We are Never Abandoned

Christ will never abandon those for whom He has died. 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's People are Safe

God who slumbers not, 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.

E G WHITE

A PRAYER

Lord, take my heart, For I cannot give it. It is Thy property.
Keep it pure, For I cannot keep it for Thee.
Save me in spite of my weak, unchristlike self.
Mold me, fashion me,
Raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere,
Where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.

Christ’s Object Lessons 159, E G WHITE

VBS - Vacation Bible School

In the 1960's - during two weeks in June - from nine a.m. until noon - mornings were spent at Missouri Synod Lutheran Vacation Bible School.

 All the children would enter the sanctuary by two's singing “Onward Christian Soldiers” while following the Christian and American flags.

In the sanctuary we would sing, pray and listen to a sermonette and a mission story. Then in our classrooms we would work on crafts and listen to Bible stories.

 It was so wonderful to be there! And so wonderful to be a part of it all!

Always Room for One More

God never downsizes His kingdom. There is always room for one more.

Benign tumors

Four weeks ago Andy's doctor (ENT) found two tumors on Andy's neck, one was quite large. A biopsy was performed - both were benign! The ENT urged to have them removed ASAP - so the following week they were removed in a 3 hour surgery. Andy's incision goes from around the ear down almost to the adam's apple. Praise the Lord that none of the facial nerves were cut/damaged!

The day after Andy's surgery I noticed a large, painful purple/red lump on my left breast. My doctor saw me the next day and it was removed. It was benign!

We are both in pain still, but healing.

Praise God the tumors were benign and removed promptly!

Feel the pain - Cry if you want

Go ahead, feel the pain - Cry if you want. Acknowledge something has died even if it is just a dream of how your life was supposed to go. Tears have a way of cleansing the soul and refreshing the spirit. As you release all that is bottled up inside, God collects those precious tears in a bottle, and does not disregard them. See Psalm 56:8.

Unveiling the Diva Mystique p 82, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Harvest House Publishers, 2005

Lay All Your Plans Before God

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

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

Testimonies for the Church, Volume 7, page 44, E G White

Not by Feeling, but by Faith

Whether we feel God’s love towards us or not – God does love us – God loves you. Believe that He does.

  Go not by feeling but by faith!


When something is wrong in your life you must make the change to line up with what God says in Holy Scripture. God cannot truly bless unless our lives are right with Him.

 God bless you.

No Mimic Battle

We do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Over every [person] good and evil angels strive. This is no make-believe conflict.

It is no mimic battle in which we are engaged. We have to meet most powerful adversaries, and it rests with us to determine which shall win. We are to find our Strength where the early disciples found theirs.

Signs of the Times, Feb. 17, 1914, E G White

See Blog January 12, 2015 - Stupendous Crisis

Before our eyes...

Today men and nations are being tested by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake...

. Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. 

Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Savior's prophecy of the events to precede His coming.

Prophets & Kings, pp 536-537, E G White

See blog Jan 12, 2015 - Stupendous Crisis

The remainder of our life...

Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer.

Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us:
the tears He has wiped away,
the pains He has soothed,
the anxieties removed,
the fears dispelled,
the wants supplied,
the blessings bestowed -
thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our [life]...

Steps to Christ 89, E G White

I Love You...Says God

God says, "I love you with eternal love, pursuing after you with loving kindness. Whoever believes in Me and keeps My Commandments loves Me, and My Father will love them who love Me and I will love them and manifest Myself to them. For God so loved the human race that He gave His only Son, that anyone who believes in Him will not suffer eternal death but will have eternal life."

This is love: not that we love God, but that He loves us, and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. No one has a greater love than the One who lays down His life for His friends.

Dear Friend, since God loves us this much, we should love each other. We love because God first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates another, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for others."

Dear Friend, I close my letter with these last words. Be a mature Christian, pay attention to what I have written, be in unity, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you always. And to know the love of Christ, which surpasses all understanding….

 Now to God who is able to do all things super-abundantly beyond what we think or ask...to Him be the glory... throughout all generations, forever. Amen!


The above quotes come from these Bible texts (variety of versions): Jeremiah 31:3/ 1 John 14:21/ John 3:16/ 1 John 4:9-10/ John 15:13/ 1 John 4:11,19-20/ John 13:35/ 2 Corinthians 13:11/ Ephesians 3:19-21

Finances

"There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches." Proverbs 13:7

"Better is a little with righteousness, than vast wealth without justice [God]." Proverbs 16:8

From a Bible view, God promises to provide for us when we put the principles of Heaven first in our lives.

 In a world where little is certain, in an age of tremendous financial insecurity, God promises that when we are faithful to Him, He will provide.

No one ever trusted God in vain. He never disappoints those who trust in Him.

Chapter by G Edward Reid, in the book God will Provide, pages 21, 27. by John Bradshaw of It Is Written

Weight-Loss Diet

My doctor gave me this weight loss diet - its very simple!

Eat three meals a day.

Eat 50 to 55 grams of carbs per meal - With your choice of foods, but no more than 55 grams.
You can eat lots of food per meal if the carbs per item is low.  Count the carbs of EVERYTHING you eat.

You are allowed a 10 gram carb snack @ 10 am and one at 3 pm.

Drink water between meals to help you stay full.

The Answer by Deb M

There will come an Answer, though the time is unknown.
It is God’s only Answer, He will send His Own.
It is God's perfect Answer for all humanity;
He brings peace, joy and freedom, love and dignity.


Men have their own answers, but strange as it seems,
They say war is the answer for all men's sufferings.
But I know God has the Answer to hate, bloodshed and war;
For Christ is the Answer the world needs nothing more.


Soon Christ will come,
And will end this world of strife
Christ, [pause]
Our only Hope and Life

SIGNS of Jesus' Second Coming

Do not be afraid, believe in God & Jesus. John 14:1-3
Like a woman’s labor pains, the Frequency & Severity of the Signs Increase until Jesus comes. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3; Matthew 24:7-8



INCREASING SIGNS IN THE PHYSICAL WORLD
Earthquakes/Disasters [Violent Weather?] - Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11, 25
Famine, Strange New Diseases/Pestilence - Matthew 24:7; Luke 21:11
Signs in the Sun, Moon and heavenly bodies - Matthew 24:29; Luke 21:25

INCREASING SIGNS IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
Labor & Money Troubles - James 5:1-6
Increase in Knowledge - Daniel 12:4

INCREASING SIGNS IN THE POLITICAL WORLD
Disregard for Justice - Isaiah 59:12-14; James 5:6
Fear, Distress, Perplexity Everywhere - Luke 21:25-28
Wars & Rumors of War - Matthew 24:6, 7; Luke 21:9, 10
World Leaders/Pastors preach “Peace & Safety” –
1 Thessalonians 5:3; Jeremiah 6:14; Ezekiel 7:25

