If there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any sharing of the Spirit, any warmth of affection and deep sympathy, then complete my happiness by being united in thought, love and agreement. Never act from motives of selfishness or conceit, but in humility think more of others than you do of yourself. [Put others first!] Look after the interests of others, as well as yourself.
Do all you have to do without complaining or arguing, so that you may be God's child: blameless, innocent, ...in the middle of an evil and warped world, but shining like a beacon in a dark place holding out the Word of Life to others. Thus you will be my pride and joy on the day when Jesus returns, proof that I did not.... work in vain. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice! Let your faith shine before all men. The Lord is near!
Excerpts from Philippians chapter 2
The coming of Jesus is not just talk - its close. Choose Jesus now!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Monday, December 23, 2013
Freedom of Opinion - Public School
Public elementary school, District 66 in Omaha, Nebraska, had many memorable, spiritual moments! For instance in two different grades our teachers treated us to Uncle Arthur’s Bedtime Stories and Your Story Hour records. In sixth grade we discussed Noah's Flood, the long lives of pre-Flood people, the people of Hunza, why Pilgrim women did not wear make-up, and how our weekdays received their names from paganism.
In Glee Club and school choir, grades 1 through 12, we sang songs based on the Old Testament and this in Public School! However, when I checked out a Bible from the school library the principal promptly reprimanded me, saying Bible reading was for the home!
In Elementary School my class had four Jewish students and three of them were in the top five students! The reason for this, I believe, was their home life, which I witnessed first hand, even on Yom Kippur! In the Jewish home television was only for special events. After meals the dining room was used for study, the living room was for quiet play, and the bedroom was used only for sleeping. The parents were present, either in the dining room or living room, at all times to encourage, teach, and supervise.
In sixth grade all the students explained different aspects of their religions (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Atheist). From these discussions the varied backgrounds understood each other better. We were taught everyone has the right to believe as they wish despite anyone's opinion to the contrary. We were taught to believe in religious freedom, freedom of the press, and freedom to assemble peacefully.
In Glee Club and school choir, grades 1 through 12, we sang songs based on the Old Testament and this in Public School! However, when I checked out a Bible from the school library the principal promptly reprimanded me, saying Bible reading was for the home!
In Elementary School my class had four Jewish students and three of them were in the top five students! The reason for this, I believe, was their home life, which I witnessed first hand, even on Yom Kippur! In the Jewish home television was only for special events. After meals the dining room was used for study, the living room was for quiet play, and the bedroom was used only for sleeping. The parents were present, either in the dining room or living room, at all times to encourage, teach, and supervise.
In sixth grade all the students explained different aspects of their religions (Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Atheist). From these discussions the varied backgrounds understood each other better. We were taught everyone has the right to believe as they wish despite anyone's opinion to the contrary. We were taught to believe in religious freedom, freedom of the press, and freedom to assemble peacefully.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Cats and Rabies Scare
While growing up there were many animal friends in our home: a red, longhaired Dachshund called Cricket; two green and yellow parakeets, both named Petie; a tank of fish; and an assortment of cats.
Our cats included a heavy-muscled, gray-tabby named Tiger who “loved” to be dressed in doll clothes and wheeled around the cul-de-sac; Bootsy a long-haired black cat with tuxedo markings; and Buffy a elegant, twelve pound, long-hair, orange cat that lived to be seventeen years old.
In elementary school a stray cat bit me. Thinking I would be punished for touching a stray cat, I tried to hide my red, swollen hand from Mom. But Mom noticed the sore hand and questioned me as to the cause. Quickly officials began searching for the cat, and I was kept home from school and outdoor play. This made me irritable, which worried Mom and Dad even more, as they suspected rabies, which is deadly.
The local news told of a little girl who would have to undergo painful rabies shots unless a certain cat was found. (At this time rabies shots were deadly if one did not have rabies; but if they had rabies, but did not get the shot, they would die.) I began praying for the little girl little knowing she was me! The next day the officials located the cat and it was positively identified – the cat did not have rabies and I did not have to undergo shots. Praise God!!
