How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

Church was canceled this morning because of the foot of snow on the ground. So… I have spent the morning watching 3ABN. New Perceptions from Andrews University – Pioneer Memorial Church came on a bit ago and the choir sang this song. I love this song!

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God

I often talk about the importance of making time everyday to go into your prayer corner and seek out God. How incredibly vital it is to your spiritual growth! The more you know of God, the less you long for the things of this world.

My husband told a joke yesterday that went like this…

“A preacher got up and stood in the pulpit and looked out over the large congregation of believers. He said, ‘It is so wonderful to see all of you today! How many of you want to be in heaven?’ The crowd raised their hands and praised God with a show of ‘Amens.’ The pastor agreed and said, ‘I can’t wait! How many of you want to go today?’ No one raised their hands.”

So my question for you today is, “Are you ready to see Jesus – today?” Are your thoughts filled with His will and His Word when you wake up in the morning? Do you long to hear the words, “Well, done my good and faithful servant…”?

So often, expecially among young people, young adult, young moms and dads, folks say they want Jesus to come again and yet… in all reality they don’t want Him to come back TODAY or even 6 months from now. Reasons might include …

• There are so many things I want to do with my life.

• I want to see my grandchildren.
• I want to excell at my career.

I am not suggesting that anyone have a death wish. However, I am suggesting that we should want Jesus to come back in the clouds and take us to heaven. If we are longing after the things of this world then we are not really longing after the things of God.

I have a wonderful life. I have a sweet, sweet family. I have a beautiful home and all my basic needs and many of my wants are met everyday.

Even with all of the blessings that God has given to me and my family… it can’t possibly compare to what Jesus has prepared for us in Heaven. I mean think of all the pain and suffering on this planet! From time to time my family will get sick – there have been several times when I had a child very ill and in the hospital. My father was critically ill this year. I have friends who have been sick, have suffered and some have passed away. The nightly news rarely reports the good that happens. Instead we hear of the murdering, the stealing, the lying, the cheating, the immorality, and the pain of those living in this world.

“But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37. What does the Bible say of Noah’s day? “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5. Sounds very much like the times we live in… does it not?

How do we as believers come to the place where we long for Christ’s return fully? How do we as believers come to the place where we die to ourselves and live for Him? One of my favorite passages is:

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world,

and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:35- 37.

Jesus is our example for Godly living. He shows us clearly in His Word how to stay close to God. The Bible tells us, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he (Jesus) went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Mark 1:35. Even Jesus, the unblemished lamb of God, needed to seek out His Father and ask for strength. How much more do we sinners need to see out God in prayer! Notice how the verse above tells us He rose in the early morning before day broke and that He went to a “solitary place.” You should have a prayer corner, a place and a time where you can be alone – away from the distractions of children and husbands. Give your undivided attention – your time to God. He really does want to get to know you better!

Through prayer, study, and contemplation on God’s divine will for YOUR life you will come to know Him in a way you never dreamed possible. Your character will begin to reflect the character of Christ – every day more and more. Jesus began his day with prayer. I am sure he prayed “without ceasing” and his heart was in line with God’s will.

As you grow spiritually, you will no longer seek out the pleasures of this earth and you will understand the heinous nature of sin and wish to have nothing of it. Sin is responsible either directly or indirectly of every problem this world faces. Prepare your hearts and mind, “for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (James 5:8)

“Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart.” Job 22:21- 22.

Making the Sabbath a Delight

Written by Glenn Holland.

Isaiah 58:13 (NIV): “If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord ’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words . . .”

Many people have a hard time discovering how to make the Sabbath a delight. As a guide, consider that the Sabbath was intended to be a time for spiritual and physical refreshment; a time to get to know God better and be physically renewed to face another week (Exodus 20:8-11).

I. Notice the sort of things that Jesus did on Sabbath. There are a total of ten recorded incidences in which Jesus did something on Sabbath.