INCREASING SIGNS IN THE SOCIAL WORLD
Moral Collapse, Increase of Violence & Crime - 2 Timothy 3:1-6, 13
Love pleasure more than God - 2 Timothy 3:4
No Natural Affection - 2 Timothy 3:3
Disobedient to Parents / No Self Control - 2 Timothy 3:1-4
Evil increases, so the love of many grows indifferent - Matthew 24:12

INCREASING SIGNS IN THE RELIGIOUS WORLD
Form of godliness, but denying God - 2 Timothy 3:5
Disregard for God’s will, but doing “religious” works - Matthew 7:21-23
Ignoring/Rebellion against God’s Truth - 2 Timothy 4:3-4
False christs & prophets - Matthew 24:11, 24
Scoffing at Jesus’ Promise to Return Soon - 2 Peter 3:3-14

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

OLD TESTAMENT - THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. You will have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3

2. You will not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth, or that is in the water under the earth. You will not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands that love Me and keep My Commandments. Exodus 20:4-6

3. You will not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.
Exodus 20:7

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you may work, and do all your work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, daughter, manservant, maidservant, thy animals, nor the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11

5. Honor your father and mother, that your days be long upon the land which the Lord thy God gives to you. Exodus 20:12

6. You will not murder. Exodus 20:13

7. You will not commit adultery. Exodus 20:14

8. You will not steal. Exodus 20:15

9. You will not lie about a neighbor. Exodus 20:16

10. You will not covet your neighbor’s house, wife, servants, animals, or anything that is your neighbor’s. Exodus 20:17


NEW TESTAMENT - THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. You will worship the Lord your God. and Him only will you serve. Matthew 4:10

2. Little children, keep yourselves from idols 1 John 5:21
...abstain from idols... Acts 15:20
Do not be idolaters... 1 Cor. 10:7

3. That the Name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. 1 Timothy 6:1

4. For He spoke in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works. There remains a rest [‘keeping of a Sabbath’ margin] to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works as God did from His. Hebrews 4:4, 9, 10

5. Honor thy father and thy mother. Matthew 19:19

6. Thou shalt not murder. Matthew 19:18

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Matthew 19:18

8. Thou shalt not steal. Romans 13:9

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Romans 13:9

10. Thou shalt not covet. Romans 7:7

What is Love?

If I had the gift of speaking in foreign languages without learning them, and even if I could speak every heavenly language, but did not love others, I would only be making noise.

If I had the gift of prophecy and knew the future, but did not love others, what good would it do?

Even if I had the gift of faith and could move mountains, I still would be worth nothing without love.

If I gave all my worldly possessions to the poor, and even if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel, but did not have love, it would be of no value.

Love* is patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty, selfish or rude.

Love does not demand it's own way. Love is not irritable or grouchy. Love does not hold grudges, and will not keep score against friend or enemy.

Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. Love is loyal, and has faith in God under all circumstances.

Someday prophecy, foreign languages and special knowledge will disappear, but Love goes on forever.

Now we know so little even with our special gifts, but when Jesus comes and we have been made perfect and complete at His coming, then those special gifts will come to an end, for they are no longer needed.

It is like this: when I was a child, I spoke and thought as a child. But when I reached adulthood my thoughts were far above childish ways.

 In the same way, we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were looking at His reflection in a poor mirror. But someday we are going to see Him as He is, face to Face! What I see now is blurry, but later I will see everything as clearly as God sees now!

There are three great things: FAITH - HOPE - LOVE. And the greatest is LOVE!

*God is Love. In this paragraph substitute your name wherever the word "Love" appears.

Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

God's Leading Statesmen

God has His agents among the leading men and women of the nation. With unanswerable arguments statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose measures that would greatly impede the work of God. Thus a few people will hold in check a powerful current of evil.

Based on The Great Controversy, chapter 38-The Final Warning, page 610, E G White

Illustration of Jesus' Second Coming - Deb M Dream

Illustration of Jesus’ Second Coming – Deb's Dream
Being chased by killers I ran into the woods and stopped in a small clearing where a beautiful, simple, little, solid church was standing. Climbing roses, vines, and bright flowers were its adornment. I decided to enter the House of Refuge.

A very happy, pleasant man greeted me and seated me on the right hand side of the sanctuary. He used the outside aisle as the center aisle was reserved for the guest. I felt a wedding was to begin.

The man seated me next to a beautiful, young woman: long dark hair, sweet round face, big brown eyes, short. Her attitude immediately impressed me that she was a very God-fearing woman. While we sat, she quietly mentioned her son was soon expected, though she did not know when. I thought, "how nice," and told her I would like to meet him. She said I would and then I realized who her Son was! We sat in the church praying and reading our Bibles.

Suddenly there was much commotion and appalling noise. Brown-robed men, walking two abreast, came down the center aisle each carrying a book and a large, dimly lighted candle. As the men walked down the center aisle they told obscene jokes, pushed and shoved each other, and were very irreverent. Standing in front of the little church they mocked sacred things such as faith, prayer and God. The young woman was clearly upset; I, too, was upset but did not know what to do.

A voice rang out, "He is here!" The men's faces grew pale and anxious. Camera flashes filled the room as reporters huddled by the front door waiting, but no One came.

The men relaxed and continued to create even greater havoc. They said He was late and would never come, that it was all a big hoax. I wanted to speak out about their sacrilegious attitude but the young woman silently bade me not to.

Suddenly bright light illuminated the little church. We turned to see what was going on as a trumpet sounded. The woman's Son had come! The Lord was an awesome sight, majestic and inspiring! I was not frightened by Him, but felt deeply humbled.

His face! I could not take my eyes off His face! It was alight and alive with glory. His eyes burned as living flame, His skin was like polished brass, and His robe was pure white with a gold belt.

The woman and I, never taking our eyes off Him, raised to our feet to honor Him. The men looked away and shrank into oblivion.

I wished upon waking that the dream had been real, for it was very grand and wonderful.

...Even Those who Hate Him

People, God does love you. He loves you so much. Please accept what Jesus has done for you - He died on the cross and provides for you in your daily life.

Even if you do not like God He still provides for you.

God loves everyone - even those who hate Him.

Buffy the Kitten - My Nurse

In 1968, due to orthopedic surgery, I was completely bed-ridden for two months so was allowed to adopt a kitten!

Since a friend's cat had kittens I chose an orange kitten named Buffy to be my companion, actually Buffy chose me! As soon as I sat on my friend's floor to inspect the kittens, Buffy, an nine week old crawled right into my lap and would not leave. So actually Buffy chose me!

