SDA Open Letter - Is Ellen G White a True Prophet of God - II

This is part II of the topic looking at whether EGW is a true or a false prophet.  I recommend that you read part one first to get a feel for the reason why this was written.

WARNING - MAKE A CUPPA AND GRAB A PILE OF BISCUITS - THIS TAKES A WHILE. 

There are many quotes coming up!

Regarding the SDA, Jehovah's Witness, Mormon connections

 You won't be told at the SDA Seminars about the things they have in common with the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons.

SDA's share their early history with the Jehovah's Witnesses. An early Adventist leader, N. H. Barbour co-published with Charles Taze Russell. They had a falling out over (what else?) dates for the end of the world! (1844 and 1874), and parted company.

Both, however, kept heretical doctrines to this day like Jesus being Michael the Archangel, the denial of Hell, and both still advocate soul sleep. Both invented invisible occurrences in heaven for their failed dates for Christ's visible return, investigative judgment for the SDA's and Christ's invisible "presence" for Jehovah's Witnesses.

There is Mormon link also for the SDA's. It is a proven fact that Ellen G. White plagiarized most of her writings. The Church has been challenged by Walter Rea, author of The White Lie to prove that even 20% of her writings are original. They can't. Their weak defense was that there were no copyright laws in Ellen's day, so what she did was legal. You will never be told of her plagiarism by the SDA's.

As Ellen was rising to prominence, Joseph Smith had just died. Her writings contain many phrases used by Joseph Smith. Mind you, he has also been accused of plagiarism. I have a thick file of similarities, but time does not permit details at this time, but it does illustrate just how far her "borrowing" went. You will definitely not be told of her similarities to Joseph Smith at the Seminars![Source: MM Outreach Inc]

The Mormon, Jehovah's Witness, SDA, Freemasonry similarities make interesting reading.  I will do a post on that one of these days.

SECOND COMING PROPHESIES

The Old Testament prophets and New Testament Apostles and even Christ himself left with us a long line of prophesies regarding the second coming of Christ.   However, Even though God has assigned the very hour of events ...

“But as for that day or hour no one knows it – neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son – except the Father. Matt 13:32

 ...date setting was never a possibility.

Then the four angels who had been prepared for this hour, day, month, and year were set free to kill a third of humanity. Rev 9:15

EGW agreed with that basic principle...

    EGW: “No one has a true message fixing the time when Christ is to come or not to come. Be assured that God gives no one authority to say that Christ delays His coming five years, ten years, or twenty years.” Selected Messages, 2, p. 113-114.

   EGW: “God has not revealed to us when this message will close, or when probation will have an end. 7 Bible Commentary, p. 989.

Good so far, but then she starts looking at Miller's prophecies and commenting on them

   EGW: “ I have seen the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as he wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed." Early Writings, p. 74.

So EGW, despite correctly stating that no-one can know when Christ will come then claims that teh 1843 chart clearly comes from God.  But 1843 never happened so she adherred to  Miller's adjusted 1844 prophesy.

   EGW: “...and the same evidence which they had presented to show that the prophetic periods closed in 1843, proved that they would terminate in 1844.” Early Writings, p. 236.

    EGW(Then Ellen Harmon): "In company with my friends I attended these meetings and listened to the startling announcement that Christ was coming in 1843, only a few short years in the future. Mr. Miller traced down the prophecies with an exactness that struck conviction to the hearts of his hearers. He dwelt upon the prophetic periods, and brought many proofs to strengthen his position." Ellen White, Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 14.

The 1843/44 prophesies were not her own but an invention by Adventist William Miller.  They failed, and Miller repented and moved on, however he still remained an Adventist. But now she moved into denial by going down the inevitable path of more date fixing.

EGW: “ In a view given June 27,1850, my accompanying angel said, “time is almost finished.” “But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months.” Early Writings, p. 64, 67. 

"Accompanying angel?"  Who is this?  I do know that New Agers believe in accompanying spirits.  In the past, occult members called them, "familiars."  These are familiar spirits that follow a person, sometimes these are in the form of Animals (Think black cats, owls, and 'Hedwig' Harry Potter's Owl or Ron Weasley's rat - for those who know about Harry Potter.) The Prophets and Apostles aways spoke of God's Spirit guiding them and not an Accompanying angel. The Angel Gabriel paid visits and Michael appeared in visions, but they were not personal accompanying angels. They were messengers from God. Now if you think I am going overboard here.  Check out these quotes [CAUTION: THESE OPINIONS ARE DEFINITELY NOT MY OWN!]

We all have more than a few specific Spirit Guides assisting us on our journey through life, and one main, full-time Spirit Guide. We usually call this our “Guardian Angel,” though it’s actually a Spirit Guide and the two are not the same thing. “Angels” are a different phyla from “spirits.” Spirits have the capacity to incarnate into human form, and angels do not, plus angels are at a much higher energetic frequency than spirits. Dr Naiomi Pabst

It's me talking again.  Dr Pabst seems to assume there that the bible accounts of angelic vistations - many of them incarnate, were not angelic at all.  Now back to the quackery...

