Are these verses from the pen of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah fit for today...and tomorrow...and as long as there are politicians intent on imposing their perverse will on the heads of the people? You decide.
Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees,
and the writers who keep writing oppression,
to turn aside the needy from justice
and to rob the poor of my people of their right,
that widows may be their spoil,
and that they may make the fatherless their prey!
What will you do on the day of punishment,
in the ruin that will come from afar?
To whom will you flee for help,
and where will you leave your wealth?
Nothing remains but to crouch among the prisoners
or fall among the slain.
For all this his anger has not turned away,
and his hand is stretched out still.
(Isaiah 10:1-4 ESV)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Does Islam Know of This Verse? Do They Care?
Radical Islamists...so called...believe they are called to terrorize the world into believing as they believe and would destroy all who would disagree, debate, or depart from the faith.
Evidently they either do not know of this verse; or perhaps they misapply, misinterpret...or worse yet...ignore it all together.
Here is the verse as found in the Quran and Hadith: [Surah 10:99] "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed--all who are on earth! Wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?"
Many in Islam cannot read and they trust those who tell them what is true when it may not be true. What would be the motive of submerging this verse from the hearts and minds of believers in the world wide nation of Islam? I do not know.
Blessings on all Muslims who read, understand, and live according to Surah 10:99. "Wilt thou..." e.c.
Evidently they either do not know of this verse; or perhaps they misapply, misinterpret...or worse yet...ignore it all together.
Here is the verse as found in the Quran and Hadith: [Surah 10:99] "If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed--all who are on earth! Wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?"
Many in Islam cannot read and they trust those who tell them what is true when it may not be true. What would be the motive of submerging this verse from the hearts and minds of believers in the world wide nation of Islam? I do not know.
Blessings on all Muslims who read, understand, and live according to Surah 10:99. "Wilt thou..." e.c.
Monday, December 6, 2010
For a Time, a Final Post
Hello dear follower(s); It is with a heavy heart....sorry, wrong speech....Ahem: I have accepted the task of helping to write a textbook for freshman dental students; Christian Ethics for Dentists.
Many days I spend an hour or more thinking, writing, revising, etc., the content of each post. While I am working on the book and Power Point project I feel I need that hour in the morning. It's getting harder to clearly see the computer screen and by early afternoon I have to stop. Therefore, I feel compelled to pause a project that has gone on since 2008. Blessings to all who have read, commented, and connected from near and afar.
But I promise......there will be more....anon. Blessings. e.c.
Many days I spend an hour or more thinking, writing, revising, etc., the content of each post. While I am working on the book and Power Point project I feel I need that hour in the morning. It's getting harder to clearly see the computer screen and by early afternoon I have to stop. Therefore, I feel compelled to pause a project that has gone on since 2008. Blessings to all who have read, commented, and connected from near and afar.
But I promise......there will be more....anon. Blessings. e.c.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
The Power of Prayer...Daniel 9 and 10
Earlier I commented on Daniel and his prayer recorded in chapter nine verses 1-19. It is a powerful prayer and in my opinion, represents an "ought-to-be" model of prayer for God's people in these end times. In verses 20-22 we read that Gabriel was sent in answer to Daniel's prayer. But there is a second answer, and that too is very interesting because of who comes to speak to Daniel. We read about that in chapter ten.
The scene takes place on the shore of the Tigris River: "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude." [Daniel 10:5, 6].
If this description sounds familiar it is because it is. Listen to John in Revelation 1:12-15..."Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters."
What Daniel writes in verses 11 and 12 of chapter ten I find thrilling and inspiring: "And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." 'While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me.' "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words."
Daniel's words...his prayers...his humility and strong desire to understand were the key that brought the answers to his questioning. Is it any different for God's people today? Of course not.
If God's people will humble themselves in repentance, asking forgiveness for their self reliance and self righteousness, they will have what they seek as they plead for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: "...I have come because of your words!"
Make it so, Lord. e.c.
The scene takes place on the shore of the Tigris River: "I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude." [Daniel 10:5, 6].
If this description sounds familiar it is because it is. Listen to John in Revelation 1:12-15..."Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters."
What Daniel writes in verses 11 and 12 of chapter ten I find thrilling and inspiring: "And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." 'While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me.' "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words."
Daniel's words...his prayers...his humility and strong desire to understand were the key that brought the answers to his questioning. Is it any different for God's people today? Of course not.
If God's people will humble themselves in repentance, asking forgiveness for their self reliance and self righteousness, they will have what they seek as they plead for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit: "...I have come because of your words!"
Make it so, Lord. e.c.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Sunsets
It didn't rain today, so the dog's didn't have to wear their raingear. On the way to the "spot" the sun was setting leaving an orange blur in a corner of the darkening blue sky.
So I started thinking about sunsets and other things that mark the end of days; the end of my days and the last day of measured time for the world.
It would be good...I think...if there was coincidence of the two; meaning that I would live until Christ returns. We've had conversations about this...the Lord and I...mostly me talking and Him listening. If my God allows that to happen, fine, and if not, that's OK too.
The most important thing is that I surrender daily to his will and live out His perfect decisions. All His ways are perfect.e.c.
So I started thinking about sunsets and other things that mark the end of days; the end of my days and the last day of measured time for the world.
It would be good...I think...if there was coincidence of the two; meaning that I would live until Christ returns. We've had conversations about this...the Lord and I...mostly me talking and Him listening. If my God allows that to happen, fine, and if not, that's OK too.
The most important thing is that I surrender daily to his will and live out His perfect decisions. All His ways are perfect.e.c.
Receiving The Holy Spirit
If there is to be an "...end of the age...", a "...time of the end...", the end of the world"... as I scan the horizon of world goings-on, these days look like, sound like, (and in my gut) feel like we are close; very close, to the end of the age.
"Oh, people have been saying that for years, decades, more than a century!" so someone(s) may be snorting about now. And I say, "Right!"... that is the point and the problem.
Some Adventists...particularly the peculiar ones waiting for Christ to come...ought to just lighten up, have a little fun in life and maybe go Christmas shopping...some would say. My church...not just the one I attend...is looking and sounding less and less peculiar. It's not happening quickly but is measurable over decades.
Oh, there are multitudes of peculiar Adventists who are still devoted to the historic mission of the church...to warn the world of Christ's soon coming...but a lot of voices are barely audible and some have gone silent. It's measurable in church attendance, church school enrollment, and in tithe and offerings. For some, the church is no longer imperative. In the words of Christ, "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he/she who endures to the end will be saved." [Matthew 24:12, 13] [NKJV]
If the church...that's you, me, and all believers...really want Christ to return and put an end to lawlessness of every kind, then we must want to want Him, and choose Him every day; praying He will prepare us to receive His Holy Spirit.
Verse 18 of Daniel chapter 9 (the prayer of Daniel) speaks in part to our dilemma: "O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open your eyes and see our desolations
... for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies."
But for us the best and truest answer is "Through (Christ) also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2]. e.c.
"Oh, people have been saying that for years, decades, more than a century!" so someone(s) may be snorting about now. And I say, "Right!"... that is the point and the problem.
Some Adventists...particularly the peculiar ones waiting for Christ to come...ought to just lighten up, have a little fun in life and maybe go Christmas shopping...some would say. My church...not just the one I attend...is looking and sounding less and less peculiar. It's not happening quickly but is measurable over decades.
Oh, there are multitudes of peculiar Adventists who are still devoted to the historic mission of the church...to warn the world of Christ's soon coming...but a lot of voices are barely audible and some have gone silent. It's measurable in church attendance, church school enrollment, and in tithe and offerings. For some, the church is no longer imperative. In the words of Christ, "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he/she who endures to the end will be saved." [Matthew 24:12, 13] [NKJV]
If the church...that's you, me, and all believers...really want Christ to return and put an end to lawlessness of every kind, then we must want to want Him, and choose Him every day; praying He will prepare us to receive His Holy Spirit.
Verse 18 of Daniel chapter 9 (the prayer of Daniel) speaks in part to our dilemma: "O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open your eyes and see our desolations
... for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies."
But for us the best and truest answer is "Through (Christ) also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:2]. e.c.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
In All Things...
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords,! For His mercy endures forever.
To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever; To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever; to Him who laid out the earth above the waters, for His mercy endures forever; to Him who made great lights, for His mercy endures forever--The sun to rule by day, for His mercy endures forever; the moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy endures forever, [Psalms 136:1-9].
Signing on the computer a certain piece from Time magazine caught my eye; it had to do with appetites both bored and unthankful. It began like this---
"Molecular gastronomist Michael Cirino binds turkey, duck and chicken with meat glue, cooks it sous vide and serves it with skin crisps and a quail egg." Elinor Carucci for TIMEThat part said to me that this molecular gastronomist (whatever that is) had designed a more efficient artery-clogging conglomeration of foods rich in things unhealthful. The man was /is apparently bored. As for the unthankful part, that followed here---
"No matter your rank, region or level of luxury, Thanksgiving dinner is likely a stifling and tired occasion. Inevitably, it's redeemed more by friends and family than by the food. Why is that? We eat dry, bland birds surrounded by a constellation of equally stultifying side dishes, each one as predictable as the fate of a zombie in a sniper's cross hairs. And no amount of food-mag agitation against the status quo seems to do any good."
source http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2030908,00.html
Those who are of and in the world stand around sipping wine and discussing critical issues, ...what shall we eat, what shall we drink, and what shat we wear?... A picture comes to mind; a distressing one actually. As we left the mall in Olympia the other day a woman was holding a sign that read; "Homeless. It's cold! Blanket, please! I'm wondering if today...Thanksgiving...she would be bored with hot food...traditional food...candied sweet potatoes, dressing, string beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey (dark or white)...shared with friends...even strangers. I think not.
God forgive us that we are bored with our excess.
I didn't have a blanket with me that day and for some reason I failed to stop and give what small help we had to offer. Forgive me Lord. The next time we go in the car there will be at least one good quality blanket in the trunk. I'll pray for an opportunity to give it away.
Blessings...we have many. e.c.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2030908,00.html#ixzz16JhcemtH
Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For His mercy endures forever. Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords,! For His mercy endures forever.
To Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever; To Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever; to Him who laid out the earth above the waters, for His mercy endures forever; to Him who made great lights, for His mercy endures forever--The sun to rule by day, for His mercy endures forever; the moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy endures forever, [Psalms 136:1-9].
Signing on the computer a certain piece from Time magazine caught my eye; it had to do with appetites both bored and unthankful. It began like this---
"Molecular gastronomist Michael Cirino binds turkey, duck and chicken with meat glue, cooks it sous vide and serves it with skin crisps and a quail egg." Elinor Carucci for TIMEThat part said to me that this molecular gastronomist (whatever that is) had designed a more efficient artery-clogging conglomeration of foods rich in things unhealthful. The man was /is apparently bored. As for the unthankful part, that followed here---
"No matter your rank, region or level of luxury, Thanksgiving dinner is likely a stifling and tired occasion. Inevitably, it's redeemed more by friends and family than by the food. Why is that? We eat dry, bland birds surrounded by a constellation of equally stultifying side dishes, each one as predictable as the fate of a zombie in a sniper's cross hairs. And no amount of food-mag agitation against the status quo seems to do any good."
source http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2030908,00.html
Those who are of and in the world stand around sipping wine and discussing critical issues, ...what shall we eat, what shall we drink, and what shat we wear?... A picture comes to mind; a distressing one actually. As we left the mall in Olympia the other day a woman was holding a sign that read; "Homeless. It's cold! Blanket, please! I'm wondering if today...Thanksgiving...she would be bored with hot food...traditional food...candied sweet potatoes, dressing, string beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey (dark or white)...shared with friends...even strangers. I think not.