Buffy had an uncanny sense about my needs for he stayed by my side 24 hours a day. Every morning, at exactly 7:00 a.m., he would awaken me by first meowing, then by sitting on my stomach, then by sitting on my chest, then by patting my nose, and finally by sitting on my face! Quickly I learned to wake up before this last step!

God was so good and kind to give me such a loving companion!

God won't Force us to love Him

God is so powerful that He could force us to love Him, but God doesn’t use force, because He loves us and wants us to love Him back.

Jesus determined, (in council with His Father) to do everything possible, no matter the cost, to rescue sinners. Jesus loves you more than He values His own life – He died for you!

Bad things happen to good people – it’s because of sin, not because God hates you. God loves everyone. The devil hates everyone. You don’t believe in God? He believes in you! Trust yourself to God – He will care for you.

God planned for you before the world began. He longs for you to talk to Him about everything that is on your mind.

God always listens. I go to Him with all my problems and He always looks after me. As a small child I learned these things – it made all the difference in my life.


Often your mind may be
Clouded because of pain.
Then do not try to think.
You know that Jesus loves you!
He understands you.
You may do His will by simply
Resting in His arms.

My Horse Friends

A major facet in my youth was horses. Our Lutheran church friends from Germany, two elderly brothers Karl and Ernie Wolff, owned Hillside Stables in Omaha, Nebraska. When I was three years old the family went to see the horses and I rode an older mare.

Hillside Stables had many interesting and impressive horses such as:
Golden Centaur - an elegant palomino with arched neck, large dark eyes; white, wavy tail and mane and a high tail carriage.
 Pepper - the black, classic Morgan;
two thoroughbreds ridden by seventy-year old twin sisters;
Snow King - a white 30-year old retired circus horse;
Private Eye - a handsome, dark chestnut Saddlebred with green-hazel eyes;
and my champion Appaloosa - Spottum Bottum.

Point of interest: at Hillside Stables, in the 1960’s, feed, hay and board in a box stall with use of tack room and all facilities was one dollar a day; and horse rental was $1.25 an hour!

In Omaha, Hillside was located on a huge property bordered by the Papio Creek on the south and west, by Dodge Street on the north, and by the Interstate on the east. There were 3 large pastures to ride in, and a tree nursery too! It was a true pleasure to be at Hillside!

A Jewish friend, Elisse, owned a beautiful palomino named Golden Banner. Since she was Jewish she kept God’s Ten Commandments including keeping holy Saturday - the seventh-day Sabbath. The Fourth Commandment says that cattle (domestic animals) should not work on Sabbath.
Exodus 20:8-11. So on Sabbath Elisse would only turn Banner out to pasture and then give him a good rub-down; she never rode Banner on the seventh-day Sabbath.

Our God of all Comfort

God speaks to us in a special way in times of testing. This is presented with the sincere desire that you might be strengthened as God speaks to you in your time of need, and that you, through the “Comfort of Scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4.


“Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in our trials.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not worry, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms (eternal strength).” Deuteronomy 33:27

“Like a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those that fear Him. For He knows our frame, He remembers that we are only dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“God will keep you in perfect peace, when your mind is focused on God, because you trust in God.” Isaiah 26:3

[Jesus said,] These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you will have trials, but be happy, because I have overcome the world!” John 16:33


“Now for a while, if need be, you are in heaviness through many trials and temptations. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than purified gold, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the coming of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6-7


[The Lord said,] “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
 [Paul’s response was,] “Most gladly I will glory in my infirmities and trials that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

As you claim God’s promises by faith, He will grant you:

His triumph in the midst of testing.
His joy in the midst of sorrow.
His peace in the midst of trouble.

Religious Liberty in Public School

Public elementary school, District 66 in Omaha, Nebraska, had many memorable, spiritual moments!

 In sixth grade we discussed the Biblical Flood, the long lives of pre-Flood people, why Pilgrim women did not wear make-up, and how our weekdays received their names from paganism.

In grades 1 through 12 our class 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 sixth grade all the students explained different aspects of their religion (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, freedom to assemble peacefully, and liberty of conscience.

Lessons from a Rescue Dog

"All about us God has placed the beautiful things of nature that they may teach us about Him." The Wonderful Way (Dept. of Education, General Conference of S.D.A., 1955, page 412.)


Our dear Ingrid, the rescue collie dog, has been a true blessing - teaching us lessons about God. She was saved from what we believe was an abusive home, and Ingrid is constantly thankful for being rescued.

Ingrid teaches us about God’s protection. When I am bathing, Ingrid lays outside the bathroom door as protection. One day Andy came home unexpectedly (using the front door) and I was in the shower. According to Andy, Ingrid crouched by the front door and was growling deep in her throat with hackles up because she did not expect Andy, and Ingrid felt I was in danger. After a few seconds she recognized Andy and made little apologetic sounds and allowed him to enter the house.

Ingrid teaches us how to be obedient to God. She does this by paying close attention to our every word and action. When asked to perform a chore she does it willingly and without hesitation. If only we would remember to be obedient when God asks us to do something for Him.

Ingrid teaches us to remain close to God. Whenever Andy comes home, (using the back door), no matter the time, Ingrid bounds out with great enthusiasm and greets him at the back door. If only we had as much enthusiasm for Christ and His return.

 Ingrid is faithful and remaining close is her way of worshipping us.

We really loved Ingrid for she was a true friend. We prayed for the right dog and found her, and we like to think that perhaps Ingrid was "praying" for the right home and that her prayers were answered too!!!

God's Precious Animals

In training animals I verbally correct only when necessary, and praise and love them constantly showing them respect. The pets return my love and respect more than one hundred percent.

Example: Being very ill, I passed out on the floor. Regaining conscientiousness I found my pets doing their best to help me. Timmy the cat was lying over my left ankle, Ivory the cat was laying over my right ankle, and Ingrid the dog was lying by my side. Only when I felt better did the animals leave their post. God uses even little animals to help.

"The intelligence displayed by many animals approaches so closely to human intelligence that it is a mystery.

". The animals see and hear and love and fear and suffer. They use their organs far more faithfully than many human beings use theirs. They manifest sympathy and tenderness toward their companions in suffering.

"  Many animals show affection for those who have charge of them, far superior to the affection shown by some of the human race. They form attachments for man which are not broken without great suffering to them."

  Ministry of Healing pages 315-316 by Ellen G White

A Russian Blue named Timmy - Timmy the Troublemaker

Being pet-less we finally decided to adopt a Russian Blue kitten named Timothy. Timothy cried all the way home, but it was really fun having a kitten!

The first week Timmy jumped on the coffee table into Andy’s toast with jelly! Later, tiny Tim jumped into the toilet as it was flushing and luckily we were there to save him from going down the drain!

Tim liked to help Andy with carpentry work including hammers; you can imagine how hard it was for Andy to hammer with Timmy constantly pressing his nose against the nail! Uncovering a furnace vent, the next thing we knew Timmy was stuck inside!

