Monday, August 20, 2012
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Sabbath
“Before the Babylonian exile in 586 BC, God’s prophets forcefully condemned Israel and Judah for habitual Sabbath breaking.
“So when God’s people were actually taken into captivity, to a great degree thy attributed their misfortune to their lax Sabbath keeping and attempted to reform themselves. After they returned to Jerusalem, Sabbath keeping was emphasized so strongly that the Old Testament prohibitions were carefully enforced, and gradually a host of specific interpretations concerning these laws were formulated [263] which had become so detailed by Christ’s day that the Sabbath had degenerated into an institution which exemplified Jewish legalism in its worst form.
“There literally were thousands of rules forbidding various activities on the Sabbath. [Two entire tractates of the Jewish Mishnah, tractate ‘Sabbath,’ and tractate ‘Eburin,’ are devoted entirely to the countless minute Sabbath regulations which had become a part of Jewish tradition by Christ’s day.]. By plucking a few heads of wheat (Matt. 12:1) the disciples were guilty of breaking at least four Sabbath prohibitions: reaping, winnowing, threshing, and preparing a meal. Beyond this, by their actions they were condemned for carrying a burden on the Sabbath. A burden was defined as anything that weighed as much as two dried figs. A Jew could not even carry a handkerchief in his pocket, and use it to wipe his face, without violating the Sabbath. Therefore, it was common practice to sew a cloth into one’s upper garment to wipe one’s face. Once sewn into the garment it was considered part of one’s clothing and did not constitute a burden.
“On the Sabbath it was forbidden to light a fire or extinguish a lamp, to ride a beast of any kind or to travel more than a Sabbath day’s journey, which was about two-thirds of a mile.
“It was a sin to cut one’s fingernails or pluck a hair. All healing was condemned except of r life and death emergencies. Sexual intercourse was forbidden on the Sabbath. An egg laid on the Sabbath could not be eaten by a Jew. It was sinful to write more than two letters of the alphabet. It was forbidden to look in a mirror on the Sabbath, and it was even considered unlawful to spit on the ground lest thereby a blade of grass might be irrigated. Each of these things [264] constituted work, making it a violation of the Sabbath. Even to contemplate work was wrong; therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus and his disciples were constantly being accused of Sabbath breaking. [265]”
The Talmud teaches that if only Jews would perfectly observe two Sabbaths in a row, the Messiah would come immediately, (Shabbat 118b)
.
“So when God’s people were actually taken into captivity, to a great degree thy attributed their misfortune to their lax Sabbath keeping and attempted to reform themselves. After they returned to Jerusalem, Sabbath keeping was emphasized so strongly that the Old Testament prohibitions were carefully enforced, and gradually a host of specific interpretations concerning these laws were formulated [263] which had become so detailed by Christ’s day that the Sabbath had degenerated into an institution which exemplified Jewish legalism in its worst form.
“There literally were thousands of rules forbidding various activities on the Sabbath. [Two entire tractates of the Jewish Mishnah, tractate ‘Sabbath,’ and tractate ‘Eburin,’ are devoted entirely to the countless minute Sabbath regulations which had become a part of Jewish tradition by Christ’s day.]. By plucking a few heads of wheat (Matt. 12:1) the disciples were guilty of breaking at least four Sabbath prohibitions: reaping, winnowing, threshing, and preparing a meal. Beyond this, by their actions they were condemned for carrying a burden on the Sabbath. A burden was defined as anything that weighed as much as two dried figs. A Jew could not even carry a handkerchief in his pocket, and use it to wipe his face, without violating the Sabbath. Therefore, it was common practice to sew a cloth into one’s upper garment to wipe one’s face. Once sewn into the garment it was considered part of one’s clothing and did not constitute a burden.
“On the Sabbath it was forbidden to light a fire or extinguish a lamp, to ride a beast of any kind or to travel more than a Sabbath day’s journey, which was about two-thirds of a mile.
