Leaderboard

Life is at an interesting stage for me.......I became a great grandmother in October, there is a new (13th) grandchild due mid next year and I retire in two weeks. God has been good through all the dramas of this year.

Dalberiste may help courts further define the boundaries of true unnecessary burdens on employers, the role of union agreements in preferring seniority in employee scheduling, and how this affects less senior employees’ opportunity for religious accommodation. The post Why the Supreme Court Should Hear the Dalberiste Workplace Religious Accommodation Case appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV / Founders' First Freedom®. View the full article

Paul, thank you for illustrating previous point that your major problem is you instance on an absolute either or. In this case you insist that I either accept that the verse says X or that I doubt the validity of Scripture. In my experience, I have learned many times over the years that I do not have a perfect understanding of what Scripture says. When I graduated from college I thought that I could then write a statement of belief that was final and would never change. I was wrong. The Holy Spirit had more to teach me that I realized. Over the years, I have been taught much. I expect to be taught more over whatever years I have left to live. In brief: I believe that the Bible is an accurate revelation of whatever God want to teach us. However, I do not believe that I fully understand everything that God wants me to learn and I do believe that I have more to learn. Your comments to me presents yourself as being one who knows it all. I acknowledge that other statements that you have made present yourself as one who is willing to learn and does not know it all. So, you are not consistent in the manner in which you present yourself. As you point out, I did express doubt. Your statement to the effect that I expressed doubt in the validity of the Bible was false. It was am expression of doubt in my understanding of the Bible. I consider it reasonable to believe that there are areas of the Bible in which I do not have a final, complete understanding,. Just as I also believe that you do not have such, even if you think that you do. As to some of the responses that could be made: * The Hebrew word that has been translated as "stand still" in the KJV English can be translated as "be motionless." But, that is not the only manner in which it can be translated. * It has been suggested that a miracle was involved, but not that of stopping the motion of a celestial body. That miracle could have been in the change in the refraction of the light from the sun in a manner that the sun appeared to remain in place. I will point out that every day of the year, due to the refraction of the light from the sun, at sunset, the sun is actually below the curvature of the Earth at a time in which the sun appears to be still above the curvature of the Earth. But, that is such common knowledge that I assume that you already know that. * It has been suggested that the Biblical writer used the common language of that day, rather than to make a scientific statement. Well, that is exactly what we do today in our use of the terms "sunrise" and "sunset." Those terms imply that it is the sun that moves around the Earth. We all know better. But we use them regardless. By the way, the scientific community, that knows better publishes tables for the sunrise and the sunsets. Paul, I have given you some possible understandings of the Biblical text. I do not consider any of them to be perfect and final. Therefore, I am willing to say that I do not have a good response. I have more to learn. I suggest the same for you. On a personal basis, I welcome you to this forum. You have challenged me and I appreciate that. But, I will suggest that if you wish to participate with us in this discussion that you come down from your "high horse,' be a little less judgmental, and a little more willing to admit that you probably do not know it all.

Old Moishe Applebaum goes to his doctor complaining of aches and pains all over his body. After a thorough examination, the doctor gives him a clean bill of health. "Moishe, you're in excellent shape for an 85 year old man. But I'm not a magician – I can't make you any younger," says the doctor. "Who asked you to make me younger?" says Moishe. "You just make sure I get older!"

Shira Shusterman was self-conscious about going to the gym because of the weight that she had gained. She thought it would make her stand out among the spandex-clad regulars. So she chose a treadmill in the corner so she would be inconspicuous. However, as she exercised, her worst fears came true. At least a dozen people turned to stare at Shira periodically. She thought it might be her imagination, but then one woman even squinted to get a better look. Mortified, she stepped off the machine and was about to call it quits. Then she turned around and realized that the gym's only wall clock had been hanging just inches above her head.

I am with thee Jeremiah 30:11 For I am with thee, saith the Lord , to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

As to the Habakkuk passage: It it a prayer that a human prayed to God. It reflects the understanding of that human. It is not intended to present a reality. The Bible often presents humans as they are, to include their belief system. As to the Joshua passage, this one is much more complex: * In part it probably presents the view of the human. From the human view, the sun probably looked like it had stopped. * As to what had actually happened, we do not have a good answer.

