Blessings :: By Nathele Graham

Published on: by RR10 Category:General Articles, Nathele Graham

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).

Life can be a challenge at times. Too often, we think that once we have accepted Christ for salvation, life will be easy. Oh, if only that were true. We forget that we still live in a fallen world and have free will.

We have no way to see the future, so when we make a decision based upon the limits of our human sight, we can find ourselves making poor choices. For instance, if you decide to marry a person who is not a Christian or who has very different values from you, there can be rough consequences, but God can turn even our worst choices into blessings.

Our choices in life have a direct effect on the joy we experience in life. Every decision we make should be made only after talking to God and listening to His guidance. In spite of poor choices and troubling times, we have more blessings than we can count. Life itself is a blessing. Even though we may have some tough times, we have many blessings directly from God.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS by Johnson Oatman, Jr.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

We only have to look to Christ’s disciples to see that even having a close relationship and walk with Him, they still had trouble and faced fear. My thoughts jump to the time when Jesus and His disciples were crossing the sea. Jesus had nothing to fear, so he was able to get some rest, but a storm arose. These men had seen many miracles and care from Jesus, but when they were tested, they reacted like most of us would.

“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” (Mark 4:38).

Of course, Jesus cared, but in the time of trouble, they forgot that He always cares. “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39-40).

How often do we forget that Jesus cares? Faith is easy when things run smoothly, but when the storms come, remember the blessings. Counting blessings in good times and bad will bring into focus just exactly how much Jesus cares about each of us.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

Quite often, when the storms in life arise, it’s because of choices we have made. We all sin and make choices that aren’t good. Yet, we blame God for the problems. Still, Jesus is there to help us through. There isn’t a sin so big that Jesus won’t forgive. The Apostle Paul had a huge burden of sin, but when he met Jesus, he repented and was able to serve Jesus until he died.

If you think that God has turned away from you, just start counting your blessings. Where do you begin? Well, you were given the blessing of life. Not only life on this earth, but if you’ve accepted Jesus, then you have life eternal.

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he love us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved:)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). 

That is truly a blessing. I remember reading about Fanny Crosby, who wrote many beloved hymns, but was blind. She counted her blindness as a blessing, because she said that when she died and she was able to see, the first sight she would see would be Jesus. I know Jesus will outshine the beauty found in His creation, but Fanny Crosby would experience sight by seeing Jesus first. What a blessing!!

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Riches in this life can come at a very high cost. There will always be someone who seems to have more than you. The bottom line is that lands and gold will not bring salvation; only faith in Jesus Christ can do that. Real treasure is what you give in Jesus’ name. I’m not talking about tithing to your church, but what you give to help others that will bring glory to Jesus. Make Jesus the foundation of your life and build on that foundation.

“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:11-13).

Every Christian will stand before Jesus one day. We are not saved by works, but our works will be judged. “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:14-15).

As you count your blessings, ask God to show you how to use them to bless others in His name. Things done for His glory will earn eternal rewards. Even Buckingham Palace will look like a shack compared to what is waiting for all who serve Jesus.

“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” (John 14:2). That promise is counted as a blessing.

So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

We live in a fallen world, and trouble is all around us. Sometimes it’s easy to think that previous generations had it easier, or that the heroes in Scripture weren’t troubled like we are. That just isn’t true. In his second letter to the congregation in Corinth, Paul spoke of a time when he was greatly troubled.

“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:” (2 Corinthians 1:8).

Suffering may not seem like a blessing, but if we use our trials and tribulations to glorify God, our troubles can bless others. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 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. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:3-6).

Suffering may not seem like a blessing, but when you use your own sufferings to help others in their time of trouble, you are a blessing to others. God is always with you and will see you through troubles. None of us can ever suffer what Christ suffered in order to purchase our salvation. That is a blessing of too great a value to even take lightly.

Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

If you are having a sleepless night, try counting blessings. Thank God for each one. You may not fall asleep before daylight, but you will have seen how much God loves you. Now it’s time to share His blessings with others. Smile at someone who seems weighted down by burdens and cares. Share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear it. Share how God has blessed you even when you weren’t aware of His blessings.