Our main Spirit Guide is with us 24/7, from birth until death. It’s empowering and comes as a relief to learn that our life’s unfoldings are not riding entirely on our own shoulders. It’s a revelation to learn we are never alone! Cultivating a relationship with your Spirit Guide can dramatically improve your quality of life, plus provide a powerful source for you to ask for and receive guidance, help, clarity, and insight on your path. Connecting to your Spirit Guide will also dramatically enhance your spiritual journey in general.
befriend your spirit Guide  - Dr Naiomi Pabst

A typical spirit guide is archetypical, symbolic or representative of something else. For example, you may find your guide appears in the form of a warrior, a storyteller, or a wise woman, and they have appeared to you for a purpose. Typically, that purpose is to teach you and guide you along a particular path. They may also introduce you to other archetypes along your journey, and help out with problem solving, based upon your needs. They are known to provide insight by way of dreams or meditation, and may only hang around as long as you need them, then move on. [Source: paganwican.about.com - wicca is modern day pagan witchcraft]  

Now back to Sister Ellen major problem, where she has faced prophetic failure like so many have before her.  So she creates breathing space to keep the masses happy: (Actually not really a "mass,"  at the time her congregation had dwindled at one time to about 12 adherents.

EGW: “Some are looking to far off for the coming of the Lord. Time has continued a few years longer than they expected; therefore they think it may continue a few years more, and in this way their minds are being led from present truth, out after the world. I saw that the time for Jesus to be in the most holy place was nearly finished and that time can last but a very little longer.” Early Writings, p. 58. - 9Sept 1850)

But things began improving, so she became more emboldened.

EGW: "I was shown the company present at the Conference, Said the angel: "Some food for worms, some subjects of the seven last plagues, some will be alive and remain upon the earth to be translated at the coming of Jesus." Ellen G. White, 1 Testimonies, p. 131-132. May 27,1856. 

That's another straight false prophesy there - That was in 1856.   It is now 2014 -  157 years later and I am certain that all members present at that conference are now dead.  Notice too that her "Angel" is back.

So Ellen White changed her approach (and went against scripture here) by date setting.  And those dates were proven false.  So does that make her a false prophet?  With her "accompanying angel," does that make her an occultist? You decide, but perhaps she and her accompanying angel said she was.

EGW: “Those who presumptuously preach definite time, in so doing gratify the adversary of souls; for they are advancing infidelity rather than Christianity. But their failures show that they are false prophets, that they do not rightly interpret the language of inspiration.” 4 Testimonies, p. 307

 The "adversary of Souls" is a clear reference to Satan - after all Satan (Heb: hassatan Grk: Satanas means "the adversary.") So even EGW claims that date setting gratifies Satan and failure proves they are a false prophet.  Oh dear!

So who was this Mr Miller?  he was the founder of Advenstim and ex Baptist pastor.  Here is what Sister White was referring to as Miller's, "many proofs."  See if you can follow this...

William Miller: "ONE: I prove it by the time given by Moses, in the 26th chapter of Leviticus, being seven times that the people of God are to be in bondage to the kingdoms of this world; or in Babylon, literal and mystical; which seven times cannot be understood less then seven times 360 revolutions of the earth in its orbit, making 2520 years. I believe this began according to Jeremiah 15:4, 'And I will cause them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.' and Isa. 7:8, 'For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Resin: and within three score and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people',--when Manasseh was carried captive to Babylon, and Israel was no more a nation,--see chronology, 2 Chron. 33:9, 'So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel,'--the 677th year B.C. Then take 677 out of 2520, leaves A.D. 1843, when the punishment of the people of God will end. William Miller, Miller's Lectures, p. 251.

Apparently!  For an excellent rundown of the 1844 Millerite prophesies - of which Ellen G White was a keen supporter of, please visit http://www.ellenwhiteexposed.com/egw11.htm 

Things for Ellen became more and more bizzarre and more controlling over the next 30 years or so as she tried to keep her "little flock" chugging along.

As if her Accompnaying Angel belief wasn't occultic enough, we have yet further proof that something occultic is going on here?  OK, here we go...

"A few days since I was pleading with the Lord for light in regard to my duty.  In the night I dreamed I was in the carriage, driving, sitting at the right hand. Father [what EGW called her husband] was in the carriage, seated at my left hand. He was very pale, but calm and composed. [probably because he was dead when this letter was written]‘Why, Father,’ I exclaimed, ‘I am so happy to have you by my side once more! I have felt that half of me was gone. Father, I saw you die; I saw you buried. Has the Lord pitied me and let you come back to me again, and we work together as we used to?’

So Ellen was happily chatting to her dead husband in this dream.

"He looked very sad. He said, ‘The Lord knows what is best for you and for me. My work was very dear to me. We have made a mistake. We have responded to urgent invitations of our brethren to attend important meetings. We had not the heart to refuse. These meetings have worn us both more than we were aware. Our good brethren were gratified, but they did not realize that in these meetings we took upon us greater burdens than at our age we could safely carry. They will never know the result of this long-continued strain upon us.
"‘God would have had them bear the burdens we have carried for years. Our nervous energies have been continuously taxed, and then our brethren misjudging our motives and not realizing our burdens have weakened the action of the heart. I have made mistakes, the greatest of which was in allowing my sympathies for the people of God to lead me to take work upon me which others should have borne. Now, Ellen, calls will be made as they have been, desiring you to attend important meetings, as has been the case in the past.  

So Ellen's dead husband foretells the future to her  He now give a lot of advice.

But lay this matter before God and make no response to the most earnest invitations. Your life hangs as it were upon a thread. You must have quiet rest, freedom from all excitement and from all disagreeable cares. We might have done a great deal for years with our pens, on subjects the people need that we have had the light upon and can present before them, which others do not have. Thus you can work when your strength returns, as it will, and you can do far more with your pen than with your voice.’
"He looked at me appealingly and said, ‘You will not neglect these cautions, will you, Ellen? Our people will never know under what infirmities we have labored to serve them because our lives were interwoven with the progress of the work, but God knows it all. I regret that I have felt so deeply and labored unreasonably in emergencies, regardless of the laws of life and health. The Lord did not require us to carry so heavy burdens and many of our brethren so few.  
We ought to have gone to the Pacific Coast before, and devoted our time and energies to writing. Will you do this now? Will you, as your strength returns, take your pen and write out these things we have so long anticipated, and make haste slowly? There is important matter which the people need. Make this your first business. You will have to speak some to the people, but shun the responsibilities which have borne us down.’ 
"’Well,’ said I, ‘James, you are always to stay with me now and we will work together.’ 
"Said he, ‘I stayed in Battle Creek too long. I ought to have gone to California more than one year ago. But I wanted to help the work and institutions at Battle Creek. I have made a mistake. Your heart is tender. You will be inclined to make the same mistakes I have made. Your life can be of use to the cause of God. Oh, those precious subjects the Lord would have had me bring before the people, precious jewels of light!’