NOTE: You exclude revelations from your list of metaphors. The entire Bible is a revelation. So, on that basis, you asked for an example of a metaphor that is in the Bible but not in the Bible--logically impossible. There are hundreds (thousands) of metaphors in the Bible and you ask for only one! * Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,. . . * Psalm 23:1 The Lord (God) is a shepherd * John 6:55 The flesh of Jesus is real food and his blood is real drink. * John 8:12 Jesus is the light of the world.

My high tower Psalm 144:2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

I have followed up on the link that Photodude provided. It was interesting, as Photodude does make interesting and challenging comments. Frankly, I agree with some of the stated objectives of the Secular Democrats. * I believe that there are some things that should be taught by religious organizations and not promoted by civil government. * I believe that some in the U.S. promote civil government becoming involved in issues that properly belong to religious organizations. * Religious scholars today accept the fact that a religion can exist that does not have a God in the traditional understanding. This concept has been established into law for many decades. One example of this in that a long time ago the Courts ruled that the conscientious objector statutes related to military service can not require that a person believe in a traditional God. * There must be a balance between one's right to practice their religious beliefs and protections against discrimination. In the past, many people based their discrimination against providing services to African Americans upon their religious beliefs. I can remember walking into a bus station and seeing drinking fountains and bathrooms identified for "White" people and for "Colored" people. Commercial discrimination still exists today and must be eliminated. * Organizations that accept public funds to operate may rightfully be required to abide by the rules of civil government.

Help cometh from the Lord Psalm 121:2 My help cometh from the Lord , which made heaven and earth.

?Promise: I will harken unto you Jeremiah 29:12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Promise: thoughts of peace Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Promise: blessed is the man that trusts in the Lord Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord , and whose hope the Lord is.

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren that have the Testimony of YAHSHUA: Worship YAHWEH. For the Testimony of YAHSHUA IS THE SPIRIT of PROPHECY. Rev 19:10 Person (n.) c. 1200, persoun, "an individual, a human being," from Old French persone "human being, anyone, person." From mid-13c. as "one of the persons of the Trinity," a theological use in Church Latin. . . English Etymology Dictionary ELOHIYM IS A SPIRIT, and those who worship ELOHIYM must be led by THE SPIRIT to Worship Him according to the truth. John 4:24 CEV WOY Heb 1:3 should not be person but essence which was change by the Catholic Church. Essence (n.) late 14c., essencia (respelled late 15c. on French model), from Latin essentia "being, essence," abstract noun formed (to translate Greek - Greek ousia "being, essence") from essent-, present participle stem of esse "to be," from PIE root *es- "to be." English Etymology Dictionary So, to answer you question based on the Bible: 1. I do not worship a human being, nor do I follow the tradition of men. 2. I do not worship or believe in a trinity this is not Biblical and it is pagan. Constantine the Great worship a pagan god! 3. I Worship YAHWEH, THE MOST HIGH! The Bible says HE IS A SPIRIT! BLESSINGS!

Promise: Thy word was rejoicing of mine heart Jeremiah 15:16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.

I recall one statement from SOP where Sister Ellen referred to Christmas and noted it becomes a bright spot in a long bleak winter for much of those living in the Northern Hemisphere. And much charity work gets done around Christmas that in all likelihood would not happen if there were no Christmas. There has been put together a book of writings of Sister Ellen's where Christmas quotes have been compiled. https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/757/toc I guess we could get stingy and just cancel Christmas since there are "no verses in the Bible" mandating it.

promise: called by Thy name Jeremiah 14:9 Why shouldest thou be as a man astonied, as a mighty man that cannot save? yet thou, O Lord , art in the midst of us, and we are called by thy name; leave us not.

Sorry, but I gotta ask. How is the deep state going to cancel Christmas? Are you referring to large gatherings? C'mon, man. Can't you wait?