We have handles on our doors rather than knobs, which is a mistake because Timmy can open any door he chooses. If guests are in the bathroom Timmy will open the door, bare his teeth and run away! Timmy is not dumb, but he is weird! Another time Tim opened a door to the outside! We searched all over the yard in our night-clothes but it was already dark…..then I felt a furry beast crawling up my leg under my nightgown! I screamed! and the culprit was…...you guessed it, Timothy!

While we were painting the bedroom, Timmy decided to sneak in and walk in the paint tray. Prancing around the room, he left white paw prints all over the blue carpet and then rubbed his face, sides and tail against the freshly painted walls! Timmy was promptly given a bath and refrained from any more painting tricks.

At exactly 10:00 p.m. Timmy likes to be put into his kennel and have a fuss made over him. One evening, due to company, we forgot the routine and Timmy came into the living room every few minutes to remind us. At 10:25 p.m. we still had not put Tim to bed, so being resourceful he got even. Timmy got out a pair of dirty underwear from the hamper and proudly pranced around our guests carrying his prize! Our guests roared with laughter, we turned red, and Timothy was promptly put to bed!

Despite all his trouble making, Timmy is loved.

 How much more does God love us despite all our trouble making!

A Shelter from the Storm

In 1968, when I was thirteen years old, Mom and Dad went to a party in another town about thirty minutes away.

 While they were gone a tornado was sighted, and a city-wide tornado warning was issued.

 Dad phoned me at home, “Deb, are you alright?!” I replied, “I'm pretty scared.” Dad’s immediate response was, “I'll be right home!” Dad arrived and took me back to the party with him. How great was Dad's love for me.

So will Jesus come back for us at Earth's darkest hour. How great is God’s love for us!

 If for no other future plans than this, the Lord is teaching me total dependence and faith on Him.

"For Thou hast been a stronghold to the poor...a shelter from the storm...." Isaiah 25:4 [RSV]

Have You Ever Wondered about Heaven...?

Have you ever wondered what eternal life in Heaven and the Earth made new will be like?! Then I ask you to read Isaiah chapter 65, verses 17-18 and verses 21-25. Now read Revelation chapter 21, verses 1 thru 27, and continuing thru chapter 22, verses 1 to 7. These are the best descriptions I can find in Holy Scripture of Heaven. And they are awesome!!


"We do not propose undue speculation on the details of the future life. Its loveliness will surpass our fondest dreams, its beauty will excel our most enthusiastic imaginations, and its joy will soar above the flight of our highest hopes." God Speaks to Modern Man, p 602, Arthur E Lickey

"One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation....From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love." The Great Controversy, p 678, Ellen G White


"Now the dwelling of God is with humanity, and God will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain - for that is all gone forever!" Revelation 21:3-4


But now we desire a better country, a Heavenly country. God is not ashamed to be called our God, for He has prepared for us a City! Hebrews 11:16 - paraphrased

He Died

Jesus Christ died for us. The loving, lovely One for the lost sheep. He did not have to do this, but He died so that we might have immortal life in beautiful Heaven with Him for eternity.

Surrendered

As you cast yourself on Christ, you are fulfilling His purpose for you. You are no longer a law to yourself. But no violence is done to your will and your freedom of action. The mind is brought under the authority of a new law. But it is the royal law of liberty. The whole being is surrendered to God. The heart is transformed by the Spirit's power.

Battle Creek Letters, November 11, 1902
from Ellen G White to John Harvey Kellogg MD

Who can Comprehend the Love....

Who can comprehend the love that God has shown in sending Christ to save perishing souls?

 I am conscious that language is far too feeble to depict this love. And our minds can not take it in. It is impossible even for the angels fully to comprehend how completely God identifies His interests with those of His blood-bought heritage, and how tenderly He deals with the tried and tempted....

How much God loves human beings, we never can compute. The universe is filled with proofs of His measureless benevolence.

Excerpt from Battle Creek Letters, November 11, 1902
from Ellen G White to John Harvey Kellogg MD

Your Greatest Desire...

Have you determined to be rich? Then let these words in Matthew chapter six impress your heart and direct your life. They will teach you to be content, and to yield your will to the control of the Holy Spirit. You will not then be elbowing (back-stabbing)your fellow-worker that you may make room for your plans.

But your greatest desire will be to work in just the place that God has assigned you, and where He can look upon you with approval.

An Appeal for Unity and Confidence, pamphlet 14, p 13, Ellen G White

Hasty Temper...Spirit of Strife

Great is our need of the saving grace of Christ. Everywhere we turn we see more or less clearly revealed the spirit of strife for place and position, a reaching out for honor and recognition.

My brethren and sisters, if you desire honor, seek it in the right way. How shall you seek it, do you ask? In obedience to the word of truth. Our ambition in this life should be to honor Christ at every step.

The hasty temper, the cruel speech, the unkind thought, are not to be indulged. It is not for us to exalt this one, and condemn that one. In right words, words that bless and encourage, we are to reveal the fruits of righteousness.

An Appeal for Unity and Confidence, pamphlet 14, page 13, Ellen G White

This entry is just as much for me as anyone. In the past week, I too, had a hasty temper.

Christ will Freely Give

When the law of God and the Spirit of God have made the sinner conscious of his sin, let him come to Christ. The forgiveness that the law could not provide, Christ will freely give.

...The woman taken in adultery Christ did not condemn, for she already felt condemned and ashamed. She needed sympathy and forgiveness, and Christ was ready to grant it to her.

God Speaks to Modern Man, p 386, Arthur E Lickey

Destroy the Law...?

God's law and His character are inseparable. He did not and will not change either. Calvary is God's final and unanswerable argument in favor of His eternal law. Destroy the law and Calvary becomes a meaningless tragedy.

God Speaks to Modern Man, p 372, by Arthur E. Lickey

Beware! of Self-pity

We need to beware of self-pity. Never indulge the feeling that you are not esteemed as you should be, that your efforts are not appreciated, that your work is too difficult.

Let the memory of what Christ has endured for us silence every murmuring thought.

The Lord has no place in His work for those who have a greater desire to win the crown than to bear the cross.

Ministry of Healing 476, E G White

A Good Reputation

Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold

. Proverbs 22:1

Gold & Fire

In regards to our faith and trials - "Gold is not afraid of fire."

Stop being Angry!

Commit everything you do to God, Trust Him and He will help you!

Be still in the presence of God, and wait patiently for Him to act.

Do not worry about evil people who prosper, or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry - turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper, it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed, but God's people will possess the earth made new.

The above lines are from Psalm 37:5,7-9

Be still, and know that I Am God. Psalm 46:10

God Rescues Every Time

God hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

The righteous face many troubles, but God rescues them every time.

