Now Is the Time of the Spirit: Living in the Dispensation of Grace

Now Is the Time of the Spirit: Living in the Dispensation of Grace

There’s a line from Ellen G. White that has lingered in my mind all week:

“The dispensation in which we are now living is to be, to those that ask, the dispensation of the Holy Spirit.”

— The Review and Herald, March 2, 1897, p.2306.

It’s simple, but it holds a truth that reaches deep into the heart of what it means to live for God today.

We Are Living in the Time of the Spirit

We often think of Bible times as something long past, the age of miracles, prophets, and visible divine power. But Scripture tells us that our time is not empty of God’s presence. We are living in a dispensation, a sacred season in salvation history, where the Holy Spirit is God’s chosen means of working in the world.

Steps in Conversion

    I recently stumbled upon a powerful quote:

         "Repentance, faith, and baptism are the requisite steps in conversion."

– Letter 174, 1909 Repentance, faith, and baptism are the requisite steps in conversion. Christ Himself was baptized by John. When John would forbid Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?” Jesus replied, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:14, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts—Volume 24 (1909), Lt 174, 1909, par. 2.

    It got me thinking. Imagine this: you welcome a beautiful baby into the world, weighing 8 pounds and 5 ounces. A year goes by, and the baby is still the same weight. Another year passes, and nothing changes—no growth, no development, no progress. Wouldn’t you be alarmed? Concerned? Heartbroken?

    Now, here’s the tough question: could this be a mirror of our spiritual lives as Seventh-day Adventists?

    Many of us have been in the church for years—some for 8, 10, even 20 years—sitting in the same pews, singing the same hymns, and listening to sermon after sermon. Outwardly, we might appear to be solid, “converted” Christians. But has there been real growth? Has our faith matured?

    The truth is sobering: complete conversion is something we will only fully realize when Jesus returns. But here’s the challenge—conversion is not a one-time event; it’s a journey, a daily process of surrender and transformation. Yet so often, we convince ourselves that we’re spiritually wealthy, that we’ve “arrived” because of what we know or how we act. But listen to what Jesus says:

        "You do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

– Revelation 3:17-19 (NKJV) Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Re 3:17–19.

    This is a call to wake up. Every day, we’re invited to commit our lives to Christ anew, to seek His wisdom, and to grow in Him. When Jesus says, “Buy from Me gold refined in the fire”, He’s asking us to immerse ourselves in His Word, to listen for His voice, and to embrace His refining work in our lives.

    Ellen G. White puts it beautifully in Patriarchs and Prophets:

        "God speaks to His people in blessings bestowed; and when these are not appreciated, He speaks to them in blessings removed, that they may be led to see their sins, and return to Him with all the heart."

– Patriarchs and Prophets, p 470 The removal of their beloved leader would be a far stronger rebuke to Israel than any which they could have received had his life and mission been continued. God would lead them to feel that they were not to make the life of their future leader as trying as they had made that of Moses. God speaks to His people in blessings bestowed; and when these are not appreciated, He speaks to them in blessings removed, that they may be led to see their sins, and return to Him with all the heart.

Ellen Gould White, The Story of Patriarchs and Prophets as Illustrated in the Lives of Holy Men of Old, vol. 1, Conflict of the Ages Series (Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1890), 470.

    That quote humbles me. How often do we, in our pride and self-reliance, push God to the margins? How often do we justify our sins or rely on our own strength? And yet, God, in His infinite love, sometimes withholds blessings—not to punish us, but to bring us back to Him.

    This reminds me of my own need for daily repentance. Conversion isn’t just a one-time event marked by baptism; it’s a daily dying to self and living anew in Christ. Without repentance, faith, and a continual commitment to baptism’s deeper meaning, we risk stagnation—remaining like that unchanged 8-pound baby, unable to grow or mature spiritually.

    Jesus’ words echo in my heart:

        "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent."

– Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Re 3:19.

So here’s my prayer: that each day, we take the steps toward true conversion. That we repent, have faith, and live out the meaning of our baptism. Let’s not settle for spiritual complacency but strive for growth, trusting that Christ’s love will sustain and transform us.

Let’s grow together in Him.

– A.F. Lolowang

Quotes: Dr. Samuel Koranteng Pipim

Among some of the memorable quotes from Pipim's sermons and lecture series are the following:

“To change the world, you must first be changed.”

“The complacency of success is the first step to mediocrity.”

“Excellence is a journey, not a destination.”

“There’s no alternative to excellence; without it we’re doomed.”

“Excellence is a winsome lifestyle. Therefore be nice to people.”

“Learn to think for yourself, otherwise somebody will do the thinking for you."

