Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

Today looks to be a potentially soggy day again. I checked the weather on my phone and it was a muddy puddle. This brings me to my funny story for you today.

Yesterday, my husband and I had a meeting with our VA lawyer in a new town. Because of all the storms and flooding issues, the crowd was much smaller. We actually got to ask a couple of questions when we sat down with him. We did not feel rushed. As good as that was, it was not the highlight of the trip. While waiting for our turn, we met some new friends. Two of which just happened to be authors. One of which just happens to run a podcast. Hmmm. Any thoughts on why we went to ‘this’ meeting with the lawyer and not the meeting place? I wonder if Someone knew who we were going to meet.

One of these two individuals’ spouses has memory issues. The other is applying for their survivor’s benefits with the lawyer’s help. I wonder Who designed this meeting?

Since I have been retired, I have been hyper-focused on making sure that I take care of my husband and keep his medical stuff straight and on track. I have been hyper-focused on keeping our lives as smooth as possible. So hyper-focused that when my littles from across the pond arrived, I was not the fun American grandma. I was grumpy grandma. That changed yesterday.

On our way home from the lawyer, I was thinking about all this rain, the flooding, and then I thought about the muddy puddles in my yard. I decided on the way home that we were going to play in the muddy puddles. God gave them to us, why not play in them? So, when I got home, I changed into shorts, kicked off my shoes, and challenged the grandkids to a splash fest. I do not know how long we played, but we all needed showers when it was over with … and that is after washing off with the garden hose. I even got the other grandma to play in the muddy puddle. We all were muddy puddle winners.

Too often, the enemy gets grown-ups to think they have to be adults all the time. When in fact, Jesus tells us that we are to come to Him as children. In all these storms, there have been ugly skies, so dancing in the rain has not been possible … however … splashing in the muddy puddles … well now, that is an awesome stress reliever.

Today is His day. Today we are going to his house to worship him, whether in a church or a prayer closet. Today we are going to thank Him for his blessings and for the trials. Today, we give God the glory and enter His presence as children. Will you join me on the heavenly playground of muddy puddles?

Be blessed.

**And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:3-4

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PAT BOONE: THE MAN BEHIND THE CLEAN-CUT IMAGE
Long before the Jesus Movement had a name, there was a young man from Tennessee named Pat Boone.
Clean cut. Polite. Christian. Married young.
And he became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
He sang. He acted. He hosted television. He became a teen idol and one of the most recognizable faces in America.
And then there was Elvis Presley. Elvis was rock ’n’ roll.
Pat was… well, Pat Boone.
You probably wouldn’t have put those two together at the same table. But they became friends. In fact, they lived near each other in Bel Air, worked around the same Hollywood circles, and Elvis would sometimes visit Pat’s home.
And here’s one of my favorite little stories. Pat’s daughters would jump into the swimming pool and splash Elvis.
Pat apparently felt the need to remind them that they were getting Elvis wet. Elvis’s response?
“Leave ’em alone, man. I like it.”
The King of Rock ’n’ Roll apparently had no problem being attacked by a bunch of little girls with water wings.
But beneath the humor was something deeper.
Elvis knew Pat was a Christian.
And Elvis trusted him.
At one point, Elvis told Pat he wished he could go to church like Pat did. But fame made it almost impossible. If Elvis walked into church, people would recognize him, ask for autographs and turn worship into a spectacle.
Later, while Elvis was performing in Las Vegas, he asked Pat…
“Do you know Oral Roberts?”
Elvis wanted to talk with the famous evangelist. Pat basically told him, “You’re Elvis Presley. Pick up the phone!”
Think about that. The King of Rock ’n’ Roll was asking his Christian friend for help connecting with a Christian evangelist. That doesn’t mean Elvis suddenly became the Christian Pat hoped he would become. But it tells us something important.
Elvis was searching.
And he knew he could talk to Pat about spiritual things.
Then came the Jesus Movement. Hippies were coming to Christ. Young people with long hair and very short patience for organized religion were showing up in churches. Rock music was being turned toward Jesus. And Pat Boone stepped into it.
He founded Lamb & Lion Records, helping give Christian musicians a place to make contemporary music about Jesus. But Pat didn’t hide from the culture.
In 1972, he and his wife and daughters even performed at a Playboy Club. Pat openly disagreed with the Playboy philosophy.
But he went anyway.
Why?
Because he believed Christians didn’t have to hide from people they disagreed with. He could walk into a place without becoming part of that place. He could love people without agreeing with everything they believed.
And maybe that’s the lesson.
Pat Boone didn’t have to become Elvis to be his friend.
He didn’t have to compromise his faith to love someone who didn’t share it.
He simply stayed who he was.
A Christian. A friend.
A man willing to walk into places where Christians weren’t always expected to go.
And perhaps that’s one of the things the Jesus Movement understood better than we sometimes do today….
Jesus didn’t tell us to love only people who already looked like us. He told us to love people.
Period.
Sometimes friendship opens a door that preaching never could. And sometimes the person sitting across the table from you isn’t looking for an argument.
They’re looking for someone they can trust. Maybe that’s why Elvis trusted Pat Boone.
And maybe that’s why we should remember the story.
Be the kind of Christian people aren’t afraid to call when they’re searching.

