“An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” I Peter 1:4
“Our petitions to God should not proceed from hearts that filled with selfish aspirations. God exhorts us to choose those gifts that will redound to His glory. He would have us choose the heavenly instead of the earthly. He throws open before us the possibilities and advantages of a heavenly commerce. He gives encouragement to our loftiest aims, security to our choicest treasure. When the worldly possession is swept away, the believer will rejoice in his/her heavenly treasure, the riches that cannot be lost in any earthly disaster.
“How sad it is that mankind turn from the immortal inheritance, and live for the glorification of pride, for selfishness and display, and through submission to the rule of Satan, lose the blessing which they might have both in this life and in the life to come. They might enter into the palaces of heaven, and associate on terms of freedom and equality with Christ and heavenly angels, and with the princes of God, and yet, incredible as it may seem, they turn from heavenly attractions. . . .
“Satan is contending for the souls of men and women. . . . He would not have them catch a glimpse of the future honor, the eternal glories, laid up for those who shall be inhabitants of heaven, or have a taste of the experience that gives a foretaste of the happiness of heaven. . .
“Those who accept Christ as their Saviour have the promise of the life that now is, and that which is to come. . . . The lowliest disciple of Christ may become an inhabitant of heaven, an heir of God to an inheritance in incorruptible, that fadeth not away. O that every one might make choice of the heavenly gift, become an heir of God to that inheritance whose title is secure from any destroyer, world without end! O, choose not the world!
Sons and Daughters of God by Ellen White for June 30
Nothing could suit me more, than an inheritance. . . . undeserved. . .undefiled, incorruptible, and that does not fade away, that is reserved for all of us in Heaven, and to be there with you, that have the knowledge of good and evil.
For ages we will go to other planets, and try to explain why it took us so long to comprehend the LOVE, JOY and PEACE that comes when we find a TRUE FRIEND like JESUS. . . .and His friends are Our Friends, to live and explain FOREVER AND A DAY, why we choose, to accept His invitation to “come and eat at His table.”
Jesus walked this lonesome valley, trying to teach His Disciples a different way of living, giving, loving and He is true to each of us. . . .so we don’t want to walk away from Him, because HE first loved us, the day He made us. . . .just the way we are. He loves what He has created. And YOU are who He made YOU to be. . . . and we take HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, in knowing how to guide us HOW TO GET US TO HIS HOUSE. . .Amen?
Joseph’s choice led him to become a member of Pharaoh’s House in Egypt, and to save his family and help them during the time of famine.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatian’s 6:8
“Few temptations are more dangerous or more fatal to young men than to sensuality and none if yielded to will prove so decidedly ruinous to soul and body for time and eternity. The welfare of is entire future is suspended upon the decision of a moment. Joseph calmly casts his eyes to heaven for help, slips off his loose outer garment, leaving it in the hand of his tempter and while his eye is lighted with determined resolve in the place of unholy passion, he exclaims, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” The victory is gained; he flees from the enchanter; he is saved.
“Samson in his peril had the same source of strength as had Joseph. He could choose the right or the wrong as he pleased. But instead of taking hold of the strength of God, he permitted the wild passions of his nature to have full sway. The reasoning power were perverted, the morals corrupted. God had called Samson to a position of great responsibility, honor, and usefulness; but he must first learn to govern by first learning to obey the laws of God. . . . Samson, under . . . temptations, which he had brought upon himself, gave loose rein to passion. The path which he entered upon he found to end in shame, disaster, and death. What a contrast to the history of Joseph!
“Amidst the snares to which all are exposed, they need strong and trustworthy defenses on which to rely . . . . The shield of grace can preserve all unconquered influences. By firm principle, and unwavering trust in God, their virtue and nobleness of character can shine, and, although surrounded with evil, no taint need be left upon their virtue and integrity.”
Hanging Gardens of Babylon were considered one the Seven Ancient Architectural Wonders of the World
“When the Saviour pointed out to His followers the signs of His return, He foretold the state of backsliding that would exist just prior to His second advent. There would be, as in the days of Noah, the activity and stir of worldly business and pleasure seeking-buying, selling, planting, building, marrying, and given in marriage-with forgetfulness of God and the future life. For those living at that time, Christ’s admonition is: “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting (overeating) and drunkenness’, and cares of this life, and so that day will come to pass and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:34,36.”