“Those who read are those who lead. But those who write keep the leaders right.”

“The pen of truth is the most effective weapon against the arrogance of power.”

“Lead by actions, not by directions.”

“Leaders think and act. Puppets blindly follow policies and polls.”

"Don't be flattered by your position. It is your character and accomplishments that count."

"Discouragement is my encouragement."

"A goal without a deadline is a dream."

"In a culture of theological pluralism, biblical teaching is controversial and divisive."

“The silent majority are not silent. Their voices of apathy are louder than the courage of their convictions.”

"Samuel Koranteng-Pipim" Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 27 Aug. 2010. 17 Sept. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Koranteng-Pipim>.

7 Steps to Overcome Sin

A-dmit your sin
B-elieve the possibility to win
C-laim the victory over it
D-ecide to surrender it
E-ngage in a relationship with God
F-orget the sin and let
G-od be your guide

7 steps over sin. GB. :)

Q&A: Denominations and Anti-Christ.

Mrs. X: (June 5 at 1:58pm)
please take this message seriously,
because the kind of worship in this
world is not according to the Word of God.
The whole world is deceived !!!!!

The body of Christ is the Church (coloss.1:24).
According to the scriptures, the name of the body
is Jesus Christ (the name of the Church).
The body of Christ is spirit (Eph.2:18-22),
and therefore the Church is buildt up
in spirit and in truth (john 4:24).

ONE BODY, one faith, ONE SPIRIT, one Lord.

The Church is not by observation to say
"Look, here it is", or "Look, there it is".

The Church is within you.

Therefore, everyone of those buildings
and their denomination names are all
"anti-christ".

Isaiah chapter 8 says "to the law and to the testimony
if they speak not according to this word, there is
no light in them".

Nowhere in the scriptures do you see any of
those denomination names as "the church".

According to Revelation 13, those who worship
in those anti-christ speaks like the dragon.
(that is what you are doing when you do not
speak according to what is written in scripture;
there is no light in you).

Christ said our gathering must be where
2 or 3 are gathered in His name.

But the people are gathering in the name of
denominations; we are denying Christ,
and bearing witness to "anti-christ".

it is written that the Lord our God is a
jelouse God.

We are provoking Jesus Christ to jelousy with
our vain (denomination) name use for worship.

We are also provoking Him to anger with
the works of our hands by building those
anti-christ for worship.

We have forsaken the commandments
of Jesus Christ and His Law.

we must no longer profane the sabbath
with vain worship in those "anti-christ".

He that heareth; let him hear
He that forbeareth; let him forbear

Assdhy F. Lolowang: (June 6 at 9:14am)
Dear Mrs. X,

Thank you so much for your message, but forgive me to disagree. If you are a follower of Christ, then you've called yourself a Christian. If Christians follow Christ, than he/she needs to follow the word of God in its entirety. Not just its one or two verses, but every part of the whole Bible. That's including how to dress, what to eat, what day to worship, the testimony of Christ, His law, etc...

Body of Christ. Since the time of the creation of the world, congregations were created. It started with Adam and Eve. Then, Israelites, then after the death of Christ, there were the first Christians led by the disciples. However, the world has been discombobulated with its selfish intellectual, wanting to change law and disprove the word of God, changing jots, and the principles which the Bible stood for. That is the reason why there are many denominations. However, from all the multiple denominations, grew, which I personally believe, is a true religion that based its Christian standard under one. THE WORD OF GOD. This denomination, refused to change a jot of it. This denomination takes the word of God from verse to verse, grammar to grammar, precept upon precept, line upon line, and this only denomination takes the word of God 100% of its context and applied it on its doctrine. That sole denomination is, Seventh-day Adventist. Its name itself gave a whole definition of what this denomination stands. The law of God (Seventh-day), and the testimony of Christ (Adventist).

God specified His people for two reasons, to tell others about the testimony and the law of God. This obligation was bestowed to Enoch, Noah and the righteous prior to the upbringing of the nation of Israel. This was then obliged to the Israelites. After Israelites, the twelve disciples hold this obligation and finally, at this end of time, the Seventh-Day Adventists have this solemn obligation to share this truth to the corners of the world.

Do not get me wrong. The land of Judah was ceased by Nebuchadnezzar, but only Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were the only individuals in Babylon that God magnified. Satan, from going to and fro in the earth and from walking up and down in it found no one worthy in God's eyes except for Job. What is my point? There is God’s group of people, but group of people (a denomination, a church, a family, or a couple) will not be saved. God's grace was given individually. Therefore, our individual body, as the temple of God, needed to have it holy by accepting God's grace, so that individually, each one of us may be saved.

