Heaven AND Health

By His Stripes

2008-06-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

"Surely He hath borne our griefs,

and carried our sorrows:

yet we did esteem Him stricken,

smitten of God,

and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities:

the chastisement of our peace was upon Him;

and with His stripes we are healed."

Isaiah 53:4-5

Come, Let us Worship the King!

2008-03-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

Come on people! It is time to worship "the ONE WHO made heaven and earth and all that in them is"! ************************** Dear Christian Friends: Greetings in the name of the ONLY wise God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Many Christian people write to me afraid. Many in the professed church are consumed with politics, 666, petitions, blah, blah, blah. And who knows what they are watching on hellivision...The news itself will make you nervous, yet people people watch the 5 o'clock news, 7 o'clock news, 11 o'clock news, the morning news, and then read the newspaper. The devil runs this world and its news. Don't assume that the news you get is the important news or even that it is all true. They manipulate what you see. When is the last time ABC/CBS/CNN/NBC ran a feature story that somebody got saved and is living a righteous life? You've never heard it and you never will even though it happens all the time. The devil is the father of lies, don't think his children are just sitting there telling you the truth. They loveth and maketh a lie. Evil men and seducers deceive and are deceived their own selves. They can' t school you into righteousness. Why hear ye them? All that said, those who belong to the Lord and are fearful, there is something for you here--if you make lifestyle adjustments, read the scriptures for yourself, and let them sink down into your understanding... http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/ruling.txt

Sabbath: The Day of Rest

2007-12-30T04:58:00.000-08:00

... Ultimately, I realized that it is His Word that not only created all things, but also is permanently active to hold all things together (Col 1:16-17). Everything from the time of creation is bound together and continues by His will. If Sabbath would not be then all would not be. The creation of the Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat) on the seventh day is completely bound together with the creation of the sun, moon, stars, vegetation, animals and mankind. The cancellation of the Sabbath would call the faithfulness of G_d into question. The belief in Sabbath annulment questions the faithfulness of G_d ...

http://www.messianic.com/articles/shabbat.htm
The Glory of the Sabbath

Nature's Way to Perfect Health

2007-11-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

With the natural methods available by which health my be preserved or regained, it is astonishing that disease and misery are the general rule, and health and pleasure the exception. Who of the human race can step forward at the moment and say, "I have perfect health. I am now living in that perfect state of nature, or in that perfect mental and physical condition in which God has intended that I should". Scarcely a one.

So marvelous is the gift of health that everyone should try by every means within his power of secure it. This means that some attention must be given to the state of the mind as well as the state of the body, for mental upset and physical disease go hand in hand. Medical men have stated time and again that excessive negative emotions can cause many serious illnesses. A fit of anger will render the bile acidic and irritating, as well as raise the blood pressure far beyond its normal reading. Many persons have been known to rage so violently that they froth at the mouth and are thrown into spasms. The saliva in such instances have often been found to be poisonous. Sudden fright can cause the heart to stop or the body to tremble violently. Fear has been known to relax the bowels just as surely as though a cathartic had been taken, while in other cases the control of the bladder may be temporarily lost. Intense grief will arrest the secretions of the gastric juices and on occasion has turned the hair white.

Constast(ed) to the emotions of love, gratitude, faith, hope, joy, and laughter those of hate, grief, panic, fear, dispair, and misery. The former are refreshing to the soul as a gentle rain to the steady grace of a forest. The latter as withering as the fiery blast of a volcano. The first contributes vital power to the mind, which in turn reactivates the body. The other dissipates, enfeebles, wastes, and seeks to destroy both body and soul together.

When we "nourish wrath to keep it warm" we inject venom into a heart that was created in love. That anger which "dwells only in the bosom of fools" should have no inheritance in the bosom of the wise and grateful of our race.

Fretting, scolding and faultfinding not only aggravate all the evils of the world but greatly multiply them. We thus dissipate our best talents and energies, and render life a curse instead of a blessing. We stamp infirmities on the body which hurry us to an early grave. Therefore, it is imperative that everyone make an endeavor to learn the art of adapting themselves to the invariable laws of God's universe, which they cannot successfully oppose, or in any respect alter, without paying the price of the "uttermost farthing". To constantly cherish and maintain an even, cheerful and hopeful spirit is one of the prime requisites to good health.

page 20
"Nature's Medicines"
by Richard Lucas,
copyright 1966 Parker Publishing Company

Creation

2007-08-05T02:57:00.000-07:00

The works of creation can never be explained by science. What science can explain the mystery of life?
... The theory that God did not create matter when He brought the world into existence is without foundation. In the formation of our world, God was not indebted to pre-existing matter. On the contrary, all things, material or spiritual, stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His voice, and were created for His own purpose. The heaven and all the host of them, the earth and all things therein, are not only the work of His hand, they came into existence by the breath of His mouth ...

http://www.grisda.org/resources/GRI_ref-egw.htm

Believe THE WORD!

