The Sabbaths have been clicking by, one by one! Each one is a special blessing at the end of every week. I tell you, we soooo look forward to the Sabbath days. They have changed so much for us in the last several months.
Sabbaths for us, used to be to get up in the morning and prepare for church. Go to church, participate in Sabbath school, listen to a sermon, listen to some songs sung from up front and sing along if we knew them, and then go home if there was to potluck. If there was a potluck, we stayed for that and then went home to rest by taking a nap or a walk and watching some nature documentary or something like that.
Now, Sabbaths are for real! I mean, I think we spend them, now, how they were meant to be spent, and we gain such a rich blessing every week.
You see, we are prepared on Friday with lots of good and nutritious food, the best and the tastiest! Our lessons have been studied faithfully, using Youn*g Disciple lessons, throughout the week. We get up Sabbath morning and are excited to meet our friends. We meet at someone's house and sit comfortably in a homey atmosphere. We Sing songs together, Study the Sabbath school lesson for about 11/2 hours and then spend about 20 -30 minutes in earnest prayer. About that time, it is time for lunch and the feast is spread and enjoyed by all. After lunch, we visit or go for a walk, only to return again and open our Bibles in afternoon study of the word again, this time, on the reasons why we believe what we do as an SDA. Everything is Bible based and full to the brim with Bible verses. It is interesting when we come to some disagreement amongst us, because then the pages of the Bible beginning turning, with every head bowed in concentration, looking for instruction from the word. It is a blessing to see people diving deep in the word.
This last week took an interesting turn, however! You remember that we've been challenged in our belief on the Trinity by a lady come up for about 6 months. She doesn't believe in the Trinity Godhead nor does she believe that Jesus was/is/will be from eternity to eternity. This, of course, caused quite a bit of discussion a few weeks ago. When my husband and I left for home afterwards, DVD's were brought out with very convincing sermons on the subject using Bible texts and quotes from some of the prominent founders of our church during a time when they had not yet fully explored the idea of a trinity Godhead (Later, the Biblical foundation of a Heavenly Trio/Godhead was established).
Well, we decided that the best thing to do after some angry feelings were brought up by some, that we should leave well enough alone until people studied it out for themselves or their feelings were spent. In any case, that subject was dropped from Bible study for now, in the hopes of maintaining peace, friendship, and in the hopes for time to pray about it all.
Well, not this Sabbath! lol
The "No Trinity" lady was not able to attend our Bible study this time. We started on the afternoon study of the Great Controversy. We studied about the fall of Lucifer in Heaven and the fall of man in the Garden, when one of my friends subtly said, "This verse in Genesis says, ""Let us make man..."" Does that "us" mean more then one?
My eyes got big and I looked at her. I knew where she was going with this. I saw the mischief in her eyes and she winked at me. Her daughter swung her head around and looked straight at her in surprise. Again, a little smile and a wink. Ok, my husband tried to gently brush past her question with a quick and obvious answer, but the drop off was swift and we were in, again, up to our eyeballs.
My other friend, who has just recently decided that she is convinced there is no trinity and that Jesus was born/begotten/or created from the Father quickly turned to Proverbs 8 and said, "This chapter answers that question!"
Well, I had just finished thoroughly studying that chapter and while I didn't think it would answer the question posed at all, I felt put on the spot to explain what I had learned about Prov 8. I was afraid of making enemies. I was afraid of an argument instead of discussion. My heart rate suddenly went up and I felt completely out of breath. I became hot and nervous.
Still, I began to explain, that what is found in Proverbs 8 does not in anyway indicate that Jesus was born from God the Father. Instead, the one talking in this chapter are Wisdom and Understand personified. They are character traits of God! He had these traits from everlasting past, He brought them forth to be used at his bidding, He delighted in Wisdom and Understanding and they were with him always. The interesting thing is that all of the book of Proverbs talks a lot about wisdom and understanding in the same sort of way that it does about Character, law, and the commandments of God. You see, The character of God in written form is his law/commandments and it existed in the form of Wisdom and Understanding from Everlasting! It was brought forth from the Heart of God and raised up to pre-eminence with God as his delight forever.
I finished my dissertation completely out of breath and totally embarrassed because of how nervous I was. I could still see the mischief in my friends eyes though. She asked, "Does that answer my question?"