Battle Creek by the way was a complete disaster period for the SDA church and Ellen White in particular.  But now we get interesting.  She finishes off by using the dream of a conversation with a dead man as her justification for not attending Battle Creek and the General Conference there.  Because...wait for it... THE LORD FORBIDS.

"I awoke. But this dream seemed so real. Now you can see and understand WHY I FEEL NO DUTY TO GO TO BATTLE CREEK for the purpose of shouldering the responsibilities in General Conference. I have NO DUTY to stand in General Conference. THE LORD FORBIDS ME. That is enough."
Letter 17, 1881, pages 2-4 (written to W. C. White, September 12, 1881), the White Estate, Washington, D.C., March 25, 1980.)

So Ellen G White, in addition to being a false prophet also a necromancer by speaking to the dead.  Here is what the bible says on this matter
There must never be found among you anyone who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, anyone who practices divination, an omen reader, a soothsayer, a sorcerer, one who casts spells, one who conjures up spirits, a practitioner of the occult, or a necromancer. Whoever does these things is abhorrent to the LORD and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is about to drive them out from before you. Deut 18:10-12, NET

‘A man or woman who has in them a spirit of the dead or a familiar spirit must be put to death. They must pelt them with stones; their blood guilt is on themselves.’ Leviticus 20:27 NET

They will say to you, “Seek oracles at the pits used to conjure up underworld spirits, from the magicians who chirp and mutter incantations. Should people not seek oracles from their gods, by asking the dead about the destiny of the living?” Then you must recall the LORD’s instructions and the prophetic testimony of what would happen. Certainly they say such things because their minds are spiritually darkened.  Isa 8:19-20 NET

Now lets look at some of her other prophetic visions and other assorted dreams.

References to her Planet prophecies

Ellen G White did not stick to biblical visions either. She had visions of having wings attached to her and being lead by God through the universe.  This next quote was not a direct vision from Ellen, but as recorded by her husband James and other witnesses Mrs Truesdail, Mr Curtis, Elder Bates

   Sister White was in very feeble health, and while prayers were offered in her behalf, the Spirit of God rested upon us. We soon noticed that she was insensible to earthly things. This was her first view of the planetary world. After counting aloud the moons of Jupiter, and soon after those of Saturn, she gave a beautiful description of the rings of the latter. She then said, 'The inhabitants are a tall, majestic people, so unlike the inhabitants of earth. Sin has never entered here.'" Taken from Mrs. Truesdail's letter, Jan 27, 1891. The letter was published in J.N. Loughborough's "The Great Second Advent Movement, pp. 260-261

At our conference in Topsham, Maine, last Nov., Ellen had a vision of the handy works of God. She was guided to the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and I think one more. After she came out of vision, she could give a clear description of their Moons, etc. It is well known, that she knew nothing of astronomy, and could not answer one question in relation to the planets, before she had this vision." James White, A Word to the Little Flock, p. 22

   One evening, at the conference above mentioned, at the house of Mr. Curtiss and in the presence of Elder Bates, who was yet undecided in regard to these manifestations, Mrs. White, while in vision, began to talk about the stars, giving a glowing description of rosy-tinted belts which she saw across the surface of some planet, and added, 'I see four moons.' 'Oh,' said Elder Bates, 'she is viewing Jupiter!' Then having made motions as though traveling through space, she began giving a description of belts and rings in their ever-varying beauty, and said, 'I see seven moons.'  Elder Bates exclaimed, 'She is describing Saturn.' Next she said, 'I see six moons,' and at once began a description of the 'opening heavens,' with its glory, calling it an opening into a region more enlightened." J.N. Loughborough, Great Second Advent Movement, p. 258

 At the time of her, "visions," the scientific community recognised that Jupiter had 4 moons Saturn had 7 moons and the other planet (probably Uranus) had 6 moons. (Neptune and Pluto was not discovered yet) so nothing existed in outside pluto except 'the heavens' where the stars are.  She mentioned the rings around Saturn and even people living there, but not Uranus's rings.

   EGW: "Science is ever discovering new wonders; but she brings from her research nothing that, rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation." Ellen G. White, Education, p. 128

Since EGWs vision was made,

• Jupiter - 67 moons identified- and even faint rings
• Saturn -  150 moons and moonlets (53 with formal names) identified - no living people have been found, or even one bacterial cell discovered.
• Uranus - 27 moons identified- and rings!

Regarding Salvation

Much can be gained on whether a particular individual is of God and listens to and/or teaches sound doctrine is to discover what they know about Salvation.  So here is what Ellen G White says on that matter compared with the Word of God.

EGW: "To obey the commandments of God is the only way to obtain (earn) His favor." (Testimonies, Vol. 4, p.28).

Now it is clear no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous one will live by faith. (Gal 3:11, NET)

Regarding Not sinning

Here is another comparison related to salvation.