#JesusMovement #PatBoone #ElvisPresley #JesusMusic #ChristianHistory #ChristianMusic #FaithAndCulture #GodsGrace

Chapter Two: The Noble Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing and Calling It Faith
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‎"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." — Proverbs 14:12, and again in 16:25, because apparently we needed a divine echo.
‎
‎Now, isn't that just the most perfectly ironic verse in all of Scripture? It appears twice, almost word for word, as if the Author of the book knew we'd need the reminder. He knew we'd read it once, nod sagely with that "Amen, preach it, Solomon" expression, and then immediately proceed to do exactly the thing it warns against. It's as though God is saying, "I told you once, and you forgot. So here it is again, in bold, with an exclamation mark you can hear from heaven to earth." It's the biblical equivalent of a parent saying, "I'm not going to tell you again," except God actually does tell us again, because He knows His children are thick-headed enough to need a second dose. The book of Proverbs: divinely inspired, and also the original "per my last email."
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‎There is a way that seems right. Oh, indeed. It feels so wonderfully, deliciously right. It feels so comfortable. It feels like sliding into a warm bath after a long day of pretending to be holy. And comfort, my friends, is often the final confirmation that you are sitting in a trap. The most dangerous cage is the one that feels like a recliner. You don't realize you're imprisoned because you're too busy appreciating the lumbar support. The devil doesn't always build dungeons; sometimes he builds day spas. And we walk in, lay down our towel of discernment, and order a cucumber water of complacency.
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‎In the grand pursuit of truth, in the earnest, sometimes breathless craving to end this wretched business of sin, man has failed to realize the most elementary fact: he has completely neglected his own role in the pursuit. He has outsourced his holiness like a tech company sending customer service to a distant call center. His eyes are wide open, but they are fixed entirely in the wrong direction—staring, unblinking, at what God has supposedly done to perfect him, as if he's waiting for a cosmic Amazon delivery of sanctification. He checks the tracking number daily. "Your package—'Complete Freedom from Envy'—is out for delivery. Estimated arrival: any moment now, just after the Second Coming." He sits there, arms folded, perched on the throne of his own expectations, arrogantly judging how far God has reached in the project of saving him, like a foreman watching a construction crew. "Hmm, not quite finished yet, Lord. Still got that temper problem. I specifically requested the 'gentleness' add-on. When's the next update? Also, the 'patience' feature seems to be glitching, especially in traffic." He hopes to wake up one fine morning and—BOOM!—be surprised and astonished, leaping out of bed shouting, "Wow! I'm holy! I no longer envy, I no longer hate, I no longer bra-bra-bra... whatever that is!" and then dance off into a sinless afternoon, probably tripping over his slippers because he hasn't actually practiced holy coordination. He expects a spiritual lightning bolt, but what he's really waiting for is a divine anesthesia: put him to sleep as a sinner, wake him up as a saint, no recovery time needed. The only thing missing is the hospital gown and the little paper bracelet.
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‎Let me be very honest with you: it will sincerely be a wake-up, because you are, at present, sound asleep. You're not resting in faith; you're hibernating in delusion. But I would rather like to wake you up before the Bridegroom arrives and finds you snoring, before the surprise is not holiness but death. The five foolish virgins in Matthew 25 would like a word, except they can't—they're outside the door, frantically Googling "late-night oil vendors near me" and getting no results because the marketplace closed hours ago. Because here is the uncomfortable diamond of truth: though God's grace is indeed the foundation, the ground floor, the whole electrical grid, human effort is the essential, non-negotiable, roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-sweaty response. Grace is the river, but you still have to swim. And some of us are standing on the bank, reciting poetry about water, composing haikus about the beauty of H2O molecules, waiting to turn into fish. Spoiler alert: you won't. You'll just be a very poetic, very dry human, eventually eaten by a bear who appreciates irony.