A. Eating

• Picking grain with the disciples (Matthew 12)
• Eating with one of the chief Pharisees (Luke 14:1)B. Healing
• Man with crippled hand (Mark 3:1)
• Crippled man by the pool (John 5:2)
• Blind man receives sight (John 9)
• A woman relieved of an 18-year infirmity (Luke 13)C. Teaching in the synagogue
• Matthew 12:9
• Mark 1:21
• Mark 6:2D. Resting
• In the tomb (Matthew 27:58-60)Note: In no place do we find Jesus saying, “It’s been a tough week. Let’s sleep the day away!” There is no indication from the actions of Christ that the day was designed for inactivity. The only time we find Him resting on Sabbath was when He was DEAD.

II. What are some things that would be good to do on Sabbath? The following suggestions may help:

1. Visit a Sabbath-keeper you’ve never visited before.

2. Put a nature puzzle together.

3. Have a special family worship: Have each family member bring an object and tell how it reminds them of God.

4. Do a topical Bible study on a subject that interests you.

5. Read a good devotional book.

6. Count how many colors of flowers are in bloom near you.

7. Learn the difference between trees (tree identification).

8. Visit someone who is sick.

9. Visit someone who didn’t come to church today.

10. Visit someone who might be discouraged or hurting.

11. Offer to take the children of a single parent on a nature walk.

12. Learn a new Sabbath song.

13. Write an “I missed you” post card to everyone you missed at church today.

14. Read the words to hymns.

15. Take some home-grown food to someone who might be tight financially, and stay for a brief visit.

16. Make a “family tradition” Sabbath meal – something everyone likes, but easy to fix.

17. Sing songs around the piano (yours or someone else’s).

18. Have a meal with a friend.

19. Share what the Lord means to you with your own family.

20. Read or tell Bible stories to your children.

21. Invite someone to your home that doesn’t usually get asked home with anyone.

22. Have a group over, and show slides or videos of things God has made.

23. Listen to Christian music.

24. Start a Sabbath box for children: Special things for children to only do on Sabbath. Don’t have children? Help someone who does to create one or ask several children of similar age over for Sabbath fun.

25. Play charades with Primary age children – act out Bible characters and stories.

26. Divide kids, Primary – Teens, into teams and go into nature with a pan of sand. Ask each team to illustrate a Bible story in their sand pan, using objects in nature for characters, scenes, etc. Then have each team try to guess the other team’s story.

