True Story

Long ago, God made the heavens and the earth, and placed the first parents of humanity in the Garden of Eden. This couple disobeyed God, and later their children became more and more wicked until finally God had to punish them.

But God still loved them all, and sent messengers to tell them of His love and forgiveness. But the people would not listen.  After a long time Jesus came down from Heaven Himself to make plain how real His love was for humanity.

So, leaving behind all the glorious things of
Heaven, Jesus changed Himself into a baby, and grew up as all boys do. When He became a man Jesus went about telling people of His love for them, all the time healing and helping them in every way He could.

Jesus told them, that if only they would believe in Him, He would freely forgive them of all the wicked things they had done, and save them from the punishment that was theirs. He also promised to give them eternal life - to return for them, raise them from their graves, and take them to live with Him forever in the beautiful, peaceful Heaven!

This was wonderful!

But instead, they nailed Jesus to a big wooden cross, hanging Him up until He died. It was an awful thing to do to Jesus the King of Heaven.  Jesus was buried, and came to life on the third day. He met with His followers, then after forty days returned to Heaven, promising to return for all those who believe in Him.

 God does not punish the wicked now, instead He wants to give them another chance.
That is why Jesus delays His coming!

 But His coming must be soon now!, all the signs listed in the Holy Bible point to Jesus' soon return!

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved!


based on Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories, vol. one, p 165-167, (Review & Herald, 1950)
Story title:  What Charlie Heard

We love because

We love God (and others), because God first loved us.
1 John 4:19
New Testament, Holy Scriptures, God's Book the Bible

Lord's Prayer, Modernized

Our Father in Heaven, holy is Your name.
Your kingdom come, May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Please give us today our spiritual and physical food.
Please forgive our sins, help us to forgive those who sin against us.
Help us not to yield to temptation, and save us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever.
Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13, modernization
New Testament, Holy Scriptures, the Bible
Debra m

God's Promise of Protection

Those who live in the secret place of God will live under the shadow of the Almighty.
...You will not be afraid of the terror of night; nor for the arrow that flies by day.
...Because you have made the Lord Almighty, who is my refuge, even the Most High,
your own refuge; no evil will happen to you, neither will any plague come near your home.

Psalm 91:1-10
Old Testament of Holy Scripture - God's Book, the Bible

Good Thought

The Lord is not willing that anyone should suffer eternal death, but that all should come to repentance! (and have eternal life!)

2 Peter 3:9, The Holy Scriptures, New Testament

You shall Not Murder

They cherished the most bitter hatred against other peoples, and even hated their own countrymen who did not conform to their ideas.  In all this they were violating the law, "you shall not murder."

The spirit of hatred and revenge originated with Satan.  Whoever cherishes malice or unkindness is cherishing the same spirit, and it's fruit is death!

God has shown how high a value He places upon every person, and He gives no liberty to speak contempt of another.  We shall see faults and weaknesses in those about us, but God claims every person as His own.  Even the most degraded are to be treated with respect and tenderness.

 God will hold us accountable for even one word spoken in contempt of one person for whom Christ has died.


based on Thoughts from The Mount of Blessing, pp 56-57, eg white

What Does God Require?

What does God require of you?  To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.

Micah 6:8.
The Old Testament of Holy Scripture, the Bible

Whom should we obey Spiritually?

When i was in seventh grade I copied a Bible text in my Catechism book:
          We ought to obey God rather than men  (humankind).

                 Spoken by the apostle Peter, Acts 5:29 in the New Testament of Holy Scripture

Mother in Law

My dear, saintly mother in law died this week. She was almost 100 yrs old.
She treated me as her own - never judgmental, a very loving and lovely lady, who never looked her age.

I will see her again on Resurrection morning. Scripture helps me thru it.

Pre-Requisite for Eternal Life

Faith in Jesus Christ is the pre-requisite for receiving the gift of eternal life.  It is a GIFT !
God gives salvation to those who seek it.  Eternal life cannot be bought or sold.  It is given by
God as a gift.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. Ephesians 2:8.

Salvation is received by faith - the decision to believe that God can be trusted, based on the
Promises of Holy Scripture.

excerpts from: Hope for a Planet in Crisis, It Is Written Bible Study Guide, # 4.
www.itiswritten.com

Transformed

Being confident of this very thing: that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it to the Day of Jesus Christ.  Philippians 1:6

Transformation!  That's what God will do for you!

When you surrender your will to Him, God will create in you a clean mind and renew a right spirit within you. (Psalm 51:10).  And you can be confident that having surrendered to God, you will live with Him throughout eternity!

Only One Sacrifice Needed

But this Man Jesus, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.  Hebrews 10:12

By that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  Hebrews 10:10

For by one offering Jesus has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Hebrews 10:14

The book of Hebrews is found in the New Testament of Holy Scripture. Some scholars believe that the book of Hebrews was written by the Apostle Paul.

Eye has not seen

Eyes have not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the mind of mankind, the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.

1 Corinthians 2:9,
the writings of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

Mansions

In My Father's kingdom are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you!  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again!
And receive you to Myself, that where I am there will you be also!

John 14:2-3,
the words of Jesus Christ to His disciples as found in Holy Scripture

Even if....

Even if we are in a bad situation at work, at home, in anything...God is still
 with us. All we need to do is pray and God is right there beside us, protecting
 us, guiding us.  Remember, God loves you. His Son died for you.

 And this same Son Jesus Christ was resurrected and is coming soon for His followers, to take them to Heaven where all is peace and love.
Amen. Even so, come Lord Jesus!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
God"s Blessings to all, whether friend or foe.
God loves each of us.
 Let us love Him in return for all His blessings with all our heart and mind.