Psalm 34:17-19

Those who hate the Righteous...

Calamity will surely overtake the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be punished.

But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him - Everyone who takes refuge in God will be saved.

Psalm 34:21-22

Who will Go to Heaven?

Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your Holy Hill?

Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.

  Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends

 Those who despise flagrant sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord

 those who keep their promises even when it is inconvenient.

 Those who lend money without interest, and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.

Such people will go to Heaven!

Psalms chapter 15, verses 1-5

Spirits of Devils

Quotes from the Ellen G. White book, Early Writings, p 262

I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding of present truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be loved relatives or friends who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines.

The spirits of devils will do all in their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before them to confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to withstand these spirits [demons] with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils.

We must examine well the foundation of our hope: for we shall have to give a reason for it from the Scriptures.

For the living know that they will die but the dead know not anything. Ecclesiastes 9:5

Washed-out Bridge

While traveling on a dirt county road Andy noticed, too late, that the bridge was washed out!

Traveling at 30 miles per hour he had no time to stop and the next thing he knew the washed out bridge was behind him!


Andy was so excited that he drove 60 miles back home and brought me to see this amazing sight, and to measure the wash-out and to take photos.

The hole measured seven feet long, twelve feet wide, and ten feet deep. Tire tracks could be plainly seen in the soft dirt road going right to the edge on one side and continuing on the other side - the car had not jumped the hole! Andy felt no bumps or jolts as is common when his little car goes over even the smallest pothole.

Andy explains, "I drove over on God’s hand, there is no other explanation why the car did not fall in the hole. God saved me!

 ‘For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.’ Psalm 91:11.”

Terrible Intensity

The great controversy between good and evil will increase in intensity to the very close of time. ..

.As the church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with greater power.

For six thousand years that mastermind (Lucifer - Satan), that once was highest among the angels of God, has been wholly bent to the work of deception and ruin.

And all the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought against God's people in the final conflict. And in this time of peril the followers of Christ are to bear to the world the warning of the Lord's second advent....

In the great final conflict, Satan will employ the same policy, manifest the same spirit, and work for the same end as in all preceding ages.

That which has been, will be, except that the coming struggle will be marked with a terrible intensity such as the world has ever witnessed. Satan's deceptions will be more subtle, his assaults more determined.   If it were possible, he would lead stray the elect.

Selections from The Great Controversy, Introduction, ix, x, xi by E G White

WATCH !!

Before the Flood .

... for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. "So," says the Savior, "shall also the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:39.

"Watch...lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping." Mark 13:35, 36.

Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world.

While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of [money];
while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence;
while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments
- it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence:
 "You are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting." Daniel 5:27

Selections from The Great Controversy, p 491, E G White

Facing Life's Record

All who would have their names retained in the Book of Life should now, in the few remaining days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow and true repentance.

The purity and devotion of one will not offset the [lack] of these qualities in another.

[God] will examine the case of each individual with as close and searching scrutiny as if there were not another being upon the earth.

The Judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. ...Soon - none know how soon - it will pass to the cases of the living...

"Watch and pray, for you know not when the time is." Mark 13:33

Selections from The Great Controversy, p 490, E G White

Valentine's Day

In high school and college I was very particular as to who I dated. The guy had to show respect for himself; if he had no respect for himself how could he have respect for me?

 Respect was very important, as was morality, which included no smoking, drinking, drugs or lewd behavior. (I did not date much, but married a gem of a husband!)

 I did not start dating until I was almost seventeen.

 And am proud to say I kept my promise made at a young age and was a chaste virgin for my future husband.

We have been married over 40 (forty) consecutive years!

When We Receive our Heavenly Reward

"When the redeemed stand before God, precious souls will respond to their names who are there because of our faithful, patient and earnest persuasions to flee to the Stronghold.

 Thus, those who in this world have been laborers together with God will receive their reward.”

Testimonies to the Church, Volume 8, pp. 196, 197, E G White 

The Truth About Grandma!

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God..." 1 John 4:1 [RSV]

As a Christian I fully believe in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word for “Trinity” is Elohim, and in Genesis 1:26 is translated "Us." God is interested in everything that affects us, for the Trinity deeply loves each one of us.

When Adam and Eve believed Satan’s first lie, "you will never die," (Genesis 3:4, 5), the world was cast into sin and confusion that grows worse every year. Satan lied in direct opposition to God's truth - "if you eat it [a sin] you will die" (Genesis 2:17). Since that first lie almost everyone believes that when you die you keep on living.

It was this teaching and the popular 1960's television comedy, Bewitched, that almost caused my spiritual ruin. Bewitched piqued interest in other schoolgirls, and at slumber parties we would attempt levitation and seances.

We did not know the Bible truth that would protect us from danger. “The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.” (See: Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 and 10; Psalm 115:17; Psalm 146:4; Job 7:9-10; Job 14:21; and Isaiah 8:19-20.)

On May 21, 1963 at 10:15 p.m. I sensed something "bad" in the house. Trying to alert my parents to danger by shaking their bed; I was confused when they did not respond. Crawling back into bed, I was startled when Grandma, who lived three hours away, walked through my bedroom door. She was filmy-white. Slowly she glided towards me.

"Grandma, why are you here?" I asked innocently. Never speaking she came to me, her face changing into a demonic glare while gesturing to choke me. "Jesus help me!" I screamed, while throwing the covers over my head. Moments later the ghost was gone. The clock read 10:25 p.m. I cried out to Mom in the next room, she came immediately.

The next morning the nursing home called with the news that this same grandmother had died the night before at 10:20 p.m.

"Grandma was in my room last night,” I told the family, “she was see-through white." Mom was unnerved, but said, “Such things are impossible. Grandma is in Heaven. When people die they go to Heaven."

For years I wondered what Grandma had wanted from me. Was she really trying to kill me, or just wanted me to follow her to heaven? These thoughts haunted me for years.

In 1975 SDA pastor Dr. Charles Felton explained to me, "the living know that they will die, but the dead do not know anything," Ecclesiastes 9:5,6,10. He explained it was the devil whom I had seen - the devil had been confusing me and wanting me to follow him (the devil.)

I was so happy to finally know the truth about "Grandma!"

The Story of the Good Samaritan according to me

There once was a young woman who was walking in a rough neighborhood (sin). Suddenly she was mugged by a gang (Satan and his demons). They hurt her physically and emotionally, and left her for dead in the gutter.

After awhile a church member walked by. The young woman called out for help, but the church member cursed her and continued walking.

Then the head elder walked by. The young woman pleaded with him to please help her, but he stuck his nose in the air and pretended not to see her.

Then the pastor walked by and was disgusted to see her lying in the gutter. He too passed her by.