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‎There is a comfortable, popular, and terribly seductive idea that has lulled multitudes into a deep and dangerous sleep. It is a spiritual lullaby, a theological narcotic, the melatonin of the modern church. It whispers, ever so gently, "Freedom from sin is entirely God's work. Your only role is to believe that it is done. Any effort of your own is a sign of weak faith. Just relax. Just surrender. Just... do absolutely nothing, and if you feel bad about doing nothing, just remember that even feeling bad is you trying to work, so stop that too." It's the doctrine of sanctification by spiritual narcolepsy. Doesn't that sound lovely? It sounds like a gospel of rest. It sounds like the kind of thing you'd embroider on a cushion and then take a nap on—a very long nap, perhaps the longest, right through the wedding feast while the door is locked. But wait a moment. Weren't these the very same comforting words that the five foolish virgins must have whispered to one another while the wise ones were out, sweating and labouring to fill their flasks?
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‎I can see them now, the five foolish ones, lounging outside the wedding venue, their tiny lamps flickering with the pathetic flame of bare-minimum preparedness. One of them turns to the others, adjusts her "Let Go and Let God" headband, and says, "Don't worry, girls. My faith is strong. I have deeply believed that this little splash of oil is more than enough. After all, the Bridegroom wouldn't want us to be striving, would He? That would be so... ungracious. So works-based. So Old Covenant. We're under grace now, which means we sit here and look pretty while the oil multiplies by divine fiat." And the others nod, their faces serene with the peace that passes all misunderstanding, the kind of peace you get from skipping the hard parts. One of them even closes her eyes and starts humming a worship song, completely off-key, but it's the heart that matters, right? Meanwhile, the wise five are out in the marketplace, negotiating prices, hauling heavy jars, probably breaking a sweat and ruining their wedding makeup, but securing the fuel. They're not there being spiritual; they're there being practical, which is apparently the true mark of wisdom. They didn't expect the oil to teleport into their lamps by faith; they expected to carry it. The foolish believed their faith was enough to magically make a thimble of oil burn through the entire night—an entire night! That's not faith; that's a rejection of basic physics dressed up as theology. The wise understood the gritty partnership: the oil was a gift, yes, but they had to go get it, carry it, and pour it. Grace doesn't fill your lamp while you nap; grace made the oil available, but your legs still need to walk to the store.
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‎I must tell you plainly, because someone has to, and the people who usually do have been fired from the pulpit for being "too negative": that do-nothing view is not just incomplete. It is a masterpiece of deception, a beautifully baited trap with a sign on it that reads, "Welcome to Liberty Hall: Leave Your Responsibility at the Door. Complimentary Slippers Provided. No Heavy Lifting Required." It leaves men wrapped in chains while they dance about, celebrating an imaginary freedom, clanking with every step and calling the noise "a joyful sound unto the Lord." They've turned their prison into a praise party. They've decorated the cell with Bible verses about liberty while the door remains locked, and they've thrown away the key because "God will open the door if He wants to; I'm not going to force it, that would be striving." The Apostle Paul said, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you" (Philippians 2:12-13). Notice he didn't say, "Take a nap in your own hammock, for it is God who will tuck you in." Work out what God works in. That's a partnership. That's a divine-human joint venture. But we'd rather dissolve the company and wait for a heavenly bailout

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The Bibles Sabbath # 5
Please, share these lessons with your family, friends, and Facebook groups. To enhance the Kingdom of GOD.

How To Celebrate the Sabbath Today

Seventh-day Adventists throughout the world celebrate the Sabbath every Saturday (the seventh day of the week).