2007-07-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:3

And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Colossian 1:17

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:5-7

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

… Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:7

http://www.msstate.edu/org/sacs/scriptures.html

Mercy

2007-07-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

• The present world is in total disarray and is getting worse by the week. Insoluble problems of all kinds are engulfing nations, communities, families and individuals. Your own life may well be in ruins. I don't know. But do not despair; there is hope.
• Yahweh the Creator of the mighty universe, is extending mercy to all mankind: even to the vilest sinner that walks this earth. Failure to accept His offer of mercy will result in everlasting death: a prospect too horrible to contemplate! We advise you to choose life.
• Bible examples of folk who have found mercy include: prostitutes, idolaters, adulterers, murderers, thieves, persecutors, liars and sinners of all kinds. We are all included in the list. Whatever you may think of yourself, you are no exception. You too can be saved.
• To be saved you must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ ( Yeshua the Saviour ). Then express your faith in obedience to the commandments of God. This is living faith and love in action.
• You are now being offered the opportunity to give up sin and place your life in the hands of the Almighty God. This offer of salvation is made possible through Yahweh's Son Yeshua.
• If you accept the Almighty's offer of salvation, He promises you life eternal in the new heavens and new earth; where there will be no sorrow, sickness, pain or death. You have His word for it. No human mind can possibly take in the full extent of this divine offer and its endless guarantee. It cannot fail. It will happen exactly as stated: and you have nothing to loose by accepting it.
May the Almighty help you make the right decision.

http://avoiceinthewilderness.org/salvation/sermon74.html

Peace with God

2007-03-04T03:18:00.000-08:00

When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man’s justification. “Being justified by faith,” he has “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1.

But because this experience is his, the Christian is not therefore to fold his hands, content with that which has been accomplished for him. He who has determined to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Each day he must renew his consecration, each day do battle with evil. Old habits, hereditary tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mastery, and against these he is to be ever on guard, striving in Christ’s strength for victory.

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth,” Paul wrote to the Colossians; “in the which ye also walked sometime, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. . . . Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”

--------------------------------------------

Acts of the Apostles
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/white/acts.xlviii.html

Two Harvests Are Coming

2007-01-16T02:15:00.001-08:00

Revelation 14:14-20
In the name of the Lord Jesus, who came once in Bethlehem as he said he would, and who is
going to come again just as he said he would. My dear friends, fellow waiters and expectors of
the second coming of our Lord Jesus:
American history has been dotted with some really spectacular tragedies that have caused terrible
loss of life. And what is particularly painful and poignant as you hear these stories is to realize
that many of them were avoidable.
For instance, in 1911 there was a sweatshop employing a whole bunch of immigrant women,
principally from Ireland and Italy - although there were other nationalities there as well. It was
called the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. They operated on about the twenty-fifth floor of one of
the big buildings in the lower east side of Manhattan.
And somebody was careless with some fire of some kind. And you know, in a garment
manufacturing place, there’s fabric everywhere; there’s flammable material lying all over the
place. And this small fire suddenly, quickly raged out of control, and these poor women didn’t
know where to go.
Some of them simply hunkered down in a corner and burned to death, and their corpses were
found huddled in a corner with cloth wrapped around them, trying to protect their faces from the
intense heat.
Others of them, in their madness and fear and desperation, jumped – of course, to their deaths.
Their death at least was mercifully quick. Bystanders who were there, who had the miserable
fortune to be standing on the sidewalk on that miserable day in 1911, saw these flaming bundles
of rags flying out of the buildings and landing with a sickening thump. At first they thought
somebody was just throwing bundles of cloth out of the window, but they realized later they
were people.
That was bad enough. The really bitter part of that story is that the employers, the owners of that
company, had locked the doors so that no one could escape. They locked the doors in order to
keep the girls who were working there from sneaking out and having breaks on company time.
So they locked them in.
And of course, they and the keys were nowhere to be found when this fire broke out. A hundred
and forty-six young women were burned to death on that horrible day.
Or, take the story of the General Slocum. You’ve probably never heard of it, but it’s one of the
most serious maritime disasters ever to befall people in America. This also happened in New ...

