Grappling with God in prayer
From the pen of Ellen G. White, we read that the old standard bearers knew what it was to wrestle with God in prayer, and to enjoy the outpouring of the Spirit. But these are passing of from the stage of action; and who are coming up to fill their places? How is it with the rising generation? Are they converted to God? Are we awake to the work that is going on in the heavenly sanctuary, or are we waiting for some compelling power to come upon the church before we shall arouse? Are hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come. SM, Book 1, Page 122, para#1
Period of Preparation
Prior to the second coming of Jesus, people are urged not to give in to panic. Instead, we are, according to 2 Corinthians 13:5, to examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith. It is time to review our relationships with God and fellow men. Remember, our salvation is based on relationships. It is the essence of the cross and the ten commandments. The vertical tree of the cross represents our dependence on God, expressed in the first four commandments which govern our relationships with our Creator. The horizontal tree of the cross represents our interdependence with our fellow men, expressed also in the six commandments that regulate relationships among humans. Before Jesus comes again we need to sit down, examine and review where we stand in our relationships with God first and in our relationships with our fellow men, regardless of their gender, color, race, social status, religion, etc. Prior to entering the glorious courts of heaven, God wants us to be as perfect as Himself. Matt. 5:48. This is the highest standard set for us to attain. Therefore we should never try to lower it in order to accommodate our weakness and lack of total commitment to God. The Apostle James links our love for God to the way we treat our fellow men. James 2:1-17. The beloved Apostle has also something to say that implies our relationships with both God and our fellow men: If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:20-21. In Malachi 4:5-6, God promises to revitalize our relationships with Him and our fellow men by sending us the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for us to wake up from our slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Romans 13:11-14.
The best way to prepare to meet the Lord Jesus Christ is to examine ourselves and see where we lack or fall short in our relationships with one another and God. This is critical for each one of us. Scuffling with God in prayer, we will be able to soar to spiritual heights that God wants us to reach before He can come to take us home.
Written by Samuel M. Ntawiniga
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
CALLS FOR REVIVAL
The CHURCH'S GREAT NEED
A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessings upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to vie good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessings. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer. While the people are so destitute of God's Holy Spirit, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but when the Spirit's power touches their hearts, then the discourses given will not be with out effect. Guided by the teachings of God's Word, with the manifestation of His Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion, those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence. Ellen G. White in Selected Messages, Book 1, page 121, para #1
The power of the Holy Spirit in a form of latter rain metaphor will not bestowed to persons who do not ask for Him. Jesus told His disciples," Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you." Matthew 7:7 (International Standard Version)
The first prerequisite for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is asking for Him through earnest prayers, coupled with humiliation, confession and repentance of our sins and be willing to turn our minds towards heavenly GPS.
Guest written by Samuel M. Ntawiniga
A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessings upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to vie good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessings. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer. While the people are so destitute of God's Holy Spirit, they cannot appreciate the preaching of the Word; but when the Spirit's power touches their hearts, then the discourses given will not be with out effect. Guided by the teachings of God's Word, with the manifestation of His Spirit, in the exercise of sound discretion, those who attend our meetings will gain a precious experience, and returning home, will be prepared to exert a healthful influence. Ellen G. White in Selected Messages, Book 1, page 121, para #1
The power of the Holy Spirit in a form of latter rain metaphor will not bestowed to persons who do not ask for Him. Jesus told His disciples," Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened for you." Matthew 7:7 (International Standard Version)
The first prerequisite for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is asking for Him through earnest prayers, coupled with humiliation, confession and repentance of our sins and be willing to turn our minds towards heavenly GPS.
Guest written by Samuel M. Ntawiniga
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
La Nostalgie du Ciel
UN MONDE MEILLEUR
Qui de nous trouvera un monde meilleur?
Qui de nous entendra la voix du Seigneur?
Aide-toi, aide moi et viendra le jour
Où le monde sera un monde d’amour
Qui de nous offrira de donner son cœur?