In this post, you’ll learn how you, too, can celebrate the Sabbath following biblical principles. It can be so refreshing to set aside time to enjoy its blessings, even amid crazy schedules, family obligations, and hectic workweeks.

Here are 4 things you’ll learn:

Reasons for celebrating the Sabbath

How to plan for the Sabbath

How to prepare at home for the Sabbath

Different ways to enjoy the blessings of the Sabbath day

Let’s start with the reason we celebrate the Sabbath to begin with.

The rich benefits of keeping the Sabbath

Adventists celebrate the Sabbath because God Himself “blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation” (Genesis 2:3, ESV).

It’s a weekly reminder for us to rest from our work, to enjoy what our Creator made for us, and to worship and commune with Him.

Also, we keep it in obedience to God’s command to His people to “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8, NKJV).

(Sometimes we have to be told to stop and rest…or we just won’t!)

As the fourth of the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath is a memorial of two things:

Creation, and the world God made for us to enjoy (Exodus 20:11).

Our redemption from sin and bondage (Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

It’s also a sign of our sanctification through God’s work to transform us to be like Him—pure and loving (Ezekiel 20:20).

It’s also a way we show our complete trust in God as our provider and sustainer. This is in part demonstrated by ceasing work for a full 24 hours. We stop what we always do to earn a living. We rest from our labors, trusting He’ll take care of us as we honor Him (Deuteronomy 7:9).

So celebrating the Sabbath is to show our trust in God and to acknowledge the wonderful world He made for us. We have faith in Him as our Creator, Redeemer, and Provider.

Looking at the Bible, you’ll find the seventh-day Sabbath was kept by our Lord Jesus Himself, the apostles, and even the early church. Not only by the Jews. It was also kept by early Christians.

Sabbath preparation

With all that demands our attention throughout the week, it helps to plan and prepare for the Sabbath so we can celebrate it to the fullest.

This preparation is usually done on Friday, the day before Sabbath. Even in the Bible, Friday was known as “preparation day.”

In Bible times, people ensured they completed all work before sundown on Friday evening (Mark 15:42; John 19:31,42; Luke 23:54).

But Friday preparation can be tricky sometimes. Like if you work and return home just before sundown—let’s say 5:00 pm.

In this case, you can prepare in advance throughout the week by doing something every evening.

Let’s look at some ideas to get all your secular work done before sundown on Friday so you can truly enjoy the blessing and benefits of the Sabbath.

How to plan for the Sabbath

How we prepare for the Sabbath today is based on principles found in the Bible. We can see how people learned from God’s instructions, and how they carried them out.

Here are areas that can be helpful to focus on during Sabbath preparation:

Plan to have Saturday as your day off from work

The Bible tells us to “do no work” on Sabbath (Deuteronomy 5:14, NKJV).

And the “work” that takes up most of our days is our daily employment.

So, it’s important to plan to have Sabbath as our off day, from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday (Leviticus 23:32).

This may be difficult for professionals like firefighters, or if you’re in the medical field. Even while keeping the Sabbath, you may need to be on call in case of emergencies.

But you can always set aside some time for meditation and private worship, even if you have to put in some time at a job like that.

The primary thing is to just do what you can to not end up treating the Sabbath like any other ordinary day. Keep it sacred, and have your thoughts turned toward God as much as possible. This is good for your mind and your body.

Encourage your family members and visitors to rest, too

The Sabbath Commandment to rest covers not only you, but also “your son… your daughter…or your resident who stays with you” (Deuteronomy 5:14, NASB).

If you are a parent, you can enjoy Sabbath with your children as well, teaching them the blessing God intended for us on this weekly day off. This may mean not going to work, school, or doing homework (which they will surely appreciate!).

And for visitors staying with you, you can help them prepare, too.

Without being overwhelming, you can talk to them about the benefits of Sabbath and why it’s important to you. You can explain how you want to share with them the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits as well.

What if you’re the only one in your household who believes in Sabbath observance?

If you’re the only Sabbath-keeper, or if you’re a visitor in a house that doesn’t keep the Sabbath, you don’t have to be worried. And you don’t have to try to get everyone to keep it with you.

Just explain yourself and prepare. Then go ahead and keep it in the most pleasant way possible, demonstrating how wonderful of a blessing it is.