God bless you all

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

 

Anxious :: By Daymond Duck

Published on: by RR10 Category:Daymond Duck, General Articles

I receive dozens of e-mails from Rapture Ready readers every day.

A few readers send me several e-mails every day.

They want to be sure that I didn’t miss important reports, and some hope that I will alert others.

I have already read most of the articles they send, but I receive a few articles about things that I was unaware of.

I try to pass on reports about things that I believe people should know.

I receive a few e-mails from readers that tell me they are anxious for the Rapture to happen.

Quite often, they want to join deceased loved ones in heaven (some are sick, elderly, lonesome, etc.).

Some say:

  • I can’t wait for the Rapture to happen.
  • I wish the Rapture would happen today.
  • I hope I don’t have to wait a long time until Jesus comes for His church.
  • I hope I don’t have to wait until the Feast of Trumpets arrives next year.
  • The sooner the better.
  • There will be something in the news about world government, a global ID, Iran threatening to attack Israel, or whatever, and they will say hooray, glory, hallelujah, it means we are getting close.

This is the point: a few people, not all, are anxious for the Rapture to happen.

Here are some recent events that seem to indicate that the end of the age is close:

One, on Nov. 6, 2025, Pres. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced that Kazakhstan will join the Abraham Accords.

Some prophecy teachers believe the Abraham Accords could lead to a covenant of peace with many in the Middle East that may be confirmed by the Antichrist in the future.

We cannot be sure of that, but it bears watching.

Two, following the announcement that Kazakhstan will sign the Abraham Accords, the Prophecy News Watch (PNW) staff posted an excellent article on Nov. 8, 2025, that, among other things, says:

>For decades, peace in the Middle East was thought to be impossible without addressing the deep rift between Israel and her Arab neighbors. Yet under the Abraham Accords, barriers have fallen one by one. Bahrain, the UAE, Morocco, and Sudan have all entered into agreements with Israel, shifting regional alliances and reshaping global diplomacy.

>Now, the attention turns to Saudi Arabia. If Saudi Arabia signs on, it would be nothing short of historic — not only politically and economically, but spiritually. It would mark the most significant normalization between Israel and the Arab world since the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948.

>The current peace deals are political, not prophetic. Yet, they represent something unprecedented: Israel, a nation once surrounded by sworn enemies, is now finding open doors in the very lands that once sought her destruction. And now, we are watching as one Muslim nation after another edges closer to formal peace.

>If a day comes when Israel enters a sweeping, all-encompassing treaty with “many” nations — particularly if that agreement includes time-bound commitments or global oversight — prophecy-minded believers will take notice. That may be the beginning of Daniel’s seventieth week, the final countdown before Christ’s return. This leaves us watching carefully. Not panicking, not speculating wildly, but staying spiritually alert.

>We’re living in extraordinary times — times when headlines and Scripture seem to intertwine more closely than ever before.

>Kazakhstan’s entry into the Abraham Accords is not just a diplomatic headline. It’s a reminder that the world is moving — swiftly, quietly — toward something larger. As more nations line up, as Saudi Arabia weighs its next move, and as global leaders talk about “peace in our time,” we would be wise to keep our hearts grounded in the Word of God.

>The Abraham Accords may not be the final covenant foretold in Daniel — but they may be the prelude to something much bigger. Whether we are witnessing history’s greatest peace initiative or the quiet setup for the events of Revelation, one thing is certain: God’s hand is still moving in the nations.

The above is just some of what the article said. Here is a link to the entire article:

https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=9087

(More: On Nov. 9, 2025, it was reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman will visit the White House next week for talks with Pres. Trump, and it could open the path for Saudi Arabia to agree to the Abraham Accords. But to do that, Bin Salman is requiring that Israel agrees to move forward with the Two-State Solution.)

(FYI: According to the Bible, the Two-State Solution will move the world toward the Battle of Armageddon. Gaza is part of the land that God promised to Israel, and He has warned the world not to divide it. He knows what Kushner, Witkoff, and Bin Salmon are trying to do. He knew what they would try to do before they were born. He does not go back on His promises. With God, a promise made is a promise kept, and a warning from heaven should not be ignored.)

