Journey through the Spirit of Prophecy

My "desire of ages" was to make
some "steps to Christ" while building
my "Adventist home" and have a
small garden behind my house
since I had been given "counsels on diet"
to have a "healthful living" while
attending an "education" course by
"the mount of blessing,".

By that time the "heaven" was
about to pour out the rain.
These are my "messages to
young people" that if they participate
in "Christian service" and help in
"conflict and courage",they will see
"God's amazing Grace" and smile
every time they see "letters to young
lovers" delivered to them by
"daughters of God",

And they will overcome
"the great controversy" as they
participate in the "last day events".
Some day, these "acts of the
Apostles" , "a call to stand apart" in
this “confrontation" will require us to do
"country living" like our "patriarchs
and prophets" who listened to their
"prophets and kings"

I will tell you more about
"a sanctified life" when I write
in my "publishing ministry" in
my "retirement years". These are
just "selected messages", a
"testimony treasure" about
"the story of Jesus" who had
a "true revival" as I stated in my
"early writings"
"Maranatha".

Seventh-Day Adventist Confession of Fath

I believe in a loving God; the Father, in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit; three separate eternal persons, yet one in character and purpose. Matthew 28:19, 20; John 17:21, 22.

I personally accept the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary as a complete atonement for my sins. 1Corinthians 15:3.

I can come directly to a merciful Savior in repentance and confession of sin. I have joy fully received His gracious pardon. Christ is now my High Priest in the courts of heaven. All the benefits of His priestly ministry are mine, as I come to Him by faith. Acts 3:19; 1 John 1:19; Hebrews 8:1, 2.

I believe that the Bible is God’s inspired Word to me, and that it constitutes my only rule of faith and practice for me as a Christian. John 5:39; 1 Timothy 3.

I have determined to feed my new spiritual nature by daily prayer, study of His Word, and sharing my faith with others. Psalm 55:17; Matthew 4:4; Mark 5:19.

I believe that the purpose of redemption is to cure the moral disease of sin. Sin is the willful violation of God¡¦s law. I believe the Ten Commandments express the unchangeable will of God. This law does not save me: it only informs. I, of myself, cannot obey; but if I fully surrender to the Holy Spirit, it is my joyous privilege to be kept from falling and to go and sin no more. Hebrews 9:26; 1 John 3:4; John 1:29; Matthew 5:17-19; Romans 3:20: John 15:5; Jude 24; John 8:11.

I hold that God, in the person of His Son, created this world, and al that is in it. Christ established the Sabbath at the beginning of the world as the memorial of His power. He Himself kept it in both creation and redemption. In harmony with the will of our unchanging Lord I wish to observe the Sabbath according to His divine example. Genesis 2:1-3; John 1:1-3, 10; Luke 23:52; Luke 24:1; Mark 2:27, 28; Exodus 20:8-11.

I look forward to the glorious soon return of Jesus, the only hope of the world. John 14:1-3; Matthew 24:33; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:7.

I rejoice that death has been conquered by my risen Savior. I believe that all men sleep in death, awaiting one of the two resurrections. Believers are raised to immortality at His second coming. This is the first resurrection. The unsaved are raised at the end of the Millennium. This is the second resurrection. It is then that God purges the earth with fire. The lost die again in that fire.

This is the second death which is eternal. Matthew 28:6; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1Corinthians 15:51-55; Acts 24:15; John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:5, 6.

I believe God’s promise to restore our world to the beauty of Eden. This earth cleansed by fire will be my eternal home. 2 Peter 3:9-13; Isaiah 65:17-25; Revelation 21:1; Matthew 5:5.

I recognize the justice of God that those who reject the Savior’s appearing will not be eternally tortured. The wages of sin is eternal death of both soul and body. Romans 6:23; John 3:16; Revelation 20:9; Malachi 4:1-3; Matthew 13:40; Matthew 10:28; James 5:20.

I will remember Christ as I handle the money He gives me, returning to Him His tithe, the tenth of my increase, and giving offerings as He prospers me. Malachi 3:8-10; Matthew 23:33; 1Corinthians 9:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 9:7.

I will care for my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20) endeavoring to eat and drink in a healthful manner to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, habit forming drugs, and such foods as God declares to be harmful. Romans 12:1; Proverbs 23:29-32; 1 Corinthians 3:15, 17; Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14.

I wish to represent the Savior in my appearance by modesty and simplicity in dress, not attaching my affection to ornaments as warned against in His Holy Word. Genesis 35:1-5;Exodus 33:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:9, 10; 1 Peter 3:3, 4; Isaiah 3:16-23.

I honor Christ in my behavior, in the selection of my reading, my words in conversation, and the choice of associates. I wish to be separate from the sinful practices of the world. 1 John 2:15; James 1:27; James 4:4.

I take part joyfully in the Lord¡¦s Supper and in the Ordinance of Humility. John 13:12-15; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.

I believe that all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to remain in the Church until the coming of the Lord. Especially is the Gift of Prophecy to be one of the identifying marks of the remnant church. 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31; Ephesians 4:8-14; Revelation 12:17; Revelation 19:10; Joel 2:28, 29.

I look forward to the fellowship of worship. I accept the counsel: “not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is”(Hebrews 10:25). I count it all joy to come to God’s house every Sabbath day according to His eternal plan.

I acknowledge that God is no respecter of persons; in every generation God has had a message for the world. Noah, Moses, the Apostles and Prophets each gave a special message from God in their time. God’s last and remnant church is clearly described as, “keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 12:17 and Revelation 14:12)… This is the final message of God to the world just before the coming of Jesus. (Revelation14:14). As God¡¦s witness, I wish to joyfully accept this last message.

I wish to seal the full acceptance of the Savior¡¦s provision for my redemption by immersion in baptism. In this way my total dedication to God is properly symbolized. Romans 6:3-5; Matthew 3:13-16; Acts 8:36-38; Matthew 28:19, 20.

I want this very day to give my life to the Savior’s hand, to live the Christian way in harmony with His gospel, in preparation for eternal life in His coming kingdom, and to become a part of His remnant people the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Perfect Number Seven

Seven is a number most complete;
Seven years compose the jubilee;
Seven days compose the Christian week;
Seven attributes the Deity.


Seven Orbs we say revolve the sun;
Seven colors do the rainbow grace;
Seven wonders in the world were done;
Seven legions were of Mary’s race.


Seven lamps within the golden bowl;
Seven pipes did shine from every one;
Seven eyes to Joshua shown on stone;
Seven eyes with Zerubabel plumb.

Seven priests round Jericho compassed,
Seven trumpet of ram’s horns to sound,
Seven days did bring a certain blast,
Seven brought the walls all to the ground.


Seven churches ancient Asia graced;
Seven candlesticks therein were placed;
Seven seals were once upon the book,
Seven were by Judah’s lion broke.


Seven horns were seen upon the Lamb;
Seven were the heads the dragon bore;
Seven angels flew at God’s command,
Seven phials of his wrath to pour.


Seven times with oil the sprinkling priests,
Sprinkled before the throne of God;
Seven times that finger, type of Christ,
Sprinkled the mercy seat with blood.

Praying to Forget

By Jade-lee Herman


For he shall not much remember the days of his life; *because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.~ Ecclesiastes 5:20 KJV

*NEW KJV – “because God keeps him Busy with the joy of his heart.”

The question has been posed is, “Is praying to forget, good?”

