Angel Protection

We may, through the exercise of faith and prayer, call to our side a retinue of Heavenly angels, who will guard us from every corrupting influence.

Our High Calling 23 (1961, posthumous compilation, E G White)

Do not Neglect Secret Prayer

Do not neglect secret prayer, for it is the soul of religion. With earnest, fervent prayer, plead for purity of soul. Plead as earnestly, as eagerly, as you would for your mortal life, were it at stake.
Testimonies Vol. 1, 163 (1885, E G White)

God always hears Our Cries

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

 We pour out our heart’s desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the Universe

. [Our prayers] 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

WORKING

"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 (God).

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

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

Do not Follow Vain People

Those who work will have plenty of food; but those who follow vain people will have poverty enough
. Proverbs 28:19

Ashley Madison - Forgiveness

Compassion for those who have been exposed by the Ashley Madison hack has been in short supply. There has been a lot of "they got what they deserved," even though the innocent spouses, children and family members deserved nothing of the sort.

But the truth is, we all have secrets! How would you feel if your most personal details were exposed? What if your deeply-held secrets were published on a searchable database? Yet as uncomfortable as that sounds, the Bible is clear that one day the private secrets of all people who have ever lived are going to be revealed.

The Bible says, "Fear God and give Him glory, for the hour of His judgment is come." Revelation 14:7. And Daniel 7:10 states, "...the judgment was set, and the books were open."

The Books of Record that contain the deeds and misdeeds of every person (good or evil) will one day be opened. As Solomon wrote in Holy Scripture, "God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good, or whether it be evil." Ecclesiastes 12:14.

While many are trying to figure out how to handle the damage caused to their reputations, God offers every person a simple remedy. Acts 3:19 states, "Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."

In the judgment that precedes Jesus' return, the sins of those who have faith in God will be blotted out. When the Books are opened, their pages are clear rather than stained by sin. In place of sin is purity and righteousness. The grace that forgives is the grace that cleanses, and in the judgment the redeemed are found to be white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

The woman taken in adultery repented for her sin and heard Jesus say, "neither do I condemn you" John 8:11

Repentance opens the door to the cleansing power of God. Grace does not justify sinful behavior, but it does justify the sinner.

God sees the hearts of all, and He does so without condemnation. King David wrote that God "knows our frame, He remembers that we are only dust" Psalm 103:14, and God loves us anyway.

Holy Scripture promises that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9.

We all have secrets. What shouldn't be a secret is that God is able to cleanse and heal, remake, restore, forgive. The reality of the judgment isn't only that sinners will be judged, but that sinners - when they repent - are forgiven! God offers that hope to all sinners everywhere.

Original Blog by John Bradshaw, August 31, 2015. blog.itiswritten.com

Love of Money...

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 (greed) 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

In regards to our faith and trials – Gold is not afraid of fire!

Fun-Loving Timmy

Being pet-less since 1976 we finally decided to adopt a kitten named Timothy. Timothy cried all the way home, but it was really fun having a kitten!

The first week at our home 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, being all boy, 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 off! Timmy is not dumb, but he is weird! Another time Timmy opened a door to the outside! We searched all over the yard, 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 bed 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. Getting out a pair of dirty underwear from the hamper, Tim 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!

Special vegetarian dish for 2

Came up with new vegetarian recipe!

Use almond-coconut milk instead of water in a gravy mix, comes out rich and creamy.
Open small can of vegetarian Fri-Chik. Contains 5 pieces.
Use Fri-Chik broth with almond coconut milk to vegetarian gravy mix for the gravy.
Add extra milk.
in 8x8 casserole dish add 1 Tbsp margarine, Chik pieces and cover with gravy.
Cover casserole with foil
Bake 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.
Meanwhile make noodles or pasta of your choice.
Serve Fri-Chik and gravy over noodles.
A side dish of steamed asparagus is good.
Serves 2

The SHAKING - A Dream given to Deb M

The following dream was given in answer to prayer. Being a new Christian and believing this denomination was God's true church, I was very confused by some members and was ready to look for another denomination.

I believe the Lord was saying, "The church is not perfect, but stay with it. Help to make it better. The shaking time is here. Go where I lead you, and if you are faithful you will be safe from the coming disaster of the end time."

In the dream Andy and I were attending services in a church. During the sermon I realized the church had changed in appearance and the service was worldly. We decided to leave immediately because we did not want to be exposed to error.

While walking toward the front door God told us not to leave the church, but to go up into the attic where we would be safe. The attic had a single large pillar and a large window facing east.

In a very short time the church began swaying. We were scared and thought we would be safe outside the church, but remembered what God said [see paragraph 2]. The church continued swaying, quickly picking up momentum. The huge structure swayed until the top of the church almost touched the ground on the west (left) side.

Screams of terror filled the church as the worldly people tried to escape on their own but could not! Minutes later these same people were hurled out of the church windows and doors by an unseen Force. We stayed in the attic knowing there was nothing we could do for them now.

After a few moments the church's main supporting pillar fell on me, but I was not hurt. I immediately expected the entire church to collapse, but it did not.

Suddenly the top of the church touched the ground on the west (left) side, but the terrific strain did not damage the structure. When the top of the church touched the ground on the east (right) side it remained and stopped all swaying. Then Andy and I walked into a beautiful country where we had a reunion with friends.

Notice in the dream the church did not fall even though the main supporting pillar did fall.