God forgive us that we are bored with our excess.
I didn't have a blanket with me that day and for some reason I failed to stop and give what small help we had to offer. Forgive me Lord. The next time we go in the car there will be at least one good quality blanket in the trunk. I'll pray for an opportunity to give it away.
Blessings...we have many. e.c.
Read more: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2030908,00.html#ixzz16JhcemtH
Monday, November 22, 2010
Isaiah 1:18
"Come now and let us reason together," 'says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.'" [Isaiah 1:18 NKJV]
It's snowing here today and about four inches of the white stuff is covering the deck, railing (that's our snow gauge) steps, trees, bushes... But the best part of snow is what it covers; what it hides. All the stuff that just a few days ago was the target of small branches, bigger branches and fir needles that fell during a windstorm. I know it's there (even though I picked up and swept up a lot of it) is hidden from sight under a mantle of white.
You get the point without me having to state the obvious but here it is anyway: When we come to Christ He covers us with the pure white garment of Christ's righteousness. Just like a fresh blanket of snow, He covers all the ugly stuff that has accumulated in our lives, but more than that, He sweeps it away (forgives) and keeps sweeping away. Thank You Lord.
Snow melts and the ugliness returns. Christ's pure garment continues to cover us for as long as we choose to wear it and to serve Him. Blessings. e.c.
It's snowing here today and about four inches of the white stuff is covering the deck, railing (that's our snow gauge) steps, trees, bushes... But the best part of snow is what it covers; what it hides. All the stuff that just a few days ago was the target of small branches, bigger branches and fir needles that fell during a windstorm. I know it's there (even though I picked up and swept up a lot of it) is hidden from sight under a mantle of white.
You get the point without me having to state the obvious but here it is anyway: When we come to Christ He covers us with the pure white garment of Christ's righteousness. Just like a fresh blanket of snow, He covers all the ugly stuff that has accumulated in our lives, but more than that, He sweeps it away (forgives) and keeps sweeping away. Thank You Lord.
Snow melts and the ugliness returns. Christ's pure garment continues to cover us for as long as we choose to wear it and to serve Him. Blessings. e.c.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
Try this: type Corinth Baptist Church Story of Jonah into your search engine and click on any of the links that are supposed to take you there. I could not get the link to work. Check it out. We are all doing better here as we are getting over our colds.
ps: this child is (reportedly) 5 years old.
Blessings. e.c.
ps: this child is (reportedly) 5 years old.
Blessings. e.c.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Pwease Pway Foh Me
Bote be ad by bwide hab codes...bad codes. Duh fust in do yeas. I'm ndot sic enuff to dye, mbut do'te feew gud nuff to lib. Sew dat is bye blog foah du-dae.
Bwessigs. e.c.
Bwessigs. e.c.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Princess and The Party...An Aponym (Parable)
There was a certain king who had an only daughter, a Princess, and he loved her very much. She was not the most comely young woman in the land but she was the only one of royal blood: She was the only Princess in the court of the king, and that set her apart from all others. The king decided to give her a surprise party for her birthday. There were two surprises actually; the party, and, a very special guest; a very wise and very old man whom was greatly loved by almost all who dwelt in the realm.
Invitations were sent throughout the land announcing the day and time of the party. Everyone was invited.
Preparations were made; the great hall of the palace was decorated with garlands of the most fragrant and beautiful flowers. The royal musicians composed and practiced music that would delight the ear and lift the spirits of all the guests.
But then came a problem: Some of the guests began to talk among themselves. They complained that the Princess did not display the elegance of a real princess, nor could she easily converse on things literary, political, spiritual, or even practical for that matter.
The more these guests talked among themselves the less they were interested in attending. In fact, some decided that they would not attend a party for this Princess, even if she were the only daughter of the king, and the only princess in the land.
On the day of the party the hall was filled with guests...almost. The king, seeing seven empty chairs asked, "What has happened? Why are some choosing to ignore and insult the Princess?" He became angry that any of his people would be rude and insult both he and the Princess by their absence.
Music was played but it wasn't as lovely as it might have been. Dinner was served, but the food had grown cold because the king had waited a little longer for all the guests to arrive. The party was a surprise and the unknowing Princess seemed happy. The king was surprised as well; surprised to learn that some in his realm were so small of mind that they would agree to insult the royal family.
So the king summoned a runner, gave him a note sealed with his signet and whispered to him, "Take this to the home of our special guest." Immediately the runner was off to the highest of the hills that surrounded the castle.
The runner arrived out of breath from running up the last and steepest hill Handing the note to the special guest he waited as it was read. Folding the note, the old man tucked it away in a breast pocket of his long, colorful robe; the pocket closest to his heart. Breathing a soft, slow sigh his shoulder drooped a little and after a contemplative moment, looking at the runner he said, "Tell the king I won't be attending." The old man turned to go back in the house when he paused, turned his head towards the runner and added,"Where ever a child of the king is not loved, neither will I be loved."e.c.
Invitations were sent throughout the land announcing the day and time of the party. Everyone was invited.
Preparations were made; the great hall of the palace was decorated with garlands of the most fragrant and beautiful flowers. The royal musicians composed and practiced music that would delight the ear and lift the spirits of all the guests.
But then came a problem: Some of the guests began to talk among themselves. They complained that the Princess did not display the elegance of a real princess, nor could she easily converse on things literary, political, spiritual, or even practical for that matter.
The more these guests talked among themselves the less they were interested in attending. In fact, some decided that they would not attend a party for this Princess, even if she were the only daughter of the king, and the only princess in the land.
On the day of the party the hall was filled with guests...almost. The king, seeing seven empty chairs asked, "What has happened? Why are some choosing to ignore and insult the Princess?" He became angry that any of his people would be rude and insult both he and the Princess by their absence.
Music was played but it wasn't as lovely as it might have been. Dinner was served, but the food had grown cold because the king had waited a little longer for all the guests to arrive. The party was a surprise and the unknowing Princess seemed happy. The king was surprised as well; surprised to learn that some in his realm were so small of mind that they would agree to insult the royal family.
So the king summoned a runner, gave him a note sealed with his signet and whispered to him, "Take this to the home of our special guest." Immediately the runner was off to the highest of the hills that surrounded the castle.
The runner arrived out of breath from running up the last and steepest hill Handing the note to the special guest he waited as it was read. Folding the note, the old man tucked it away in a breast pocket of his long, colorful robe; the pocket closest to his heart. Breathing a soft, slow sigh his shoulder drooped a little and after a contemplative moment, looking at the runner he said, "Tell the king I won't be attending." The old man turned to go back in the house when he paused, turned his head towards the runner and added,"Where ever a child of the king is not loved, neither will I be loved."e.c.
Monday, November 15, 2010
A Favorite Song...Homespun
"If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven"
Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
'Till we gather in heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the beautiful river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore.
Here is the song along with the Bill and Gloria Gaither Gospel group.
"If We Never Meet Again" By Cynthia Clawson
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=ie7&q=YouTube+Cynthia+Clawson+if+we+never+meet+again&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSNA
and it that is "Homespun" enough for you, listen to this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D2BQ6MovBI
Please don't tell anyone, but almost always, I weep when I listen to this song. Sounds a lot like my family, long dead, from Luray, Virginia. Blessings to all.e.c.
Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey
And perhaps we'll never meet anymore
'Till we gather in heaven's bright city
Far away on that beautiful shore
If we never meet again this side of heaven
As we struggle through this world and its strife
There's another meeting place somewhere in heaven
By the beautiful river of life
Where the charming roses bloom forever
And separations come no more
If we never meet again this side of heaven
I will meet you on that beautiful shore.
Here is the song along with the Bill and Gloria Gaither Gospel group.
"If We Never Meet Again" By Cynthia Clawson
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=ie7&q=YouTube+Cynthia+Clawson+if+we+never+meet+again&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSNA
and it that is "Homespun" enough for you, listen to this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D2BQ6MovBI
Please don't tell anyone, but almost always, I weep when I listen to this song. Sounds a lot like my family, long dead, from Luray, Virginia. Blessings to all.e.c.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Luke 23:11,12
"Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other."
Is it odd, or is it not; that when Herod and Pilate each had their turn at mistreating the Christ, that there came from that a bond of friendship where previously there had been none.
Is it odd, or is it not; that when evil agents unite against righteousness, that differences are put aside in favor of the common goal of persecution, or even torture and death as history has shown so clearly; as clearly as the six o-clock news.
The Scandinavian countries--Denmark, Norway, and Sweden--have united in their efforts to deport Iraqi Christians who fled their country amidst the torrents of bullets, invective, and Shia-Sunni murders. Sadly, Sweden is especially intolerant of out-of-country Christians. On 17 November they will be sending an airliner to Baghdad and it will be carrying Christians to a very uncertain reception; death, perhaps.
As time winds down and the forces of evil unite against the righteous remnant people of God, former enemies will unite under Satan's leadership for the sole purpose of destroying God's people; those living on the earth at the time of His second coming.
I don't "know" this to be certain, but these verses in Luke look to me like a prophetic mini-glimpse into a league of evil made up of former enemies who find commonality in the prosecution, persecution, and even death of His saints.
If one reads Revelation Chapter 16 (vss. 12-14) there is an unholy trinity made up of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. And out of their mouth John saw three unclean spirits, like frogs, that go out to perform signs and miracles for the final seduction of unbelievers and those who say they believe but do not obey His voice.
Just something to think about. e.c.
Is it odd, or is it not; that when Herod and Pilate each had their turn at mistreating the Christ, that there came from that a bond of friendship where previously there had been none.
Is it odd, or is it not; that when evil agents unite against righteousness, that differences are put aside in favor of the common goal of persecution, or even torture and death as history has shown so clearly; as clearly as the six o-clock news.
The Scandinavian countries--Denmark, Norway, and Sweden--have united in their efforts to deport Iraqi Christians who fled their country amidst the torrents of bullets, invective, and Shia-Sunni murders. Sadly, Sweden is especially intolerant of out-of-country Christians. On 17 November they will be sending an airliner to Baghdad and it will be carrying Christians to a very uncertain reception; death, perhaps.
As time winds down and the forces of evil unite against the righteous remnant people of God, former enemies will unite under Satan's leadership for the sole purpose of destroying God's people; those living on the earth at the time of His second coming.
I don't "know" this to be certain, but these verses in Luke look to me like a prophetic mini-glimpse into a league of evil made up of former enemies who find commonality in the prosecution, persecution, and even death of His saints.
If one reads Revelation Chapter 16 (vss. 12-14) there is an unholy trinity made up of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. And out of their mouth John saw three unclean spirits, like frogs, that go out to perform signs and miracles for the final seduction of unbelievers and those who say they believe but do not obey His voice.
Just something to think about. e.c.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Paul: Food, and the "Kingdom of God"
In Romans chapter 14 Paul is talking about food; and in particular those who weigh and measure...so to speak...what others eat. The Jews were/are very careful about what they did/do not eat to the point of being compulsive and overlooking weightier matters. They and we still do that.
There are good reasons for the dietary guidelines that God gave the children of Israel that most practice for religious reasons but actually were instituted for reasons of health and well being. Biblical dietary guidelines are best viewed as part of our spiritual health. Paul tells us that our bodies are the temple of God. [1st Corinthians 6:10, 20]. He dwells in us when we invite Him into our life.
