SABBATH UPDATES & REMINDERS

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity”-Psalms 133:1

1-29-05:

Approaching this seminar prophecy weekend, let’s keep these 2 verses in mind and heart.

Amos 3:7-Surely God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.

Luke 21:36-Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

1-22-05:

I watched the inaugural of President Bush this morning. Such historical events are always stirring and memorable. We truly are blessed for being able to be citizens of a country that has such wonderful freedoms. I know each of us appreciate the sacrifices of those who have gone before us to secure the liberty we enjoy. Most of all, I know each of us looks to and recognizes the fact that ultimately the freedom and blessings we enjoy stem from the graciousness and faithfulness of a sovereign God.

President Bush's inaugural speech's theme was about freedom and liberty. I appreciated the mention of Leviticus 25:10 which says, "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you............" This powerful verse is inscribed on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. It serves as the rhythmic message of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" in which he hammers home again and again the concept of "let freedom ring."

The cause of freedom is not simply a call to a nation, but a call to each of us that follow Jesus Christ. His is "the work of Jubilee"---the work of freedom-----freedom from sin, freedom from self, freedom from worry-----thus freedom to serve God and man. Jesus own inaugural, the sermon in Nazareth, before His hometown audience is a call to freedom, the call of ---"...to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord ( Luke 4:18-19)."

As the leader of our country, sets for his second administration the theme of freedom; let's take note and understand the applicable lessons we may gain and incorporate; not only as citizens of this country, but as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

1-15-05:

We met someone for the first time on this past Tuesday evening. We had heard a lot about her, but had never met her face to face. It was someone we had been waiting to see for a long time. We met Annabelle. She is our third granddaughter. Annabelle was born healthy and well, and with a robust cry thrown in for a little charm.

Watching Annabelle in her mother’s arms brought to mind Peter’s words found in
1 Peter 2:1-3: Therefore laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grown thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Yes, that little one had just gone through an adventure ride that could take the most out of anyone. All of a sudden, she was thrust from her soft spot of nearly 10 months and then squeezed and stretched through a dark long tunnel only to come out into a burst of light and receive all sorts of sensations of touch never yet experienced. And yet having gone through the entire trauma, she is now content, warm and snug in the loving arms of someone special-----her mom, and with that touch there is a knowing that calms her frayed nerves. And it has been worth the ride. The little one has only one thought in mind----to be just as close as possible to that source of life. And from that moment of arrival, little Annabelle will begin to mimic the voice, style and mannerisms of her loving parents.

Isn’t that how we are supposed to be? Even with all of life’s bumpy rides------those squeezes and pulls and dark tunnels we go through that we think will never end-----our eyes and our reach are to move in one direction-----the source of life----our Heavenly Father.

Yes, all of us have been granted an opportunity to experience what the Bible calls a new birth----ours!!! And it is such an awesome privilege that we willing decide to leave that ol’ world of ours behind and become something new and special; and begin to mimic and incorporate the manner of the One who gives us life-----that is eternal life.

When Susan and I met Annabelle the other night, I not only got to take a good look at her, but I had an opportunity to take a look at myself as I was squarely confronted with the mirror that Peter holds up in front of each of each of us.

Both Annabelle and her grandparents have some growing to do. It will be fun doing it together.

1-8-05:

“When a man’s fight begins within himself, he is worth something”----Robert Browning
There certainly are similarities between a telescope, microscope and mirror. Each has glass and each has the ability to bring focus to subjects. The big difference is who is the subject of our focus. Mr. Browning gives us a big hint towards success--go for the mirror.

1-1-05:

As we step over into a new calendar year, needing more than ever the precious light of God's ways directing our lives; allow me to share one of my favorite writings. The words never loose their glow to me and I hope they will likewise encourage you.

The Hand of God

I said to a man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the hand of God trod gladly into the night. And He led me toward the hills and breaking of day in the lone East. So heart be still; God knows; His will is best. The stretch of years, which winds ahead, so dim to our imperfect vision is clear to God. Our fears are premature; in Him all time hath full provision.”

King George VI New Year Broadcast

Faith, vision, courage--------let's walk into the new calendar year, together-----with God.

12-25-04:

Christmas Day is around the corner. In fact, this year, it falls on the weekly Sabbath. Many of our family members, coworkers and fellow students are busily scurrying about

getting ready for the big day----that is; for them.  Many people today have lost sight of  what such a celebration is really about.  Of course you and I might say, “Well to begin with—Christ never was in Christmas from the start!” And yes, you are right.

Recently, I was in a line that was 20 people deep. I was at a postal annex and I had to pick up some work. People's holiday cheer was slowly experiencing a melt down as it took longer and longer to get to the front of the line.  I finally (in good humor, but with a pointed thought) said just loud enough for others to hear----“I wonder if this is what Bethlehem was all about.”  It was interesting that two people answered back, “I don't think so.”  Nonetheless, they waited with all their packages in arm; once again going through this annual ritual of materialism based on totally non-biblical practices.

The big question is do we know what Bethlehem was about?  And, do we live our lives as if the events with that P.O. address really occurred?  As we move through this worldly holiday weekend, let's be reminded with a guiding principle----its not enough to be against something, we must also be for something!   Romans 12:21 reminds us that God's Holy Spirit does not work in a vacuum----“Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 A gracious and generous God has certainly given us something good. Perhaps now is the time to start asking ourselves a few questions and finding the answers by reviewing the United Church of God's booklet entitled “God's Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.”   As we turn another calendar year of man, perhaps its time to focus on what we do, and why we do it and do we do it with the right spirit?  A Spirit that was very present in Bethlehem long ago in the Autumn of the year, and hopefully that same Spirit has “found room in our inn.”  Let's prepare ourselves, now----so when someone asks us, “I really wonder if……….,” that you will be able to smile and say, “yes”----regarding the observances you celebrate.