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I wonder if it might be well to take a Sabbath break and to enjoy the blessings of Sabbath fellowship?

Memory Text: Acts 4:20 New International Version As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Sunday – Unlikely Witnesses Mark 5:15-20 New Century Version 15 They came to Jesus and saw the man who used to have the many evil spirits, sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. And they were frightened. 16 The people who saw this told the others what had happened to the man who had the demons living in him, and they told about the pigs. 17 Then the people began to beg Jesus to leave their area. 18 As Jesus was getting back into the boat, the man who was freed from the demons begged to go with him. 19 But Jesus would not let him. He said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” 20 So the man left and began to tell the people in the Ten Towns about what Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed. Monday – Proclaiming the Risen Christ Mark 16:1-11 Christian Standard Bible When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they could go and anoint him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 Looking up, they noticed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away. 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side; they were alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they put him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there just as he told you.’” 8 They went out and ran from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid. 9 Early on the first day of the week, after he had risen, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who had been with him, as they were mourning and weeping. 11 Yet, when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe it. Tuesday – Changed Living Make a Difference Acts 4:13 Modern English Version When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were illiterate and uneducated men, they marveled. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:1-20 Common English Bible While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees confronted them. 2 They were incensed that the apostles were teaching the people and announcing that the resurrection of the dead was happening because of Jesus. 3 They seized Peter and John and put them in prison until the next day. (It was already evening.) 4 Many who heard the word became believers, and their number grew to about five thousand. 5 The next day the leaders, elders, and legal experts gathered in Jerusalem, 6 along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others from the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and asked, “By what power or in what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, answered, “Leaders of the people and elders, 9 are we being examined today because something good was done for a sick person, a good deed that healed him? 10 If so, then you and all the people of Israel need to know that this man stands healthy before you because of the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! 12 Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved.” 13 The council was caught by surprise by the confidence with which Peter and John spoke. After all, they understood that these apostles were uneducated and inexperienced. They also recognized that they had been followers of Jesus. 14 However, since the healed man was standing with Peter and John before their own eyes, they had no rebuttal. 15 After ordering them to wait outside, the council members began to confer with each other. 16 “What should we do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem is aware of the sign performed through them. It’s obvious to everyone and we can’t deny it. 17 To keep it from spreading further among the people, we need to warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.” 18 When they called Peter and John back, they demanded that they stop all speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus. 19 Peter and John responded, “It’s up to you to determine whether it’s right before God to obey you rather than God. 20 As for us, we can’t stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20 PEOPLE’S NEW TESTMENT COMMENTARY They had a Divine message, and must tell it. Wednesday – Sharing Our Experience 1 John 1:1-3 New International Reader’s Version Here is what we announce to everyone about the Word of life. The Word was already here from the beginning. We have heard him. We have seen him with our eyes. We have looked at him. Our hands have touched him. 2 This life has appeared. We have seen him. We are witnesses about him. And we announce to you this same eternal life. He was already with the Father. He has appeared to us. 3 We announce to you what we have seen and heard. We do it so you can share life together with us. And we share life with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:20 Holman Christian Standard Bible and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Thursday – The Power of a Personal Testimony Acts 26:1-32 Modern English Version Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that today I shall make my defense before you against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 especially because you are an expert in all customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to patiently listen to me.4 “My manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning in my own nation and at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews. 5 They knew me from the beginning and could testify, if they wished, how according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand on trial for hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God day and night. Concerning this hope, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why is it judged incredible by you that God raises the dead? 9 “I, too, thought that I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth, 10 which I indeed did in Jerusalem and locked up many of the saints in prison by authority from the chief priests. And when they were killed, I cast my vote against them. 11 I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme. And being extremely enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 12 “So I went to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests. 13 At midday, O King, I saw along the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 “I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ “He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of what you have seen and of what I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from your people and from the Gentiles to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ 19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those at Damascus, then at Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do works proving their repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22 Therefore having obtained help from God, I continue to this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen: 23 that the Christ must suffer, that He would be the first who would rise from the dead, and would announce light to His own people and to the Gentiles.” 24 So as he made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are mad. Much learning is turning you to madness.” 25 Paul said, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus. I speak the words of truth and reason. 26 The king, before whom I also speak freely, knows about these things. For I am persuaded that none of this is hidden from him, for this was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to be a Christian.” 29 Paul said, “I pray to God that not only you, but all who hear me this day, might become not only almost, but thoroughly and altogether, what I am, except for these chains.” 30 When he had said this, the king rose, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them. 31 When they had gone aside, they said to one another, “This man is doing nothing deserving death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Acts 26:12-18 New Living Translation 12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.” 15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ Acts 26:26-28 Christian Standard Bible 26 For the king knows about these matters, and I can speak boldly to him. For I am convinced that none of these things has escaped his notice, since this was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.” 28 Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?” Acts 26:27 COMMENTARY BY ALBERT BARNES Paul lost no opportunity of pressing the truth on every class of men. He had such a conviction of the truth of Christianity, that he was deterred by no rank, station, or office; by no fear of the rich, the great and the learned; but everywhere urged the evidence of that religion as indisputable. In this lay the secret of no small part of his success. A man who really believes the truth, will be ready to defend it. A man who truly loves religion, will not be ashamed of it anywhere.

Thats a Stan quote!

Exactly

... if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (1 Cor. 15:14)

I understand this (& I could be wrong) to mean that not only did Christ have to die - He also had to rise from the dead. Without the Resurrection any preaching pertaining to Jesus is vain and the faith anyone would have in Jesus would also be vain. Jesus coming into the world, what He did prior to His Death and what happened after His Resurrection was all according to Prophecy - it all had to happen.