"**********************************************************
Time of Grace Ministry
Prophecy and Promise: Two Harvests Are Coming
January 07, 2007

Blessed to be a blessing

2006-12-24T05:36:00.000-08:00

... It is God who blesses men with property, and He does this that they may be able to give toward the advancement of His cause. He sends the sunshine and the rain. He causes vegetation to flourish. He gives health and the ability to acquire means. All our blessings come from His bountiful hand. In turn, He would have men and women show their gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings. Should means flow into the treasury in accordance with this divinely appointed plan,—a tenth of all the increase, and liberal offerings,—there would be an abundance for the advancement of the Lord’s work.

But the hearts of men become hardened through selfishness, and, like Ananias and Sapphira, they are tempted to withhold part of the price, while pretending to fulfill God’s requirements. Many spend money lavishly in self-gratification. Men and women consult their pleasure and gratify their taste, while they bring to God, almost unwillingly, a stinted offering. They forget that God will one day demand a strict account of how His goods have been used, and that He will no more accept the pittance they hand into the treasury than He accepted the offering of Ananias and Sapphira.

From the stern punishment meted out to those perjurers, God would have us learn also how deep is His hatred and contempt for all hypocrisy and deception. In pretending that they had given all, Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit, and, as a result, they lost this life and the life that is to come. The same God who punished them, today condemns all falsehood. Lying lips are an abomination to Him. He declares that into the Holy City “there shall in no wise enter . . . anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.” Revelation 21:27.
Let truth telling be held with no loose hand or uncertain grasp. Let it become a part of the life. Playing fast and loose with truth, and dissembling to suit one’s own selfish plans, means shipwreck of faith. “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.” Ephesians 6:14. He who utters untruths sells his soul in a cheap market. His falsehoods may seem to serve in emergencies; he may thus seem to make business advancement that he could not gain by fair dealing; but he finally reaches the place where he can trust no one. Himself a falsifier, he has no confidence in the word of others.

In the case of Ananias and Sapphira, the sin of fraud against God was speedily punished. The same sin was often repeated in the after history of the church and is committed by many in our time. But though it may not be attended by the visible manifestation of God’s displeasure, it is no less heinous in His sight now than in the apostles’ time. The warning has been given; God has clearly manifested His abhorrence of this sin; and all who give themselves up to hypocrisy and covetousness may be sure that they are destroying their own souls.

Acts of the Apostles
Chapter 7 (based on Acts 4:32 to 5:11)
A Warning Against Hypocrisy
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/white/acts.x.html

Agnosticism

2006-09-06T00:40:00.000-07:00

The Gospel explains God’s loving intent. But that has to be revealed. You’re born with a conscience - knowing the law, knowing your problems, knowing the frustrations and fears. But the Gospel brings it all together and tells you about God’s loving intent, that this place was designed for you. You’re not just a critter. You’re not like an ant on God’s ant farm; you’re intended to be family. You’re intended to be like him, designed males and females in God’s image. You’re designed to be objects of his love, not just objects of his scientific study. You’re designed to be loved, and to love him in return. That’s your destiny; that’s your design.

You were not just the result of millions and billions of years of random mutations from tadpoles or slugs, working your way through to the great apes. You were designed to be the incredible work of human art that you are right now. And God still is in touch with you, knowing exactly how many hairs you have on your head. “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” That also tells you about the love of Christ to rescue you from the broken state that you find yourself in. The fear that you have in your heart and the guilt that you feel cannot be undone by anything you do. By pretending, playing games, making yourself busy, staying occupied, accumulating power, stacking up wealth; your guilt is relieved only by the cross of Jesus Christ on Calvary.
That also is not something you know by nature; it needs to be revealed. “I am not ashamed of the gospel” - the Gospel of your forgiveness. The Gospel that you have worth - not only that God fussed when he created you, but that Christ Jesus fussed when he died for you to bring you back. “…because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.”

And as incredibly persuasive as God’s handiwork in nature is (to me at least), the real power to connect with God’s loving intent and to banish agnosticism from your heart is from the power of the Gospel - that overwhelming message of God’s love that you are worth something; that you matter. You’re not just a speck; you’re not just a collection of matter that’s together for a bit and soon will disintegrate and cease to exist.