Finally, Jesus Himself walked by and when the young woman weakly called out for help Jesus immediately stopped and helped her. He didn’t call her a “stupid idiot” for walking in such a rough neighborhood, but He did dress her physical and emotional wounds and carried her to the nearest Inn and continued to care for her.

The next day, before He left, Jesus told the innkeeper to feed the young woman and wash her wounds, saying He would repay the innkeeper when He returned.

“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” - Jesus

Purchased by the Blood of God

God is a judge. He is passionately concerned with justice. But He alone is our Intercessor. He presents His own perfect life and shed blood as our Substitute. He satisfies His own demand for justice - at great cost to Himself. That is the foundation of His righteous empire.

We are guilty. There is nothing we can do to cover our shameful acts. We deserve to die. But God looks through all that and sees Jesus' sacrifice. Mercy and justice come together in that great act of Love.

We have been purchased and saved by the shed blood of God Himself.


Selections from Empires in Collision, p 70, George E Vandeman

Faith & Works

What good is it, if a man claims to have faith but has no works? Can such faith save him?

Someone will say, "You have faith; and I have works.
Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by what I do. "

You believe there is one God? Good! But even the demons believe that and shudder.

Foolish man! Do you want evidence that faith without works is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did! Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness; and he was called God's friend.

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

As the body without breath is dead, so faith without works is dead.

From the book of James 2:14, 18-24, 26.

Complaints? - Really?!

The children of Israel were led into difficult circumstances, like at Marah, where they were practically dying of thirst and found that the water was bitter. Angrily they reproached Moses for leading them into such a terrible spot, forgetting that the Lord Himself had led them there.


"Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith and patience than did ancient Israel. When brought into [tight] places, they murmur at the process by which God has chosen to purify them."
Patriarchs and Prophets, p 293 by E G White

TEN YEARS - CANCER FREE!

On February 7th, 2005 I felt large lumps in both breasts. My physician confirmed the lumps and found smaller ones on each side. A February 16th appointment was made at the hospital for a mammogram and ultrasound, with a surgeon standing by for biopsy. I had known women who died from breast cancer. Was I to be another statistic?

The week prior to mammogram I put my life in order by phoning or writing family and friends to put everything “right” between us. Then I rededicated my life to God, asking forgiveness of all my sins. I told God if it was His will for me to die, it was okay as long as I was “right” with Him. I asked for God’s healing in my life, I read the Bible, I prayed earnestly, I did all these things, but the lumps were still there.

February 16, 2005 - mammogram day. I awoke at 5:30 am and watched the sun rise. “What would this day bring,” I pondered.

 I prayed to God to be near, really near.

 At the hospital I changed into the gown and felt my breasts, and, yes, the lumps were still there.

The mammogram was over and so was the ultrasound. I now awaited the surgeon’s decision whether or not to do a biopsy. I could hear him talking fast and loud about my case. He was scaring me! What was he saying? “Why was she brought in? She has no lumps of any size in her breasts! They are completely clear!”

God worked a miracle! I have been cancer free-lump free for Over 12 years!

However Feeble

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, p 208-209, E G White

Satan is Not Permitted...

Satan is not permitted to read our thoughts; but he is a keen observer, and he marks the words and actions, and skillfully adapts his temptations to meet the cases of those who place themselves in his power.

If we would work to repress sinful thoughts and feelings, giving them no expression in words or actions, Satan would be defeated, for he could not prepare his temptations to meet our case.


True Revival, p 10, E G White

BFF - Best Friend Forever

Jesus is eager to be your BFF. He has not changed with the years. His love is as strong, His understanding as perfect, His sympathy as deep, as He was in Bible days.

 Jesus is just as helpful today as at any time past.

Sometimes we are called to pass through periods of trial and hardship. Our future seems hedged with difficulties. Our faith and loyalty are tested to the limit. But God never deserts us. He waits for just the right moment to come to our rescue.

Jesus is "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46:1.

Take Jesus at His word and go boldly, with confidence, and tell Him all that is on your heart.

A Reward

You should not look upon present appearances, but keep the eye [focused] to your duty, single on God's glory, and follow in God's opening providence, and the path shall brighten before you.

Every self-denial, every sacrifice, is faithfully recorded, and will bring its reward.

Christian Experience & Teachings, p 134, E G White

Healing Miracle

Tonight I was draining spaghetti in boiling water - part of the boiling water drained over my left hand! The pain kept increasing- I asked Andy for a cold, wet cloth - that helped a little but my poor hand was still painful and red. Five minutes later, while praying for healing, the pain was totally gone, the redness was gone and neither symptoms have returned! Praise to God for answering prayer!

A similar miracle happened a few years ago. I had received a present of a beautiful ivory lace blouse. Before going out to dinner I accidentally spilled red cough syrup all over the front - it was ruined! I prayed earnestly and when I opened my eyes the large red stain was completely gone!

Our Reaction to Trials

Trials are for our own good. It isn't the trial that counts - its our reaction to it.

Believe it or Not...

Dear People, whether we believe it or not - God Loves Us All. !!!

Mysteries Explained

All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation.

The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that Infinite Love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying.

As we realize the tender care of God who makes all things work together for our good, (Romans 8:28), we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Pain cannot exist in the atmosphere of Heaven. In the Home of the redeemed, there will be no tears, no funerals...no mourning. ...One rich tide of happiness will flow and deepen as eternity rolls on.

Christian Experiences and Teachings, p 235, E G White (See Revelation 21:3-4)

I've had too many mysteries in my life, this quote gives me assurance that someday they will be explained. Deb M

Communion with Heaven

Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with Heaven.

Steps to Christ, p 99, E G White

No Haste and No Delay

Like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know no haste and no delay....

The Desire of Ages, p 32, E G White

Parents Need

Without human effort Divine effort is in vain. God will work with power when in trustful dependence upon Him parents will awake to the sacred responsibility resting upon them and seek to train their children aright.
Adventist Home, p 206, Ellen G White

The harder the battle, the greater their [parents] need of help from their heavenly Father, and the more marked will be the victory gained.
Adventist Home, p 208, Ellen G White

Mothers

How often will [the mother/also wives] feel her burden's weight heavier than she can bear;
and then how precious the privilege of taking it all to her sympathizing Saviour in prayer!

 She may lay her burden at His feet and find in His presence a strength that will sustain her and give her cheerfulness, hope, courage, and wisdom in the most trying hours. 

 How sweet to the careworn mother (or wife) is the consciousness of such a Friend in all her difficulties!

If mothers (or wives) would go to Christ more frequently and trust Him more fully, their burdens would be easier, and they would find rest to their souls.

Adventist Home, chapter 33, p 204, E G White

A Mother's Best Friend

Your compassionate Redeemer is watching you with love and sympathy, ready to hear your prayers and to render you the assistance which you need.