What I thought would be a relatively simple task to list the gods of the surrounding nation of Israel and Judah was much more complicated than I thought! But it seemed an understanding of them and the common belief concerning gods would help to understand why Israel and Judah "went off the tracks" so much. So, as I am reading thru the Bible again, this time with an archeological study bible (The Chronological NKJV Study Bible by Nelsen Publishers < https://www.amazon.com/Chronological-Study-Bible-James-Version/dp/0718020685/ref=sr_1_1 > ), I have been compiling this list along with weblinks to many of the gods. Pantheon of Gods: different cultures had groups of gods known as a pantheon of gods. Moloch was more of a title than a name, and as will be seen, was a variation on the Hebrew word for "King". "Baal" is also a title meaning "Master". The term "Baal" can rightly be used by a woman as a name for a husband. So, you have to look closer to see what the actual name of a god might be and not just his titles."Baal Hammon*" is one such god with the title and the name. The Scriptures will even use the term "Baals" for groups of gods. "So it was, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel again played the harlot with the Baals, and made Baal-Berith their god." Judges 8:33 Phoenicia: El (head of the Pantheon) < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_(deity) >, Molech (Milcom), Baalat* (* - Not found in Scripture) (Baalat equivalent to Ishtar*, Innis*, Isis*) Ba‘alat Gebal*, 'Lady of Byblos', was the goddess of the city of Byblos, Phoenicia in ancient times. She was sometimes known to the Greeks as Baaltis or Atargatis. Ba‘alat Gebal was generally identified with the pan-Semitic goddess "Ashtart* (Astarte*) and, like ‘Ashtart, equated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite. < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baʽalat_Gebal > (This link may not open correctly, check the spelling in the address bar or paste it in), Adonis Minor gods: Reshef* (fire/lightening), Dagon (wheat), Shadrapa* (snakes/healing), Chusor* (iron) Sydek* (justice), Misor* (righteousness) Reshef: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resheph Dagon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagon Shadrapa: https://www.reddit.com/r/Semitic_Paganism/comments/hbhmya/shadrapa/ (Could this god be a forerunner of the medical caduceus < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus_as_a_symbol_of_medicine >, and could the serpent in the desert made by Moses be the inspiration for Shadrapa?!) Chusor: https://www.ancient.eu/Phoenician_Religion/ Sydek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydyk Misor: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misor Phoenician Cities Tyre: Marqart*, Baal Baal, god worshipped in many ancient Middle Eastern communities, especially among the Canaanites, who apparently considered him a fertility deity and one of the most important gods in the pantheon. As a Semitic common noun baal (Hebrew baʿal) meant “owner” or “lord,” < https://www.britannica.com/topic/Baal-ancient-deity > Sidon: Ashtoreth (2 Kings 23:13), Baal, Eshmun* Then the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, which were on the south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the people of Ammon. 2 Kings 23:13 Byblos: El Assyria: Asshur* Genesis 10:10-12 (Asshur was the father of the Assyrians and the country was named after him. He was regarded as "the great god, king of all the gods." It was Asshur who gave power and life to every priestly king, and this was his symbol. A winged circle or globe with the human figure of a warrior god armed with a bow in its center.)< https://www.bible-history.com/sketches/ancient/assyrian-symbol-asshur.html >, (Biblical texts regarding Asshur are regarding Asshur, son of Shem.) Tammuz < https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tammuz-Mesopotamian-god > Babylon: Marduk*, Tammuz, Succoth Benoth* (Succoth-benoth or Succoth Benoth was a Babylonian deity, one of the deities brought to the former kingdom of Samaria by the men of Israel after the exile of Canaan by Assyria. After resettling large numbers of Canaan's population "in Halah, in Gozan, on the Habor River and in towns of the Medes", the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath and Sepharvaim" and settled them in Canaan.), Tammuz, So He brought me to the door of the north gate of the Lord’s house; and to my dismay, women were sitting there weeping for Tammuz. Ezekiel 8:14 30 The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, the men of Cuth made Nergal, the men of Hamath made Ashima, 31 and the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 2 Kings 17:30-31 Cuth: Nergal Hamath: Ashima Avites: Nibhaz, Tartak Sepharvites: Adrammalech, Anammelech Nabonidus: Sin* (moon god) < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin_(mythology) >, omen deitites Shamash*, Adad* (Nabonidus was the last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, reigning from 556–539 BC. He seized power in a coup, toppling King Labashi-Marduk. He also angered the priests and commoners of Babylon by neglecting the city’s chief god, Marduk, and elevating the moon god, Sin, to the highest status. Nabonidus left the capital for ten years to build and restore temples – mostly to Sin – leaving his son, Belshazzar, in charge. While leading excavations for the restoration effort, he initiated the world’s first known archaeological work.) Syria-Palestine: Mot* (Mot was the ancient Canaanite god of death and the Underworld. He was worshipped by the people of Ugarit, by the Phoenicians, and also by the Hebrews of the Old Testament. The main source of information about his role in Canaanite mythology comes from the texts discovered at Ugarit, but he is also mentioned in the surviving fragments of Philo of Byblos's Greek translation of the writings of the Phoenician Sanchuniathon and also in various books of the Old Testament.) < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mot_(god) >) vs Baal, Yareah (moon god), Shemesh (sun god) And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel. 2 Kings 23:4 (Hosts of heaven were the pantheons of the gods) Judah: Nehushtan (Bronze serpent of Moses that Josiah destroyed) 2 Kings 18:4 Josiah reformed Judah's cultic worship and pagan images. This included the Temple Pantheon of Judah. Josiah destroyed the high places (temples, shrines) built by Solomon over 300 years earlier. Ashteroth, Chemosh, and Milcom had high places built for them. Then the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, which were on the south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the people of Ammon. 2 Kings 23:13 Sumerian: Utu*, Nihurtz* Ugarit (land of Ararat, Urartu by the Assyrians) El* (chief god), Anath*, Aqhat*, Baal See the legend of Aqhat: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Aqhat-Epic Israel: Molach (children sent thru the fire) Amonnites: Moloch (also Molech, Mollok, Milcom, or Malcam) Moloch is the biblical name of a Canaanite god associated with child sacrifice, through fire or war. The name Moloch results from a dysphemic vocalisation in the Second Temple period of a theonym based on the root mlk, "king". There are a number of Canaanite gods with names based on this root, which became summarily associated with Moloch, including biblical Malkam "Great King", which appears to refer to a god of the Ammonites, as well as Tyrian Melqart and others. Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. Acts 7:43 (There is an interesting discussion suggesting the star of Remphan became the Star of David. The star of david is neither mentioned in Scripture or said to be a recognized symbol in Judaism before the 1600s. The symbol connected to Judaism prior to then was a seven branched candlestick.) But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. Amos 5:26 Moabites: Chemosh (Solomon's wife (Moab) set up an alter to Chemosh which lasted over 300 years until Josiah had it torn down.) Edomites: Quas (Qos)*, Canaanites: goddess Ashterah, Baal, Hadad* (storm god). There are people named Hadad in the Old Testament, but no gods with that name. < https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hadad > Egypt: Re*, Osiris*, Aten* (removed with chisels during the reign of Josiah) Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before his ancients gloriously. Isaiah 24:23 Would this confounding and shaming be because of the gods associated with the sun and moon? [This is an unfinished document!]

