Dear Readers of PCN,
Ever said something in a heated moment that you wish you could take back?
Unfortunately, we are not built with mini mouth filters. Once the words
come flying out we can not take the words back. The Bible speaks about
how our tongues can either be a blessing or a curse. See what the 3rd Chapter
of James states about the use of our multifaceted tongue. Apparently it's
used for more than just tasting:
"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the
greater condemnation.
2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same
is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and
we turn about their whole body.
4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of
fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever
the governor listeth.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold,
how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among
our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course
of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things
in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which
are made after the similitude of God.
10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these
things ought not so to be.
11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?
so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and
lie not against the truth.
15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality,
and without hypocrisy.
18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
The word inspired by the Holy Spirit is here to guide our steps to the
paths of righteousness that leads to the place of peace. My prayer and
hope for you dear reader is that you find steps towards peace in this month's
issue.
Sincerely Your Sister in Christ,
Cassandra E. Philogene
Editor in Chief
Patmos Chapel Newsletter
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A look back to step forward
In honor of Mother's Day we will be spotlighting famous mother's of the
past. We will also be having a special on our founding mother, Ellen G.
White.
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Dr. Maya Angelou
If there ever was a woman who embodied what the upcoming holiday, Mother's
Day, was all about it was her. Dr. Angelou was and continues to be what
women all around the globe strive to be. Dr. Angelou may have started out
in the poorest of the poor in the deep south; however she has risen above to become one of the most richest mentors of our time
and age. Seeing Dr. Angelou, hearing and reading her works, allows us to
see history unfold before us. If there was no Dr. Angelou there would be
no Oprah. How amazing that one person's difficulties, displacements and
dedication can not only shape their lives, but the lives of so many that
to the point it no longer is just an influential person; the have started
a movement. The following information is taken from Dr. Angelou's website
and a link is provided so you can take a gander of history that was made
and continues to happen:
"Dr. Maya Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed
as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet,
educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights
activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world,
spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and
elegance of her prose lies Angelou's unique power to help readers of every
orientation span the lines of race and Angelou captivates audiences through
the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics."
Dr. Maya Angelou, The Official Website, © 2009http://www.mayaangelou.com/home.html
A.G. Daniells
Arthur Grosvenor Daniells (1858-1935), president of the General Conference
from 1901-1922,
presided over a difficult growing period in the history of the Adventist
Church. He led out in
fundamental reorganization and reforms. As president of a local conference
and later the Australasian Union Conference, he was closely associated
with Ellen White while she was in
Australia during the 1890's. During the tremendous problems he faced as
General Conference
president he often sought Ellen White's counsel.
http://ellenwhiteanswers.org/gen_dyn.
php?file=media/pdf/EGWBIBLEagdaniels.pdf
Born in Iowa, he was the son of a Union Army physician and surgeon who
died in the American Civil War. At the age of 10 he was converted to the
Seventh-day Adventist faith, and in 1875 entered Battle Creek College (now
Andrews University), remaining only one year because of ill health. After
he and his wife taught in public schools for one year, he received a call
to the ministry. Feeling timid and unprepared, he hesitated, but after
praying earnestly, he came under conviction. He began his ministry in 1878
with Robert M. Kilgore in Texas. He was then secretary to James and Ellen White for one year, and later an evangelist in Iowa.
In 1886 he was called as pioneer missionary to New Zealand, and remained
in the South Pacific for 14 years. From 1889 to 1891 he was president of
the New Zealand Conference and from 1892 to 1895 of the Australian Conference.
When Ellen White went to Australia in 1891, he became closely associated
with her. On the formation of the Central Australian Conference in 1895,
he became its first president. Later he was president of the Australasian
Union Conference.