EGW "To every one who surrenders fully to God is given the privilege of living without sin, in obedience to the law of heaven. God requires of us perfect obedience. We are to purify ourselves, even as he is pure. By keeping his commandments, we are to reveal our love for the Supreme Ruler of the universe." (Review and Herald, September 27, 1906, p.8). 

But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we do not bear the guilt of sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. 1Jn 1:7-9, NET

 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so that no one can boast. Eph 2:8-9, NET

Can do know you are saved?:

I often ask SDA members whether they know they are saved or not?  Sometimes I frame this as, "Do you know for certain that you have Eternal Life."  It surprised me that very few say they are assured of salvation.  Clues as to why can be seen in EGWs statements but this also comes across in the whole, "you must obey God's commandments," SDA doctrines.  But because they confuse the actual commandments of God, they are not really sure if they are or not.    Here is the root cause of their problem:

EGW "Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or feel that they are saved. Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves." (Christ's Object Lessons, p. 155).

What a profound statement.  So does it agree with scripture?

“I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears my message and believes the one who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life. (John 5:24, NET)

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1John 5:13, NET)

But there is more...

EGW "The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel sin…it will stand in the sanctuary until the final atonement." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p.357).

I will be blunt here because it needs to be said.  THAT STATEMENT IS HERESY!

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace (Eph 1:7, NET)

But if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:7, NET)

 No wonder SDA membes are not really sure they are saved or not.  One one hand, in their doctrine, the blood of Jesus does NOT clense, and secondly they must never admit or be introduced to the concept that they are actually saved.

SDAs have major issues regarding assurance of salvation because of their 1844 doctrine, regarding Jesus moving into the Heavenly Sanctuary (Holy of Holies) in 1844. This is known as the Investigative Judgement or (because it is Heavenly Santuary Doctine one of the pillars of the SDA beliefs.  This was EGWs invention to cover up her failed 1844 prophesy.  Even though this doctrine was deemed false by the 1919 General Conference, their coverup has perpetuated this lie and left SDAs in a state of doubt of salvation.  It saddens me that SDAs are not sure of salvation but are being kept in a state of continual judgement.

EGW: "I was shown that…the door was opened in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary, where the ark is, in which are contained the ten commandments. This door was not opened until the mediation of Jesus was finished in the holy place of the sanctuary in 1844. Then Jesus rose up and shut the door of the holy place, and opened the door into the most holy, and passed within the second veil, where he now stands by the ark." (Early Writings, p.42).

Compare that with scripture:

and he entered once for all into the most holy place not by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood, and so he himself secured eternal redemption.   (Heb 9:12, NET) 

To compound the confusion  - EGWs Shut Door Visions

Ellen G White's "Shut Door" visions are very embarrrasing for SDAs,  it is likely that the ordinary SDA member even knows about them.  The quotes come from a book authored by Ellen G, White, White's husband James White and Joseph Bates called "A Word To The Little Flock" (1847)  This was written shortly after the failed 1844 prophecies, during a period known to SDAs as "The Great Disappointment." (a play on EGW's book, "The Great Controversy." ).  However the legacy of these still seep within SDA doctrines to this day.

The Lord has shown me in vision, that Jesus rose up, and shut the door, and entered the Holy of Holies, at the 7th month 1844;  

August 22nd to be exact  -According to EGW! Now notice next why the SDAs are embarrassed...

My accompanying angel bade me look for the travail of soul for sinners as used to be. I looked, but could not see it; for the time for their salvation is past. EGW, Present Truth, Aug. 1, 1849

There is that accompanying spirit guide angel again.  Where she is talking about the famous Great Awakening revivals sweeping America at the time.

for we know that the Master of the house rose up in 1844, and shut the door of the first apartment of the heavenly tabernacle; and now we certainly expect that they will "go with their flocks," "to seek the Lord; but they shall not find him; he hath withdrawn himself (within the second vail) from them." The Lord has shown me that the power which is with them is a mere human influence, and not the power of God. EGW, Present Truth, Mar. 1, 1850

I saw that it did not in any way apply to this time--that we are now living in. Then I saw that Jesus prayed for his enemies; but that should not cause us to pray for the wicked world, whom God has rejected. When he prayed for his enemies, there was hope for them, and they could be benefited and saved by his prayers, and also after he was a mediator in the outer apartment for the whole world; but now his spirit and sympathy were withdrawn from the world; and our sympathy must be with Jesus, and must be withdrawn from the ungodly. I saw that God loved His people--and, in answer to prayers, would send rain on the just and the unjust--I saw that now, in this time, that he watered the earth and caused the sun to shine for the saints and the wicked by our prayers, by our Father sending rain upon the unjust while he sent it upon the just. I saw that the wicked could not be benefited by our prayers now--and although he sent it upon the unjust, yet their day is coming. Then I saw concerning loving our neighbors. I saw that the scripture did not mean the wicked whom God had rejected that we must love, but he meant our neighbors in the household, and did not extend beyond the household; yet I saw that we should not do the wicked around us any injustice--but, our neighbors whom we were to love, were those tho loved God and were serving Him.   EGW Camden Vision June 29, 1851

Right - lets get this clear!  In scripture, the Houshold includes the family and all those who work for them (ie, paid workers, servants and slaves - Gen 24:2, 36:6, 47:12, 50:7, 1Tim 3:12), while a neighour referred to all outside the household.  So since we belong to God's household (Gal 6:10, Eph 2:19) our neighbours are the sinners.

I notice that this "Little Flock" book is available in Amazon again, after 150 years!  However interestingly that the paper version credits Ellen G White, James White and Joseph Bates as co-authors.  But the Kindle version is credited to Ellen G White only.   So not much honesty there.