“The condition of the church at this time is pointed out in the Saviour’s words in the Revelation; “Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.” And to those who refuse to arouse from their careless security, the solemn warning is addressed; “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour, I will come upon thee.” Revelation 3:1,3.
“It was needful that men should be awakened, to their danger; that they should be roused to prepare for the solemn events, connected with the close of probation. (generally. . . . the close of the last days on earth, when mankind has passed a line of being devoted more to themselves than to the health of their souls.) The prophet of God declares: “The day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it.” Who shall stand when He appeareth who is “of purer eyes than to behold evil,” and cannot “look at inequity (sin)”? Joel 2:11, Habakkuk 1:13. In them that cry, “My God, we know Thee,” yet have transgressed his covenant, and hastened after another god, hiding iniquity in their hearts, and loving the paths of unrighteousness—to these the day of the Lord is “darkness, and not light, even very dark, and no brightness in it.” Hosea 8:2, Psalm 16:4; Amos 5:20. “It shall come to pass at that time, ” saith the Lord, “that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart. . . “The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil.” Zephaniah 1:12. “I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” Isaiah 13:11. “Neither their silver not their gold shall be able to deliver them” “their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation.” Zephaniah 1:18, 13.
THE CALL TO AROUSE
“The prophet Jeremiah, looking forward to this fearful time, exclaimed: “I am pained at my very heart. . . . I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the SOUND OF THE TRUMPET, the ALARM OF WAR. Destruction upon destruction is cried.” Jeremiah 4:19, 20.”
“That day is day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, A DAY OF THE TRUMPET AND ALARM.” Zephaniah 1:15,16. “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, . . . . to lay the land desolate, and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.” Isaiah 13:9.
“In view of that great day the WORD OF GOD, in the MOST SOLEMN and IMPRESSIVE LANGUAGE, call upon His people to arouse from their spiritual lethargy and to seek His face with REPENTANCE and HUMILIATION: “Blow ye the TRUMPET IN ZION, and SOUND AN ALARM in My HOLY MOUNTAIN; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the DAY OF THE LORD COMETHER, for it is nigh at hand.” “Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children. . . . LET THE BRIDEGROOM GO FORTH OF HIS CHAMBER, AND THE BRIDE OUT OF HER CLOSET. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar.” “Turn ye even to Me with all YOUR HEART, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your HEART, and NOT YOUR GRARMENTS, and TURN TO THE LORD YOUR GOD: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” Joel 2:1, 15-17, 12, 13.
“To prepare a people to stand IN THE DAY OF GOD, a great work of reform was to be accomplished. God saw that many of His professed people were not building for eternity, and in His mercy he was about to send a message of warning to arouse them from their stupor and lead them to make ready for the coming of the Lord.
“This WARNING is brought to view in Revelation 14. Here is a threefold message represented as proclaimed by HEAVENLY BEINGS and IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN to reap “the harvest of the earth.” The first of these warnings announces the approaching JUDGMENT. (The black horse) The prophet beheld an angel flying “in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred , and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice. FEAR GOD and GIVE GLORY TO HIM for the HOUR OF HIS JUDGMENTS IS COME: And worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Revelation 14:6,7.
“This message is declared to be a part of “The Everlasting Gospel.” The work of preaching the gospel has not been committed to angels but has been entrusted to mankind. Holy angels have been employed in directing this work, they have in charge the great movements for the salvation of mankind; but the actual proclamation of the gospel is performed by the servants of Christ upon the earth.
“Faithful men, who were obedient to the promptings of God’s Spirit and the teachings of His word, were to proclaim this warning to the world. There were those who had taken heed to the “sure word of prophecy.” the “light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise.” 2 Peter 1:19. They had been seeking the knowledge of God more than all had treasures, counting it “better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.” Proverbs 3:14. And the Lord revealed to them the great things of the kingdom. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and he will show them His covenant.” Psalms 25:14.