Our cats included a heavy-muscled, gray-tabby named Tiger who “loved” to be dressed in doll clothes and wheeled around the cul-de-sac; Bootsy a long-haired black cat with tuxedo markings; and Buffy a elegant, twelve pound, long-hair, orange cat that lived to be seventeen years old.
In elementary school a stray cat bit me. Thinking I would be punished for touching a stray cat, I tried to hide my red, swollen hand from Mom. But Mom noticed the sore hand and questioned me as to the cause. Quickly officials began searching for the cat, and I was kept home from school and outdoor play. This made me irritable, which worried Mom and Dad even more, as they suspected rabies, which is deadly.
The local news told of a little girl who would have to undergo painful rabies shots unless a certain cat was found. (At this time rabies shots were deadly if one did not have rabies; but if they had rabies, but did not get the shot, they would die.) I began praying for the little girl little knowing she was me! The next day the officials located the cat and it was positively identified – the cat did not have rabies and I did not have to undergo shots. Praise God!!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Christ's Followers
Christ's followers are to become like Him, (by God’s grace to form characters in harmony with the principles of God’s holy law.) This is Bible sanctification. This work can be accomplished only through faith in Christ, by the power of the indwelling Spirit of God.
Those who experience Bible sanctification, will manifest a spirit of humility. They see their own unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of God.
While the Christian’s life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation. It is the privilege of everyone to live so that God will approve and bless them. It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be under condemnation and darkness.
Our heavenly Father orders everything in wisdom and righteousness, and we are not to be dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. God will reveal to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know, and beyond that we must trust the Hand that is omnipotent, the Heart that is full of love.
these are a few thoughts from the book: The Great Controversy
Those who experience Bible sanctification, will manifest a spirit of humility. They see their own unworthiness in contrast with the purity and exalted perfection of God.
While the Christian’s life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation. It is the privilege of everyone to live so that God will approve and bless them. It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be under condemnation and darkness.
Our heavenly Father orders everything in wisdom and righteousness, and we are not to be dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. God will reveal to us as much of His purposes as it is for our good to know, and beyond that we must trust the Hand that is omnipotent, the Heart that is full of love.
these are a few thoughts from the book: The Great Controversy
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Must Read - Please!
Look constantly to Jesus. Take all your troubles to Him. He will never misunderstand you. He is the refuge of His people. Under the shadow of His protection we can pass unharmed. Believe in Him and trust in Him. He will not give you up to Satan. …The strength of heaven is at the command of God’s believing ones. The man who makes God his trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall. In Heavenly Places 176! E g white
When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we HAVE received it. Then we are to go about our duties assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. Desire of Ages 200, e g white
Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Christ’s Object Lessons 208, 209, e g white
When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we HAVE received it. Then we are to go about our duties assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. Desire of Ages 200, e g white
Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Christ’s Object Lessons 208, 209, e g white
God will Never Abandon You
Christ will never abandon those for whom He has died. [Jesus died for every person who has ever been conceived.] We may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life. Prophets & Kings 176! e g white
God, who never sleeps, who in every crisis has been the strength and dependence of His people, will carry out His eternal purpose. He will thwart the designs of wicked men, and will bring to confusion the counsels of those who plot mischief against His people. He who is the King, the Lord of hosts…amidst the strife and tumult of nations, guards His children still. When the strongholds of kings shall be overthrown, when the arrows of wrath shall strike through the hearts of His enemies, God's people will be safe in His hands. Ellen G White
God, who never sleeps, who in every crisis has been the strength and dependence of His people, will carry out His eternal purpose. He will thwart the designs of wicked men, and will bring to confusion the counsels of those who plot mischief against His people. He who is the King, the Lord of hosts…amidst the strife and tumult of nations, guards His children still. When the strongholds of kings shall be overthrown, when the arrows of wrath shall strike through the hearts of His enemies, God's people will be safe in His hands. Ellen G White
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