He assumed the presidency of the General Conference in 1901 at a difficult
period in the history of the church, but he met with ability financial
and organizational problems and the task of moving the headquarters of
the denomination to Washington, D.C. He traveled extensively on all continents,
convinced of the necessity of getting his information firsthand. The reforms
and reorganization that took place during his period of office led to great
expansion of the church throughout the world. In 1922 he was not reelected
as General Conference president and replaced by William A. Spicer. In his
retirement Daniells formed the Seventh-day Adventist Ministerial Association
and Ministry Magazine. http://dic.academic.ru/dic.nsf/enwiki/4430504
*Information where facts have been obtained are available upon request.
|
Most of us have heard about the Mustard seed saying. You recall the one
where the disciples attempted to drive out demons, but because their faith,
or lack there of, could not. Then Christ said to them:
"So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly,
I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this
mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17: 20 NKJV
Yes, but do we ever continue to read on? In order to have that faith there
is an action step that must be taken. The very next verse Jesus said:
"However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”" Matthew 17: 21 NKJV
Interesting how Christ said "this kind" which is leaving us to believe that they are different types or
levels of faith. And then there is the part that states "does not go out" which points to a source of the faith.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God" Ephsians 2: 8 NKJV
So faith is a gift from God, that must be requested and some things in
our lives, we can only go through by prayer and fasting. Interesting how
Jesus said all we needed was faith the size of a mustard seed. It is not
the seed itself that is so important, but what it represents. A single
mustard seed can grow up to 6 feet and reproduce millions of other seeds!
That's what Christ was trying to tell the disciples. That although your
faith may start out small it is okay. God can and will use you exactly
where you are. Having all your faith in Him will cause your faith to grow,
and when others see your faith they will get a chance to see God work and
reveal things in your life. How important is this?
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes
to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
There is that common thread once more. We must first come to Him, request
this Faith that moves mountains, diligently seek Him by prayer and fasting
and then He will reward those by:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be
added to you." Matthew 6: 33
So Christ has given us the formula and how to use it. The question is are
we willing to? Because to whom much power is given, much is expected. Are
we too afraid to succeed in Christ? |
A Riddle for you, to see if you knew...
Who Am I? |
How well do you know the people in the Bible? Below is a riddle that is
filled with clues about some one in the Bible. The first reader to correctly
guess the Character and where their story can be located will receive a
prize. Just Click Here and fill out your information. In the subject box state "Riddle Solved".
In the body, state the answer and you will receive a following email to
let you know if you are the winner.
The winner will be announced in the next issue's newsletter. Good Luck! |
A legacy of murder chaos and strife,
Had I been born into this life.
From sinful lust and oblivious passion
Had my guardians learned their lesson.
My predecessor although mighty and valent.
Wept before Him in anguish and torment.
In peace had I lived in my country.
But in distress did all lie before me.
Then He came, and so wise I had been,
That soon all foolishness is what I partook in.
When others had one or two, even three, I had over 900 to just satisfy
me.
Well pen to paper did I lead. Causing all those to acknowledge and read.
That there is nothing new under the solar star;
Lest we worship Him both near and far.
I am _______. |
| Do you want to talk about a topic? Or respond to any of the pieces that
you see in PCN? Click Here to have your ideas heard today! |
|
| In This Issue... Check out Special Guest Columnist on Obedience! |
• Passover Peace
• Women in the Church. Yay or Nay - with Brother Thad
• Inside Anointed Praise with President Ashley
• Importance of Obedience - Aleitha Burton
• Devotion with Ms. Jones
• Download of the Month
• Sermon on Demand
• WPIR
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| Passover Peace... By - Stacey Grant-Montañez |
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image by: http://s34.photobucket.com/albums/d131/whispersofspirit/
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In this time of growth I cannot believe that Easter has been overshadowing
the amazing blessing of the Passover!!! We know these feast days are passed
away - but oh the glorious truth of how they point to Christ...The Holy
Spirit led me on a journey in the Bible from Thursday evening (Passover/Feast
of Unleavened Bread), Friday, Sabbath, and Sunday Resurrection Morning…during
the time of Christ… I even came to discover that there is another celebration
day that occurs 7 Sabbaths after Resurrection Day, and (get ready) it is
called “PENTECOST”!!!
