Hello Sitka

Sermon preached February 29, 2020 at the Sitka Seventh-day Adventist Church in the early days of the coronavirus in the US on the importance of giving God the best of our health.1 Corinthians 10:31—Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

My friends Donn Leiske and Andrew Rice of Radio of Life 104.7 FM and the North Cascades Seventh-day Adventist Church in Burlington, Washington interview Dr. Joyce Choe and Mercy Ballard of Years Restored Life Style Center regarding practical steps to boost the immune system in light of the current coronavirus pandemic.Links:Radio of Life 104.7 FM Skagit Valley Family Radio, a listener-supported station. There is an option to listen live via internet streaming.Years Restored Life Style CenterAutoimmune Recovery Plan online courseWholeness for Life with Dr. Joyce ChoeThe Autoimmune Plant Based Cookbook

Satan's first lie as recorded in Genesis 3 is "you will not surely die." It is the same lie that he has used to deceive the whole world (Revelation 12:9). The sermon, "The First Lie" was preached February 15, 2020 at the Sitka Seventh-day Adventist Church.A few texts on the state of the dead.Ecclesiastes 9:5–6Psalm 146:3–4Job 7:9–10Psalm 6:5These and other texts in the Bible teach that the dead do not know anything, they do not feel or harbor emotions and they do not return to their houses. But Ghosts do all of these things. From this, it is clear that Ghosts are not the spirits of dead people. In Revelation 12 (among other places) we learn of Satan's rebellion in heaven and that a third of the angels followed him in rebellion and became demons. Some of these demons masquerade as ghosts. Ghosts are demons and not the departed dead. The bible is clear on this.

Sermon Preached February 1, 2020 at the Sitka Seventh-day Adventist Church on John 12:20–29.

Chapter One of Prevailing Prayer: What Hinders if by D. L. Moody. The text was taken from Distributed Proofreaders where it is going through the rounds. Eventually, it will be posted to Project Gutenberg in the various formats. In the meantime, it is available there.

Edited audio of the sermon and communion service conducted at the Sitka Seventh-day Adventist church on January 25, 2020.

An ounce of prevention goes a long way in protecting against the flu.Avoid SugarGet adequate sleepDrink plenty of waterWash your handsIf I had followed this advice, I would not have gotten the flu!The text for Prevailing Prayer: What Hinders if by D. L. Moody was taken from Distributed Proofreaders where it is going through the rounds. Eventually, it will be posted to Project Gutenberg in the various formats. In the meantime, it is available there.

Sermon on the Lord's prayer.

On this day in history, January 10, 49 BC Julius Caesar defies the Roman Senate and crosses the Rubicon, uttering the phrase “the die is cast” signaling the start of the civil war which would lead to his appointment as Roman dictator for life. Since that time, the term “Crossing the Rubicon” has come to mean, the point of no return. Lucifer in heaven also came to a place of no return in his rebellion against God. The reading is from Patriarchs and Prophets by Ellen White.

This day in history January 9, 1839 The first photo process called Daguerreotype [da-gair-a-type] was announced at the French Academy of Science. The process did not use film or paper, but instead sheets of silver-plated copper. Exposers took from 5 to 60 seconds followed by a laborious development process. This, of course, was still a major improvement, for a person only had to sit for up to a minute for their portrait, as opposed to hours for their portrait to be painted. Now we have selfie sticks and smartphones and can snap a self-portrait in the go. Of course, caution is advised. One news report states that there are more selfie-related deaths annually than from shark attacks. And the average age and gender is the 21-year-old male.Jesus said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father."By beholding we become changed. // We become like what we look at.

This day in history January 8, 1790 1st US President George Washington delivered his 1st state of the union address.I reflect on George Whitefield, Moses and Christ who all spoke before large audiences without the aid of a microphone.The three angels' messages in Revelation are given with a loud voice.

This day in History January 7, 1714 The Typewriter was patented by Englishman Henry Mill, although it wasn’t built until many years later. Also in 1822 was the first printing took place in Hawaii. On this date in 1896 Fannie Farmer published her first cookbook entitled "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book"

On January 6, 1880 A Record snow cover of 120 cm was measured in Seattle. That is over 47 inches. As we are enjoying snow here in Sitka, it is a good time to mention Isaiah. In Isaiah chapter one, the prophet speaks of snow. Reading Isaiah 1:1-20.