Later I saw this quote for the first time: "The church may appear as about to fall, but it does not fall. It remains, while the sinners in Zion will be sifted out, the chaff separated from the precious wheat. This is a terrible ordeal, but nevertheless it must take place." Selected Messages Vol.2, page 380 by E G White

Find True Rest - Justification

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe…. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement [margin: taking away sin], through faith in His blood. (sacrifice). Romans 3:22-25

The key points in these verses are: We all have sinned but because of Gods grace all are justified who have faith in the cleansing power of Christ’s blood.

God’s way of giving us complete security is to justify us by faith in Christ. “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

All of us worn out by the struggle to be good enough, to measure up on our own, can find true rest in Christ’s generous acceptance. All of us who are burdened by scars from the past and by an aching sense of inadequacy and shame, can find peace and wholeness in the Christ who at the cross opened His arms to us.

From: Discover Bible Lessons (Online) Lesson #13, part 3

biblestudies.com

PRAY !

The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate on themselves. Desire of Ages 668

Prayer is Heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. Acts of the Apostles 564

When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. Desire of Ages 200

When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. Desire of Ages 363

Make every effort to keep the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Steps to Christ 98


all quotes by E G White

Demonic Miracles & Healings?

Many Christians assume that any supernatural power must come from God. Can Satan actually heal? And if so, how can we tell the working of the devil from the working of God?

Just before Jesus’ coming, demons will work miracles, [see Revelation 16:14]. Genuine miracles from the devil! And these satanic powers perform their wonders in the name of Jesus Christ, [see Matthew 7:22-23.]

So false prophets will use Christ's name to practice evil and lawlessness. Through these deceivers the devil performs all kinds of lying wonders to entrap the unsuspecting. Miracles themselves are not proof of God's presence.

Never forget. Some miracles are the work of the devil done in the spirit of lawlessness – violating God’s law. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3.

Genuine love for God is the test, and true love for God means obeying His commandments. Love for God means more than a warm fuzzy feeling in our hearts when we worship. The proof of Christian love is not miracles, not speaking in tongues – the proof is keeping God’s commandments. John 14:15.

based on a book by George Vandeman in Comrades in Christ, p 21

A Warning Dream to Deb M

A Warning Dream to Deb M

In the dream: after purchasing a small, beautiful acreage on the edge of a forest we went about our chores. Suddenly it was announced Sunday Laws were enforced; it was now time to retreat deep in the forest until Jesus came. Andy found a book about a pioneer trail that ran right past our front door to a forest refuge. Deciding to take the trail we first got together a few things to take along, things we thought God would not provide for us.

Telling those with us to go ahead we continued to get more items from the house. While making a large pile of items in the front yard we noticed the wheelchair-bound, blind, infants and elderly running at top speed on the trail to safety.

Going back into the house for more items we realized this was it - Jesus would soon be here! But we were also getting sentimental over the things we would leave behind. I yelled, "Hurry up! We have to go!" But we both lingered. Then as we were ready to leave my family entered the house carrying all their possessions for us to care for. They did not want us to leave - they wanted us to stay and help bring their packages into the house. We were in a quandary what to do - help our family or go and meet God. The dream ended.

Upon awaking I knew I needed to prepare for the Lord’s return and put away material things and encumbrances.

Open the Windows of the Soul

God is inviting us to close the windows of the soul earthward and open them Heavenward, that He may flood our hearts with the glory, which is shining across the threshold of Heaven.

In Heavenly Places 247 by E G White

Daily Instruction

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

Desire of Ages 359 by E G White

Constant, Perfect Peace

There will be peace, constant peace, flowing into the soul, for the rest is found in perfect submission to Jesus Christ. Obedience to God’s will finds rest. The disciple that walks in the meek and [humble] steps of the Redeemer finds rest, which the world cannot give, and the world cannot take away. ‘Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.’ 

[Gentleness & humbleness], which ever characterized the life of the divine Son of God, possessed by His true followers, brings contentment, peace, and happiness that elevate them above the slavery of artificial life.

Our High Calling 98 by E G White

Listen to the Lord!

"I will hear what God the Lord will speak...."
Psalms 85:8 [KJV]

I fully believe the Lord can and will impress people; if He does not then why does the Bible say to "test the spirits, whether they are from God" (See 1 John 4:1).

At work I was strongly impressed by God to leave my office desk and go to the other side of the room, I thought, "How strange!" When reaching the opposite wall a large ceiling fixture fell down where I had been sitting, breaking my chair and smashing the window next to my desk. It pays to listen to God!
*****

Andy was lying under the car doing engine work with the motor running. While moving a linkage an audible voice called out, "Don't touch!" Getting out from under the car he looked to see who was standing next to him. There was no one. Crawling back under the car he moved the linkage again when the voice called out, “Don’t touch!” Andy did a double take of what he was doing; he was moving the gearshift linkage to the reverse position. Since the engine was running another move on the linkage would have caused the car to run over Andy’s chest!

Jesus' Second Coming & the Last Days

But no one knows the day or hour of Jesus coming, not even the angels nor Jesus Himself.
 Only the Father knows. Pay attention! Watch and pray! For you do not know when the time is. 
 Mark 13:32-33    
Jesus says, "I will return!" John 14:3

As time winds down, the intensity and frequency of the signs will increase.
 But, God will protect His faithful followers thru the last days.  Read Psalm 91.


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

INCREASING SIGNS IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
Discontented Employees, Disproportionate wealth, Money Troubles - James 5:1-6,8
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
Leaders & Pastors preach “Peace & Safety” – when there is neither
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 3:3-4,9-14

Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 for the full scene of His coming

A Curse into a Blessing

And the Lord your God will turn a curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you. Deuteronomy 23:5