Anti-Christ. What does it mean? Simple, it takes someone to know it prior to become "anti" about it. So, you need to know something about Christ before you become an Anti-Christ.

To recap, if you call yourself a Christian and refused to do what the whole Bible teaches, or perhaps holds a couple of verses to hold your so called "Biblical standard" in your denomination and reject other Christian principles in the Bible, then you are an Anti-Christ. Why? Because you know only some while rejected the whole concept of the Word of God, which is Christ Himself.

Again, forgive me. But I have to stand with what I believe and that is the Bible. No, we do not need a denomination to be saved. However, if it takes a denomination for you to understand the whole concept of the Word of God, than I praise God for the denomination that has its doctrine standing upon the Word of God.

I do hope that you would forgive me for disagreeing, but I do believe what I believe.

Thank you for your time, I do wish you the best in searching deeper of the Love Letter of God.

May God bless you accordingly,
A. F. Lolowang

Lyric: Renew Me (Performed by Heritage Singers and Avalon)

Why am I such a dusty window

For your light to shine through?

Why am I just a tiny star

In a sky already blue?

Why do I offer everything

With my heart closed like a fist?

I want to love You better than this

Why do I live like I'm in chains

When You have set me free?

Why do I have to break Your heart

Before I fall to my knees?

I know it's time to pray for change

Give all I have to give

I want to love You better than this

So renew me

Remake me

Undo me

Unbreak me

Come into the empty spaces

Of my broken places

And consume me

Complete me

Pursue me

Redeem me

Let Your Holy Spirit living through me

Renew me

Lord Renew me

How I need You as my refuge

My first and last resort

Be the river always running

Through my deepest thoughts

Keep me in Your arms

'Cause even when I drift

I want to love You better than this

So renew me

Remake me

Undo me

Unbreak me

Come into the empty spaces

Of my broken places

And consume me (And consume me Lord)

Complete me

Pursue me

Redeem me

Let Your Holy Spirit living through me

Renew me (Renew me)

Renew me (Renew me Lord)

My life bending to Your will

Seeking You until I'm more and more like You

So renew (So renew me Lord, renew me)

Come into the empty spaces

Of my broken places

And consume me (And consume me Lord)

Complete me

Pursue me

Redeem me

Let Your Holy Spirit living through me

Renew me (Renew me Lord, renew me)

Renew me

Renew me (Renew me Lord)

Renew me (Please renew me oh Lord)

I need you to renew me

"This song have renewed my spirit time after time again. When I am down, this song has become a part of my prayer. I hope it would be yours too. May God bless you through this song." - A. F. Lolowang

How Can a Man Fall in Love With Someone He Had Never Seen?

Dear reader,

It boggles my mind to find this unexplainable feeling in my heart. I cannot sit and try to comprehend the possibilities for a man to actually fall in love with Someone that he had never seen face to face?

I am a visual person, who loves to see things in different views to completely understand it and perhaps fall in love with it. Through this boggled mind, I felt as if the word “love” is a rhetorical word in its own nutshell. Those four-letter word somehow can touch a human's heart in a way that is unimaginable, which often becomes a source of joy to a recipient or the one who is giving it away.

Is it possible for a son to love his father? Is it logical for a daughter to love her doll? Can it be understood for a man to love a woman? These are just some of the feelings that dwell within that four-letter flowery word of love. Poems stood around it, business empires staggered because of it, nation is born from it, and due to love hatred crumbles. But how is it possible to love someone that you’ve never seen before?

Long ago, perhaps about a couple of years in the past, I’ve gotten to know a special someone who is undeniably the most humbling and God loving individual. At first, she was just another “friend” that I’ve met in the matrix of World Wide Web. Yes, I said it, “matrix,” an environment that is illogically formed and impossible for me to comprehend. Yet, after knowing this individual, with the heart that she holds, and the humbling goal that she is trying to attain, and even though I have not seen her face to face, there ignited in me this complex feeling that I tried many times to defuse. Is it love?

After getting to know Jesus, I’ve gotten to see the immense love of this Individual that I still am longing to delve upon and whom I am trying to wrap my mind in.

I read His biography, tried to picture myself in His position, tried to understand why a Deity would come and die for His creatures that is worth less than an angel, and to see the true love that He possesses revealed through His action and His death on the cross. It’s mind boggling!

I then ask myself, how can God love someone that He had never seen?