A MESSAGE GIVEN BY HUMBLER MEN
“It was not the scholarly theologians who had an understanding of this truth, and engaged in its proclamation. Had these been faithful watchmen, diligently and prayerfully searching the Scriptures, they would have known the time of night; the prophecies would have opened to them the events about to take place. But they did not occupy this position, and the message was given by “Humbler men.” Said Jesus: “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” John 12:35. Those who turn away from the light which God has given, or who neglect to seek it when it is within their reach, are left in darkness. But the Saviour declares: “He that followeth Me shall NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, but shall have THE LIGHT OF LIFE.” John 8:12. Whoever is with singleness of purpose seeking to do God’s will, earnestly heeding the light already given, will receive greater light; to that soul some star of heavenly radiance will be sent to guide her/him into all truth.
“At the time of Christ’s first advent the priests and scribes of the Holy City to whom were entrusted the oracles of God, might have discerned the signs of the times and proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. The prophecy of Micah designated His birthplace: Daniel specified the TIME of His Advent. Micah 5:2; Daniel 9:25, God committed these prophecies to the Jewish leaders; they were without excuse if they did not know and declare to the people that the Messiah’s coming was at hand. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect. The Jews were building monuments for the slain prophets of God, while by their deference to the great men of earth they were paying homage to the servants of Satan. Absorbed in their ambitious strife for place and power among men, they lost sight of the divine honors proffered them by the King of heaven.
“With profound and reverent interest the elders of Israel should have been studying the place, the time, the circumstances, of the greatest event in the world’s history—THE COMING OF THE SON OF GOD to accomplish THE REDEMPTION OF MANKIND. All the people should have been watching and waiting that they might be among the first to welcome the world’s Redeemer. But, lo, at Bethlehem two weary travelers from the hills of Nazareth traverse the whole length of the narrow street to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a place of rest and shelter for the night. No doors are open to receive them. In a wretched hovel prepared for cattle, they at last find refuge, and there the SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD is BORN.”
SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD, by Ellen White from pages 309-316 THE TRIUMPH OF GOD’s LOVE, by Ellen White.
It is the tragic truth, that individual study and the inspired word of prophecy in the Seventh Day Adventist Church is largely ignored. . .by those who find an excuse to not study the volumes of guidance, to the Sons and Daughters of God. This foretaste of the those in charge, being molded by their positions, instead of being led by the HEART OF GOD, to see, hear and understand, in humility, it is not our work…but HIS WORK. . .to open the HEARTS OF MANKIND, to the greatest King the Universe has, who came to live and work among us, like the PRINCE who became a PAUPER, to discover how the real people lived in His Town.
We have much to be thankful for . . .and as we look back to see HOW HE HAS LED US IN THE PAST. . .we know for sure, He hears and answers our prayers. This is one time it is good to LOOK BACK. . .to see and understand. . . how our heavenly angel leads us to where we need to go. . . .and sometimes to where we do not want to go. . . .to learn by experience. . . . why HIS COMMANDS enable us to see why His law as written in stone.
GOD KNEW. God knew we needed to experience the pain and suffering of rejection, of our own mistakes, of own misunderstandings, our own characters. . . .to truly appreciate the love, joy and peace of mind, that we receive each Sabbath, as we shut the world out, and take in the spiritual gift of His Holy Spirit.
MANKIND needs REST TO HIS SOUL. . . . and we know it. We have to rest. . .to take time to sleep. . . for our minds to “reset” to the true JOYS OF LIFE. . .FRIENDSHIP. . .and being in HIS HOLY MOUNTAIN. . . in HIS LOVE. . .in HIS FORGIVENESS. . . .in HIS PRESENCE. . . not a bad place to be after a hard week farming, bad news, and sad news. We become refreshed. . .by resting our brains. . .and seeking peace for our souls.
God Bless You, and as we see the approach of armies, out to destroy. . .to take over. . .to show their “spirit” of “conquest.” . . .we know the unseen planets and people have SEEN ENOUGH. . .and had Satan lingered in Heaven, the “created” would have DESTROYED HIMSELF and his angels. . . it was just such big fun . . .to destroy and disassemble.
Praise the man who takes junk and turns it into something NEW, that runs. . . . and makes our lives better when something is “fixed.”