Qui de nous chantera un monde meilleur?
Un matin de printemps, le dernier chemin
Conduira noirs et blancs, la main dans la main
Qui verra le premier éclater le ciel?
Qui saura communier avec l’Eternel
Qui de nous trouvera un monde meilleur?
Qui de nous trouvera un monde meilleur?
Qui de nous cueillera sa premiere fleur?
Qui de nous chantera un monde meilleur?
Est-ce toi, est-ce moi? Qui verra le jour
Ou ce monde sera un monde d’amour?
Qui de nous trouvera sa premiere fleur
Qui de nous chantera un monde meilleur?
Qui de nous trouvera un monde meilleur?
Qui de nous entendra la voix du Seigneur?
Aide-toi, aide moi et viendra le jour
Où le monde sera un monde d’amour
Qui de nous offrira de donner son cœur?
Qui de nous chantera un monde meilleur?
Un matin de printemps, le dernier chemin
Conduira noirs et blancs, la main dans la main
Qui verra le premier éclater le ciel?
Qui saura communier avec l’Eternel
Qui de nous trouvera un monde meilleur?
Qui de nous trouvera un monde meilleur?
Qui de nous cueillera sa premiere fleur?
Qui de nous chantera un monde meilleur?
Est-ce toi, est-ce moi? Qui verra le jour
Ou ce monde sera un monde d’amour?
Qui de nous trouvera sa premiere fleur
Qui de nous chantera un monde meilleur?
We Need A Great Outpouring Of The Holy Spirit
Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Review and Herald, July 21, 1896 - The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.
Mat 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. Rev 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Post guest written by Operation Global Rain
Rev 14:7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
Review and Herald, July 21, 1896 - The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with His glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people, that know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.
Mat 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. Rev 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Post guest written by Operation Global Rain
Monday, August 4, 2008
From PMC Church, Andrews University:
How Well Are You Handling “Change”
July 17, 2008
The body cell is the basic block of all human life. It is estimated that the human body is comprised of between 50-100 trillion cells. These cells die and are reborn each night. So in a real sense every day, our bodies are “brand new.” If you haven’t thought about it, human beings are creatures of “change.” We are constantly changing every day. Yet when our cells die and cease to regenerate that process is called “aging.” Old age and the inability of our cells to change are the beginning signs of death.
We are living today in a time of tremendous transformation. Global warming has ushered in volatile and unpredictable weather patterns. Flood waters have raged in areas of the country that have seldom been hit by such catastrophes. It’s all due to climate change. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, in a study titled “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey,” found that more than a quarter of adult Americans have left the faith of their childhood to join another religion or no religion at all. It’s called affiliation change. Major colleges and universities are experiencing the retirement of their predominantly liberal faculty and a new generation of more centrist and conservative professors are replacing them. It is another transition that will bring with it a different perspective on the major social, economic, cultural and philosophical issues of our day. It’s called ideological change. The Baby Boom generation is retiring and a new workforce of
Gen-Xers and Millennials are replacing their parents and grandparents. We call it generational change. In the political arena, Barack Obama, has become the first non-Caucasian to be selected as the presumptive presidential nominee of a major political party. It’s called, “Change We Can Believe In.”
We are surrounded by change and yet in the church we seem slow or in some cases resistant to change. How do we explain this dichotomy as Seventh-day Adventist Christians? Few modern faith communities have been called to accept more change in forming itself than have Seventh-day Adventists. Our forebears weathered the trials and uncertainty of the “Great Disappointment” to form what we now call the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Led by young adults, they struck out in faith and dared to follow the prophetic calling that God gave them through the visions of a young teenage girl. They made tremendous sacrifices, giving of their means and themselves to a cause that seemed illogical and ill conceived, but today we are the beneficiaries of their faithful, selfless service. They embraced “change” and because they did we have been blessed.
