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

    How is everyone doing today? It is early and eventful in my house. Eventful for old, sleepy people, that is. I made coffee, fixed my husband’s meds, recorded his evening, walked the dog and spent some quality time in the alternative office.

    Last night I was able to get the middle part of the yard mowed before I lost daylight and today I will finish. Now, normally, my yard is done in one sitting. However, this week, that has not been the case. With borrowing a mower, I had to wait to get it back and because I borrowed it, I did my obligation to his other property first. I could have waited and done mine all in one stint, but I was having fun. Haha.

    So, I have a question for you. How do you decompress? Do you go for a walk/run? Do you dive into a good story? Is it television and snacks? Is there a hobby that you enjoy that helps reset your thoughts? How do you deal with the day’s events as they unfold and/or when you are thinking about them at the end of the day?

    For me, obviously, writing is one avenue that I take. Another is mowing—another is music. Of course, there are my phone games … little addictive boogers.

    Have you considered prayer as a route of decompression?

    A quick research of how many times it is recorded that Jesus prayed is over 25 times. A finer search shows that He withdrew at least seven times to pray. Meaning that he went away alone to pray.

    Now, if the Son of God, who came to earth as a human to demonstrate what He wanted us to do, left his pals, his family, his associates to pray and ‘decompress’ with God … don’t you think it might just work for us?

    Over the years, in order to make prayer sound OVER important, it has been made out that you need to have a large vocabulary of fancy words and beautiful songs of words that float through the air like a cloud. However, if you read about Jesus’ account in Gethsemane … that was not flowery words … that was “Hey Dad, is there another way we can take care of this plan of Yours? If there is, can we do that instead? Hey, but if there isn’t … I understand.” Jesus was on his face, sweating and pouring out his soul to the Father, pleading for a different solution to this problem. He had become very close to His disciples and the weight of what was going to happen fell on him like a ton of bricks. He felt the burden of His assignment in full force. If the Son of man cried out to God on multiple occasions, would it not seem relevant that we would too?

    The enemy would have us believe that if we cannot ‘fix’ or ‘accomplish’ something on our own, that we are weak and worthless. On the contrary, knowing that we have an avenue to strength and power, and then exercising that invitation to sit with Him, settles us and empowers us to persevere. I have confessed many times on here that my prayer life has not been the best. It is improving, however, and I can physically feel His presence as I calm from the day’s events or as I enter the day’s events. Coming from someone who routinely falls down, prayer has given me such strength to continue to take one step at a time each day.

    As today unfolds, as the events begin to swallow you whole, as the world tries to dictate your mood, remember that there is One who is always there and willing to listen. Go to Him. Pour out your soul to Him. Cry to Him. Plead with Him. And know that if the answer is not what YOU wanted, that there must be a higher cause. Jesus was not released from his commitment to die on the cross; he accepted it and used it as the way to unlock the doors of death and defeat Satan. What powerful use of your turmoil lies beyond your vision that will help someone in the long run? Release your anguish to the Father and embrace your chosen status, knowing that you were picked to set the tone for someone else in a similar situation.

    Be blessed.

    **My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. – Matthew 26:38-39
    Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. How is everyone doing today? It is early and eventful in my house. Eventful for old, sleepy people, that is. I made coffee, fixed my husband’s meds, recorded his evening, walked the dog and spent some quality time in the alternative office. Last night I was able to get the middle part of the yard mowed before I lost daylight and today I will finish. Now, normally, my yard is done in one sitting. However, this week, that has not been the case. With borrowing a mower, I had to wait to get it back and because I borrowed it, I did my obligation to his other property first. I could have waited and done mine all in one stint, but I was having fun. Haha. So, I have a question for you. How do you decompress? Do you go for a walk/run? Do you dive into a good story? Is it television and snacks? Is there a hobby that you enjoy that helps reset your thoughts? How do you deal with the day’s events as they unfold and/or when you are thinking about them at the end of the day? For me, obviously, writing is one avenue that I take. Another is mowing—another is music. Of course, there are my phone games … little addictive boogers. Have you considered prayer as a route of decompression? A quick research of how many times it is recorded that Jesus prayed is over 25 times. A finer search shows that He withdrew at least seven times to pray. Meaning that he went away alone to pray. Now, if the Son of God, who came to earth as a human to demonstrate what He wanted us to do, left his pals, his family, his associates to pray and ‘decompress’ with God … don’t you think it might just work for us? Over the years, in order to make prayer sound OVER important, it has been made out that you need to have a large vocabulary of fancy words and beautiful songs of words that float through the air like a cloud. However, if you read about Jesus’ account in Gethsemane … that was not flowery words … that was “Hey Dad, is there another way we can take care of this plan of Yours? If there is, can we do that instead? Hey, but if there isn’t … I understand.” Jesus was on his face, sweating and pouring out his soul to the Father, pleading for a different solution to this problem. He had become very close to His disciples and the weight of what was going to happen fell on him like a ton of bricks. He felt the burden of His assignment in full force. If the Son of man cried out to God on multiple occasions, would it not seem relevant that we would too? The enemy would have us believe that if we cannot ‘fix’ or ‘accomplish’ something on our own, that we are weak and worthless. On the contrary, knowing that we have an avenue to strength and power, and then exercising that invitation to sit with Him, settles us and empowers us to persevere. I have confessed many times on here that my prayer life has not been the best. It is improving, however, and I can physically feel His presence as I calm from the day’s events or as I enter the day’s events. Coming from someone who routinely falls down, prayer has given me such strength to continue to take one step at a time each day. As today unfolds, as the events begin to swallow you whole, as the world tries to dictate your mood, remember that there is One who is always there and willing to listen. Go to Him. Pour out your soul to Him. Cry to Him. Plead with Him. And know that if the answer is not what YOU wanted, that there must be a higher cause. Jesus was not released from his commitment to die on the cross; he accepted it and used it as the way to unlock the doors of death and defeat Satan. What powerful use of your turmoil lies beyond your vision that will help someone in the long run? Release your anguish to the Father and embrace your chosen status, knowing that you were picked to set the tone for someone else in a similar situation. Be blessed. **My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me. Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. – Matthew 26:38-39
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  • Guidelines for living.
    August 27, 2026

    Why You Should Cultivate Excellence in Your Life

    Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15



    The greatest accomplishments in life - believe it or not - are made not by the smartest people in the world but by those who didn't know enough to quit. They were the ones who kept trying, kept plodding, kept practicing, who kept investigating until they stumbled onto success. That fact was driven home to me when I was studying in the university. There were two men in my classes who were geniuses. Their IQs were way up there. At the end of a class, they slapped their books shut and generally didn't open them. They were smart.