The follow up question would be, “Is God allowing our brains to forget, a direct answer to this prayer?”

Is forgetting good?

Neurologists have concluded that we, humans, use a maximum of 10% of our brains.
Now psychology suggests that Selective/ motivated forgetting is a defence mechanism (theorized) in which people may forget unwanted harmful memories, either consciously or unconsciously. Also known as suppressing and repressing memories.

Repression is defined as: unconsciously

Suppression: is making the decision to forget.

Because most people find themselves in a deep state of depression upon the resurfacing of these memories, this makes repressed memories dangerous. Some of these people may require institutionalisation. Now these memories may resurface at any time. The mind is unfortunately not able to survive the emotional trauma of these suppressed incidents. Leading to suicide and self loathing.

Now many of us do not repress our memories, but technically you would not know it until your psychologist has informed you thusly.
Suppressing memories can only lead to more heart ache, should the memory return, you are still to have to deal with it emotionally. Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” NIV

And worse still if it is a result of our own actions, we can be sure that it has not been forgotten by God. UNLESS…

1. We depend on Him fully.

We need to search God’s word for comfort just as we would call a friend. You may be sick or hurting because of your own actions. Just as it is in fire’s nature to burn, so it is in sin’s nature to destroy us.

Psalm 23:4 “…your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Job 11:13 -17 “Yet if you devote your heart to him and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it as only waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning.”
Lamentations 3:40 “Let us search and try our ways and turn again to our God.”

2. We accept that forgetting is not God’s will for us

By allowing the belief that suppressing memories is helpful and good, the devil has removed the need for us to remember and repent.

And is that not his main aim? To render the need for Salvation or a law of God useless? He is spreading the message that we don’t need forgiveness, all we need to do is to forget?

Memories are never truly lost; therapy or a photograph may lead to the remembrance. But did God create this defence mechanism? Forgetting is usually due to the absence of peace. And if God offers peace that surpasses all understanding, how could He be in favour of suppressing memories?
The devil has slyly rationalised the need of our memory suppression. He has devised a way for people to think they have found a semblance of peace by in fact destroying our mind or our sanity.

The most common cause for institutionalised depressed patients’ depression; is the resurfacing of repressed and suppressed hurtful memories.
Many of us suppress memories. We consciously decide to forget the pain that sin has inflicted on us. Pain like a broken heart, the memory of a spouse’s infidelity, abuse in all its forms, phone numbers, lyrics to a song etc.

Take note; search within your own experiences the things you wish to forget. Of what are they a result of? Sin? Either your own transgression or someone else’s. Some may pray to forget, because they know that the God they serve is compassionate. Somehow we have concluded that forgetting our pain is something that God has permitted us to do. We assume that which we do not remember no longer exists. Ecclesiastes 1:15 “… what is lacking cannot be counted” NIV

Let the desire to forget no longer linger within us.

God said, Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins. “ NKJV
NIV 26 “Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence.”

We should pray to remember that which hurts us. So we may forgive and ask for forgiveness where it is due.
Genesis 1:31 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” NIV

Let us live happily and peacefully, by accepting Jesus as our saviour and comfort. Let us return to our first love. A love that will never break our hearts and forgives and forgets accordingly. Through Him we can overcomes our fear, grief and sin …. So that we may be with Him in paradise.

Revelations 2:7 NKJV
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

ReGaining Eden Part 2

Let me touch a very sensitive subject "meat-eating".This is important because before we see God greater reforms should be seen among God's people.

"There is no evidence of genuine repentance unless it works reformation."GC,p506

Let me start from Eden since we are from eden to eden.

"And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."--Genesis 1:29

"It was not in the plan of God in creation that the life of any of His creatures should be taken.Death, in man or beast, wherever it might exist,came in consequence of sin,and this whole mammoth custom of taking the life of God's creatures to sustain human life,is simply the fruit of transgression.Had our first parents maintained their Eden innocence,had the curse never fallen upon man or beast,the earth would never have been stained with a drop of blood;the almost universal custom of flesh-eating, with its attendant pain and death, would never have been known. The Creator, in definately stating what should constitute food for man, did not mention flesh." "C.T.B.H p169.

"Even in this life it is not for our good to depart from the will of our Father in heaven. When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God's command? and what His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other."DA 121.2.

In Numbers chapter 11-We see God tried to make His people vegetarians when He took them out of Egypt.It is important that we study the history of the children of Israel so that we may not repeat the same mistakes.Consider these qoutes:

"Satan's snares are laid for us as verily as they were laid for the children of Israel just prior to their entrance into the land of Canaan. We are repeating the history of that people."5T,p160

"I have seen that self-glorification was becoming common among Seventh-day Adventists and that unless the pride of man should be abased and Christ exalted we should, as a people, be in no better condition to receive Christ at His second advent than were the Jewish people to receive Him at His first advent."5T ,p727.3.

Let me look closely what happened....

"And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?"--Numbers 11:4

"And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust."--Psalm 78:18.

Then Moses sayed "Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat."--Numbers 11:13.

Then the Lord gave them their own desire--"And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth."Number 11:31.

NB-"And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted."Numbers 11:33,34.

Pork eaters be reminded--"They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD."--Isaiah 66:17

Paul says--"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted...Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."1 Corinthians 10:6,11

" Our habits of eating and drinking show whether we are of the world or among the number whom the Lord by His mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the world. These are His peculiar people, zealous of good works. God has spoken in His word. In the case of Daniel and his three companions there are sermons upon health reform. God has spoken in the history of the children of Israel, from whom for their good He sought to withhold a flesh diet. He fed them with bread from heaven; "man did eat angel's food." But they encouraged their earthly appetite; and the more they centered their thoughts upon the fleshpots of Egypt, the more they hated the food which God gave them to keep them in health physically, mentally, and morally. They longed for the fleshpots, and in this they did just as many in our own time have done. "6T ,p 372.2

"Satan, the author of disease and misery, will approach God's people where he can have the greatest success. He has controlled the appetite in a great measure from the time of his successful experiment with Eve, in leading her to eat the forbidden fruit. He came with his temptations first to the mixed multitude, the beiliving Egyptians, and stirred them up to seditions murmurings.They would not be content with the healthful food which God had provided for them. Their depraved appetite craved a greater variety, especially flesh-meats.This murmuring soon infected nearly the whole body of the people."SOP. Vol 1,p281.

Lets here what the prophet says now........

"The Lord intends to bring His people back to live upon simple fruits, vegetables, and grains. He led the children of Israel into the wilderness where they could not get a flesh diet; and He gave
them bread from heaven. Man did eat angel's food. But they craved the flesh pots of Egypt, and mourned and cried for flesh, notwithstanding that the Lord had proposed that if they would
submit to His will, He would carry them into the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a pure, holy, happy people, and there would not be a feeble one in all their habitations, for He would
take away all sickness from among them. But although they had a plain 'thus saith the Lord,' they mourned, and wept, and murmured, and complained, it displeased the Lord;..." SpM45-46

"Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us back, step by step, to His original design,-- that man should subsist upon the natural products of the earth. Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is unnatural. We are to return to God's original purpose in the creation of man." Counsels on Diet and Foods, pg. 380.