If one reads through the dietary guidelines in the OT and takes a careful look at the creatures God says, "Don't eat these," one will see that many are scavengers that feed on things dead and decaying. This includes shrimp, crab, etc., but also filter feeders that filter many things out of the water that ought not to be there. (And the list is growing along with pollution of all waters; fresh and salt.) So, if we eat the bottom dwelling scavengers and filter feeders, we are, in essence, eating what they ate. Simple enough, and not at all just Jewish, because if they fed on contaminates from leaking septic systems...so do we.
Now that foundation is laid we go back to Romans.
"Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he/she who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men." [Romans 14:15-18]
Christ was criticised because He ate with sinners and did not follow all the ceremonial washings. HaMashiach (The Messiah) was rejected because He did not fulfill the expectations of the Jews. Our witness is not be be one of personal expectations of others; it is to be of Jesus Christ sacrificed for our sins and sharing the good news of salvation. [See Matthew 23:23].
Healthy food is essential for a healthy life...short as it is. Balanced spiritual nutrition is essential for eternal life. Both sources are essential to the health of our mind, body, spirit. Put first things first.
Blessings. e.c.
There are good reasons for the dietary guidelines that God gave the children of Israel that most practice for religious reasons but actually were instituted for reasons of health and well being. Biblical dietary guidelines are best viewed as part of our spiritual health. Paul tells us that our bodies are the temple of God. [1st Corinthians 6:10, 20]. He dwells in us when we invite Him into our life.
If one reads through the dietary guidelines in the OT and takes a careful look at the creatures God says, "Don't eat these," one will see that many are scavengers that feed on things dead and decaying. This includes shrimp, crab, etc., but also filter feeders that filter many things out of the water that ought not to be there. (And the list is growing along with pollution of all waters; fresh and salt.) So, if we eat the bottom dwelling scavengers and filter feeders, we are, in essence, eating what they ate. Simple enough, and not at all just Jewish, because if they fed on contaminates from leaking septic systems...so do we.
Now that foundation is laid we go back to Romans.
"Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he/she who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men." [Romans 14:15-18]
Christ was criticised because He ate with sinners and did not follow all the ceremonial washings. HaMashiach (The Messiah) was rejected because He did not fulfill the expectations of the Jews. Our witness is not be be one of personal expectations of others; it is to be of Jesus Christ sacrificed for our sins and sharing the good news of salvation. [See Matthew 23:23].
Healthy food is essential for a healthy life...short as it is. Balanced spiritual nutrition is essential for eternal life. Both sources are essential to the health of our mind, body, spirit. Put first things first.
Blessings. e.c.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sending The Seventy
"After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, 'The harvest truly is great but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road.'"
The Apostle John heard the loud voice of "...a great multitude in heaven..." [Revelation 19:1]. These are they who, from the beginning of time on this earth, were saved by the blood of the Lamb.
But there is another multitude; those that are lost either because they ignored or rejected God's call to salvation. No one will be lost because they did not know. In the great controversy between Christ and Satan everyone will have a choice; every person who has ever lived possessed the ability to think and choose will know; and if not by preaching, then by the voice of the Holy Spirit in their inmost heart. It has to be that way lest Satan charge God as being arbitrary and changeable. God does not change.
"And greet no one along the road"
That sounds odd, don't you think? to "greet no one along the road." I've thought about that and Christ is telling them not to loiter along; stopping to chit-chat about this and that, but to stay focused on the mission. Satan is always ready to distract us from the gospel commission and our mission on this earth during our days. Time is too short to spend it discussing the wants and ways of the world because there is danger in the becoming our ways.
Pray the Holy Spirit will send reapers, for the harvest is truly ripe.
Blessings. e.c.
The Apostle John heard the loud voice of "...a great multitude in heaven..." [Revelation 19:1]. These are they who, from the beginning of time on this earth, were saved by the blood of the Lamb.
But there is another multitude; those that are lost either because they ignored or rejected God's call to salvation. No one will be lost because they did not know. In the great controversy between Christ and Satan everyone will have a choice; every person who has ever lived possessed the ability to think and choose will know; and if not by preaching, then by the voice of the Holy Spirit in their inmost heart. It has to be that way lest Satan charge God as being arbitrary and changeable. God does not change.
"And greet no one along the road"
That sounds odd, don't you think? to "greet no one along the road." I've thought about that and Christ is telling them not to loiter along; stopping to chit-chat about this and that, but to stay focused on the mission. Satan is always ready to distract us from the gospel commission and our mission on this earth during our days. Time is too short to spend it discussing the wants and ways of the world because there is danger in the becoming our ways.
Pray the Holy Spirit will send reapers, for the harvest is truly ripe.
Blessings. e.c.
Friday, November 5, 2010
One Text...
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind." [Luke 12:292].
In times like these...or on a day like today...there is enough worry and concern going around to get almost anyone down. But them comes the words of Christ, "...nor have an anxious mind..." Can I do that? Can I really be at peace with so much chaos, corruption, and wickedness of every species filling the earth? Nations releasing the "safety" on their weapons; belligerence from leaders of nations large and small...strong and weak. And what does Christ say? "...nor have an anxious mind..." Memorize this verse; especially the last five words.
Blessings. Our Lord's Sabbath is here. e.c.
In times like these...or on a day like today...there is enough worry and concern going around to get almost anyone down. But them comes the words of Christ, "...nor have an anxious mind..." Can I do that? Can I really be at peace with so much chaos, corruption, and wickedness of every species filling the earth? Nations releasing the "safety" on their weapons; belligerence from leaders of nations large and small...strong and weak. And what does Christ say? "...nor have an anxious mind..." Memorize this verse; especially the last five words.
Blessings. Our Lord's Sabbath is here. e.c.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The Lion Is Roaring...Louder
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." [1st Peter 5:8].
This is not the time to grow careless nor let down our guard. Satan is looking for even the smallest niche in our armor; a place where he can find entry to our mind; the window of our soul. The devil has six thousand years experience reading the lives of men and women. He knows who to attack and who to leave alone; he doesn't bother with those already in his barn.
Peter also says this: "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" [1st Peter 1:13-16].
The lessons Peter learned while with Christ were hard fought but the results were long lasting...even until his crucifixion; hanging head down because he did not feel worthy as did his Master. Ellen White says this about Christs disciples: "Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit's teaching they received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework. No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements. No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were of "one accord," "of one heart and of one soul." Acts 2:46; 4:32. Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master, and men "took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13. {AA 45.2}
Pentecost brought them the heavenly illumination. The truths they could not understand while Christ was with them were now unfolded. With a faith and assurance that
Pray that we will be of one mind, one accord, and one purpose under the unction of the Holy Spirit. World events shout the news that Christ is coming soon!
Blessings on your day. e.c.
This is not the time to grow careless nor let down our guard. Satan is looking for even the smallest niche in our armor; a place where he can find entry to our mind; the window of our soul. The devil has six thousand years experience reading the lives of men and women. He knows who to attack and who to leave alone; he doesn't bother with those already in his barn.
Peter also says this: "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'" [1st Peter 1:13-16].
The lessons Peter learned while with Christ were hard fought but the results were long lasting...even until his crucifixion; hanging head down because he did not feel worthy as did his Master. Ellen White says this about Christs disciples: "Under the training of Christ the disciples had been led to feel their need of the Spirit. Under the Spirit's teaching they received the final qualification, and went forth to their lifework. No longer were they ignorant and uncultured. No longer were they a collection of independent units or discordant, conflicting elements. No longer were their hopes set on worldly greatness. They were of "one accord," "of one heart and of one soul." Acts 2:46; 4:32. Christ filled their thoughts; the advancement of His kingdom was their aim. In mind and character they had become like their Master, and men "took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13. {AA 45.2}
Pentecost brought them the heavenly illumination. The truths they could not understand while Christ was with them were now unfolded. With a faith and assurance that
Pray that we will be of one mind, one accord, and one purpose under the unction of the Holy Spirit. World events shout the news that Christ is coming soon!
Blessings on your day. e.c.
Friday, October 29, 2010
How To Avoid Being Popular In This World: A Primer
If anyone likes to be liked, and that's probably most of us, neither the present nor the future are not bright for believers...that is if one believes the Word of God and Jesus Christ.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." [1st Peter 5:8]
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." [John 15:18, 19]
"Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you." [1st John 3:13]
It's really very simple and should come as no surprise to anyone. If we are a friend of Jesus we are targets of our adversary, the devil, and enemies of the world.
Not to worry!
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." [John 16:33]
And;
"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." [1st John 4:4].
So, what are we to conclude? Christ has prayed for us and that prayer is answered.
"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one." [John 17:15]
Recommended reading, John Chapter 17; the prayer of Christ.
A Sabbath's blessing. e.c.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." [1st Peter 5:8]
"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." [John 15:18, 19]
"Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you." [1st John 3:13]
It's really very simple and should come as no surprise to anyone. If we are a friend of Jesus we are targets of our adversary, the devil, and enemies of the world.
Not to worry!
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." [John 16:33]
And;
"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." [1st John 4:4].
So, what are we to conclude? Christ has prayed for us and that prayer is answered.
"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one." [John 17:15]
Recommended reading, John Chapter 17; the prayer of Christ.
A Sabbath's blessing. e.c.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tears In A Bottle
David was on the run from the Philistines (Phoenicians) when he was captured in Gath. Somewhere along the path from Gath to freedom he composed a Michtam. He instructed the Chief Musician that it be...Set to "The Silent Dove in Distant Lands." What is a Michtam?
Bible Dictionary
Michtam definition:
(a) writing; i.e., a poem or song found in the titles of Ps. (chapters 16 and 56-60). by a word meaning "tablet inscription" or a "stelograph." The root of the word means to stamp or grave, and hence it is regarded as denoting a composition so precious as to be worthy to be engraven on a durable tablet for preservation; or, as others render, "a psalm precious as stamped gold," from the word _kethem_, "fine or stamped gold."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Michtam
So much for instruction and information; what about inspiration?
"Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up;
Fighting all day he oppresses me.
My enemies would hound me all day,
For there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?
All day they twist my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.
They gather together,
They hide, they mark my steps,
When they lie in wait for my life.
Shall they escape by iniquity?
In anger cast down the peoples, O God?
You number my wanderings;
Put my tears in a bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
When I cry out to You,
Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because, God is for me.
In God (I will praise His word),
In the Lord (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me.
Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;
For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have you not kept my feet from falling,
That I may walk before God
In the light of the living?
[Psalms 56:1-13] [Emphasis added]
We serve a loving God; a God so caring that David poetically describes Him as 'putting (our) tears into (a) bottle.' And what does He do with that bottle? I like to believe that we will empty them into the River of Life.
Blessings. e.c.
Bible Dictionary
Michtam definition:
(a) writing; i.e., a poem or song found in the titles of Ps. (chapters 16 and 56-60). by a word meaning "tablet inscription" or a "stelograph." The root of the word means to stamp or grave, and hence it is regarded as denoting a composition so precious as to be worthy to be engraven on a durable tablet for preservation; or, as others render, "a psalm precious as stamped gold," from the word _kethem_, "fine or stamped gold."
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Michtam
So much for instruction and information; what about inspiration?
"Be merciful to me, O God, for man would swallow me up;
Fighting all day he oppresses me.
My enemies would hound me all day,
For there are many who fight against me, O Most High.
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?
All day they twist my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.
They gather together,
They hide, they mark my steps,
When they lie in wait for my life.
Shall they escape by iniquity?
In anger cast down the peoples, O God?
You number my wanderings;
Put my tears in a bottle;
Are they not in Your book?
When I cry out to You,
Then my enemies will turn back;
This I know, because, God is for me.
In God (I will praise His word),
In the Lord (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me.
Vows made to You are binding upon me, O God;
For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have you not kept my feet from falling,
That I may walk before God
In the light of the living?