How is it possible that the plan of salvation that was created thousands of years ago have been planned for you and I today? How is it possible that a sinful being, born about two millenniums after His death, would be loved by a Son of God? Had He seen me in His complex mind as He hung on that cross? Did He visualize my deterred state as His body was thorn, whipped, and beaten? Is it possible that as I sin today, He had already seen it as He stumbled while carrying the burdensome cross on His beaten and blood littered body toward the hill of Golgotha? Is it true that because of His love toward you and I, placed Him, an unblemished sacrifice, to die on that cross for our sins? Could it be love?

I read and read His story, and at first I do not see it. I mean a Devine being, who sent His begotten Son to be 100% human to die for someone such as I. How could it be possible? Can a man fall in love with God whom he had never seen face to face? How can a man fall in love with Someone he had never seen?

It suddenly hit me that men sees with their eyes, while God sees with His heart. It suddenly struck me that love does not come from the eyes, but it comes straight from the heart.

Could it be that I’ve seen what I have not really seen?

Love is a wonderful mystery to me. It’s not just a four-letter, awe-struck, "girlish" kind of word, but it’s a word that means so much more than just that. It’s an unexplained feeling that exists for a reason.

It is love that placed our orbit in its celestial space. It is love that has kept me alive. It is love that mends my broken heart. It is love that broke me down to tears to know that the Someone I’ve never seen, have died for my sins.

How can a man fall in love with Someone he had never seen?

Easy, keep your eyes shut and let your heart do the seeing.

Now, you may ask, how about that “she” you were referring to earlier in the so called matrix of the World Wide Web. All I can tell you is this, God knows my future. I don’t. All I have to do is to work for Him with all of my heart and lean not upon my own understanding, and He’ll provide the rest.

You may not understand what I've wrote, but I hope you can understand one thing; it does not take two eyes to see true love.

May God bless you all.

Much Love,

Assdhy.

AudioVerse, heard on 5/21/2010

As I was studying my Bible, I was disturbed somehow and I had this feeling to play this file that I've downloaded from AudioVerse.org and was really blessed. I do hope that you too will be blessed. Happy Sabbath and God bless. :)

Live Profoundly, by Shawn Boonstra

My Dedication

Joshua 24:15 - "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." -KJV

Joshua 1:5-9 - "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." -KJV

My Love for Christ - Romans 8:34 - 39

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?       As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Unholy Infatuation

The thought of marriage seems to have a bewitching power upon the minds of many of the youth. Two persons become acquainted; they are infatuated with each other, and their whole attention is absorbed. Reason is blinded, and judgment is overthrown. They will not submit to any advice or control, but insist on having their own way, regardless of consequence.

Like some epidemic, or contagion, that must run its course, is the infatuation that possesses them; and there seems to be no such thing as putting a stop to it. Perhaps there are those around them who realize that, should the parties interested be united in marriage, it could only result in life-long unhappiness. But entreaties and exhortations are given in vain. Perhaps, by such a union, the usefulness of one whom God would bless in His service will be crippled and destroyed; but reasoning and persuasion are alike unheeded.

All that can be said by men and women of experience proves ineffectual; it is powerless to change the decision to which their desires have led them. They lose interest in the prayer meeting, and in everything that pertains to religion. They are wholly infatuated with each other, and the duties of life are neglected, as if they were matters of little concern. Night after night, these young people burn the midnight oil to talk with each other,—in reference to subjects of serious and solemn interest?—O no. Rather of frivolous things that are of no importance. - Message to young People

Deleting Social Networks like Facebook, MySpace, and Friendster.

I find this to be addicting.

