who will you believe: False prophets or the Bible?