That's true because you both worship the same person. Remember you wrote in an email that he suppose to be sent by your god! When have your people mention nice things anymore? When have you quote a Scripture lately Joe. We were friends once and you have changed, I have not! No one is telling you not to befriend Photodue, that's fine! But this leftist mess is not going to get you into Heaven. What you have seen is a replica of Satan in the flesh. You and Photodude and others are succumb by Trump, just like the angels in the Book Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 1 Chapter 1. We need to focus on what YAHWEH used Trump for, HIS WILL! HE sets up kings up and HE takes them down. Daniel answered and said, Blessed be THE NAME of ELAH for ever and ever: for WISDOM and MIGHT are HIS: And HE changeth the times and the seasons: HE removeth kings, and setteth up kings: HE giveth Wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: Dan 2:20-21 WOY When did YAHWEH give any authority to any church? Specially those who break HIS Commandments it is totally ridiculous. HE did not give authority to the SDA church either! That's problem. You church folks think you have the authority and now they are putting the papacy under the bus. The Bible said this would happen too and believe a lie and have become delusional. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called ELOHIYM, or that is worshipped; so that he sitteth in the temple of ELOHIYM, showing himself that he is YAHWEH Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that lawless one be revealed, whom THE MASTER shall consume with the SPIRIT of HIS MOUTH, and shall destroy with THE BRIGHTNESS of HIS coming: 2Th 2:3-8 The SDA church has lost it banner of truth. We do not recognize plain Scriptures. The beast is not the papacy now. He was once but not now, no one know who the beast is yet! But a falling away had to come first. The papacy is not very popular these days. The Catholic church has be taken out of the way and lawlessness has taken over. That's why the two horned beast speaks like a dragon! Trump is not the beast but he introduce lawlessness. This is the beginning of sorrow and this country is turn upside down and Kilpatrick said the papacy does not have the power now. The Papacy has been taken out of the way! Now these Evangelical churches feel they have the power! They have put all of the judges on the courts and now they think they have the power! Wrong, they don't have the power, it is YAHWEH WILL that will be done. It is time for the sealing of the 144,000. It could not happen under Trump. Follow the Bible, Trump brought the embassy back to Jerusalem and the temple will be built! There will be a surge from the papacy who will take over Jerusalem who has become Babylon. This city will be ruled by the papacy during the 3 1/2 years which will be the Time of Trouble and her daughters will step in line under her banner. The beast will leave the power and seat of Satan. This somewhere beyond Orion! He will make it beautiful for the beast and have him to come down and deceived the world. The number six is fallen flesh beings, it was Nimrod, the Papacy and now it is the 8th who is of the 7th. These fallen men went away from true worship. When the beast return to this earth he will war with papacy and her daughters. That will be the Battle of Armageddon and Jerusalem will be destroyed! A messenger of ELAH will cast this destroyed city into the bottom of the sea. The third and final destruction of Jerusalem her hour of judgment has come! Now, the beast prepare to make war with YAHSHUA, but before they are ready HE has come like a thief in the night. YAHSHUA was on HIS way during the Battle of Armageddon! As the beast prepares for battle they see YAHSHUA coming with GREAT POWER and GLORY. He and the false prophet are taken and place in the Lake of EVERLASTING FIRE and the rest of the wicked the birds eat their flesh! That's what we should be talking about because Trump will never be president again. He is going to jail, that's what he does and that what Satan does too! Throw him under the bus! Who is on YAHWEH SIDE! I am tired of the mess between two parties who have no power of themself! IT IS TIME FOR THE SHAKEN and all who are not ready for whatever reason will either join with the papacy or the beast! I am getting ready to preach this truth around the world, what about you! Happy Sabbath!