So today, as you face the inevitability of slowed reflexes, an expanding waistline and graying temples, is the specter of change haunting you? Are you holding on so tightly to yesterday, that you cannot embrace tomorrow? Is your anxiety about the future robbing your peace in the present? Jesus, the greatest change agent of the universe admonishes us in Matthew 6:33-”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34-Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself . . .” So, “How Are You Handling Change?”
This blog post has been guest written by Pastor Timothy Nixon.
How Well Are You Handling “Change”
July 17, 2008
The body cell is the basic block of all human life. It is estimated that the human body is comprised of between 50-100 trillion cells. These cells die and are reborn each night. So in a real sense every day, our bodies are “brand new.” If you haven’t thought about it, human beings are creatures of “change.” We are constantly changing every day. Yet when our cells die and cease to regenerate that process is called “aging.” Old age and the inability of our cells to change are the beginning signs of death.
We are living today in a time of tremendous transformation. Global warming has ushered in volatile and unpredictable weather patterns. Flood waters have raged in areas of the country that have seldom been hit by such catastrophes. It’s all due to climate change. The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, in a study titled “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey,” found that more than a quarter of adult Americans have left the faith of their childhood to join another religion or no religion at all. It’s called affiliation change. Major colleges and universities are experiencing the retirement of their predominantly liberal faculty and a new generation of more centrist and conservative professors are replacing them. It is another transition that will bring with it a different perspective on the major social, economic, cultural and philosophical issues of our day. It’s called ideological change. The Baby Boom generation is retiring and a new workforce of
Gen-Xers and Millennials are replacing their parents and grandparents. We call it generational change. In the political arena, Barack Obama, has become the first non-Caucasian to be selected as the presumptive presidential nominee of a major political party. It’s called, “Change We Can Believe In.”
We are surrounded by change and yet in the church we seem slow or in some cases resistant to change. How do we explain this dichotomy as Seventh-day Adventist Christians? Few modern faith communities have been called to accept more change in forming itself than have Seventh-day Adventists. Our forebears weathered the trials and uncertainty of the “Great Disappointment” to form what we now call the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Led by young adults, they struck out in faith and dared to follow the prophetic calling that God gave them through the visions of a young teenage girl. They made tremendous sacrifices, giving of their means and themselves to a cause that seemed illogical and ill conceived, but today we are the beneficiaries of their faithful, selfless service. They embraced “change” and because they did we have been blessed.
So today, as you face the inevitability of slowed reflexes, an expanding waistline and graying temples, is the specter of change haunting you? Are you holding on so tightly to yesterday, that you cannot embrace tomorrow? Is your anxiety about the future robbing your peace in the present? Jesus, the greatest change agent of the universe admonishes us in Matthew 6:33-”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34-Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself . . .” So, “How Are You Handling Change?”
This blog post has been guest written by Pastor Timothy Nixon.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The State of Utah Embarked on a 4-day Work Week
USA TODAY in an article posted on internet - - www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-30-four day_N.htm - reports that the State of Utah has embarked on a four-day week in effort to cope with the energy crisis. According to the same article, Utah becomes the very first state to institute a mandatory four-day work week for most state employees, joining local governments across the nation that are altering schedules to save money, energy and resources.
In the light of the Bible prophecy enshrined in Revelation 13:11-18 and expounded by Ellen G. White in her book “Great Controversy”, could we say that this constitutes a prelude to the national law instituting Sunday Law? This is a good idea. And all ideas are welcome in order to deal with difficult times due to the economy crippled by the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the crumbling of housing industry and soaring energy prices.
At this point, it is advisable to remain on the lookout and see how the situation will evolve. Time will tell.
In the light of the Bible prophecy enshrined in Revelation 13:11-18 and expounded by Ellen G. White in her book “Great Controversy”, could we say that this constitutes a prelude to the national law instituting Sunday Law? This is a good idea. And all ideas are welcome in order to deal with difficult times due to the economy crippled by the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the crumbling of housing industry and soaring energy prices.
At this point, it is advisable to remain on the lookout and see how the situation will evolve. Time will tell.
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