It Is Not God

It is not God who gives us bad thoughts or reminds us of bad things -  God gives us peace, love, joy, hope and understanding.  

Its the devil who gives us misery of all kinds, and he loves doing it.

Don't blame God for the evil in the world. Put the blame square on the devil.

Don't Be Anxious

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanks to God!, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!

Philippians 4:6-7, Holy Scriptures, New Testament

Supply all your Needs

My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

          Philippians 4:19, New Testament of the Holy Scriptures (the Bible)

For Lettie

God says, "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Therefore, with loving kindness have I drawn you."

          Jeremiah 31:3, Old Testament of Holy Scripture.

God will wipe away all tears

God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither will there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Revelation 21:4.

No wonder Jesus' Second Coming is called "the Blessed Hope"!

Face It !

Face it!

You can do everything and anything to make God hate you, dislike you, or stop loving you.
But, God will always Love You! There's no stopping His love - It's like a freight train - it just keeps coming!

Right now we are living in the judgment hour. You can choose to be lost - or choose God's side and live forever. The choice is totally yours alone. You cast your vote by how you respond to God.

Every person..

Every person is created by the same God,
Purchased by the blood of the same Saviour,
And has an individual life as dear to God as any other.

Nothing Less....

None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could declare Him.  Only He (Jesus Christ) who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest.

Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen Man could express the Father's love to lost Humanity.

...Christ was to identify Himself with the interests and needs of humanity.  He (Jesus Christ) who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to
be broken.  Jesus is "not ashamed to call them brethren (family).". Hebrews 2:11.

He is our Sacrifice, our Advocate, our Brother, bearing our human form before the Father's throne. And through eternal ages one with the race He has redeemed - the Son of Man.

And all this that Man/Woman might be uplifted from the degradation and ruin of
sin, that he/she might reflect the love of God and share the joy of holiness.

selections from Steps to Christ,, pp 14-15, e g white

The God-Shaped Brain

Bible study, and meditating on Holy Scripture texts and God's attributes, will strengthen and heal
the brain.

Eastern mysticism meditation will weaken the brain.

These are simple statements, but backed by science.

For more information read:
 The God-Shaped Brain by Timothy R Jennings MD
InterVarsity Press, 2013

A Good Work to Completion

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will carry it through to completion.
     Philippians 1:6, New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

Peace & Safety

They have healed my people's  hurt slightly, saying "Peace, peace" when there is no peace.
     Jeremiah 6:14

For when they say "Peace and Safety", then sudden destruction comes on them."
     1 Thessalonians 5:2-4

Vengeance

Dear friends, don't avenge yourselves, but put away anger.
For it is written:  vengeance is Mine!, I will repay, says the Lord.

If your enemy is hungry - feed him.  If he is thirsty - then give him a drink.
For in doing this you will heap coals of fire on his head.


The above is from Romans 12:19-20, New Testament of the Holy Bible

The Christian's Privilege

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17.

It is the Christian's privilege to have righteousness, joy and peace.

A Righteousness which is of God by faith.....Romans 3:21-22
A Joy that rejoices evermore.....1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:4
A Peace that passes understanding, which the world cannot take away.....Philippians 4:7

From Bible Readings for the Home, p 145, 1963 white leatherette edition

Hacksaw Ridge

New movie coming to theaters!  Hacksaw Ridge.

About Desmond Doss, a WW2 non-combatant Army medic, who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor in wartime!

A must see!

Medicines Can Kill

I have just completed reading Medicines That Kill: The Truth about the Hidden Epidemic.
By James L Marcum*, MD., Tyndale  House Publishers, 2013

I can tell you it is fascinating!  And easy to understand.

Part 1: The Problem, is that medicines can kill. (pages i - 124)
Part 2: The Solution, is a Bible-based / God-based remedy for many of our ills. (pages 125 - 221)

Book has four Appendix for reference.

*Dr James L Marcum - Cardiologist
USA Today's QForma database named Dr Marcum one of the nation's most influential physicians.

God loves Life

Throughout the years I've been blessed with many animal friends: Dogs, cats, horses, turtles,
, birds, parakeets, hamster. Someday, I hope to swim with dolphins! God created them all for our enjoyment!

God wanted humanity to have animal companions, as well as human companionship

God loves life!

Finances in Difficult Times

No one ever trusted God in vain.  God never disappoints those who depend on Him.

...It is very tempting to trust in the power of the government or in our retirement account, but in every crisis mentioned in the Bible, when the people trusted in God  He honored their trust and provided for them.

quoted from God Will Provide by John Bradshaw; chapter Managing Finances in Difficult Times,
p 27, by G Edward Reid.

Book available from:  www.itiswritten.com    (Store/Book)

Thoughts towards Humanity

God has done all He can to convince the world that His thoughts towards humanity are "thoughts of peace and not of evil." (Jeremiah 29:11).

Quoted from "Babylon Rising" by John Bradshaw, page 74.
Available from  www.itiswritten.com. (Store/ books)

Take an hour....

God loves you more than life itself. Jesus loves you more than your own parents or family! Jesus died for you!

The Holy Scriptures, the Bible, tells of God's love for humanity.

Take an hour or so, and read the Gospel of Mark.  Its a great introduction to Jesus life.  Read the other Gospels too. There are 4 all total. Each gives a different viewpoint on the life of Jesus.

One of my favorite parts is: the Gospel of John, chapters 14-17.

Deformity / Infirmity

With those who have any type of deformity or infirmity, I want you to know that God loves and cherishes you.  He sees you as the perfect princess or prince.