[Psalms 56:1-13] [Emphasis added]
We serve a loving God; a God so caring that David poetically describes Him as 'putting (our) tears into (a) bottle.' And what does He do with that bottle? I like to believe that we will empty them into the River of Life.
Blessings. e.c.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Politics: A Syrup of Ipecac
I have been nauseated for days and will probably remain so until November third, at which time the only thing I'll heave is a sigh of relief. But until then...we all have to suffer the noxious, obnoxious, nauseating, noisy insulting stammerings of frantic politicians doing and saying whatever their fertile minds can conjure that they think will give them an edge.
Meanwhile, back at the emesis basin, we the innocent are left to suffer an ever rising tide of pollution designed to sway us even though it is mostly devoid of reason and truth.
Truth begins in the Word of God and ends in the mind and mouth of man (a gender-inclusive word for all politicians). Of course, I am over stating, but that's what blogs are for. The quadriplegic physician cum political analyst (Charles Krauthammer) recently commented on the toxicity of current political blogs where meanness is prerequisite to admittance.
I like the story of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel chapter 4) where his arrogance results in his loss of reason and his kingdom...for seven years. But after seven years of eating grass the king of Babylon had this to say: "And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised Him who lives forever. For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have you done?' ...Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down." [Daniel 4: 34, 35, and 37].
America, and especially its leaders, need to lift their eyes to heaven. Perhaps their understanding, like that of Nebuchadnezzar, will return to them. I do not hold much hope.
But I did vote... You bet'cha! e.c.
Meanwhile, back at the emesis basin, we the innocent are left to suffer an ever rising tide of pollution designed to sway us even though it is mostly devoid of reason and truth.
Truth begins in the Word of God and ends in the mind and mouth of man (a gender-inclusive word for all politicians). Of course, I am over stating, but that's what blogs are for. The quadriplegic physician cum political analyst (Charles Krauthammer) recently commented on the toxicity of current political blogs where meanness is prerequisite to admittance.
I like the story of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel chapter 4) where his arrogance results in his loss of reason and his kingdom...for seven years. But after seven years of eating grass the king of Babylon had this to say: "And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised Him who lives forever. For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have you done?' ...Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down." [Daniel 4: 34, 35, and 37].
America, and especially its leaders, need to lift their eyes to heaven. Perhaps their understanding, like that of Nebuchadnezzar, will return to them. I do not hold much hope.
But I did vote... You bet'cha! e.c.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What Is His Name?
I was twiddling through the dials (so to speak) of the Internet when I happened upon a Messianic Jewish website that gave me Strong's Hebrew Lexicon Search Results.
After doing a Control-C and Control-V of what I wanted, there at the bottom of the page was this "Discovering the Hebrew Roots of Christianity" which happened to be a long but interesting discussion about the names of God and His Christ. Here are a few of the highlights.
The word, hallelujah, is more accurately rendered, halleluyah, and that one word is made up of two words; hallelu and Yah, which is translated as Praise God. One can easily see here the Hebrew word for God...Yah.
Over time devout Jews came to consider the name of God (YAHWEH) to be too holy to utter or render in full spelling and it was reduced to the tetragrammaton, YHWH.
The name Jesus, known to most, is actually derived from the Latin Iesus, which reportedly appeared in the 1611* first edition of the King James translation of Scripture and which is a departure from our present understanding of the name of the Christ. Controversy over the name of Jesus has been raging back and forth (in the minds of some) since the 1930's.
Interestingly, the Hebrew name for Jesus is very much like the name of the man who led the children of Israel into the promised land; Joshua. The Hebrew rendering of that name is this; Y'hoshua. (The parallel of Joshua and Christ leading God's people from captivity [Egypt/sin] into the promised land [Literal Canaan/Heavenly Canaan] should not be lost here).
The Complete Hebrew Bible (translated by David H. Stern) translates the name of the Messiah as Yeshua. The narrated Power Point presentation alluded to above made a case for the name of the Christ: YAHUSHUA. One instantly makes the connection; YAH, YAHUSHUA, YAHWEH, YHWH. But is this correct, and perhaps more importantly, is it a critical issue in our worship? Most probably not.
YAHUSHUA, Yeshua, Y'hoshua, Jesus, the Christ, carried the name of God because He was God incarnate; He was the Creator God and the Passover Lamb of God. The Oneness of the Trinity and the truth of His deity is summarized in the words; "I and [my] Father are One." [John 10:30]. The core of the question/issue is this; have we given our hearts and minds to our Savior, and are we serving Him by telling others of His soon coming. I firmly believe that there will be those who are saved who have never heard the name of Jesus...in any form...because they followed the leading of the Holy Spirit in surrender and obedience.
Blessings as we think on the Name above all names. e.c.
*Further Study Sources:
http://www.seekgod.ca/htwhatsinaname.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_(name)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominus_Iesus
After doing a Control-C and Control-V of what I wanted, there at the bottom of the page was this "Discovering the Hebrew Roots of Christianity" which happened to be a long but interesting discussion about the names of God and His Christ. Here are a few of the highlights.
The word, hallelujah, is more accurately rendered, halleluyah, and that one word is made up of two words; hallelu and Yah, which is translated as Praise God. One can easily see here the Hebrew word for God...Yah.
Over time devout Jews came to consider the name of God (YAHWEH) to be too holy to utter or render in full spelling and it was reduced to the tetragrammaton, YHWH.
The name Jesus, known to most, is actually derived from the Latin Iesus, which reportedly appeared in the 1611* first edition of the King James translation of Scripture and which is a departure from our present understanding of the name of the Christ. Controversy over the name of Jesus has been raging back and forth (in the minds of some) since the 1930's.
Interestingly, the Hebrew name for Jesus is very much like the name of the man who led the children of Israel into the promised land; Joshua. The Hebrew rendering of that name is this; Y'hoshua. (The parallel of Joshua and Christ leading God's people from captivity [Egypt/sin] into the promised land [Literal Canaan/Heavenly Canaan] should not be lost here).
The Complete Hebrew Bible (translated by David H. Stern) translates the name of the Messiah as Yeshua. The narrated Power Point presentation alluded to above made a case for the name of the Christ: YAHUSHUA. One instantly makes the connection; YAH, YAHUSHUA, YAHWEH, YHWH. But is this correct, and perhaps more importantly, is it a critical issue in our worship? Most probably not.
YAHUSHUA, Yeshua, Y'hoshua, Jesus, the Christ, carried the name of God because He was God incarnate; He was the Creator God and the Passover Lamb of God. The Oneness of the Trinity and the truth of His deity is summarized in the words; "I and [my] Father are One." [John 10:30]. The core of the question/issue is this; have we given our hearts and minds to our Savior, and are we serving Him by telling others of His soon coming. I firmly believe that there will be those who are saved who have never heard the name of Jesus...in any form...because they followed the leading of the Holy Spirit in surrender and obedience.
Blessings as we think on the Name above all names. e.c.
*Further Study Sources:
http://www.seekgod.ca/htwhatsinaname.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_(name)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominus_Iesus
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Lessons from Zechariah
"Then he showed me Joshua, the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?'"
"Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him saying, 'Take away the filthy garments from Him.' And to him He said, 'See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.'
"And I said, 'Let them put a clean turban on his head.' So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by."
Who was this Angel of the Lord. In three words...it was our Lord Jesus Christ. How do I know this? [Exodus 3:1, 2, 6, 13, 14 and John 8:56-58]. Interestingly, neither the KJV nor the NIV capitalize the word, angel, as does the NKJV. This is no ordinary angel spoken of in Zechariah; this Angel has power to remove iniquity, and that power belongs only to God.
The filthy garments are not merely dirty, as when one works in the garden or other potentially grimy tasks. In the Hebrew the word used for filthy is referring to garments soiled by dung or human excrement. (Strong's online Concordance)
Result of search for "6674":
6674 tsow' tso or tsov {tso}; from an unused root meaning to issue; soiled (as if excrementitious):--filthy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6675 tsow'ah tso-aw' or tsovah {tso-aw'}: feminine of 6674; excrement; generally, dirt; figuratively, pollution:--dung, filth(-iness). Marg. for 2716.
Source: http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=hebrewlexicon&isindex=6674
Notice that the first thing changed is the turban; symbolizing a changing and renewing of the mind. Here is how Strong treats the Greek word used here for mind; [G5426 phroneō]1) to have understanding, be wise
2) to feel, to think
a) to have an opinion of one's self, think of one's self, to be modest, not let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty
b) to think or judge what one's opinion is
c) to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious
3) to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for
a) to seek one's interest or advantage
b) to be of one's party, side with him (in public affairs)
Source: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5426&t=KJV
To be a follower of Jesus Christ is to undergo change and transformation, and it begins with the mind which is the seat of our sinfulness and our salvation. From a neuroanatomic and neurological point of view, it is the frontal lobe (just behind the forehead) of our brain, and its executive, weighing, deciding, and directing functions that are utilized when we choose to serve Jesus. As Paul says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." [Phil. 2:5]
Think on these things. e.c.
"Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him saying, 'Take away the filthy garments from Him.' And to him He said, 'See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.'
"And I said, 'Let them put a clean turban on his head.' So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by."
Who was this Angel of the Lord. In three words...it was our Lord Jesus Christ. How do I know this? [Exodus 3:1, 2, 6, 13, 14 and John 8:56-58]. Interestingly, neither the KJV nor the NIV capitalize the word, angel, as does the NKJV. This is no ordinary angel spoken of in Zechariah; this Angel has power to remove iniquity, and that power belongs only to God.
The filthy garments are not merely dirty, as when one works in the garden or other potentially grimy tasks. In the Hebrew the word used for filthy is referring to garments soiled by dung or human excrement. (Strong's online Concordance)
Result of search for "6674":
6674 tsow' tso or tsov {tso}; from an unused root meaning to issue; soiled (as if excrementitious):--filthy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6675 tsow'ah tso-aw' or tsovah {tso-aw'}: feminine of 6674; excrement; generally, dirt; figuratively, pollution:--dung, filth(-iness). Marg. for 2716.
Source: http://www.eliyah.com/cgi-bin/strongs.cgi?file=hebrewlexicon&isindex=6674
Notice that the first thing changed is the turban; symbolizing a changing and renewing of the mind. Here is how Strong treats the Greek word used here for mind; [G5426 phroneō]1) to have understanding, be wise
2) to feel, to think
a) to have an opinion of one's self, think of one's self, to be modest, not let one's opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty
b) to think or judge what one's opinion is
c) to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious
3) to direct one's mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for
a) to seek one's interest or advantage
b) to be of one's party, side with him (in public affairs)
Source: http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G5426&t=KJV
To be a follower of Jesus Christ is to undergo change and transformation, and it begins with the mind which is the seat of our sinfulness and our salvation. From a neuroanatomic and neurological point of view, it is the frontal lobe (just behind the forehead) of our brain, and its executive, weighing, deciding, and directing functions that are utilized when we choose to serve Jesus. As Paul says, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." [Phil. 2:5]
Think on these things. e.c.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Last Church of A' La Carte
Going out to eat is as much a part of life as going to church; more so these days. In an upscale restaurant we will be greeted by a Maitre' d (hotel); literally, Master of the Hotel..or restaurant. We can elect to have dinner a' la carte or table d'hote. The first means, essentially, that we pick and choose what appeals to us, whereas the second indicates a menu where multi-course meals with only a few choices are charged at a fixed price.
What has this to do with things spiritual? I think you see it, but I will explain.
