MY SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE (PSALM 23)

DAVID SHARING WHAT HE LEARNED AS A SHEPHERD ABOUT GOD'S WATCH CARE OVER EACH PERSON IN HIS FLOCK.

You are my caretaker. I do not have to worry about my physical needs (Matthew 6:25-34).

You place me in environments where I can grow better (Philippians 4:19/Acts 17:26)

You show me how to obtain peace of mind (Philippians 4;6,7/Mark 6:31)

You revive my spirit (Psalm 51:12)

You show me how to live right in this world (Proverbs 3:6); so that You get the glory (1 Peter 2:9-13)

If I end up in dangerous situations, I will not be be afraid, because I know that Your presence is there (Psalm 91:9-13/Deuteronomy 31:6,8)

You uplift me with your right hand and send the Holy Spirit to be my Comforter(John 14:16)

You cause me to be invited to events with those that hate me and there provide for the nourishment of my body (Psalm 103:5)

You Baptise me with Your Spirit (Matthew 3:11)

I have so many blessings, that I have to share with others (Malachi 3:10)

I am certain that joy and forgiveness You will give to me as long as I abide with You (Psalm 16:11/1 John 1:9)

And by your grace, I will work in Your vineyard (Psalm 84:10/ Philippians 2: 12,13) and my name will not be blotted out of the book of life (Revelation 3:5)

Amen

THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY

Although I speak with foreign languages and the most angelic voice, but do not show love to my neighbors or strangers, I am like a noisy percussion instrument (1 Corinthians 12:10 and Romans 12:6). And although I have been given insight into the future and spiritual matters and exercise faith, so that nothing is impossible for me (Matthew 17:20), but do not love my friends, I am worthless. And although I give to the homeless and fast for just causes but do not love my family, I am wasting my time and my money.

Love takes lots of mistreatment and is selfless; love does not envy what others have or is competitive; love does not show off, is not focused on self, does not behave in an obnoxious manner, is not self-willed, does not get irritated easily, does not entertain wicked thoughts; does not find sin funny, but enjoys talking or listening to what is worthy of praise;

Love handles all situations, believes the best of all people, hopes for the best, perseveres in all circumstances.

Love always wins; but predictions of the future will stop; those with the gift of foreign languages shall one day forget them; mass religious awakenings and revivals will end.

For we only have partial knowledge and understanding of spiritual matters. But when Jesus Christ returns, every subject that now confuses the mind or causes debate will be fully understood (Is there a God?, How the world was formed?, Is the concept of sin real?, Is there life after death?, Is there life in other worlds?)

When I was a child, I spoke as a child should speak, I had the understanding of a child, I had no interest in adult matters: but when I became a [woman], I let go of childish ways.

For now the eyes of our understanding is dim (Ephesians 4:18); but at His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), we shall see Jesus for who He really is (God, a Prophet or just a good man): now I only understand some of life; but then I shall understand matters completely just like God now knows everything about me (Psalm 139:1-3).

But as for now, faith, hope and love keeps us going, love being the more powerful virtue of the three.

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE (Previously Published)

"I LOVE YOU!" How many times in your life has someone said these words to you? How did these words make you feel? Did you believe the person who said them? Did you reject their words because you thought that you were not worthy of their love? Each and every one of us wants to be loved. If anyone says they don't care if they are loved, then you know immediately that they have been hurt so many times that they have put up a protective wall around their heart. God created us to love; to love Him, to love others and to love ourselves.

Along the way, we receive messages that damage our ability to give and receive love. This month's blog looks at these three avenues of love and comes in two parts.

LOVE FOR GOD

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE

“…which is the great commandment in the law?: Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself" Matthew 22:36-39.

How do you love God? You don’t have to look far for the answer, because He’s already told us in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments”

Commandments 1 through 4 show us how to love God.

#1 – Do not put anything or anyone else above Him
#2 – Do not worship idols (inanimate objects)
#3 – Do not use the Lord’s name in an inappropriate or disrespectful way
#4 – Remember the Sabbath day and do not work or transact business on that day

Commandments 5 through 10 show us how to love others.

#5 – Treat your parents with respect and those whom God has placed in authority
#6 – Do not do anything that kills life
#7 – Do not engage in an extra-marital affair, either physical or emotional
#8 – Do not take what does not belong to you
#9 – Do not be deceptive with what you say or what you withhold
#10 – Do not desire other people’s possessions

LOVE FOR OTHERS

A CHRISTIAN'S CONFESSION AND PRAYER

“He that says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness even
until now. He that loves his brother abides in the light, and there is none
occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hates his brother is in
darkness, and walks in darkness, and knows not whither he goes, because that
darkness hath blinded his eyes.” 1 John 2:9-11

Before coming to my new church (a multi-cultural congregation), I didn’t realize that I was walking in darkness. The darkness had blinded my eyes and I didn’t know where I was going. Being in a predominantly one-race church, I didn’t have to deal with or worship with the people against whom I was prejudiced. Snap judgments were made about everything from their style of worship to the way they raised their children. I made disparaging remarks about them--God’s children—without realizing the shroud of darkness that surrounded me.