Do not worry, in Heaven you will be perfect in every way!  More perfect than any one who has ever lived on Earth.

Your Plans

Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as His providence shall indicate.

Accept God's plans instead of your own, even though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects.

                  Testimonies to the Church, vol.7, page 44, e g white

Peace of Mind

There will never come a time when God's love for us will lessen. He will always hear our prayers and supply our needs.  He will always be our refuge. His wisdom and power are always available to us.
Peace of mind is always found by trusting Him. God always thinks of us, cares for us, there is no need to worry.

Based on Your Bible and You, 138, Arthur S Maxwell, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1959

God is Eternal

God is eternal.  He endures.  He is not here today and gone tomorrow.
     God is the "same yesterday, today, and for ever". Hebrews 13:8.

God is generous.
     "No good thing will He withhold from them that walk up rightly". Psalm 84:11.

God is eagar to be helpful.
      "I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leads you by the way you should go". Isaiah 48:17.

                  Excerpts from Your Bible and You, 79, Arthur S Maxwell
                 , Pacific Press Publishing Association! 1959

Perfect Peace

When Christ is in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin....The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance.

Christ's Object Lessons, 420, e g white

Power and Strength

By yielding up your will to Christ, you will be hid in Christ, in God and allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers.

You will have strength from God that will hold you fast to His strength.  ...But your will must cooperate with God's will.

Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p 514, e g white

Character

The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.

                      Steps to Christ, 57-58, E G White

No Less Dear to God

If one who daily communes with God sins, it is not because he sins willfully; for when he sees his mistake, he turns back to Jesus.  And the fact that he sinned, does not make him less dear to
the heart of God.
              Based on Review & Herald, May 12, 1896, E G White


If you have made mistakes, you certainly gain a victory if you see these mistakes and regard them as a beacon of warning.  Thus you turn defeat into victory, disappointing the enemy (the devil) and honor your Redeemer (Jesus Christ).
                Christ's Object Lessons, 332, E G White

Once Saved, Always Saved

There is an idea that once you are saved, you are always saved... And there is nothing the devil can do to stop it.

Is this what Holy Scriptures teach?

If you are in a saving relationship with Jesus, you might still sin, but you will ask forgiveness.
And you will be forgiven.  Read 1 John 2:1 at the end of this entry.

I've known people who claim, once saved always saved, and yet they willfully sin thinking there is nothing they can do to lose Heaven and salvation.

Think of Judas Iscariot, one of the 12 Apostles. Judas sinned big time in betraying Jesus.  Judas did not ask God's forgiveness for this sin, and he is not saved.

1 John 2:1. -  my little children, these things I write to you that you sin not.
And if any one sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous..

Muscles

In order for a child's muscles to grow in strength, the muscles must be exercised.

In order for our faith to grow stronger, we must exercise our faith.

We do this by believing in God and trusting what He says in Holy Scripture.

To be like Him

If we would be with Jesus in Heaven, we must first be like Him on earth.
               by Ellen G White

Self Surrendered

Have been reading a book, How to be a victorious Christian by Thomas Davis, 1975, Review & Herald Publishing, Washington DC.

There is no salvation in being a Christian in name only.  Many evil people say they are church goers;  but are they true Christians?  There is no salvation in works alone.

  It startled my mind. There is more to being Christian than just saying I believe in God.

"You believe there is one God?  Good!  Yet even the demons believe that --  and tremble!
James 2:19.

You must let the Holy Spirit and Jesus live in you, you must pray earnestly to Christ, and in Christ keep yourself from wrong-doing. Then you will do what is right because you love the Father and His Son Jesus more than yourself.

  Put God first, then others, then yourself.  Cast away any idols in your life.

"Faith by itself, if it is without works, is dead.". James 2:17.  Neither is there salvation in works only!

It's really not complicated. Just put God first, not yourself.
 Don't be self-centered. Be self surrendered to Jesus!

My Friend

God has been an important part of my life since second grade.  I depend on God for helping me in everything: travel blessings/mercies included.

God has blessed me in so many ways.  With a nice home, wonderful husband, good family,  perfect pets, and lots of everyday blessings.

I do not serve God for the benefits He gives me, but I love Him for loving me - for being so kind to me.  He is my Friend who died for me.

Please

Please make sure you are following Jesus Christ in everything.  Because the old devil can make the lost feel saved, and the saved feel lost!  It is the devil's way of confusing and deceiving everyone.

Only with God and Jesus is there truth and salvation.

Where Everyone will be Perfect

When God created the Earth everything was absolutely perfect.  There were no flaws in anything.  There was no sin.  No troubles, no pain, no death.

Then Adam and Eve willfully sinned. There was no need to sin - they just decided not to trust God.

Since then the world has been in turmoil and trouble that grows worse by the year.

.  But  Soon Jesus will come and put an end to wars, starvation, pain, surgeries, disease, death, accidents and all the world's troubles!

When Jesus comes He will take us to Gloryland, His home, which is Heaven where everything and everyone is perfect.

 And there will be no more sadness nor sin nor pain nor death.  Revelation 21:4-5.
Sin will not rise the second time. Nahum 1:9.

How we long to see Jesus and go Home with Him!

Dm

Betty

I talked with my dear friend Betty tonight.

A few weeks ago she was in the hospital with a heart problem.  A nurse checked on her and saw that Betty's heart rate was rapidly going from 41 beats per minute to 30 beats per minute. Her heart would soon stop.

 Within moments a gurney took her to surgery where a pacemaker was placed in her heart.  She is alive today, thanks to God and caring, watchful hospital staff.