Now, you guys may have already known this, so please pardon my enthusiasm
- but Praise the Lord!!! Ok, we must speak according to His Word, so here
are the passages:
Exodus 11: 1
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh,
and upon Egypt; afterwards he will let you go hence: when he shall let
you go, he shall surely thrust you out hence altogether.”
Exodus 12: 1 - 15
1And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt saying,
2This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the
first month of the year to you. – “Nisan” is the name of the month
3Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day
of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the
house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
4And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour
next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every
man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall
take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
6And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and
the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.
- Nisan 14th is Passover
7And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts
and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.
8And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened
bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.
9Eat not of it raw, nor sodden (wet, soak) at all with water, but roast
with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.
10And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which
remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.
11And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your
feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is
the LORD's passover.
12For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite
all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against
all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.
13And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are:
and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not
be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
14And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a
feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast
by an ordinance for ever.
15Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall
put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread
from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from
Israel. – Leaven signifies hypocrisy, wickedness, sin; Nisan 15th starts
the 7 day Feast of Unleavened Bread…
Matthew 26: 13 – 21, 25 – 30
“13Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in
the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told
for a memorial of her.
14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,
15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto
you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.
16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
17Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came
to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to
eat the passover?
18And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master
saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my
disciples.
19And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready
the passover.
20Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve.
21And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you
shall betray me….
25Then Judas, which betrayed Him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He
said unto him, Thou hast said.
26And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake
it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.
– Unleavened Bread without hypocrisy, wickedness, or sin
27And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink
ye all of it; (see Passover Lamb meal instructions)
28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for
the remission of sins.
29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the
vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
30And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives”
…That same night Judas led the captors to Him after He prayed in the Garden
of Gethsamane…
According to the Jewish Calendar & the Pamphlet on the Feast Days –
Nisan 16th is the Feast of Firstfruits – which fell on Resurrection Day,
when Christ was resurrected Himself (“…I lay down my life, that I may take
it again…” –John 10: 17,18) along with those that came from the grave (Matthew
27:52, 53). The Pamphlet said some of the Jews don’t celebrate it because
it coincides with Christian beliefs, but those Jews who do believe in Christ
still continue to celebrate it!!!
7 (perfect number) Sabbaths (or 49 days) after Nisan 16th, the Jews celebrate
a day called Pentecost, because this is when God gave Moses His Handwritten
Ten Commandments on Mt.Sinai!!! They named it ‘Pentecost’, because it occured
50 (Pente-) days after the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
So, the day of Pentecost wasn’t named that because the Holy Spirit came
down on that day…the day was already called Pentecost, and the Lord sent
His Holy Spirit (the former rain) on that day!!!! – Acts 2:1 “…when the
day of Pentecost was fully come…”
Our God is a God of order!!! He is the One who gave the Israelites these
Feast days & laws, because they all pointed to Christ…oh, I can’t wait
until He reveals His Plan of Salvation to us in the New Heaven, New Earth,
New Jerusalem, when we shall drink the communion wine with Him.
Passover – begins Nisan 14th, meal of the lamb without blemish or spot
that was killed on this day, eaten with Unleaven bread & bitter herbs
(Exodus 11 & 12)
Feast of Unleavened Bread – begins Nisan 15th runs for 7 days; a type of
Communion (Matthew 26:1,2, 7-32)
Feast of Firstfruits – begins Nisan 16th (Matthew 27:50-53)
Pentecost – 7 Sabbaths (49 days) after Feast of Firstfruits - On Day 50
(“Pente”- cost), memorial celebration of the day God gave Moses the Ten
Commandments…and God honored that day by sending His Holy Spirit “when
the Day of Pentecost was fully come” (Acts 2:1, Acts 20:16, I Cor. 16:8).
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| Women's Role in the Church, Yay or Nay? - Questions & Answers with Thaddeus Jackson |
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Do we know the role that women should play in the church? Some say that
women should not occupy any leadership position in church. Others say it’s
ok for women to serve as teachers for the children, but should be forbidden
from serving as elder. Some use 1 Corinthians14:34, 35 to justify not allowing
women to have leadership positions. Do we really know what Paul was saying
in that passage?