Jesus knows the burdens of every mother's heart and is her best Friend in every emergency.
He sympathizes with every mother in her cares and anxieties.


Adventist Home, p 204, E G White

Woman's Best Friend Today

The Savior [Jesus Christ] is woman's best Friend today and is ready to aid her in all the relations of life.

Adventist Home, p 204, E G White

Stupendous Crisis Coming

The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living.
Rulers and statesmen, (those) who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us.

They are watching the relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place...that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.

Prophets & Kings, page 537 chapter 43, Ellen G White, also read p 536
Please Read in Holy Scripture:  Matthew chapter 24, Mark 13, Luke 17 and Luke 21
See blogs June 13, 2015 No Mimic Battle and Before Our Eyes

Faint Mirrors Jesus' Love

The love - which in faithful care and proper training - the parent manifests for the child faintly mirrors the love of Jesus for His faithful people.

  Adventist Home p 199, E G White

Child & Parent - Sacred Circle

Parents should not forget their childhood years, how much they yearned for sympathy and love, and how unhappy they felt when censured and fretfully chided.

Parents! give your children love: love in babyhood, love in childhood, love in youth (teen years).

Children, between babyhood and (adult), do not generally receive the attention that they should have.

When the children are tired and really need [a parent's] care, they are neglected or given something to eat... What they did need was the mother's soothing embrace.

Every mother should have time to give her children little endearments which are so essential during infancy and childhood. ...She is to them what God is to us.

The more unlovely [the children] are, the greater pains you should take to reveal your love for them. When the child has confidence that you want to make him/her happy, love will break every barrier down.

It is by beholding love in their parents that children are led to obey the fifth commandment... "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right."

Selections from Adventist Home chapter 31, E G White

Security - Love or Money?

From a worldly viewpoint, money is power; but from the Christian standpoint, love is power.

Wealth is often an influence to corrupt and destroy; force is strong to do hurt; but truth and goodness are the properties of pure love.

That which Satan plants in the heart - envy, jealousy, evil [thoughts], evil speaking, impatience, prejudice, selfishness, covetousness, and vanity - must be uprooted.

Selections from Adventist Home, chapter 31, Ellen G White

Family Life - Sacred Circle

There is a sacred circle around every family which should be preserved. No other one has the right in that sacred circle. The husband and wife should be all to each other. ...Never should either party indulge in a joke at the expense of the other's feelings.

Friends and acquaintances we may have, but in the home life they are not to meddle.

Let the husband and wife remember that they have burdens enough to carry without making their lives wretched by allowing differences to come in.

 Those who give place to little differences invite Satan into their homes.

Adventist Home, excerpts from chapter 27, E G White

No Need to Repeat

When God gives a law or a statement - He does not need to repeat Himself - He is God.

Genesis chapter 1, verse 1

IN THE BEGINNING GOD created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 from the first book of the Holy Scriptures

The Glory I had with You

Father, I want those You have given Me to be with me where I am, and to see My glory
 - the glory I had with You before the creation of the world.

from the Gospel of John chapter 17, verse 24 from the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

Don't be Worried

DON'T BE WORRIED! Trust in God and Me  [Jesus Christ].

In My Father's kingdom are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you!
I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will return for you and take you back to live with Me
in Heaven.

Gospel of John chapter 14, verses 1-3 found in the New Testament of Holy Scriptures

A Prayer

Dear Father, thank You for all the lovely people who are reading this blog. Please bless them mightily. Amen!

Neglect of Truth

IN THE TRUTH OF HIS WORD, God has given to humanity a revelation of Himself; and to all who accept them they are a shield against the deceptions of Satan.

 It is a neglect of these truths that has opened the door to the evils which are now becoming so widespread in the religious world.

 The nature and the importance of the law of God have been, to a great extent, lost sight of.

 A wrong conception...of the divine law...has resulted in lowering the standard of piety in the church.

  The Great Controversy p 465 E G White

The Christian Life

While the Christian's life will be characterized by humility, it should not be marked with sadness and self-depreciation.

...It is not the will of our heavenly Father that we should be ever under condemnation and darkness.

There is no evidence in true humility in going with the head bowed down and the heart filled with thoughts of self.

 We may go to Jesus and be cleansed, and stand before the law without shame and remorse.

"There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

From The Great Controversy p 477, E G White

Bright Stars

As the stars tell us that there is a great light in heaven with whose glory they are made bright, so Christians are to make it manifest that there is a God on the throne on the universe whose character is worthy of praise and imitation.

  The Great Controversy p 476, E G White

Self-indulgence

Professed Christians yearly expend an immense sum for useless and harmful self-indulgences, while souls are perishing for the word of life.

If all who profess to be followers of Christ were truly sanctified, their money, instead of being spent for needless and even hurtful self-indulgences, would be turned into the Lord's treasury.

Based on The Great Controversy, p 475, E G White

Why Satan gets a Headache

When you carry a Bible – Satan gets a headache
When you open the Bible – Satan collapses
When you read the Bible – Satan faints
When you live by the Bible – Satan runs away and hides
When you are about to share the Bible – Satan tries to discourage you.

First Timothy Thoughts

Now the Spirit explicitly states that in the last days some will depart from the faith by listening to corrupt spirits and demonic doctrines. 1 Timothy 4:1


If any one … does not believe the words of Jesus Christ … that person is conceited, and understands nothing. They are doting on controversies and semantics, resulting in envy, strife, and evil thoughts. They think godliness is only a path to monetary gain - for the love of money is the cause of all evil. 1 Timothy 6:3-5, 10

But you, O child of God, run away from evil and follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and humbleness. 1 Timothy 6:11

First Timothy is found in the New Testament of the Holy Scriptures

A Child is Born

A Star will come out of Jacob, and a Scepter will rise out of Israel. But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the tribes of Judah, out of you will come One who will be Ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold a virgin will conceive and bear a Son and will name Him "Immanuel" [which means: God with us].

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. These will be His royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government and peace.

He will judge your people with righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. He will defend the afflicted and save the children of the poor and needy. He will crush the oppressor. He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak, the poor, and the needy, and save them from death. His Name will endure forever - may it continue as long as the sun. All nations will be blessed through Him, and they will call Him blessed.


The above quotes are taken from these Bible texts: Numbers 24:17/ Micah 5:2/ Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7/ Psalm 72:2,4,6,7,12,13,17

BAPTISM

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. After He was baptized Jesus immediately came up out of the water and the heavens opened and he saw the Holy Spirit descending as a dove. A Voice from Heaven declared, "this is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased."

As Philip and the eunuch traveled they came to a body of water. The eunuch said, "Look! Here is much water. What keeps me from being baptized?" And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. [Greek: "Baptizmos" - to completely immerse].