"Meat eating...has always been a curse to the human family..., and our only safety now is in leaving meat entirely alone." Counsels on Diet and Foods,p 412

"Will the people who are seeking to become holy, pure, refined, that they may be introduced into the society of heavenly angels, continue to take the life of God's creatures, and enjoy their flesh as a luxury? From what the Lord has shown me, this order of things will be changed, and God's peculiar people will exercise temperance in all things." CTBH 48.2.

"...we do not hesitate to say that flesh meat is not necessary for health or strength. If used it is because a depraved appetite craves it. Its use excites the animal propensities to increased activity and strengthens the animal passions. When the animal propensities are increased, the intellectual and moral powers are decreased. The use of the flesh of animals tends to cause a grossness of body and benumbs the fine sensibilities of the mind."2T p63.2.

“If ever there was a time when the diet should be of the most simple kind, it is now. Meat should not be placed before our children. Its influence is to excite and strengthen the lower passions, and has a tendency to deaden the moral powers. Grains and fruits prepared free from grease, and in as natural a condition as possible, should be the food for the tables of all who claim to be preparing for translation to heaven.” 2T 352

"Those who believe present truth...should refuse to eat flesh meat." EV 265

"It has been clearly presented to me that God's people are to take a firm stand against meat eating." CDF 383

"Those who use flesh meat disregard all the warnings that God has given us concerning this question. They have no evidence they are walking in safe paths." Ibid., p. 383.

"Among those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, meat eating will eventually be
done away; flesh will cease to form a part of their diet. We should ever keep this end in view, and endeavour to work steadily toward it." Counsels on Health, p. 450.

"Those who are in a position where it is possible to secure a vegetarian diet, but who choose to follow their own preferences in this matter, eating and drinking as they please, will gradually
grow careless of the instruction the Lord has given regarding other phases of the present truth and will lose their perception of what is truth." Testimonies, Vol. 9, pp. 156, 157.

"Many who are now only half converted on the question of meat eating will go from God's people, to walk no more with them .... Far better give up the name of Christian than make a profession and
at the same time indulge appetites which strengthen unholy passions .... [God] calls for decided reformation." Counsels on Health,pp. 575-579.

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."--1 Corinthians 3:16,17.

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."--1 Corinthians 6:19,20 .

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."1 Corinthians 10:31.

May God help us to live up to the light He has given us up to the present.

God Bless.

ReGaining Eden Part 1

How did we lose Eden and how can will we gain it back?..."And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat."Genesis 3:6

Listen to what the prophet of God says...

""Adam and Eve fell through intemperate appetite. Christ came and withstood the fiercest temptation of Satan, and, in behalf of the race, overcame appetite, showing that man may overcome. As Adam fell through appetite, and lost blissful Eden, the children of Adam may, through Christ, overcome appetite, and through temperance in all things regain Eden."Counsels on Diet and Foods ,p70

"As our first parents lost Eden through the indulgence of appetite, our only hope of regaining Eden is through the firm denial of appetite and passion."3T ,p491

Christ came to redeem us on the point on which Adam fell...

"Intemperance lies at the foundation of all the moral evils known to man. Christ began the work of redemption just where the ruin began. The fall of our first parents was caused by the indulgence of appetite. In redemption, the denial of appetite is the first work of Christ."In Heavenly Places, p194

"One of the temptations that overcame our first parents was the temptation to indulge appetite. By this long fast Christ was to show that appetite can be brought under control."The Story of Jesus,p45

Christ began this work of redemption by reforming the physical habits of man.--3T. p. 486.

God expects nothing from us but self-control...

"One of the strongest temptations that man has to meet is upon the point of appetite."3T p485.

"God demands that the appetites be cleansed, and that self-denial be practiced in regard to those things which are not good. This is a work that will have to be done before His people can stand before Him a perfected people."9T 153.

"Every true Christian will have control of his appetite and passions. Unless he is free from the bondage and slavery of appetite he cannot be a true, obedient servant of Christ. It is the indulgence of appetite and passion which makes the truth of none effect upon the heart. It is impossible for the spirit and power of the truth to sanctify a man, soul, body, and spirit, when he is controlled by appetite and passion."3T p569

Eating merely to please the appetite is a transgression of nature's laws.-- U. T., Aug. 30, 1896

'The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands, when, if they had conquered on this point, then they would have had the moral power to gain the victory over every other temptation of Satan. But those who are slaves to appetite will fail in perfecting Christian character."3T ,p491

"I then saw that the appetite must be denied, that rich food should not be prepared, and that which is spent upon the appetite should be put into the treasury of God. It would tell there and those that denied themselves would lay up a reward in heaven. I saw that God was purifying His people."3SM ,p274

"It is impossible for those who indulge the appetite to attain to Christian perfection.--2T, p. 400.

"We repeat, intemperance commences at our tables. The appetite is indulged until its indulgence becomes second nature. By the use of tea and coffee an appetite is formed for tobacco, and this encourages the appetite for liquors."CH,p607.

"When we realize the requirements of God, we shall see that He requires us to be temperate in all things. The end of our creation is to glorify God in our bodies and spirits which are His. How can we do this when we indulge the appetite to the injury of the physical and moral powers? God requires that we present our bodies a living sacrifice. Then the duty is enjoined on us to reserve that body in the very best condition of health, that we may comply with His requirements. Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." CD ,p155

"...one of the highest attainments in the Christian life is to control appetite, and that, without this victory,all hope of heaven is vain." --James White,Christian Temperance 206



It is possible brethren....

"But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."Daniel 1:8.

JUST FOR FUN-In Daniel 6 maybe the lions purposed in their hearts that they will not defile themselves with the body of a vegetarian man :).

If lions were able to control their appetites ,sure we can.

"Christ fought the battle upon the point of appetite, and came off victorious; and we also can conquer through strength derived from Him. Who will enter in through the gates into the city?--Not those who declare that they cannot break the force of appetite. Christ has resisted the power of him who would hold us in bondage; though weakened by His long fast of forty days, He withstood temptation, and proved by this act that our cases are not hopeless. I know that we cannot obtain the victory alone; and how thankful we should be that we have a living Saviour, who is ready and willing to aid us!"CD, p169

"A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to every one who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will of God."CD,p170.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. "--Philippians 4:13.

God Bless ,As we prepare to meet our Lord in Peace.

It's Jewish

When we present God's holy law,
And arguments from scripture draw;
Objectors say, to pick a flaw,
"It's Jewish."

Though at the first Jehovah blessed
And sanctified HIS day of rest;
The same belief is still expressed -
"It's Jewish."

Though with the world this rest began,
And thence through all the scriptures ran,
And Jesus said 'twas made for man -
"It's Jewish."

Though not with Jewish rites, which passed,
But with the moral law 'twas classed
Which must endure while time shall last -
"It's Jewish."

Though the disciples, Luke and Paul,
Continue still this rest to call
The "Sabbath day," this answers all -
"It's Jewish."

The gospel teachers' plain expression,
That "Sin is of the law transgression,"
Seems not to make the least impression -
"It's Jewish."

They love the rest of man's invention,
But if Jehovah's day we mention,
This puts an end to all contention -
"It's Jewish."

O ye who thus Gods day abuse,
Simply because twas kept by Jews,
The Saviour, too, you must refuse -
He's Jewish.

Thus the apostles, too, must fall;
For Andrew, Peter, James, and Paul,
And Thomas, Matthew, John, and all
Were Jewish.

But when old Earth shall pass away,
And be renewed the Sabbath day
Honored by all - one then will say,
"Its Jewish."