Also present in this Little Flock book is the bit she said immediately after her 1844 shutting the door in the 7th month.  This is what she said in full:

The Lord has shown me in vision, that Jesus rose up, and shut the door, and entered the Holy of Holies, at the 7th month 1844; but Michael’s standing up (Daniel 12:1) to deliver his people, is in the future.

Really!  So Michael that will come!  Yes, that is what Daniel says. But here Ellen says that Jesus must be still bogged down in the Holy of Holies reading books!  But they also say that Jesus comes back as King one day. Ellen G White did not believe that the Second coming would be physical.  So instead of Jesus returning, he will send a proxy instead.  But there is more to Ellen's statement  - Jesus is the Archangel Michael!  (See 'part one) ... and all the Jehovah's Witnesses applauded!  No wonder SDAs are confused.

My bible says that Jesus will come WITH the Archangel Michael, not AS the Archangel. (1 Thess 4:16)

Those of you following my series and have read my other material on SDAs will know that while the SDAs categorically deny this, that her attempted coverup has concocted a vast string of errors that pervade and strangle their doctrines.  For example, the Clear Word  (The SDA recommended 'paraphrase' of the bible for SDAs) in effect verifies this

When Christ descends from heaven as the Archangel, He will give a shout like a trumpet, which is God’s call to the dead, and those who died in Christ will rise first. 1Thess 4:16 (Clear Word)

Unbelievably!  This is what SDAs are reading in their "bibles!"  This is from Adventist Review

The most popular paraphrases are The Message, The Clear Word, and The Living Bible.  They succeed in making the Bible come alive to modern men and women....
The Clear Word is an 'Adventist' paraphrase, incorporating insights from Ellen White." Adventist Review March 16, 2006

The Living Bible is OK but the other two are dismissed by most scholars as poor paraphrases.

SDAs need to understand what cognitive dissonance is

Cognitive dissonance refers to a situation involving conflicting attitudes, beliefs or behaviors This produces a feeling of discomfort leading to an alteration in one of the attitudes, beliefs or behaviors to reduce the discomfort and restore balance etc.

 Cognitive dissonance was first investigated by Leon Festinger, arising out of a participant observation study of a cult which believed that the earth was going to be destroyed by a flood, and what happened to its members — particularly the really committed ones who had given up their homes and jobs to work for the cult — when the flood did not happen.
While fringe members were more inclined to recognize that they had made fools of themselves and to "put it down to experience", committed members were more likely to re-interpret the evidence to show that they were right all along (the earth was not destroyed because of the faithfulness of the cult members). Saul Mcleod

In cartoon form it looks like this (credit to Dilbert)

Credit: Scott Adams - Dilbert

[I feel another post coming on...but we need to move on]

This is just weird nonsense!

But I put this here because I have been getting pretty heavy and we need an intermission.

EGW: "All angels that are commissioned to visit earth hold a golden card, which they present to the angels at the gates of the city." (Early Writings p.39)

Why?  Where is this ever mentioned in scripture?  Are angels not sure who is an angel or a demon, or does God not know who beling to his heavenly host?

"Tea and coffee drinking is a sin, an injurious indulgence, which like other evils, injures the soul." (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 425, written in 1896).

Why?

"When these tea and coffee users meet together for social entertainment, the effects of their pernicious habit are manifest. All partake freely of the favorite beverages, and as the stimulating influence is felt, their tongues are loosened, and they begin the wicked work of talking against others." (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 423, written in 1890)
This will be news to SDAs.  

Science would disagree, Tea:

• Reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
• Protects against several types of cancer
• Provide equal or greater antioxidant power than many fruits and vegetables
• And, since tea is one of the few natural sources of fluoride, help prevent cavities.

She banned more than eating pork and bacon...

"I have not changed my course a particle since I adopted the health reform. I have not taken one step back since the light from heaven upon this subject first shone upon my pathway. I broke away from everything at once, from meat and butter, and from three meals. I left off those things from principle. I took my stand on health reform from principle." Testimonies, Volume 2, pp. 371-372).

Well that was a lie!

"A young man from Nova Scotia had come in from hunting. He had a quarter of deer. He had traveled 20 miles with this deer upon his back. He gave us a small piece of the meat, which we made into broth. Willie shot a duck which came in a time of need, for our supplies were rapidly diminishing." (Manuscript 11, 1873. Released by the Ellen G. White Estate, Washington, D.C., April 11, 1985; MR 14, p.353). 

Many SDAs here in Vanuatu know that she also banned shellfish, which is why they do not eat these including lobsters (locally called Naura).  So what about this...

"Mary, if you can get me a good box of herrings, fresh ones, please do so. These last ones that Willie got are bitter and old. If you can buy cans, say a half dozen cans of good tomatoes, please do so. We shall need them. If you can get a few cans of good oysters, get them." (Letter 16, 1882, dated May 31, 1882, from Healdsburg, California).

She also said this...

"No butter or flesh-meats of any kind come on my table." (Testimonies, Volume 2, p.487).

I know SDAs in Vanuatu who don't eat butter. (then again, the reason why most people (including SDAs) don't eat real butter because it is imported and expensive.  Most of us stick to Margarine)  Now if you recall the 'Spirit of Prophesy" talks that I mentioned in Part 1, that was chaired by A C Daniells.  You may like to hear what he said in that meeting

"I have eaten pounds of butter at her table myself, and dozens of eggs."A C Daniells, Bible Conference 1919

On eating Pork.  This is a favourite pasttime of SDAs worldwide - abstinance from Pig products.  First she rebukes the Curtis family for not eating pork - IF God... IF is is the duty of the Church.  Whatever happened to, "God has commanded us to....?"

