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Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: 1 John 4:7-8 Starting Question: Have you ever been so mad at someone that you wished them harm? The Chase The young man enjoyed the wind rushing past his cheeks as he ran through the densely packed scrub surrounding the clearing where his family lived. He laughed at the occasional whip-sting of branches that slapped his arms and chest as he dodged through the brush. He made sure his laugh carried well enough to be heard by his brother whom he was chasing, and who was releasing the well timed branches. It was one of their games from childhood. It felt great to play again. It had been so long since his brother had treated him like a friend. As they matured into men they had become rivals and, at times, enemies. But, today was different. His brother had visited the sheep pens and thrown out the old challenge, “Bet you can’t catch me!” And the chase was on. They broke out of scrub-brush and entered one of his brother’s fields. Tall heads of grain waved over their heads as they sprinted through the crop. As they neared the middle of the vast field, everything went horribly wrong. His brother crouched, spun on his heel and, instead of heading in a new direction, put the full momentum of his spin behind his clenched fist and drove it forward and upward into the face of his younger brother who plummeted toward him. It was a well-timed attack. Abel had no way of stopping. Cain had the upper hand. Cain’s fist met Abel’s nose with such force that it lifted him high off the ground. Abel’s vision went crazy—stars, rings, pulsing lights. Every blood vessel in his nose burst and a river of blood sprayed in a crescent of red, up and back, following the trajectory of his head and body. Abel hit the ground hard. The wind rushed from his lungs as his back slammed into the rocky soil. He gasped for air. He tried to see but the blood from his nose filled his eye sockets and flowed down his cheeks. Moments later he heard, more than felt, a resounding crack which seemed to come from inside his own head. Then he heard no more. *** Continued in The Mark tomorrow *** Reflection Question: How do you think Cain felt as he watched his brother die? Do you think he was happy? Scared? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

That's what I think.

If I were in the same poverty-stricken shoes like many of these illegals, I'd probably try to get into a better place anyway I can. Can a 20-24 yo Gerry get into the US or Canada today? Aren't people with graduate science degrees still given priority?

I am referring to Adventist evangelists. I don't know of any televangelists who are preaching the 3 Angels' messages.

