Monday, May 25, 2015
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
Friday, May 22, 2015
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
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
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
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.
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.
Monday, May 11, 2015
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
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.
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.
Friday, May 8, 2015
...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.
Thursday, April 9, 2015
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
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.
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.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
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.
“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.
Friday, April 3, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, March 27, 2015
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!!!
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
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!
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!
Thursday, March 26, 2015
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]
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
"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.
Monday, March 23, 2015
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
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
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
Friday, March 20, 2015
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)