"No, not at all!" I said
"Then what is the answer?"
My husband believed her to be innocently asking because she didn't know. I knew better.
Art said, "Well, The Trinity is actually inferred in the old testament but not outright pointed out like it is in the New."
I asked everyone to turn to Isaiah 48:12,16. Maybe I'm wrong but it seemed pretty clear to me here, even in the Old Testament that three separate entities were being referred to.
All was quiet. It was obvious the pot had been sufficiently stirred to get everyone thinking and studying for themselves once again. That's good, I guess, at my expense! lol
On the way home, 7:30 that evening, my husband said, "I think she had some genuine questions she wanted to know."
I rolled my eyes and laughed, "No, she just couldn't help herself, you should have seen that twinkle in her eye!"
Later my friend called and giggled at me. "You got so nervous, you were completely out of breath!"
lol, "yes, thanks to you!"
Art, told me later, that I did a great job of explaining anyway! Well, next time I'll know to be prepared for anything. How do I do that?
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Trust Him!
As I mentioned a few days ago, Things got a little rough for me and our little church family. But, I want to tell you today, that because of the prayers of my friends and family, myself, my children and my husband. God worked an incredible miracle --- mostly in me!
You see last year I had stood up for something I believed and there was a fireworks show of anger and false accusations from some of my friends. I didn't expect that from them and I reacted in hurt, anger, and despair. For a year, I suffered on account of that whole thing but I learned from my own downfall, and that of the others around me. It was oh so hard though! My selfish heart did not handle it well at all!
When I was again faced with a similar situation the other day, I decided in my heart to bring it all before the throne of Grace. With tears of hurt still fresh on my face, I laid it all in Jesus lap without having said one angry word.
I prayed with deep, heartfelt sympathy for my friend and began to realize that, that did not originate from me! My heart soared! I began praising the Lord for his mercy to me. I was seeing his work of Grace in my own heart first.
As I wept, a song popped into my head, "I will serve thee because I love thee...Heart aches, broken people, ruined lives are why you died on Calvary...". I began to sing.
Through out that day, every time an unanswered question about why this was happening entered my mind, a song would also pop into my head, "The love of God is Greater far..." Some of the songs, I hadn't even heard in years. I couldn't believe it. I don't deal with hurt this way, normally. I usually crumble. I knew this peace wasn't from me but it flooded my heart and I sang songs of Praise all day long. I had never felt so at peace in a rough situation, ever. I knew that God had everything in His capable care and keeping and that I need not fret or fear over one iota of the whole situation.
The next day I continued to pray and sing and to feel a calm in the midst of the storm. And then, I received a phone call. It was my friend. She wanted to make everything right. I was so grateful to God for his goodness to us. Friendship is restored, the empty seat in our little home church is full again and I am so happy.
The Love of God is so rich and pure, measureless and strong! He worked a miracle and the biggest half was in me, to just let Him have it all! Thank you God!!
I am learning to trust in God like never before. Jesus has become my example and he will give me the strength to follow. You see, in Gethsemane, His "soul was overwhelmed by deep darkness. To trust meant experiencing anguish to the point of blood, and darkness to the very depths of hell -- Nevertheless! Nevertheless... Not my will but yours be done!" He chose to trust!
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in a desperate situation too. They face a trial so blazing hot that it literally killed others instantly! They spoke, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it! But if he does not..." They chose to stand for him regardless! I love that part, "But even if he does not..." We will serve God anyway!
You see last year I had stood up for something I believed and there was a fireworks show of anger and false accusations from some of my friends. I didn't expect that from them and I reacted in hurt, anger, and despair. For a year, I suffered on account of that whole thing but I learned from my own downfall, and that of the others around me. It was oh so hard though! My selfish heart did not handle it well at all!
When I was again faced with a similar situation the other day, I decided in my heart to bring it all before the throne of Grace. With tears of hurt still fresh on my face, I laid it all in Jesus lap without having said one angry word.
I prayed with deep, heartfelt sympathy for my friend and began to realize that, that did not originate from me! My heart soared! I began praising the Lord for his mercy to me. I was seeing his work of Grace in my own heart first.