EGW "If God requires His people to abstain from swine's flesh, He will convict them on the matter. He is just as willing to show His honest children their duty, as to show their duty to individuals upon whom He has not laid the burden of His work. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine's flesh, God will discover it to more than two or three. He will teach His church their duty." (Testimonies, Volume 1, p.206). 

Then she commands everyone not to eat pig.

EGW: "Never should one morsel of swine's flesh be placed upon your table." (Testimonies, Volume 2, p.3). 

And again...

EGW:"It is just as much sin to violate the laws of our being as to break one of the Ten Commandments." In other words, eating a slice of bacon is a sinful as committing adultery. And, "the use of swine’s flesh is contrary to his (God’s) express commandments". (Testimonies to the Church, Volume 2, pp.70,96; respectively).

But she also admits that pork is nourishing and strengthening!

EGW: "They who labor with their hands must nourish their strength to perform this labor, and those also who labor in the Word and doctrine must nourish their strength. They should eat of nourishing and strengthening food to build up their strength. I saw that your views concerning swine’s flesh would prove no injury to you if you have them to yourself; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test." (Testimonies, Volume 1, pp.206,207). 

Ellen's Husband James had this to say

"Some of our good brethren have added ‘swine's flesh’ to the catalogue of things forbidden by the Holy Ghost, and the apostles and elders assembled at Jerusalem. But we feel called upon to protest against such a course, as being contrary to the plain teaching of the holy scriptures. Shall we lay a greater ‘burden’ on the disciples than seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and the holy apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ? God forbid. Their decision, being right, settled the question with them, and was a cause of rejoicing among the churches, and it should forever settle the question with us." (The Present Truth, Vol. 1, November 1850, No. 11, "Swine's Flesh")

Despite this, and contrary to what scripture actually says, the SDAs 'Amazing Facts' booklet asks the question, "but I like pork, will God destroy me if I eat it?" The Answer?: "This may be shocking, but it is true and must be told. The Bible positively states that all that eat "swine’s flesh," the "mouse" and other unclean things will be destroyed with fire at the coming of the Lord."

Finally, and I put this here to demonstrate how false doctrines are easy to pick up in a cult, but the same doctrines are surfacing in teh evangelical community too.  It is with this one.

EGW: "It is a sin to be sick; for all sickness is the result of transgression." (Counsels on Health, p.37 and Health Reformer, August 1, 1866).

This is the same mantra as preached by Word of Faith evangelists now.  The likes of Hinn, Copeland, Osteen and the rest.
OK, I'm getting serious again, so intermission over, back to Testing the Spirits...

This denies the virgin birth

EGW: "All this displeased His brothers. Being older than Jesus, they felt that He should be under their dictation. His brothers, as the sons of Joseph were called, sided with the rabbis. They insisted that the traditions must be heeded, as if they were the requirements of God." (Desire of Ages, p.86,87).

If so then either Mary was not a virgin when Jesus was born which contradicts biblical prophesy

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isa 7:14, KJV)

Or Joseph was married before he married the virgin Mary.  Was he divorced and then married Mary?  If that were so, then why are they not mentioned when Joseph and Mary travelled to jerusalem before Jesus was born, or in their flight to Egypt, or their return to Nazareth?

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. (Matt 2:13, KJV)

So did they side with the Rabbis as EGW suggested?

Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother named Mary? And aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? (Matt 13:55, NET)

James became the Apostle James who wrote the New Testament book - James.  Judas (not Iscariot, the betrayer) wrote Jude.  

And did they side with the Rabbis in upholding the [Jewish ] traditions and requirements of God.    

(13)When they had entered Jerusalem, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. Peter and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James were there. (14)All these continued together in prayer with one mind, together with the women, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:13-14, NET

(18)Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and get information from him, and I stayed with him fifteen days. (19)But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother.  (Gal 1:18-19, NET)

It was James who said that works comes through faith.  That is, the evidence of faith is works, not the evidence of works is faith. But if you want to follow the Law, go ahead, but you must follow all the Law  - that is all 319 commandments. (James 2)

Regarding the Pope

EGW: "The infliction of the deadly wound points to the abolition of the papacy in 1798." 1888 Great Controversy

It wasn't abolished, so they adjusted her words.

EGW: "The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798." 1911 Great Controversy

Well that didn't happen either - did it!

This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of "the man of sin" foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's power - a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will."

"To secure worldly gains and honors, the church was led to seek the favor and support of the great men of earth; and having thus rejected Christ, she was induced to yield allegiance to the representative of Satan - the bishop of Rome ... Prophecy had declared that the papacy was to "think to change times and laws. (Daniel 7:25)" (E.G.White, The Great Controversy, pp.49-51)

So what do you make of this?:

General Conference representative Bert B Beach's encounter with the Roman Pontiff .  The SDAs are a member of the Christian World Communions, This was taken after a special luncheon at the Vatican." Review Nov. 8, 2001.

At the same gathering, Beach addressed the Pope (who they call the Antichrist) as "your Holiness!"  It is one thing to say that the pope (or at least the Papal Throne represents) the Antichrist, to which I have my own opinion on but won't declare that here, it is another to openly condemn a position, tell people they will burn in fire if they follow the so called Catholic Church's -  Mark of the Beast - decision to force Sunday Worship (more than one lie there) - and then to shake the hand and present a gift to the one who Ellen G White and SDAs call, "The Man of Sin," (Antichrist) and call him, "your Holiness," is another.  This is hypocracy at it's finest.   For the record, many famous preachers throughout the ages have made statements to the effect that the Papacy is the Antichrist - beginning with Martyn Luther as one would expect.