Dear People

Dear People!  If you only knew and understood God's love for you - you would love Him dearly and trust Him. You would follow and obey Him.  

God loves you so much. He died for your sins.  Jesus Christ took sin's penalty on Himself - the penalty of eternal death.  But Jesus' heavenly Father resurrected Him!

Jesus died so you could spend eternity with Him in Paradise.

Love Him. Trust Him. Today - Now! - Always!

Statesmen

The Holy Spirit "still controls to some extent the laws of the Land. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be much worse than it now is.

"While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nation.

"  The enemy (Satan ) moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments.

"Thus a few men (women) will hold in check a powerful current of evil."

        The Great Controversy, 610-611, e g white

Be Right

The latter days are with us. No one knows the exact day or year of Jesus' coming, but
be sure your heart is right with Jesus.

Now

We hear stories about how we need to prepare for the last days of Earth's history.  To prepare ourselves for Jesus' soon return.  I want to tell you that we are living in the last days right now!

"We are not to say that perilous times are coming, because already they are here!

Are the Deceased Alive or Dead?

The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.
 Neither do they have a part in anything that is done under the sun.
 For there is no work or knowledge or wisdom in the grave.


Portions of Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10, from The Holy Scriptures/ the Holy Bible

Standards

It is a law both of the intellectual and the spiritual nature that by seeing we become changed.  The mind gradually adapts itself to the subjects upon which it is allowed to dwell.  It becomes assimilated to that which it is accustomed to love and reverence.

Man will never rise higher than his own standard of purity, goodness or truth.

  If self is his highest ideal, he will never attain to anything more exalted.  Rather, he will constantly sink lower and lower.  

The grace of God alone has power to exalt man.

based on The Great Controversy, 555, e g white

Satan's Tricks - Beguiled

Satan appeals to our reason by the presentation of elevating themes; he delights our imagination with enrapturing scenes; and he enlists our affections by his eloquent portrayals of love and charity.
He excites our imagination to lofty flights, leading men to take so great pride in their own wisdom that in their hearts they despise God.

The wisdom that spiritualism imparts is described as "not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish." James 3:15.

Satan will present his temptations in a manner to pervert the senses of all who are not shielded by divine power.

Satan beguiles people by flattery, by kindling a desire for forbidden knowledge, by exciting ambition for self-exaltation.

 It was cherishing these evils that caused his fall from Heaven, and through these evils he aims to ruin us!

based on The Great Controversy, 554, ellen g white

A Real Battle

Whenever there is a witness for God, Satan will seek to negate the witness and bring discouragement. ...I can testify that Satan is not a myth or a fairy tale, he is real just as God is real.
        Beyond the Veil of Darkness, 66, Esmie G Branner, Pacific Press Publ Assoc., 1999


I can testify that the above statement is true. There is a real battle going on for every person on earth. A battle between God and Satan. God seeks to save, Satan to destroy.
         Debra m

Answered Prayer

The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers - not always according to your expectations, but always for your good.

Gospel Workers, 258, e g white

Deceptive Power

There are few who have any just conception of the deceptive power of hypnotism and spiritualism and the danger of coming under its influence.

Many tamper with it merely to gratify their curiosity. They have no real faith in it and would be horrified at the thought of yielding themselves to demons.

But they venture upon forbidden ground, and the devil exercises his power over them against their will. Let them once be induced to submit their minds to his direction, and he holds them captive.

It is impossible, in their own strength, to break away from the alluring, bewitching spell.  Nothing but the power of God, granted in answer to the earnest prayer of faith, can deliver them.

All who indulge sinful traits of character, or willfully cherish a known sin, are inviting the temptations of Satan.

based on The Great Controversy, 558, e g white

Counterfeit Second Coming

Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Jesus' second coming.  The Savior has warned His people against deception on this point, and has clearly told the manner of His second coming.
See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.  Jesus' feet will mot touch the earth when He returns!  He meets us "in the air!"

"even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:14.

There will arise false christs and false prophets, and they will show great signs and miracles, that if it were possible, they will deceive God's very elect.  See Matthew 24:24-27, 31; 25:31. Revelation 1:7.  1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

There is no possibility of counterfeiting Jesus' second coming!  It will be universally known, witnessed by the entire world. See Revelation 1:7

Only those who have been diligent students of Holy Scripture and have received the love of the truth, will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive.


based on The Great Controversy, 625, e g white

Rich People according to the Apostle James

Listen rich people!

Groan with anguish because of all the terrible trouble ahead of you!  Your money is rotting away, and your fine clothes will soon be rags.  Your wealth will soon be worthless.

The (ill-gotten) wealth you were counting on will eat your flesh like fire.  This treasure you have accumulated will stand in evidence against you on Judgment Day!

Listen to the cries of your employees whom you cheated out of their pay!  Their cries have reached the ears of God.

You have spent your life in luxury, satisfying every desire.  You have fattened yourself for the day of slaughter, the last day.

You have condemned and killed innocent people who do not resist you!

James 5:1-6
- New Testament, the Bible, Holy Scriptures

God's Day

Does God have a holy day?

I was in the Spirit on the Lords day.  Revelation 1:10

The Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.  Matthew 12:8

The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.  Exodus 20:8-11 (from the Ten Commandments)

If you love Me (Jesus Christ) keep My commandments.  John 14:15, 21, 24. John 15:10

On the seventh day God ended His work, which He had made,; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God created and made.  Genesis 2:2-3

God...created all things by Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 3:9, 11

Regarding Christ's death and resurrection:

And that day was the preparation day (Friday) and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with Him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulcher, and how His body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested on the sabbath day (Saturday) according to the commandment.  Now on the first day (Sunday) of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulcher.  Luke 23:54-56, 24:1

Memories of Your Mind

Is your mind gripped by memories you long to forget? held by age long habits  you would give anything to be released from? bound by fears and unholy imaginations?

