Hi, everyone -- no, I hadn't forgotten you! I guess the last month or so has been about the busiest that I have had for quite a time, and included a dose of the 'flu -- first time for years! I have dropped in to C/A a few times, but had not been able to spend more than a very short time glancing through. Anyway, here I am again.

The trip to Wiluna was an interesting one, and there are new avenues opening up there. I am already looking forward to the next one in October.

This week just passed we sent a day at a Health Expo in a Senior Campus (providing especially for "new Australians" who still have to learn our language, and for people who, for one reason or other, did not complete their education, and are now trying to do so -- regardless of age). The Health Expo also had so many of the "alternative therapies" that it is a bit scary when you think of the alternatives around that are being promoted as "health". We should be just so thankful that God has given to us so much information on how to care for our bodies in the right way.

The last 3 days have been spent in one of our larger suburban shopping centres in a relatively low socio-economic area. We met just so many people who need Christ in their lives. We are endeavouring to plant a new church in this area, and already the hall that is being used is getting to be very full. We had so many people who saw our sign identifying ourselves as the Adventist Health Association, and that we were providing "A Community Service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church". I lost count of the number of people who asked me where our nearest church was because they would like to know more about us. An evangelistic program is planned for this area in about a month's time. Your prayers would be appreciated.

Now, back to "Steps to Christ". I have been given an edition of this book that has been simplified for evangelistic purposes, and for those who are new to Christianity. I have enjoyed its simplicity, and decided that for the remainder of this forum, I will use this particular edition. I hope that you will enjoy it, and that it will bring some new thoughts to you.

God bless,

Beryl

Why do you think that Jesus used nature to teach so many lessons?

In what ways do you find nature turning your minds to God and His love?

God bless,

Beryl

Which nature lessons taught by Jesus have you found to have a real influence in your life?

One of my favourites is Matthew 6:25-34. When things are not going as they should, and a few bills come in that are not welcome at that stage, I often think of Jesus' admonition about not worrying, but to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first -- and these temporal things will be taken care of as well. And, it always seems to come out OK!!

Do you have a story that you can share?

God bless,

Beryl

Have you ever stopped to look at the absolute beauty of a simple camelia? Or a beautiful Arum lily? Or even a simple daisy? Take a look! And He is waiting to change each of us to be true representatives of His on this earth for now and eternity.

God bless,

Beryl

Beryl, you said "simple" camelia... The closer I look at the things of nature the more I realise just how complex they are! But the whole of a flower has a simplicity to it that is delightful

It is a marvel to admire the works of God's hand. It helps us to know that God Himself is marvellous!

Yes, Gail, it is so true that nature, even the "plain" plants, are just so full of wonders! And today we look at something that is even more wonderful.



When I hear people expounding evolution I find it difficult to contain my inner anger -- to think that they can actually believe that these things "just happened"! Even after 6000+ years after sin entered this world, the evidences of a divine mind and hand in creation is just so evident.

God bless,

Beryl

Yes, I believe that last paragraph hold the key to happy, contented living. "If we believe" -- really, truly BELIEVE -- We would not have the worries that we so often carry on our shoulders -- and everywhere else! Is it that we wait until something is in a mess before we even think of calling the Divine problem-solver? I find myself so often doing this. How about you? Or am I different?

I remember when my children were small, and they were trying to do things by themselves. Attempts to help were fobbed off! It was only when things got into an almost irrepairable mess that they tearfully called for help!

But, then, how different are things now? Not too much! Yes, I KNOW, beyond all doubt, the God is there to help in all of my decisions, but so often I use my earthly brains to tell me what to do instead of "taking everything to God in prayer."

What hope is there for me? Ah, yes! As Paul said (2 Timothy 1:12) "...I know Whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." I know that God loves me, and, despite all my failures, He knows that I love Him, and He still loves me -- and one day soon, all these failures will be over, and heaven will be here.

And, yes, if you are feeling now like I sometimes (often) feel -- God loves you, too.

God bless,

Beryl

Hi Beryl. Nice to see you around. Still hot and dry down under?

Regards,

olger

Hi, Olger,

No, it is winter here now. Not REAL winter, unfortunately. We are getting some rain here in Perth, but some of our farmers are still in drought conditions. Unfortunately there was a VERY strong wind a couple of days ago, and farms near the coast at Geraldton (about 350km north of Perth) had all the topsoil blown off their paddocks. This is about the 4th or 5th year in succession that there have been drought conditions in these areas.

God bless,

Beryl

Wow! Let your imagination run wild! Will we really have houses -- as we know them -- or will our "house" be like the magnificent Garden of Eden? Why would we need a house? Adam and Eve didn't! They trained the vines to make beautiful "bowers". And God has kept that garden in perfect condition for them.