So I prayed, and prayed.
Struggled here and there, and I've committed to delete all my accounts including Facebook with God's help.
Well, I did deleted FB. But someone on FB sent a message to my sister's account...
Anyway, Hector, if that was you, let me know what you need brother...
LOL...
No, I'm not deleting my account because I've had any confrontation with any of the people on FB, but I don't know why, I just felt as if God is sweeping my life off of the gutter.
I just feel at ease now without these Social Networks and other addictions. Now I'm focusing more on the Bible, and I'm getting to see God in a different point of view now. I've stopped watching TV, I've stopped listening to worldly musics (except classical or instrumental with piano or violin), I've stopped eating meat, I've stopped checking out girls (I'm leaving that to God. I know that a special someone for me will be provided by God. Just let Him lead you), I've stopped speeding, and so many other addictions that I was facing. It's just like God took it away when I asked Him to. I know God told me to keep quiet, like what He have told to Legion the possessed man, and the paralyzed man, but I just can't keep this shut.
Now, Instead of being in front of the TV, I'm reading sections off of The Great Controversy (Chapter 30, "Enmity between Human and Satan" is a good one... I love it.), sections off of The Message To Young People (I love reading the section on Service and Prayer... Very strong message there. Sigh.. Took my breath for a second there. Oh, I did read about courtship too. If you're planning for courting, I'm encouraging you to read it first before you ask that special lady out ~.o) I'm also reading the Bible more and just diving into it, while asking God to open up the mind. I've always done morning and evening devotion, but this time, it's just like, I'm spending 10 - 20 minutes more on one devotion to understand it deeper, I'm also learning piano via YouTube on my spare time :). Cleaned the apartment more often. I mean, I feel different with these worldly stuffs off of me. And man, if you really surrender your life to God, God will give you the Holy Spirit to fight the temptations. Remember this that Satan has no right to take your soul. That's the reason why God have given you Enmity toward Satan. We were born a sinner, but Jesus have died for our transgression. Anyway, I'm just sharing my testimony.
But if you have any addictions, something that took your time from reading His word, than I encourage that you talk to God sincerely. First, ask for repentance, humble yourself, ask God for humility. I had to go through humility and trials. If you are facing some trials, don't blame God. NEVER blame God. That's Satan's wish that you would blame God for it (the oldest trick in the book). God knows how much you can handle and He wants to see how much of your life that you would surrender to Him.. Anyway, ask God for anything you wish for the glory of God. Only for the glory of God. If it's for your own glory, than forget about it.
Anyway, I hope you guys would find encouragement through this last note.
I am deleting my Facebook after Hector tells me what he was going to tell me. :)

Alright, this is Assdhy F. Lolowang.
If you need to contact me, my e-mail is
A.F.Lolowang@gmail.com
I don't check it periodically but you can send one or two.
If you have AOY...
http://www.armyofyouth.org/soldiers/connect/viewprofile.aspx?sid=2500
and if you have blogspot...
http://azdhyxt.blogspot.com/

Anyway, my last note...
I wish you guys would have the same blessings as I have and if you need prayer, send me an e-mail. :)
I don't mind praying for you.
I'm leaving this post until Friday.
So, I'm deleting this account on Friday.
And hopefully no one would be sending me messages through my sister or brother. :)
Anyway, I love you guys.
Just surrender your all to God, and He'll provide. That's not my promise but it's God's promise.
God bless you all.
And have a merry Christmas. Go celebrate the reason why God came to this world. :)

posted 12/22/08

An Awesome Time With God

I couldn't tell you why, I couldn't describe you how, but when I am with Christ and Christ is in me, the feeling is just different. I feel this internal joy that I've never felt before. God will always give you a comforter that will help you in the hard times, and I know, He will do the same to you if you let Him.

Short Personal Biblical Journal

This is base upon the creation of the fourth day. Genesis 1:14-19. -KJV

14. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
15. And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
16. And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
17. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18. And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

As I was reading this, I wondered, could it be, that the two lights described in Genesis 1:14-19, the two lights that were given to us, the "greater light" and the "lesser light," are the lights/teachings of Jesus and instructions of Ellen G. White.

Why? How did I come up with this? Verse 16 hits me hard. "Greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." If we think about it, Israelites, at the time of Jesus, possessed the knowledge of God that was kept in their land. They had the law of God; they knew the instructions of God, they were aware of the wisdom of God, yet were not capable of understanding about the "brighter light," which is Jesus. They had the knowledge of the Bible, but they were not shone, the brighter light until Jesus came. We do know that "brightness" symbolized the presence of God that brightens the mind of His chosen people. Israel was living in the "day." They knew about God but were not aware of the coming of the Messiah and refused to accept the teachings of the Brighter light.

Lesser light. E.G.White is known to be a "lesser light." "The Lord has sent his people much instruction, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. Little heed is given to the Bible, and the Lord has given a lesser light to lead men and women to the greater light. O, how much good would be accomplished if the books containing this light were read with a determination to carry out the principles they contain! There would be a thousandfold greater vigilance, a thousandfold more self-denial and resolute effort. And many more would now be rejoicing in the light of present truth." {The Colporteur of Evangelist p.37 paragraph.1} Darkness. Isn't it true that at this time of age, God's people have been astray from the brightness of God? After the Dark Age, the knowledge of God has diminished until the "lesser light" brings out the "brighter light" into awareness for His people. I still believe that we are living in the night. Darkness still fills the people of God, because in observance of God's people, we can see that many are still slumbering and perhaps dreaming. I don't think that E.G. White is the only lesser light. If we read through the Bible, only when God's chosen people are drawn apart from the wisdom of God that God sent a messenger, a "lesser light" for His people to gain a better understanding of God's message. Could it be?