The text reads, “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is
not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience,
as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their
husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in church.”
If you use the literal interpretation of this passage as many do, Paul
clearly states that women should not speak in church – period. Let’s pause
there for a moment. Do you really think that’s what he meant? If so, it
would mean that it is ok for women to share the gospel to coworkers on
the job and with neighbors, but whenever they get to church their freedom
of speech would end. Does that make sense? Of course not. All throughout
the bible God used women in various roles.
So, what did Paul really mean when he stated that women should be silent
in church? To fully understand one must take the passage and apply it to
the setting and time it was written. What were the circumstances that prompted
Paul to make this statement about women being silent in church? First of
all, one of the problems at the church in Corinth was deciding the proper
behavior in church. There were different groups with different ideas about
church behavior that created confusion and tension. 1Corithians 1:10 speaks
about divisions among the people and Paul admonished the church at Corinth
to be of the same mind. 1 Corinthians 14: 26 says, “How is it then brethren
when ye come together, everyone of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath
a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation? Let all things be
done unto edifying.” Could it be that the speech of women that Paul was
prohibiting was in some way contributing to the state of confusion? Paul’s
comments about the speech of women were related to questions that the people
in Corinth were asking and possible comments they made that did not contribute
to proper order in church. This is noticed in 1Corinthians 14:35, when
Paul tells the women to ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for
women to speak in church. Is it starting to make sense? Consider this.
As a young 7th grader in church school, I recall reading this passage in
class and was confused by the literal interpretation. My church school
instructor explained it to the class this way: He said,
“Back in Paul’s day, the women sat on one side of the church and the men
on the other. When some women didn’t understand the words presented by
the speaker, they would speak across the aisle to their husbands and ask
for clarification while the speaker was still speaking. This created confusion,
which Paul had to tell the women not to speak in church.
Are you with me? Are you beginning to understand now? There is more.
The discussion is not whether women should preach or occupy important leadership
positions in church. It’s not about the ministry of women in church, but
the proper attitude in church while instruction was being given. So if
you are promoting the literal translation of forbidding women to preach
or teach in church or hold leadership positions, you are misusing the text.
Paul was dealing with a specific situation and was advising church leaders
on how to deal with it. But wait, there is more.
Paul’s advice did not deny women the right to learn, but regulated the
form that learning should take. In Paul’s day, it was impolite for students
to interrupt teachers with questions that showed their ignorance, which
disrupted the learning environment. In this case, Paul was simply telling
women not to interrupt the teacher by asking disruptive questions and their
education could also still take place in the home in a more private setting
by asking their husbands. So the text suggests that in some churches, there
was tension between women and their instructors. The Greek word, “sigao”
could also be translated, “to be still” as Paul told women not to be so
outspoken. The church is not the place to enter into verbal controversies
with instructors or the leadership. Christian harmony is the rule of thumb.
In conclusion, for the brave at heart, go ahead and proclaim the literal
meaning of Paul’s passage to a group of inner city church women. You will
likely get some eye rolling, neck twirling, and finger pointing in disgust
at your chauvinistic attempt to put them down. You will get anything but
silence. (No couch for me!)
Major portions taken from “A woman’s Place” by Angel Manuel Rodriguez,
The Biblical Research Institute
Have a question about today's world? Looking for Biblical answers? Send
your questions to Author of "The Power of Positive Poetry", Elder
and Motivator Speaker, Thad Jackson today! Just write in the subject box
"Question for Thad" Click Here
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| Inside Anointed Praise |
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.Information on what our Youth are doing Today
.Straight from the elected President of Anointed Praise, is his journey
on how God's hand has been in his life.
...The Following is an in depth outlook from with in from Eddie Ashley President
of Patmos Chapel's Anointed Praise:
I was born on July 4th, 1989 to my father Eddie Ashley and to my mother Carrie Ashley. When I began to know the difference between right and wrong, my life took
off. Growing up in the city of Quitman, Georgia was a rough thing to do.