27. Bible crosswords.

28. Bible games (available at Christian book stores.)

29. Pray alone – OUTSIDE.

30. Teach values to your children.

31. Friday evening: Have sundown worship.

32. Weekend camping trip.

33. Study a certain thing (animal, flower, etc.) that you are not very familiar with.

34. Ask children if they have any questions about your religion. Give them time and REALLY listen.

35. Study the work of angels.

36. Spend a thoughtful hour contemplating the life of Christ, especially the final scenes.

37. Pray for victory over specific sins in your life.

38. Pray for the family you plan to visit NEXT.

39. Watch the sun set in SILENCE one Sabbath.

40. Watch the sun set and talk about it next Sabbath.

41. Call someone who wasn’t at church.

42. Review notes or tapes of an evangelistic meeting you really enjoyed.

43. Tell someone what brought you to the Lord, or to join the church.

44. Share with someone else something you really enjoyed doing on the Sabbath.

45. Spend time alone with God.

46. Tell your spouse something you appreciate about him or her (in the area of religion, if possible).

47. Volunteer to tell a mission story or children’s story at church.

48. Visit a nursing home.

49. Visit prison inmates; get involved in a prison ministry if one exists in your area. If not consider starting one.

50. Men: Spend some time with a boy who doesn’t have a Father figure. Share Jesus with him after you make friends.

51. Visit an orphanage.

52. Read stories in Sabbath School handouts (such as Guide or Little Friend).

53. Think of some special request for your home in heaven, and ASK for it!

54. Try to imagine what your house will look like in heaven.

55. Think of what you would like to ask Jesus when you get to heaven.

56. Who is the next person you would like to see? What would you say?

57. Imagine the person you didn’t get along with in elementary school as your next-door-neighbor in heaven.

58. Study the Sabbath School lesson.

59. Visit a widow or shut-in.

60. Set a goal to visit/pray with everyone listed in the church directory within a year. Start today!

61. Take a tape to someone who missed the sermon.

62. Have worship outdoors.

63. Write a letter to Jesus.

64. Review your baptismal vows.

65. Start a Sabbath afternoon Story Hour for children.

66. Invite guests at church home for lunch.

67. Invite the Junior/Teen class to your home for vespers.

68. Learn a memory verse.

69. Read a portion of Scripture or listen to the Bible on tape.

70. Study a particular Bible character.

71. Invite someone home that you don’t think can return the favor.

72. Give someone a ride to church.

73. Go to vespers (sundown worship service) at church. Get involved.

74. Make a list: What are you thankful for?

75. Start a prayer request list.

76. Make written records of answers to prayer. File them, and review periodically.

77. Take spiritual magazines, books, or papers to people you think might appreciate them.

78. Study Church History.

79. Read good Christian books.

80. Friday evening: Study the stars. Use a telescope or binoculars if possible.

81. Explore a new nature trail.

82. Show your pet you care about him/her.

83. Do something for “The least of these” (Matthew 25:40).

84. Ask the pastor for a name of someone who might appreciate a Bible study or Christian friend.

85. Take a meal to a widower.

86. Show appreciation to someone that has been a blessing in your life.

87. Share an answer to prayer with someone.

88. Join a singing band and visit a local hospital or nursing home.

89. Study a parable that Jesus told.

90. Friday sundown: Turn off the lights, and use candles or fireplace to give a peaceful atmosphere.

91. Give each member of your family a note of appreciation at sundown Friday.

92. Praise the Lord!

93. Read a Psalm.

94. Spend the afternoon in a national forest. Make a list of the things that remind you of God’s love.

95. Read Revelation 21. Study the foundation stones for the Holy City. List their colors; consider their size, etc.

96. Try to imagine living where there is no sickness, death, or pain.

97. Go to church.

98. Invite someone to attend church with you.

99. Talk with the oldest member of your church about what God has done for them.

100. Decide as a family what you plan to do next Sabbath.

Glenn Holland pastors a church in the Columbia Union Conference.

Manna in the Morning

Morning is the best time for getting to know God. This principle was deeply impressed upon the children of Israel by His daily gift of manna. The angel food cake rained down from heaven early in the morning, six days a week, for 40 years. If one waited too long to gather it, the manna would evaporate in the heat of the sun. “And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.” Exodus 16:21.

Likewise, if we wait too long for our spiritual devotions, the cares and pressures of the day will get our attention before the Lord does.

The busier we are and the more we have to do, the more we need to take time to pray. Let’s not allow the manna to melt.

Jesus, our example, practiced morning devotions. “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and then prayed.” Mark 1:35.

As famous evangelist Charles Spurgeon well said: “The morning is the gate of the day, and it should be well guarded with prayer. It is one end of the thread on which the day’s actions are strung, and should be well knotted with devotion. If we felt the majesty of life we should be more careful of its mornings.

“He who rushes from his bed to his business and waiteth not to worship is as foolish as though he had not put on his clothes, or cleansed his face, and as unwise as though he had dashed into battle without arms or armor. Be it ours to bathe in the softly flowing river of communion with God, before the heat of the wilderness and the burden of the way begins to oppress.” — The Truth About Mary Magdalene, Doug Bathelor, p. 53

Making Time for God

If you are like most women, you probably begin your day early, rushing to get your family fed, dressed, and out the door. You probably have a list of chores and errands that must be completed before supper time. After your evening meal, you might spend some time catching up on chores that went neglected during the day and bathing children. By the time your head hits the pillow you are sound asleep, only to wake up in a few hours to do it all over again.

So where does God fit in? You know you should spend more time praying, but you are already pressed for time. You think, ‘God understands. He knows how I struggle just to get the laundry done.’