Some people may not understand what Sabbath means for people today, but you can show them that it’s all about enjoying what God created for us and acknowledging His power and love.

Many people make it a point to go to church on Sabbath, just as Jesus and the apostles did. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet together, worship, pray, and study about God, our Creator.

When at home, many people take time to relax while reading the Bible, listening to Christian music, playing music, writing songs or poems, doing fun activities with the family, or taking a walk while praying.

Wherever you find yourself on Sabbath, you can honor God’s holy day.

Plan for your employees to have the Sabbath off, too

The fourth Commandment clearly states that the Sabbath rest is also for “your male servant [and] your female servant…that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you” (Deuteronomy 5:14, NKJV).

This applies if you have employees at your home or your place of business. Or if you’ve hired someone for a project.

These people also need the benefits of the Sabbath, so give them a day off, too.

Plan to avoid buying or selling on Sabbath

In Nehemiah 13:15-22, we see God’s people being asked not to sell their goods on Sabbath. And even if other people try to sell to them, they should not buy from them. This is because business transactions are part of the work that we should rest from.

The Sabbath is a day to take a break from the concerns of making money or getting ahead in the business world.

So in preparation for Sabbath, we can try to do many of these things in advance. Avoid any unnecessary transactions that can be done before or after Sabbath.

Prepare food ahead of time

In Exodus 16:23, the Israelites were advised to cook their Sabbath meals on Friday, before the Sabbath.

We can follow this example and make things ahead of time, so we don’t need to worry about it at Sabbath mealtimes. Then we just need to warm it up and set it out!

Even if it’s just an entree or two that we make the day before, the time saved can really make a difference.

And there’s more we can do to prepare for Sabbath than pre-cooking meals. Let’s look at some things we can do around the house.

Preparing the Home for Sabbath

Clutter in the home causes stress, even if we’re not fully aware of it. But think about how nice it feels when your house is in order, and there’s nothing else you need to do!

A clean and orderly home can certainly make the Sabbath feel more restful. Neat spaces help support a more focused, peaceful, and pleasant state of mind.

That’s why it’s a great idea to schedule some cleaning and tidying time before Sabbath each week.

These chores might include:

Cleaning the bathrooms

Tidying up the kitchen after preparing the Sabbath meals

Sweeping and mopping the floors

Clearing away clutter

Dusting shelves and tables

Changing the sheets on the beds

Extra ways to make your home feel more special on the Sabbath are:

Set up a place for prayer, reflection, and/or Bible study

Set the table in a special way

Light candles, or diffuse essential oils

Make a special Sabbath meal for the family, or to share with friends

Clear away things that can be distractions, or that make us think of weekly obligations or worries

With all these in place, we’ll be able to “call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the LORD honorable” (Isaiah 58:13, 14, NKJV).

Then we’ll be ready to welcome the Sabbath with anticipation.

Welcoming the Sabbath

It can be extra nice to pay attention to the time sunset happens on Friday night. You can breathe a sigh of relaxation as you acknowledge the beginning of the Sabbath day. It can make things more special, and it can help us be intentional about “turning off” our mental processes about work or other obligations, and direct our thoughts toward God and the blessings He wants to give us.

Friday Evening Vespers

Many find Friday evening the perfect time for a casual worship gathering to welcome the Sabbath. “Vespers” is the name often used to describe this evening service.

Sometimes it can be held at someone’s home, and many times families invite friends and other church members for fellowship that draws them together.

They pray, sing, and share a devotional from the Bible. Sometimes people share thoughts or testimonies.

Snacks like fruit and popcorn, or other favorites, can be a fun addition as well.

Sometimes, church members gather in churches for vespers. This is especially helpful for those who live alone or who are the only Sabbath keepers in their homes.

And you can still hold your own vespers wherever you find it easy to relax and focus on the joy of the Sabbath. Maybe it’s a cup of hot cider in a chair in your living room while you read or pray, or maybe it’s at a scenic place you like to drive to.

Sabbath Morning

After a good night’s sleep, and with no morning chores like the rest of the week, Sabbath mornings provide a fitting opportunity to spend with God. Your mind is free from so many of its usual burdens, and it can be exciting to learn more about who God is and what He has in store for us. You might even be surprised at how fun it can be to dig into some of the profound ideas and concepts expressed in God’s Word.