There are picky diners and picky Christians; they eat and worship the way they want rather than in obedience to Jesus Christ. But here is the issue: A dinner has been prepared, all are invited, attendees are provided the required attire, and the price of admission has been set and paid. (The following parable told by Christ traces the gospel from Moses and the Jews coming out of Egypt [Hebrews 3:16 - 4:2] through the prophets, the destruction of Jerusalem, the spreading of the gospel, and the final wedding feast.)
"The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again he sent out other servants saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
"But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
So the king said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen." [Matthew 22:2-14].
The points of the parable are clear; God has prepared both a wedding and a dinner. Invitations have been sent (prophets, missionaries) to all the world and many have come so that the hall (church) is filled. The costs of the dinner are paid in full by the king (the blood of Christ). When the King inspects the guests he finds one who prefers his own garment (his own good works) over the one provided (the righteousness of Jesus Christ).
Salvation in Christ is accepting Him and doing His will by our obedience. It is not what we want to do (a' la carte).
Friend, put on the pure garment of righteousness provided by the death of the Christ on the cross. Accept what is served (table d'hote) at an inestimable price.
Be at peace; the Sabbath of our Lord is coming [Matthew 12:8 and Mark 2:27, 28]. e.c.
What has this to do with things spiritual? I think you see it, but I will explain.
There are picky diners and picky Christians; they eat and worship the way they want rather than in obedience to Jesus Christ. But here is the issue: A dinner has been prepared, all are invited, attendees are provided the required attire, and the price of admission has been set and paid. (The following parable told by Christ traces the gospel from Moses and the Jews coming out of Egypt [Hebrews 3:16 - 4:2] through the prophets, the destruction of Jerusalem, the spreading of the gospel, and the final wedding feast.)
"The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. Again he sent out other servants saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' "But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them.
"But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.' So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.
So the king said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen." [Matthew 22:2-14].
The points of the parable are clear; God has prepared both a wedding and a dinner. Invitations have been sent (prophets, missionaries) to all the world and many have come so that the hall (church) is filled. The costs of the dinner are paid in full by the king (the blood of Christ). When the King inspects the guests he finds one who prefers his own garment (his own good works) over the one provided (the righteousness of Jesus Christ).
Salvation in Christ is accepting Him and doing His will by our obedience. It is not what we want to do (a' la carte).
Friend, put on the pure garment of righteousness provided by the death of the Christ on the cross. Accept what is served (table d'hote) at an inestimable price.
Be at peace; the Sabbath of our Lord is coming [Matthew 12:8 and Mark 2:27, 28]. e.c.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Seeds of Rebellion
Noxious weeds are sprouting all over the world; the list is long. One has only to hear/read the news flashing across the screens of our TV and computers about rioting in France and unrest everywhere giving rise to angry nations, false prophets and lawlessness [Matthew 24:7, 11, 12]. Seeds of rebellion are sprouting in America as well. Just in recent days there have been rifle shots fired at the Pentagon. There are people on the loose who feel free to take aim (literal or verbal) at their personal and/or political enemies. A lot of shots have been fired as of late and I look at these as desperate acts of "commentary" by desperate people who hold deep, personal, radical feelings about such things as America's foreign policy, America at war, loss of their job, bank foreclosures on their homes, and the economy. And there is a larger picture where the 'discussion' is mean-spirited over almost everything imaginable.
Local militias are looming larger across our nation. Why? Most are secretive and train with sophisticated military and paramilitary equipment. Who is their enemy? What is their target?
Of course, I see spiritual issues lying deep within these events, because at the core of these events is an animal awakening and emerging from a 'long winter's sleep;' the Beast of Daniel and Revelation and the Antichrist. No thinking person who understands who and what these represent would have them for pet or friend.
Understanding these issues is important because of these verses: "Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of his indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb." [Revelation 14:8, 9]
This is no small consequence for who choose to worship the Beast that poses as God but that is empowered by the Dragon [Revelation 17:1-9]. There are a multitude of clues in the verses cited above that are waiting to be understood by those wanting and praying to know. (See Revelation 1:3)
Blessings, patience, and courage! e.c.
Local militias are looming larger across our nation. Why? Most are secretive and train with sophisticated military and paramilitary equipment. Who is their enemy? What is their target?
Of course, I see spiritual issues lying deep within these events, because at the core of these events is an animal awakening and emerging from a 'long winter's sleep;' the Beast of Daniel and Revelation and the Antichrist. No thinking person who understands who and what these represent would have them for pet or friend.
Understanding these issues is important because of these verses: "Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, 'If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of his indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb." [Revelation 14:8, 9]
This is no small consequence for who choose to worship the Beast that poses as God but that is empowered by the Dragon [Revelation 17:1-9]. There are a multitude of clues in the verses cited above that are waiting to be understood by those wanting and praying to know. (See Revelation 1:3)
Blessings, patience, and courage! e.c.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Foolishness of Preaching
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." [1st Corinthians 1:18-21] NKJV
Some members of The View would certainly find foolishness in preaching...and prayer. Here's a supporting quote: "On the June 22 episode of "The View," co-host Joy Behar criticized prayer, saying it "takes the place of logical thinking, then I think that's dangerous."
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/melissa-afable/2010/06/22/behar-prayer-take-place-thinking
Whoopi Goldberg, another member of The View describes herself as atheist:
AKA Caryn Elaine Johnson
Born: 13-Nov-1955
Birthplace: New York City
Gender: Female
Religion: Atheist [1]
Race or Ethnicity: Black
Sexual orientation: Straight [2]
Occupation: Actor, Comic
[1] Steve Brown, "God's Weird Love", Today's Christian, January/February 2007. To Kathy Huffhines in the Dallas Morning News, 10 December 1991, she described herself as a "Jewish-Catholic girl from New York", though this is clearly a cultural rather than belief designation. Her approach to religion is flippant, saying that she changed her name to Whoopi "after encountering a burning bush in the desert." See Miami Herald, 2 June 1985.
http://www.nndb.com/people/242/000025167/#FN2
If there is a question of the day it is this: If you had five minutes to speak of things spiritual (purposely set in neutral context so as not to influence your answer) to Behar and/or Goldberg, what would you say? (Assume that this is their only opportunity for such an encounter. Soberingly, Joy, Whoopi, and others like them have their own "evangelistic" program.) Will it go unanswered?
"Now is the time for the last warning to be given. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time; but how long will it continue? Only a little while. If there was ever a crisis, it is now." Ellen White; Evangelism, pgs. 16, 17
Or...we could sit on the couch and watch The View...e.c.
Some members of The View would certainly find foolishness in preaching...and prayer. Here's a supporting quote: "On the June 22 episode of "The View," co-host Joy Behar criticized prayer, saying it "takes the place of logical thinking, then I think that's dangerous."
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/melissa-afable/2010/06/22/behar-prayer-take-place-thinking
Whoopi Goldberg, another member of The View describes herself as atheist:
AKA Caryn Elaine Johnson
Born: 13-Nov-1955
Birthplace: New York City
Gender: Female
Religion: Atheist [1]
Race or Ethnicity: Black
Sexual orientation: Straight [2]
Occupation: Actor, Comic
[1] Steve Brown, "God's Weird Love", Today's Christian, January/February 2007. To Kathy Huffhines in the Dallas Morning News, 10 December 1991, she described herself as a "Jewish-Catholic girl from New York", though this is clearly a cultural rather than belief designation. Her approach to religion is flippant, saying that she changed her name to Whoopi "after encountering a burning bush in the desert." See Miami Herald, 2 June 1985.
http://www.nndb.com/people/242/000025167/#FN2
If there is a question of the day it is this: If you had five minutes to speak of things spiritual (purposely set in neutral context so as not to influence your answer) to Behar and/or Goldberg, what would you say? (Assume that this is their only opportunity for such an encounter. Soberingly, Joy, Whoopi, and others like them have their own "evangelistic" program.) Will it go unanswered?
"Now is the time for the last warning to be given. There is a special power in the presentation of the truth at the present time; but how long will it continue? Only a little while. If there was ever a crisis, it is now." Ellen White; Evangelism, pgs. 16, 17
Or...we could sit on the couch and watch The View...e.c.
Friday, October 15, 2010
It wasn't my Idea
I can't take any credit for this post because it wasn't my idea. Last Sabbath E.S. spoke about the miners in Chile and compared their plight...trapped in darkness deep in the belly of the mine...to the condition of man, trapped in the darkness of sin on earth.
Just as a plan was made and perfectly executed to bring the miners from darkness to light, so, perfect plans were made by God for the rescue of His children from the darkness of sin, suffering and death.
It was thrilling to see the men emerge from the capsule and be welcomed by family; men brought back from the edge of death. One at a time they arose to a new life, and for some, the painful reality of and old life.
When Christ returns...soon...here is what it will be like for those who choose to live in the light and life of the cross Today; "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." [1st Thessalonians 4:16-18].
We will not rise from this darkness one at a time, but as an unnumbered cloud of the redeemed; witnesses for Jesus Christ to all the worlds* He has created [Hebrews 1:2] *NJKV
Blessings. e.c.
Just as a plan was made and perfectly executed to bring the miners from darkness to light, so, perfect plans were made by God for the rescue of His children from the darkness of sin, suffering and death.
It was thrilling to see the men emerge from the capsule and be welcomed by family; men brought back from the edge of death. One at a time they arose to a new life, and for some, the painful reality of and old life.
When Christ returns...soon...here is what it will be like for those who choose to live in the light and life of the cross Today; "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." [1st Thessalonians 4:16-18].
We will not rise from this darkness one at a time, but as an unnumbered cloud of the redeemed; witnesses for Jesus Christ to all the worlds* He has created [Hebrews 1:2] *NJKV
Blessings. e.c.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Training Wheels for The Mind
"Children, don't let anyone deceive you -- it is the person that keeps on doing what is right who is righteous, just as God is righteous. The person who keeps on sinning is from the Adversary, because from the very beginning the Adversary has kept on sinning." [1st John 3:1, 8]
"Let this mind be in you which was is in Christ Jesus." [ Phil. 2:5]
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" [1st Peter 1:13]
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart." [Psalms 26:2]
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment." [Mark 12:30]
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind." [Luke 12:29]
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." [Romans 12:2]
Post script: each of these texts presents an opportunity to exercise our mind by memorization and contemplation. By learning Bible texts we can carry (some of) the Bible where ever we go.e.c.
"Let this mind be in you which was is in Christ Jesus." [ Phil. 2:5]
"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;" [1st Peter 1:13]
"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart." [Psalms 26:2]
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment." [Mark 12:30]
"And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind." [Luke 12:29]
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." [Romans 12:2]
Post script: each of these texts presents an opportunity to exercise our mind by memorization and contemplation. By learning Bible texts we can carry (some of) the Bible where ever we go.e.c.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Then There Was..."The Sermon"
I purposefully titled this post as ominously as possible. Because... after posting the Power Point of the message I thought, perhaps, maybe, someone out there is just brave enough to listen to what was said. It was recorded, and I didn't know a thing about it...which was good, else I might have been something more than my usual uptight self. For the curious, the brave, the masochistic, the impressionable, and the remnant, here is the link;
http://www.robertdscott.com/files/2010_10_09_Ed_Christiansen_I_Am.mp3
http://www.robertdscott.com/files/2010_10_09_Ed_Christiansen_I_Am.mp3
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Chance to be the hero......
The year was 1953. It was during Phys. Ed. at Lincoln High School in Tacoma. The game was football. In one of the last huddles before the bell, the quarterback pointed a thumb at me and said, "Nobody's watch'n this guy." A clap of the hands, we line up, comes the snap of the ball and I start running...deep. So I stop, turn around, and see this spiraling football coming straight to me. My hands go up to make the heroic catch, and "Thump"! the ball bounces off my chest and weakly dribbles away across the field. The bell rang and I was able to weakly follow the football off the field. I laugh...now.