What will the roses be like? And the beautiful camelias? My roses have just finished, and my 2 camelia bushes are a mass of beautiful soft pink flowers. Next the azalias will begin flowering. But these are only tiny glimpses of the the beauties of heaven and the new earth.

Add to that the joy of meeting those whom I have come to "know" here at Club Adventist! WOW! Won't we have a gathering on that day! Those we have come to know because we read what they have written, plus those who come to visit us, and quietly leave without a sound! Yes, we will have a GREAT BIG PARTY! And we will know everyone -- and not forget their names!

See you all there!

God bless,

Beryl

What pleasure God and the angels must have getting things ready to welcome us home! What a wonderful day! See you there! No need for introductions -- "we will know, even as we are known."

What is one of the first things you want to do (after the "official welcome", and that wonderful"welcome home" meal)?

I think I want to just sit still for a bit, and let all the wonders of heaven 'SINK IN" -- BUT THEN --- I don't know that I will be able to just sit still!! With all of that fresh energy running through my bones!! WOW!!

See you there,

Beryl

Amen, Beryl,
For me its to look into His face and just say Thank you. And to find those that went "before" me knowing we will never know separation or the tears we shed at their passing. Just think, there was a time it didn't rain upon the earth and a time that no tear was shed, and soon to be restored!

Sure, Annie -- and the words "global warming" won't even be mentioned!!

God bless,

Beryl

It is wonderful the way that God directs our lives. As I look back I see so many times where I reached, as it were, a crossroad, and probably took a turning of my own choice which was not exactly what God had in mind -- and yet, somehow He led me back to something nearer to the path that He had in mind. Sometimes those detours were pretty rough, and lasted a rather long time, but, though it all I can look back and see His guiding hand leading me all the way.

I do not know what lies ahead of me now, but I do know that I am engaged in the most exciting work I have ever been in, and for which He prepared me during the last 10 years before my "retirement"! How many more years does He want me working for Him? I do not know, but I do know that He HAS cared for me, He IS caring for me, and He will continue to do so until the end.


God bless,

Beryl

Well, I am back home again, this time for two whole weeks!



How would you feel if the Bible only told us of the good things that people did?

Would that inspire you, or would it discourage you?

God bless,

Beryl

More than likely I'd be very discouraged.

pkrause

Yes, pkrause, it certainly would be discouraging! It is comforting to know that these "sinners" will be in Paradise with us "sinners"! And we won't want to talk about those sins, we will be too busy talking about God's grace!

Our quote from Steps to Christ for today says:-



Although it is tempting to dwell on the sins of those who lived in the past, we should also look for the positives in their lives. It is easy to look at the sins and say, "Wow! I wouldn't even think of doing that! And that may well be true -- but! Well, it is so comforting to know that we have a Saviour who loves us with an everlasting love, and who is willing to put all of our sins behind His back -- and take us to live with Him for eternity.

God bless,

Beryl

Questions for us to think about --

What kind of spiritual food am I feeding my body?

Is it a balanced diet?

Am I getting sufficient nourishment to continue to grow spiritually?

Am I getting sufficient of the Water of Life?

What changes do I need to make, personally?

God bless,

Beryl

Well, it is bedtime here, and I have an early start in the morning. I am flying to Adelaide in South Australia (2 1/2 hour journey) to spend a week, taking in the Australin Health Retreat, the Spirituality and Health Conference, and Health Directors' meetings, and fitting in time to visit my brother who lives in Adelaide.

Yes, I am taking along the laptop, so I will endeavour to keep in touch, although it will be a busy time. I will be sharing a room with a friend from New Zealand whom I haven't seen in years, so that will take some catching up!!

Here is the next paragraph from Steps to Christ for us to ponder.



The character of Jesus -- what adjectives would you use to describe that in earthly words? Loving, passionate, forgiving? Yes, all that and more.

What other words could you add?

God bless,

Beryl

Well, I am back! Had a wonderful, uplifting time! But it is always good to be home!



How true! When our minds are focussed on the things of earth, there is little to inspire us, but when we read about how God has led in the past, it builds our confidence that He is also leading in our lives, even though we cannot, at this time, understand His leading.

I have just been studying the life of Moses, and, in going over this story which is so familiar, I have been reassured of God's hand in my life, even when there have been dark times through which to pass. We can, with confidence, follow where He leads, whether the way is bright, or whether it is dark and scary. He is with us just as He was with Moses and the children of Israel.