These ARE THE SIGNS of the soon coming of JESUS CHRIST to take HOME HIS BRIDE, HIS CHURCH. . . the true Mother, the true Witness of His Love for all mankind. . . . are the three GODS in ONE. . .the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.
It is LOVE that MAKES US HAPPY! It is love that makes our day.
HONESTY Photo by EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA on Pexels.com
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 2 Corinthians 8:21
“In all business transactions we are to let the light shine decidedly. Everything is to be done in the strictest integrity. Better consent to lose something financially than to gain a few shillings by sharp practice. We shall lose nothing in the end by fair dealing. We are to live the law of God in our world, and perfect a character after the divine similitude. All business, with those in the faith and those not in the faith, is to be transacted in the light of God’s law, everything done without fraud, without duplicity [contradictory doubleness of thought, speech, or action the simplicity and openness of their lives brought out for him the duplicity that lay at the bottom of ours— Mary Austin especially : the belying of one’s true intentions by deceptive words or action.] without one single tinge of guile [sly or cunning intelligence:]
“For a Babylonish robe and paltry treasure of gold and silver, Achan consented to sell himself to evil, to bring upon his soul the curse of God, to forfeit his title to a rich possession in Canaan, and lose all prospect of the future, immortal inheritance in the earth made new. A fearful price indeed he paid for his ill-gotten gains!
“Deal honestly and righteously in this present evil world. Some will be honest when they see that honesty will not endanger their worldly interest; but all who act from this principle will have their names blotted out of the book of life.’
“Strict honesty must be cultivated. We can go through the world but one; we cannot come back to rectify any mistakes; therefore every move made should be with godly fear and careful consideration. . . .
“When God makes up His jewels, the true, the frank, the honest, will be His chosen ones, His treasures. Angels are preparing crowns for such; and light from the throne of God will be reflected in its splendor from these star-gemmed diadems.”
SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD, by Ellen White for June 27.
GEMSTONES natural beauty Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
“There is a natural tendency with all to be sentimental rather than practical. In view of this fact, it is important that parents, in the education of their children, should direct and train their minds to LOVE TRUTH, duty, and self-denial, and to possess noble independence, to choose to be right, if the majority choose to be wrong. . .
“If they preserve to themselves sound constitutions and amiable tempers, they will possess true beauty that they can wear with a divine grace. And they will have no need to be adorned with artificials for these are always expressive of an absence of the inward adorning of true moral worth. A beautiful character is of value in the sight of God. Such beauty will attract, but not mislead. Such charms are fast colors; they never fade.
“The pure religion of Jesus requires of its followers the simplicity of natural beauty and the polish of natural refinement and elevated purity, rather than the artificial and false.
“There is an ornament that will never perish, that will promote the happiness of all around us in this life, and will shine with undimmed luster in the immortal future. It is the adorning of meek and lowly spirit. . . . Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array in comparison with the loveliness of Christ. Natural loveliness consists in symmetry, or the harmonious proportion of parts, each with the other; but spiritual loveliness consists in the harmony or likeness of our souls to Jesus. This will make its possessor more precious than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir. The grace of Christ is indeed a priceless adornment. It elevates and ennobles its possessor and reflects beams of glory upon others, attracting them also to the Source of light and blessing.”
Sons and Daughters of God, by Ellen White for June 26.
Photo by Ricardo Esquivel on Pexels.com DIVINE WISDOM IS SOMETHING LIKE A LIGHT THAT COMES FROM THE HEART. . .THE SOUL. . .THE DIVINE GOD. . .and YOUR HEART IS AT PEACE WITH GOD AND MAN.
Proverba 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
“If Adam and Eve had never touched the forbidden tree, the Lord would have imparted to them KNOWLEDGE, —knowledge upon which rests no curse of sin, knowledge that would have brought them everlasting joy. The only knowledge they gained by their disobedience was a knowledge of sin and its results.
“Age after age, the curiosity of men has led them to seek for the tree of knowledge; and often they think they are plucking fruit most essential, when, like Solomon’s research, they find it altogether vanity and nothingness in comparison with that science of true holiness which will open to them the gates of the city of God. The human ambition has been seeking for that kind of knowledge that will bring to them glory and self-exaltation and supremacy. Thus Adam and Eve were worked upon by Satan until God’s restraint was snapped asunder, and their education under the teacher of lies began in order that they might have the knowledge which God had refused them.