The law of God, and namely the Ten Commandments, often takes a beating for being legalistic, old covenant, etc. But Biblically, God’s commandments are simply a summing up of His character. God is love (1 John 4:8). The commandments are meant show what it means to love (Matthew 22:36-40). I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Exodus 20 begins with “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” As Vara Prasad Deepati writes, “A recovery from bondage, a symbol of redemption, lies at the foundation of the Ten Commandments. Therefore, the Decalogue is not a legalistic code given to Israel, but a redemp­tive tie that defines the relationship of love that should exist between Israel and their mighty God”* Yes, what if, instead of a list of commands, these ten statements are more meant to show a “redemptive tie,” a promise, a covenant… Not of what we are going to do, but what HE is promising to do for us? The church is described as Christ’s bride in scripture (Eph. 5:22-23, Rev. 19:7-10, etc.). And while attending a wedding, I listened as the couple made beautiful, personally written, vows to each other. I think that’s when it dawned on me: God has made vows to us too! And while we’re probably all familiar with them, we may have missed them altogether. (Disclaimer, this is not meant to be Biblical exegesis, but maybe some food for thought And God said, I’m the God who brought you out of your bondage, out of those dark places that only you and I know. I, that same God, vow to you this covenant:* You shall have no other gods before me. I promise to be faithful to you, and to help you to be faithful to me alone. When other things or people threaten to get between you and I, I will help you. I want to be the one who occupies the first spot in your thoughts, your affections, and your dreams. While I created you to love others, you do not need to furiously seek them to fill the void in your life. I long to show you that I am enough for you, that when I am your first love, everything (and everyone) else will fall in place. You will be satisfied. You shall not make for yourself any idols. I promise to jealously protect your freedom. You can get rid of those things that remind you of the life you left. The things of this earth are here to serve you, not to trap you into service to them. The sins of your past, and even your family’s past may weigh heavily on you. But don’t make memorials to them in your mind and heart. I have freed you in my mercy. What ties you to the old life? Money? Entertainment? Culture? Unhealthy relationships? Anger? I want to free you from those idols. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. I promise to give you my name. And when I talk about my name, I don’t just mean the letters in my titles. My name is who I am – it is my character. When you become mine – my spouse – you take my name too. You are a representative of my character. It’s not a light thing. Many have rejected me because of those who claimed to be my followers. But not so with you. I want to make it so that you actually become like me! When people see you, they will see me through you. You have entered into a royal position. I want to show you what it means to be royalty. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. I, the God and Creator of the universe, promise to set aside holy time just for you and I. In order for you to be faithful, filled, and united to me, we need our time together. Yes, we can spend time together everyday, but on the seventh day I have set aside the whole day just for you. Please choose to spend it with me too – it’s irreplaceable. This is the day when I remind you that just as I created you, I am recreating you. I have purchased you, and married you. I long to renew you – mind, body, and spirit. Every Sabbath, I will be there waiting. Honor your father and your mother. I promise to provide honor and care for your earthly parents. Because I love you, I love your family too. You are my gift to them. Just as you love and respect me, they also deserve your love and respect. Show your parents that you care. Help them with their needs. Help to preserve their lives, just as they were commissioned to preserve yours when you were a child. Even if your parents have fallen short in fulfilling their commission, I will bless you for blessing them anyways. Your longevity and inheritance are in my hands. As you bless, you will be blessed. You shall not murder. I promise to make you a fountain of life. Don’t just avoid causing death, but do everything you can to preserve life. Protect the innocent. Fight for the oppressed. Stand up for what’s right. As the Creator, I value life – I value your life – and I value the lives of those around you. You can give or take life by not only what you do, but also by what you don’t do. And life is not just physical. I’m empowering you to give life to people’s hearts and souls. That’s why I said that hate is like murder in your heart. Instead of death and hate, I want to make you an agent of life and love. You shall not commit adultery. I promise to be faithful to you. And just as you have promised to be faithful to me, so you also are to be faithful in your human relationships. When you commit to your earthly spouse, you are committing to them alone. This doesn’t just mean physically, but in your heart and mind as well. Show your spouse the beauty of the faithfulness that I show you – in your relationships with others, what you look at, and even what you think about. Even before marriage, be faithful to that future spouse. Save yourself for me and them alone. I want to give you a sexuality of the utmost purity. In a world that sells sex, I use marriage as an analogy for my relationship with you. What the world has attacked, I long to redeem in you. You shall not steal. I promise that as you give yourself away, I will give you all you need. While people may take from you what is not theirs, you can give because I give to you. Really, all that you have is mine. So even trying to cling to what’s “yours” instead of using it as I ask you is really stealing. Let me have your stuff – your possessions, your money, your time, your whole life. I promise that if you don’t withhold it, I will make better use of it than you ever thought possible. So give – to the poor and needy, the hungry, the spiritually destitute, and even your enemies, as I lead you. It’s all mine anyways, and I always provide for you. Don’t steal from the world the world the blessing I designed you to be to it. Give your life away – as I gave mine for you. You shall not bear false witness. In a dark world, I promise to make you a beam of pure, truthful light. In what you say, and what you don’t say, let it shine the true light of my glory. Remember again that you are a witness of my character. And a ‘witness’ has seen or experienced something first hand – like you do in relationship with me. It’s not just what you say, but who you are that gives a true or false witness. Your neighbors are watching you. Your lack of truthful testimony hurts them – when you fail to share me with them, you lie and steal from them. Don’t be afraid to stand. Don’t be afraid to be a witness of our relationship. I am with you. I will help your life to shine. You shall not covet. I promise to fill you so much that you do not need to be envious of others’ things, relationships, spirituality, or anything else that someone else has and you do not. Don’t set your mind on these things. In doing so you take your eyes off of me and start walking by sight instead of faith. You are bound to get tripped up. Instead, thank me for what I’ve given you. Claim my promises! You don’t have because you don’t ask. Seek me, and I’ll add everything else. I am the God who gives all that you need – and more. Remember that these are my promises to you – my covenant. Will you commit to me? Even beyond death, I will be faithful. *Deepati, Vara Prasad. “The Ten Commandments: A law to be obeyed or promises to be celebrated?” Ministry Magazine, June 2012. View the full article

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: Jeremiah 35:15 Starting Question: What's the worst trip you ever been on? Why? Death The hours crept by as Nathaniel and Cleopas headed home. As they walked, they quietly discussed all that had happened over the past few days. In the late afternoon, a man resting on the side of the path and asked to walk with them. It was a common courtesy to provide safety in numbers to a stranger. The new man fell in step with them and asked, “I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation. If you don’t mind my asking, what was it about?” Cleopas answered, “Oh. We were just talking about the horrible weekend we had in Jerusalem.” “Horrible? What happened?” the new man asked. Nathaniel was irritated. “What do you mean, ‘what happened?’ You are headed the same way on the road as us. You, too, just left Jerusalem. Surely you saw all the things that took place during Passover week.” “What things?” The man asked. Nathaniel grunted, “What things? Where have you been, hiding under a rock?” Cleopas interrupted, trying to quiet his friend, “The sun went dark for three hours. The temple veil ripped from top to bottom. Jesus of Nazareth was crucified. He was a prophet and very impressive in all he said and did. The chief priests handed him over to be killed. We had hoped he was the Messiah and would set Israel free from Roman oppression. We followed this man for the last three years and now we have no purpose. It is the third day since he died and we are still without direction. So, we are heading home.” Nathaniel had regained his composure, “And this morning, some of the women shocked us by fabricating a ridiculous story about Him coming back from death! One of the ladies claims an angel met her at the empty tomb and told Her Jesus is alive. Somebody has obviously stolen his body. Poor women—they loved Him so much and now that he is dead they’ve gone mad.” The new man spoke, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things so that he could be glorified? Don’t you remember the story told of Moses when he lifted the serpent for all the bitten people to look upon. The Christ had to be lifted up on the cross so that all who wanted to be saved from that old Serpent the Devil could look at the perfect Son of God on the cross and be saved.” The two men looked at each other, shocked at this new teaching. ** Continued in Ressurection tomorrow ** Reflection Question: Have you ever listened carefully to someone who believes differently to you and been convinced? What kind of humility does this take? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