And while Eternitys glad days
Roll on and on with ceaseless rays,
The theme will be Jehovah's praise,
And that in universal lays -
Not Jewish.

BY ROSWELL F. COTTRELL. (January 17, 1814 – March 22, 1892)

Dare To Stand Alone

It is human to stand with the crowd; it is divine to stand alone.

It is manlike to follow the people, to drift with the tide; it is godlike to follow a principle, to stem the tide.

It is natural to compromise conscience and follow the social and religious fashion for the sake of gain or pleasure; it is divine to sacrifice both on the altar of truth and duty.

“No man stood with me, but all men forsook me,” wrote the battle-scarred apostle in describing his first appearance before Nero to answer for his life for believing and teaching contrary to the Roman world.

Noah built and voyaged alone. His neighbors laughed at his strangeness, and perished.

Abraham wandered and worshiped alone. The Sodomites smiled at the simple shepherd, followed the fashion, and fed the flames.

Daniel dined and prayed alone. Elijah sacrificed and witnessed alone. Jeremiah prophesied and wept alone. Jesus loved and died alone.

And of the lonely way his disciples should walk he said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

Of their treatment by the many who walk in the broad way he said, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world,…therefore the world hateth you.”

The church in the wilderness praised Abraham and persecuted Moses. The church of the Kings praised Moses and persecuted the prophets. The church of Caiaphas praised the prophets and persecuted Jesus. The church of the popes praised the Saviour, and persecuted the saints. And multitudes now, in both the church and the world, applaud the courage and fortitude of the patriarchs and prophets, the apostles and martyrs, but condemn as stubbornness or foolishness like faithfulness to truth to-day.

Wanted, to-day, men and women, young and old, who will obey their convictions of truth and duty at the cost of fortune and friends and life itself!

THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD

The Church and the World walked far apart

On the changing shore of Time;

The world was singing a giddy song,

And the Church a hymn sublime.

"Come, give me your hand," cried the merry World,

"And walk with me this way;"

But the good Church hid her snowy hands,

And solemnly answered, "Nay;

I will not give you my hand at all,

And I will not walk with you;

Your way is the way to endless death;

Your words are all untrue."



"Nay, walk with me but a little space,"

Said the World with a kindly air;

"The road I walk is a pleasant road,

And the sun shines always there.

Your path is thorny, and rough, and rude,

And mine is broad and plain;

My road is paved with flowers and dews

And yours with tears and pain.

The sky above me is always blue;

No want, no toil, I know:

The sky above you is always dark,

Your lot is a lot of woe.

My path, you see, is a broad, fair one

And my gate is high and wide;

There is room enough for you and for me

To travel side by side."



Half shyly the Church approached the World,

And gave him her hand of snow;

The old World quick grasped it and walked along,

Saying in accents low;

"Your dress is too simple to please my taste;

I will give you pearls to wear,

Rich velvets and silks for your graceful form,

And diamonds to deck your hair."

The Church looked down at her plain white robes

And then at the dazzling World,

And blushed as she saw his handsome lip

With a smile contemptuous curled..

"I will change my dress for a costlier one,"

Said the Church with a smile of grace:

Then the pure white garments drifted away,

And the World gave in their place

Beautiful silks and shining satins,

And roses and gems and pearls,

And over her forehead her bright hair fell,

Crisped in a thousand curls.

"Your house is too plain," said the proud old World;

"I’ll build you one like mine,

Carpets of Brussels, and curtains of lace

And furniture ever so fine."

So he built her a costly and beautiful house,

Splendid it was to behold;

Her sons and her beautiful daughters dwelt there,

Gleaming in purple and gold;

And fairs and shows in the halls were held,

And the World and his children were there;

And laughter and music and feasts were heard

In the place that was meant for prayer.

She had cushioned pews for the rich and great

To sit in their pomp and pride;

While the poor folk, clad in their shabby suits,

Sat meekly down outside.



The Angel of Mercy flew over the Church,

And whispered, "I know thy sin:"

Then the Church looked back with a sigh and longed

To gather her children in;

But some were off at the midnight ball,

And some were off at the play,

And some were drinking in gay saloons,

So she quietly went her way.



Then the sly World gallantly said to her:

"Your children mean no harm,

Merely indulging in innocent sports;"

So she leaned on his proffered arm

And smiled and chatted and gathered flowers

As she walked along with the World;

While millions and millions of sorrowing souls

To eternal death were hurled.



"Your preachers are all too old and plain,"

Said the World to the Church with a sneer

"They frighten my children with dreadful tales,

Which I like not for them to hear.

They talk of brimstone and fire and pain

And the night of an endless death;

They talk of a place which may only be

Mentioned with bated breath.

I will send you some of the better stamp,

Brilliant and gay and fast,

Who will tell them that people may live as they choose

And go to heaven at last.

The Father is merciful, great and good,

Tender and true and kind;

Do you think he would take one child to heaven,

And leave the other behind?"



So he filled her house with gay divines,

Gifted and great and learned,

And the plain old men that preached the cross

Were out of her pulpits turned.

"You give too much to the poor," said the world,

"Far more than you ought to do;

If the poor need shelter and food and clothes,

Why need it trouble you?

Go, take your money and buy rich robes,

And horses and carriages fine,

And pearls and jewels and dainty foods,

And the rarest and costliest wine!

My children, they dote on all such things;

And if you their love would win,

You must do as they do and walk in the ways

That they are walking in."



Then the Church held tightly the strings of her purse

And gracefully lowered her head,

And whispered, "I've given too much away;

I'll do, sir, as you have said."

So the poor were turned from her door in scorn,

And she drew her robes aside

As the widows went weeping on their way;

With all their needs denied,

And the sons of the world and the sons of the church

Walked closely hand and heart,

And only the Master who knoweth all

Could tell the two apart.

Then the Church sat down at her ease, and said,

"I am rich, and with goods increased;

I have need of nothing, and naught to do

But to laugh and dance and feast."



And the sly World heard her and laughed up his sleeve,

And mockingly said aside;

"The Church is fallen, the beautiful Church

And her shame is her boast and pride."

The angel drew near to the mercy-seat,

And whispered in sighs her name,

And the saints their anthems of rapture hushed,

And covered their heads with shame.



Then a voice came down through the hush of heaven

From Him who sat on the throne:

"I know thy works, and how thou has said,

'I am rich,' and hast not known

That thou art naked, and poor, and blind,

And wretched before my face.

Unless thou repent I will cast thee out

And blot thy name from its place.

I counsel thee to buy of Me

The gold that will make you rich;

And anoint your eyes with the heavenly salve

To discern your Maker's wish."



Then the awakened Church with deep regret

From her worldly course returned;

She opened her heart to the knock of Christ

As His love in her bosom burned.

And gave her robes and forgave her sins,

And together they sat and supped;

His proffered throne He shared with her

For whom He had suffered much.

O Church of Christ, hear the Spirit's voice

As He calls through the world today.

Would that every church throughout the realm

Would turn from the world away.

The world will be lost in eternal night,

But the penitent saved for aye.

The Good Shepherd's Appeal

I WILL seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away." Eze.xxxiv,16

"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt.xi,28.

Why, O man, hast thou left me?

Why hast thou turned from Him that loved thee?

Why hast thou again joined thyself to thy enemy?

Remember that for thy sake I became flesh.

Remember that for thy sake I became poor.

Remember that for thy sake I was persecuted.