“True wisdom is a treasure as lasting as eternity. Many of the world’s so-called wise men are wise only in their own estimation. Content with the acquisition worldly wisdom, they never enter the garden of God, to become acquainted with the treasures of knowledge contained in His holy Word. Supposing themselves to be wise, they are ignorant concerning the wisdom which all must have who gain eternal life. . . .The unlearned man, if he knows God and Jesus Christ, has a more enduring wisdom than has the most learned man who despises the instruction of God.
“Divine wisdom is to be a lamp to your feet. . . . Everything that can be shaken will be shaken; but rooted and grounded in the truth, you will abide with those things that cannot be shaken.”
Sons and Daughters of God, by Ellen White for June 25.
The word “shaken” takes hold of me. . . . for I do not want to be shaken from good, kind, loving, forgiving God. The idea that He loves me, makes me wonder what is the matter with Him? I know what I would like to be like. . .when I was in High School or even 11 years old. . . . Something about being rejected, rejected, rejected, makes me this old fat ladies are not to be loved, or set themselves us as any kind of “authority.” If you teach “healthy eating” you should not be overweight. etc. I don’t see myself, as worthy to take on the task that seems to be weighing on my mind. . .which is. . . . wondering how my son and I came across two very worthy and talented people who died, and left a record of their works. Walter read that night the prophecy of Ellen White, about an event in New York City that would open Revelation 18. I heard him reading out-loud, and I had heard something like that in a book called GOD CARES II. There are seven angels sounding their voices in parables we call THE SEVEN TRUMPETS. . .or in this case it is like GOD THUNDERING. . . . with a LOUD VOICE. . . .like WAKE-UP! The Second Angel who thunders a parable of Jesus given to John on the Island of Patmos in 95 A. D. (which means Jesus came back to earth to give this last revelation of Himself). . .Revelation 8:8 sounds like this: “And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea:”
You have seen these blockbuster like movies of New York being destroyed by a TIDAL WAVE, or crashing meteor into the Atlantic, that throws a tsunami over the East Coast. HOWEVER: in Revelation 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Image Jesus telling the fishermen, “I will make you fishers of men.” God is interested in the LEAST OF THESE MY PEOPLE. . . .that means you and I.
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
Now can you translate where a large body of people would be with multitudes of people and languages? NOW REREAD REVELATION 8:8
Rev 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
No, this is not a tidal wave, this is a SEA OF HUMANITY that gets hit by A GREAT MOUNTAIN BURNING WITH FIRE. . .and what would man write who has never seen a AIRPLANE with fins and tail, loaded with gas, that hits tower built of steel? “Something like a “KINGDOM ON FIRE” is more like it. . .as we are learning the truth about an ancient nation that left the crime, and punishment’s to the people. . .rather than courts. Survival of the fittest. . .the big man wins. . .and forget about the fact “II IS OK TO STEAL.”
One said to me, “Now right is wrong and wrong is right.” How did this happen. . .do we FORGIVE, and FORGIVE and FORGIVE. . .without anyone having boundaries. . .to say “YOUR FREEDOM ENDS WHERE MY NOSE BEGINS?”
Large families, usually had a mother and grandmother to put an end to fighting…and boys will decide their pecking order, and learn how to work together. . .in the field. . .in out door work. . .that built their bodies. . .and their minds, to NOT WASTE TIME…fighting. . .lol
I don’t have all the answers but a few ground rules. . .are a must. . .for society to trust each other.
Psa 43:3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
“The Lord Jesus came to our world full of MERCY, LIFE, and LIGHT, ready to SAVE THOSE who should COME unto Him. But He can save no one against his will. God does not force the conscience, He does not torture the body that He may COMPEL men to COMPLIANCE with His Law. All this WORK is after the ORDER OF SATAN. . . .