Promise My covenant will I not break Psalm 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Promise lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him Psalm 89:33 Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. Happy Sabbath

I am ready to toss out all my other books on Revelation. This latest release from Dr. Tonstad is the easiest yet that explains that the book of Revelation is just that- a revelation of the character of God that sets the record straight

July 2020 Signs of the Times Email Newsletter The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues of Signs and These Times. *************************** I was invited one time to give an address to a class of kindergarten students who were graduating into first grade. That was an ominous honor. They all came marching in, wearing their little homemade gowns and cardboard mortarboards with the tassels hanging down, and I was supposed to try to say something appropriate! I had decided that I would have to try to involve them in the address or I would never be able to keep their attention, so I had a problem for them to solve. The problem was this: “Let’s pretend that in my left hand I have a note for a million dollars, to be payable when you are 21 years old. And in my right hand, I have a dollar that you can have right now. Which would you choose?” I could see the lollipops and ice cream bars and bubble gum going by in their minds. So I tried to appeal to them, on the basis of their vast education and the fact that they were now graduates, to give careful consideration to this knotty problem. I was afraid of what they were going to decide, so I held them off as long as possible. But when I finally asked for their answer, every one of them chose the same thing. The dollar! And I could tell by their pleased expressions that they knew I would be impressed with their careful thinking! Did that problem end at Kiddie Kampus? No, the whole world is hooked on the same thing. We’ve been called the “Now Generation.” And until we realize the need for something beyond just the here and now, we will continue to make the same choice these graduates did.—By Morris Venden, Signs of the Times, September 1984. Quote: “I would think it a greater happiness to win one soul for Christ than to gain mountains of gold and silver for myself.”—By Matthew Henry, Signs of the Times. *************************** Don't miss the August 2020 issue of Signs of the Times: To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or ONLINE! *************************** When Robert Louis Stevenson was a boy, he sat by his window at dusk one evening quietly watching the lamplighter as he walked by his home touching a flame to the gas lights in the street. His mother, concerned over the long period of silence, asked young Robert what he was doing. He replied, “I am watching the man punch holes in the dark.” By analogy, that’s what happens when we consent for Jesus, who in the beginning said, “Let there be light,” to shine out through our miraculously transformed lives into the moral darkness of today’s crime-ridden world.—By T. R. Torkelson, Signs of the Times, May 1975. Quote: “I put not hand to anything until I have steeped my inmost soul in prayer.”—By Michelangelo, Signs of the Times, July 16, 1929. *************************** NEW from Pacific Press—Understanding Daniel and Revelation by Mark Finley. A chapter-by-chapter commentary to the Bible book of Daniel and Revelation shows the hand of God in history—and reveals God’s plan for the future. Order ONLINE or from your local Adventist Book Center--1-800-765-6955. *************************** The Pharisees asked of Him, "Who is this?" Matt. 21: 10. The answer of some was, "This is Joseph's son." They gave Him no more authority than the earthly son of Joseph. But Adam will tell you, "He is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent's head." Ask Abraham, he will tell you, "He is 'Melchizedek, King of Salem,’ King of Peace." Jacob will tell you, "He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah." Isaiah will tell you, "'Immanuel,’ ‘Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.'" Jeremiah will tell you, "The Branch of David, the Lord our Righteousness." Daniel will tell you, "He is the Messiah." Hosea will tell you, "He is 'the Lord God of hosts; the Lord is His memorial.'" John the Baptist will tell you, "He is 'the Lamb of God. which taketh away the sin of the world.'" The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, "This is My beloved Son." That is the Saviour that is coming again. He is the One that says to you and me in the language of the text: "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." I want Him to come. I like to think of His coming. He is not coming to destroy, He is not coming to make men miserable, He is not coming to make hard times. He is coming to put an end to all the strife and degradation and misery and sin; He is coming to take us to those mansions He has gone to prepare for those who love Him. He is coming to take you and me, if we are ready, to spend an eternity with Him.—By Morris Lukens, The Watchman Magazine, November 1922. Quote: “Perseverance can sometimes equal genius in its results.”—By J. C. Fields, Signs of the Times, February 1, 1899. *************************** Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: People need Jesus in these momentous times. Thousands have found that sharing Him is as easy as sending a subscription to Signs of the Times®. The fresh and exciting articles open hearts and bring renewal. Get started by ordering a subscription from your Adventist Book Center. Call: 1-800-765-6955 or go online: https://adventistbookcenter.com/signs-of-the-times-magazine.html *************************** One of the greatest missionaries of the nineteenth century was Adoniram Judson. He and his wife spent most of their lives in Burma, where he mastered the language and translated the Bible into Burmese. He trained pastors, planted churches, entered new territories, and conducted evangelistic meetings. His life was consumed with sharing the Christ he loved with the Burmese people. At one point, he was imprisoned and tortured for his faith. His wife’s witness and courageous defense of the truth during his imprisonment is legendary. On one occasion, the local newspaper wrote a favorable article about him, likening him to a biblical apostle. When his wife told him about the report, he replied “I do not want to be like Paul or any mere man. I want to be like Christ. I want to follow Him only, copy His teachings, drink in His Spirit, and place my feet in His footprints. Oh, to be more like Christ!” The power of evangelism is the power of the living Christ working through the living witness to change lives.—By Mark Finley, from Making Friends for God. Quote: “I will never break off from Thee, either now or through eternity!”—By Martin Luther in prayer just before entering the Diet of Worms, Signs of the Times, November 21, 1911. *************************** Signs of the Times has prepared a special issue regarding COVID 19. Read it FREE online, and share with your friends: English: https://www.pacificpress.com/covid Spanish: https://www.pacificpress.com/covid19 *************************** A crazy man once entered a crowded church, and grasping two pillars of the gallery cried, "I will pull these down and destroy you as Samson did the Philistine lords!" A panic was imminent, when the minister, quietly waving his hand, said, "Let him try." He did try, and that was the end of the panic. Infidelity lays hold of the pillars of our temple—the Bible, the deity of Christ, and the like. Skeptics say, "We will pull them down." Let them try! Many have tried, but our temple stands.—From Sunday School Times, Signs of the Times, February 22, 1938. Quote: “We are saved by a Person, and only by a Person, and only by one Person!”—By William McDowell, These Times, October 1969. *************************** God’s Last Message—a new Pocket Signs sharing the three angels’ messages of Revelation. Great to share with your friends. Order ONLINE! *************************** Once while standing with some friends, I took out my purse and handed it to one of them. I said, “Have you received that purse?” “Yes.” “How much is it worth to you?” “I do not know.” “Suppose you place a value on it.” He said, “Fifty cents.” I then took the purse and opening it took out a twenty-dollar gold coin and several bills of large denomination. Now, I said, this is the way some people receive Christ. They have no idea what He is worth.—By Meade MacGuire, Signs of the Times, June 15, 1926. Quote: “The people must be made to understand that the Ten Commandments are still binding, and that there is a penalty attached to their violation.”—By Dwight L. Moody, Signs of the Times, October 19, 1954. *************************** Looking for a good Adventist eBook? Visit www.AdventisteBooks.com for the largest selection of Adventist eBooks. *************************** In 1895 there were only two cars in Ohio. Guess what happened? You’re right. They collided! It’s the natural order of things. Anytime you have two cars, each free to go its way without regard for the other you can count on a collision.—By Roland R. Hegstad, Signs of the Times, October, 1973. “Love is the brightest star in the Christian firmament.”—By Charles G. Bellah, Signs of the Times, July 9, 1929. *************************** Truth Matters is a series of magazines prepared by Signs of the Times for use in outreach and evangelism. There are many topics to choose from. See the collection online by CLICKING HERE! *************************** It is recorded that Frederick the Great of Prussia was once ridiculing Christ and Christianity in the presence of a gathering of his nobles and generals, who were convulsed with laughter at his coarse and impious witticisms. There was one brave general, however, who sat gloomily silent while the laugh went around. This was Joachim Von Zietan, one of the ablest and bravest of them all. Unable longer to endure it, he “dares” something for His Master, whom he loves even more than he loves his king. See him! With the utmost gravity, he rises from his seat, shakes his gray head, and addressing the king, said in a solemn tone: “Your Majesty knows well that in war I have never feared any danger, and everywhere I have boldly risked my life for you and my country, but there is One above us who is greater than you and I—greater than all men; He is the Saviour and Redeemer, who has died also for your Majesty, and has dearly bought us all with His own blood. This Holy One I can never allow to be mocked or insulted; for on Him repose my faith, my comfort, and my hope in life and death. In undermining the power of this faith, you undermine at the same time the welfare of your State. I salute you Majesty.” The brave old general sat down. Frederick looked at him in amazement and unconcealed admiration, and then and there apologized in the presence of those whom he had entertained with his vulgar jests.—Anonymous, Signs of the Times, February 26, 1902. Quote: “It is strange that in our praying we seldom ask for a change of character but always a change in circumstances.”—By Virginia Ely, These Times, November 1965. *************************** The Letters I Have Not Sent I have written them,—keen, and sarcastic, and long, With righteously wrathful intent, Not a stroke undeserved nor a censure too strong: And some, alas! some of them went! I have written them, challenging, eager to fight, All hot with a merited ire; And some of them chanced to be kept overnight. And mailed, the next day,—in the fire! Ah, blessed the letters that happily go On errands of kindliness bent; But much of my peace and my fortune I owe To the letters I never have sent.—From Arrow, The Youth’s Instructor, January 14, 1908. *************************** Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others.