As I wept, a song popped into my head, "I will serve thee because I love thee...Heart aches, broken people, ruined lives are why you died on Calvary...". I began to sing.
Through out that day, every time an unanswered question about why this was happening entered my mind, a song would also pop into my head, "The love of God is Greater far..." Some of the songs, I hadn't even heard in years. I couldn't believe it. I don't deal with hurt this way, normally. I usually crumble. I knew this peace wasn't from me but it flooded my heart and I sang songs of Praise all day long. I had never felt so at peace in a rough situation, ever. I knew that God had everything in His capable care and keeping and that I need not fret or fear over one iota of the whole situation.
The next day I continued to pray and sing and to feel a calm in the midst of the storm. And then, I received a phone call. It was my friend. She wanted to make everything right. I was so grateful to God for his goodness to us. Friendship is restored, the empty seat in our little home church is full again and I am so happy.
The Love of God is so rich and pure, measureless and strong! He worked a miracle and the biggest half was in me, to just let Him have it all! Thank you God!!
I am learning to trust in God like never before. Jesus has become my example and he will give me the strength to follow. You see, in Gethsemane, His "soul was overwhelmed by deep darkness. To trust meant experiencing anguish to the point of blood, and darkness to the very depths of hell -- Nevertheless! Nevertheless... Not my will but yours be done!" He chose to trust!
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in a desperate situation too. They face a trial so blazing hot that it literally killed others instantly! They spoke, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it! But if he does not..." They chose to stand for him regardless! I love that part, "But even if he does not..." We will serve God anyway!
Friday, April 5, 2013
Spirits Bouyed!
Good Morning Everyone,
I came home late last night after spending the evening out giving Bible studies to a couple of First Nations ladies. We had a lot of fun! We had our Bible study at one of the lady's house and they enjoyed it so very, very much! We talked about how sinful we are and that we were born into sin. We are sinful by nature. I tried to show them from God's word that we are all in a hopeless condition EXCEPT by the grace of God. We talked about the love of God and how rich and pure it is. They seem to understand it somehow!
They had a thousand questions and stories to tell!
At the End of the Bible study, we prayed and one lady told me that this was exactly what she needed to hear tonight. Praise God!
The other lady, told me later, that she was "so pumped" about these Bible lessons! Praise God again!
I am using the "Lifting Jesus Up" Bible studies from Spire resources. They are factual but more based on building a relationship with Jesus. With some people, that's where they need to start. So far its been beautiful!
After Bible study we tootled off to town altogether, and headed for McDonalds. LOL
It is their favorite hangout. I think because it has coffee and an internet connection. I bought one lady her coffee and myself a water. The other didn't want anything, just to visit. We enjoyed just hanging out and chatting.
My Spirits were buoyed! God granted me a very blessed evening with two precious souls just beginning to learn about him. I'm Excited about that!
Oh, and they want to come to home church on Sabbath!
I came home late last night after spending the evening out giving Bible studies to a couple of First Nations ladies. We had a lot of fun! We had our Bible study at one of the lady's house and they enjoyed it so very, very much! We talked about how sinful we are and that we were born into sin. We are sinful by nature. I tried to show them from God's word that we are all in a hopeless condition EXCEPT by the grace of God. We talked about the love of God and how rich and pure it is. They seem to understand it somehow!
They had a thousand questions and stories to tell!
At the End of the Bible study, we prayed and one lady told me that this was exactly what she needed to hear tonight. Praise God!
The other lady, told me later, that she was "so pumped" about these Bible lessons! Praise God again!
I am using the "Lifting Jesus Up" Bible studies from Spire resources. They are factual but more based on building a relationship with Jesus. With some people, that's where they need to start. So far its been beautiful!
After Bible study we tootled off to town altogether, and headed for McDonalds. LOL
It is their favorite hangout. I think because it has coffee and an internet connection. I bought one lady her coffee and myself a water. The other didn't want anything, just to visit. We enjoyed just hanging out and chatting.
My Spirits were buoyed! God granted me a very blessed evening with two precious souls just beginning to learn about him. I'm Excited about that!
Oh, and they want to come to home church on Sabbath!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Let Truth Prevail!
This morning I have been shaken again to the core. I solicit your prayers.