The famous British agnostic philosopher Bertrand Russell said, “When I die, I rot. That’s it; I’m gone.” That’s what he said. Would you like something better than “When I die, I rot?” Would you like something better than, “Well, I’m a tough guy; I’ll face the judgment; I ain’t afraid, so bring it on. Whatcha got?”Do you really want to challenge God to see how angry he can be and to see what he’s got on you? Do you really want to be judged on the basis of the way you lived your life, every moment, every day? I don’t. I don’t think you do, either.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Believe it - it’s free; it’s a gift. It’s yours. This battle is going on in your mind, but the gospel drives agnosticism out of our heads. Agnosticism, remember, means that knowledge is cancelled out. “I don’t know.”
The Gospel helps you to know; the word of God helps you to know - not to guess. “Jesus loves me, this I - think?” “Jesus loves me, this I - wish?” “Jesus loves me, this I - hope?”
No, it’s “Jesus loves me, this I KNOW.” Why?
“For the Bible tells me so.”
It’s God’s power to build faith so that you get it; so that the testimony now makes sense to you. “First for the Jew…” - God smiled on those people who were his agents, chosen and loved - “…then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” That’s a little quote from Habakkuk.Here is the real power to comfort your heart and to help everything make sense - that you are part of an intelligent and loving design. Here is the explanation of what you’re doing here. Here’s an explanation of what to do with your life, what makes sense, and where your value system comes from. Who are you going to let define right and wrong for you? Here is comfort to know that you’re not all alone, struggling against the nasty, evil forces of nature and the cruel and hurtful people that often are around you. Here is comfort to know that you are loved and precious, you’re valuable, you’re family - you’re children of a Father who designed you and redeemed you.

*http://hypertextbook.com/facts/1999/TopazMurray.shtml

http://www.timeofgrace.org/Transcripts.asp

Incredible Partnership

2006-08-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

... When we stop to think about it, we recognize that God really is owner of everything we often claim as ours. We struggly applying this to daily life, but we at least acknowledge the concept. We talk about working for God and managing His resources. But as stewards, we are more than God's employees - we are partners with God.

... Normally, partners are two equals who bring something of equal value to the relationship ... Our partnership with God is quite different ...

God is owner of all: He gives us abilities and talents. He provides all the resources. He gives us our very life. We really don't bring anything of our own ... we merely choose to accept the priveledge of partnering with Him...

The Stewpot, August 2004

Ben Maxson

Dynamic Steward magazine, Vol. 3, No.1, Jan-Mar 1999

Make Your Home Atmosphere Fragrant with Tender Thoughtfulness

2006-07-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

To a large extent parents create the atmosphere of the home circle,

and when there is disagreement between father and mother,

the children partake of the same spirit.

Make your home atmosphere fragrant with tender thoughtfulness.

If you have become estranged and have failed to be Bible Christians, be converted;

for the character you bear in probationary time will be the character you will have at the coming of Christ.

If you would be a saint in heaven, you must first be a saint on earth.

The traits of character you cherish in life will not be changed by death or by the resurrection.

You will come up from the grave with the same disposition you manifested in your home and in society.

Jesus does not change the character at His coming.

The work of transformation must be done now.

Our daily lives are determining our destiny.

http://www.nisbett.com/reference/ah/ah01.htm

*Is IT Still On?

2006-06-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

WE Say: "The world is in a mess. Is there any hope"
GOD says: "There will be terrible times int he last days" 2 Timothy 3:1, NIV
And JESUS says: "Do not be afraid. I am the FIRST and the LAST.

I am the LIVING ONE: I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever.

Behold, I am coming soon!
Blessed are those who wash their robes,

that they may have the right to the tree of life

and may go through the gates into the city!"

Revelation 1:17, 18 NIV; 22:12-14, NIV

Is the return of Jesus still on? It had better be! Only thus will the wolf and the lamb feed in peace together, and the people of this planet be kept from harm and mutual destruction ...

*The Return of Jesus: Is it Still On? by David Marshall, June 2006 Adventist World-NAD, page 7

DAILY Inspiration*

2006-05-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES

You say: "It's impossible"

God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired"

God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me"

God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on"

God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out"

God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it"

God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able"

God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it"

God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself"

God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage"

God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid"

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"

God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough"

God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone"

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

*Pasam
Pastor Samuel Moore
Friday, May, 12, 2006

To Subscribe to "DAILY INSPIRATION" send email to
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Write "Subscribe" as Subject.