“It was a sin to cut one’s fingernails or pluck a hair. All healing was condemned except of r life and death emergencies. Sexual intercourse was forbidden on the Sabbath. An egg laid on the Sabbath could not be eaten by a Jew. It was sinful to write more than two letters of the alphabet. It was forbidden to look in a mirror on the Sabbath, and it was even considered unlawful to spit on the ground lest thereby a blade of grass might be irrigated. Each of these things [264] constituted work, making it a violation of the Sabbath. Even to contemplate work was wrong; therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus and his disciples were constantly being accused of Sabbath breaking. [265]”
The Talmud teaches that if only Jews would perfectly observe two Sabbaths in a row, the Messiah would come immediately, (Shabbat 118b)
.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Live Life
In 1923 a group of the world’s most successful financiers met at the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. Present were: the president of the largest independent steel company, the president of the largest utility company, the greatest wheat speculator, the president of the New York Stock Exchange, a member of the US cabinet, the largest bear in Wall Street, the president of the Bank of International Settlements, the head of the world’s greatest monopoly.
Collectively, these tycoons controlled more wealth than there was in the United States Treasury, and for years newspapers and magazines had been printing their success stories and urging the American youth to follow their examples.
Twenty six years later, what happened to them? The president of the largest independent steel company – Charles Schwab – lived on borrowed money the last five years of his life and died penniless. The greatest wheat speculator –Arthur Cutten – died abroad insolvent. The president of the New York Stock Exchange – Richard Whitney – was recently released from Sing Sing penitentiary.
The member of the US’ cabinet – Albert Fall – was pardoned from prison so he could die at home. The greatest bear on Wall Street – Jesse Livermore – committed suicide. The president of the Bank of International Settlements – Leon Fraser – committed suicide. The head of the world’s greatest monopoly – Ivar Kreuger – committed suicide.
All these men had learned on how to make money, but none had learned how to live.
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?”
.
Collectively, these tycoons controlled more wealth than there was in the United States Treasury, and for years newspapers and magazines had been printing their success stories and urging the American youth to follow their examples.
Twenty six years later, what happened to them? The president of the largest independent steel company – Charles Schwab – lived on borrowed money the last five years of his life and died penniless. The greatest wheat speculator –Arthur Cutten – died abroad insolvent. The president of the New York Stock Exchange – Richard Whitney – was recently released from Sing Sing penitentiary.
The member of the US’ cabinet – Albert Fall – was pardoned from prison so he could die at home. The greatest bear on Wall Street – Jesse Livermore – committed suicide. The president of the Bank of International Settlements – Leon Fraser – committed suicide. The head of the world’s greatest monopoly – Ivar Kreuger – committed suicide.
All these men had learned on how to make money, but none had learned how to live.
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?”
.
Circle of Love
One day a man saw an old lady, stranded on the side of the road, but even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His Pontiac was
still sputtering when he approached her.
Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.
He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.''
Well, all she had was a flat tire but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.
As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.
Bryan just smiled. As he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.
He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me..'
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan ...
After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.
There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have been there too.. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.'
Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....
She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'
There is an old saying 'What goes around comes around...'
Good friends are like stars.....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
~GOD BLESS!~
still sputtering when he approached her.
Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe; he looked poor and hungry. He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you.
He said, 'I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Bryan Anderson.''
Well, all she had was a flat tire but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Bryan crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.
As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.
Bryan just smiled. As he closed her trunk. The lady asked how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. Bryan never thought twice about being paid. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty, who had given him a hand in the past. He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.
He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance they needed, and Bryan added, 'And think of me..'
He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.
A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude. The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Bryan ...
After the lady finished her meal, she paid with a hundred dollar bill. The waitress quickly went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, but the old lady had slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back. The waitress wondered where the lady could be. Then she noticed something written on the napkin.
There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote: 'You don't owe me anything. I have been there too.. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you.'
Under the napkin were four more $100 bills.
Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard....
She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's going to be all right. I love you, Bryan Anderson.'
There is an old saying 'What goes around comes around...'