Three, concerning deceit: on Nov. 6, 2025, Amy Mek, an investigative reporter for the RAIR Foundation USA, suggested that,

  • Muslims are turning “Freedom of Religion” against America.
  • Instead of using “Freedom of Religion” to protect Americans’ private religious beliefs, Muslims are using it to establish a foreign political system in America (Sharia laws that seek to control what people believe).
  • Islam is a political system disguised as a religion.
  • The U.S. Constitution protects faith in America, not Islamic foreign conquest of America.

(My opinion: This is leading to division in America, the decline of America, and ultimately the persecution of non-Muslims in America.)

Four, concerning the empowerment of Islam in America: on Nov. 9, 2025, the RAIR Foundation said, “This week, terror-linked Islamic organizations are celebrating a stunning milestone: a record forty-two Muslim candidates elected to public office across the United States, the most significant wave of Muslim political victories in American history.”

(FYI: A few weeks ago, a high-ranking Muslim said, “We have 4,000 mosques in the country…. If each mosque funds five students in journalism, filmmaking, political science, and law… by 2050, we will have 100,000 of each — and we will run for office at all levels of government” (in the U.S.)

Five, concerning the Holy Spirit drawing the Jews back to Israel at the end of the age: on Nov. 8, 2025, a reader sent an article to me that says Israel Channel 14 is reporting that:

  • More than 590 Jewish companies from New York have declared their intent to move to Israel.
  • A Jewish agency is already working on preparations for the relocation of up to 1,500,000 Jews from the city and surrounding suburbs.

(My comment: I am not familiar with the source of this report, but if this is true, it will be a major fulfillment of God’s Word, evidence that God can bring good out of all things, and a major blow to New York City for electing Mamdani.)

(More: On Nov. 10, 2025, an investigative reporter said leaked documents prepared by a group called the Democratic Socialists of America spell out a plan to pressure Mamdani to push an anti-Israel agenda in New York City.)

Six, concerning an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters at the end of the age: on Nov. 6, 2025, it was reported that Typhoon Kalmaegi killed 114 people in the Philippines (the deadliest disaster to hit there), left 127 missing, and it is now battering Vietnam with 24 inches of rain, gusts up to 137 mph, 10-foot waves.

537,000 people have been evacuated, mostly by boat, and about 2 million people have been impacted. The damage is extensive, and many are without electricity.

(Update: As of Nov. 8, 2025, it has been confirmed that more than 200 were killed by Kalmaegi in the Philippines.)

(More: On Nov. 8, 2025, it was reported that a second typhoon will strike the Philippines on Nov. 9-10, 2025.)

Seven, concerning Iran and the possibility that God’s judgment is falling on Iran for its never-ending attempts to destroy Israel: on Nov. 8, 2025, it was reported that:

  • President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Iran’s capital, Tehran, might have to be evacuated if there are no rains in the next two months.
  • He said, “If it doesn’t rain, we will have to start restricting water supplies in Tehran next month. If the drought continues, we will run out of water and be forced to evacuate the city.”
  • He called the situation “extremely critical,” and cited reports that Tehran’s dam reservoirs have fallen to their lowest level in 60 years.
  • According to the director of the Tehran Water Company, the largest water reservoir serving the capital currently holds 14 million cubic meters, compared to 86 million at the same time last year.
  • Latyan Dam, another key reservoir, is only about nine percent full. “Latyan’s water storage is just nine million cubic meters,” Deputy Energy Minister Mohammad Javanbakht said recently, calling the situation “critical.”

(FYI: The Bible says God will send an angel to dry up the Euphrates River to make way for the Kings of the East to enter the Middle East; Rev. 16:12.)

(FYI: Some think Iran’s water shortage could cause Iran to covet Israel’s desalination technology.)

Eight, on Nov. 7, 2025, it was reported that Turkey has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 36 other Israeli officials.

Most prophecy teachers believe Turkey will join Russia, Iran, and several Islamic allies in an attack on Israel (called the Battle of Gog of Magog) in the latter years and latter days (Ezek. 38-39).

(Update: On Nov. 9, 2025, Israel’s Defense Min. said the real genocide is Turkey’s massacre of the Kurds.)