Not to forget, "He made the stars also." Genesis 1:16b -KJV Could that identify God's "stars" who are diligently studying the light of God in helping to brighten this darkened world? “And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.” Is it possible that God is truly asking His people, the “stars” to drawn apart from darkness et lighten the darkened world?

I know these teachings have been thought by many Adventists, but knowing this personally opens up a new perspective on the “brighter light” and the “lesser light.” Thank you Lord for showing me a little glimpse of the knowledge of Your word. Amazing!

A Work of Reform

The Great Controversy, Chapter 26.

"Every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:20).

Hallowed by the Creator's rest and blessing, the Sabbath was kept by Adam in his innocence in Eden. From that day to the present, the knowledge of God's law has been preserved in the earth, and the Sabbath of the fourth commandment has been kept by God's people.
Those who received the light concerning the sanctuary and the unchanging nature of the law of God were filled with joy and wonder as the saw the beauty and harmony of the system of truth that opened to their understanding. But truths that would place them at variance with the world were not welcome to many who claimed to be followers of Christ. Those who did not search the Scriptures for themselves were content to accept conclusions in accordance with their desires. The majority of Miller's followers rejected the truths concerning the sanctuary and the law of God, and many also renounced their faith in the Advent Movement.
The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past experience of the Adventist body. Had the Israelites kept trusting God, who led them out of Egypt, they would have gone directly into the Promised Land. It was not God's will that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness. In the same way, it was not God's will that Christ's coming should be so long delayed.

Key Thought: The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. This is the only argument against the truth which its advocates have never been able to refute. But this does not deter the true followers of Christ. These do not wait for truth to become popular....
"Whatever may be their profession, it is only those who are world servers at heart that act from policy rather than principle in religious things. We should choose the right because it is right, and leave consequences with God" (The Great Controversy,p. 460).

Today's Lesson: The majority have always chosen the path of least resistance, preferring to please self rather than God.

God sent me a text message.

James 1:1-13 and He brought me to Genesis 22:1. Here's the message.

What is temptation?—It is the means by which those who claim to be the children of God are tested and tried. We read that God tempted Abraham, that He tempted the children of Israel. This means that He permitted circumstances to occur to test their faith, and lead them to look to Him for help. God permits temptation to come to His people today, that they may realize that He is their helper. If they draw nigh to Him when they are tempted, He strengthens them to meet the temptation. But if they yield to the enemy, neglecting to place themselves close to their Almighty Helper, they are overcome. They separate themselves from God. They do not give evidence that they walk in God's way. (ST March 12, 1912)

I choose the self-pleasure of this world. I put God away, refusing to accept His message. But this morning He told me to answer His call, and there, in the Bible, He showed me the treasure that I long to find.

May God bless any that takes the time to read this short note. GB.