Promise Mercy shall be built up for ever Psalm 89:2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.

Always enjoy coming in here to see the news of all these good, gentle people. My favorite quote in 20 years: "Courage"

Promise Glorify Thy name Psalm 86:9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Enjoy: Sorry, I do not know the actual source.

Not sure why anyone believes it's a SDA conspiracy?? This was not an SDA teaching to begin with!! Every single reformer believed and preached this!! We as a church just confirmed what they believed!!

I have some thoughts that come to my mind but not sure that I'm on the same wavelink as you are, and especially the part about the church being taken away from the leaders. I have to say, though, that I'm surprised that only phkrause has made an attempt so far to comment on what you brought up. Regarding the church "heading in a different direction than what the leadership would have us believe" -- are you talking about how it seems to be the "in" thing now to not present the 3 Angels Message because we don't want to offend anybody? And is the leadership making it sound like we're still "fulfilling our mission"? I don't know about that part. You mean like Ted Wilson? What about Sister White's well-known quote about the church appearing as though it is going to fall, but it won't? The argument among many is "what is the church?" Some say it's where God's people are, whether it's in a home church or whatever. But if that is the case, what exactly is it that is going to appear to fall but won't? Are the majority of members getting "meat in due season" from their shepherds? I know a number of people in my church who do not feel they are. After 3 Sabbaths of our church meeting with "recommended wearing masks", last Sabbath they made it a requirement. I am not going to wear a mask at church and chose rather to join a group of people who had Kenny Shelton for a guest speaker. I talked to him in person and he said a person should not stay in their church if they don't feel they are being spiritually fed. He feels very strongly that we should be giving the straight message and especially during this time RIGHT NOW! I don't think I've really addressed your OP. How would you explain your quote from 5T with her quote about the church not falling? I honestly am not knowing what to think these days. I know that I don't think as deep as you, but I truly am interested and enjoy discussing things (or trying to).