Good friends are like stars.....You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND
~GOD BLESS!~
Friday, January 28, 2011
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Homosexuality Nolonger Sin
UK STREET PREACHER ARRESTED FOR SAYING HOMOSEXUALITY A SIN
BY AI WEBB
©2010 Religion News Service
Christian street preacher in Britain will stand trial for telling a passerby--in earshot of a policewoman--that God views homosexuality as a sin.
Police arrested Dale McAlpine, a 42-year-old Baptist, under Britain's Public Order Act 1986, which forbids "using threatening,
abusive or insulting words ... tending to and causing harassment, alarm or distress."
McAlpine told The Daily Telegraph newspaper that he was arrested after a part-time police officer said she heard him reciting a list of "sins" against God, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same-sex relationships.
The preacher denied mentioning homosexuality, but he did concede he had told a passing shopper that it was a sin in the eyes of God.
At a magistrates court hearing in Workington, England, on April 30, McAlpine pleaded not guilty to the public order offense charge but was arraigned for trial at an unspecified date.
WHERE WILL WE END?
BY AI WEBB
©2010 Religion News Service
Christian street preacher in Britain will stand trial for telling a passerby--in earshot of a policewoman--that God views homosexuality as a sin.
Police arrested Dale McAlpine, a 42-year-old Baptist, under Britain's Public Order Act 1986, which forbids "using threatening,
abusive or insulting words ... tending to and causing harassment, alarm or distress."
McAlpine told The Daily Telegraph newspaper that he was arrested after a part-time police officer said she heard him reciting a list of "sins" against God, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same-sex relationships.
The preacher denied mentioning homosexuality, but he did concede he had told a passing shopper that it was a sin in the eyes of God.
At a magistrates court hearing in Workington, England, on April 30, McAlpine pleaded not guilty to the public order offense charge but was arraigned for trial at an unspecified date.
WHERE WILL WE END?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Parents ‘helping children’ to be corrupt
"One of the students admitted that he discussed with his parents how they would bribe to secure his admission to the armed forces. Another said he was arrested by police and a parent gave him money to buy his freedom".
These were some of the shocking revelations by a new survey that showed how parents are setting a bad precedence to their children by assisting them engage in corruption.
The report by the National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee has indicted parents, especially mothers, for perpetuating corruption at home.
"The most admired parent is the mother, because they do not prohibit their children from bringing prohibited stuff home. The mothers also help their children sneak illegal stuff to school," said Micah Nguli of NACCSC programme office, research and advocacy.
The report painted a grim picture of how parents show their children how to be corrupt practically.
ARE WE WINNING THIS BATTLE?
These were some of the shocking revelations by a new survey that showed how parents are setting a bad precedence to their children by assisting them engage in corruption.
The report by the National Anti-Corruption Campaign Steering Committee has indicted parents, especially mothers, for perpetuating corruption at home.
"The most admired parent is the mother, because they do not prohibit their children from bringing prohibited stuff home. The mothers also help their children sneak illegal stuff to school," said Micah Nguli of NACCSC programme office, research and advocacy.
The report painted a grim picture of how parents show their children how to be corrupt practically.
ARE WE WINNING THIS BATTLE?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The 2010 Top 20 Billionaire in the World
1. Carlos Slim Helu of Mexico is the number one for Billionaire in the entire world. Net Worth is $53.5 billion for Mexico's national telephone company and 3rd place last year.