In baptism we show that we have been saved from death by Christ's death and resurrection. Our sins are not washed clean by the water, but in being baptized we are turning to God and asking Him to cleanse us from sin. In baptism we are buried with Christ and raised with Him through our faith in the power of God, who raised Jesus from the dead.

Don't you know that all who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?! We were buried with Him through the water of baptism, that as Christ was resurrected from the dead by the glory of His Father, so we too may walk with Him in a new life.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. In Christ there are no social classes: neither Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. All are equal in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nationalities. Baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all My Commandments. And I will be with you always, even to the end of the world. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but those who disbelieve will not be saved.

Now what are your intentions? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of Jesus. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His shed blood. To Him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen!


The above quotes are from these Bible texts: Matthew 3:13,16,17 / Acts 8:36,38 / 1 Peter 3:21 / Colossians 2:12 / Romans 6:35 / Galatians 3:27,28 / Matthew 28:19 / Mark 16:16 / Acts 22:16 / Revelation 1:5

Demon Harrassment

Before Andy left on a business trip I mentioned two problems: 1) my clothes hangars would fall off the rod by themselves hitting me on the head; and 2) no matter how many times I straightened my dining chair it was always at a 45 degree angle. Andy made a joke about it, saying not to worry. Still, I was concerned; it seemed unnatural. While Andy was gone the bizarre episodes continued.

One night, while Andy was gone, our cat began howling and crawling in counter clock-wise circles. Being unable to comfort her I turned out the light and prayed and prayed, then I went to sleep.

At about ten minutes after midnight I was awakened by a loud commotion in the kitchen, it sounded like someone rummaging through the silverware! Sitting up in bed, and thinking the cat was into mischief, I was surprised to find her lying by my side shaking. Being terrified of a possible prowler I prayed, and walked towards the kitchen constantly praying.

While passing the study, where I wrote out Bible tracts, my blood ran cold and my heart almost stopped. Standing transfixed, I noticed a very tall man gazing out the window. He was no ordinary man, his size indicated that - who was he? His presence and appearance was chilling. Praying that I would not see its face, I shakily walked to the kitchen turning on more lights and praying only to find the silverware in perfect order. In the dining room my chair was again at a 45-degree angle from the table.

Going through my home and constantly praying I made note that the windows and doors were all locked and found no prowler. In passing the study the second time the man was gone and the windows were all locked from the inside. In the bedroom the cat was still shaking so I knew she sensed evil too, then I prayed some more and read Scripture and fell into a troubled sleep.

Telling an Adventist doctor about this experience she had me repeat the experience several times then called the Adventist pastor who was familiar with such things. In retelling the experience, and answering their numerous questions, both the Pastor and doctor were convinced I was not fabricating the story. The pastor assured me that demon harassment and demon possession were two different things.

The pastor believed that Satan was harassing me because of the Bible tracts I was writing and my witnessing program.

All praise to the Lord for protecting me!

When Guilt Oppresses

...When guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience...remember that Christ’s grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness.

  Ministry of Healing page 250, E G White

How We Should be Treated

Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves.

  Desire of Ages 25, E G White

Man is Only Mortal

Man is only mortal, and while he feels himself too wise to accept Jesus, he will remain only mortal.

  The Faith I Live By 174, E G White

Trials Patiently Borne

Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received, meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights that shine forth in the character before the world, revealing the contrast with the darkness that comes of the selfishness of the natural heart.

  Patriarchs & Prophets 134, E G White




My right wrist was sprained this week, will not go into circumstances, please pray - I am in bad pain. DM

The Christmas Tree Song

In first grade, before Christmas break, we were taught the German song, "O, Tannenbaum" (Oh, Christmas Tree).

 That same week Dad flocked our Christmas tree snow-white, he did this in the garage.

Deciding to be helpful I rode my tricycle around and around Dad and the tree, shouting and singing at the top of my lungs, "O, Tannenbaum."

 Unfortunately, I never could get the German words right. My version was: “O Ton in Bomb, O Ton in Bomb, may Gooch in Diner Bladder Split!”

What we put our parents through!!

Too Important

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. (verse 3)

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to others. For we are each responsible for our own actions. (verses 4-5)

Don’t be misled – you cannot mock God’s justice. You will always harvest what you plant…. So let’s not get tired of doing good. At just the right time we will reap blessings if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever you have the opportunity, you should do good to everyone. (verses 7-10)

May I never boast about anything except the cross of Jesus. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified. ...May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God. (verses 14, 16).


The above are from verses in Galatians chapter 6.
Galatians is found in the New Testament of Holy Scripture

Cost of Our Salvation

Sorrow filled Heaven when Adam and Eve broke God’s law and sinned. All realized that humanity was lost, and that they were doomed to misery, sickness and death. There was no way of escape – the entire human family must die eternally.

Then I saw the lovely Jesus and saw his expression of sympathy and sorrow. Soon I saw Jesus approach the exceeding bright light that enshrouded God the Father. Jesus was in close converse with Him. The anxiety of the angels was intense. Leaving the Father, Jesus' face was calm, free from all perplexity and doubt, and shone with benevolence and loveliness, such as words cannot express.

Jesus then told the holy angels that a way of escape had been made for lost humanity. Jesus said He had been pleading with His Father, and had offered to give His life a ransom, to take the death penalty upon Himself. Through Jesus - humanity might find pardon by the merits of His blood so they could have God’s favor and be saved, and live for eternity in total peace and joy.

Said the angel, “Do you think the Father yielded up His dearly beloved Son without a struggle? No! It was even a struggle with the God of Heaven, whether to let sinful humanity die, or to give His beloved Son to die for them.”

But nearly all would hate and reject Jesus, only a few would receive Him as the Son of God.

Throughout His life on earth, and also on the cross, Jesus would endure almost every cruelty and suffering that Satan could inspire wicked men to inflict. Jesus would die the cruelest of deaths; not merely agony of body, but also mental agony – that which bodily pain could not compare. The weight of the entire world’s sins would be upon Him.

It was impossible for God to alter or change His law to save lost humanity; therefore, God allowed His beloved Son to die for humanity’s sins. Nothing but the death, resurrection and intercessions of God’s Son, Jesus, would pay the debt and save lost humanity.

Then, at the end of the world, Jesus will come the second time to take to Heaven all those who love and trust Him.

based on Early Writings, pp 149-152, E G White

Temptation

In going to Heaven Jesus did not take Himself totally away from humanity and all its problems. On the contrary, Jesus is better able to help us now than ever.

 Because Jesus suffered so much we may be sure He understands when we suffer. Because He was tempted so fiercely we may know for certain that He can help us when we are tempted.

“For we don’t have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but One [Jesus Christ] who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sinning. Let us then, with confidence, come near God’s throne of grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16.