Higher Concern than..... ....., for me at least! As a church we don't need an 'enemy' to show to the world but a saviour. The world is afraid enough of their own shadow without the church trying to 'scare' people to God. No, I don't buy it as 'necessary information'. Of what value would that info been to the people above who died? A risen Saviour who came to seek and save the lost, the poor, the downtrodden, those in pain, and everyone else who wants the 'info' on what they need to be saved. What is that 'info'? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ!! Can't believe the church still chooses to be irrelevant, rather than in the hurting lives of the common everyday person. (my 2-cents)

Read More Daily Jesus More Sabbath School Resources Preparation Day Bonus * - Teaching a great Sabbath School lesson - * Scripture: Exodus 20:11-12 Starting Question: Just as the Sabbath is a day reminding us of God’s presence and promise in our lives, it is also a day that speaks to the world around us through the way we honour it as special and unique. What special treatment are God’s people to give the Sabbath? Sabbath Saviour ** Continued from Sabbath Walk yesterday ** Peter spun Jesus around by the shoulder, blowing a mouthful of dry grain onto Jesus’ tunic, “Tell them the dying wheat story!” Jesus laughed, wiping the wheat chaff off his clothes. He turned, showed his empty palms to the Pharisees and asked, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat.” The men looked shocked. Their spokesman opened his mouth to speak but Jesus continued, “And haven’t you read in the Law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” The Pharisees shook their heads and rushed off huffing and puffing through the wheat field, heading to the Synagogue. Jesus walked through the wake of waving wheat, then through the city gates and to the steps of the synagogue. As Jesus and his Disciples entered the synagogue, some Pharisees approached. One of them pointed to a man with a shriveled hand, The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” Matthew spoke over Jesus’ shoulder, “It’s a trap, Jesus! There’s some trick.” “Of course there is,” Jesus whispered. “They would never allow a deformed person in their precious temple. I’m tired of them using people!” Jesus turned to the Pharisees and answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.” Jesus spoke to the crippled man, “Stretch your hand toward me.” The man reached out to Jesus and watched in amazement as his fingers unfurled for the first time in his life. He was whole! He was healed! Oh, glorious Sabbath! Reflection Question: Imagine you were one of Jesus’ disciples who walked and talked with him on the day in this story. What would have been your favorite part of the day? Why? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article

Read More Daily Jesus Scripture: Ezekiel 20:12 Starting Question: What is the best Sabbath you can remember in your life? Who was with you? Where was it? What made it a special Sabbath? Sabbath Walk The group of men, led by Jesus, sang as they walked along a narrow path through a grain field ready for harvest. Jesus was enjoying the song and the fresh morning air so much that it took some time for him to notice the disciples were falling behind. Suddenly, he realized he was singing a solo. Reaching a clearing, he spun around and watched the twelve gradually approach. He saw immediately what was slowing their progress. They were breaking the heads off the wheat and eating the grain. “Come on guys,” Jesus shouted to them, “we’ll be late for worship at the synagogue if we keep going this slowly.” Andrew got to Jesus first. He had a handful of harvested grain. Jesus held out his hand and Andrew gave him some. Jesus studied the grain until the rest of the group gathered around. He held up the wheat, “Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels.” He swung his hand across the wheat fields in the distance, reinforcing his point: “a plentiful harvest of new lives.” The disciples nodded, waiting for the punch line. Jesus loved these teaching moments. He continued, “Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it—for eternity.” “That’s exactly what we’ve done!” Peter said proudly. “We’ve left our normal everyday lives to follow you.” Jesus patted Peter on the shoulder and finished, “Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” The disciples all nodded and smiled. They liked these stories that gave them hope for the future. They started to walk again, following Jesus. The harvesting of grain continued. At the next clearing their progress was blocked by a group of religious leaders. They were whispering to themselves. Then one of them stepped forward and pointed at Peter as he stuffed a big handful of grain into his mouth. “Look, your disciples are breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath.” ** Continued in Saviours Sabbath tomorrow ** Reflection Question: How were these religious leaders missing the point of the Sabbath? How do we do the same thing today? Prayer time: Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today? View the full article