I can't ever remember playing football again...but I have an excuse (make that, a reason) nobody ever taught me how to catch a football because there aren't that many one-legged football playing fathers.
Have a good week and remember this; you catch a football running away...with the ball, not into it. It's only 57 years later than I know this.e.c.
I can't ever remember playing football again...but I have an excuse (make that, a reason) nobody ever taught me how to catch a football because there aren't that many one-legged football playing fathers.
Have a good week and remember this; you catch a football running away...with the ball, not into it. It's only 57 years later than I know this.e.c.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Come Holy Spirit
People gathered at our little church last evening for a very special purpose; to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; a Pentecost right here in Shelton. We will gather together each week in the month of October and ask to be used of God for sharing the message of His Grace, Mercy, and Salvation that He made freely available to every person willing to accept the gift and live in obedience to His teachings. As the Bible says, "It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God." [Matthew 4:4 quoting Deuteronomy 8:3].
'We have nothing to fear for the future except that we forget how the Lord has led us in the past.'
Be encouraged; soon, our Lord will return and bring eternal closure to all the things that perplex the hearts of those who love and serve Him. e.c.
'We have nothing to fear for the future except that we forget how the Lord has led us in the past.'
Be encouraged; soon, our Lord will return and bring eternal closure to all the things that perplex the hearts of those who love and serve Him. e.c.
Just An Ordinary Bible Study
The title of this Power Point study is, I AM! May you prosper.e.c.
This link to Facebook should take you to the Bible Study. I am presenting this PP study this Sabbath at the 11:00 hour (Note: the Pew Bible pages were inserted for those at the church new to Bible study and/or those who forgot to bring them. Blessings. e.c.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?
This link to Facebook should take you to the Bible Study. I am presenting this PP study this Sabbath at the 11:00 hour (Note: the Pew Bible pages were inserted for those at the church new to Bible study and/or those who forgot to bring them. Blessings. e.c.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
They Spend! Therefore We Are Taxed
A flyer came in the mail today asking us to support opposition (Yes on 1107) to Washington State's recent imposition of taxes on certain food items. Interestingly, Nalley's Thick Chili is taxed but Hormel Chili is not. Why the difference? Because Nalley Valley (as we always called it is in Tacoma; is made in Washington, whereas (evidently) Hormel is not. So, if we are shopping for chili and are aware of this, and we are on a budget, and we want to save money on groceries, what would be the smartest thing to do? That's right! Buy Hormel. And what is a possible/probable effect of this on those who labor among the chili beans? This can't be good for jobs; and you don't have to be a bean counter to figure this out.
Blue Diamond Almonds (honey roasted) are taxed; Blue Diamond Almonds (roasted salted) are not. Go figure.
It's not hard to figure this out. Washington State has spent itself into a 2-3 billion dollar deficit and is putting it on our backs to get them out. Driving through Belfair I saw this sign in the front yard of a house on the Old Belfair Highway: "Vote No For Incumbent!" "Spot on!" I say.
To my mind the logic (assuming it resides in Olympia politics) is confounding; if the decisions to tax or not to tax are linked to where the items are made, and if they are made in Washington and are taxed, then residents of this state are twice punished; manufacturers and consumers! That is the rant for today.
Blessings to all; Lord knows we need them. e.c.
Blue Diamond Almonds (honey roasted) are taxed; Blue Diamond Almonds (roasted salted) are not. Go figure.
It's not hard to figure this out. Washington State has spent itself into a 2-3 billion dollar deficit and is putting it on our backs to get them out. Driving through Belfair I saw this sign in the front yard of a house on the Old Belfair Highway: "Vote No For Incumbent!" "Spot on!" I say.
To my mind the logic (assuming it resides in Olympia politics) is confounding; if the decisions to tax or not to tax are linked to where the items are made, and if they are made in Washington and are taxed, then residents of this state are twice punished; manufacturers and consumers! That is the rant for today.
Blessings to all; Lord knows we need them. e.c.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Morir, Matar Y Assassionar
To die, to kill and to assassinate...in Spanish.
There is a spirit in the world; a spirit of meanness that exceeds merely being mean; one that is venturing further into talk and acts of murderous hatred.
Much of it has to do with religion; the rest of it is the nation's expressions of their politik mixed with a little religion...or maybe a lot of it. I think of the Ages Dark and Deadly on this Earth when unnumbered souls were tortured and killed in the name of God. (Probably that should be a lower case "g" because it is an insult to the true God to murder in His name). Those who did this thought they were doing a good thing; kind of like ridding the house of bedbugs or roaches; insects to be stepped on until you feel their bodies "pop" under your heel.
It was the union of church and state that crushed annoying, dissident insects to death because they had the audacity to disagree with mainstream thought in the church and the political assembly.
Christ warned the church that such things would happen. He said, "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake." [Matthew 24:9]
"Nonsense!" you say. "All that is history. We are too civilized to repeat those errors." "Nonsense!" I say. In verse 21 Christ says, "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened." [vs.22].
Iran's president is calling for the "...burial of America's leaders..."
North Korea has a new leader...All In The Family...more rabid than his ailing and aging father.
Venezuela is seeking to become another on the list of the world's nuclear powers.
Israel and the Palestinians are at impasse...again...
Terror threat heightened in Europe...
Muslim's blockade streets in France for prayer time. Nothing moves.
The time of renewed religious persecution is coming. More correctly, it is here. John the Revelator wrote of "tomorrow's" news 2000 years ago. He says, "And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." [Revelation 6:4] These will be times when men and nations Morir, Matar, Y Assassionar, for reasons "religious and political," and in His Name???
The "peace" that will be taken from the earth is that which men seek and for which they negotiate with fingers crossed behind their backs. We will find true peace in the New Jerusalem (Salem, Shalom) that eternal city of true peace.
Until then, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be your house.e.c.
There is a spirit in the world; a spirit of meanness that exceeds merely being mean; one that is venturing further into talk and acts of murderous hatred.
Much of it has to do with religion; the rest of it is the nation's expressions of their politik mixed with a little religion...or maybe a lot of it. I think of the Ages Dark and Deadly on this Earth when unnumbered souls were tortured and killed in the name of God. (Probably that should be a lower case "g" because it is an insult to the true God to murder in His name). Those who did this thought they were doing a good thing; kind of like ridding the house of bedbugs or roaches; insects to be stepped on until you feel their bodies "pop" under your heel.
It was the union of church and state that crushed annoying, dissident insects to death because they had the audacity to disagree with mainstream thought in the church and the political assembly.
Christ warned the church that such things would happen. He said, "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake." [Matthew 24:9]
"Nonsense!" you say. "All that is history. We are too civilized to repeat those errors." "Nonsense!" I say. In verse 21 Christ says, "For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened." [vs.22].
Iran's president is calling for the "...burial of America's leaders..."
North Korea has a new leader...All In The Family...more rabid than his ailing and aging father.
Venezuela is seeking to become another on the list of the world's nuclear powers.
Israel and the Palestinians are at impasse...again...
Terror threat heightened in Europe...
Muslim's blockade streets in France for prayer time. Nothing moves.
The time of renewed religious persecution is coming. More correctly, it is here. John the Revelator wrote of "tomorrow's" news 2000 years ago. He says, "And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." [Revelation 6:4] These will be times when men and nations Morir, Matar, Y Assassionar, for reasons "religious and political," and in His Name???
The "peace" that will be taken from the earth is that which men seek and for which they negotiate with fingers crossed behind their backs. We will find true peace in the New Jerusalem (Salem, Shalom) that eternal city of true peace.
Until then, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be your house.e.c.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Toxic News Overload
I'm more rattled than usual after perusing the morning news. The issue today is meanness and corruption.
1. The dean of St. John's University was fired for embezzling 1M dollars from school donations. She was also found to be using students as "slaves" to do housekeeping, chauffeuring family members to important events like hair appointments. She used mostly foreign students and intimidated them by threatening to withdraw financial aid.
2. GMAC and J.P. Morgan Chase are charged with illegally processing tens of thousands of foreclosure notices on beleaguered home owners. Evidently there was (in some cases) insufficient or incorrect information that these lending giants did not take the time to review. One executive complained that he signed as many as 10,000 foreclosure notices a month and "didn't have the time" to examine them for accuracy. (That's an excuse?)
3. STD's for fun and profit. The US is going to apologize for it's Mendelian experimentation in the 1940's on Guatemalan citizens (usually mentally challenged) that were intentionally infected with STD (sexually transmitted disease) syphilis. We, that's the U.S., (us) did this to poor blacks in the South before that. So we say, "Oh. We're sorry" and that's supposed to paint everything white and all right; I don't think so!
War for Sport. U.S. troops have given the world another reason to despise us as a nation and bring shame on the real heroes in the war on terrorism: soldiers committed to preventing the spread of a toxic and corrosive root of Islam. Some (thankfully a small number) are charged with killing Afghan citizens just for the sport of it and collecting body parts (fingers) as souvenirs. This isn't new. Both in Europe and China during the WWII era soldiers collected eyes and strung them like beads.
Everyday I wonder if the new can get much worse; and it does. Satan is collecting all the souvenirs he can before the end, just to torment the people of the earth and their Creator. This will come to an end. I'm wondering what I can do today to move that along today; even if it is just a little.
Sabbath is coming. Blessings. e.c.
1. The dean of St. John's University was fired for embezzling 1M dollars from school donations. She was also found to be using students as "slaves" to do housekeeping, chauffeuring family members to important events like hair appointments. She used mostly foreign students and intimidated them by threatening to withdraw financial aid.
2. GMAC and J.P. Morgan Chase are charged with illegally processing tens of thousands of foreclosure notices on beleaguered home owners. Evidently there was (in some cases) insufficient or incorrect information that these lending giants did not take the time to review. One executive complained that he signed as many as 10,000 foreclosure notices a month and "didn't have the time" to examine them for accuracy. (That's an excuse?)
3. STD's for fun and profit. The US is going to apologize for it's Mendelian experimentation in the 1940's on Guatemalan citizens (usually mentally challenged) that were intentionally infected with STD (sexually transmitted disease) syphilis. We, that's the U.S., (us) did this to poor blacks in the South before that. So we say, "Oh. We're sorry" and that's supposed to paint everything white and all right; I don't think so!
War for Sport. U.S. troops have given the world another reason to despise us as a nation and bring shame on the real heroes in the war on terrorism: soldiers committed to preventing the spread of a toxic and corrosive root of Islam. Some (thankfully a small number) are charged with killing Afghan citizens just for the sport of it and collecting body parts (fingers) as souvenirs. This isn't new. Both in Europe and China during the WWII era soldiers collected eyes and strung them like beads.
Everyday I wonder if the new can get much worse; and it does. Satan is collecting all the souvenirs he can before the end, just to torment the people of the earth and their Creator. This will come to an end. I'm wondering what I can do today to move that along today; even if it is just a little.
Sabbath is coming. Blessings. e.c.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
So I Guess I Forgot, I Think...I Don't Remember
Too busy it was I have been
And thus somehow forgot
These days some things slip my mind
I'm finding that happens a lot
And with that taste of doggerel still besmearing our minds...
Here are the answers to questions posed on 29 Sept.:
1. The host refers to the altar bread used in church communions.
2. Catholics believe that for Christ to be sinless, so was Mary. By this only, the conception Christ could immaculate. Simply stated, Mary had to be born sinless so that she had no sinful nature to bring to the conception and birth of Christ.