Remember that for thy sake I bore evil-speaking, reproaches, angry words, dishonor, wounds, spitting, blows, mockings, and bitter sufferings.

Remember that for thy sake I suffered a cruel death.

I was made low to exalt thee.

I was made poor to enrich thee.

I was dishonored to bring glory upon thee.

I was wounded to heal thee. I died that thou mightest have life.

Thou didst sin, and I took thy sin upon Myself.

Thou wast condemned to death, and I died for thee.

Dost thou despise my love. Instead of love, thou givest me hatred. Thou lovest sin, and not Me.

Thou laborest for thy passions, and not for Me.

Now what dost thou find in Me deserving of thy dislike?

Dost desire good for thyself? Every good is with Me.

Dost thou desire happiness? Every blessing is with Me.

Dost thou desire dignity? Who is more noble than the Son of God?

Dost thou seek exaltation? Who is higher than the King of heaven?

Dost thou desire wealth? I have all riches.

Dost thou desire wisdom? I am wisdom.

Dost thou desire friendship? Who is more worthy of love, and more loving than I? for I laid down My life for all.

Dost thou seek help? Who can help except Me?

Dost thou seek consolation in grief? Who can console except Me?

Dost thou seek rest? Come unto Me and I will give thee rest.

Dost thou seek peace? I am the peace of the soul.

Dost thou seek light? I am the light of the world.

Dost thou seek truth? I am the truth.

Dost thou seek the way? I am the way.

Dost thou seek a guide to heaven? I am the guide.

Why dost thou not wish to come unto Me?

Dost thou not dare to come? To whom is there an easier access?

Art thou fearful of asking? Whom coming unto Me with faith have I refused? Do thy sins hinder thee? I died for sinners. Does the multitude of thy sins distress thee? In Me is abundant mercy.

-Bishop Tehon.

O Blessed Daniel

Speak with me, O blessed Daniel.
Give me full assurance, I beseech thee.
Thou does prophesy concerning the lioness in Babylon;
For thou was a captive there.
Thou has unfolded the future regarding the bear;
For thou was still in the world,
And did see the things come to pass.
Then thou spoke to me of the leopard;
And whence can thou know this,
For thou art already gone to thy rest?
Who instructed thee to announce these things,
But He who formed thee in (from) thy mother's womb?
That is God, thou said.
Thou has spoken indeed, and that not falsely.
The leopard has arisen;
The he-goat is come;
He hath broken his horns in pieces;
He hath stamped upon him with his feet.
He has been exalted by his fall;
The four horns have come up from under that one.
Rejoice, blessed Daniel!
Thou has not been in error:
All these things have come to pass.
After this again thou has told me of the beast dreadful and terrible.
It had iron teeth and claws of brass:
It devoured and brake in pieces,
And stamped the residue with the feet of it.'
Already the iron rules;
Already it subdues and breaks all in pieces;
Already it brings all the unwilling into subjection;
Already we see these things ourselves.
Now we glorify God, being instructed by thee."

The Mind of a godly Young Woman

No one can so effectually ruin a woman's happiness and usefulness, and make life a heartsickening burden, as her own husband; and no one can do one hundredth part as much to chill the hopes and aspirations of a man, to paralyze his energies and ruin his influence and prospects, as his own wife. It is from the marriage hour that many men and women date their success or failure in this life, and their hopes of the future life. --AH 43

Let the woman who desires a peaceful, happy union, who would escape future misery and sorrow, inquire before she yields her affections…

What has been his past record?
Is his life pure?
Is the love which he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional fondness?
Has he the traits of character that will make me happy?
Can I find true peace and joy in his affection?
Will I be allowed to preserve my individuality, or must my judgment and conscience be
surrendered to the control of him as a husband? . .
Can he honor the Saviour’s claims as supreme?
Will he preserve body and soul, thoughts and purposes, pure and holy?
Has my lover a mother?
What is the stamp of her character?
Does he recognize his obligations to her?
Is he mindful of her wishes and happiness?
If he does not respect and honor his mother, will he manifest respect and love, kindness and attention, toward me as a wife?
When the novelty of marriage is over, will he love me still?
Will he be patient with my mistakes, or will he be critical, overbearing, and dictatorial?

These questions have a vital bearing upon the well-being of every woman who enters the marriage relation.--FLB 257.

Let a young woman accept as a life companion only one who possesses pure, manly traits of character, one who is diligent, aspiring, and honest, one who loves and fears God--AH, p. 47

If you are blessed with God-fearing parents, seek counsel of them. Open to them your hopes and plans, learn the lessons which their life experiences have taught, and you will be saved many a heartache. Above all, make Christ your counselor. Study His word with prayer.--MYP 435.

Take God and your God-fearing parents into your counsel, young friends. Pray over the matter. . . . The step you are about to take is one of the most important in your life, and should not be taken hastily. While you may love, do not love blindly. --FLB 277.

Let those who are contemplating marriage weigh every sentiment and watch every development of character in the one with whom they think to unite their life destiny. Let every step toward a marriage alliance be characterized by modesty, simplicity, sincerity, and an earnest purpose to please and honor God. Marriage affects the afterlife both in this world and in the world to come. A sincere Christian will make no plans that God cannot approve. --MH 359


In business, men and women manifest great caution. Before engaging in any important enterprise, they prepare themselves for their work. Time, money, and much careful study are devoted to the subject, lest they shall make a failure in their undertaking. How much greater caution should be exercised in entering the marriage relation--a relation which affects future generations and the future life? Instead of this, it is often entered upon with jest and levity, impulse and passion, blindness and lack of calm consideration. The only explanation of this is that Satan loves to see misery and ruin in the world, and he weaves this net to entangle souls. He rejoices to have these inconsiderate persons lose their enjoyment of this world and their home in the world to come.--AH 72.

An unsanctified wife is the greatest curse that a minister can have. --Eva 677

Boys and girls enter upon the marriage relation with unripe love, immature judgment, without noble, elevated feelings, and take upon themselves the marriage vows, wholly led by their boyish, girlish passions.--AH 79.

A person's character is judged by his style of dress. A refined taste, a cultivated mind, will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire. Chaste simplicity in dress, when united with modesty of demeanor, will go far toward surrounding a young woman with that atmosphere of sacred reserve which will be to her a shield from a thousand perils.--Education, p. 248.

Young girls are forward, not modest and retiring as they once were. They engage the attention of the young men, do the courting by seeking their attention, hanging around, and talking with them. And it is a fact that the associations of the young men and women can not be encouraged without marriage being thought of and soon contracted. I write this to warn the young men and women not to be betrayed into foolish attachments which will prove their ruin in the end.--PH152 15.

Even if an engagement has been entered into without a full understanding of the character of the one with whom you intend to unite, do not think that the engagement makes it a positive necessity for you to take upon yourself the marriage vow and link yourself for life to one whom you cannot love and respect. Be very careful how you enter into conditional engagements; but better, far better, break the engagement before marriage than separate afterward, as many do. You may say, "But I have given my promise, and shall I now retract it?" I answer, If you have made a promise contrary to the Scriptures, by all means retract it without delay, and in humility before God repent of the infatuation that led you to make so rash a pledge. Far better take back such a promise, in the fear of God, than keep it, and thereby dishonor your Maker. --AH 48.