In this time of COVID restrictions, some of our SDA members are looking for a way to participate in a Sabbath School Class. the follwing is a list of Zoom Sabbath School Classes. These classes will come from a variety of perspectives: · E-14-in-Exile, Avondale, Australia, 9:30 AM Australian Time Coordinator: Howard Fisher howard.fisher@bigpond.com · Faith and Reason Class , 10:00 AM Eastern Time Coordinator: Carol Hooker sstupdate@gmail.com · Believers and Doubters Class, Sligo Church, 10:00 AM Eastern Time Coordinator: Barry Casey, Darmokjilad@gmail.com · Adventist Today Sabbath Seminar,1:30 PM Eastern Time Coordinator: Loren Seibold adventisttoday@gmail.com · Dialog Sabbath School Class: Andrews University, 1030 AM Eastern Time Coordinator: Peter Wong wong@andrews.edu · Faith and Education Series: Andrews University, 10:30 Eastern Time Coordinators: Nicholas Miller nmiller@freedom-law.com · Sabbath Seminars, Loma Linda University, 10:30 Pacific Time Coordinator: Mailen Kootsey mkootsey@gmail.com · Asheville, NC, Adventist Forum, 3:00 PM Eastern Time Coordinator: Connie Haywood, ConnieHaywood@gmail.com · Fritz Guy & Friends, La Sierra University, 9:30 & 10:00 AM Pacific Time Coordinator: Gary Huffaker gghuffaker@gmail.cpm · The One Project, Saltworks, 9:55 AM Pacific Time https://www.the1project.org/saltworks-live · Jack Provonsha Legacy, La Sierra University, 9:30 AM Pacific Time Coordinator: Gary Chartier, gary.chartier@gmail.com · Digging Deeper Sabbath School, Union College, Lincoln, NE, 10:30 AM Central Time Coordinator: Ed Allen, ed.allen@ucollege.edu · Choir Room Sabbath School: Pacific Union College, 10:00 AM Pacific Time Coordinator: Nancy Lecourt, nlecourt@puc.edu · Roy Branson Legacy Class, Loma Linda Univ, 10:30 AM Pacific time Coordinator: David Larson, bransonlegacysabbathschool@gmail.com

That's all you do is go around like a madman and preach contempt and hatred. The liberty magazine was created before you was born. It was to fight the right to seperate the church from the civil government. However, you can't it has never been done. All empires and kingdoms of every nationality of people, had a state religion. That's a fact! The problem is the religion begins to rule over the political government. The political government become the enforcer to meet out what the religion wants to enforce. Nimrod, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar and many more had a dominating religions. The Evangelical needed someone to carry out and enforce against abortion, homosexual and any other self righteous sin they are against. Remember John Kilpatrick of the CHP Church in Alabama said that the church has the authority on earth! Really! It appears that YAHWEH need them to have power! I never read that in the Bible if so show me! Please do not use IsraEL because they were only to destroy those who knew first, before IsraEL came on the scene. That was the Canaanites and Egypt! The Neo Babylonians also came to know him and they were destroyed as well. Not, Persia, Greece or Rome. IsraEL was destroyed twice and this fake people who call themselves Jews will be destroyed along with the papacy who will rule and the churches that will follow him. Now how on earth are these churches today following THE MOST HIGH and not keeping HIS Commandments. What on earth make them think that THE FATHER or HIS SON would give them authority? Look at how many SDA turned and follow Trump. A man who cusses, cheats on his wives, lies, don't pay taxes do not even attend church. Are you serious!!!! Now, Trump was a Democrat but no one would vote for him back before for being president. He look at the Republican Party and he found suckers. Boy did he find them! He always was racist and brought out the racist skinhead and White supremacy out from under the rock. They did not vote before! Plus in all of the churches racism was always there hidden waiting to be reveal. These fake religious people needed an enforcers. They had taken over the Police union and many White supremacist became police. Many good police were kept quiet because of the union and the blue loyalty mess! Some Black people who wanted power, sold out their own people for the power. Not realizing that they were subjugated to White supremacy! Other Blacks wanted power, who were already crooked and could cheat being a cop! Here comes Trump, who at this time did not really want to be president. He did not think he was going to win! He did because Democrats and White suburban women believed his lies. Generals, Black pastor with mega church all fail for his game. The self righteous folks wanted judges to rule in their favor and Trump delivered. But they did not help him at all, that is why he is furious. They have thrown out his false claim about voting fraud. Now, he is causing infighting among his party. How dumb is that? Threatening violence against Georgia Republicans that is over the government! Wow! Photodude you have a problem and it is sick and hateful and whining! Please realize your beliefs are not popular and they are against THE MOST HIGH! You attack everything and everyone that is against your beloved leader. If you want to follow him, that is your choice IT IS NOT EVERYONE'S! Get over it, HE LOST! Move on! All you do is start threads so you can whine about you fallen leader! ENOUGH! HE LOST! Go to the White House and help him move! Thank you! Happy Sabbath from your wannabe historian!