It was beyond easy to get caught in the streets. I am often asked, "What
made you the person that you are today?" That question floats in my
mind all the time. It can be the simple things that make me who I am, or it could be the tragic
events that have happened to me that have had a great impact on my life.
When I say the simple things, I'm talking about going to school every day,
me refusing to let myself be another African American Statistic in today's
jail system, my morals, and me knowing my worth. These thoughts that I
have play a role in forming me to be this person that I am. I also had
my share of tragic events that made me appreciate what I have more. While
I was a young child; I remember getting the call that our house had been
burnt down. Where do we even start to rebuild our lives now? At the age
of 15; I watched my 11 year old cousin/brother ride his four wheeler on
the country roads. Who knew that after just talking to him, not even 5
minutes later I would witness him getting hit by a car. At that moment
it felt as if my world came crashing down. As I raced to him and found
his body; I began to hold him and mumble how he couldn't leave me now.
The only response I got 2 minutes later was his eyes slowly closing, his
head falling to one side; he took his last breath and then died in my arms.
Why him? Over and over I'd ask God this question. At the time of the accident
I was the only one to witness it; therefore, I took it as God trying to
tell me something, Or else I don't think I would have been in that specific
place at that specific time. A year later my parents divorced. This tragedy
in my life brought reassurance that it could happen to me just like it
was happening to all of my friends around me. Because of this I relocated
to Orlando, FL. Moving here was just as rough. Having to leave residence
after residence after residence; I began to feel as if there was no reason
to believe, or no reason to hope for the better. It seemed as if the more
I hoped for the better the worse the situation got. I had already known
the director of Anointed Praise prior to moving here. So when I finally
got to Orlando, he began to pressure me about joining the choir. I just
continued to put it off and put it off and put it off. Until I had a very
bad week and I went to church that Saturday and Anointed Praise sung this
song that would finally convince me to join. I will never forget the song
"God Is". The simple line, "I've come too far and I'll never
turn back, God is..." I truly believe that God spoke through Anointed Praise that day. Joining Anointed Praise was the best thing that could have ever happened
to me. After a while the idea came up of choosing officers to run the choir.
It was felt that a youth choir should be conducted by the youth and Corey
agreed. The choir members went about choosing the top 2 or 3 names for
each position that they thought would fill them to the best of their abilities.
Surprisingly, I was in the running for being the president. I had been
there for a couple years but I had no idea that they looked at me like
they did. Voting somebody as president means that you see them as not only
a leader but as a doer. You see them as being strong and not easily broken.
I am very much honored to hold this position. I feel as if I'm doing what
God wants me to do right now. The committee was chosen and we took off.
Although it seemed as if I had been through the roughest and there was
no light at the end of the road and although it seemed as if there was
no hope for me; the song "God Is" brought back a message that
God sent to all his people. He simply said, "I will never leave you
nor forsake you." With that in mind that brought about the courage
and the power to lead this choir and drive them to do God's work that he
has set out before us. Thank You and to God be the glory.
Click here to listen and watch Anointed Praise with over 30,000 hits on
Youtube!
Don't forget to be friends with Anointed Praise on Facebook! See what's
going on inside our Youth Today!
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| Following His Command: the Importance of Obedience - By Aleitha Burton |
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Obe·di·ence - \o-'be-de-?n(t)s, n.: the act or instance of following the
commands or guidance of
The understanding of the concept of obedience is crucial in the Christian
walk. An emphasis is often placed on the importance of faith and the inability
of good works alone to save us. In Ephesians 2: 8, 9 NIV Paul tells us,
“for it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from
yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Understanding that faith is the foundation of our salvation is very important.
However, we need to be careful to not stop at simply believing. Our lives
and actions should point to the loving Savior in whom we believe. James
2: 18, 19 NIV states, “but some will say, ‘you have faith; I have deeds.’
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what
I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe
that – and shudder.” It is evident that simply believing is not enough
to express our love for the Savior. Christ clearly states in John 14: 15
NIV, “if you love me, you will obey what I command.”