Endurance

2006-04-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

... Here's the bottom line to all of this. When we give our lives to God, and He gives us His, along with His will for our future, that is a covenant - not a convenience. Like a marriage requires "til death do we part", a walk with God that reveals our destiny requires a "til death will I serve You" commitment. It's from that moment on - until our last breath. This is really about us falling in love with Him, and remaining faithful regardless of how things are going at the moment. Of continuing to declare our undying love for Him when everything is going as right or wrong as it possibly can. These are the moments that decide whether or not a marriage remains a marriage, a family remains a family, a vision remains a vision, a promise remains a promise. Because the truth is that our life is ultimately wrapped up in even more than His will, and more than what we may believe He has promised us. It is ultimately wrapped up in the eternal promise of His undying love for us. An undying love that was willing to die to show itself real ...

http://www.lifestyleofworship.com/musings.html

Astronomy in the Bible

2006-04-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Bible Lessons from Space

*
Astronomy
Beyond the Light Years
Man From Outer Space Part #1 Part #2 Part #3
Proof of God
Race to the Stars
Rebel Planet
Satellites and Speed
Space Age and Death
Space Travel to Paradise
Star Fields and Space
Wonders of the Sky

For more Bible questions and answers on a variety of topics please begin our free Bible Prophecy studies today!

http://www.bibleuniverse.com/bible_astronomy.asp

Beyond the Grave *

2006-03-11T11:54:00.000-08:00

... The Book of Genesis is fundamental to Scripture as a whole ...

... the description of the creation ...

... is designated to help us understand the all-powerful and all-sufficient God of creation ...

in the creation of this world,

the Spirit (Ruach) of God moved upon the face of the waters,

and out of nothing life began.

This underscores a critically vital principle for human existence:

Humankind does not have an independent existence apart from God.

Without God there is no beginning, no life, and no destiny.

Thus even in the face of death and separation, we have much for which to be thankful.

God is the spark and origin of life in us.

He gave life freely. And for that we should be grateful.

Death and Resurrection

The wages of sin is death.

But God, Who alone is immortal will grant eternal life to His redeemed.

Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people.

When Christ, Who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord.

The second resurrection,

the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later.

(Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 6:15, 16; Ecclesiates 9:5, 6; Psalms 146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Colossians 3:4;

I Corinthians 15:51-54; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20: 1-10)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206:23;&version=9;

*Limoni Manu
page 20
Adventist World-NAD March 2006

... God does not make bargins with men ...

2006-03-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

... because He knows that they could not fulfil their part. After the flood God made a covenant with every beast of the earth, and with every fowl; but the beasts and the birds did not promise anything in return. Gen.9:9-16. They simply received the favor at the hand of God. That is all we can do. God promises us everything that we need, and more than we can ask or think, as a gift. We give Him ourselves, that is, nothing, and He gives us Himself, that is, everything. That which makes all the trouble is that even when men are willing to recognize the Lord at all, they want to make bargains with Him. They want it to be a "mutual" affair--a transaction in which they will be considered as on a par with God. But whoever deals with God must deal with Him on His own terms, that is, on a basis of fact--that we have nothing and are nothing, and He has everything and is everything, and gives everything.

http://www.nisbett.com/righteousness/gt/gt4.htm

This is GOOD news!

2006-03-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

... God said, "Let there be light; and there was light,"

and so on through the whole creation,

"He spake, and it was."

So here, "Let there be grace and peace to you," and so it is.

"The grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men." Titus 2:11.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you." John 14:27. "Peace, peace to him that is afar off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord." Is.57:19.

God has sent grace and peace,

bringing righteousness and salvation to all men--even to you,

whoever you are,

and to me.

When you read this third verse of the first chapter of Galatians, do not read it as a sort of complimentary phrase,--as a mere passing salutation to open the real matter at hand,--but as the creative word that brings to you personally all the blessings of the peace of God, that passeth all understanding.

It is to us the same word that Jesus spoke to the woman: "Thy sins are forgiven." "Go in peace." Luke 7:48-50. Peace is given to you; therefore, "let the peace of God rule in your hearts."

"Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price." 1Cor.6:19.

"Ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold,

from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers;

but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,

even the blood of Christ."

1Pet.1:18,19, R.V.

Even so it is not a matter of indifference to Jesus whether we surrender ourselves to Him or not. He longs with an infinite yearning for the souls that He has purchased with His own blood.

"The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:10.

God has "chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world," and so

"He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph.1:4-6.

That which God has promised, He is "able also to perform."

He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." Eph.3:20.

He "is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory

with exceeding joy." Jude 24.

He gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us, and He did not die in vain.

Deliverance is ours.

Christ was sent "to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." Is.42:7. Accordingly He cries out to the captives, "Liberty!" To them that are bound He proclaims that the prison doors are open. Is.61:1. To all the prisoners, He says, "Go forth." Is.49:9. Each soul may say, if he will, "O Lord, truly I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant, and the son of Thine handmaid; Thou hast loosed my bonds." Ps.116:16.