Yes, God does know. He understands each and every struggle of your day. And He wishes you would tell Him about your day.

Have you ever thought that perhaps your daily struggles would lessen if you simply began your day in conversation with God? If you made a small commitment to rise a little earlier, you could ask God to take the cares of your day and make them His own.

When you first make that decision to spend the first moments of your day in prayer, it may be difficult to get up earlier. It may be difficult to stick to it. But I guarantee the rewards will out weigh the costs. You will begin to see incredible changes in your life. The blessings will abound and you will have an inner peace that you have never known.

To set aside the first part of your day and give it to God, set your alarm earlier than normal. Thirty minutes to an hour should allow you enough time to pray and read the Bible and/ or read an inspirational book.

The night before you begin, it would be nice to gather a few special “ingredients” for your devotional prayer time. For instance, you might want to choose a pretty basket and fill it with your Bible, a good ink pen, pretty note cards, a blank prayer journal, and any religious books you are reading. Choose a favorite spot in your house. The chair should be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you go back to sleep. You will need good lighting to read by. You might also wish to place candles on a nearby table to light during your time. A soft blanket for those cool morning hours is comforting as well.

You may be wondering if you could possibly spend an hour in prayer and devotion. After making this time a habit, I suspect you will find that an hour is not always long enough.

Pray for your husband, your children, your extended family, your church and church members, your neighbors, your enemies, your time, your day, your attitude. Once you begin praying earnestly each and every day, you will realize just how many people are in need of your prayers. Using the prayer journal can help you focus your prayers and revisit them often. Make notes of answered prayers and other thoughts about your day. You will treasure the words of love in years to come. What a sweet reminder of the care and concern you shared with the Lord in times of need, sorrow, and thankfulness.

After you have spent time in prayer, you may want to read the Bible or a religious book to increase your knowledge and your faith. You may want to read the Bible through in a year. You could read inspirational books to help you manage your time, your home, or family related issues. You may want to read books on your beliefs or doctrines. Whatever you choose to read, read with a prayerful heart, that God will open your heart to His words whether they come from the Bible or a faithful servant who has written as well thought out book. Ask God to inspire your days, fill you with His spirit and help you to be a blessing to everyone around you.

Before you get up to meet the day with a renewed spirit, you could write a short note to a friend or family member, or someone on your prayer list. Everyone enjoys getting a card or letter in the mail. It represents time spent thinking of the other person. It shows you care.

In the days to follow, you will find that your days become His and your problems don’t seem so big. You will begin to treasure that part of your day like none other. You will find yourself craving that time, needing those prayers. Make time for God today.

Homemade Memories

There are so many opportunities for families to create lasting memories. In our family we stay very busy. But every couple of weeks we make time for a special trip for the day or a “mini-vacation” to a nearby place. These times are fun and create excitement for everyone.

