In this episode, Pastor Ted Wilson talks about the first two blessings Jesus mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. "And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted'" (Matthew 5:1-4). But how can one be blessed while being poor in spirit or in mourning? Ellen White gives us an insight in Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, saying, "He who feels whole, who thinks that he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition, does not seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteousness of Christ. Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person…They feel that they are full; therefore, they go away empty. Those who know that they cannot possibly save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action, are the ones who appreciate the help that Christ can bestow. They are the poor in spirit, whom He declares to be blessed…Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and it is the office of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin" (page 7). So, by mentioning the "poor in spirit," Jesus refers to those who feel the need of Him and understand that there is nothing good in and of themselves. This is in contrast to those who claim, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing" but do not realize they are actually "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17). For these self-absorbed, self-sufficient people, Jesus says, "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (verse 18). Indeed, the poor in spirit are blessed. When we realize our need of God and confess it to Him, He will pour out His blessings upon us and the kingdom of heaven will be ours. What about "those who mourn"? Ellen White says in Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing that "the mourning here brought to view is true heart sorrow for sin…as one is drawn to behold Jesus uplifted on the cross, he discerns the sinfulness of humanity. He sees that it is sin which scourged and crucified the Lord of glory. He sees that, while he has been loved with unspeakable tenderness, his life has been a continual scene of ingratitude and rebellion…He is separated from God by a gulf of sin that is broad and black and deep, and he mourns in brokenness of heart." It is "such mourning" that "shall be comforted" (pages 9 and 10). With this, we can see that God reveals to us our guilt so we can come to Him, confess our sins, and surrender our burdens at the foot of the cross. Then, we shall be comforted. Ellen White continues on Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "To every stricken one, Jesus comes with the ministry of healing. The life of bereavement, pain, and suffering may be brightened by precious revealings of His presence. God would not have us remain pressed down by dumb sorrow, with sore and breaking hearts. He would have us look up and behold His dear face of love. The blessed Saviour stands by many whose eyes are so blinded by tears that they do not discern Him. He longs to clasp our hands, to have us look to Him in simple faith, permitting Him to guide us. His heart is open to our griefs, our sorrows, and our trials…We may keep the heart stayed upon Him and meditate upon His loving-kindness all the day. He will lift the soul above the daily sorrow and perplexity, into a realm of peace" (page 12). To learn more about this topic, read Ellen White's book Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing and visit https://egwwritings.org/. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IwLU8dL6Wc
TAKE A SHOT (TAS) Covid-19 Project
A report from the Take a Shot (TAS) Covid 19 project run by ADRA-UK and ADRA Ghana
The community durbar held on 28th June 2022 at the Tetegu provided an excellent opportunity for about a 50-year-old man named Mr. William Asare to receive for the first time a COVID-19 vaccine shot. Mr. Asare, currently an employee of ADRA, is also the official driver of the Country Office Director, who had refused to accept the vaccines. Although William has an underlining health condition, he has heeded the…Source: https://adventist.uk/news/article/go/2022-10-13/take-a-shot-tas-covid-19-project/
One Vision Hosts Black History Event
A capacity audience assembled on Sunday 9 October at the Stanborough Centre, Watford, to mark the impact of black history, and celebrate achievers from diverse backgrounds. Hosted by One Vision Charity – the event organisers, invitations were extended to key individuals and groups making a significant contribution to their communities. Black History month provides an opportunity to tune in to the black experience, its history, and legacy, spotlighting significant historical timelines….Source: https://adventist.uk/news/article/go/2022-10-13/one-vision-hosts-black-history-event/
Eyes Looking Heavenward
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20.
Shall we not break off our sins by righteousness, and have our conversation in heaven, whence we look for our Saviour? Shall we not talk of our Saviour until it becomes natural for us to do so? If we do not order our conversation aright, we shall not see the salvation of God. Satan will take possession of the heart, and we shall become low and sensual. Let us elevate the thoughts, and take hold upon things that are of real value, gaining an education here that will be of value in the world to come. Shall we not seek the Lord with earnestness, repent of our backslidings, mourn that we have neglected His Word, that we do not know the truth better, and turn to Him with all the heart, that He may heal us, and love us freely? Today let us take a step toward heaven….