The thing is true, whether we believe it or not.

We are the Lord's servants, even though we stubbornly refuse to serve;

for He has bought us;

and, having bought us,

He has broken every bond that hindered us from serving Him.

If we but believe, we have the victory that has overcome the world.

1Joh.5:4, R.V.; John 16:33.

The message to us is that our "warfare is accomplished," our "iniquity is pardoned." Is.40:2. We have but to shout, as Israel did before Jericho, to see that God has given to us the victory. God "hath visited and redeemed His people." Luke 1:68. Out of Zion has come the Deliverer, to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Rom.11:26. "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

"My sin--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!--

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!"

http://www.nisbett.com/righteousness/gt/gt2.htm

The word of GOD gives power to obey

2006-02-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

... Are you in darkness and know not how to find the light?

Follow the light you have.

Set your heart to obey what you do know of the word of God.

His power. His very life dwells in His word.

As you receive the word in faith, it will give you power to obey.

As you give heed to the light you have, greater light will come.

You are building on God's word,

and your character will be builded after the similitude of the character of Christ.

"That which shares the life of God,With Him surviveth all."

But every building erected on other foundations than God's word will fall...

http://www.present-truth.org/Mount-Blessing/mb06.htm

If we confess our sins

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Steps to Etenal Life

2006-02-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

... The gifts of His grace through Christ are free to all.

There is no election but one's own by which any may perish.

God has set forth in His word the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eternal life--obedience to His commandments,

through faith in Christ.

God has elected a character in harmony with His law,

and anyone who shall reach the standard of His requirement will have an entrance into the kingdom of glory.

Christ Himself said,

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:

and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life." John 3:36

"Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21

And in the Revelation He declares,
"Blessed are they that do His commandments,

that they may have right to the tree of life,

and may enter in through the gates into the city." Revelation 22:14

As regards man's final salvation, this is the only election brought to view in the word of God.

Every soul is elected who will work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected who will put on the armor and fight the good fight of faith. He is elected who will watch unto prayer, who will search the Scriptures, and flee from temptation. He is elected who will have faith continually, and who will be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

The provisions of redemption are free to all; the results of redemption will be enjoyed by those who have complied with the conditions ...

http://www.egwtext.whiteestate.org/pp/pp19.html

"Beware of false prophets." Matthew 7:15

2006-02-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

Teachers of falsehood will arise to draw you away from the narrow path and the strait gate. Beware of them; though concealed in sheep's clothing, inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Jesus gives a test by which false teachers may be distinguished from the true.

"Ye shall know them by their fruits,"

He says.

"Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"

We are not bidden to prove them by their fair speeches and exalted professions. They are to be judged by the word of God.

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20

"Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge." Proverbs 19:27

What message do these teachers bring? Does it lead you to reverence and fear God? Does it lead you to manifest your love for Him by loyalty to His commandments? If men do not feel the weight of the moral law; if they make light of God's precepts; if they break one of the least of His commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in the sight of heaven.

We may know that their claims are without foundation.

They are doing the very work that originated with the prince of darkness, the enemy of God.

Not all who profess His name and wear His badge are Christ's. Many who have taught in My name, said Jesus, will be found wanting at last.

"Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name?

and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity."

There are persons who believe that they are right, when they are wrong. While claiming Christ as their Lord, and professedly doing great works in His name, they are workers of iniquity. "With their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness." He who declares God's word is to them "as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear Thy words, but they do them not."

Ezekiel 33:31, 32

A mere profession of discipleship is of no value. The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. "Believe, believe," they say, "and you need not keep the law." But a belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption. The apostle John says,

"He that saith, I know Him,

and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar,

and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4

Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. When persons will speak lightly of the word of God, and set their impressions, feelings, and exercises above the divine standard, we may know that they have no light in them.

Obedience is the test of discipleship.

It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God. When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness, sympathy, are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our faith is of the right order.

"Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."