Personal Devotional time

Spending time each day in prayer and reading the Bible is important. But on Sabbath, you have more time to focus without distraction.

You get to dive deep into Scripture, which helps you grow closer to God and deepens your faith.

You can begin with soothing music that prepares your mind for worship. Then spend time reflecting, praying, and reading your Bible or devotional.

Family Worship

The Sabbath also provides dedicated time for family fellowship and worship.

Just like Friday evening vespers, a family can get together for prayer, singing, sharing, or reading the Holy Scriptures or a devotional.

There’s something sweet and special about coming together with those you love the most for a time of worship. It breeds a kind of closeness and unity that’s not found anywhere else.

It also provides a precious opportunity to teach children about God, fulfilling God’s words in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

It can also be nice to share a special Sabbath breakfast with your family before heading to church.

Sabbath Worship in Church

On Sabbath morning, you’ll often find Adventists attending their local Seventh-day Adventist church.

Or once in a while, others can decide to meet outside in nature for a change.

Meeting together provides a unique and vital worship experience. In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul encourages us to meet often with fellow believers, and to encourage each other in love and faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Here’s what to expect if you visit an Adventist Church:

First, there’s Sabbath School.

This is like a Bible study hour. Church members go to different Sabbath school class, usually categorized by age or stage of life.

In these classes you might experience singing, listening to mission stories, and more in-depth discussions about Scripture. Usually there is a lesson outline for each quarter, tackling different topics.

Then the main church service

The whole church meets together for a prepared worship program.

Typically, there is music, praying, giving of tithes and offerings, and then a preacher shares the sermon of the day.

Sometimes there may be special activities like the Lord’s supper.

And after church, you get to meet friends and head for lunch.

Sabbath Lunch

Sabbath lunch can be special because church members often get to share a meal. They can bring it over to the church and share everything, potluck-style.

In other cases, several families come together at a friend’s home for lunch. Or a family invites students who are away from their families to enjoy a family meal with them. Or different groups in church, like the youth group, young families, or retirees, etc., organize a meal for fellowship.

Then after the meal, they can stay for fun family activities, or just enjoy some quiet time with God.

Sabbath Afternoon

Just like the rest of the Sabbath, the afternoon can be a wonderful time to spend with God and the special people in your life.

Here are several ways to continue enjoying the Sabbath.

1. Sabbath afternoon programs at church

Some churches have afternoon programs on Sabbath, such as:

Bible studies

Music concerts or sing-alongs

Walks, hikes, or bike rides

Youth or children’s programs

Agape feast

Visiting sick or discouraged church members or neighbors

Other volunteer opportunities

2. Appreciating Nature

On the Sabbath, we’re reminded of God as our Creator, who is worthy of our worship (Revelation 4:11).

So, taking time to be outside and enjoy His creation in nature is a great way to spend the Sabbath.

And to make it different than any other day, take notice of things you usually pass by. Stop and listen to the breeze, notice the patterns on leaves and bark, think about the feel of grass under your feet, etc. We can awaken new levels of appreciation for our Creator.

This also teaches children to appreciate simplicity and beauty. And even adults find rest and healing in nature from the weariness of their everyday life.

Here are some simple ideas for enjoying nature next Sabbath:

Visit a park

Go on a picnic

Hike in the mountains

Visit a quiet beach

Sit by a lake or splash in the creek

Sit outside in the yard or on the porch with a hot or cold beverage

Lay a blanket out in the sunshine and soak up some good Vitamin D

Go on a nature walk and collect unique rocks, leaves, or acorns

Take a pair of binoculars and watch for birds

Listen to the sounds of nature – birds, frogs, and other animals

Encourage your children to explore the world around them.

Enjoy a weekend campout over the Sabbath

Watch a nature documentary

3. Play Bible games or trivia

Children of all ages love games.

Playing Bible-themed games is a fun way to learn more about the Bible and connect over fun and laughter.

4. Sermons or Bible-based documentaries

Sometimes on Sabbath afternoon, you’d rather stay home, like on rainy days. You can watch a sermon from a favorite preacher, or find a documentary about the Bible, history, animals, etc.