2. Bill Gates of U.S for Microsoft Company.
3. Warren Buffett of U.S for Investments
4. Mukesh Ambani of India for Petrochemicals, oil and gas
5. Lakshmi Mittal of India for Steel
6. Lawrence Ellison of U.S for Oracle Database
7. Bernard Arnault of France for Luxury goods outfit
8. Eike Batista of Brazil for Mining and oil
9. Amancio Ortega of Spain for Fashion retail
10. Karl Albrecht of germany for Owns discount supermarket giant Aldi Sud, one of Germany and Europe's dominant grocers.
11. Ingvar Kamprad and Family of Sweden for Ikea
12. Christy Walton and Family of U.S for Wal-Mart
13. Stefan Persson of Sweden for "Cheap chic" mogul chairman of Hennes & Mauritz (H&M)
14. Li Ka-shing of Hong Kong for Diversified
15. Jim C. Walton of U.S for Wal-Mart
16. Alice Walton of U.S for Wal-Mart
17. Liliane Bettencourt of France for L'Oreal Shares
18. S. Robson Walton of U.S for Wal-Mart
19. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Alsaud of Saudi Arabia for Diversified
20. David Thomson and family of Canada for Thomson Reuters
They have the money and everything it brings.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
“When the chief Shepherd appears, you shall receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4
I am thinking today of that beautiful land
I shall reach when the sun goeth down;
When through wonderful grace by my Savior I stand,
Will there be any stars in my crown?
Refrain
Will there be any stars, any stars in my crown
When at evening the sun goeth down?
When I wake with the blest in the mansions of rest
Will there be any stars in my crown?
In the strength of the Lord let me labor and pray,
Let me watch as a winner of souls,
That bright stars may be mine in the glorious day,
When His praise like the sea billow rolls.
Refrain
O what joy it will be when His face I behold,
Living gems at his feet to lay down!
It would sweeten my bliss in the city of gold,
Should there be any stars in my crown.
Refrain
Halleluyah
I am thinking today of that beautiful land
I shall reach when the sun goeth down;
When through wonderful grace by my Savior I stand,
Will there be any stars in my crown?
Refrain
Will there be any stars, any stars in my crown
When at evening the sun goeth down?
When I wake with the blest in the mansions of rest
Will there be any stars in my crown?
In the strength of the Lord let me labor and pray,
Let me watch as a winner of souls,
That bright stars may be mine in the glorious day,
When His praise like the sea billow rolls.
Refrain
O what joy it will be when His face I behold,
Living gems at his feet to lay down!
It would sweeten my bliss in the city of gold,
Should there be any stars in my crown.
Refrain
Halleluyah
Friday, March 12, 2010
White House Appointment
Maryland Adventist Gets Key
White House Appointment
BY TAASHI ROWE, Columbia Union Visitor
The United States Senate recently confirmed presidential appointee Orlan Johnson—a member of Allegheny East Conference’s Capitol Hill Seventh-day Adventist church in Washington, D.C., to a key governmental post. Johnson will chair the Board of Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).
Orlan Johnson
The quasi-governmental agency was created in 1970 to provide oversight of failed brokerage firms. When a brokerage firm is closed due to bankruptcy or other financial difficulties and customer assets are missing, SIPC steps in as quickly as possible and, within certain limits, works to return customer cash, stock, and other securities.
“As chair I will help to set policies and procedures as to how the organization would work,” Johnson explains. “And it is my privilege to chair the SIPC at this critical time when so many investors have been the victims of immense fraud and need an advocate.”
A graduate of Blue Mountain Academy, in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, and Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Johnson served on then-presidential hopeful Barack Obama’s national finance committee. He is a partner at the Saul Ewing LLP law firm and teaches securities law at his alma mater, Howard University Law School in Washington, D.C.
“I’m truly thankful the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to serve our country, and I just ask for His guidance as I move forward,” Johnson says.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Serious Search
I spotted it today as it was cycling over Friedensau and I wondered what was happening. I was informed that an elderly person at the senior citizens’ home had gone missing and so the police were searching for that ONE individual with the help of some specialized camera. It is impressive. Every life counts.
Of course, you don’t find this kind of search everywhere in this world. In some countries (I don’t have to mention examples) you should not imagine such – unless you are looking for a big fish. And even then, it is after it has gone missing for some days and you expect to find remains in some little hill somewhere.
How is it with God? It is like He leaves every other business and concentrates on looking for that single soul who was died for by His Son.
Of how much worth is a soul!
Let Kadhi’s Courts be, say Adventists
.
By James Ratemo and Patrick Beja
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has broken ranks with a section of Christians rejecting inclusion of Kadhi’s courts.