Know that God will deliver you. He is able! He has won the battle for your soul.  He has triumphed
over temptation. Claim His victory as your o

The devil, the enemy of God and humanity, is not willing that this priceless secret be clearly understood. Satan knows that when you receive it fully, his power will be broken.
And you will be free!

Based on Planet in Rebellion, 173, George E Vandeman

Fighting Temptation

When you are tempted to sin then trust in the power of Jesus Christ. Meet temptation head-on and you will be stronger to meet the next temptation. Give in to temptation and you will become weaker and weaker.

Only those who have met temptation in the strength of Jesus Christ will stand in the last crisis.

Jesus has already conquered every sin and temptation.  So why did I, with God's power at my command, need to sin when sin had already been conquered?!

Be happy, I have overcome the world (sin)! John 16:33 words of Jesus Christ.

Never forget, that every battle of the soul is fought, and won or lost, in your mind.
 Trust in Christ Jesus, He has already defeated the devil.

based on Planet in Rebellion, 168-169, George E Vandeman

A Way Out

My own behavior baffles me. For I find myself not doing what I really want to do, but doing what I really hate. ...My conscious mind endorses God's Law, yet I observe an entirely different principle
at work in my nature....

In my mind I am God's willing servant, but in my nature I am tightly bound to the law of sin and death.

 ...who on earth can set me free from the hold of my own sinful nature!?

  I thank God
 there is a way out through Jesus Christ our Lord!

from the book of Romans 7:15-25 from the Holy Scriptures - the Bible

Please Do This for Yourself!

Jesus is about to come.  Then Every timepiece the world around, will be forever stopped, never to be started again.  Time will turn into eternity.

Will you please place yourself on God's side?  This is the moment to decide. Eternity has no clock.  Decision belongs to time.  And the time is Now to decide to follow God.


Based on Planet in Rebellion, p 136, by George E Vandeman, Southern Publishing Association 

Cesspool

After Ezra L Longway fell into a cesspool covered with floating grass, he said:
"Oftentimes the devil's "cesspools" are camouflaged by beautiful " floating grass," so that what looks like solid ground ...is nothing more than a cleverly concealed morass of filth."

Quoted from: Dangerous Opportunity by Ezra L Longway, missionary to China, p 97

Blessings out of evil

When you follow God/Jesus Christ totally - He has your back.
He will bring goodness out of a bad situation.

God will bring blessings out of evil, because God loves you!
Follow Him closely in all things and He will direct your paths.

It Is Written

Please check into this Bible-based Website:

www.itiswritten.com


                               God bless you in your search for Truth.

Bible Study Website

Please check Into:  www.biblestudies.com

It is really worth your time, and will answer many questions from Holy Scripture.

Jesus says, "never will I leave you, never will I forsake you".  Hebrews 13:5.
 This is a wonderful promise from God Himself!

Seven Hateful Things

   There are 6 things God hates, no 7
- conceit
A lying tongue
Hands that kill the innocent (Also unborn)
A mind that plots evil
Feet that run to do wrong
A witness who lies & a gossip
A person who sows trouble in a family - (a gossip or a flirt also)

Proverbs 6:16-19 

Idols

Do not let anything or anyone become an idol in your life. In the long run people and things will let you down. God Never will!

Your first allegiance is to God. The Father, Son Jesus Christ,  & the Holy Spirit.

Anything can be an idol: shopping, make-up, clothes, shoes, jewelry etc., automobiles, trucks, boats, images, people, etc.

If anything or anybody takes first place in your life it is an idol - a little god who cannot save you!

You must not have any other god but Me..You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for other gods...
. Exodus 20:3, 5 The Ten Commandments, Holy Scriptures

PS: it's okay to have some stuff, but make sure you Love and Serve God First and Foremost!

Lover of the Sea

On an ocean trip Ellen G White wrote," the waves ran high and we were tossed up and down so very grandly. I was highly elevated in my feelings, but had no words to say to any one. It was grand. The spray dashing over us. The watchful captain giving his orders, the ready hands to obey. The wind was blowing strong, and I never enjoyed anything so much in my life."
Letter 5, 1876, Ellen G White

On another voyage she wrote, that both the wind and "white capped, roaring billows" assaulted the ship. " I remained on deck after nearly all had abandoned it because of sea-sickness. I enjoyed the sight of the billows running mountain high, blue and green, and the dashing spray reflecting all the colors of the rainbow. Signs of the Times, July 18, 1878, Ellen G White

Experiencing the storm led her to think of the "majesty of God and His works....He holds the winds in His hand, He controls the waters. Finite beings, mere specks upon the broad deep waters of the Pacific, were we in the sight of God, yet angels of Heaven were sent from His excellent glory to guard that little sailboat that was careening over the waves. Oh the wonderful works of God!  So much above our comprehension!  He at one glance beholds the highest heavens and the midst of the sea...."..  Letter 5, 1876, Ellen G White

All Above quoted in: Walking with Ellen White, 29-30, George R Knight, Review & Herald

On Pain & Suffering and God

For eleven months I suffered from malarial fever and inflammatory rheumatism. During this time I experienced the most terrible suffering of my whole life. ...in all this there was a cheerful side. My Saviour seemed to be close beside me. I felt His sacred presence in my heart, and I was thankful.

These months of suffering were the happiest months of my life, because of the companionship of my Saviour....