Kids will especially enjoy Bible stories and programming. They’ll learn Bible truths as well as important character lessons.

5. Bible-themed crafts

Children love making crafts, and this can be a fun way for siblings and friends to bond. They also benefit a lot when their parents or other significant adults join them.

From the time spent together, they can learn Bible lessons and get a sense of value and worth.

Some fun craft ideas might be:

Drawing or painting Bible stories

Building an ark out of popsicle sticks

Building the wall of Jericho with legos, blocks, or boxes (and then knocking it down!)

Decorate a prayer journal

Closing the Sabbath

And as the sun sets on Saturday evening, many believers gather to close the Sabbath. This can be at home, in church, or wherever they are.

They thank God for the blessing of Sabbath, and pray for grace and blessings for the new week ahead.

Before going on with the responsibilities that await them, they first commit themselves to God’s guidance (Amos 8:5).

And these prayers continue throughout the week.

We’ll always need God’s help as we get ready for each Sabbath, since there are plenty of things in this world that can distract us or cause us stress.

As we meet with challenges when trying to keep the Sabbath, we can pray for wisdom and guidance from the Holy Spirit.

We can be assured that God is faithful to answer our prayers (1 John 5:14).

The Sabbath is a special day, given to us by a loving Father. It’s a gift of immeasurable value and profound benefits that we can look forward to each week.

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Watch out for those false apostles teachers preachers and
any other false teacher

journey through the minefields of exposing false teaching, while preparing you to stand firm on
the truth of Scripture.

Together, let’s dig into this precious book and learn how run into raging spiritual battles with grace in our hearts and Scripture
on our lips.

4. FALSE TEACHERS ARE DEVOID OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Jude doesn’t beat around the spiritual mulberry bush! He goes right for the jugular in showing us even more characteristics of
these deceivers in

Jude vs 12-16.

“These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever… These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to
gain advantage.”

Jude 12-16

“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions. It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid
of the Spirit.”

Jude 17-19

Devoid of the Holy Spirit. Think on those solemn words.

Those are strong words and ones that are hard to hear.

Jude 1:17-19

has even stronger implications as we consider false teachers
invading seminaries,
pulpits and pews.

These are people who would rather run with the wolves than rest with the Shepherd-and we
won’t even know it. Their conscience is not bothered by sin and church is nothing more
than a lucrative business.
Heaven help us.

Could it be that seminaries, pastors, elders, apostles or online teachers are operating from cultural flesh rather than a
move of the Holy Spirit?
Scripture says
it’s completely possible.

How do we respond to false
teaching?

Now that we know what the Bible says about false teachers in the church, are we battle ready? Do we know how to deal with false teachers, or know when false teaching is creeping
into our homes or churches?
Or social media groups

The book of Jude doesn’t give us permission to cold-**** unsuspecting people over the head with a 50 pound KJV, red-letter study Bible. He also doesn’t give us permission to write hate letters or run people
out of town. He doesn’t advocate wearing placards on Saturday/ Sunday mornings in protest, or building an end-times bunker. Jude doesn’t even give
us the
right to splash hateful comments all over social media, or unfriend Block us everyone we don’t agree with. Scripture
doesn’t
advocate any of that.

What is the Biblical response to
false teachers and their
doctrine?

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by
the flesh.”

Jude 20-22

I love Jude because He keeps things simple. Our job is to concentrate on sharing the true gospel and allowing the Holy
Spirit to operate in us and
through us.

Know the true Gospel. Stand for Gospel. Share the Gospel. Live
the Gospel.

Run toward the lost with love in our heart and the hope of the Good News on our lips, all while we stay grounded in the Word. Fight the right way and with the right weapon—MERCY. Pray for false teachers to repent, and pray for those who are deceived to see the light. Jude calls us to the frontlines of the battle and to reach the prison camps of those who have been ensnared
by false teachers.

Let God bring false teachers to justice, while we take care of
those wounded by them.

That may take on different forms and look different in every circumstance, but the bottom line will always be to speak the truth in love yet without compromise.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms.”

Ephesians 6:12

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the
head”.