It is heating up behind the scenes... Trump Tops Iran's List Of U.S. Officials Wanted In Killing Of Top General In January The government of Iran has issued an arrest warrant and has also requested assistance from Interpol in detaining President Trump as well as other U.S. military and political leaders in the killing of a prominent Iranian military commander this year. https://www.npr.org/2020/06/29/884831726/trump-tops-irans-list-of-u-s-officials-wanted-for-killing-top-general-in-january

Promise Thou hast covered all their sin Psalm 85:2 Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.

That would depend upon one being able to prove that said "conspiracies" are indeed taking place by official Adventist sources. And a few other things. Your post has echoes of the conciliarist heresy of Pierre d’Ailly and Gerson, and "the learning church." The Bible is clear, that "the whole world wondered after the beast." This is not "an Adventist conspiracy theory." No matter how much one does not like it. Seems to me people talked exactly like this when they were asking "how will such a big entity as The USSR ever be taught the gospel?" The entire structure came tumbling down like dominoes, and seemingly over night. I wont get into who was behind that just now, as I doubt most would be accepting of it, people prefer media fodder to reality, but history records those movements as just what prophecy predicted. There is no reason to suppose it will be otherwise when "the whole world" does all that "wondering" after that "beast."

Promise All shall bow down before Him Psalm 72:11 Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

10 Animals Removed From The Endangered Species List On June 28, 2007, the Bald Eagle was removed from the list of threatened species after being under federal protection since 1940. Here are 10 other amazing animals that have been removed from the endangered species list... Panda Bear In 2016, the giant panda bear — long the symbol of wildlife conservation, via the World Wildlife Fund — was officially bumped off the endangered list, as the population of giant pandas living in the wild jumped to just over 1,800. Yellowstone Grizzly Bears In a controversial move, the Yellowstone grizzly lost its endangered classification in 2017, as the bears now number in the 700s. Activists worry that the loss of the protections afforded to the grizzly under the Endangered Species Act put it once again at risk of dwindling in numbers (there were fewer than 200 of the bears in the mid-20th century). Gray Wolf Gray wolves almost went extinct in the lower 48 states due to hunting. However, they were placed under protection in the 1960s after they disappeared from all areas of the country except a part of Michigan and Minnesota. They were reintroduced into Idaho and Yellowstone National Park, and recovering populations exist throughout the west. Snow Leopards In 2017, the snow leopard was upgraded from the endangered list, where it was placed in 1972, to vulnerable, although animals in this category still face a high risk of going extinct in the wild. Estimates by the Snow Leopard Trust are that there are fewer than 100 in the wild, and the population could be 40. The beautiful white cat with black spots lives in subalpine and alpine regions where it blends in with the snow. Southern White Rhinoceros The Southern white rhino is known for its square lip and neared extinction because of poaching of the animal’s horn. It is now listed as near-threatened due to poaching and habitat loss and is found in Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The last of the northern white rhinos died in 2018 after a valiant attempt to save them. Chatham Petrel There are only about 2,000 of these Pacific seabirds left in the wild, but their numbers have improved enough that they were lowered from the endangered list to vulnerable. This interesting bird, which lives in a burrow and lays only one egg, is endemic to New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. Conservation efforts in New Zealand, including protection from predators, have been successful in improving the breeding of these interesting sea birds. Arabian Oryx In 1972, the last wild Arabian oryx was shot and killed in Oman. Native to the steppe and desert areas of the Arabian Peninsula, a massive effort was undertaken to breed captive animals and reintroduce them into the wild. This horned antelope with a distinctive shoulder bump is the first to have been returned to vulnerable status from its previous classification as extinct in the wild. Gray Whale Gray whales that live in the Western North Pacific were once thought to be extinct, while those who live in the Eastern North Pacific are doing well. It is believed that around 130 of the Western gray whales along the Western North Pacific are in existence, which makes this group still critically endangered. The Eastern gray whales are believed to have recovered so well they are at near capacity. Steller Sea Lion The Steller sea lion is currently listed as near-threatened and is the largest of the eared seals, attaining lengths of eleven feet and weighing more than a ton. They range from California coastal waters to the coast of Japan. Although severe overfishing caused a steep decline in their numbers, the population has increased, and they were removed in 2013 from the endangered list. Northern Brown Kiwi The flightless northern brown Kiwi with its spiky feathers may be odd-looking, but it deserves love too. These small omnivores live only in New Zealand on the North Island. The Northern brown and rowi, two species that represent the national bird of New Zealand, have been upgraded to vulnerable because of dedicated conservation efforts.

Promise Comfort me on every side Psalm 71:21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

Memory Text: 1 Timothy 2:3-4 New Life Version 3 It is good when you pray like this. It pleases God Who is the One Who saves. 4 He wants all people to be saved from the punishment of sin. He wants them to come to know the truth. Sunday – Providing Opportunities for Salvation Luke 19:10 GOD’S WORD Translation Indeed, the Son of Man has come to seek and to save people who are lost. Luke 19:10 SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY Jesus came to restore not only man but also all that had been lost by man’s sin. The world itself will be brought once again to Edenic beauty, inhabited by a sinless race, and all “that which was lost” will be restored in “the times of restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21). James 5:19-20 New Century Version 19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you wanders away from the truth, and someone helps that person come back, 20 remember this: Anyone who brings a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner’s soul from death and will cause many sins to be forgiven. Monday – Making Jesus Glad Luke 15:6-7 New Living Translation 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7 COMMENTARY BY ALBERT BARNES It is a principle of human nature that the recovery of an object in danger of being lost, affords much more intense joy than the quiet possession of many that are safe. Luke 15:9-10 New English Translation 9 Then when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:22-24 New International Reader’s Version 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattest calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 This son of mine was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.’ So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:32 New International Version But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. Zephaniah 3:17 Easy-to-Read Version The Lord your God is with you. He is like a powerful soldier. He will save you. He will show how much he loves you and how happy he is with you. He will laugh and be happy about you, Tuesday – Growing by Giving John 7:37-38 Christian Standard Bible 37 On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38 The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.” Luke 6:38 Common English Bible Give, and it will be given to you. A good portion—packed down, firmly shaken, and overflowing—will fall into your lap. The portion you give will determine the portion you receive in return. Wednesday – Faithfulness to Christ’s Command 1 Timothy 2:3-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Peter 3:9 Contemporary English Version The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. Acts 13:47 New Living Translation For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’ Isaiah 49:6 English Standard Version he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thursday – Motivated by Love 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Easy-to-Read Version 14 The love of Christ controls us, because we know that one person died for everyone. So all have died. 15 He died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from death so that they would live for him. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 GOD’S WORD Translation 18 God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. 19 In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn’t hold people’s faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. 20 Therefore, we are Christ’s representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God. 2 Corinthians 5:18 SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY The idea of reconciliation to God implies that in the past God and man enjoyed a state of fellowship, that there now exists a state of separation (Rom. 8:7), that God has taken the initiative to terminate this state, and that it is therefore again possible for man to enjoy fellowship with God.