    Frankly, I was among those who had to dig it out. People thought I was really gifted; no, I just knew how to work and to study. My parents spent hard earned money and sent me to school to study, not party. I knew why I was there and I made the most of the opportunity.

    Learning to apply myself was something I happened to grow up with, but everybody didn't have a dad who cut the handles off of brooms, making them short enough for me to use as a kid, or has you work alongside him. But you can learn to work. You can develop discipline yourself. You can set goals and eventually reach them.

    One of my heroes was Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with his Sherpa guide, Tensing, crested Mount Everest for the first time. Awesome achievement, and that before a lot of high-tech gear which climbers use today. When asked how he accomplished this when others had failed, he replied that when he was tempted to turn back, he took just one more step.

    William Carey, the father of modern missions, said that his greatest ability was to plod in the face of adversity. When Thomas Edison had tried 10,000 ways to produce an incandescent globe and hadn't succeeded, he was urged to quit. He responded that he had found 10,000 ways that wouldn't work. And he would eventually find one that did. He did! I've sometimes wondered how many determined, stubborn individuals we have today with that same tenacity.

    The foundation of our modern achievements was laid by thousands of unknown individuals who lived in obscurity and died unknown, who faithfully contributed to what has enabled us to send men to the moon, to circle the globe with communication, and to accomplish great and mighty things through technology and science. They laid the foundation; we have built upon their research, hard work, and trial and error. Their strength and energy, like a gradually falling barometer, were meted out in hard work, years of often-unrecognized service, and yes, blood, sweat and tears. But they did not quit. They did not look for something with less work and more money attached to it.

    I've been told that in an European Cathedral, high in the rafters where no one ever goes, are some intricate carvings of exquisite beauty, done by a master craftsman whose name has long since been lost to posterity. Why did he take time to do some of his finest work, using an abutment of wood that will never be seen by the public? He valued excellence. He took seriously the admonition of the Bible that instructs: "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

    Cultivate excellence. Make it a passion. Refuse to let the world and our culture shove you into the mold of mediocrity. Thank God for teachers who inspire excellence, for mothers who have the patience to bring the best out of their children, for dads who have the patience to teach a little boy how to do something. Do it, friend. Someday, you will be very glad you did.

    Resource Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
    Guidelines for living. August 27, 2026 Why You Should Cultivate Excellence in Your Life Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 The greatest accomplishments in life - believe it or not - are made not by the smartest people in the world but by those who didn't know enough to quit. They were the ones who kept trying, kept plodding, kept practicing, who kept investigating until they stumbled onto success. That fact was driven home to me when I was studying in the university. There were two men in my classes who were geniuses. Their IQs were way up there. At the end of a class, they slapped their books shut and generally didn't open them. They were smart. Frankly, I was among those who had to dig it out. People thought I was really gifted; no, I just knew how to work and to study. My parents spent hard earned money and sent me to school to study, not party. I knew why I was there and I made the most of the opportunity. Learning to apply myself was something I happened to grow up with, but everybody didn't have a dad who cut the handles off of brooms, making them short enough for me to use as a kid, or has you work alongside him. But you can learn to work. You can develop discipline yourself. You can set goals and eventually reach them. One of my heroes was Sir Edmund Hillary, who along with his Sherpa guide, Tensing, crested Mount Everest for the first time. Awesome achievement, and that before a lot of high-tech gear which climbers use today. When asked how he accomplished this when others had failed, he replied that when he was tempted to turn back, he took just one more step. William Carey, the father of modern missions, said that his greatest ability was to plod in the face of adversity. When Thomas Edison had tried 10,000 ways to produce an incandescent globe and hadn't succeeded, he was urged to quit. He responded that he had found 10,000 ways that wouldn't work. And he would eventually find one that did. He did! I've sometimes wondered how many determined, stubborn individuals we have today with that same tenacity. The foundation of our modern achievements was laid by thousands of unknown individuals who lived in obscurity and died unknown, who faithfully contributed to what has enabled us to send men to the moon, to circle the globe with communication, and to accomplish great and mighty things through technology and science. They laid the foundation; we have built upon their research, hard work, and trial and error. Their strength and energy, like a gradually falling barometer, were meted out in hard work, years of often-unrecognized service, and yes, blood, sweat and tears. But they did not quit. They did not look for something with less work and more money attached to it. I've been told that in an European Cathedral, high in the rafters where no one ever goes, are some intricate carvings of exquisite beauty, done by a master craftsman whose name has long since been lost to posterity. Why did he take time to do some of his finest work, using an abutment of wood that will never be seen by the public? He valued excellence. He took seriously the admonition of the Bible that instructs: "Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Cultivate excellence. Make it a passion. Refuse to let the world and our culture shove you into the mold of mediocrity. Thank God for teachers who inspire excellence, for mothers who have the patience to bring the best out of their children, for dads who have the patience to teach a little boy how to do something. Do it, friend. Someday, you will be very glad you did. Resource Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10
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  • Daily Bible Lesson.
    CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE?

    THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE.

    “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16

    We usually think a lie must be spoken.

    But can deception also be displayed?

    A complexion made to appear different.
    Artificial lashes presented as natural.
    Artificial nails.
    Artificial hair.
    Filters that create another face.
    An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real.

    Here is the searching question:

    IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES?

    God is not against beauty.

    HE CREATED BEAUTY.

    But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture:

    THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER.
    ---

    ① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE

    “Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25

    Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence.

    We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression.

    So before the mirror, ask:

    “AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?”

    Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.”

    The biblical principle is broader and deeper:

    WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE.

    And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest.

    God wants truth not merely upon our lips—

    “Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6
    ---

    ② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER

    Peter redirects our attention:

    “Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4

    Paul adds:

    “In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10

    God moves beauty:

    FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER.
    FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY.
    FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL.
    FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST.

    No foundation can produce purity.

    No lipstick can create kindness.

    No artificial lashes can produce humility.

    No wig can manufacture contentment.

    No filter can create holiness.

    THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART.

    “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30
    ---

    ③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH”

    Cover this.

    Lengthen that.

    Darken this.

    Lighten that.

    Change the hair.

    Reshape the face.

    Hide every imperfection.

    And tomorrow—

    BUY SOMETHING ELSE.

    Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics.

    The mirror begins preaching:

    “GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.”

    But Scripture answers:

    “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14

    Your deepest question is not:

    “Am I attractive enough for people?”

    It is:

    “AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?”
    ---

    ④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS

    Science requires honesty.

    Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people.

    But cosmetic does not mean risk-free.

    Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients.

    Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people.

    Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection.

    False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions.

    Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens.

    So the Christian principle of health asks:

    “Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

    WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE?

    BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH.

    And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally.

    THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON.
    ---

    ⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE

    The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers:

    “DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.”

    When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement…

    when compliments determine our worth…

    when comparison controls our happiness…

    when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws…

    when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy—

    THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON.

    Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress.

    The gospel offers another identity:

    YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR.

    It was demonstrated at CALVARY.

    “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19

    YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH.
    THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM.
    ---

    ⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY

    Ask what artificial beauty may consume:

    MONEY that could bless others.

    TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service.

    THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things.

    CONTENTMENT through constant comparison.

    SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion.

    HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions.

    And potentially—

    SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?”

    “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

    That makes this deeply personal:

    HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME?
    ---

    ⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY?

    Not because neglect is holy.

    Not because attractiveness is sinful.

    Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain.

    And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face.

    Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better:

    TRUTH instead of artificial impression.
    CONTENTMENT instead of comparison.
    HEALTH instead of needless exposure.
    MODESTY instead of display.
    STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense.
    FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance.
    CHRIST instead of self at the center.

    Ellen White wrote:

    “God is the author of all beauty.”

    Christian simplicity therefore does not mean:

    “MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.”

    It means:

    STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL.

    Be clean.
    Be neat.
    Be healthy.
    Be modest.
    Be appropriately dressed.
    Be beautifully Christlike.

    BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY.
    ---

    ⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL

    We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees—

    and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES.

    Correct the complexion—
    while leaving anger untouched.

    Arrange the hair—
    while neglecting prayer.

    Perfect the outward appearance—
    while tolerating pride.

    Cover blemishes—
    while hiding cherished sin.

    Then Jesus takes us past the mirror:

    “Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26

    CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK.
    HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART.

    “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10

    **HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY.

    HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.**
    ---

    ⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS

    Is it truthful?
    Is it modest?
    Is it necessary?
    Is it healthful?
    Is it good stewardship?

    Am I content with how God made me?

    Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self?

    Christianity does not merely ask:

    “WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?”

    Love asks:

    “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6
    ---

    CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN

    Makeup can change a complexion.

    Artificial hair can change an appearance.

    A filter can change a photograph.

    BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON.

    “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

    He replaces—

    vanity with humility,
    comparison with contentment,
    insecurity with identity in Him,
    self-display with modesty,
    falsehood with truth.

    This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance.

    REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION.
    REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION.

    Bring Him the insecurity.
    Bring Him the vanity.
    Bring Him the craving for approval.
    BRING HIM THE MIRROR.

    “Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18

    DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

    Every cosmetic eventually washes away.
    Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside.

    Youthful beauty fades.

    BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER.

    LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE.
    LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL.
    LET THE HEART BE TRUE.
    LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST.
    AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.
    Daily Bible Lesson. CAN BEAUTY BECOME A LIE? THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY, AND THE BEAUTY CHRIST WANTS TO CREATE. “Thou shalt not bear false witness.” — Exodus 20:16 We usually think a lie must be spoken. But can deception also be displayed? A complexion made to appear different. Artificial lashes presented as natural. Artificial nails. Artificial hair. Filters that create another face. An appearance deliberately designed to make the artificial appear real. Here is the searching question: IF GOD REQUIRES TRUTH FROM OUR LIPS—DOES HE ALSO CARE ABOUT THE TRUTH OUR APPEARANCE COMMUNICATES? God is not against beauty. HE CREATED BEAUTY. But Scripture directs us away from making outward appearance our treasure and toward something cosmetics can never manufacture: THE BEAUTY OF A CHRIST-TRANSFORMED CHARACTER. --- ① WHEN APPEARANCE IS USED TO DECEIVE, TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE “Putting away lying, speak every man truth.” — Ephesians 4:25 Falsehood is not merely pronouncing an untrue sentence. We can misrepresent ourselves by intentionally creating a false impression. So before the mirror, ask: “AM I SIMPLY BEING CLEAN AND PRESENTABLE—OR AM I TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING ARTIFICIAL APPEAR NATURALLY MINE?” Scripture does not specifically say, “makeup and wigs violate the Ninth Commandment.” The biblical principle is broader and deeper: WHEN APPEARANCE IS INTENTIONALLY USED TO DECEIVE, THE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTHFULNESS IS AT STAKE. And context matters. A wig used because of illness, hair loss, protection, or genuine practical need should not automatically be branded dishonest. God wants truth not merely upon our lips— “Thou desirest truth in the inward parts.” — Psalm 51:6 --- ② MAKEUP CAN COVER A BLEMISH—BUT IT CANNOT CREATE BEAUTY OF CHARACTER Peter redirects our attention: “Let it be the hidden man of the heart… even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:4 Paul adds: “In modest apparel… with good works.” — 1 Timothy 2:9–10 God moves beauty: FROM DISPLAY → TO CHARACTER. FROM VANITY → TO MODESTY. FROM HUMAN APPLAUSE → TO GOD'S APPROVAL. FROM MAGNIFYING SELF → TO REVEALING CHRIST. No foundation can produce purity. No lipstick can create kindness. No artificial lashes can produce humility. No wig can manufacture contentment. No filter can create holiness. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FACE CANNOT COMPENSATE FOR AN UNCONVERTED HEART. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” — Proverbs 31:30 --- ③ ARTIFICIAL BEAUTY CAN QUIETLY TEACH THE HEART: “THE REAL YOU IS NOT ENOUGH” Cover this. Lengthen that. Darken this. Lighten that. Change the hair. Reshape the face. Hide every imperfection. And tomorrow— BUY SOMETHING ELSE. Eventually the danger becomes bigger than cosmetics. The mirror begins preaching: “GOD'S WORKMANSHIP IS NOT ENOUGH.” But Scripture answers: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14 Your deepest question is not: “Am I attractive enough for people?” It is: “AM I BECOMING LIKE JESUS?” --- ④ THERE ARE REAL PHYSICAL RISKS—BEAUTY PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY HARMLESS Science requires honesty. Not every cosmetic is dangerous, and many properly formulated products are safely used by most people. But cosmetic does not mean risk-free. Dermatology recognizes both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from cosmetic ingredients. Fragrances, preservatives, hair dyes, resins and adhesives can trigger reactions in susceptible people. Products used around the eyes may cause irritation or allergy; contaminated eye cosmetics can contribute to infection. False-eyelash adhesives can also provoke irritation or allergic reactions. Hair dyes and some products used with artificial hair can likewise expose sensitive skin to allergens. So the Christian principle of health asks: “Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19 WHY ADD AN UNNECESSARY EXPOSURE SIMPLY TO CREATE AN APPEARANCE? BEAUTY SHOULD NEVER BE PURCHASED AT THE EXPENSE OF HEALTH. And cosmetics cannot permanently reproduce what sleep, nourishing food, exercise, cleanliness, sunlight, temperance and healthful living help cultivate naturally. THE HEALTHIEST GLOW CANNOT BE PAINTED ON. --- ⑤ THE MENTAL DANGER MAY BE EVEN MORE SUBTLE The most dangerous mirror is the one that whispers: “DON'T LET THEM SEE THE REAL YOU.” When we feel unable to leave home without enhancement… when compliments determine our worth… when comparison controls our happiness… when we repeatedly inspect perceived flaws… when appearance consumes excessive money, thought, time and emotional energy— THE OUTWARD IMAGE HAS BEGUN TO GOVERN THE INWARD PERSON. Research on appearance-focused media repeatedly links appearance comparison and exposure to idealized or heavily edited images with increased body dissatisfaction and related psychological distress. The gospel offers another identity: YOUR VALUE IS NOT MEASURED BY A MIRROR. It was demonstrated at CALVARY. “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things… But with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19 YOUR FACE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR WORTH. THE PRICE CHRIST PAID REVEALS YOUR WORTH TO HIM. --- ⑥ VANITY CAN BECOME EXPENSIVE IN MORE WAYS THAN MONEY Ask what artificial beauty may consume: MONEY that could bless others. TIME that could be invested in prayer, family and service. THOUGHT that could dwell upon eternal things. CONTENTMENT through constant comparison. SIMPLICITY through dependence upon fashion. HEALTH when unnecessary products cause reactions. And potentially— SPIRITUAL ATTENTION, when the question becomes “How do I look?” more often than “How does Christ look through my life?” “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21 That makes this deeply personal: HOW MUCH OF MY PEACE DEPENDS UPON HOW PEOPLE SEE ME? --- ⑦ WHY CHOOSE NATURAL CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY? Not because neglect is holy. Not because attractiveness is sinful. Not because everyone who wears makeup is vain. And certainly not because Christians should police another person's face. Choose simplicity because it can help cultivate something better: TRUTH instead of artificial impression. CONTENTMENT instead of comparison. HEALTH instead of needless exposure. MODESTY instead of display. STEWARDSHIP instead of unnecessary expense. FREEDOM instead of dependence upon appearance. CHRIST instead of self at the center. Ellen White wrote: “God is the author of all beauty.” Christian simplicity therefore does not mean: “MAKE YOURSELF UNATTRACTIVE.” It means: STOP LETTING THE WORLD DECIDE WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL. Be clean. Be neat. Be healthy. Be modest. Be appropriately dressed. Be beautifully Christlike. BUT NEVER LET FASHION BECOME YOUR MASTER OR APPEARANCE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY. --- ⑧ THE GREATEST DANGER IS SPIRITUAL We can spend an hour preparing the person everyone sees— and minutes preparing the person GOD SEES. Correct the complexion— while leaving anger untouched. Arrange the hair— while neglecting prayer. Perfect the outward appearance— while tolerating pride. Cover blemishes— while hiding cherished sin. Then Jesus takes us past the mirror: “Cleanse first that which is within.” — Matthew 23:26 CHRIST DID NOT DIE TO GIVE US A BETTER MASK. HE DIED TO GIVE US A NEW HEART. “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” — Psalm 51:10 **HEAVEN IS NOT PREPARING FACES FOR DISPLAY. HEAVEN IS PREPARING CHARACTERS FOR ETERNITY.** --- ⑨ BEFORE THE MIRROR—ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS Is it truthful? Is it modest? Is it necessary? Is it healthful? Is it good stewardship? Am I content with how God made me? Does it help reveal Christ—or magnify self? Christianity does not merely ask: “WHAT CAN I GET AWAY WITH?” Love asks: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6 --- CHRIST OFFERS WHAT THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY NEVER CAN Makeup can change a complexion. Artificial hair can change an appearance. A filter can change a photograph. BUT ONLY JESUS CAN CHANGE THE PERSON. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 He replaces— vanity with humility, comparison with contentment, insecurity with identity in Him, self-display with modesty, falsehood with truth. This is not permission to ridicule women, condemn those dealing with hair loss, or judge another person's heart by appearance. REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST BECOMES CONDEMNATION. REFORM THROUGH CHRIST BECOMES TRANSFORMATION. Bring Him the insecurity. Bring Him the vanity. Bring Him the craving for approval. BRING HIM THE MIRROR. “Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18 DON'T SPEND YOUR LIFE PERFECTING AN IMAGE THAT TIME WILL ERASE—WHILE NEGLECTING THE CHARACTER CHRIST WANTS TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY. Every cosmetic eventually washes away. Every artificial enhancement is eventually laid aside. Youthful beauty fades. BUT THE BEAUTY CHRIST WRITES INTO THE CHARACTER CAN ENDURE FOREVER. LET THE FACE BE SIMPLE. LET THE LIFE BE BEAUTIFUL. LET THE HEART BE TRUE. LET THE CHARACTER REVEAL CHRIST. AND ABOVE EVERYTHING—LET JESUS BE SEEN.
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  • Note





    The Stick You Write With



    When we read the bible,what do we think about? Do we think about the writer being inspired by the Spirit of God? Do we look to the setting it was written in, the culture of the times, etc? Do we look at the style of writing as some scholars teach us to do?

    These and more are often taught as the way to read the bible. In more modern education we are taught to think critically and what is being said and written. In other words what can we infer or deduce from the text we are reading?

    Questions such as these, more often than not lead to an overly complicated mess of confusion that is sometimes hard to navigate. Complicating the simple way the people of the day actually thought. What is more is that the New Testament was written in Koine ( common Greek).

    This Greek as written in the NT is often studied by scholars, pastors and laymen alike, searching for a clearer picture of what the biblical writers were intending. And in this way, we may more accurately discern the truth that God, through His servants, is trying to convey to us, 2,000 years later. Mind you in a culture that is very far removed from the culture it was written in.

    In short a lot has happened in 2,000 years, and some ideas just don’t translate well. To make up for this, scholars have tried hard to come up with different and new translations, paraphrases etc, that are everything from absolute trash, to literal word for word hard to read versions of the bible.