1 John 2:3

http://www.present-truth.org/Mount-Blessing/mb06.htm

GOD is our Father

2006-02-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

One day alone is ours, and during this day we are to live for God.
For this one day we are to place in the hand of Christ, in solemn service, all our purposes and plans, casting all our care upon Him, for He careth for us.
"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11
"In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."
Isaiah 30:15

If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,--the yoke of obedience and service, --all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved.
http://www.present-truth.org/Mount-Blessing/mb04B.htm

But do not forget that in coming to God as a father you acknowledge your relation to Him as a child. You not only trust His goodness, but in all things yield to His will, knowing that His love is changeless. You give yourself to do His work. It was to those whom He had bidden to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness that Jesus gave the promise,
"Ask, and ye shall receive." John 16:24

The gifts of Him who has all power in heaven and earth are in store for the children of God. Gifts so precious that they come to us through the costly sacrifice of the Redeemer's blood; gifts that will satisfy the deepest craving of the heart, gifts lasting as eternity, will be received and enjoyed by all who will come to God as little children. Take God's promises as your own, plead them before Him as His own words, and you will receive fullness of joy.
http://www.present-truth.org/MountBlessing/mb06.htm

http://babcockuni.edu.ng/egw.php

"Be not anxious." Matthew 6:25, R.V.

2006-01-31T04:47:00.000-08:00

He who has given you life knows your need of food to sustain it. He who created the body is not unmindful of your need of raiment. Will not He who has bestowed the greater gift bestow also what is needed to make it complete?
Jesus pointed His hearers to the birds as they warbled their carols of praise, unencumbered with thoughts of care, for "they sow not, neither do they reap;" and yet the great Father provides for their needs. And He asks, "Are not ye of much more value than they?" R.V.
"No sparrow falls without His care,No soul bows low but Jesus knows;For He is with us everywhere,And marks each bitter tear that flows.And He will never, never, neverForsake the soul that trusts Him ever."
The hillsides and the fields were bright with flowers, and, pointing to them in the dewy freshness of the morning, Jesus said, "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow." The graceful forms and delicate hues of the plants and flowers may be copied by human skill, but what touch can impart life to even one flower or blade of grass? Every wayside blossom owes its being to the same power that set the starry worlds on high. Through all created things thrills one pulse of life from the great heart of God. The flowers of the field are clothed by His hand in richer robes than have ever graced the forms of earthly kings. And "if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?"

http://www.present-truth.org/Mount-Blessing/mb04B.htm

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth." Matt 6:19

2006-01-27T09:34:00.000-08:00

Treasure laid up on earth will not endure; thieves break through and steal; moth and rust corrupt; fire and storm sweep away your possessions. And "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Treasure laid up on the earth will engross the mind to the exclusion of heavenly things.

http://www.ellenwhitedefend.com/DOWNLOADS/Mount%20of%20Blessing.pdf

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, E.G. White

2005-12-30T08:08:00.000-08:00

(excerpt)

...All who have a sense of their deep soul poverty, who feel that they have nothing good in themselves, may find righteousness and strength by looking unto Jesus.

He says, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden." Matthew 11:28.

He bids you exchange your poverty for the riches of His grace.

We are not worthy of God's love, but Christ , our surety, is worthy, and is abundantly able to save all who shall come unto Him.

Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness...

http://www.present-truth.org/Mount-Blessing/mb02.htm

PRAY without ceasing (excerpt from The Mount of Blessing, E.G. White)

2005-12-29T05:25:00.000-08:00

The Lord's Prayer
"After this manner therefore pray ye." Matthew 6:9.

... Page 115
Christ, the divine Life, dwell in you and through you reveal the heaven-born love that will inspire hope in the hopeless and bring heaven's peace to the sin-stricken heart. As we come to God, this is the condition which meets us at the threshold, that, receiving mercy from Him, we yield ourselves to reveal His grace to others.

The one thing essential for us in order that we may receive and impart the forgiving love of God is to know and believe the love that He has to us. 1 John 4:16.

Satan is working by every deception he can command, in order that we may not discern that love. He will lead us to think that our mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto our prayers and will not bless and save us. In ourselves we can see nothing but weakness, nothing to recommend us to God, and Satan tells us that it is of no use; we cannot remedy our defects of character. When we try to come to God, the enemy will whisper, It is of no use for you to pray; did not you do that evil thing? Have you not sinned against God and violated your own conscience?

But we may tell the enemy that "the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

When we feel that we have sinned and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Ashamed we may be and deeply humbled, but we must pray and believe.

"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15.

Forgiveness, reconciliation with God, comes to us, not as a reward for our works, it is not bestowed

Page 116
because of the merit of sinful men, but it is a gift unto us, having in the spotless righteousness of Christ its foundation for bestowal ...

http://www.egwtext.whiteestate.org/mb/mb5.html

David's Sin and Repentance (excerpt from Patriarchs and Prophets, E.G. White)

2005-12-28T08:07:00.000-08:00

Chapter 71
[This chapter is based on 2 Samuel 11; 12.]