The SDA also supported the clause on abortion, unlike other Christians who insist abortion should only be allowed if the mother is in outright danger.
"Of course we are not disputing that life begins at conception and we do not encourage abortion. What we are saying is that a window should be left for abortion if the life of mother is in danger," said SDA East African Union President Paul Muasya.
Mr Muasya also said Kadhi’s courts have been in the Constitution and have never negatively affected Christians. He urged churches against the Kadhi’s courts to rethink their position to avoid unnecessary tension between Christians and Muslims.
"People have politicised the issue of Kadhi’s court and creating far-fetched fears that the courts could lead Kenya into a Sharia state," said Pastor Samwel Lumwe, SDA director for Adventist Muslim Relations.
Largest Bible
"Although we do not subscribe to the Kadhi’s courts, we do not object to their existence. We support co-existence of religions," said Lumwe.
The two SDA clerics were addressing journalists in Nairobi ahead of the arrival today of a multi-lingual Bible, touted to be the largest in the world.
Elsewhere, Church leaders in Coast Province threatened to reject the Proposed Constitution unless the clause on abortion is deleted.
Under the Coast branch of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the clerics cautioned Parliament against supporting the clause.
"The Committee of Experts has deceptively reintroduced abortion and we insist the Constitution must protect all human life, which begins at conception and ends at natural death," said NCCK Coast Chairman the Reverend James Ziro.
The leaders were addressing a press conference at a Mombasa hotel after a consultative meeting.
Rev Ziro said: "Abortion is tantamount to killing and the Church cannot let it be legislated."
By James Ratemo and Patrick Beja
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has broken ranks with a section of Christians rejecting inclusion of Kadhi’s courts.
The SDA also supported the clause on abortion, unlike other Christians who insist abortion should only be allowed if the mother is in outright danger.
"Of course we are not disputing that life begins at conception and we do not encourage abortion. What we are saying is that a window should be left for abortion if the life of mother is in danger," said SDA East African Union President Paul Muasya.
Mr Muasya also said Kadhi’s courts have been in the Constitution and have never negatively affected Christians. He urged churches against the Kadhi’s courts to rethink their position to avoid unnecessary tension between Christians and Muslims.
"People have politicised the issue of Kadhi’s court and creating far-fetched fears that the courts could lead Kenya into a Sharia state," said Pastor Samwel Lumwe, SDA director for Adventist Muslim Relations.
Largest Bible
"Although we do not subscribe to the Kadhi’s courts, we do not object to their existence. We support co-existence of religions," said Lumwe.
The two SDA clerics were addressing journalists in Nairobi ahead of the arrival today of a multi-lingual Bible, touted to be the largest in the world.
Elsewhere, Church leaders in Coast Province threatened to reject the Proposed Constitution unless the clause on abortion is deleted.
Under the Coast branch of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), the clerics cautioned Parliament against supporting the clause.
"The Committee of Experts has deceptively reintroduced abortion and we insist the Constitution must protect all human life, which begins at conception and ends at natural death," said NCCK Coast Chairman the Reverend James Ziro.
The leaders were addressing a press conference at a Mombasa hotel after a consultative meeting.
Rev Ziro said: "Abortion is tantamount to killing and the Church cannot let it be legislated."
Saturday, March 6, 2010
New Year!
Children a delight and a great one for that matter. Here, Priscilla and Nancy enjoy the night of migration from 2009 to 2010 with Cephas."Be ever gentle with the children God has given you; watch over them constantly; reprove them earnestly, but not in anger. In the forcible language of Scripture, 'Be not bitter against them.' 'Yes, they are good folks,' I once heard a kind father say. 'I talk to them very much, but do not like to beat my, children--the world will beat them.' It was a beautiful thought not elegantly expressed." -- Elihu Burritt
"Bring your little children to the Saviour. Place them in His arms. Devote them to His service. Born in His camp, let them wear from the first His colors. Taking advantage of timely opportunities, and with all tenderness of spirit, seek to endear them to the Friend of Sinners, the Good Shepherd of the lambs, the loving Guardian of the little children. And not only teach them, but govern them. And in order to govern them, govern yourselves." - James Hamilton
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Contributions
Let me share three quotes from some noted speakers:
… a long, healthy, and happy life is the result of making contributions, of having meaningful projects that are personally exciting and contribute to and bless the lives of others. (Dr. Hans Selye)
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die. For the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It’s a sort of splendid torch which I’ve got to hold up for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. (George Bernard Shaw)
Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth. (N. Eldon Tanner).