3. Three religions arose in 19th century: SDA, LDS, Jehov. Witnss.
4. Mecca; Islam's most holy city.
5. Pope and Daili Lama are heads of state; Tibet & Vatican City.
6. Johann Tetzel selling indulgences helped ignite the flame in ML.
7. Luther nailed 95 theses to church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
8. Scientology is America's fastest growing "religion."
9. October 23, 1844; date of "Great Disapointment;" 166 yr Oct.23.
Everyone knew this stuff...of course. Blessings. e.c.
And thus somehow forgot
These days some things slip my mind
I'm finding that happens a lot
And with that taste of doggerel still besmearing our minds...
Here are the answers to questions posed on 29 Sept.:
1. The host refers to the altar bread used in church communions.
2. Catholics believe that for Christ to be sinless, so was Mary. By this only, the conception Christ could immaculate. Simply stated, Mary had to be born sinless so that she had no sinful nature to bring to the conception and birth of Christ.
3. Three religions arose in 19th century: SDA, LDS, Jehov. Witnss.
4. Mecca; Islam's most holy city.
5. Pope and Daili Lama are heads of state; Tibet & Vatican City.
6. Johann Tetzel selling indulgences helped ignite the flame in ML.
7. Luther nailed 95 theses to church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
8. Scientology is America's fastest growing "religion."
9. October 23, 1844; date of "Great Disapointment;" 166 yr Oct.23.
Everyone knew this stuff...of course. Blessings. e.c.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Alert!!
This post is short and to the point. Over half a billion users world wide rely on Facebook for staying in touch with friends and family. There is a evil out there with a different kind of "touch" in mind.
Take Note:
EXCLUSIVE: Pedophiles Find a Home for Social Networking -- on Facebook
By Jana Winter
Published September 28, 2010
FoxNews.com
The world’s largest pro-pedophilia advocacy group uses Facebook to connect with its members throughout the world; to find and exchange photos of children; to hone its members' predatory behavior; and to identify, target and reel in child victims, an investigation by FoxNews.com reveals.
Facebook says it has a strict policy against the posting of content that supports groups engaged in child exploitation, yet a simple, five-second search on Facebook, conducted on Sept. 23, yielded dozens of pages devoted to the infamous North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). Many of those pages featured numerous photos of unnamed boys, some of whom appeared to be too young for kindergarten.
Perhaps...actually there's no "perhaps" about it...it may be time to remove pictures and/or names of children and/or grandchildren whose location could be traced through biographical material we place on FB. There's no end of evil...yet. e.c. Unbeliever? Check this link for story.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/09/28/pedophiles-find-home-social-networking-facebook/
Take Note:
EXCLUSIVE: Pedophiles Find a Home for Social Networking -- on Facebook
By Jana Winter
Published September 28, 2010
FoxNews.com
The world’s largest pro-pedophilia advocacy group uses Facebook to connect with its members throughout the world; to find and exchange photos of children; to hone its members' predatory behavior; and to identify, target and reel in child victims, an investigation by FoxNews.com reveals.
Facebook says it has a strict policy against the posting of content that supports groups engaged in child exploitation, yet a simple, five-second search on Facebook, conducted on Sept. 23, yielded dozens of pages devoted to the infamous North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). Many of those pages featured numerous photos of unnamed boys, some of whom appeared to be too young for kindergarten.
Perhaps...actually there's no "perhaps" about it...it may be time to remove pictures and/or names of children and/or grandchildren whose location could be traced through biographical material we place on FB. There's no end of evil...yet. e.c. Unbeliever? Check this link for story.
http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/09/28/pedophiles-find-home-social-networking-facebook/
What Do I Know?
Earlier this year The PEW Forum surveyed about 3500 people here in the US to test knowledge of religion(s). The survey yielded very interesting results. From the most knowledge (correct answers) to the least, these were the rankings:
First: Atheists and Agnostics
Second: Jews and Mormons
Third: Protestants
Fourth: Roman Catholics
Here's how I read this; the enemies of religion in the US know more about religions than those who claim to be religious. Interesting!
There is one more thing you need to know; knowledge of things religious was significantly linked to the respondents level of education. That makes sense.
These were not simple questions. Many Jews did not know that Miamonides was an important figure in Jewish history. There was a significant number of Catholics who did not know that the bread and the wine were not just symbols of Christ but that their religion teaches that they become His very body and blood when the priest utters the words, Hoc est corpus meum and Christ Himself descends at the command of the priest.* About half the Protestants did not know that it was Martin Luther that first railed against Catholic teachings and rallied much of Europe (starting in Germany) to rebel against Rome.
So here's an Ed-designed self test for readers:
1. What religion speaks of the host?
2. Can you explain what is meant by immaculate conception?
3. What three religions arose almost simultaneously in the 1800's in the U.S?
4. What city does Islam hold to be most holy?
5. What two religious leaders in the world are also Heads of State?
6. Who was the man that vigorously opposed Luther regarding indulgences?
7. How many theses did Luther nail to the church door; and where?
8. What is the fastest growing religion in America?
9. What was the day, month, and year of Adventists great disappointment?
10.What is the reason for the war in Islam between Sunni and Shia?
Good Luck!
Answers tomorrow; but first I have to look them up...if I remember (smile).
"Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth." [2Tim. 2:15]
What this means (to me) is that it is more important to know the Bible, and the God of the Bible, than it is to know mere facts about religion(s) and their teachings.
Blessings: e.c.
*For further reading: Dignities and Duties of the Priest. Saint Alphonsus Liguori
First: Atheists and Agnostics
Second: Jews and Mormons
Third: Protestants
Fourth: Roman Catholics
Here's how I read this; the enemies of religion in the US know more about religions than those who claim to be religious. Interesting!
There is one more thing you need to know; knowledge of things religious was significantly linked to the respondents level of education. That makes sense.
These were not simple questions. Many Jews did not know that Miamonides was an important figure in Jewish history. There was a significant number of Catholics who did not know that the bread and the wine were not just symbols of Christ but that their religion teaches that they become His very body and blood when the priest utters the words, Hoc est corpus meum and Christ Himself descends at the command of the priest.* About half the Protestants did not know that it was Martin Luther that first railed against Catholic teachings and rallied much of Europe (starting in Germany) to rebel against Rome.
So here's an Ed-designed self test for readers:
1. What religion speaks of the host?
2. Can you explain what is meant by immaculate conception?
3. What three religions arose almost simultaneously in the 1800's in the U.S?
4. What city does Islam hold to be most holy?
5. What two religious leaders in the world are also Heads of State?
6. Who was the man that vigorously opposed Luther regarding indulgences?
7. How many theses did Luther nail to the church door; and where?
8. What is the fastest growing religion in America?
9. What was the day, month, and year of Adventists great disappointment?
10.What is the reason for the war in Islam between Sunni and Shia?
Good Luck!
Answers tomorrow; but first I have to look them up...if I remember (smile).
"Study to show thyself approved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed; rightly dividing the word of truth." [2Tim. 2:15]
What this means (to me) is that it is more important to know the Bible, and the God of the Bible, than it is to know mere facts about religion(s) and their teachings.
Blessings: e.c.
*For further reading: Dignities and Duties of the Priest. Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Hannah More
Bill Knott, editor of the Review (previously Advent Review and Sabbath Herald) did his doctoral dissertation on the life of this remarkable woman. I happened to be watching Christian television (3ABN)* and was captivated by the story.
Hannah More lived her early years with her family in Connecticut and attended the Congregationalist Church. All the More children were known for their ability to memorize and retain Scripture. In fact, Hanna memorized the entire New Testament and many parts of the Old Testament.
In those days women were not sent as missionaries unless married to a man in whose shadow she might stand. But Hannah wrote the Congregationalist Missionary Board so many times that they finally relented and sent her off to a post on an Indian reservation in the South. Of course, she learned the language.
But she kept pestering the mission board and was sent to Central Africa where she labored for years. If I remember the story correctly, it was there that she came in contact with Adventists and converted. In fact, she converted a fellow missionary who later left central Africa and returned to Australia as the first Adventist missionary to that country.
Exhausted, she returned to America for rest and recuperation. She longed to be with fellow Adventists and so, towards the end of her life, wearied, impoverished, she journeyed to Battle Creek, Michigan where this very experienced missionary expected to be accepted by fellow Christians. Sadly, she was not. Not a soul offered her employment nor a place to live. (This is not a happy ending nor a bright spot in the history of those that peopled that city.
From Battle Creek she went to live with Congregationalist friends of hers who were living in northern Michigan. They allowed her to live in their attic. She wrote that the chimney leaked smoke so badly into the attic that it was hard to breathe. She died that winter and was "temporarily buried" as the folks there thought that surely the Adventists would come to claim her and give her a decent burial site. It never happened.
James and Ellen White were away when Hannah tried to find a place to live. When they returned and discovered how she had been treated the usually-gentle diminutive Ellen White stood up full height and invited her to live with them. Hannah answered:
Note: Portions of the letter have been omitted (indicated by ...) for the sake of clarity and brevity. e.c.
"LELAND, LEELENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN,
FEBRUARY 20, 1868.
"MY DEAR BROTHER WHITE: YOURS OF FEBRUARY 3 IS RECEIVED. IT FOUND ME IN POOR HEALTH, NOT BEING ACCUSTOMED TO THESE COLD NORTHERN WINTERS, WITH THE SNOW THREE OR FOUR FEET DEEP ON A LEVEL. OUR MAILS ARE BROUGHT ON SNOWSHOES. {1T 671.2}
"IT DOES NOT SEEM POSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET TO YOU TILL SPRING OPENS. THE ROADS ARE BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT SNOW. THEY TELL ME MY BEST WAY IS TO WAIT TILL NAVIGATION OPENS, THEN GO TO MILWAUKEE, AND THENCE TO GRAND HAVEN, TO TAKE THE RAILROAD TO THE POINT NEAREST YOUR PLACE. I HAD HOPED TO GET AMONG OUR DEAR PEOPLE LAST FALL, BUT WAS NOT PERMITTED THE PRIVILEGE. {1T 671.3}
"THE TRUTHS WHICH WE BELIEVE SEEM MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT, AND OUR WORK OF MAKING READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD'S COMING IS NOT TO BE DELAYED. WE MUST NOT ONLY HAVE ON THE WEDDING GARMENT OURSELVES, BUT BE FAITHFUL IN RECOMMENDING THE PREPARATION TO OTHERS. I WISH I COULD GET TO YOU, BUT IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE, OR AT LEAST IMPRACTICABLE, IN MY DELICATE STATE OF HEALTH TO SET OUT ALONE ON SUCH A JOURNEY IN THE DEPTH OF WINTER...
"I HAVE HAD A DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING, SO THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SLEEP FOR MORE THAN A WEEK, OCCASIONED, I SUPPOSE, BY THE STOVEPIPE'S PARTING AND COMPLETELY FILLING MY ROOM WITH SMOKE AND GAS AT BEDTIME, AND MY SLEEPING THERE WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION. I DID NOT, AT THE TIME, SUPPOSE SMOKE WAS SO UNWHOLESOME, NOR CONSIDER THAT THE IMPURE GAS WHICH GENERATED FROM THE WOOD AND COAL WAS MINGLED WITH IT. I AWOKE WITH SUCH A SENSE OF SUFFOCATION THAT I COULD NOT BREATHE LYING DOWN, AND SPENT THE REMAINDER OF THE NIGHT SITTING UP...