I am so thankful that I had this experience, because I am better acquainted with my precious Lord and Saviour. His love filled my heart. All through my sickness His love, His tender compassion, was my comfort, my continual consolation.

Manuscript 75, 1893, ellen g white

Views of Colorado

While in Colorado Ellen White wrote:

I love the hills and mountains and forests of flourishing evergreens. I love the brooks, the swift-running streams of softest water which come bubbling over the rocks, through ravines, by the side of the mountains, as if singing the joyful praise of God....

We have, here in the mountains, a view of the most rich and glorious sunset it was ever our privilege to look upon. The beautiful picture of the sunset, painted upon the shifting, changing canvas of the heavens by the great master Artist, awakens in our hearts love and deepest reverence for God....

As we stand almost entranced before this picture of nature's unsurpassed loveliness, contemplating the glories of Heaven, of which we have a faint (view), we repeat softly to ourselves, "eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."

Health Reformer, August 1873, Ellen G White

No Haste No Delay

Gods purposes, of course, know no haste and no delay.  Like the stars in their appointed courses His plans move steadily, unshakably to their consummation.

In the fullness of time, Paul tells us, God sent forth His Son.  He waited.  Many things converged to that point of waiting.  There are parallels to the second coming of Christ.

  Many things converge to our time also.  Heavenly plans, Satanic plans, earthly plans all move, and in the divine providence our heavenly Father is aware of those movements.

And in the fullness of time Jesus came.  And in the same manner, " in the fullness of time," He will come the second time.

Battle of the Spirits, 184, G Edward Reid, Omega Productions, Fulton, MD

Story behind Natural Disasters

Even if man can explain the natural disasters as part of El Niño, global warming, or some other 'natural' phenomenon, that does not keep them from being genuine signs of the end.


"The time is at hand when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm can heal.  The Spirit of God is being withdrawn.  Disasters by sea and by land follow one another in quick succession. How frequently we hear of earthquakes and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and flood, with great loss of life and property!

"Apparently these calamities are capricious outbreaks of disorganized, unregulated forces of nature, wholly beyond the control of man; but in them all, God's purposes may be read.  They are among the agencies by which God seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger".
Prophets and Kings, 277, e g white

from:  Battle of the Spirits, 164, G Edward Reid, Omega Productions, Fulton, MD

O, Joyous Day! - Perfect in Mind and Body

When the Lord Jesus Christ returns (His coming is soon), He will take His faithful followers back to Heaven with Him.

  Oh, joyous Day! Sin and sadness gone forever!  No more pain or death! No more crying or disappointments! No more hospitals or surgeries!

Everything and every saved person will be beautiful and perfect in mind and body!

  And God Himself will live with us!!!
Read:
 Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 21:3-5
in the New Testament of the Holy Bible - the Holy Scriptures

Worldly Customs Convert the Church

Conformity to worldly customs converts the church to the world; it never converts the world to Christ.

Familiarity with sin will inevitably cause sin to appear less repulsive,

(Those) who choose to associate with the servants of Satan will soon cease to fear Satan.

When in the way of duty we are brought into trial...we may be sure that God will protect us, but if we place ourselves under temptation we will fall sooner or later.

                  Based on  The Great Controversy, 509, e g white

It Is Not Enough

God has given us His word that we may become acquainted with its teachings and know for ourselves what He requires of us....

...It is not enough to have good intentions; it is not enough to do what a person thinks is right or what the minister tells him is right. His/Her soul salvation is at stake, and he/she should search the Scriptures for himself.

The Great Controversy, 598, e g white

Respect Your Wife

This is the second thing you do, says God.

You cry and weep, covering the Lords altar with tears. Saying "why doesn't God accept my offering?"

Because God has been the witness of how you treat your wife. You have treated her with treachery! Yet she is your companion, and your wife by the marriage covenant.

...pay attention to your words and actions!  That you do not deal treacherously!

Malachi 2:13-16 from Holy Scripture - the Bible

Modern day Miracle Healing

this past Tuesday, may 17, 2016, I was in the hospital emergency room with a head concussion.  I stuttered, was clumsy, extreme headache, stumbled, blurry vision, excessive sleeping and could not concentrate.

I asked fellow church-members to pray for me. They did and instantly I was healed! No more problems at all, and I'm alert!

All praise to our loving Father and Jesus Christ!!!

The Answer

There will come an answer, though the time is unknown,
He is God's perfect answer, God will send His Own
He is God's perfect answer for all humanity
He sends faith, joy and freedom, love and purity.

God has the answer, for hate, bloodshed and war
The Answer is Jesus, the world needs nothing more
Soon Christ will come and end this world of strife
Christ, our only hope and life.


by Deb M

What God Doesn't Do

In my life experience, I have found that God doesn't do certain things.

For instance:
God doesn't stroke our egos; nor does He give us compliments about our beauty:
our face, figure, hair, make-up, etc.

 God is most concerned with our character, and how we are progressing spiritually.  
God is most concerned with our relationship with Him, and how this translates into our relationship with others.

I have found that the old devil speaks thoughts that appeal to our vanity.  

And when we are totally full of ourselves, the devil slams us down by saying how ugly we are, and that God could never accept such a mess!

But we are fine just the way God made us!

Of course we should always appear put together, presentable, clean and well groomed. But our main concern is to be close to God, and the kind way we treat others as we would like to be treated.

Dm

Let him make peace with Me

Let them take hold of My strength, that they may make peace with Me, and they will make peace with Me.

Isaiah 27:5
the Old Testament of Holy Scripture- the Holy Bible

Not Sanctified

As the crisis approaches a large class who have professed faith in Gods commandments, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition.

 By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side.

