A former member of the Highland SDA Church writes “Sabbath Thoughts” a couple times a month. These blog posts are meant to draw the reader closer to God and to encourage contemplation of various Christian topics.
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Stuff
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21 ESV). We will be moving in less than two weeks. As I pack up, I sometimes get so bogged down with stuff that I just…
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Muddy Waters
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). A few weeks ago, I told my Mom we had decided to put our cat, Princess Margaret, down. I listed off all the reasons why we thought it was…
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Robin
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20a ESV). While Virginia is under quarantine, Trinity Episcopal, where I work, has chosen to prerecord worship services. I studied Adobe Premiere Pro and how to use my cell phone for filming exactly a year…
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Barkley
“You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep going astray and ignore them. You shall take them back to your brother” (Deuteronomy 22:1 ESV). I’ve never been outdoorsy. I’m not a fan of bugs or wind…. or exercise… So you know the quarantine has gone on too long when I actually request to…
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Overcoming the Tyranny
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 ESV). I remember one time in church we were discussing jobs and the Sabbath. There are some jobs that must continue on Sabbath, especially things that are necessary to care for others. I remember…
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THINK
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3 ESV). I’ve struggled with what to do about gossip in my life. I like to chat with people and invariably one of us will bring up something about someone else. My personal success rate in realizing what…
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But Who Am I
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your…
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Belief
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 ESV). The Sabbath School lesson this week asked, “What are all the reasons…
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What You Don’t Say
“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright” (Proverbs 20:11 ESV). We decided to replace the failed chimney liner for the upstairs stove. The workers came and everything seemed to be good until we later lit a fire to test it out. Praise God for smoke…
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Heart Burn
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV). As I laid in bed at 3:30am contemplating life, I considered how blessed I am to have access to good medical care. Many of you know I went to the ER recently because of what I thought was food stuck…
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Jar of Manna
We are living in exciting times. Exciting isn’t necessarily a good word. It can also mean scary. Are you afraid? I’ll be honest with you: I am. I’m not afraid of the COVID-19 virus itself. I’m afraid for what I see happening in society. As I see all I have ever known begin to crumble…
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Before Time Began
“If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” (Matthew 18:12b ESV). Gratitude is something that I could and should write about every day! I know some days I don’t feel…