God bless,

Beryl

Hi, there! I am home again! And I come back to a Forum that has changed colour! Looks like I will need to change the colour(red) that I use for the quotes. Red doesn't show up well against this lovely background..I sense the need of a little experimentation!



It is so true! "Looking unto Jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of God, and by beholding we become changed" Christ's Object Lessons p.355.

How do we behold Christ? By spending time with His Word and with Him personally. As we see the loving patience that He had with the children of Israel! WOW!! I think it would be a pretty good chance that if any of us (not knowing you!!!) was in the position of God we would have walked off and left them in the wilderness!

Spend time this week beholding how Christ dealt with those stubborn Israelites! What an example for us!

God bless,

Beryl

Studying the Bible for ourselves, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will help us to apply the Scripture to our own lives, help us to see more clearly the changes that need to be made.

God has promised guidance. He will not leave any person who wants His help to remain in darkness.

We have now come to the end of this chapter. Next we will continue this study by looking at "The Privilege of Prayer" -- and what a privilege it is!!

Beryl

Well, I was getting a page ahead of myself, wasn't I? Just a little more to go in the chapter "A knowledge of God"!



There are books -- and there are "books"! And then, there is "The Book". There is none like it in all of the world.

How do we read the Bible? Yes, we know that we are advised to read the Word every day, but the question is -- How? We can choose to just open the Bible, and read something from where it opened (Divine guidance???! - not necessarily!)or we can read it with a plan.

I have personally tried many plans, and they all contribute in some manner to our understanding of God's will for me.

Currently I am studying some of the Old Testament characters, with Moses being the current subject. Try reading the Bible story, and then the Spirit of Prophecy story. Put them together, and WOW!! What a man!! What a God!!! We talk about the "patience of Job". Yes, that was amazing patience and trust in God. But somehow I don't see it comparing anywhere near the patience of Moses -- dealing with at least 2,000,000 people (the Israelites) plus the "mixed multitude"! And he was SO courageous! Imagine, when the Israelites turned to idol worship, right there at the base of Sinai, and God told Moses to move out of the way so that He could destroy these people, and make of Moses a great nation -- Moses was courageous enough to climb back up that mountain, and enter again into God's presence and tell God that He couldn't do what He was proposing to do! And God listened!

Because Moses, in a very frustrating situation,did not fully follow God's instruction, and because of the position that Moses held as the spokesman for God in the eyes of the Israelites, God told Moses that he would die without entering the Promised Land. This happened -and then God woke him up and took him to heaven!

One day I might start a thread where we can study these Bible characters and share our findings. One day!

God bless,

Beryl

How very true! We can pick up stones anywhere, but for gold we have to dig! So there are precious truths available to anyone who wishes to read God's Word, and the more we read, and the deeper we dig, there are even more truths waiting to be grasped. We are going to be learning right through eternity.

God bless,

Beryl

The vast north-west of Western Australia comprises well over half of the total area of the state, probably about 2/3 of the area. From the surface so much of it appears as dry, barren (or stunted growth) red soil reaching far into the distance.

Below the surface great discoveries have been made! Gold, silver, uranium, diamonds of a special kind, iron ore and more.

We now have the spectacle of giant billion dollar companies taking each other to court, fighting over tracts of land. Mountains are being demolished in the search for the precious metals. The "mountains" of already sifted soil are now being re-sifted, as it has been found that the newest technologies can extract even more of the precious resources.

How much like this is the process of finding the very precious "metals" in the Bible! We read the Scriptures, and find in them our guide to eternal life. But, we have only touched the surface! Once again, time after time, we can revisit the sacred "mine" and find the spiritual gold, silver, iron ore, diamonds, etc that we had not noticed first time through.

The more time we spend with God's Word, the more of this "precious metal" will be found. It will make us richer than Bill Gates, or any of those who are seeking the gold that will eventually perish. The gold that we find in God's Word is guaranteed to last for eternity! Go digging!!

God bless,

Beryl

WOW! I wonder what raced through Nathanael's mind when Jesus said that He had seen Nathanael under the fig tree!

It is interesting to think of our attitudes to the thought that someone see everything we do and hears everything that we say -- and knows everything that we think!

Does it make a difference WHO is seeing and hearing everything?

Does it make a difference knowing that the One who knows your private thoughts loves you with an everlasting love? That His every motive is only for your good?

"The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine -- FOREVER!"

God bless

Beryl

Isn't it wonderful that Jesus did not leave us alone to follow His example! Because He could no longer be everywhere at once, the Holy Spirit was given to us to guide us, to comfort us, and to teach us. What a wonderful gift! Twice Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of Truth" -- He never lies!

God bless,

Beryl

This brings us to the end of this chapter. Please follow along now as we study "The Privilege of Prayer."