To my knowledge and cursory research on the subject. Uncle Tom was a fictional character from an 1852 novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe; so there is no "true story" about him.

In a town not far from where I used to live there have been so called "Black Lives Matter" protests/rallies. The one tid bit which mainstream media did not acknowledge is that during the whole sordid escapade, there were approximately 40 ANTIFA members who came up from California to organize the whole thing! Of course, this attracted lots of swat team and riot police. All of these so called anti-racist events are anything but! Do I smell a Marxist agenda here?

Your response wandered all over the place, so I have grouped some of your statements. Incredibly sad how you seek to trash anyone who disagrees with your narrative. This police officer became your latest victim. You seem upset that the subject of "systemic racism" was deemed a myth. Well check out the video on "systemic racism" in police departments. You will note that the Atlanta, Georgia police department is majority Black. That is a lot of police to be out there being photoshopped so they can be accepted by those "Whites" in power. Oh wait! The Atlanta mayor usually seems to be Black! Systemic racism in the police departments https://www.facebook.com/BobbyEberle13/videos/310881923258142 We continually hear this narrative that blacks are killed by white police officers as part of "systemic racism." The two guys to follow will seriously take that argument and show how wrong it is. White Lives Matter, Black Lives Matters Exposed https://www.facebook.com/thehodgetwins/videos/676224299590951 The following video will be explaining why defunding police departments will be the worst thing to happen for black communities. Best Case https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=583931005859282 You can see the difference in groups of people and how they treat the police. These are the same police that stand between the citizens and thugs. When the police are gone, who ya gonna call? Trump voters versus Dems https://www.facebook.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/videos/2701294606859231 Unfortunately, these white people who never owned a slave feel they have to apologize for something they never had a part of to people who were never slaves and media is eating it up. One black man is very upset regarding this to the point of tears. Regarding making white people kneel before black people https://www.facebook.com/DavidJHarrisJr/videos/254547745620237O Oh, by the way, Derek Chauvin, the cop who killed George Floyd: He was a registered Democrat, working for a Democrat police chief, in a Democrat controlled city, in a Democrat controlled state, voted into office by Democrat voters, and protected by a Democrat controlled union. He had 18 complaints against him and was let off multiple times by a Democrat prosecutor and now Democrat Senator and failed Democrat presidential candidate Amy Klobuchar. But somehow this is all Trump's fault?! Here you demonstrate a great ignorance of the health care system that is quite astounding. A surgeon cannot just operate on someone, especially neurosurgery, in their garage with no assistance! It takes extraordinary medical equipment and extensive teams of other health care personnel to do the work he did. And a "flunky" surgeon? You amaze me at how you will try to destroy someone who doesn't follow your narrative. Dr Carson has done surgeries that are astounding. After retirement, Dr Carson attracted the attention of the voting public enough to have even been a presidential candidate himself. I recall the words of Sister White how God's chosen will be put into positions of power. She also writes much on those who criticize those who have been called by God to step into such positions. I cannot say for sure that is the situation with Dr. Carson, but I would not want to be in a position of having to answer to God for why I did try to trash His chosen ones if He had actually done so. As far as President Trump, two Black women are huge fans of President Trump and I happen to have been a long time fan of Diamond and Silk! You will probably choke watching them, but you will notice that none of the speakers in this post are White. They are all Black, probably part of that nearly 40% of Blacks who now support Donald Trump! Diamond & Silk: Trump is not a racist; he's a realist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK7aauzXsIg Diamnd & Silk love their president https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4XQCoDs5yc You cannot get cruder and ruder than a string of pejorative adjectives to describe another person. That is also hatred. Show me where I have hated anyone. Probably won't happen just like you haven't showed me where I quoted the President making negative remarks about Black people. However, today, is my lucky day. I have been put into the same sentence as the president and Ben Carson! I have no respect for revisionist historians and a lot of respect for historians that can tell history as it was. OMG! You remind me of my ex-wife. The one who keeps a list of things to sling at someone even years after they said it with a twist to what was said! Quite frankly, I am aware that there is a serious discussion of the validity of the stone. If it were not for other very interesting things that occurred in New Mexico and possibly the Jewish community I would have been a bit skeptical myself. But I will leave those stories untold as to not have them attacked also. I did spend a significant part of my life in the American Southwest and with the Jewish community so I did have the chance to learn many interesting things. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Lunas_Decalogue_Stone As said, slinging pejorative adjectives at those you hate is not going higher. Many years ago (high school) I read a book called "Mandingo." It covered generations of slaves in the Antebellum South. There was a situation in the plantations where there were the "field blacks" and the "house blacks." Seems the house blacks lorded it over the field blacks. Unfortunately, many now compare those plantations to the Democratic party and compare the likes of Jackson, Sharpton, and others to the house blacks and the rest of the black population to the field blacks. And the field blacks are expected to vote Democrat. How dare they go against the "leadership" of such as Jackson and Sharpton! It really is time for you to get off the Democratic plantation. Unfiltered: 'The democratic plantation really is worse than the plantation I grew up on.' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTcViL8Udo0I I realize that many of the videos in this post will probably trigger you, but if you are an intellectual historian, you will at least be able to view them for how those people see life and politics. Here is another "photoshopped" picture for you!