There is not one marriage in one hundred that results happily, that bears the sanction of God,
and places the parties in a position better to glorify Him.-- Testimonies vol.4 p.503

Love is a precious gift, which we receive from Jesus. Pure and holy affection is not a feeling, but a principle. Those who are actuated by true love are neither unreasonable nor blind.- MYP p.435

Love….. “rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth.”-- 1 Corinthians 13:7.

The Mind of A Godly Young Man

“This question of marriage should be a study instead of a matter of impulse.” LYL 29

“Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22).

“……a prudent wife is from the LORD.” Proverbs 19:14

“Married life is not all romance; it has its real difficulties and its homely details. The wife must
not consider herself a doll, to be tended, but a woman; one to put her shoulder under real, not
imaginary, burdens, and live an understanding, thoughtful life, considering that there are other
things to be thought of than herself.” FLB 256

“Every girl should learn to take charge of the domestic affairs of home, should be a cook, a
housekeeper, a seamstress. She should understand all those things which it is necessary that the
mistress of a house should know.” FLB 256.

There are very many girls who have married and have families, who have but little practical
knowledge of the duties devolving upon a wife and mother. They can read, and play upon an
instrument of music; but they cannot cook. They cannot make good bread, which is very
essential to the health of the family. They cannot cut and make garments, for they never learned
how. They considered these things unessential, and in their married life they are as dependent
upon some one to do these things for them as are their own little children.-- LYL 19.

“If need be, a young woman can dispense with a knowledge of French and algebra, or even of
the piano; but it is indispensable that she learn to make good bread, to fashion neatly fitting
garments, and to perform efficiently the many duties that pertain to homemaking” FB 256.

“Weigh every sentiment, and watch every development of character in the one with whom you think to
link your life destiny. While you may love, do not love blindly.” {AH 45.1}

“Examine carefully to see if your married life would be happy or inharmonious and wretched.”- AH 45.2

Let the questions be raised……

Is she worthy to stand by my side?
Will her influence ennoble and refine me?
Will she be fitted to bear her share of life’s burdens?
Will she bring happiness to my home?
Is [she] an economist?
Will she, if married, not only use all her own earnings, but all of mine to gratify a vanity, a love of appearance?
What has been her past record?
Is her life pure?
Is the love which she expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional fondness?
Does she have traits of character that will make me happy?
Can she honor the Saviour's claims as supreme?
Will body and soul, thoughts and purposes, be preserved pure and holy?
Will this union help me heavenward?
Will it increase my love for God?
Will it enlarge my sphere of usefulness in this life?
Will she be patient with my mistakes?
Will she be one who will be patient and painstaking?
Will she cease to care for my parents at the very time when they need a strong son to lean upon?
Does she recognize his obligations to her mother?
Is she mindful of her wishes and happiness?

I know that to the mind of a man infatuated with love and thoughts of marriage these questions will be brushed away as though they were of no consequence. But these things should be duly considered, for they have a bearing upon your future life. --AH 46.

Marriage, in a majority of cases, is a most galling yoke. There are thousands that are mated but not matched. The books of heaven are burdened with the woes, the wickedness, and the abuse that lie hidden under the marriage mantle. This is why I would warn the young who are of a marriageable age to make haste slowly in the choice of a companion. The path of married life may appear beautiful and full of happiness; but why may not you be disappointed as thousands of others have been? --AH 44.

Great care should be taken by Christian youth in the formation of friendships and in the choice of companions. Take heed, lest what you now think to be pure gold turns out to be base metal. Worldly associations tend to place obstructions in the way of your service to God, and many souls are ruined by unhappy unions, either business or matrimonial, with those who can never elevate or ennoble. Never should God's people venture upon forbidden ground. Marriage between believers and unbelievers is forbidden by God. But too often the unconverted heart follows its own desires, and marriages unsanctioned by God are formed. --MYP 436.

Hundreds have sacrificed Christ and heaven in consequence of marrying unconverted persons. Can it be that the love and fellowship of Christ are of so little value to them that they prefer the companionship of poor mortals? Is heaven so little esteemed that they are willing to risk its enjoyments for one who has no love for the precious Saviour? 4T 507.2
Every marriage engagement should be carefully considered, for marriage is a step taken for life.
Both the man and the woman should carefully consider whether they can cleave to each other
through the vicissitudes of life as long as they both shall live --AH, p. 340

Give yourself sufficient time for observation on every point and then do not trust to your own judgment, and let the mother who loves you, and your father, and confidential friends, make critical observations of the one you feel inclined to favor. Trust not to your own judgment, and marry no one whom you feel will not be an honor to your father and mother, one who has intelligence and moral worth” --Letter 59, 1880.

He [Satan] is busily engaged in influencing those who are wholly unsuited to each other to unite
their interests. He exults in this work, for by it he can produce more misery and hopeless woe to the human family than by exercising his skill in any other direction.” --LYL 29

“Above all make Christ your counselor. Study His word with prayer” --MYP, p. 435

There is no safety for any man, young or old, unless he feels the necessity of seeking God for
counsel at every step .--AH, p. 331

“Let God teach you His way. Inquire of Him daily to know His will. He will
give unerring counsel to all who seek Him with a sincere heart” 9T p. 276..

If men and women are in the habit of praying twice a day before they contemplate marriage,
they should pray four times a day when such a step is anticipated. Marriage is something that
will influence and affect your life, both in this world and in the world to come.-- FLB 258

"A prudent wife is from the Lord." "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her. . . . She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her," saying, "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." He who gains such a wife "findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." Proverbs 19:14; 31:11, 12, 26-29; 18:22. MH 359.

THE BIBLE AT A GLANCE

This is intriguing, exciting. ...

Our journey began at GENESIS through EXODUS.

On the way, we saw LEVITICUS recording the NUMBERS of people of DEUTERONOMY,

while JOSHUA was waiting at beautiful gate for JUDGES to see RUTH calling loudly SAMUEL! SAMUEL!

Because the first and second KINGS of CHRONICLES are coming to visit EZRA, NEHEMIAH and ESTHER

for the misfortune of JOB, their brother. As they notice that PSALMS was teaching his children

PROVERBS concerning ECCLESIASTES and SONGS OF SOLOMON. This coincided with the peroid that

ISAIAH and JEREMIAH were engaged in LAMENTATION for EZEKIEL and DANIEL. By the time AMOS

and OBADIAH were not around. Three days ago, HOSEA, JOEL and JONAH were reported to have

traveled in the same ship with MICAH and NAHUM to jerusalem. More also, HABAKKUK visited

ZEPHANIAH who introduced him to HAGGAI a friend of ZECHARIAH whose cousin is MALACHI.

Immediately after the old tradition, MATHEW, MARK, LUKE and JOHN involved in ACTS with the

ROMANS behaving like the CORINTHIANS who were always at loggerhead with the GALATIANS. At that

time, the EPHESIANS realizing that the PHILIPPIANS are interested in the case, they made known to

the COLOSSIANS who suggested to the THESSALONIANS that they should first of all see TIMOTHY who

has gone to the house of TITUS whowas teaching PHILEMON his younger younger brother how to read

and write HEBREW. On hearing, JAMES asked PETER to explain to him how the three JOHNS have

disclosed to JUDE the REVELETION of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God Bless.

It's In The Valley's I Grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.


Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

by Jane Eggleston

I Should Not Have Been Born

One of the greatest stories of the bible is the exodus from Egypt and the experiences of Israel. As I read and study these inspired writings I see that I not only worship a God who hears prayers but who also hears prayers.