Ephesians 4:15-16

We have an insidious spiritual enemy and we are being caught off guard simply because it is
dressed nicely as socially
acceptable and politically correct. Are we more afraid of culture slapping a label on us, or grieving the Holy Spirit? It’s a question that cuts to the core of what we believe and reveals how deep the Lordship of Jesus
Christ soaks into our lives.

We are not on a child’s playground while we are on this earth. We are on a battlefield where the enemy has a bullseye on the next generation, and he intends to play for keeps. In Christ, we have been spiritually designed to stand when the enemy attacks, and have been given armor for our defense and protection. (See Ephesians 6) Our good Father is also a great
Provider who equips and prepares us for every moment
here below.

We must grow in wisdom and knowledge by opening our Bibles and allowing the Holy Spirit to show us truth. Turn down the podcasts, programs, and TV evangelist preaching and begin equipping ourselves with Scripture. Memorize, meditate, and study the Bible. This is how we armor up! As the Holy Spirit guides us into a deeper understanding, He will show us how to run with His mercy on our lips, and His love in our
heart.

Perilous times have crept into our pulpits and pews. It’s time to dust off our Bibles, and run to the frontlines with the rescuing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you battle ready,
sister?

Let’s pray:

Father God, we are in a spiritual holocaust. Millions upon millions of souls are being taken captive and deceived. But You God, are still on Your throne. You are sovereign and have made us more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. We stand on the truth of the gospel, and commit ourselves to reaching the wounded with the hope of Jesus Christ. Lord, soften our hearts and guard us against legalism! Fill our hearts with compassion and give us a strategy to rescue
the lost. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Abiding Joy

Written By Janice Caldwell-Boucher
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
John 15:11 NIV
A flash of color dances before your eyes. Delicate wings rest precariously on a dazzling bloom. A beautiful butterfly appears momentarily before it flits and flutters off.

You arrive home after a grueling day of work pressures and traffic snarls while your mind is preoccupied with relationship struggles, financial strains, and health uncertainties. But greeting you at your front door is your faithful four-footed friend tail-a-wagging and suddenly some of life’s burdens seem easier to bear.

A bouquet of exquisite red roses adores your table. For a few short days, they are a fragrant focal point and a splash of color against the backdrop of your drab dining room. Savoring the moment, both the gift and the giver put a smile on your face.

Your backyard was a showcase of meticulously manicured gardens and flowerbeds overflowing with a rainbow of colorful blossoms. Until a fierce storm blew through and what was once magazine worthy has been reduced to broken branches, scattered petals and endless debris. The only thing still standing upright – unharmed by the ravages of the storm – is a stalwart, sturdy oak tree.

Happiness is a butterfly and a bouquet of flowers. Joy is a loyal lab and a solid tree. What makes your pet different from a butterfly? Your pet has made its home with you, day in, day out; a butterfly visits your garden when the conditions are right. What makes an oak tree different from fresh cut flowers? The tree has put down deep roots to weather storms; cut flowers fade fast. The staying power of a dog and a tree can be summed up in one word - abiding.

I have often confused happiness with joy, but they were never meant to be synonyms. What is the difference between the two? – abiding. Happiness is an emotion dependent on happenings. True joy, a fruit of the Spirit, puts down roots and makes its home with you.

In speaking to his followers, Jesus referenced joy in John 15 with the vine and the branches analogy. He is the vine; we are the branches, and the only branches that produce fruit like joy are those that adhere to the vine. He termed this attaching to the vine as abiding. By making our home with God and putting down our roots in him we can grow the fruit of joy.

Who doesn’t enjoy it when blissful moments add color to our lives – a warm hug, a favorite dessert, a funny joke, a goal accomplished, an event celebrated? Those fleeting pleasant occasions sprinkle and season our life. But better still to develop that deep abiding joy that grows from intimacy with God especially in times of trials and testing. Happiness is circumstantial and temporal: joy is organic and eternal. Choose joy – abiding joy.

Dear Jesus, help me to cling to you, the vine. As I draw nourishment from you, help me to produce lasting fruit through your Spirit, such as love, joy and peace. Grow in me your abiding joy for all the seasons of life I walk through.

Throughout this Day: Contrast times in your life when you felt a rush of emotional happiness and times when you experienced the depths and endurance of the fruit of spiritual joy that helped carry you through some rough patches.

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