    Many popular bible translations we read are something of a dynamic equivalent, that’s thought for thought. Others are word for word. And still others are a paraphrase giving the general sense of what is being spoken of. Yet, for all this we seem to lose a little or a lot depending, when we try to bring this all into a culture, language and thought process that is far removed from the original.

    So we dig, scholars and laymen alike, dig. We dig into the language it is written in. We find meanings to words, and their roots. Sometimes we look at the society and culture around them and it brings out even more. Yet for all that, it seems we still come up short and we wonder why.

    In my own life, the more I dug into some limited Greek studies, the more I saw it was not really going too far, so I stopped looking. I would only look up what I was curious about or led to. If I am honest at times, I would remember my pastor who told me of his friend who was a biblical Greek scholar, who said it really doesn’t do you that much good to know Greek. As I studied I could see that, but why. Aren’t we taught to look into the language? Isn’t that the example that is set by many, if not most pastors and writers of biblical material? Look into the Greek to find the meaning of the words used in the NT, so we can understand a bit better? But its really not helping that much so what am I missing?

    What I found was not intentional. I was not looking for it. At all.

    I found where Jesus wrote about being the bread of life In John 6:35:

    “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

    In our minds we wonder what that means so we dig. And that is just what I did. I wanted to find out what that meant, exactly. My research led me to the cultural life of the Jewish people. And I found out that they, without a long explanation, knew that Jesus was saying, without bread, you die, you have no life.

    That may seem obvious and overly simplistic, yet for a people who lived in the desert, to not have bread and water, was a fact of certain death. Biblically the principle stems back to the time in the wilderness when God supplied bread for them in the form of mana. Again, this may seem obvious, but it’s not something most in western culture know very much about.

    We don’t know starvation as a possibility as well as they did then, we don’t know the waterless tracts of land they made their home in for thousands of years. They knew intimately the slow agonizing death by starvation and thirst, in a land where water is a commodity. Unlike us who just go to the faucet or by another water bottle at the nearest grocery store. These things were their reality, unlike ours.

    Finding this set me on a journey of sorts to looking into their culture more. As I did I began seeing things that we don’t often talk about. Then one day I realized that almost every NT writer with the exception of Luke was born Jewish. That meant that they came from a Jewish background, culture, traditions and language.

    Then I began to wonder how come we are looking at the NT from a western outlook, through the Greek language, when we should possibly be looking at it from a more Hebraic outlook? Why weren’t we looking at what they were saying through the culture, history etc of the person who was speaking it? They knew the language and ideas of the OT far better than we do.

    So, again I began digging. What I found was that as a general rule, the Jewish people of that day, had gained some complexity of thought because of outside influences, such as the Babylonian captivity, the Roman occupation etc, they still retained much of their original simplicity and straightforward thinking. In fact, without going too deep in this, most Jewish men at the time had at least some knowledge of the OT scriptures and how they were written and the thoughts behind them. This is due to the fact that they would teach the fathers trade to the children and were required to teach them the word of God as well.

    For them, things were relatively simple. Their culture and thought process, at least so far as these things are concerned, was simple compared to the Romans, or Greeks where we in the west get much of our way of thinking.

    To see the difference when we describe something, such as a pencil, we say its long, often yellow, with lead or graphite inside, it has an eraser on one end and the other is sharpened to a point so you can write with it. In ancient Hebrew, it’s literally a stick you write with, that is the description.

    To us, who habitually over complicate everything, even a bowl of Cheerios, this seems way too simplistic. Truthfully one may be right with that assessment. But that does not negate the fact that they understood things far different than we do.

    Now, I am doing more digging. Looking into the Hebrew language and looking at the NT from somewhat of a different angle. What happened is the truth we all see, written within the pages, started taking on a deeper meaning. Instead of looking at the Word through the lens of our culture or even the Greek, I began to see things that way I think the biblical writers were seeing them, and thus seeing the intent of God through them. Regardless of how it was written.

    When we look at the bible in this way it seems to take on new life. It doesn’t change the meaning, but deepens it, brings a fuller, more clear revelation, and application to our lives and ministries.




    I write my own writing, I do not use AI to write. All my writing is my own and can be scanned for AI content as well as plagiarism.