And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. – Exodus 3:7, 8


The Lord delivered ancient Israel from the bondage of Egypt and led them through the wilderness into the earthly Canaan, or the "promised land." Even though I am thrilled by God’s leading in the wilderness the sad truth is that not every who left Egypt made it to Canaan. How was it possible that the very people that were crying day and night for deliverance failed to see the Promised Land? Sad but it is a fact even today. Not everyone who has been delivered from the bondage of sin will welcome Jesus as His personal Saviour.

Perhaps the question that deserves our attention is--How did it all happen? Moses speaking he says

[There are] eleven days' [journey] from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadeshbarnea.)—Duet 1:2

And when we departed from Horeb, we went through all that great and terrible wilderness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain of the Amorites, as the LORD our God commanded us; and we came to Kadeshbarnea. –Duet 1:19

Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the LORD spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days.—Duet 2:1

What made them to turn back?


And the LORD'S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed.—Numbers 32:13.

Out of about two million people who left Egypt to Canaan only two made it, Joshua and Caleb. It very interesting to also note that the exodus movement is typical of the gathering of modern Israel out of the darkness of modern Egypt and spiritual Babylon to lead them into the heavenly Canaan.

The prophet of the remnant church commenting on these verses she had this to say…

“It was not the will of God that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; he desired to lead them directly to the land of Canaan, and establish them there, a holy, happy people. “—GC p 458

“For forty years did unbelief, murmuring, and rebellion shut out ancient Israel from the land of Canaan. The same sins have delayed the entrance of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan.…It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord's professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years.” 1SM p 69

It appears that we are repeating the history of the children of Israel. And the problem did not start now as early prior as 1888 Ellen G. White was shown that time was short . Please take note of the dates of the quotes…
Because time is short, we should work with diligence and double energy. Our children may never enter college.--3T 159 (1872). {LDE 36.4}

It is really not wise to have children now. Time is short, the perils of the last days are upon us, and the little children will be largely swept off before this.--Letter 48, 1876. LDE 36

In this age of the world, as the scenes of earth's history are soon to close and we are about to enter upon the time of trouble such as never was, the fewer the marriages contracted the better for all, both men and women.--5T 366 (1885). LDE 37

The hour will come; it is not far distant, and some of us who now believe will be alive upon the earth, and shall see the prediction verified, and hear the voice of the archangel and the trump of God echo from mountain and plain and sea to the uttermost parts of the earth.--RH July 31, 1888. LDE 37

I know that if the people of God had preserved a living connection with Him, if they had obeyed His Word, they would today be in the heavenly Canaan. --General Conference Bulletin, March 30, 1903.

It is clear from the above quotes that we should not have been born. But here we are today let us not repeat the mistakes that our fathers made. We live in times when truth is rejected , error accepted, families disconnected, youth misdirected , immoral people respected, communities crime infected and only chaos is expected but God wants us to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.”-COL p 69.


How Long Will the Mansions Be Empty…

MY CONVERSATION WITH GOD

Vince: So God, From 2 Peter 3:9, I understand that You are not willing that anybody at all should die, but what I want to know is this hell fire everyone seems to go on about. What's the go with that?

God: Oh yes, Hell fire, yes, a lot of people teach about that, but you know what the funny thing is? I'll tell you in Hebrews 12:29, why dont you look it up.

Vince: Okay, I have it here, Hebrews 12:29: "For our God [is] a consuming fire."

God: Hey, you are doing well! I am a consuming fire to sin wherever it is.

Vince: Okay, that is fair enough, but what about the wicked and Sinners burning forever and ever without end. So in other words, do they just feel pain forever?.

God: Ah, Malachi 4:1-3 (KJV): "For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

Vince: Oh right, so what exactly am I ment to pick out?

God: Tell me, if the wicked are in a state as it says in Malachi 4:1-3, will they by alive for eternity? It says that the wicked will be as "stuble", and "And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet", I don't know about you, but ashes under the soles of your feet doesn't sound like someone that is alive. Just from that one verse, you could say that the wicked will eventually die and disappear, not live forever in pain and turmoil.

Vince: Oh right, but what if that is just the one verse that mentions the wicked actually destroyed and not living forever in punishment?

God: Psalms 37:10, "For yet a little while, and the wicked [shall] not [be]: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it [shall] not [be]."

Vince: I see, so the wicked will eventually not exist, and as the says in the last part of that verse, you might try finding the wicked, but "it shall not be", or you will not find them, because they "will not be" or will cease to exist.

God: Exactly and here is just a few more, because I know that you are one that needs more proof at times.

Vince: Oh, there are more verses?

God: Psalms 37:20, "But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD [shall be] as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away."

Vince: Okay, fair enough

God: Oh, and Psalms 37:36, (speaking of the wicked) "Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found."

Vince: Okay okay, I get it now, but what about the passages in the Bible like Matthew 25:46?

God: Well, you read from your Bible and tell me what it says

Vince: okay, it says, "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal."

God: You just answered your question

Vince: What? How?

God: Note that the text says "everlasting punishment". It is a single punishment whose effect lasts forever, i.e. the punishment will be everlasting.

Vince: Okay, you are seriously going to have to explain that one God

God: That's alright, read Jude 1:7 "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Vince: Well what do you know, it even says that Sodom and Gomorrha were examples of what happens to the wicked

God: And notice how it says that they suffered the vengeance of eternal fire? Tell me, is Sodom and Gomorrha still burning today?

Vince: ummm... No, Oh, now I get you, it's this whole the "effects of the punishment or fire is eternal" thing the Bible is talking about right?

God: Exactly, Sodom and Gomorrah are examples of everlasting punishment and eternal fire. These cities lie in ruins today.

Vince: That reminds me of 2 Peter 2:6 "And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an example unto those that after should live ungodly. . ."

God: That is right, and I even went to the extent of adding that Sodom and Gomorrha were examples of what happens to the wicked.

Vince: Oh yes, I am beginning to get the picture now.

God: Now try Matthew 3:11, 12 "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire: Whose fan [is] in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire". In other words, the fire cannot be quenched or put out until it completes its work of totally eradicating sin from the universe.

Vince: Oh, now it is getting more clearer

God: Jeremiah 17:19-27 ". . .Thus saith the LORD. . .if ye will not hearken unto me . . . then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched."

Vince: Oh, I see that it said that Jerusalem was destroyed with unquenchable fire

God: Right, Jerusalem was destroyed by an unquenchable fire which human hands could not put out. It completed its work of totally destroying Jerusalem, yet Jerusalem is not burning today

Vince: And why didn't I see it this clearly before?

God: All you had to do was read the Bible and hold a conversation with me

Vince: So please explain more to me this concept of eternity, eternal fire etc.

God: Revelation 20:10 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are], and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever". This has always been the big one, but it means that the wicked will be destroyed forever. Forever does not always mean endless existence but is literally translated "until the end of age".

God: To illustrate, in Exodus 21:6 "hen his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever". The slave here is required to serve his master forever, or in other words, as long as he lives.

Vince: Oh! Now I get it!

God: There are many examples of this, even in 1 Samuel 1:22,28, Samuel was presented before the Lord to serve God forever. We know that Samuel isn't alive today. Forever here once again means, for as long as he lives

Vince: Thank you God.

God: Vincent study my Word always and keep in touch every second…….and Very soon you will be with Me forever.