“The Lord has made it apparent that He proffers to the sinner the priviledge of cooperating with God. He give light, and furnishes evidence of the truth. He makes plain what are His requirements, and it is left with the sinner as to whether he will accept the truth, and receive grace and power by which he may comply with every condition, and find REST in GIVING WILLING SERVICE to Jesus Christ, who has paid the price of his redemption. If the sinner hesitates, and fails to appreciate the light that has reached his intellect and stirred the emotions of his soul, and refuse to render obedience to God, the light grows dim, has less and less force, and finally vanishes from his view. Those who fail to appreciate the first rays of light, will not heed more decided evidences of the truth. If the tender appeals of God fail to meet with a response in the heart of the sinner, the first impressions made upon his mind lose their significance, and he is finally left in darkness. The invitation is full of love. The light is as bright when he finally refuses it, as when it first dawned upon his soul; but through rejection of light, his soul becomes full of darkness, and does not realize what is the peril of disregarding the light. Christ says to such a soul, “Yet a little while is the light with you.”
“Today make your calling and election sure. Peter gives a copy of the best life insurance policy in the world. He says: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you. . . according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.”
Sons and Daughters of God by Ellen White for June 24
The Strawberry Moon is to be seen this evening:
You’ll have to look southeast on Thursday evening to catch the full moon rising over the horizon. It’s supposed to be large and golden and reach peak illumination at 2:40 PM Eastern Time, but it won’t be visible until later that evening. Of course, that’s assuming the sky is clear enough to catch June’s full moon in action.
The Almanac explains that it defines a full moon as a supermoon if it’s less than 224,000 miles (360,000 kilometers) away from Earth, with June’s Strawberry Supermoon being just outside the cut at 224,662 miles (361,558 km) out. But this month’s supermoon is just “a couple thousand miles farther away than April and May’s supermoons,” so viewers shouldn’t notice the difference.
As for the name chosen for this month’s supermoon, Strawberry Moon doesn’t necessarily concern the moon’s hue. As the Almanac explains, June’s full moon is traditionally called the Strawberry Moon — the last full moon of spring or the first of summer. The name originates from the Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota peoples to mark the ripening of June strawberries that are ready to be gathered.
In Bible Symbols, The MOON is like the church, that is to reflect the LIGHT coming from THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. . .and that is HIS GREAT MERCY.
Malachi_4:2 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.
June 24th 2021 Strawberry Moon to show . . .THE BLOOD MOON
Photo by Daria Shevtsova on Pexels.com SABBATH with Friends, Conversation, Food.
“Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest. . . . ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings.” Leviticus 23:3
“Whatever of our God claims from us, He returns again, enriched, transfigured, with His own glory. . . .
“The Sabbath and the family were alike instituted in Eden, and in God’s purpose they are indissolubly linked together. On this day more than on any other, it is possible for us to live the life of Eden. It was God’s plan for the members of the family to associated in work and study, in worship and recreation, the father as priest of his household, and both father and mother as teachers and companions of their children. But the results of sin, having changed the conditions of life, to a great degree prevent this association. Often the father hardly sees the faces of his children throughout the week. He is almost wholly deprived of opportunity for companionship or instruction. But God’s love has set a limit to the demands of toil. Over the Sabbath He places His merciful hand. In His own day He preserves for the family opportunity for communion with Him, with nature, and with one another.
“Since the Sabbath is the memorial of creative power, it is the day above all others when we should acquaint ourselves with God through His works. . . . . Happy the father and mother who can teach their children God’s written Word with illustration’s from the open pages of the book of nature; who can gather under the green trees, and in the fresh, pure air, to study the Word and to sing the praise of the Father above.
“By such associations parents may bind their children to their hearts, and thus to God, by ties that can never be broken.
“The Sabbath should be made so interesting to our families that its weekly return will be hailed with joy.”
Sons and Daughters of God, by Ellen White for June 23
P.S. The teenage days of our sons, were piled with school, sports, band, gymnastics, football or basketball. Friday night, the T.V. was shut off, the radio was shut off, and the quietness resulted in Roger raking a bath and going to bed early. The next morning, he checked his watch and breakfast and said, “I slept 13 hours.”