    Note The Stick You Write With When we read the bible,what do we think about? Do we think about the writer being inspired by the Spirit of God? Do we look to the setting it was written in, the culture of the times, etc? Do we look at the style of writing as some scholars teach us to do? These and more are often taught as the way to read the bible. In more modern education we are taught to think critically and what is being said and written. In other words what can we infer or deduce from the text we are reading? Questions such as these, more often than not lead to an overly complicated mess of confusion that is sometimes hard to navigate. Complicating the simple way the people of the day actually thought. What is more is that the New Testament was written in Koine ( common Greek). This Greek as written in the NT is often studied by scholars, pastors and laymen alike, searching for a clearer picture of what the biblical writers were intending. And in this way, we may more accurately discern the truth that God, through His servants, is trying to convey to us, 2,000 years later. Mind you in a culture that is very far removed from the culture it was written in. In short a lot has happened in 2,000 years, and some ideas just don’t translate well. To make up for this, scholars have tried hard to come up with different and new translations, paraphrases etc, that are everything from absolute trash, to literal word for word hard to read versions of the bible. Many popular bible translations we read are something of a dynamic equivalent, that’s thought for thought. Others are word for word. And still others are a paraphrase giving the general sense of what is being spoken of. Yet, for all this we seem to lose a little or a lot depending, when we try to bring this all into a culture, language and thought process that is far removed from the original. So we dig, scholars and laymen alike, dig. We dig into the language it is written in. We find meanings to words, and their roots. Sometimes we look at the society and culture around them and it brings out even more. Yet for all that, it seems we still come up short and we wonder why. In my own life, the more I dug into some limited Greek studies, the more I saw it was not really going too far, so I stopped looking. I would only look up what I was curious about or led to. If I am honest at times, I would remember my pastor who told me of his friend who was a biblical Greek scholar, who said it really doesn’t do you that much good to know Greek. As I studied I could see that, but why. Aren’t we taught to look into the language? Isn’t that the example that is set by many, if not most pastors and writers of biblical material? Look into the Greek to find the meaning of the words used in the NT, so we can understand a bit better? But its really not helping that much so what am I missing? What I found was not intentional. I was not looking for it. At all. I found where Jesus wrote about being the bread of life In John 6:35: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” In our minds we wonder what that means so we dig. And that is just what I did. I wanted to find out what that meant, exactly. My research led me to the cultural life of the Jewish people. And I found out that they, without a long explanation, knew that Jesus was saying, without bread, you die, you have no life. That may seem obvious and overly simplistic, yet for a people who lived in the desert, to not have bread and water, was a fact of certain death. Biblically the principle stems back to the time in the wilderness when God supplied bread for them in the form of mana. Again, this may seem obvious, but it’s not something most in western culture know very much about. We don’t know starvation as a possibility as well as they did then, we don’t know the waterless tracts of land they made their home in for thousands of years. They knew intimately the slow agonizing death by starvation and thirst, in a land where water is a commodity. Unlike us who just go to the faucet or by another water bottle at the nearest grocery store. These things were their reality, unlike ours. Finding this set me on a journey of sorts to looking into their culture more. As I did I began seeing things that we don’t often talk about. Then one day I realized that almost every NT writer with the exception of Luke was born Jewish. That meant that they came from a Jewish background, culture, traditions and language. Then I began to wonder how come we are looking at the NT from a western outlook, through the Greek language, when we should possibly be looking at it from a more Hebraic outlook? Why weren’t we looking at what they were saying through the culture, history etc of the person who was speaking it? They knew the language and ideas of the OT far better than we do. So, again I began digging. What I found was that as a general rule, the Jewish people of that day, had gained some complexity of thought because of outside influences, such as the Babylonian captivity, the Roman occupation etc, they still retained much of their original simplicity and straightforward thinking. In fact, without going too deep in this, most Jewish men at the time had at least some knowledge of the OT scriptures and how they were written and the thoughts behind them. This is due to the fact that they would teach the fathers trade to the children and were required to teach them the word of God as well. For them, things were relatively simple. Their culture and thought process, at least so far as these things are concerned, was simple compared to the Romans, or Greeks where we in the west get much of our way of thinking. To see the difference when we describe something, such as a pencil, we say its long, often yellow, with lead or graphite inside, it has an eraser on one end and the other is sharpened to a point so you can write with it. In ancient Hebrew, it’s literally a stick you write with, that is the description. To us, who habitually over complicate everything, even a bowl of Cheerios, this seems way too simplistic. Truthfully one may be right with that assessment. But that does not negate the fact that they understood things far different than we do. Now, I am doing more digging. Looking into the Hebrew language and looking at the NT from somewhat of a different angle. What happened is the truth we all see, written within the pages, started taking on a deeper meaning. Instead of looking at the Word through the lens of our culture or even the Greek, I began to see things that way I think the biblical writers were seeing them, and thus seeing the intent of God through them. Regardless of how it was written. When we look at the bible in this way it seems to take on new life. It doesn’t change the meaning, but deepens it, brings a fuller, more clear revelation, and application to our lives and ministries. I write my own writing, I do not use AI to write. All my writing is my own and can be scanned for AI content as well as plagiarism.
    Like
    1
    0 टिप्पणियाँ 0 साझा 20 वइएवस
  • Parasites Are More Common Than Many People Realize

    When I first started learning about parasites and detoxification, I was surprised by how significant parasitic infections still are worldwide.

    Research indexed in PubMed shows that certain parasitic infections can cause serious disease, including damage to the liver and bile ducts. Some specific parasites are even associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.

    But here's where I think we need to be careful: not every unexplained symptom means someone has parasites.

    Symptoms that can occur with some parasitic infections include:

    • Digestive problems
    • Fatigue
    • Abdominal discomfort
    • Skin irritation or itching
    • Changes in appetite or weight
    • Nutritional deficiencies

    The symptoms can vary considerably depending on the type of parasite and where the infection occurs.

    One of the biggest things I've learned is how important it is to support the body's natural elimination systems—especially the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and regular bowel function.

    I also believe in reducing unnecessary exposure to environmental toxins and being intentional about what we put into and onto our bodies.

    For me, learning more about detoxification and parasite protocols changed the way I think about supporting overall wellness. Rather than simply chasing individual symptoms, I prefer looking at the bigger picture and supporting the systems the body already uses to protect and eliminate waste.

    Important: Parasite infections should be properly evaluated and treated when present. "Parasite cleansing" isn't a substitute for medical testing or appropriate treatment.