The latter rain is to fall upon the people of God. A mighty angel is to come down from heaven, and the whole earth is to be lighted with His glory. Are we ready to take part in the glorious work of the third angel? Are our vessels ready to receive the heavenly dew? Have we defilement and sin in the heart? If so, let us cleanse the soul temple, and prepare for the showers of the latter rain. The refreshing from the presence of the Lord will never come to hearts filled with impurity. May God help us to die to self, that Christ, the hope of glory, may be formed within!
I must have the Spirit of God in my heart. I can never go forward to do the great work of God, unless the Holy Spirit rests upon my soul. “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God” (Psalm 42:1). The day of judgment is upon us. Oh, that we may wash our robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb!—The Review and Herald, April 21, 1891.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 295
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for my cousin Bruce who fell and dislocated his hip and will be having surgery. Mike
—-I have a job possibility with a former employer. Please pray that I get the job if it is God’s will. RJ
—-Please pray that God will guide and provide for E and her children. R
—-Please pray for my Granddaughter, Katie who is 27 weeks pregnant and having contractions. She is in the hospital tonight. May God be with her and her baby to bring her contractions to a stop and allow her baby to grow and develop. May God bring forth a strong and healthy baby in due time to His honor and glory. Kathy
—-I found out I have a spot on my liver and am requesting prayers. Dan
—-My boys, Alan and Jon have had a bad cough lately. Doctor said it’s a virus and just has to run its course but gave us some meds to help with the cough and Alan’s ear infection. Normally, one gets sick, then a few days later the other gets sick. I was really thankful they were not required to do a nasal swab, as that sets off Alan’s anxiety and fears. Jennifer
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Dear Friends,
I’ve been thinking about Darlene lately and missing her, evan though she died of cancer almost twenty years ago. I am very lonely for a friend as close as was we were. We spent a lot of time together and had the same interests and enjoyments. She was very knowledgeable in the things of nature, and I learned many things from her. We could drop by one another’s house without calling first and be totally welcome even if our house was not ready for company. We could be perfectly comfortable to share our inmost thoughts and feelings with each other. Many were the times when we would study God’s Holy Word and pray together. Darlene had been a strong student of the Word for years and I learned so much from her. When we moved away, I missed her greatly.
I was not the only one who benefited from Darlene’s friendship. She had many other friends. Our Saviour had given her the gift of helps. (1 Cor 12:28) She was totally unselfish putting others’ needs, others’ desires before her own. Even when she was diagnosed with cancer, she used her devastating condition to help those she met. She became involved in the lives of the other cancer patients in the doctor’s waiting room. Often, she spoke words of encouragement to them and pointed them to the Great Physician. She always carried little books, such as Steps to Christ, to give to them. Many times, she was able to go to their homes and study the Word of God with them. Many times, she took them food that she had baked or potatoes she had gleaned from the potato fields. Many of those people gave their heart to the Lord. Surely, they will be stars in her crown someday.
Even though we were miles apart, we kept in contact by phone. The moment I would say “Hello,” she would know who it was. She knew me so well. She would not talk to me very long, before she could tell that I was feeling a little “down” even though I tried to hide it. (Often the reason I was feeling sad, was because of her condition.) Even during the last weeks of her life, she spent time encouraging me, whenever I called to encourage her.
I have never met anyone, before or since, who was so totally focused on the needs of others. Our Loving Saviour longs for each one of us to look away from self and take the time to share His love with those we meet just as Darlene had. How much she exemplified her Saviour, Who, when He was upon this earth, ” went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.” Matt 4:23, 24 “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:21-24
Our Dear Saviour would have us “follow in His steps, to be “an example . . . in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Tim 4:12 He said of His work, ” I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” John 5:30 So we are to seek not our own will but His will
May we set aside our selfish desires as did Darlene and daily lay ourselves at the foot of the cross praying “Here am I; send me.” Isa 6:8
Rose
Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/eyes-looking-heavenward.html
Adventist Community Services Addresses Energy & Fuel Crisis
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too”
Philippians 2:4 (NLT)
Earlier this year, Sharon Platt-McDonald, Director of Adventist Community Services (ACS), Health & Women’s Ministries at the British Union Conference (BUC) developed and launched the ACTS of Service initiative. This project was designed to make outreach ministry meaningful, by applying four key elements: Attention,Compassion, Teamworking and Solutions. See full article…Source: https://adventist.uk/news/article/go/2022-10-13/adventist-community-services-addresses-energy-fuel-crisis/