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.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
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.
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