    If you're curious about the detox protocol I personally use and where I start, comment DETOX or send me a message.
    🦠 Parasites Are More Common Than Many People Realize When I first started learning about parasites and detoxification, I was surprised by how significant parasitic infections still are worldwide. Research indexed in PubMed shows that certain parasitic infections can cause serious disease, including damage to the liver and bile ducts. Some specific parasites are even associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. But here's where I think we need to be careful: not every unexplained symptom means someone has parasites. Symptoms that can occur with some parasitic infections include: • Digestive problems • Fatigue • Abdominal discomfort • Skin irritation or itching • Changes in appetite or weight • Nutritional deficiencies The symptoms can vary considerably depending on the type of parasite and where the infection occurs. One of the biggest things I've learned is how important it is to support the body's natural elimination systems—especially the liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and regular bowel function. I also believe in reducing unnecessary exposure to environmental toxins and being intentional about what we put into and onto our bodies. For me, learning more about detoxification and parasite protocols changed the way I think about supporting overall wellness. Rather than simply chasing individual symptoms, I prefer looking at the bigger picture and supporting the systems the body already uses to protect and eliminate waste. Important: Parasite infections should be properly evaluated and treated when present. "Parasite cleansing" isn't a substitute for medical testing or appropriate treatment. If you're curious about the detox protocol I personally use and where I start, comment DETOX or send me a message.
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  • Monks in Greece took apart a 1,500-year-old manuscript of Paul's letters and reused its pages as binding material for other books.
    Centuries later, scientists found the lost text hiding in the ink of the pages that replaced it.
    Codex H is a sixth-century Greek manuscript containing the letters of the Apostle Paul, one of the oldest and most important New Testament witnesses in existence. In the 13th century, it was dismantled at the Great Lavra Monastery on Mount Athos, and its parchment — valuable and reusable — was cut up and repurposed as binding material and flyleaves for other manuscripts. Its surviving fragments ended up scattered across libraries in Italy, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, and France.
    Here's what made recovery possible. At some point the manuscript had been re-inked, and the chemicals in that new ink bled faintly onto the facing pages — a reversed, mirror-image imprint of text that no longer physically existed on the page itself. It was invisible to the naked eye, but not to a camera.
    A research team led by Professor Garrick Allen at the University of Glasgow, working with the Early Manuscripts Electronic Library, used multispectral imaging — capturing the parchment under wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared — to bring those ghost imprints back into view. Combined with radiocarbon dating to confirm the manuscript's sixth-century origin, the team reconstructed 42 lost pages, recovering around 130 verses. The find includes some of the earliest known chapter divisions for Paul's letters and roughly a hundred scribal corrections and annotations, giving scholars a rare window into how early Christians actually studied and compared their copies of Scripture.
    And here's the part worth sitting with: the recovered words match the text already preserved in other ancient New Testament copies. After thirteen centuries in pieces, scattered across four countries, cut up and reused as bookbinding — the words hadn't changed.
    Share this with someone who thinks ancient texts are fragile things we can't trust.
    "The word of our God will stand forever." — Isaiah 40:8
    #CodexH #BiblicalArchaeology #ApostlePaul #ManuscriptDiscovery #ChurchHistory
    Monks in Greece took apart a 1,500-year-old manuscript of Paul's letters and reused its pages as binding material for other books. Centuries later, scientists found the lost text hiding in the ink of the pages that replaced it. Codex H is a sixth-century Greek manuscript containing the letters of the Apostle Paul, one of the oldest and most important New Testament witnesses in existence. In the 13th century, it was dismantled at the Great Lavra Monastery on Mount Athos, and its parchment — valuable and reusable — was cut up and repurposed as binding material and flyleaves for other manuscripts. Its surviving fragments ended up scattered across libraries in Italy, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, and France. Here's what made recovery possible. At some point the manuscript had been re-inked, and the chemicals in that new ink bled faintly onto the facing pages — a reversed, mirror-image imprint of text that no longer physically existed on the page itself. It was invisible to the naked eye, but not to a camera. A research team led by Professor Garrick Allen at the University of Glasgow, working with the Early Manuscripts Electronic Library, used multispectral imaging — capturing the parchment under wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared — to bring those ghost imprints back into view. Combined with radiocarbon dating to confirm the manuscript's sixth-century origin, the team reconstructed 42 lost pages, recovering around 130 verses. The find includes some of the earliest known chapter divisions for Paul's letters and roughly a hundred scribal corrections and annotations, giving scholars a rare window into how early Christians actually studied and compared their copies of Scripture. And here's the part worth sitting with: the recovered words match the text already preserved in other ancient New Testament copies. After thirteen centuries in pieces, scattered across four countries, cut up and reused as bookbinding — the words hadn't changed. Share this with someone who thinks ancient texts are fragile things we can't trust. "The word of our God will stand forever." — Isaiah 40:8 #CodexH #BiblicalArchaeology #ApostlePaul #ManuscriptDiscovery #ChurchHistory
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  • Hello, I would like to share with you the message from 18 août 2026 from “The Good Seed” daily calendar.


    Your word is truth. (John 17:17)

    Reliable
    The archaeologist William Ramsay (1852-1916) was known for carefully studying the events described in the New Testament, especially in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Pauline Epistles. When he first travelled to Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), many cities mentioned in Acts were not known, and even less was known about their history.
     The Acts of the Apostles was the only historical document, and Ramsay, who was sceptical, fully expected his research to expose Luke, the writer of Acts, as hopelessly inaccurate. Therefore, he set out to thoroughly examine this book of the Bible. He devoted his life to excavating the ancient cities and documents of Asia Minor.
     After a lifelong study, however, he concluded: “Further study … showed that the book [Acts of the Apostles] could bear the most minute scrutiny as an authority for the facts of the Aegean world, and that it was written with such judgment, skill, art, and perception of the truth as to be a model of historical statement.” Ramsay further stated, “I set out to look for truth on the borderland between Greece and Asia, and found it here [in Acts of the Apostles]. You may press the words of Luke in a degree beyond any other historian’s and they stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment.”
     When Ramsay turned to the Apostle Paul’s letters, which critics labelled as forgeries, he concluded that all thirteen of Paul’s New Testament letters were authentic.
     All reports of the Bible are reliable because God’s Word is truth!

    Today’s reading: Joshua 18:1-28 – 1 Corinthians 14:13-25
    Hello, I would like to share with you the message from 18 août 2026 from “The Good Seed” daily calendar. Your word is truth. (John 17:17) Reliable The archaeologist William Ramsay (1852-1916) was known for carefully studying the events described in the New Testament, especially in the Acts of the Apostles and in the Pauline Epistles. When he first travelled to Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), many cities mentioned in Acts were not known, and even less was known about their history.  The Acts of the Apostles was the only historical document, and Ramsay, who was sceptical, fully expected his research to expose Luke, the writer of Acts, as hopelessly inaccurate. Therefore, he set out to thoroughly examine this book of the Bible. He devoted his life to excavating the ancient cities and documents of Asia Minor.  After a lifelong study, however, he concluded: “Further study … showed that the book [Acts of the Apostles] could bear the most minute scrutiny as an authority for the facts of the Aegean world, and that it was written with such judgment, skill, art, and perception of the truth as to be a model of historical statement.” Ramsay further stated, “I set out to look for truth on the borderland between Greece and Asia, and found it here [in Acts of the Apostles]. You may press the words of Luke in a degree beyond any other historian’s and they stand the keenest scrutiny and the hardest treatment.”  When Ramsay turned to the Apostle Paul’s letters, which critics labelled as forgeries, he concluded that all thirteen of Paul’s New Testament letters were authentic.  All reports of the Bible are reliable because God’s Word is truth! Today’s reading: Joshua 18:1-28 – 1 Corinthians 14:13-25
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  • PRAYER REQUEST
    SHE IS ONE OF MY BEST FRIEND... ONCE SHE WAS VERY MUCH ENTHUSIASTIC, CHEERFUL, LOVING,CARING... BUT AFTER A GREAT LOSS IN HER LIFE SHE QUITE WENT TO DEPRESSION... SHE WAS NO MORE CHEERFUL, EVERYTHING FELT LIKE OUT OF HANDS FOR HER... RIGHT NOW SHE IS QUITE STRUGGLING WITH GETTING INTO A COLLEGE... SHE WAS A BRIGHT STUDENT.... ALL SHE WANTS IS TO BE MORE COURAGEOUS, TO GET RID OF THE ANXIETY AND STRESS WHEN SHE IS AMONG CROWD... SHE IS NOT A KIND OF INTROVERT AND SHE DOESN'T WANT TO BE SO... PRAY FOR HER TO WIN THIS BATTLE IN MIND AND ALSO TO GET RID OF THIS ANXIETY... MAY GOD GIVE HER A GOOD COLLEGE... SHE IS QUITE INTERESTED IN MEDICAL RESEARCH...THESE ARE ALL HER DESIRES.. BUT ABOVE ALL GOD NEEDS TO WORK IN THIS...
    PRAYER REQUEST SHE IS ONE OF MY BEST FRIEND... ONCE SHE WAS VERY MUCH ENTHUSIASTIC, CHEERFUL, LOVING,CARING... BUT AFTER A GREAT LOSS IN HER LIFE SHE QUITE WENT TO DEPRESSION... SHE WAS NO MORE CHEERFUL, EVERYTHING FELT LIKE OUT OF HANDS FOR HER... RIGHT NOW SHE IS QUITE STRUGGLING WITH GETTING INTO A COLLEGE... SHE WAS A BRIGHT STUDENT.... ALL SHE WANTS IS TO BE MORE COURAGEOUS, TO GET RID OF THE ANXIETY AND STRESS WHEN SHE IS AMONG CROWD... SHE IS NOT A KIND OF INTROVERT AND SHE DOESN'T WANT TO BE SO... PRAY FOR HER TO WIN THIS BATTLE IN MIND AND ALSO TO GET RID OF THIS ANXIETY... MAY GOD GIVE HER A GOOD COLLEGE... SHE IS QUITE INTERESTED IN MEDICAL RESEARCH...THESE ARE ALL HER DESIRES.. BUT ABOVE ALL GOD NEEDS TO WORK IN THIS...
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  • ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY
    ‎Benin City-Nigeria
    ‎... Raising Godly Leaders
    ‎Website: www.cetmedu.ng
    ‎Email: dregberase[cetmedu].ng