This passage in David's history is full of significance to the repenting sinner. It is one of the most forcible illustrations given us of the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Through all the ages it has proved a source of encouragement to souls that, having fallen into sin, were struggling under the burden of their guilt. Thousands of the children of God, who have been betrayed into sin, when ready to give up to despair have remembered how David's sincere repentance and confession were accepted by God, notwithstanding he suffered for his transgression; and they also have taken courage to repent and try again to walk in the way of God's commandments.

Whoever under the reproof of God will humble the soul with confession and repentance, as did David, may be sure that there is hope for him. Whoever will in faith accept God's promises, will find pardon. The Lord will never cast away one truly repentant soul. He has given this promise: "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7.

http://www.egwtext.whiteestate.org/pp/pp71.html

DAILY PRAYER is NECESSARY (excerpt from Patriarchs and Prophets, E.G. White)

2005-08-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

IN TOO MANY HOUSEHOLDS PRAYER IS NEGLECTED.

Parents feel that they have no time for morning and evening worship.

They cannot spare a few moments to be spent in thanksgiving to God for His abundant mercies

--for the blessed sunshine and the showers of rain,

which cause vegetation to flourish,

and for the guardianship of holy angels.

They have no time to offer prayer for divine help and guidance

and for the abiding presence of Jesus in the household.

They go forth to labor as the ox or the horse goes,

without one thought of God or heaven.

They have souls so precious that rather than permit them to be hopelessly lost,

the Son of God gave His life to ransom them;

but they have little more appreciation of His great goodness than have the beasts that perish.

Like the patriarchs of old,

those who profess to love God should erect an altar to the Lord wherever they pitch their tent.

If ever there was a time when every house should be a house of prayer,

it is now ...

The God of heaven speaks to every faithful parent in the words addressed to Abraham:

"I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him,

and they shall keep the way of the Lord,

to do justice and judgment;

that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him."
http://www.preparingforeternity.com/pp/pp12.htm

HAPPINESS (excerpt from Let Go and Let God By Marne Pehrson)

2005-08-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

"A customer pointed out to me the other day

that I’m not a “human being,”

but a “human doing.”

She meant it as a compliment and a reminder.

It gave me cause to ponder.

I do a lot of things – accomplish much,

but do I take time just to “be”

– just to “enjoy the journey?”

Too many times we rush

to the “event points” in the saga of our lives.

We want to hurry

to the moments when the house is sold,

the new one built,

the wedding day,

the birth,

the new job,

the mortgage paid in full.

We let ourselves remain anxious,

frustrated, and

worried in between.

We waste the waiting period.

But really,

it’s not a waiting period.

It’s your life!

Those day to day moments

between where you are

and where you want to be

are your life!

They are the NOW moments.

And NOW is really all you have.

Everything happens in the NOW.

Our Heavenly Father

wants us to learn to enjoy the moment we’re in,

be grateful for it,

and to make the best of it,

as we remain ever grateful and faithful

for “good things to come”

(Hebrews 9:11).

His timing is perfect.

He’s a master author

who knows how to weave a story

that carries you along,

spellbinds,

mystifies

and offers a magnificent happy ending.

But for Him,

there really is no end…

it’s the story that never ends…

thanks to our Savior

and Redeemer

who died on the cross

and rose the third day

that we might live forever

in His presence.

Of the Who,

What,

When,

Where,

How

and Why questions

that any good story answers,

the only two you can control

are the What

and the Why.

You control

what you want from life.

Jesus repeatedly advised,

“Ask

and ye shall receive,

knock

and it shall be opened.”

Ask specifically.

You also control

the Why

– your purpose.

Why do you want the goal?

All God requires of you

is for you to

maintain the vision

of what you want,

your purpose for attaining it,

and your expression of gratitude

that you will obtain it.

The rest is up to God.

He controls

who is involved,

when

and where

it will take place

and how.

Happiness comes

when you stop caring

about the questions

God controls

and concentrate on

what you want

and why you want it.

When I finally let go of the questions

I can’t control

and decided that I knew absolutely for certain that

God would make it all work out in the end

– even better than I could imagine it happening

- it all started falling into place.

I have no delusions that

my faith is perfect or

that it can’t grow more.

The story isn’t fully told,

and I’m glad it isn’t!

I’m enjoying the journey

and gratefully watching

His masterpiece

unfold before my eyes.

Trust in the Lord

with all thine heart

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge Him

and He shall direct thy paths.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

http://www.shelovesgod.com/library/article.cfm?articleid=7215
The author may be contacted at http://www.MarniePehrson.com webmaster@shelovesgod.com.