Nearly all of us understand the necessity of obedience in strengthening
our faith and progression in our Christian lifestyle. Nevertheless, we,
at times, define our moral code and provide exceptions and substitutions
to the guidelines God has presented to us. At a week of prayer, a pastor
presented the importance of hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and doing
what God tells us to do, not what we think is our assignment. He was a
good English student, and even after much procrastination would present
eloquently written papers.
Now, with one particular assignment he waited until the last possible minute
to write it, but turned it in on time. All of his friends shared their
continued amazement with how he could quickly pull together these well
written papers. When the time came to receive his graded paper he was quite
surprised to see his grade: “F.” His teacher provided a short note to explain
this failing mark: “wonderfully written paper, but this was not the assignment.”
An important factor to note is that the content of his paper was satisfactory,
yet it was not what he was asked to write. It is also important to realize
that he received praise from his friends for his good work. We need not
get caught up in our own “good works” and the praises of others, but to
do what the Lord commands. This pastor simply received an “F,” but the
consequences of the underlying lesson can be much more grave.
King Saul was instructed by the Lord, through the prophet Samuel, to wipe
out the Amalekites – men, women, children, infants, cattle, and sheep,
destroying everything. At the end of their siege he spared the king of
the Amalekites and the best of the sheep and cattle, some of which he sacrificed.
The Lord expressed his extreme displeasure with Saul’s disobedience. When
Samuel showed Saul his wrongdoing, he attempted to excuse himself by pointing
out the portion of the assignment he did complete and his sacrifice of
the best of the cattle to God. Samuel replied, “Does the LORD delight in
burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of
rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the
evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has
rejected you as king” (1 Samuel 15: 22-23 NIV).
Doing part of our work is not enough, and doing good things that are contrary
to what we were told is no excuse for disobedience. God provides guidance
for us through the Holy Spirit because He wants what is best for us. We
need to examine if our actions are really in line with the will of God.
It is so easy to say, “Well I am doing good, so this must be what the Lord
would have me do.” Let us open up our hearts to His voice and complete
His divine assignment.
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| Sermon on Demand - Cross Bearing |
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Dr. Patrick Vincent speaks on the topic "Cross Bearing". February
27th, 2009. Scripture lesson Mark 8:34-38
Click here to view the sermon |
| A Note from Ms. Jones |
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“The Beginning of FORGIVENESS”
........“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they
crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other
on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know
not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Luke 23: 33, 34 KJV
I was reading something that I wanted to share with you. This devotional
was writing by Joanne Lowe. I hope you enjoy it. Ms. Jones
When Jesus died on the cross of Calvary for our sins that was the beginning
of forgiveness. He not only died for our forgiveness; He also set
the example for us by showing us how to forgive when He said "Father,
forgive them; for they know not what they do." If He could forgive
us for hurting Him while hanging on that cross of horror and excruciating
pain, how dare you and I not forgive the ones who hurt us.
There are times when we forget that we also hurt people. None of
us are perfect and we would do well to remember that when we are tempted
to criticize and condemn people. Sometimes we have a "holier
than thou" attitude. That attitude stinks in the nostrils of
Jesus. We need to understand that there are times when people don't
realize that they have hurt us. There are also times when we misinterpret
what they say or do. If we would go to them in a loving manner instead
of in an accusing manner and ask them what they meant, we probably wouldn't
get our feelings hurt as much as we do.
Heavenly Father, forgive us for not forgiving the ones who hurt us.
Fill our hearts with compassion and unconditional love for others so that
we will forgive the ones who hurt us just as You forgive us when we hurt
You. Help us to follow the example that Jesus set for us when He
forgave us from the old rugged cross. May we be children that bring
You happiness instead of children that bring You sadness. Amen.
Joanne Lowe
“Bless and be blessed”
Ms. Jones
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| Praise Internet Radio |
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Patmos Chapel Internet Radio Station, Plays Top Gospel Music, Archived
Sermon, And Lively Sabbath School Discussion Every Friday Evenings.
Click on the logo to start your blessing. |
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