    ‎Are you a passionate church leader? clergy Or a teacher of God's word? And you want to understand the rudiments of Theology, Christian Philosophy, Church Accounting, Leadership Education & Ministry!

    ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY Is Currently Offering Provisional Admission to Students Into the Various Vocational & Research Programs for SPRING 2027 INTAKE:
    ‎•Professional Advanced Diploma in Leadership & Ministry
    ‎•Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min) In Church Accounting
    ‎•Master of Theology (M.Th)
    ‎•Master in Christian Philosophy (M.Cp)
    ‎•Doctor of Theology (Th.D)
    ‎•Doctor of Ministry (D.Min)
    ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Philosophy
    ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Comparative & Humanities Studies (Gender & Christian Literature)
    ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Leadership Education

    ‎To Apply, click the registration link: https://cetm-portal.ng/admission

    ‎For Admission Equiries, WhatsApp The College President, Professor Chukwuemeka Egberase on +2347054229303

    ‎Signed:
    ‎Rev (Dr) Kenneth Kabba,
    ‎College Provost
    ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY ‎Benin City-Nigeria ‎... Raising Godly Leaders ‎Website: www.cetmedu.ng ‎Email: dregberase[cetmedu].ng ‎ ‎Are you a passionate church leader? clergy Or a teacher of God's word? And you want to understand the rudiments of Theology, Christian Philosophy, Church Accounting, Leadership Education & Ministry! ‎ ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY Is Currently Offering Provisional Admission to Students Into the Various Vocational & Research Programs for SPRING 2027 INTAKE: ‎•Professional Advanced Diploma in Leadership & Ministry ‎•Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min) In Church Accounting ‎•Master of Theology (M.Th) ‎•Master in Christian Philosophy (M.Cp) ‎•Doctor of Theology (Th.D) ‎•Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Philosophy ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Comparative & Humanities Studies (Gender & Christian Literature) ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Leadership Education ‎ ‎To Apply, click the registration link: https://cetm-portal.ng/admission ‎ ‎For Admission Equiries, WhatsApp The College President, Professor Chukwuemeka Egberase on +2347054229303 ‎ ‎Signed: ‎Rev (Dr) Kenneth Kabba, ‎College Provost
    CETM-PORTAL.NG
    Online Admission Application 2026 | CETM Theological College
    Apply now for admission into CETM Theological College. Empowering spiritual leaders through biblical education.
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  • ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY
    ‎Benin City-Nigeria
    ‎... Raising Godly Leaders
    ‎Website: www.cetmedu.ng
    ‎Email: dregberase[cetmedu].ng

    ‎Are you a passionate church leader? clergy Or a teacher of God's word? And you want to understand the rudiments of Theology, Christian Philosophy, Church Accounting, Leadership Education & Ministry!

    ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY Is Currently Offering Provisional Admission to Students Into the Various Vocational & Research Programs for SPRING 2027 INTAKE:
    ‎•Professional Advanced Diploma in Leadership & Ministry
    ‎•Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min) In Church Accounting
    ‎•Master of Theology (M.Th)
    ‎•Master in Christian Philosophy (M.Cp)
    ‎•Doctor of Theology (Th.D)
    ‎•Doctor of Ministry (D.Min)
    ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Philosophy
    ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Comparative & Humanities Studies (Gender & Christian Literature)
    ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Leadership Education

    ‎To Apply, click the registration link: https://cetm-portal.ng/admission

    ‎For Admission Equiries, WhatsApp The College President, Professor Chukwuemeka Egberase on +2347054229303

    ‎Signed:
    ‎Rev (Dr) Kenneth Kabba,
    ‎College Provost
    ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY ‎Benin City-Nigeria ‎... Raising Godly Leaders ‎Website: www.cetmedu.ng ‎Email: dregberase[cetmedu].ng ‎ ‎Are you a passionate church leader? clergy Or a teacher of God's word? And you want to understand the rudiments of Theology, Christian Philosophy, Church Accounting, Leadership Education & Ministry! ‎ ‎CETM COLLEGE OF THEOLOGY Is Currently Offering Provisional Admission to Students Into the Various Vocational & Research Programs for SPRING 2027 INTAKE: ‎•Professional Advanced Diploma in Leadership & Ministry ‎•Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min) In Church Accounting ‎•Master of Theology (M.Th) ‎•Master in Christian Philosophy (M.Cp) ‎•Doctor of Theology (Th.D) ‎•Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Philosophy ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Comparative & Humanities Studies (Gender & Christian Literature) ‎•Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Christian Leadership Education ‎ ‎To Apply, click the registration link: https://cetm-portal.ng/admission ‎ ‎For Admission Equiries, WhatsApp The College President, Professor Chukwuemeka Egberase on +2347054229303 ‎ ‎Signed: ‎Rev (Dr) Kenneth Kabba, ‎College Provost
    CETM-PORTAL.NG
    Online Admission Application 2026 | CETM Theological College
    Apply now for admission into CETM Theological College. Empowering spiritual leaders through biblical education.
    0 टिप्पणियाँ 0 साझा 28 वइएवस
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