NOW TO ALL NI-VANUATU WHO READ THIS POST - PREPARE FOR A SHOCK

EGW "But if there was one sin above another which called for the destruction of the race by the flood, it was the base crime of amalgamation of man and beast which defaced the image of God, and caused confusion everywhere." (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p.64).

EGW "Every species of animal which God had created were preserved in the ark. The confused species which God did not create, which were the result of amalgamation, were destroyed by the flood. Since the flood there has been amalgamation of man and beast, as may be seen in the almost endless varieties of species of animals, and in certain races of men." (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 3, p.75).

(24)God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: cattle,creeping things, and wild animals, each according to its kind.” It was so. (25)God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the cattle according to their kinds, and all the creatures that creep along the ground according to their kinds. God saw that it was good.  (Gen 1:23-34, NET)

It is a known scientific fact that one species cannot produce offpring with another species.  And who are these "certain races of men" that she talks about? 

  EGW: In heaven there will be no color line; for all will be as white as Christ himself. Let us thank God that we can be members of the royal family." Ellen White, The Gospel Herald, March 1, 1901, para. 20.

That would make us not white then anyway, because Christ was a Jew born in Judea, he was probably of olive complexion!

"These visions teach that the Negro race is not human. This charge they deny, but we will let the reader decide for himself. Here is what she says; 'Since the flood there has been amalgamation of man and beast, as may be seen in the almost endless varieties of species, and in certain races of men.'—Sp. Gifts. Vol. 3, p. 75.  But what are we to understand by certain races of men? She has not informed us in her writings, but left us to fix the stigma of amalgamation where we may see fit. But the interpretation has come to light. She told it to her husband, and he made it known to Eld. Ingraham, and he divulged the secret to the writer, that Sister White had seen that God never made the Darkey."

Snook and Brinkerhoff, The Visions of E.G. White Not of God, Chapter 2.

EGW: "Opportunities are continually presenting themselves in the Southern States, and many wise, Christian colored men will be called to the work. But for several reasons white men must be chosen as leaders." Ellen White, Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 202.

EGW: "The Colored People should not urge that they be placed on an equality with White People." Ellen White, Testimonies Vol. 9, page 214, paragraph 3

Then comes the favourite cultic practice of doublespeak

EGW: "But there is an objection to the marriage of the white race with the black. All should consider that they have no right to entail upon their offspring that which will place them at a disadvantage; they have no right to give them as a birthright a condition which would subject them to a life of humiliation. The children of these mixed marriages have a feeling of bitterness toward the parents who have given them this lifelong inheritance. For this reason, if there were no other, there should be no intermarriage between the white and the colored race." Ellen White, Manuscript 7, 1896. Selected Messages Book 2, page 343, paragraph 2.

EGW: "You have no license from God to exclude the colored people from places of worship. Treat them as Christ's property, which they are, just as much as yourselves. They should hold membership in the church with the white brethren. Every effort should be made to wipe out the terrible wrong [slavery] which has been done them. At the same time we must not carry things to extremes and run into fanaticism on this question. Some would think it right to throw down every partition wall and intermarry with the colored people, but this is not the right thing to teach or practice." Ellen White, The Southern Work, p. 15.   

So not only is Ellen G White a false prophet, accused by her own people as a fraud, and also a necromancer, but she is also a racist one at that!

Recall above where reference was made to Ellen G White and Mormonism.  Well this is one reason why.  Here is what Brigham Young said (President of Mormon Inc when Ellen was 20 to 50 years old)

   You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind …. Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race—that they should be the ‘servant of servants’; and they will be, until that curse is removed; and the Abolitionists cannot help it, nor in the least alter that decree."(Journal of Discourses, 7:290)

Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 10, p. 110). 

And to think that SDA converts get baptized after agreeing publically to - Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy?
 
And finally a warning to everyone in Vanuatu - DO NOT GET BAPTISED AS AN SDA.  I won't stop you if you do - you are free to follow whatever religion you want.  That is your constitutiional right.  It is also my right to speak up - to rebuke, reproof and exhort where necessary.  But here is why (I have taken this from MM Outreach Inc. Their page on 'Facts SDAs won't tell you" makes interesting reading.

At the time appointed for the judgement - the close of the 2300 days, in 1844 began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins...both the living and the dead are to be judged "out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works". (Rev. 20:12".
People are never told at Seminars that if they become SDA's and are baptized, a recording angel is watching their every move to determine their salvation eventually. EGW issues this warning in The Faith I Live By, page 210,

Every man's work passes in review before God...Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered, with terrible exactness, every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel."

It's not much fun being an Adventist and being watched constantly by that recording angel with his "terrible exactness". Prepare to become very uptight.
Christians will say, "sure we slip sometimes into unintentional sin, but we have a mediator in Christ Jesus". No, you don't in Seventh-day Adventism. Be prepared for this SDA doctrine by Ellen G. White:

...Those who are living on the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling. Through the grace of God and their own diligent effort they must be conquerors in the battle with evil....". (The Great Controversy p. 425).

Obviously they have chosen EGW's doctrine over that stated in the Bible in Hebrews 7:25,

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them".

Where would we all be without Christ as our mediator, EVER making intercession for us?
Christ bore our own sins in his body on the tree according to the Bible. 1 Peter 2:24 says, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree...". Become a SDA, and it will be Satan who will eventually bear your sins! Ellen G. White wrote,

...so Christ will place all these sins upon Satan, the originator and instigator of sin...so Satan, bearing the guilt of all the sins which he has caused God's people to commit, will be for a thousand years confined to the earth, which will then be desolate...".(The Great Controversy p. 485).

 You won't hear this one at the Seminars! They keep their radical teachings for later.  So now for a passage of encouragement for those wavering betweent their Church and becoming SDA, consider this.

(19)Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,

(20)by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

(21)and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

(22)let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.