Men of talent and pleasing voice and words, who once rejoiced in the truth, use their powers to deceive and mislead souls.  They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren.

Based on
The Great Controversy, 608, E G White

Will This Happen in America?

Satan has control of all whom God does not especially guard.  Satan will favor and prosper some in order to further his own designs, and he will bring trouble upon others and lead men to believe that it is God who is afflicting them.

Satan will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation.

Even now Satan is at work.  In accidents and calamities by sea and land, in great fire-storms, in fierce tornadoes, and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes; in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power.

He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow.  He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence.

These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous.

And then the great deceiver will persuade the world that those who serve God are causing these evils.

The nominal religious class that have provoked God's displeasure will charge all their troubles upon those who obey God's commandments.  It will be declared that commandment keepers are offending God by the violation of Sunday; that the calamities will not cease until Sunday-keeping will be strictly enforced.

Those who honor the Bible seventh-day Sabbath will be denounced as enemies of law and order, as breaking down the moral restraints of society, causing anarchy and corruption.  Their conscientious scruples will be pronounced obstinacy, stubbornness, and contempt of authority. They will be accused of disaffection toward the government.

And then comes National Sunday laws...

based on The Great Controversy(1888), pp 589-590, 592, e g white

Our Daily Test

Day by day God instructs His children.

By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon the wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. 

It is the outcome of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life’s great crisis. 

Based on Desire of Ages 359 E G White

Things I Learned from Holy Scripture, the Bible

Below are some things I learned from the Bible in 1974


1. Angels are not dead people since they existed before the creation of humans.

Job 38:6-7

2. We should carefully guard our words and actions so no one can use them against us. Others will see if our faith is genuine by our words and actions.

           3. It is better to store riches in Heaven than on earth. Mark 4:18-20, Luke 8:14, 

Luke 12:21

4. Satan will try to influence everyone.  Some influences will be subtle, others hard-hitting. Sometimes Satan will appear as an angel of light.  2 Corinthians 11:14

5. Saturday is the Lord's Day Sabbath. ( an unknown person from Georgia, USA mailed me a newspaper article entitled, “Why do the Heathen Rage.” Which confirmed from the Bible that Saturday is God’s Sabbath!)

Exodus 20:8-11, Luke 4:16, Isaiah 66:22-23! John 14:15,21,24. John 15:10.

            6. Jesus will come again visibly, unexpectedly and soon. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 

A GOOD MARRIAGE IS....

* Is showing unselfish love to God, your spouse, & others.

 * Is forming a family circle of love, and together with God, facing the world.

* Is having daily, family worship.

 * Is not so much finding the right person, as being the right person.

 * Is demonstrating appreciation by our words & thoughtful ways.

 * Is being a courteous, respectful, & good listener.

 * Is being sensitive to the needs & feelings of others.

* Is giving each other an atmosphere in which to grow.

 * Is finding joy & fulfillment in worshiping God.

 * Is never going to sleep angry.

 * Is having the capacity to forgive & forget.

 * Is carefully guarding your thoughts & the avenues of the mind.

 * Is utilizing God's power sources: Jesus, Holy Bible, Prayer & Holy Spirit.

 * Is daily giving generous hugs & kisses to your spouse.

Our Prayers Cannot Die Away

Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. 

...They may be inaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lost through the activities of business that are going on. 

Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. 

               Christ’s Object Lessons 177  e g white

Carry Me Through

I dreamed I was trudging up a steep, sand mountain carrying a heavy load of burdens.  I kept slipping and sliding, falling down and sliding backwards.
Jesus appeared and said He would carry my heavy burdens for me, if I would only ask.
Being exhausted I merely nodded meaning that I desperately needed His help.
Jesus picked up my duffle bag of heavy burdens and placed it under His left arm, and cradled me in His right.
Jesus steadily climbed the steep high mountain of sand, His feet NEVER slipping or sliding or falling down. Trusting Him completely to get me to the top, I nodded off to sleep in perfect trust.

Amidst the Strife of Nations....

He who slumbers not, who in every crisis has been the strength and dependence of His people, will carry out His eternal purpose.  He will halt 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.   By Ellen G White

Read Psalm 91 - in Holy Scripture, the Bible

Jeremiah 29:11-13

For I know the plans I have for you, says God.  Thoughts of peace and not of evil - to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call on Me, and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
And you will look for Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
New King James Version

Let God Carry Your Load!

Let God carry your load.

When you don't know which way to go in life, or your path is harsh - turn to God and ask Him for total help, and He will help totally.

Let God carry the load!

See this Blog, April 11, 2016 "Carry me through"

True Story

Having read that many people die without hope in the resurrection, I pray nightly for the Lord to be with all those who are dying, to comfort them and their families, and to save them all in His Kingdom.  

Years ago I awoke with the impression that my California friend, actor James Stewart, was dying.  I prayed for the Lord to be very near to James, and for him to ask and receive forgiveness of his sins.

An hour later I felt peace that James was safe and fell back asleep.  The next morning I learned James had died during the night.  Though sad I believe Jimmy Stewart will be resurrected at Jesus’ Second Coming.

This all reminds me how important  each of us to God. How much He cares about each one of us!

Further Encouragement

For further encouragement read:

How To Be Happy Where You Are, by Michelle McKinney Hammond
Harvest House publishers, Eugene, Oregon, USA, 2012

We are on Trial

We should never forget that we are placed on trial in this world, to determine our fitness for (Heaven).  None can enter Heaven whose characters are defiled by the foul blot of selfishness.

Therefore, God tests us here, by committing to us (earthly) possessions, that our
use of these may show whether we can be trusted with eternal riches.