It is a 6 minute video. There is a story in that video, if you want to watch it and give it some thought: https://www.bing.com/videos/searchq=Emma+the+Pig+video&docid=608017006921386145&mid=A97A91BE5ED272C9B671A97A91BE5ED272C9B671&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

What a precious story. Made me cry.

Promise: Rest for your souls Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the Lord , Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein .

Promise: I will heal Jeremiah 3:22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.

December 2020 Signs of the Times Newsletter The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues of Signs and These Times. *************************** I have read somewhere the story of a poor woman who looked longingly at the flowers in the king's garden, wishing to buy some for her sick daughter. She was angrily repelled by the king's gardener, who rudely told her, "The king's flowers are not for sale!" But the king, chancing to pass, picked a bouquet and gave it to the wistful woman, saying, "The king does not sell his flowers; he gives them away." Our King does not sell eternal life; He gives it.—By J. L. Russell, Signs of the Times, December 22, 1942. Quote: “How much the world needs this year a Christmas that means a return to Bethlehem!”—By Llewellyn A. Wilcox, Signs of the Times, December 22, 1942. *************************** Don't miss the January 2021 issue of Signs of the Times: To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or ORDER ONLINE! *************************** It was Christmas Eve 1914 during the horrors of World War I. British and German troops had dug miles of trenches in the French countryside from which they blasted each other with machine guns, mortars, and artillery. Between the German and British trenches lay a barren no-man’s-land, a narrow strip of craters and shattered trees where anything that moved was shot. Whenever there was a lull in the firing, the shivering men on both sides could hear the noise of cooking going on in the enemy trenches. Late on Christmas Eve, with freezing rain still falling and the temperature dropping, a British guard heard a new sound wafting across no man’s land. In the enemy trenches a man was singing, “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht.” It was a tune the British sentry recognized as “Silent Night, Holy Night.” He began to hum along with the melody. Then a second British soldier crawled over and joined in. Soon others on both sides began to blend their rough voices across the war-torn battlefield. The German offered a second carol, “O Tannenbaum,” and the British responded with “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.” On and on through the night the singing continued. As dawn broke, signs appeared on both sides, in two languages: “Merry Christmas.” Then, incredibly, one by one, the soldiers laid down their guns and crawled beneath the barbed wire into no-man’s -land—scores of British and German troops meeting together. The soldiers opened their wallets and showed off pictures of their families and exchanged gifts of candy. This experience, surely one of history’s most remarkable occurrences on any battlefield, has come to be known as the soldiers’ truce. Tragically, it was over all too soon. By mid-morning Christmas Day, furious officers ordered their men back to the trenches. Soon the deadly bullets were whizzing back and forth once more. Later that day, a command came down from British headquarters forbidding such contact: “We are here to fight, not to fraternize!” Nevertheless, for a few hours, the master of those soldiers was neither the Kaiser nor an earthly king but heaven’s Prince of Peace—By George E. Vandeman, From Helpings for the Heart. (George Vandeman was a master story-teller. Now, more than 100 of his classic, inspirational stories are available in Helpings for the Heart. And it is on sale for just $2.97. Great for worships, sermon illustrations, personal devotional time—and much more.) Quote: “The Babe of Bethlehem is wrapped up as it were in the swathing bands of both Testaments. Christ is both the substance and the object, the author and the matter of the Scripture.”—Unknown, Signs of the Times, August 13, 1902. *************************** NEW from Pacific Press—Jesus, Name Above All Names—2021 Devotional book by Ellen White. Ellen White uses more than 800 names and titles for Christ. This NEW daily devotional book selects 365 readings based on 365 different name of Christ. Read the first TEN devotionals FREE. CLICK HERE! Order ONLINE or from your local Adventist Book Center—1-800-765-6955. *************************** One night in February, 1943, a United States submarine was resting quietly on the surface of the Pacific off Rabaul, New Britain, keeping watch for enemy ships, which they felt sure were nearby. On deck with a number of his men was the commander of the craft, Howard W. Gilmore, 40, a middle-sized man, quiet, resolute, unpretentious; a man who, as his classmates put it, "would never stand out in a crowd, but you'd like the minute you saw him." They had not been on the surface long when the commander's keen eyes sighted a Japanese man-of-war nearby. The submarine was picked up by the searchlights of the Japanese vessel at about the same moment, and as quickly as they could maneuver it, the large gun-boat turned and tried to ram the sub-marine. Just as quickly, Commander Gilmore swung the submarine around, dodged the attack, and counterattacked at a speed of seventeen knots an hour. His aim was good. They tore a large hole in the gunboat's hull. She slowly settled and began to sink. As she gently slipped down into the ocean, with the American submarine in the full glare of her strong searchlights, her heavy machine guns sent round after round of shells into the midst of the group of men on the top of the under-water craft. Some of the men were killed instantly, and the commander was seriously wounded. By a fast dive beneath the water, the sub-marine could be saved. But the commander should be gotten down through the hatch to safety. This would take time and would endanger the lives of all the crew. Helpless to move from the bridge, which was fully exposed to the enemy's machine guns, Gilmore ordered the sub-marine to submerge. His comrades rushed to his aid, intending to carry him below. Every second meant much. The navy record in telling of this action says, "In his final living moments he gave his last order to the officer of the deck: 'Take her down!'" In the navy, orders must be obeyed. The man hurried below, the hatch clanged shut, and the submarine-vanished into the deep. Her wounded commander floated away in the darkness, never to be seen again. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. Gilmore gave his life that others might live. He followed in the footsteps of our Master, who was willing to die that you and I might have eternal life. This Christmas season gives us another wonderful opportunity to put into practice the teaching and example of our Master. He taught that rich blessings are in store for those who are willing to give. He practiced what He preached, and spent all His days and many nights in unselfish service, which brought little or no monetary returns. Then He died on Calvary for us. There are millions in our old world at this holiday time, who are in need. Some of them may live nearby, some of them live in lands less favored than our own. The happiest people this Christmas season will be those who give the most.—By C. L. Paddock, Our Times, December 1948 Quote: “The longer you read the Bible, the more you will like it; it will grow sweeter and sweeter, and the more you get into the spirit of it, the more you will get into the spirit of Christ.”—By Romaine, The Youth’s Instructor, November 22, 1927. *************************** Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: Send a GIFT that helps your friends and neighbors find hope and meaning. Each month Signs of the Times® takes on a broken world and directs hearts to Jesus for relevant answers. The result is changed lives! Order from your Adventist Book Center. Call 1-800-765-6955 or go online at: https://adventistbookcenter.com/signs-of-the-times-magazine.html *************************** The Bible was written a long time before punctuation was invented. Nearly sixteen centuries had elapsed since the writing of the New Testament before Manutius, a Venetian printer, originated the system of marks that, like the "jots" or "tittles" 'n the Hebrew language, constitute such an important factor in the transcribing of thought. To illustrate the aid that punctuation will sometimes render to an understanding of the sense of any composition, recall the famous nursery jingle: "Every lady in the land Has twenty nails on each hand Five and twenty on hands and feet This is true without deceit." Now read the same, properly punctuated: "Every lady in the land- Has twenty nails; on each hand Five, and twenty on hands and feet; This is true without deceit."—By W. E. Gerald, The Watchman, January, 1930. Quote: "Condemn no man for not thinking as you think. Let everyone enjoy the full and free liberty of thinking for himself. Let every man use his own judgment, since every man must give an account of himself to God. Abhor every approach, in any kind or degree, to the spirit of persecution. If you cannot reason nor persuade a man into the truth, never attempt to force a man into it. If love will not compel him to come, leave him to God, the Judge of all."—By John Wesley, Our Times, July 1948. *************************** New from Signs of the Times—Peace on Earth—designed to share with friends, loved ones and neighbors at the holiday season. For a FREE sample copy, CLICK HERE and send your name and mailing address. *************************** Faith is taking God at His word — just that, no more, no less. A street mission worker in Chicago was accosted by a fourteen-year-old boy, after one of his meetings, who asked: "Mister, can the God you preach about help a fellow like me to stop smoking cigarettes!" "Yes, He can, and He will, if you ask Him." "All right, mister! Let's ask.” They found a quiet spot in a near-by alley, and there knelt together in prayer. Rising from his knees, the boy lit a cigarette, puffed away a moment, and then looking the minister straight in the eye, said:" He didn't do it, mister! I can smoke just as well as ever!" "Just a minute," the missionary spoke again; "how many does it take to make a bargain, son?" "Two," responded the lad promptly." And they must both be willing to make the bargain, mustn't they?" "Yes, mister." "All right, then," and the good man smiled his kindly smile," are you willing, lad, that God shall help you to stop smoking!" The boy thought a moment, eyes downcast; then he looked up, and his lean, not-too-clean face beamed with purpose. "I am," he answered, and took the cigarette out of his mouth and threw it away. Several weeks passed, and then the minister, who had passed on to another city, received a letter from Chicago. It was from the-lad-of-the-cigarette. "Deer fren," it read, "I stil keep a willin' an' God He stil keeps a powerin'." That is faith — the kind of faith that can claim the promise, "If we ask anything according to His [God's] will, He heareth us."—By Lora E. Clement, The Youth’s Instructor, December 6, 1927. Quote: "It is better to be cautious and right than to be rash and wrong."—Unknown, The Youth’s Instructor, December 6, 1927. *************************** This holiday season, share a book with a friend. In writing about holiday gift giving, Ellen White wrote: “We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. I would recommend such books as will be an aid in understanding the Word of God, or that will increase our love for its precepts. Provide something to be read during these long winter evenings.”—Review and Herald, December 26, 1882. You will find a wonderful assortment for books at: www.AdventistBookCenter.com *************************** The late Mark Twain and his family traveled much abroad, and during their wanderings they met many distinguished men and women. In Berlin, the emperor invited Mark Twain to dine. This invitation awed his little daughter, Jean, who said, "Why, papa, if it keeps up like this, pretty soon there won't be anybody for you to get acquainted with but God." The fact that millions of people are neglecting to get acquainted with God accounts for the restlessness, the troubled hearts, in the world today. This restlessness, which all worldly people, and many Christians as well, experience, is due to sin in the heart, separating them from God. There is a text in the Old Testament which reads: "Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace."—By Mrs. E. L. Pingenot, Signs of the Times, January 27, 1942. Quote: "After all, the lives that do the most for the world are the steady, quiet lives. They are like stars; they just stay in their appointed place and shine with the light God has given them. Meteors shoot brilliantly across the sky, and, we exclaim and wonder, but long after they have vanished the stars shine on to guide us."—Unknown, Signs of the Times, January 27, 1942. *************************** Share Pocket Signs wherever you go. CLICK HERE to see the large assortment available. There are Pocket Signs for every occasion. *************************** Peace on Earth! The weary Wise Men riding from afar Stopped not to rest; and ere the dawn was gray, Their journey ended as the Eastern Star Shone on the stable where the Christ Child lay. The simple Shepherds watching by their sheep On far Judean hills were startled by The angel song that filled the heavens deep: "Peace on the earth! Glory to God on high!"—By Grace Barker Wilson, These Times, December 1951. *************************** Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others.