Youth For Jesus

Youth For Jesus

To those that are reading this message, especially the youths involved, with praises to God, I humbly beseeching you to please pray for the 9 days of Youth Revival / Youth Crusade program entitled “Youth for Jesus” that will start this Friday, the 17th, and ending on the 25th of July, 2009. This program does not benefit our church nor should it benefit any individual involved. However, with earnest prayer and surrendering of self, may it only benefit our Savior, Jesus Christ, through the worship and the lives that we’ve brought to Him.
This program has gone through many miracles. I see God putting His hands down to show His children, His young people, the ultimate power of God.
I still can recall on May 30, 2009, our first elder, told me of his vision for the young people in the church, working their best for Christ. He wanted to take the advantage of the summer-break to reach the young people who knew not of Christ. He asked me to be involved, and I turned it down, however, he explained to me the joy and honor it would bring to God. At that split moment, I recalled at the many rejections of the work of God that I have put to rest. At that moment, my conscience tells me that this is something I cannot turn down and this is something to give God all the glory and honor. As I sat there with our first elder, my heart ached, knowing that this was an impossible task to grasp. As we wrote the names of the coordinators and associates down, I prayed in my heart that the young people, who have the potentials in doing their best for God, can do just that, their best for God. As we draw to an end, we closed with a prayer, asking God to put His hands down on the names listed, to bless this immense work, and we prayed that none of it be glorified to humanity but may it only bring glory to God.
On the 13th, as our church congregation glorified God through praises of songs in California, I stayed struggling with the question, “what is God’s will for me?” On that evening after the church service, I experienced God’s presence through nature on the mountain. He spoke to me through the water’s creek, He touched me from the breeze blown through the Evergreen trees, and He filled my soul with the fresh mountain water from its source. I then stood still at the top of that journey to see His awesome, astounding, overwhelming, grandiose and majestic presence. It was breath-taking. As I humbly stood there, observing the panoramic view from east to west, surrounding me were dark clouds with thunder and lightning, yet, it soaked me not. I then look up to heaven and smiled, thanking God for His abundant guidance and mercies. As I hiked down, on one of the cliffs I noticed a tree protruding out of the cliff above my head. I climbed that cliff, and stood at its branch, which overhang out to the “bottomless” pit. There, I look up again to heaven and knelt on that branch. Tears dripped from the sinful eyes, uttering my prayer, recalling the great things that God have done in the past and what He, with His mercy, will do for me in the future.
Following that day, I found out from our first elder that our main speaker will not be able to attend for a certain reason. I also discovered that we have not found a place to do our crusade. I’ve contacted many speakers to replace our main speaker. From phone calls, to Facebook messages, only one speaker replied to me with good news. Yet, I couldn’t respond to him due to our youth elder whom have contacted an evangelist to be our speaker and have also booked a place for the meeting prior to getting-in-touch with me. Questions and doubts rose in my mind, however, I put it all aside and trusted everything to my living God. I looked on the opposite side; perhaps, this was an answer that I was looking for.
As plans are advancing, I stumbled again at many more problems such as “inability” for young people to do God’s work and perhaps, a lack of confidence. It seemed that these young people are unable to compare God’s work and a mere human’s work. If something is to glorify a human being or a church, than it is simply a human’s work. However, if the work focused and maintained only in glorifying God, than for certain, you should not worry. Instead, have faith young people, you will gain blessings from the Almighty God in doing your part. Do also understand that God’s work is unstoppable when you and I work our best for Him and letting Him do the rest.
I would like to remind you, young people, our talents are entrusted by God, and it is time for us to be mature and to use that talent entrusted for the glory of God. I will tell you this, if you do not and refused to use your talent for the glory of God, God Himself will take it away from you the way He took away mine.
Young men and women whom are involved in this ministry, “Youth for Jesus,” may each one of us consecrate our life fully to Christ. Leave the world behind us and take up the cross daily. I hope from my heart that this message is not just a message to bring you joy and to elevate your faith, however, I hope that this message can be a message of revoke and reproof of our daily character prior in doing God’s work.
It is impossible for a flesh, a human mind, to understand what God’s work for us to toil, until he or she have given them all to Jesus.
My friends, it is an abominable for you and I to call ourselves Christians, while we live fully in the world, longing to be comforted by the world, and wanting to be pleased by it. It is likewise breaking the third commandment of God, putting His precious name in vain.
Please do pray daily throughout this event for everyone involved, including myself, and for souls athirst for the living water, because Satan is willing to keep the children of God in deep asleep.
Do we all remember the story of the ten virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13? God’s people will all fall asleep. Not just five, nor three, nor one, it says, “They all slumbered and slept.” However, when the bridegroom cometh, who would still have the faith in keeping their fire burning? Young people, the midnights cry for our Jesus Christ’s soon return has come. The destruction surrounds us, the frivolous, and the self exaltation is around us. Increasing numbers of earthquakes, mud slides, twisters, tsunamis, economy downfall, death tolls, changing of weather, famine, pestilences, many false Christ, wars, rumors of wars and other calamities, to name a few. Open your eyes Christians. Wake up and keep your faith burning for the bridegroom is coming soon.
God bless.

The Voice of Stern Rebuke

The Voice of Stern Rebuke

Prophets and Kings, Chapter 10.

"Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee" (1 Kings 17:9 - KJV).

Elijah had been miraculously fed for many months by the Brook Cherith, but now the brook had run dry. The widow whom God had designated to care for His prophet was not an Israelite, but she was a believer in the true God and walked in all the light shining on her pathway. Amazingly, Elijah could not find safety in Israel but had to find refuge in a foreign country.
The widespread famine had affected the widow, as well, and when Elijah arrived, he discovered how little food she had. In fact, the remaining oil and meal would make only one final meal for her and her son. After that, starvation seemed to be their only prospect. So, Elijah's request for a little food was a true test of her faith. And what a reward she received in response to her remarkable faith! Her barrel of meal and her jar of oil did not fail until the familne ended and the rains returned.
Three years had gone by since Elijah had stood before Ahab and announced God's judgments against Israel. now, when the prophet and the king again came face to face, Ahab's first question was, "Art thou he that troubleth Israel?" (1 Kings 18:17). How typical for the wrongdoer to hold God's messenger for the consequences of his own departure from righteousness!
But Elijah turned the question back on Ahab and requested that he gather 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets that ate at Jezebel's table for a meeting on Mount Carmel.