Counsels on Stewardship, 22, e g white

Salvation - The Father Suffered Too

The Father Himself suffered with the Son; for “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.” 

Man, with his human, finite judgment, cannot safely question the wisdom of God.  Hence it is unbecoming for him to criticize the plan of salvation. 

 Before the theme of redemption, let man lay his wisdom in the dust, and accept the plans of Him whose wisdom is infinite.

The death of Christ upon the cross made sure the destruction of him [the devil] who has the power of death, who was the originator of sin. 

Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889, e g white

Our Plans are not always God's Plans

Our plans are not always God’s plans.  … He will bless and use in the advancement of His cause those who sincerely devote themselves and all they have to His glory. 

If He sees it best not to grant their desires He will counterbalance the refusal by giving them tokens of His love and entrusting to them another service.

 ....In the future life [Heaven] the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed us will be made plain.  We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers and disappointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings.

 Ministry of Healing, 473, 474, e g white

A Promise

Do not dishonor God by words of repining, but praise Him with heart and soul and voice.  Look on the bright side of everything.  Do not bring a cloud or shadow into your home.  Praise Him who is the light of your countenance and your God.  Do this, and see how smoothly everything will go. 

Selected Messages Vol. 2 p 267, e g white

A Person of Power - the Secret of Success

The secret of success is the union of the divine power with human effort. 

Those who achieve the greatest results are those who rely most implicitly upon God's strength.

The man who commanded the sun to stand still ....is the man who for hours lay prostrate upon the earth in prayer in the camp of Gilgal.

The man [or woman] of prayer is the man [woman] of power!

Patriarchs & Prophets, 509, e g white

CATHOLIC

LAUX, John.  A COURSE IN RELIGION FOR CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS AND ACADEMIES  Vol. 1  p 51    1936  

 "If we consulted the Bible only, we should still have to keep holy the Sabbath day, that is Saturday."

THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSE BULLETIN  August 14, 1942  p 4  Official paper of the Cleveland Roman Catholic Diocese

 "Q.  By what authority did the Church change the observance of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday?

 "A.  The Church changed the observance of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday by right of the divine, infallible authority given to her by her Founder, Jesus Christ. The Protestant, claiming the Bible to be the only guide of faith, has no warrant for observing Sunday.  In this matter the Seventh-day Adventist is the only consistent Protestant."

THE CATHOLIC VIRGINIAN,  Richmond, Virginia, October 3, 1947

         "All of us believe many things in regard to religion that we do not find in the Bible.  For example, nowhere in the Bible do we find that Christ or the Apostles ordered that the Sabbath be changed to Sunday.  We have the commandment of God given to Moses to keep holy the Sabbath day, that is the seventh day of the week, Saturday.  Today most Christians keep Sunday because it has been revealed to us by the [Catholic] Church outside the Bible."

Even if You're A Really Bad Person

Even if you are a really bad, evil person - God still loves you.  Just go to God, confess your sins, and He will forgive you completely! And He will give you a new clean slate!

If you fall again, God still loves you!  Repent and Ask Him to help you, and God will forgive you and help you and give you another clean slate.

However, God expects you to turn away from sin.
He expects to see improvement in your life.
He wants you to exercise faith in His Son Jesus Christ.

 It is not "once saved always saved".  Because, "faith without works is dead!". James 2:17-20.

- Holy Scriptures Only

God will have a people to maintain the Scriptures, and the Holy Scriptures only, as the standard of all doctrines and the basis of all reforms....

Before accepting any doctrine or teaching, we should demand a plain, "thus says the Lord" in it's support.

Satan is constantly trying to attract attention to Man in the place of God.  The devil leads people to look to church leaders, pastors and theology professors, as their guides, instead of searching Holy 

Scripture to learn their duty for themselves.  

The Great Controversy, 595, e g white (paraphrased)

Obtaining Knowledge

Gods people are directed to Holy Scripture as their safeguard against the influence of false teachers and the delusive power of demons. Satan uses every possible method to prevent people from obtaining a knowledge of Holy Scripture, for its plain writings reveal the devil's deceptions.

The Great Controversy, 593, E G White (paraphrased)

I thank God for you

I have not stopped thanking God for you (the reader), I pray for you daily.
Ephesians 1:16

Even before God created the world, He loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.  God decided back then to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself thru Christ Jesus.  It gave Him great happiness to do this!
God is so rich in love and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son Jesus and forgave our sins!
Ephesians 1:4-7

Tomatoes and What a Night!

At our new home I decided to grow tomatoes. 

Being a city-girl I decided one tomato plant produced only two tomatoes a year so planted twenty-four plants!  We had hundreds of tomatoes! We canned and canned and gave tomatoes away and sold the surplus to the market!      

Shortly after moving in, at about 2 a.m., we heard unearthly sounds outside the bedroom window. Andy said he would investigate.  After waiting thirty minutes, and no sign of Andy, I made a search of the house then stepped outside, but could not locate him anywhere!  I feared the worse.

The horrible noises continued so after calling the police and telling them the situation I closed the bedroom door.  Moments later the phone rang.  Rushing to the kitchen phone I ran into a man in the hall!  He grabbed me as I hit him over and over in the chest!  The raspy voice said, "it's me!" but he did not sound like anyone I knew! 

Finally the voice sounded coherent, it was Andy!  Seems he fell asleep in the spare room and the phone woke him up.  He had never gone outside! 

The call was from the police verifying my earlier call.  Andy’s explanation that no one called did not convince the officers and they came immediately.  They checked our property for signs of an intruder, but could find nothing. 

What a night!!!