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
Today I heard them sing so well. I don't know whether I have not been noticing their singing but they have been away, of course.
It came to my brain:
What sweet carols!
The birds pour forth their souls in notes,
of rapture from a thousand throats.
I hear the whispering voice of spring,
(How my heart yearns for it!)
Teach me half the gladness, that my brain must know,
such harmonious madness, that my lips should also pour.
God, dispel the gloom from my heart,
Clear the cold attitudes and icy relations.
Fill the soul with the joy of your presence
And the sun of your righteousness.
When the cold hand of death shall lay its hold on the life,
May your assurance still remain -
The morning of light and warmth of the Sun of Righteousness
Is certain and it is the blessed hope.
Kobayashi Issi once said "Only birds sing the music of heaven in this world." I don't know how true that is. But their music is good, natural, spontaneous, lovable.
"Bury me where the birds will sing over my grave," sought Alexander Wilson. Though he won't be there to hear the songs, nevertheless their function would have turned a dirge into rapturous outpour.
.
It came to my brain:
What sweet carols!
The birds pour forth their souls in notes,
of rapture from a thousand throats.
I hear the whispering voice of spring,
(How my heart yearns for it!)
Teach me half the gladness, that my brain must know,
such harmonious madness, that my lips should also pour.
God, dispel the gloom from my heart,
Clear the cold attitudes and icy relations.
Fill the soul with the joy of your presence
And the sun of your righteousness.
When the cold hand of death shall lay its hold on the life,
May your assurance still remain -
The morning of light and warmth of the Sun of Righteousness
Is certain and it is the blessed hope.
Kobayashi Issi once said "Only birds sing the music of heaven in this world." I don't know how true that is. But their music is good, natural, spontaneous, lovable.
"Bury me where the birds will sing over my grave," sought Alexander Wilson. Though he won't be there to hear the songs, nevertheless their function would have turned a dirge into rapturous outpour.
.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Lamb Slain for You and Me
We overcome the accuser of the brethren on the ground of the blood of Christ. Nothing more, nothing less. That is how we win. It is the only way we win. This is the only ground of our acceptance before God.
If you drift far from the cross, you are done. You are defeated. We overcome our consciences, we overcome our bad tempers, we overcome our defeats, we overcome our lusts, we overcome our fears, we overcome our pettiness on the basis of the blood of the Lamb.
We dare to approach a holy God praying in Jesus' name, appealing to the blood of the Lamb. BECAUSE THAT IS OUR ONLY RECOURSE
If you drift far from the cross, you are done. You are defeated. We overcome our consciences, we overcome our bad tempers, we overcome our defeats, we overcome our lusts, we overcome our fears, we overcome our pettiness on the basis of the blood of the Lamb.
We dare to approach a holy God praying in Jesus' name, appealing to the blood of the Lamb. BECAUSE THAT IS OUR ONLY RECOURSE
Monday, March 1, 2010
Chrisianity
“Unless the Church, its members and its organizations, express God’s love for man by involvement and leadership in constructive protest against the present conditions of man, it will become identified with injustice and persecution,” (The late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere).
I wonder whether he had in mind the ills associated with bad governance, corruption, sectarianism, and the like or the usual problems of poverty, ignorance, disease, and such other ones – whether human precipitated or not. Would he have meant the basic problem of sin?
I wonder whether he had in mind the ills associated with bad governance, corruption, sectarianism, and the like or the usual problems of poverty, ignorance, disease, and such other ones – whether human precipitated or not. Would he have meant the basic problem of sin?
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