My sister wrote a blog today that shows the power of God unto Salvation. It was called, "When Truth Prevails" or something like that. Well, I hope she doesn't mind my using the same awesome title in this post as well because, I believe, even though, I'm shaking and crying! That God will Prevail, even if it takes the second coming of Jesus!
I truly believe that we are in a powerful war! The controversy between good and evil is coming to a climax. The Devil is angrier then he has ever been! He is seeing work being done to reach the souls of men and he is throwing darts of temptations sharp enough to discouraged even the elect. Be wary, we are in the middle of a live battle!
Still, if someone were to see the tears running down my face now, and asked me what happened, I would have to tell them that nothing happened to me. There is a Battle so fierce going on that Satan and his host of Angels are fighting in intense rage right over my head, right over our church, right over our small home church and that God and his host of Angels are fighting them back. I have faith that God will be victorious.
I know the battle must be fought. I know it!
I know that since the battle is also over me and my family, that the old Devil will aim his arrows at me, right in my heart, where it hurts most, with false accusations. He would love to see me fall. But as I wept by myself in the shower this morning, it came to me clear as day. This is not about me! This is between God and Satan and I just happen to have chosen to put my heart and soul into God's cause and have incurred the wrath of Satan. Should I mourn that I must suffer for Christ?
I have lost yet another friend, which breaks my heart. I pray to God that it is not forever, but I'm willing to believe that God will remove the arrow that hurt me and hold me up. We have lost a wonderful person from our small group church. I am sad!
Another thing that is still very strong and powerful and seemed to have been the trigger for angry sentiments toward us even though not an angry word was said, was this whole interesting belief that The Holy Spirit is not a Third person of the Godhead and that Jesus originated by birth or creation or something like that out of God the Father long before even the angels were created. It is a recipe for division. If anyone likes division, well there you go.
We have a decided position on that whole theology now but have not presented it or written it as it must be done in God's timing and when the hearts are ready. Art and I have spent hours in prayer and study and more prayer and study. God will lead us to truth, He has promised!
Let Truth Prevail!
Not to worry, God is a lot stronger then the adversary! He will help open a way to see His work forward. Praise God
My sister wrote a blog today that shows the power of God unto Salvation. It was called, "When Truth Prevails" or something like that. Well, I hope she doesn't mind my using the same awesome title in this post as well because, I believe, even though, I'm shaking and crying! That God will Prevail, even if it takes the second coming of Jesus!
I truly believe that we are in a powerful war! The controversy between good and evil is coming to a climax. The Devil is angrier then he has ever been! He is seeing work being done to reach the souls of men and he is throwing darts of temptations sharp enough to discouraged even the elect. Be wary, we are in the middle of a live battle!
Still, if someone were to see the tears running down my face now, and asked me what happened, I would have to tell them that nothing happened to me. There is a Battle so fierce going on that Satan and his host of Angels are fighting in intense rage right over my head, right over our church, right over our small home church and that God and his host of Angels are fighting them back. I have faith that God will be victorious.
I know the battle must be fought. I know it!
I know that since the battle is also over me and my family, that the old Devil will aim his arrows at me, right in my heart, where it hurts most, with false accusations. He would love to see me fall. But as I wept by myself in the shower this morning, it came to me clear as day. This is not about me! This is between God and Satan and I just happen to have chosen to put my heart and soul into God's cause and have incurred the wrath of Satan. Should I mourn that I must suffer for Christ?
I have lost yet another friend, which breaks my heart. I pray to God that it is not forever, but I'm willing to believe that God will remove the arrow that hurt me and hold me up. We have lost a wonderful person from our small group church. I am sad!
Another thing that is still very strong and powerful and seemed to have been the trigger for angry sentiments toward us even though not an angry word was said, was this whole interesting belief that The Holy Spirit is not a Third person of the Godhead and that Jesus originated by birth or creation or something like that out of God the Father long before even the angels were created. It is a recipe for division. If anyone likes division, well there you go.
We have a decided position on that whole theology now but have not presented it or written it as it must be done in God's timing and when the hearts are ready. Art and I have spent hours in prayer and study and more prayer and study. God will lead us to truth, He has promised!
Let Truth Prevail!
Not to worry, God is a lot stronger then the adversary! He will help open a way to see His work forward. Praise God
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