Key Thought: "Today there is need of the voice of stern rebuke; for grievous sins have separated the people from God. Infidelity is fast becoming fashionable.... The smooth sermons so often preached make no lasting impression; the trumpet does not give a certain sound. Men are not cut to the heart by the plain, sharp truths of God's word" (Prophets and Kings, p. 140).

Today's Lesson: In times of crisis, God is looking for those who are prepared to take an unambiguous stand for the right regardless of consequences.
Love Makes a Way: Walking with Jesus from Eden to Eternity, Herbert Edger Douglass

Medical Missionary

I just want to share what Renny have shared with me. :) Thanks Renny. Really appreciate it. :)
GB guys.

"Often erroneous opinions are transcribed on the mind, and these lead to an unwise course of action. Students should have time to talk with God, time to live in hourly, conscious communion with the principles of truth and righteousness and mercy. At this time straightforward investigation of the heart is essential. The student must place himself where he can draw from the Source of spiritual and intellectual power. He must require that every cause which asks his sympathy and co-operation has the approval of the reason which God has given him, and the conscience, which the Holy Spirit is controlling. He is not to perform an action that does not harmonize with the deep, holy principles which minister light to his soul and vigor to his will. Only thus can he do God the highest service. He is not to be taught that medical missionary work will bind him to any man, who shall dictate what his work shall be. {8T 164.1}

Medical missionary work is not to be drawn apart and made separate from church organization. The medical students are not to receive the idea that they may regard themselves as amenable only to the leaders in the medical work. They are to be left free to receive counsel from God. They are not to pledge themselves and their future to anything that erring human beings may outline for them. No thread of selfishness is to be drawn into the web; no scheme is to be devised that has in it one particle of injustice. Selfishness is not to control any line of the work. Let us remember that individually we are working in full view of the heavenly universe. {8T 164.2} "

"Genuine medical missionary work is the gospel practiced. Those who cannot see the bearing of this work should not feel authorized to control any phase of it until they do understand its bearing. "

"What a change would be seen if all who are in responsible positions would realize that they are working under the eye of an all-seeing God. What is needed now is the free working of the Holy Spirit on mind and heart. Without this our efforts will be fruitless. When the Spirit molds and fashions us, our words and acts will reveal heartfelt thanksgiving. "

"The medical missionary workers are to be purified, sanctified, ennobled. They are to rise to the highest point of excellence. They are to be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude. Then they will see that health reform and medical missionary work are to be bound up with the preaching of the gospel. "

"The medical missionary work is of God and bears His signature. For this reason let man keep his hands off it and not desire to manage it according to his own ideas." T8, p.169, 170

Random thought... What does it take to be with God?

Matthew 14:22-33 NKJV - Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

On this story of “Jesus walking on the lake”, I found a great lesson in it that I wish to share toward young people who walk with Christ.
Let's look at the scenario in the disciples' point of view. Jesus has made His disciples to go ahead before Him. It is night time, and they were tossed by the wave to the middle of the sea without Jesus’ presence in their boat.

I believe that in our Christian life, like the disciples, Jesus let trials and tribulations to come into our life and we often have to go through darkness, tribulations and trials, until we found ourselves living in the middle of nowhere, being tossed by the media and the influence of this world until Jesus walked on water to meet us and even when we’ve found Him, fears and doubts came, like the disciples that they could not even recognize Jesus.

Once Jesus introduced himself to them and assured them to not worry, Peter asked Jesus if he can come to Him on the water and Jesus said, “Come.”

I really love this story and the statement of Jesus. “Come.”
When we get to know Christ, and when Christ enters our life, we are tried through the waves of the world to see our dedication for Him. Are we really committed to serve Him? So when we are committed to go to Christ, Jesus opened up His arm and tells us to “come.” Isn’t it exciting?
As Peter walks to meet Jesus on the water, the Bible says that the wind was boisterous (rough and stormy) and Peter was afraid and he began to sink.
What does it take for young people to walk with Jesus?
Call on Him, get out of your comfort zone, and even though you will be doing something impossible like walking on water, with Jesus, you can do it.
We got to understand that working for Jesus enrage Satan and he will send us rough and stormy winds in our life to keep our focus away from Jesus and he’ll causes us to be afraid.
Jesus does not promise that when you come to Him everything will be wonderful but He promised He’ll be there, just come to Him. Peter, with no hesitation took the chance to do something impossible, to walk on water for Jesus. Peter, in his walk with Jesus had fallen more than once, he betrayed Jesus, yet, Jesus opened up His arms and told Peter to “come.” No matter how far you’ve gone from Christ, with open arms, nailed on the cross, he asks us to come to Him.
That's the thought of my day. May God bless you in a way that you can not imagine, for His thought surpasses yours and mine. :) God bless.