I had to laugh, and reflect on his need, and realization, he could actually sleep for 13 hours, he needed the rest. Being a sabbath keeper, with Friday sundown beginning our Sabbath, brought in a time of family, sitting by the fireplace, and daddy reading what we called ‘the red books.” He had worked all week, he was tired, and he looked forward to putting classical records on the turntable. We grew up reading, with classical music in the background, way before they found, this kind of music promotes learning. Mom took time to read The Denver Post. Janet and I had Sabbath School Lessons to read and study. Franklin might take his clarinet out to play us a song. Cindy was happy to have us read to her from a book on Bible Stories. Her favorite story was Elijah being taken to heaven in a chariot.
Saturday was church from 9:30-12:00 and many times, the food had been prepared ahead of time, so we had company, family and friends. Eating and meeting was also a part of other social engagements at our house, for fund raisers for the Church School. Socialization is part of being in a community. . .a bigger family. . .more responsiblities. . .that promote the best for our communities.
Covid had isolated us, prevented us from conversation, and we need it, we want it, and we like it. And centering our thoughts on why we take time to WORSHIP. . .the God, who supplies all our NEEDS…I didn’t say WANTS. . .this family time. . . .is so precious. . .I really miss it. . . .when I choose to do something else…I still need quiet time. . .with Him.
The petroglyphs left at Mount Sinai show the “gods” Pharaoh used to protect Egypt, to sing, dance and make merry, while a decision was being made by those who placed the blood of the lamb upon their doors.
The Government of God is based on Ten Commandments
Are we willing to die, defending God’s Government? YES! YES! YES!
Exo 20:1 And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
First: Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Second: Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Who bows down to images?)
Third:Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Fourth: Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Fifth: Exo 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Sixth: Exo 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Seventh: Exo 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Eighth: Exo 20:15Thou shalt not steal.
Nineth Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Tenth: Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s.
Exo 20:18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
Exo 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Exo 20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
Exo 20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
Photo by Meruyert Gonullu on Pexels.com CONVERSATION
“But as he which hath called you is HOLY, so be ye HOLY to all manner of conversation.” 1 Peter 1:15
“When the heart is purified and refined, and made fit for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the tongue will be sanctified to the glory of God. . . . You can surround your souls with an atmosphere that will be like breezes from the heavenly Eden. Open your hearts to the Lord Jesus. Guard your tongue. Let not your tongue run at random in jesting and joking. These are signs that your heart needs to be cleansed from its defilement. . . .
“Our words index the state of our heart; ;and whether men talk much or little, their words express the character of their thoughts. A man’s character may be quite accurately estimated by the nature of his conversation. Sound, truthful words have the right ring in them.
“Educate yourself to carry a pleasant countenance, and bring all the sweetness and melody possible into your voice.
“The voice and tongue are gifts from God, and if rightly used, they are a power for God. Words mean very much. They may express love, devotion, praise, melody to God, or hatred and revenge. Words reveal the sentiments of the heart. They may be a savor of life unto life or of death. The tongue is a world of blessing, or a world of iniquity.
“Some are seen to come forth from their daily communion with God clothed with the meekness of Christ. Their words are not like a desolating hail, crushing everything before it; they come forth sweetly from their lips. They scatter seeds of love and kindness all along their path, and that all unconsciously, because Christ lives in their heart. Their influence is felt more than it is seem.
“Kind, tender, compassionate words will flow from sanctified hearts and lips.”
Sons and Daughters of God by Ellen White for June 22
P.S. The Heat wave for three days above 104, was broken by a cool wave, a bit of rain, and white fluffy clouds on a pure cobalt blue sky. The morning is so refreshing, and cool, I found myself out of bed and outdoors walking before I knew it almost too early for any place but the gas station, where it opens at 6 a.m.
If you want to get acquainted with the rural life real fast, the best place to listen is the gas station coffee shop. Becky was tearing down a shed, and the cow fence dropped on her leg. Sixteen stitches later, our Senior Center Cook, was and will be laid up for quite awhile.
Another little reminder on the counter, is another man has died, and his funeral is planned.
Then Bill Weaver, my cousin, managed to get his tractor launched into a ditch . . . .yes that keeps him humble. . .and the rumble goes about how to pull it out. . . the guess it. . .it may have be to be pulled out backwards. . . .now there….is something to THINK ABOUT. . .well it does tend to distract us from the real world.
The Red Horse War Against Gods Government understood by the parables of Jesus 