GOOD-BYE PLANET EARTH

“Goodbye Planet Earth” what a nice title for a sermon just before we leave the planet earth. Oh what a day that will be when we shall say goodbye planet earth, see you in a thousand years when you have been created anew. That's the day when we shall bid farewell to this world of sorrow and sin. Yes they will be joy, the joy of seeing Jesus Christ.

This title does not only revive the hope of seeing my Saviour face to face but it also reminds me of the man who longed to see Jesus come during his life time. This man is none other than Robert H. Pierson. I believe it was this excitement and a longing for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ that made him to author the book “GOOD-BYE PLANET EARTH”

His love to see Jesus come is also revealed by his appeal at the 1973 Annual Council. He appealed to the church for a revival and a reformation of true godliness but unfortunate because of the lack of interest by both laity and leadership to this appeal was later described by him as "the greatest disappointment in my life".

His disappointment is seen in the following poem…

In my dream one night I seemed to be
In the earth made new by the crystal sea.
I walked and talked with my Saviour dear,
And viewed the mansions so bright, so clear.
Their beauty was breathless, so gloriously fair
But alas, not a soul was dwelling there.

‘They are all empty'–twas my Masters voice
‘Not My will,' He choked–‘'tis my people's choice.
Long years ago I would have brought them home
Earth's jaded paths no more to roam.
But I'm not just sure that they want to come;
The tinseled world still appeals to some.
I long to have my saved ones here
Right by My side, so near, so near.
Instead I wait, and wait , and wait,
While My loved ones down there still hesitate.'

‘Twas now my turn some words to say,
As we walked and talked on the heavenly way.
‘How long, dear Lord, have we made You wait
To welcome us in through that pearly gate
Long years ago should the work be done
And God's loved ones home with His blessed Son.
Dear Saviour God, what can we do
To haste that homeward flight with You?

‘How can I tell them on earth down there
How much You love, how much You care?
How You long to fill these mansions here
With precious souls to You so dear?
Lord, tell me now, what can I say?
To make them want to haste that day?'

The Saviour paused as he made reply
‘Remind them now why I went to die,
‘Twas to bring them home to be with Me
To fill these mansions, oh, can't they see
How much each one of them mean to Me
I must have them all for eternity!'

Now I'm back on earth–yet twas all so real
My heart still burns with my Lord's appeal.
His poignant words ring in my ears
I long to assuage my Saviour's fears--
‘I'm just not sure that they want to come
The tinsled world still appeals to some--
My friends, do we truly long to go home today,
Or are we quite content in our world to stay?
By Robert H. Pierson


As I contemplate on these words and think about Jesus' love “John 3:16” I also think of the words of one of the most helpful bible commentaries...

"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ is perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own."~Christ's Object Lessons, page 69

The questions is How long will the mansions be empty

Why Empty Mansions

Someone may ask why the blog title “Empty Mansions”. I must admit that this is not the title I had in mind at first when I started this blog. “ALMOST HOME” was the choice after the quote that has always been ringing at the back of my mind since I have been redeemed. In the book “Our High Calling” chapter 361 E G White said:

The time of tarrying is almost ended. The pilgrims and strangers who have so long been seeking a better country are almost home. I feel as if I must cry aloud, Homeward bound! Rapidly we are nearing the time when Christ will come to gather His redeemed to Himself.--Review and Herald, Nov. 13, 1913.

Yes we have a home up above; a home where there is no sorrow, no grief, no tears and all is in perfect harmony.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. –Rev 21; 4

In John 13 when Jesus told His disciples that He was about to leave planet earth, the disciples they could not rejoice. Fear fell upon them. Jesus looking upon them with divine love gave them words full of hope. He pointed them away from "the things which are seen," to "the things which are not seen." 2 Corinthians 4:18. From earthly exile He turned their thoughts to the heavenly home.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. –John 14:1-3

These are the words that have brought hope to every follower of Christ throughout all generations. This is the hope that burns within our hearts. And it is not a "hanging on hope" or "nothing left what else can I do hope". It is not a "wishful thinking hope". This is the blessed hope and it is rooted and grounded in the God of heaven the Author of hope. The book The Great Controversy records the most thrilling words ever:

“The coming of the Lord has been in all ages the hope of His true followers. The Saviour's parting promise upon Olivet, that He would come again, lighted up the future for His disciples, filling their hearts with joy and hope that sorrow could not quench nor trials dim. Amid suffering and persecution, the "appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" was the "blessed hope." When the Thessalonian Christians were filled with grief as they buried their loved ones, who had hoped to live to witness the coming of the Lord, Paul, their teacher, pointed them to the resurrection, to take place at the Saviour's advent. Then the dead in Christ should rise, and together with the living be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. "And so," he said, "shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.”—The Great Controversy p302

Yes this is the hope that burns within our hearts. Jesus gave the words about 2000 years ago and yet here we are today still longing for a day without death and a dawn that will wipe away the darkness. And mansions that await God’s people are still empty. How long will the promised mansions be empty? This is the question that prompted this blog.

THE TRIUMPH OF TRUTH

The whole world is in a state of retaliation.
Countless sins are committed with each rotation.
This is the cause of all retardation.
What follows after is more retrogration.
This may be called the age of modernization.
But the need continually increases for moralization.
Everywhere we look we see self–centralization,
When what is needed most is self–renunciation.

Satan is the cause of indignation.
He is the author of Babylon’s intoxication,
And seeks to keep God’s character in obscuration
To misrepresent God is his sole occupation;
And he never reveals his own reputation.
But the wise will avoid his deserved destination.

Now, Christ our Savior came to make reclamation
Of this sinful world in all its degradation.
His work was to make a complete revelation
Of God’s character in each situation,
And to make a sacrifice for our salvation.
All this was accomplished in Christ’s incarnation.
His perfect life destroyed all speculation,
For the angelic host were granted satisfying verification.
The Almighty’s character was given it’s rightful recognition.

Now only men needed the same restoration
From Satan’s deception and depreciation.
You know he is angry with much determination
To bring mankind to certain devastation.
Whoever is wise to shun damnation
Will listen to His words of exhortation.
Mankind isn’t headed for complete annihilation,
Because God has His people in every single nation.
These people, you see, have gone beyond justification;
For all have experienced total sanctification
In God’s judgment hour called investigation.

This is the process of entire extermination
Of all that’s called sin to its foundation.
They have all been made new, a recreation.
These are God’s people for His vindication,
And for His holy character, a grand manifestation.
Satan has no power or manipulation
Over these people of God in any location
Now you probably wonder the identification
Of the people portrayed in this illustration.

They can be found in God’s Revelation,
In chapter fourteen of much familiarization.
An interesting study without limitation
Is the hundred forty four thousand for God’s glorification.
A profound responsibility rests upon this population,
To be to the world a perfect representation,
To give God’s true character reconciliation,
And to the people of the earth this realization.

So let’s put to an end all procrastination,
For near is the end of our probation.
Short is the time of our liberation,
And nearer and nearer is the great tribulation.
The rapidity of the last movements is beyond imagination,
As the upswing begins its intensification.

Know and understand the interpretation.
Study to know without any cessation.
This age we are in is the last generation,
So come to the Lord in deep humiliation.
Be always ready for the great translation,
On the day of heaven’s glad celebration,
Where we shall spend the thousand year vacation.


This is the the amazing summary of the great controversy.