Lord, today I confess that I have hated my brother. That’s probably why it’s been difficult to receive his love toward me. Free me from the bondage of hate and prejudice. Open my eyes to the love that unites us. Open my heart to the love he has to give. Open my heart to your love that binds us (2 Corinthians 5:14).

A PSALM OF PRAISE

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods

(Psalm 95:1-3)

TRUE EDUCATION

"True education does not ignore the value of scientific knowledge or literary acquirements; but above information it values power; above power, goodness; above intellectual acquirements, character. The world does not so much need men of great intellect as of noble character. It needs men in whom ability is controlled by steadfast principle." From a book called, Education pg. 225 by Ellen G. White

MONEY MANAGEMENT AND AMUSEMENTS

Now the case where a man owns his place clear is a happy exception to the rule.

Merchants are failing, families are suffering for food and clothing. No work presents itself. But the holidays are just as numerous.

Their amusements are entered into as eagerly. All who can do so will spend their hard-earned pence and shillings and pounds for a taste of pleasure, for strong drink, or some other indulgence.

The papers that report the poverty of the people, have regular standing notices of the horse-races, and of the prizes presented for different kinds of exciting sports. The shows, the theaters, and all such demoralizing amusements, are taking the money from the country, and poverty is continually increasing.

Poor men will invest their last shilling in a lottery, hoping to secure a prize, and then they have to beg for food to sustain life, or go hungry. Many die of hunger, and many put an end to their existence. The end is not yet.

Men take you to their orchards of oranges and lemons, and other fruits, and tell you that the produce does not pay for the work done in them. It is next to impossible to make ends meet, and parents decide that the children shall not be farmers; they have not the courage and hope to educate them to till the soil. (Testimonies on Education, 94, Ellen G. White)

7 GIFTS OF GOD ON MY BIRTHDAY

Thanks be to God for another day of life. By the Grace of God, today is my 35th year on the earth. I am learning that every day with Jesus is truly sweeter than the day before. The trials still come like a flood because we are born in sin and shaped in iniquity, and we have to live with, work with, shop with and commute next to people in the same human condition.

What do I want for my birthday today? I am thankful that I have all that I need.

Below are 7 gifts God has given to me and how they have sustained me thus far in my life.

His grace is sufficient in times of weakness. Jesus the living water quenches my thirst for righteousness when I go to Him and He fills me. I see the good or fruit of my labor each day in my family, my friends and those I know casually. The Holy Spirit has kept me from much trouble and danger (when I let Him). The cross of Calvary stands as a reminder of the eternal life Jesus Christ purchased to redeem me from sin. By faith, each day I believe and claim the promises of God’s word on my behalf (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, Psalms 138:8, Isaiah 49:25, Isaiah 59:19, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:2 and many more). He keeps me pure in body when time, fasting, distance or circumstances prevent me from rendering due benevolence to my husband.

Wherefore he saith, when He ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men [and women]” (Ephesians 4:8).

7 Gifts of God:

Grace (Ephesians 4:7)

Living Water (John 4:10)

To Enjoy the Good of our Labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13)

The Holy Spirit (Acts 8:20)

Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)

Faith (Roman 12: 3-8)

Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7)

I love you all with the love that I've received from the Father. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.

LOVE LETTER FROM GOD

Love Letter From GOD
My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty GOD

Compiler Unknown

IN THE FACE OF SEVERE ILLNESS

How can we remain hopeful in light of no known cure?

We know without a shadow of a doubt that God could heal Coby instantly if He chose to do so. We do not doubt God's ability to cure her nor will we question His choice should He choose not to.

We have come to learn that in this school of hard knocks called life that we will not always understand why certain things happen to us. If we have not brought the calamity upon ourselves by our disregard of moral or natural laws, then we must conclude that God has the big picture in mind and is using the trial for the good of it's recipient and/or for the onlooking world.

While we have this perspective and trust God implicitly, it does not take away the heart ache and pain.--Christian Berdahl, The Shepherd's Call News, Vol. 9, Issue 1. (2010).

HE/SHE IS A GOOD PERSON

We are not good people. The bible makes it clear that we are sinners and that there is none good, no not one (Romans 3:10 and Psalm 14:3). All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 and 5:12). We are sinners in need of a Savior, a Redeemer. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father (God) but by Him (His Son Jesus Christ) (John 3:16 and 14:6).

Beloved, surrender your sinful self to the Lord today and accept the gift of salvation. Repent and be baptised and begin a new life with the Master today (Matthew 3:2 and Acts 2:38).
Today is the day of salvation.

God loves you with an everlasting love.

RANDOM QUOTES

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” Ellen G. White, Life Sketches, p. 196

MY PREVIOUS FACEBOOK POSTS

Reminded of the sins from your past? Here is a promise to each living soul, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)

"Practice makes Better" - "Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth (practices) righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous" (1 John 3:7).

Of all the people whose lives have intersected with mine, I pray that the effect was uplifting to us both..., if not, thank God for "do overs."

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life... and this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent" (1 John 2:25 and John 17:3).

Where are you getting your information about yourself? God says, "I have called you by name" (See Isiah 45:3).

"Progress is only worth talking about if it is put into practice daily"

Personal Computer; $500
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"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small" (Proverbs 24:10)