(More: Turkey wants to join Pres. Trump’s International Stabilization Force in the Gaza Strip. But because of Turkey’s animosity toward Israel, on Nov. 9, 2025, an Israeli spokesperson said Israel will not agree to the deployment of Turkish soldiers in the Gaza Strip, and Israel is opposed to Turkish involvement in the reconstruction of Gaza. Netanyahu said Israel will not allow Turkish boots on the ground in the Gaza Strip.)

Nine, concerning wars and rumors of wars at the end of the age (and possibly implications for the Battle of Gog of Magog): on Nov. 9, 2025, the New York Times reported that:

  • Another outbreak of war between Israel and Iranis only a matter of time.
  • Negotiations (with Iran) appear to be dead, and Iran’s claims that its 11 nuclear weaponsare either buried or under rubble are not convincing to Israel.
  • With no negotiations underway, no certainty on Iran’s stockpile, and no nuclear oversight, another Israeli attack is almost inevitable.
  • An Iranian official said Iran is likely to respond to an attack from Israel in a less restrained way than it did in June.

Ten, concerning Pres. Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan and peace in the Middle East: on Nov. 11, 2025, PA Pres. Mahmoud Abbas will visit French Pres. Macron to discuss a full implementation of a ceasefire, and peace and safety in the Middle East.

Macron (who has already recognized the creation of a Palestinian State) said that reforming the P.A. is “an essential condition for the lasting return of stability and the emergence of a viable, democratic and sovereign Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel.”

“Peace and security” can also be translated “peace and safety.”

(Update: Hamas agreed to return all the bodies of the hostages in Phase I of Trump’s 20-Point Peace plan, but it has still not returned 4 of the bodies.)

(Update: Hamas said it will return the body of another hostage at 8 p.m. Gaza time on Nov. 13, 2025. Israel believes Hamas knows where the remains of the other 3 are.)

Eleven, concerning wars and rumors of wars at the end of the age: on Nov. 7, 2025, U.S. Sec. of the Dept. of War, Pete Hegseth, stated that the U.S. is placing the U.S. acquisition system on a wartime footing.

He believes it is taking the Pentagon bureaucracy and America’s industrial base too long to act and prepare for war in this modern world.

He wants to speed up the process for purchasing and building weapons and equipment, and shorten the time to prepare for war if needed.

Twelve, concerning wickedness and violence (days of Noah) at the end of the age: it was recently reported that:

  • FBI Director Kash Patel admitted that there are now “110,000 gang members”living in Chicago.
  • They outnumber the police by about a 10 to 1 margin, and there are many neighborhoods that are simply not safe for anyone to go into at night.

Thirteen, concerning a falling away in the church at the end of the age: on Nov. 12, 2025, the Prophecy News Watch staff reported that:

  • A shocking ceremony in Berlin has once again exposed the moral collapse of the modern church. A so-called pastor — a 33-year-old youth minister named Lena Müller — stood outside a Protestant church and blessed the “marriage” of four men to each other. Yes, four. Two Latvians, a Thai citizen, and a Spaniard stood hand in hand as Müller pronounced them “married in the eyes of God.”
  • When the church ceases to stand on Scripture, it doesn’t simply drift off course — it sinks into the depths of moral confusion. If we allow the redefinition of marriage to include four men, why not five? Why not ten? If “love” is the only standard, where does it end? Why not bless polygamy, or polyamory, or whatever new permutation fallen humanity dreams up next?
  • When the church ceases to define sin, society will define it for us. And society has made its verdict clear: feelings are god, and truth is hate speech.

FYI: God does not send anyone to Hell (all of us are born with a sin nature and destined to go to Hell because we sin), but God has provided a way (Jesus) for everyone to go to Heaven (and He is the only way to get there; John 14:6).

Finally, are you Rapture Ready?

If you want to be rapture ready and go to heaven, you must be born again (John 3:3). God loves you, and if you have not done so, sincerely admit that you are a sinner; believe that Jesus is the virgin-born, sinless Son of God, who died for the sins of the world, was buried, and raised from the dead; ask Him to forgive your sins, cleanse you, come into your heart and be your Saviour; then tell someone that you have done this.

duck_daymond@yahoo.com