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

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)

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

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It’s the most wonderful time of year for many. From gifts, to feasting, to carols and hymns, to decorations, there is something for everyone to enjoy this time of year. People are a little nicer, the air is a little crisper, and an overall exciting buzz is in the air.

This time of year is also a perfect opportunity to share with those who have never been told that each of us, as wonderfully made as we are, were sinners, but that God sent His Son, Immanuel (God with Us) to redeem us from the penalty of sin (death). We can choose to have a new life in Jesus Christ. Old things can pass away and all things can become new in our lives. Many have not heard these truths and search in vain for the peace that only God can give.

Christians, Jews and African Americans have this time of year carved out for different celebrations.

If you are into history, the following site has the History of Christmas covering time periods before (B.C.) and after (A.D.) Christ, Christmas Traditions by Country, Santa Claus History, Christmas Origins and Trivia and lastly, Christmas Books.

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/

The History of Chanukah
http://www.beingjewish.com/yomtov/chanukah/history.html

The History of Kwanzaa
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kwanzaa

In the midst of traditions and tall tales, there is a Truth that will set men and women, boys and girls free. Today is the day of salvation.

CREATION: THE FIRST WEEK OF EARTH

L.A.N.D. Children Living Bible Series

Once upon a time, when nothing was in the world, God made Heaven and Earth.

The Earth was dark and empty, except for the Holy Spirit who was hovering over the Earth.

So on day 1, God made light and separated it from the darkness and called them day and night.

On day 2, God made the atmosphere, separated it with space and called the top part heaven.

On day 3, God made land on the bottom part and called it Earth and made seas, then added herb plants, grass and fruit trees.

One day 4, God made the sun for daytime and the moon for nighttime, so that we could keep track of time.

On day 5, God made fish and other sea creatures and birds and they had babies and multiplied.

On day 6, God made land animals and two people, a man named Adam and after that, a woman named Eve, his wife.

God put the man and woman in charge of the animals, fish and birds and even let the man name them.

God told Adam and Eve to have lots of children so that the Earth will be filled with people.

God also told them that they could eat the fruits and that both they and the animals could eat the herbs.

Everything God made was good.

On day 7, God was finished creating the Earth so he ended his work and rested.

God blessed the 7th day and made it special and told Adam and Eve to enjoy that special time with him and rest also.

(C) Leuanna Matheson 2007

EXAMINE YOURSELVES

Paul asks us to examine our selves (2 Corinthians 13:5). We must work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12).

Here are 7 questions* that will help with that personal assessment:

(1) Am I a Christian?

(2) Is the Word of God my study?

(3) Is Christ dwelling in my heart by faith?

(4) Is the law of God the rule of my life?

(5) Do the searching truths I profess to believe, penetrate into the secret places of my life?

(6) Do I carry out its principles in my business or home life?

(7) Is the influence I exert, having a saving power on those with whom I associate?

*I don't recall where these were obtained from

THE WILL OF GOD

"...if any man be a worshiper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth." (John 9:31)

Romans 8:27 - That He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit (Holy Ghost), because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (see v. 7-10*) - That all these (the 9 spiritual gifts described*) worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing (distributing) to every man severally (individually) as He will.

Galatians 1:3-5 - That Jesus Christ game himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God and our father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 5:17:21 - That wherefore ye be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves on to another in the fear of God.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 - For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; not in lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any thing: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Peter 2:13-16 - That ye submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God.

1 Peter 3:17 - For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 Peter 4:2,19 - That ye no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God...Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing , as unto a faithful Creator.

SEARCHING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

After talking about what we should not worry about, Jesus in Matthew 6:33, says "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

This portion of the Sermon on the Mount is summarized by the statement seek ye first the kingdom of God. The disciples who have pledged their allegiance to the King must continue seeking the kingdom and its righteousness. The present imperative form of the Greek verb indicates a continual or constant seeking.

The contrast between the spiritual and the material is emphasized. The believer is to seek first the righteousness that is characteristic of God's kingdom and then all these things (material things) shall be added unto him. When our priority is spiritual, God will take care of the material, for where God guides, He provides.

We need not even worry about tomorrow, for sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof (v. 34). This meas that each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.

Edited commentary from the King James Study Bible, pg. 1424, 1988, Nelson Publishing.

HOW'S YOUR HEARING?

If any man have an ear, let him hear. (Revelation 13:9)

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, you work is not done. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Each day, we are to live lives of obedience to our Savior. The lives we lived while in sin, the things that held us captive, must be done away with. We are to become new creatures (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Keep His Commandments and live (Proverbs 4:4 and 7:2). It may cost you your job, your friends, your family, or even your life, but great is your reward in heaven (Matthew 5:11,12).

Daniel, Esther and her people and the three Hebrew boys all faced death decree's because of their devotion to God, but yet they did not waiver in keeping God's commandments. They did not follow the customs or traditions of their time or obey the laws of the land (if those laws caused them to disobey God's commandments).