Our favorite is to explore new areas and eat picnic lunches in the park. Sometimes we will stop at a local restaurant instead. We like to visit local libraries and see what they have going on. The kids love to go and read new books while they are there. Last week we went to Prescott, AZ. Prescott is about 3 1/2 hours from our house. We had a package to mail, so we all filed into the old post office and admired the beautiful building. A boiling thunderstorm prevented our planned picnic in the local park, so we ate at a local Italian restaurant instead. We had a wonderful meal together. The kids loved the bread sticks! We drove through the town and looked at the beautiful Victorian homes and found the library. This provided us with a look at the World History Time Line they have painted along the sidewalk in front of the library. Very nice! We had a nice day and drove home that evening. We stopped at a park along the way and the kids played on the playground and we had a picnic for our supper. A local square dancing class was practicing, so we watched them for about an hour. The day was a lot of fun, didn’t cost a lot of money and we enjoyed our time together as a family. Family traditions make family time really special. Children look forward to traditions. Children love having the full attention of their parents. Holidays provide special days for us to plan traditions. Most families have traditional meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas and perhaps Easter. But look at your calendar and see what other special days you can make “annual” family holidays. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Family Worship In our family, we consider worship time as a time to be reverent and quiet. We expect the children to sit up straight and listen to what is being said. They are welcome to talk. They just can’t be jumping around, slumping, ignoring the worship or, basically acting irreverent. This may sound painful, but really, they don’t mind. When we pray we have everyone kneel down and close their eyes. First we have opening prayer lead by one child. Everyone can pray, if they want. Next we pick two or three songs. We purchased the same song books that they use during Sabbath School. This provides familiar songs for them. We try to sing at least one new song to learn each night. We read a Biblical story and then close with prayer. Your family might want to add other activities to family worship. We want our children to know how to worship our Lord, how to pray, and how to be reverent. It is so important! In our family, we consider worship time as a time to be reverent and quiet. We expect the children to sit up straight and listen to what is being said. They are welcome to talk. They just can’t be jumping around, slumping, ignoring the worship or, basically acting irreverent. This may sound painful, but really, they don’t mind. When we pray we have everyone kneel down and close their eyes. First we have opening prayer lead by one child. Everyone can pray, if they want. Next we pick two or three songs. We purchased the same song books that they use during Sabbath School. This provides familiar songs for them. We try to sing at least one new song to learn each night. We read a Biblical story and then close with prayer. Your family might want to add other activities to family worship. We want our children to know how to worship our Lord, how to pray, and how to be reverent. It is so important!
• Family Communion Have Dad read the story of the Last Supper from the Bible. (Luke 21) Have Prayer. Discuss what the meaning behind the story. Pass the unleavened bread and the grape juice around the table. Be sure that reverence is expressed.
• First Day of Fall Have a special meal each year to celebrate the first day of fall. Having the same meal each year is a nice tradition. I suggest: chili, baked potatoes, crackers or corn bread, and baked apples with cream. Provide toppings for the chili and or baked potatoes such as cheese, sour cream, onions, chives, vegetarian bacon bits. Have your children plan in advance and make special place mats for each member of the family. Gather fallen leaves from your yard. Place the leaves in between clear contact paper. Or have them color contruction paper instead. Cut out leaves from red, yellow, brown, and green construction paper and attach yarn to make a leaf garland to hang in the kitchen and/ or around the house.
• Family Breakfast Make breakfast a special meal for the whole family to enjoy. Get up a little earlier and cook special pancakes, muffins, or your favorite recipe. Gather the family together and read a verse from the Bible. Ask God to be with you throughout the day and to help you each be witnesses for him. This teaches your children a good habit of devotion time before the day begins. Explain to your children that if they ask God to bring someone into their path that they can witness to, He will! When it happens, remind your children of their answered prayer.
• May Day Brighten someones day each year by surprising a neighbor with flowers on their door. Have your children decorate one side of white paper with a spring theme. Then, make a cone shape with the paper and tape in place. Punch a hole on each side of the cone and tie with a string of yarn. Fill with fresh, dried or silk flowers. Get up early on May 1 and place the boquet of flowers on a neighbor’s door knob so that they will find it when they open their door.
• Family Night One night a week have a family night. Turn off the TV. Begin the evening with a favorite meal. Have the kids help cook and clean up! Afterward, have a short worship with singing and praise. Plan an activity for family night. Bible Trivia is wonderful. Play Scrabble or Boggle. Pop popcorn. Have a Family Night Box. Each member of the family writes down on slips of paper something he or she would like to do on Family Night. Fold the sheets of paper and place in the box. Each night draw to see what you will be doing. Make sure everyone gets a turn. If some of the ideas require planning, draw the week before so that you can know ahead of time. Make sure that you spend time talking to your children. This is a great way to get to know them better.
• Recommended Books
• Let’s Make Memory by Gloria Gaither and Shirley Dobson
• Family Celebrations by Ann Hibbard
• My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
• Dear Lord, They Want Me to Give the Devotions! by John D. Schroeder and Shane Groth
• 365 Bible Stories for Children by Melanie M. Burnette
• Close to Home – 52 Devotions to Build Character in Your Children by Bonnie Bruno

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