Promise Thou shalt be hid Job 5:21 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

The fact that she did not reveal the name of the patient does not protect that nurse from a major HIPPA violation: * She appears to have accessed the clinical record for a purpose that itself was in violation of HIPPA. Under HIPPA, one who has access to patient records can not access such a record unless for a purpose associated with the care of that patient. * She appears to have, in violation of HIPPA, disclosed confidential information related to the care of that patient without getting the permission of the patient to do so. As I have stated: I got caught doing such once. I was a clinician who had valid access to the clinical records of that patient. I was providing clinical care to that patient and therefore could access the clinical records. But, on one occasion I accessed the clinical records with the intent to disclose general (not specific) information to another person not involved in the clinical care of that patient, which I did disclose. The result of that prohibited disclosure was that the life of the patient was saved and he did not die. * I was educated on the provisions of HIPPA. * The patient signed a legal document stating that he had been informed of my violation of HIPPA and he did not wish to press for charges against me and that he was glad that I did make the unauthorized disclosure. HIPPA is very serious. What the nurse appears to have done,, under HIPPA, is not excused by the fact that the nurse may not have revealed the name of the patient. NOTE: I do not have the full information on this case. I can only say that it looks to me like she violated HIPPA. Perhaps there is some information not known to me that would show that she did not violate HIPPA.

Promise Nations shall worship before Thee Psalm 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord : and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

Promise He is at my right hand Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

STINSONMARRI to have a knowing relationship is to have constant communication ==== if a person does not have that you are just causal friends=====causal friends do not have a personal or constant communication dgrimm60

HEY ALL the main thing that we need to do is have a knowing relationship with GOD ==== when these things happen look up to heaven and Jesus==== dgrimm60

Memory Text: James 1:22 Contemporary English Version Obey God’s message! Don’t fool yourselves by just listening to it. Sunday – The Living Word of God and the Holy Spirit Philippians 2:12-16 Good News Translation 12 So then, dear friends, as you always obeyed me when I was with you, it is even more important that you obey me now while I am away from you. Keep on working with fear and trembling to complete your salvation, 13 because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to obey his own purpose. 14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, 16 as you offer them the message of life. If you do so, I shall have reason to be proud of you on the Day of Christ, because it will show that all my effort and work have not been wasted. Philippians 2:13 SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY God provides the stimulus that awakens our desire to be saved, that He enables us to make the decision to attain salvation, and that He supplies us with the energy to make the decision effective so that salvation is accomplished in our lives. Redemption is thus figured as a cooperative work between God and man, with God furnishing all the needful powers for man’s use. Deuteronomy 4:4 God’s WORD Translation But you were loyal to the Lord your God and are still alive today. Monday – Learning From Jesus Luke 4:4 Modern English Version Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ Luke 4:4 WILLIAM BURKITT’S NOTES though the devil abused scripture, yet Christ uses it... the scripture, or the written word of God, is the only sure weapon wherewith to vanquish Satan, and beat back all his fiery temptations. The scripture is God's armory, out of which all our weapons of war must be taken, for managing our conflict with sin and Satan. Luke 4:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible And Jesus answered him, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” Luke 4:10-12 Christian Standard Bible 10 For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you, 11 and they will support you with their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said: Do not test the Lord your God.” Tuesday – Jesus Versus Scripture? John 5:45-47 English Standard Version 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” John 5:45 SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY For the Jews the Law of Moses was the basis of religion, and indeed, of life as a whole. Now Jesus points His hearers to the startling fact that if they had rightly understood that Law, they would have seen Him revealed in it. Thus they stood condemned by their greatest prophet. Wednesday – Quiet Times With the Word of God Psalm 37:7 New Living Translation Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Psalm 46:10 New International Reader’s Version He says, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be honored among the nations. I will be honored in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY God Himself speaks these sublime words. The first clause of this verse has been paraphrased: “Hush! Cease your tumult and realize that I am God.” We talk too much and listen too little. We lack Christian poise and steadiness, because of our ceaseless busyness. Moses spent 40 years in the land of Midian (Acts 7:29, 30), Paul 3 years in the desert (Gal. 1:17, 18; AA 125–128), and Jesus 40 days in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1, 2), in preparation for the responsibilities of the divine call. Psalm 62:1-2, 5 New Century Version I find rest in God; only he can save me. 2 He is my rock and my salvation. He is my defender; I will not be defeated. 5 I find rest in God; only he gives me hope. Thursday – Memory and Song Psalm 119:11 Common English Bible I keep your word close, in my heart, so that I won’t sin against you. Ephesians 5:19 Easy-to-Read Version Encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 New Life Version Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom. Keep on teaching and helping each other. Sing the Songs of David and the church songs and the songs of heaven with hearts full of thanks to God. Colossians 3:16 COMMENTARY BY ALBERT BARNES It is true, in a more important sense, that he who is permitted to make the hymns of a church need care little who preaches, or who makes the creed. He will more effectually mould the sentiments of a church than they who preach or make creeds and confessions. Hence, it is indispensable, in order to the preservation of the truth, that the sacred songs of a church should be imbued with sound evangelical sentiment.

Promise I am thy shield Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Promise Soul shall be satisfied Psalm 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

Something to think about--hunger: NOTE: With thanks to Adventist Today:

Memory Text: 2 Peter 3:15-16 Contemporary English Version 15 Don’t forget that the Lord is patient because he wants people to be saved. This is also what our dear friend Paul said when he wrote you with the wisdom that God had given him. 16 Paul talks about these same things in all his letters, but part of what he says is hard to understand. Some ignorant and unsteady people even destroy themselves by twisting what he said. They do the same thing with other Scriptures too. Sunday – Possible Reasons for Apparent Contradictions 2 Timothy 2:10-15 Easy-to-Read Version 10 So I patiently accept all these troubles. I do this to help the people God has chosen so that they can have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. With this salvation comes glory that never ends. 11 Here is a true statement: If we died with him, we will also live with him. 12 If we remain faithful even in suffering, we will also rule with him. If we refuse to say we know him, he will refuse to say he knows us. 13 If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful, because he cannot be false to himself. 14 Keep on telling everyone these truths. And warn them before God not to argue about words. Such arguments don’t help anyone, and they ruin those who listen to them. 15 Do your best to be the kind of person God will accept, and give yourself to him. Be a worker who has no reason to be ashamed of his work, one who applies the true teaching in the right way. Monday – Deal With Difficulties Honestly and Carefully 1 Chronicles 29:17 Good News Translation I know that you test everyone's heart and are pleased with people of integrity. In honesty and sincerity I have willingly given all this to you, and I have seen how your people who are gathered here have been happy to bring offerings to you. Proverbs 2:7 Christian Standard Bible He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity 1 Timothy 4:16 Common English Bible Focus on working on your own development and on what you teach. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you. Tuesday – Deal With Difficulties Humbly James 4:6-10 New Century Version 6 But God gives us even more grace, as the Scripture says, “God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.” Proverbs 3:34 7 So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. 8 Come near to God, and God will come near to you. You sinners, clean sin out of your lives. You who are trying to follow God and the world at the same time, make your thinking pure. 9 Be sad, cry, and weep! Change your laughter into crying and your joy into sadness. 10 Humble yourself in the Lord’s presence, and he will honor you. 2 Chronicles 7:14 New Living Translation Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. Zephaniah 3:12 Modern English Version But I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people, and they will trust in the name of the Lord. Wednesday – Determination and Patience Galatians 6:9 The Living Bible And let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t get discouraged and give up. Thursday – Deal With Difficulties Scripturally and Prayerfully Acts 17:11 New English Translation These Jews were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures carefully every day to see if these things were so. Acts 8:35 New International Version Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. Acts 15:16 English Standard Version After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it. Friday – Further Thought Luke 23:43 New King James Version And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 SDA BIBLE COMMENTARY As originally written, the Greek was without punctuation, and the adverb sēmeron, “today,” stands between two clauses which read, literally, “truly to you I say” and “with me you will be in the paradise.” ..The only way of knowing which Christ meant is to discover scriptural answers to some other questions: (1) What is paradise? (2) Did Jesus go to paradise on the day of His crucifixion? (3) What did Jesus teach about the time when men would enter upon their reward in paradise? John 20:17 Modern English Version Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’ ” Ecclesiastes 9:5 Common English Bible because the living know that they will die. But the dead know nothing at all. There is no more reward for them; even the memory of them is lost. 1 Corinthians 15:16-20 Holman Christian Standard Bible 16 For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Therefore, those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Promise From Him cometh my salvation Psalm 62:1 Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

Promise Tread down our enemies Psalm 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.

Promise Thou hast been my defense Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.

There was another table that show somewhat different numbers and displayed them differently. Just the way statistics and their representations go!

Promise Send forth His mercy Psalm 57:3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

GREGORY we need to pray for the families of the ones that have died==== dgrimm60

We will be home before another 20 years elapses Doubting Thomas

STAN WOW 20 years===== time to get out the kazoos and confetti === Hip Hip Hurray dgrimm60

5 Facts You Didn't Know About The Movie Jaws_3 What's the first film to gross over $100 million at the box office? If you're good at trivia (or at reading titles), you probably know the answer is Jaws, which debuted at the box office on June 20, 1975. We decided to celebrate its anniversary with these five fascinating facts about the blockbuster film... The Shark Was Called Bruce The film’s director, Steven Spielberg, named the large mechanical shark Bruce after his attorney, Bruce Ramer, who represented a number of big Hollywood celebrities. The mechanical shark cost $250,000 to build, but Steven Spielberg wasn’t impressed. It didn’t function correctly, had teeth that didn’t look real, and a mouth didn’t close correctly. It sank the first day, ending up at the bottom of Nantucket Sound. It needed retrofitting and was high-maintenance, which is why viewers don’t see the shark until 1 hour and 21 minutes into the 2-hour film. Spielberg Thought the Musical Score Was a Joke The terrifying score for the movie kept viewers on the edge of their seats and was composed by John Williams, who has won five Academy Awards and 22 Grammys for his work. Spielberg acknowledges that the music was a large part of the success of the movie but was skeptical when he first heard it. He said when he heard it the first time, he laughed and thought it was a joke. But after listening to it several more times, it seemed right for the movie. The Original Director of the Movie Was Fired Dick Richards, who went on to direct Tootsie in the 1980s, was originally hired by the studio’s executives to direct Jaws. However, he ran into trouble when he kept referring to the shark as a whale instead, apparently not realizing the difference between a man-eating fish and a large mammal. The execs at the studio became irritated that he didn’t know the difference and that he was downplaying how terrifying an attack by a large shark would be on a beachside town, so he was removed as the director and replaced by Steven Spielberg. The Filming of Jaws Was Far Over Budget The budget to make Jaws was $3.5 million, but because of difficulties with the shark, script scenes that were written only the night before shooting, difficulties with casting and other problems, it ended up being closer to $9 million to produce. Instead of being shot in 55 days, it ended up taking 159 days to make the movie. They needn’t have worried because the reaction of moviegoers was phenomenal, and Jaws brought in more than $471 million worldwide. A Food Fight Helped Ease the Tension of Filming Filming the movie took 159 days, which was so long Spielberg thought his job as a director was over. Moreover, it wasn’t helped by all the problems with the mechanical shark, so everyone working on the set was tense. During a buffet dinner at Martha’s Vineyard, actor Roy Scheider threw a handful of mashed potatoes with gravy into the face of Spielberg, starting a food fight. Richard Dreyfuss hurled his dessert at Scheider, and the entire crew joined in, including the people who had been hired to serve. It ended with Spielberg, Scheider, and Dreyfuss jumping into the swimming pool to wash the mess off.

4) Focus on General Reading A fourth major safeguard to apocalyptic interpretation is to spend the majority of one’s study time reading the Bible rather than searching through a concordance. An obsession with the various details of the Bible can lead one away from its central thrust. Without safeguards the use of a concordance may […] The post Interpreting Biblical Apocalyptic (9): Safeguards for Apocalyptic Scholars III appeared first on Jon Paulien's Blog. View the full article