As we strive to be obedient to our Lord, fear not, for "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Luke encourages us in Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than man."

ONE IMPORTANT QUESTION FOR TODAY

WERE THEY TELLING THE TRUTH?

Throughout your life (at home, at work, at school or in the street), you've met people who shared or tried to share some aspect of the gospel* with you. The question is, "were they telling the truth?"

In the myriad of information, you won't know what truth is unless you compare what they said with Truth. Truth is the Word of God found in the Bible** (The Old and New Testament).

I implore you to study*** your Bibles today and find out for yourself what your strength and foundation is build upon.

*the gospel is the good news of Salvation by Faith in Jesus Christ

**the King James Bible is the preferred for its accurate translation into English. Most of the newer versions and paraphrases are based on polluted manuscripts and false doctrines. Some are acceptable for a first time bible reader, but study the matter out thoroughly as you progress

***always pray for the Lord to give you understanding before attempting to study His word, otherwise confusion will be the sure result

THE NIGHT IS FAR SPENT

The hours of Earth' history are passing away. Everything we do now has to have an eternal purpose. It's too late to play around. "And that, knowing the time, that it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed*" (Romans 13:11).

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:12-14).

Based on the prophecies of Matthew Chapter 24, the enemy knows that his time is short. We see the signs. He is working ever so feverishly to seek, to kill and to destroy as many people as he can. Don't think that all the Devil wants to do is wreck your marriage, mess up your children, disrupt your finances or ruin your health. What he ultimately wants is to kill you in your sins or better yet, for you to kill yourself.

If you die in your sins, you are lost. If you confess your sins, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). Make confession and repentance a daily priority in your day. See King David's example of a prayer of repentance in Psalm 51.

*History tends to repeat itself. In 1844, Christians of varying denominations eagerly awaited Christ return. When He didn't come as expected, many abandoned their faith and mocked those who still held on to theirs. Let us take heed lest we fall into the same temptation. In the fall of 2008, many predicted a financial collapse and many were stirred to action. 2009 is about to end and we have fallen into a false sense of financial security.

Don't go to the analysts for confirmation of what will occur, go to God's Holy, infallible, never-changing, reliable Word--The Old and and New Testament Scriptures.

REFORMATION AND REVIVAL

These are tough times! The world is changing every day, and not for the better. Earth is reeling with the enormous weight of sin. In mercy, the four angels are holding back the winds of strife.

Many are without hope. To live in this earth without hope is a life-robbing experience. There needs to be a revival of hope in our lives. Some have grown up hearing the gospel message of Jesus birth, life, death, resurrection and soon return. For various reasons, some have lost sight of that blessed hope. Some still cling to the promises of God's word and are able to make it through each day.

IN TIMES LIKE THESE (Hymn 593)
by Ruth Caye Jones

In times like these you need a Savior, In times like these you need an anchor;
Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!

Refrain

This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's he one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!

In times like these you need the Bible, In times like these, O be not idle;
Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's he one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! Be very sure, be very sure, your anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!

In times like these I have a Savior, In times like these I have an anchor;
I'm very sure, I'm very sure, my anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!

This Rock is Jesus, yes, He's the one; This Rock is Jesus, the only One! I'm very sure, I'm very sure, my anchor holds and grips the solid Rock!

Prayer inspired by Psalms 61

Hear my cry, O God; pay attention to my prayer
Wherever I am, I'll cry unto you (Psalm 139:7-10);
When the world overwhelms me,
lead me to the Rock Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4)
who has overcome the world (John 16:33)

REVELATION OF HOPE

(1) Revelation's Predictions for the New Millenium

(2) Revelation's Biggest Surprise

(3) Revelation's Greatest End-Time Signs

(4) Revelation's Star Wars: Battle for the Throne

(5) Revelation's Peace Maker

(6) Revelation's Final Event

(7) Revelation's Most Amazing Prophecy

THE HOUR OF HIS JUDGEMENT HAS COME

****ANNOUNCEMENT*****

You are personally invited to take time to attend an Evangelistic Series: REVELATION OF HOPE

Tonight at 7pm

Tonight's topic: What Happens when we die?

Hyattsville Seventh-day Adventist Church
4905 42nd Place
Hyattsville, MD 20871
301-318-0133 (Pastor)

301-927-2080 (for directions after 6pm)

Last few topics:

Yesterday morning we learned what is a cult. We also learned in the evening what the 2300 day prophecy in Daniel 8:14 means and it's link to the Jewish Sanctuary services. Tonight we will learn what happens after death. These lectures have been powerful and life-changing.

All the lectures are rooted in the book of Revelation. This book is no longer a mystery with mystic creatures or events. The fear and confusion is being taken away as truth is revealed and believed.


Forgive me, but I don't know the exact title of each lecture. Mario Torres just gives us what the subject matter will be.