"I HAD SAID TO SISTER THOMPSON THE DAY PREVIOUS, 'WERE I AT BROTHER WHITE'S, I MIGHT BE PRAYED FOR, AND HEALED.' SHE INQUIRED IF WE COULD SEND FOR YOU AND BROTHER ANDREWS; BUT THAT SEEMED IMPRACTICABLE, AS I COULD NOT, IN ALL PROBABILITY, LIVE TILL YOU ARRIVED. I KNEW THAT THE LORD BY HIS MIGHTY POWER AND WITH HIS POTENT ARM COULD HEAL ME HERE, WERE IT BEST...
NOW I CAN SAY WITH THE POET:
LORD, IT BELONGS NOT TO MY CARE,
WHETHER I DIE OR LIVE.
IF LIFE BE LONG, I WILL BE GLAD
CHRIST LEADS ME THROUGH NO DARKER ROOMS,
THAN HE WENT THROUGH BEFORE.
WHOE'ER INTO HIS KINGDOM COMES,
MUST ENTER BY HIS DOOR.
COME, LORD, WHEN GRACE HAS MADE ME MEET
THY BLESSED FACE TO SEE;
FOR, IF THY WORK ON EARTH BE SWEET,
WHAT MUST THY GLORY BE?
I'LL GLADLY END MY SAD COMPLAINTS,
AND WEARY, SINFUL DAYS,
TO JOIN WITH THE TRIUMPHANT SAINTS
THAT SING JEHOVAH'S PRAISE.
MY KNOWLEDGE OF THAT STATE IS SMALL,
MY EYE OF FAITH IS DIM;
BUT 'TIS ENOUGH THAT CHRIST KNOWS ALL,
AND I SHALL BE WITH HIM.
--BAXTER. {1T 673.3}
"I HAD ANOTHER WAKEFUL SEASON LAST NIGHT, AND FEEL POORLY TODAY. PRAY THAT WHATEVER IS GOD'S WILL MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED IN AND THROUGH ME, WHETHER IT BE BY MY LIFE OR DEATH.
"YOURS IN HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE,
"HANNAH MORE.
"IF YOU KNOW OF ANY WAY BY WHICH I CAN REACH YOU SOONER, PLEASE INFORM ME.
H. M." {1T 674.2}
Following news of Hannah's death Ellen White wrote:
"Sister Hannah More is dead, and died a martyr to the selfishness of a people who profess to be seeking for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Exiled from believers during the past cold winter, this self-sacrificing missionary died because no heart was bountiful enough to receive her. I blame no one. I am not judge. But when the Judge of all the earth shall make investigation, somebody will be found to blame. We are all narrowed up and consumed in our own selfishness. May God tear away this cursed covering and give us bowels of mercy, hearts of flesh, tenderness and compassion, is my prayer, offered from an oppressed, anguished soul. I am sure that a work must be done for us or we shall be found wanting in the day of God."
But there is more; a deeper lesson from the story of Hannah More: There always has been, and always will be, failures on the part of the church...my church, and all who profess to love Jesus Christ. We humans, residents of whatever church, are very good at self absorption. But we need to be strong enough to ask ourselves the hard questions ... frequently ... "Who among us is in need?" "What do they need?" "What can I do to help?" "What do I have that I can give to the Lord in the person(s) of His children?"
"In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me" [Matthew 25:40].(paraphrased).
"Not a pretty story" you say, and that is correct; but it is one that needs to be told for admonition, instruction, and in remembrance of the gift God gave the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the person of Hannah More; a gift gone unappreciated. Hopefully, never again!
*3ABN can be watched online at 3ABN.org and is also available via subscription TV on the DISH network, channel 9393.
Note: By invitation, Pastor Bill Knott spoke to the Congregationalist church in the town where Hannah was born and raised; telling them the story of their sister in Christ.
Blessings, remembering devotion to duty shown by Hannah More.e.c.
Hannah More lived her early years with her family in Connecticut and attended the Congregationalist Church. All the More children were known for their ability to memorize and retain Scripture. In fact, Hanna memorized the entire New Testament and many parts of the Old Testament.
In those days women were not sent as missionaries unless married to a man in whose shadow she might stand. But Hannah wrote the Congregationalist Missionary Board so many times that they finally relented and sent her off to a post on an Indian reservation in the South. Of course, she learned the language.
But she kept pestering the mission board and was sent to Central Africa where she labored for years. If I remember the story correctly, it was there that she came in contact with Adventists and converted. In fact, she converted a fellow missionary who later left central Africa and returned to Australia as the first Adventist missionary to that country.
Exhausted, she returned to America for rest and recuperation. She longed to be with fellow Adventists and so, towards the end of her life, wearied, impoverished, she journeyed to Battle Creek, Michigan where this very experienced missionary expected to be accepted by fellow Christians. Sadly, she was not. Not a soul offered her employment nor a place to live. (This is not a happy ending nor a bright spot in the history of those that peopled that city.
From Battle Creek she went to live with Congregationalist friends of hers who were living in northern Michigan. They allowed her to live in their attic. She wrote that the chimney leaked smoke so badly into the attic that it was hard to breathe. She died that winter and was "temporarily buried" as the folks there thought that surely the Adventists would come to claim her and give her a decent burial site. It never happened.
James and Ellen White were away when Hannah tried to find a place to live. When they returned and discovered how she had been treated the usually-gentle diminutive Ellen White stood up full height and invited her to live with them. Hannah answered:
Note: Portions of the letter have been omitted (indicated by ...) for the sake of clarity and brevity. e.c.
"LELAND, LEELENAW COUNTY, MICHIGAN,
FEBRUARY 20, 1868.
"MY DEAR BROTHER WHITE: YOURS OF FEBRUARY 3 IS RECEIVED. IT FOUND ME IN POOR HEALTH, NOT BEING ACCUSTOMED TO THESE COLD NORTHERN WINTERS, WITH THE SNOW THREE OR FOUR FEET DEEP ON A LEVEL. OUR MAILS ARE BROUGHT ON SNOWSHOES. {1T 671.2}
"IT DOES NOT SEEM POSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET TO YOU TILL SPRING OPENS. THE ROADS ARE BAD ENOUGH WITHOUT SNOW. THEY TELL ME MY BEST WAY IS TO WAIT TILL NAVIGATION OPENS, THEN GO TO MILWAUKEE, AND THENCE TO GRAND HAVEN, TO TAKE THE RAILROAD TO THE POINT NEAREST YOUR PLACE. I HAD HOPED TO GET AMONG OUR DEAR PEOPLE LAST FALL, BUT WAS NOT PERMITTED THE PRIVILEGE. {1T 671.3}
"THE TRUTHS WHICH WE BELIEVE SEEM MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT, AND OUR WORK OF MAKING READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD'S COMING IS NOT TO BE DELAYED. WE MUST NOT ONLY HAVE ON THE WEDDING GARMENT OURSELVES, BUT BE FAITHFUL IN RECOMMENDING THE PREPARATION TO OTHERS. I WISH I COULD GET TO YOU, BUT IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE, OR AT LEAST IMPRACTICABLE, IN MY DELICATE STATE OF HEALTH TO SET OUT ALONE ON SUCH A JOURNEY IN THE DEPTH OF WINTER...
"I HAVE HAD A DIFFICULTY IN BREATHING, SO THAT I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SLEEP FOR MORE THAN A WEEK, OCCASIONED, I SUPPOSE, BY THE STOVEPIPE'S PARTING AND COMPLETELY FILLING MY ROOM WITH SMOKE AND GAS AT BEDTIME, AND MY SLEEPING THERE WITHOUT PROPER VENTILATION. I DID NOT, AT THE TIME, SUPPOSE SMOKE WAS SO UNWHOLESOME, NOR CONSIDER THAT THE IMPURE GAS WHICH GENERATED FROM THE WOOD AND COAL WAS MINGLED WITH IT. I AWOKE WITH SUCH A SENSE OF SUFFOCATION THAT I COULD NOT BREATHE LYING DOWN, AND SPENT THE REMAINDER OF THE NIGHT SITTING UP...
"I HAD SAID TO SISTER THOMPSON THE DAY PREVIOUS, 'WERE I AT BROTHER WHITE'S, I MIGHT BE PRAYED FOR, AND HEALED.' SHE INQUIRED IF WE COULD SEND FOR YOU AND BROTHER ANDREWS; BUT THAT SEEMED IMPRACTICABLE, AS I COULD NOT, IN ALL PROBABILITY, LIVE TILL YOU ARRIVED. I KNEW THAT THE LORD BY HIS MIGHTY POWER AND WITH HIS POTENT ARM COULD HEAL ME HERE, WERE IT BEST...
NOW I CAN SAY WITH THE POET:
LORD, IT BELONGS NOT TO MY CARE,
WHETHER I DIE OR LIVE.
IF LIFE BE LONG, I WILL BE GLAD
CHRIST LEADS ME THROUGH NO DARKER ROOMS,
THAN HE WENT THROUGH BEFORE.
WHOE'ER INTO HIS KINGDOM COMES,
MUST ENTER BY HIS DOOR.
COME, LORD, WHEN GRACE HAS MADE ME MEET
THY BLESSED FACE TO SEE;
FOR, IF THY WORK ON EARTH BE SWEET,
WHAT MUST THY GLORY BE?
I'LL GLADLY END MY SAD COMPLAINTS,
AND WEARY, SINFUL DAYS,
TO JOIN WITH THE TRIUMPHANT SAINTS
THAT SING JEHOVAH'S PRAISE.
MY KNOWLEDGE OF THAT STATE IS SMALL,
MY EYE OF FAITH IS DIM;
BUT 'TIS ENOUGH THAT CHRIST KNOWS ALL,
AND I SHALL BE WITH HIM.
--BAXTER. {1T 673.3}
"I HAD ANOTHER WAKEFUL SEASON LAST NIGHT, AND FEEL POORLY TODAY. PRAY THAT WHATEVER IS GOD'S WILL MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED IN AND THROUGH ME, WHETHER IT BE BY MY LIFE OR DEATH.
"YOURS IN HOPE OF ETERNAL LIFE,
"HANNAH MORE.
"IF YOU KNOW OF ANY WAY BY WHICH I CAN REACH YOU SOONER, PLEASE INFORM ME.
H. M." {1T 674.2}
Following news of Hannah's death Ellen White wrote:
"Sister Hannah More is dead, and died a martyr to the selfishness of a people who profess to be seeking for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Exiled from believers during the past cold winter, this self-sacrificing missionary died because no heart was bountiful enough to receive her. I blame no one. I am not judge. But when the Judge of all the earth shall make investigation, somebody will be found to blame. We are all narrowed up and consumed in our own selfishness. May God tear away this cursed covering and give us bowels of mercy, hearts of flesh, tenderness and compassion, is my prayer, offered from an oppressed, anguished soul. I am sure that a work must be done for us or we shall be found wanting in the day of God."
But there is more; a deeper lesson from the story of Hannah More: There always has been, and always will be, failures on the part of the church...my church, and all who profess to love Jesus Christ. We humans, residents of whatever church, are very good at self absorption. But we need to be strong enough to ask ourselves the hard questions ... frequently ... "Who among us is in need?" "What do they need?" "What can I do to help?" "What do I have that I can give to the Lord in the person(s) of His children?"
"In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto Me" [Matthew 25:40].(paraphrased).
"Not a pretty story" you say, and that is correct; but it is one that needs to be told for admonition, instruction, and in remembrance of the gift God gave the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the person of Hannah More; a gift gone unappreciated. Hopefully, never again!
*3ABN can be watched online at 3ABN.org and is also available via subscription TV on the DISH network, channel 9393.
Note: By invitation, Pastor Bill Knott spoke to the Congregationalist church in the town where Hannah was born and raised; telling them the story of their sister in Christ.
Blessings, remembering devotion to duty shown by Hannah More.e.c.
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