https://www.amazon.com/Scripture-Culture-Agriculture-Agrarian-Reading/dp/0521732239 At times we read things that point out what we have overlooked in the Bible, and has opened our eyes for further study. One of these books is Ellen Davis' Scripture, culture and agriculture. This description can give a better idea than I can, but not as good as actually getting and reading the book, this book is a must read:

Promise: They shall not prevail Jeremiah 1:19 And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord , to deliver thee.

? Promise I am with thee Jeremiah 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord .

Advent Messenger is far from a credible source.

? Promise ? ?Come to worship ??‍♀️ Isaiah 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord .

On November 26, 2020, the United States Supreme Court issued an important ruling affecting the rights of religious congregations to conduct services during this time of COVED-19 restrictions. I suspect that it is going to be widely misunderstood. This ruling is not a final judgment that applies across the United States. Rather, it is a temporary injunction that applies to the order of Governor Andrew Cuomo, of New York State. This injunction remains in effect until the 2nd Circuit Appellate Court issues its ruling. This judgment is likely to terminate either upon the judgment of the Appellate Court, or if a writ of certiorari is granted. If that Writ is granted the case will be heard by the Supreme Court with a consequent final judgment that will apply nationwide. The following link takes you to the majority, concurring and dissenting decisions of the nine judges. The Per Curiam decision is important as it is the unanimous agreement, of the nine judges. It is followed by the two concurring decisions and the six dissenting decisions, for a total of 33 pages. Taken together, in my opinion, I believe one can get a sense as to how the Court might rule, if a Writ is granted. In the meantime, as I understand this injunction a major reason for this injunction is that the order of Governor Cuomo treated religious congregations more harshly than other secular groups were treated. This could be considered a violation of the First Amendment. On this basis, it must be assumed that an order to restrict religious services could be crafted that would be legal. I also, found it if interest that Cuomo’s order essentially ruled that certain Jewish groups could not conduct services with women present. For further consideration, see the actual ruling of the Court at: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/20a87_4g15.pdf