(23)And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess,

for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.  (Heb 10:22:19-23)

Do not be deceived my adopted country.  I love you all too much to see you fall to this false prophet.

So what conclusions have you drawn?  Is the founder of the SDA Church a true or a false prophet?  Is she is false, which I believe she is, and that her teachings run deep into SDA Doctrine, then can you accept this as a true Church?  As you read the above you may come to the conclusion that Ellen G White was a confused woman who contradicted scripture as well as herself.  You may also conclude that her failed prophecies have confused and made complex the SDA doctrines .... and you would be correct.

So let's look at a passage that is apt in the context of what Paul was talking about when he was sorting out issues in the Corinthian Church. Paul said this because there was a lot of pagan priestesses entering the Corinthian Church, bringing their priestly fashion with them.  These women were not saved, but were just going "to worship" this new god.  it is not a slur against women in particular but against women who had infiltrated their midst who were teaching false doctrines and mixing leaven with the dough.

(33)for God is not characterized by disorder but by peace. As in all the churches of the saints, (34)the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak. Rather, let them be in submission, as in fact the law says. (35)If they want to find out about something, they should ask their husbands at home, because it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church. (36)Did the word of God begin with you, or did it come to you alone? (37)If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, he should acknowledge that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. (38)If someone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.1Cor 14:33-38

Every SDA that gets baptised VOWS this

VOW 8: "Do you accept the Biblical teaching of spiritual gifts, and do you believe that the gift of prophecy in the remnant church is one of the identifying marks of that church?" (SDA Church Manual pp. 39, 40, 293.)

This gift of prophesy is stated here

Summary of Doctrinal Beliefs, Number 20. "The church is to come behind in no gift, and the presence of the gift of the Spirit of prophecy is to be one of the identifying marks of the remnant church. (I Cor. 1:5-7; 12:1-28; Amos 3:7; Hosea 12:10, 13; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.) Seventh-day Adventists recognize that this gift was manifested in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White." 

Now if you ask an SDA if they actually agreed to say "yes" to that question, they will deny recalling it being said.  This is because here in the South Pacific, an alternative baptismal vow is in place and since 2005, incorporating not 13 but three vows.  This speeds up baptisms but also introduces several convenient deceptions.

1. Do you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, :

 2. Do you accept the teachings of the Bible as expressed in the Statement of Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and do you pledge by God’s grace to live your life in harmony with these teachings?

3. Do you desire to be baptized as a public expression of your belief in Jesus Christ, to be accepted into the fellowship of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and to support the church and its mission as a faithful steward by your personal influence, tithes and offerings, and a life of service?"

I have no problem with the first one, but from there on it gets desceptive. The Statements of Fundamental Beliefs can be found on their website and include such things as adhering to the sabbath, etc.  The beauty of this vow is that their Statement of Fundamental Beliefs can change at will (which historically has happened) and must be accepted.  This is blind adherence and very cult like in practice.

Notice the clever use of the term, "faithful steward."  This term pops up in guilt trip sermons on giving. Fathfulness is a term that is used to mean tithes and how countries as a whole are measured by SDAs.  It is called the Global Tithe Index.  That is another post on day but you can check it out here.  It surprised me to find out that this is a reason why the SDAs love Vanuatu to much - they give more percent of tithes per capita than any other country in the South Pacific Division!  Beating its First World cousins, Australia and New Zealand.

See this for what it is - My friends, to those baptized by the SDA church, understand that you are not being baptized into Christ, you are being baptized into Ellen G White and into a series of Statements of Fundamental Beliefs.  Perhaps that explains why SDAs insist on rebaptizing Christians who are already baptized into Christ in other churches.  I would never rebaptize an AoG if they become a baptist, or a Churches of Christ member if they become AoG for example.  This gives you a clue that something is wrong.  The Mormons do the same.

This also from the SDA Church Manual of 1981 

Ministers Thoroughly to Instruct Candidates Previous to Baptism.
A minister should not present any candidate for baptism and church membership until he can satisfy the church by a public examination that the candidate has been well instructed and is ready to take such a step (see p. 61). In churches where frequent baptisms might reduce the significance of a public examination, an alternative plan should be observed. The minister's work is not completed until he has thoroughly instructed the candidates, and they are familiar with and committed to all fundamental beliefs and related practices of the church and are prepared to assume the responsibilities of church membership. Our churches should insist on the application of this as a guiding principle in the reception of new members. Our churches, through the church board, should insist that candidates be instructed individually and, in addition, wherever possible, that they be taught in a baptismal class. (SDA Church Manual 1981, p58

On that basis, the good news for the 3,000 baptised, is that according to their own instruction manual, new converts at this Last Empire Crusade are null and void.  Following a guilt trip was a mistake.  So if you were baptised at this event, it is not too late to REPENT, you are forgiven by Christ, return to your churches and seek the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

As I have stated before, and I state again.  Most SDA members are simple Christians who truly want to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.  Most do not know that they are ultimately living in a deception of massive proportions.  I believe that even the upper levels of leadership have no idea just how much deception they are under.   This is the evidence from top men who have left Mormon Inc and Watchtower Organisation.   There is enough evidence from ex SDA leaders that the same applies here. 
 
God Bless

Dan

BE SURE TO VISIT MY POST THAT SUMMARISES WHEN THE SDA CULT REALISED THAT ELLEN G WHITE WAS A FRAUD

As I was writing this - at this time on the radio they just started playing this great Frances J. Crosby hymn. (may God bless Calvary Chapel Radio! - please come to Vanuatu so I don't have to stream it!  We need solid teaching and praise here.)

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine;
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

3. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

AMEN!


....to be continued