Series continutes until November 14th at 7pm (Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays*

*there are two lectures on Saturdays, 11am and 7pm

RANDOM QUOTES

Acquaint now thyself with him [God], and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Job 22:21

THE YEAR 2012

Everyone seems to have a fascination with the future, especially how the world is going to end.

This blog's a real simple appeal. Come to a prediction seminar (what the bible calls a Prophecy). God's predictions (prophecies) have ALWAYS come true. He's the only one who knows the end from the beginning. I can say that without hesitation or apology because it's true.

If you can't attend the one coming up at Hyattsville Seventh-day Adventist Church on October 16, 2009, at 7pm, then attend any prophecy seminar at a local Seventh-day Adventist Church near your part of the globe.

You may also find a bible-based study group and prayerfully attend (with bible, pen and highlighter in hand).

If push comes to shove, and you can't, or choose not to do any of the above, but still desire to know the truth, then open up the Word of God yourself, and as always, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand what He's saying. That way, you know that you're getting truth straight from the source.

God's blessing be upon us all.

Leuanna
202-437-4867

P.S. COSMIC CONFLICT: Revelation of Hope
October 16-November 14, 2009
Friday's - Sundays and Wednesdays
7:00pm
4905 42nd Place
Hyattsville, MD 20782
301-318-0133 or 240-778-7261

FALL BACK, NOT FALL AWAY

Who doesn't want high standards? Even in the seediest business, there is a level of standard that employees must uphold.

Sometimes I find myself wanting, in my personal and home life, to lower my standards because they seem too high to attain to. My standards are based on God's ideal for me. Even family and friends tell me that my standards are too high, "God will understand," they say. That tell me that I put too much pressure on myself. My carnal self is prone to mediocrity as it is, so it's not a bad thing for me to aspire to something more noble.

When I listen to the words of "friendly advice", I begin to lower my standards. Unfortunately, that doesn't make me any happier. It cheapens my experience and makes me feel unfullfilled, because I'm assured that the God I serve is a High and Holy God. He can help me to accomplish what I cannot do in my own strength.

The apostle, Paul, said that he'd rather glory in his weakness, because when he is weak, he's strong. I truly know that I can do, and have done, many great things through Christ who has strengthened me over the years. When I've started feeling doubt, procrastination, discouragement, and like emotions, it was because I was looking at myself and relying on own skill and strength.

This race is not won yet. The journey is not over. We must endure to the end.
If you're felt that the race was too much for you and fell away. It's not too late to suit up and continue from where you left off. There are people who will welcome you with open arms and most of all there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels over one sinner that repents.

Let's not believe the lies of those who would have us forfeit our crown of eternal life. Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

*Italicized text are paraphrases from the word of God.

CALENDAR EVENTS

YARD SALE & COMMUNITY FAIR
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2009
Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Parking Lot between the Church and the Fellowship Hall
4807 42nd Place
Hyattsville, MD 20781
FMI call Isabel 240-386-9339
Included: Natural Health Talks, Activities for the children and more



COOKING CLASS
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2009
Time: 11:00am - 1:30pm
Location: Fellowship Hall
4807 42nd Place,
Hyattsville, MD 20781
FMI: Doris Hernandez
540-672-3100
Cost: $5 per plate (cash)
Note: Instruction and materials in Spanish, but your visual aquity and taste buds will compensate and be excellent translators.

Personal note: Delicious, sumptuous food with no guilt or pain afterwards


EVANGELISTIC SERIES
Speaker: Mario Torres
Dates: October 16-November 14, 2009
Days: Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays nightly
Times: 7:00pm
Location: Hyattsville Seventh-day Adventist Church
4905 42nd Place,
Hyattsville, MD 20781
FMI:call Pastor Samuel (the most accessible Pastor I know) 301-318-0133

LABOR SMARTER

"Come onto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me. For I am meek and lowly in heart and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" Psalm 11:28-30.

Maybe you have longed for peace. You've heard that there is more to life than you are currently experiencing, but can't seem to find it. Far too many people have gone through life just existing. It's even worse for the Christian because he or she knows that Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

But where is it?

The experiences from early childhood and even as far back as the womb, have shaped our thoughts and behaviors today. Oftentimes we react to situations without understanding where our feelings come from.

There is hope! There are many Christ-centered resources out there that can help you. The Holy Bible is my recommended favorite. Psalm 147:3 says of God, "He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds."

Proverbs gives insight into the human heart
Psalm gives us examples of rough times, but also the victories and reasons for praise
Ecclesiastes gives us wisdom for everyday living
James is a character detector
Revelation is a place to go for hope of a glorious future

Search the Holy Scriptures, in them is life!

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, AND Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3 [emphasis added]

...THEN SHALL THE END COME

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14

EVANGELISTIC EFFORT
When: October 16-November 14 (Sundays, Mondays, Wednesday, Sabbath Morning and Saturday Evening
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Place: Hyattsville Seventh-day Adventist Church
4905 42nd Place
Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-318-0133