? Promise ? Ye shall be comforted ? Isaiah 66:13 As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem

Sad to hear that country music singer Charley Pride has died from COVID. https://www.npr.org/2020/12/12/945895767/charley-pride-country-musics-first-major-black-star-dies-at-86

Sad news today that General Chuck Yeager, the test pilot who broke the sound barrier died. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/us/chuck-yeager-dead.html

We are sad to announce the passing of Dr. C. Norman Farley in November 2020. He formally served on our Advisory panel beginning in 2016, and he, along with his wife Alice, have been great supporters and volunteers of ReligiousLiberty.TV and Founders' First Freedom. The post Dr. C. Norman Farley passes to his rest appeared first on ReligiousLiberty.TV / Founders' First Freedom®. View the full article

This action in Oregon is about par for the course in a leftist state like Oregon. The governor of this state is one who has threatened police action on any family having too many guests over for the holiday. This actually prompted one internet saying that has been around: This Thanksgiving, if you see 20 cars at your neighbors house, and you think about reporting them, go to the fridge and drink a big glass of milk. Why? Because milk is good for your teeth. Want to know what else is good for your teeth? Minding your own business ... Actions such as encouraging citizens to rat each other out is something out of the Nazi era in Germany. The tightest lockdowns have occurred in Democrat controlled leftists states. California is beginning new oppressive lockdowns in the southern part of the state. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-06/california-new-stay-at-home-order This has prompted the sheriff of one county to note that they will not be enforcing it as they have real criminals and crimes to work on. This all follows the long periods of Demo controlled states allowing riots and demonstrations to go on as the same time they are harassing churches. Consider what happened to this church in Canada: https://www.rebelnews.com/full_gospel_outreach_church_fined_14000_for_singing_without_masks_in_saskatchewan These actions by the governor are likely to begin a recall to throw this guy out of office. I write this as one who is still in quarantine (tomorrow is my last day!) for Covid as two tests (the way it was done) have come up positive for Covid. (I am doing well and the average common cold makes me much sicker than the experience with covid has, even though I fall into two higher risk categories - being a man and being older) I have no problem with masks even though I don't believe they really do any good other that calm down Karens in the local stores. What I do have a problem with is the way the pandemic has been handled. People who get sick are advised to go home and wait it out. No further instruction on how to deal with it is given other than stay away from other people. One physician came up with a treatment plan that shortens the illness and relieves the symptoms. The local head of the hospital refuses to offer this treatment to hospitalized patients. This physician has had over three hundred covid patients treated in his office and none have died. There are other treatments and preventatives out there that are not being promoted and as a result, people are dying, at a rate of about 1 in 200. This situation has led me to believe that these leftist Demo rulers are wanting nothing less than the control of the masses and this gets one more training session in for the populace to become "sheeples." This belief is partially guided by the large number of Demo leaders going on and on about wearing masks and then being photographed doing a variety of activities that they advocated the average person in the street to not do. And don't forget, the POSSIBLY incoming president wants a national lockdown! This is not going to end well.

Yeah, I like Biden's empathy. His one achievement in 47 years of political life was his crime bill which led to the mass incarceration of black men. I am also impressed with his empathy for all the babies terminated, usually for convenience, in some very gruesome ways. In his role as VP during the previous regime, that regime is also the regime that worked very hard at dividing people and pitting groups against other groups. It is said that the only way to bring people together is thru economic prosperity, and until covid happened, unemployment for blacks, latinos, and women were at record lows. We will see how it will play out when Biden begins shutting down US industries in an effort to meet the demands of the green people.