Reflections on the Lord's Prayer

This day in history, January 4, 1954 Elvis Presley records a 10 minute demo in Nashville. In 1970 Beatles last recording session at EMI studios. Isaiah 53 from the New Living Translation

1521 Martin Luther is excommunicated by Pope Leo X from the Roman Catholic Church for failing to recant parts of his Ninety-five Theses which started the Protestant Reformation.Links: Distributed ProofreadersList of books by Merle d'Aubigné on Project Gutenberg for free download: Volume 2 of The History of the Reformation of the 16th Century: Several formats are available. Link to chapter 8. I began reading about 1/3rd of the way in

The episode was cut short due to a snowstormToday in History January 2, 1935 under the title murder of interest, the Bruno Hauptmann trial begins for the kidnap-murder of Charles Lindbergh's baby and in 1974 the 55 Mile Per Hour speed limit was imposed by Richard Nixon.Speed of prayerIsaiah 65:24 “Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”Quote from Desire of Ages 356-357It is Satan’s work to fill men’s hearts with doubt. He leads them to look upon God as a stern judge. He tempts them to sin, and then to regard themselves as too vile to approach their heavenly Father or to excite His pity. The Lord understands all this. Jesus assures His disciples of God’s sympathy for them in their needs and weaknesses. Not a sigh is breathed, not a pain felt, not a grief pierces the soul, but the throb vibrates to the Father’s heart. The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy intelligences, all waiting to do His will. Through channels which we cannot discern He is in active communication with every part of His dominion. But it is in this speck of a world, in the souls that He gave His only-begotten Son to save, that His interest and the interest of all heaven is centered. God is bending from His throne to hear the cry of the oppressed. To every sincere prayer He answers, “Here am I.” He uplifts the distressed and downtrodden. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. In every temptation and every trial the angel of His presence is near to deliver. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father’s notice. Satan’s hatred against God leads him to hate every object of the Saviour’s care. He seeks to mar the handiwork of God, and he delights in destroying even the dumb creatures. It is only through God’s protecting care that the birds are preserved to gladden us with their songs of joy. But He does not forget even the sparrows. “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Jesus continues: As you confess Me before men, so I will confess you before God and the holy angels. You are to be My witnesses upon earth, channels through which My grace can flow for the healing of the world. So I will be your representative in heaven. The Father beholds not your faulty character, but He sees you as clothed in My perfection. I am the medium through which Heaven’s blessings shall come to you. And everyone who confesses Me by sharing My sacrifice for the lost shall be confessed as a sharer in the glory and joy of the redeemed.

Celebration to all who have had birthdays in the last 13 months. Psalm 139Story from Laos.

This day in History December 31, 1781 the Bank of North America, the 1st US bank opens. This is before the end of the Revolutionary War. This day in 1907 was the first time that a ball drops in Times Square signalling the beginning of a New Year. In 1967 Evel Knievel fails in his attempt to jump the Caesar's Palace Fountain in Las Vegas, breaking his pelvis, femur, wrist, hip and both ankles.Preparing for the New Year.1. Count blessings—Praise2. Reflect on mistakes—Confess3. Pray for guidance in the new year—CommitPsalm 19.

This day in History December 30 A.D. 39, Titus was born, eventually having the full name of Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus. He was emperor of Rome from A.D. 79 to 81 but died of a fever at age 41 ending his short reign.I discuss the prophecies of Matthew 24 and their fulfillment—both the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 by Titus and the end-time prophecies.

Sermon on Balaam preached December 28, 2019 at the Sitka Seventh-day Adventist Church.Micah 6:5 “O My people, remember now what Balak king of Moab counseled, and what Balaam the son of Beer answered him, from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, that you may know the righteousness of the Lord.”Numbers 23:21 speaking of God it reads, “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel.” Although Israel had rebelled continuously, God did not see any wickedness in them. This is the righteousness of the Lord. The fact that sinners can be forgiven and that we may be clothed with the righteousness of Christ.Hebrews 8:12 “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”Micah 7:19 “He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.”Psalm 103:12 “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”Numbers 23:10Numbers 23:23Numbers 24:172 Peter 2:15

This day in History on December 28, 1972 Kim Il-song becomes president of North Korea. In 1975 "The Hail Mary" football play was born. And in 2012 Vladimir Putin signs into law a ban on US adoption of Russian children.From the famous Hail Mary pass I ask the question, who do we pray to for help.While Putin bans US adoption of Russian children, we are reminded the God has adopted us into His kingdom.

This day in History December 27, 1850 the Hawaiian Fire Department was established and in 1968 China performed a nuclear test at Lop Nor in the People’s Republic of China. For the Seahawks fans out there, in 1987 Steve Largent set the all-time NFL record for career catches when he catches his 752nd pass.From fire, I speak of Daniel's three friends in the firey furnace.Reflecting on Steve Largent's accomplishment in pass receptions I discuss Christ who has invited us to cast all of our cares upon Him.

Luke 21:25–26 and Psalm 49 both describe end time natural disasters but from a different perspective. Luke describes the reaction of the lost while Psalm 49 shows the reaction of faith.

Zacchaeus and Christmas.

This day in History, on December 24, 1865 Several Confederate veterans form the Ku Klux Klan in Pulaski, Tennessee. In 1943 US President FDR appoints General Eisenhower Supreme Commander of the Allied forces. In 1954 Laos gains its independence and in 1980 Americans remembered Iran hostages by shining lights for 417 seconds.Bitterness is a great evil. Ephesians 4:31 "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."Hebrews 12:14, 15 “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”Hymn: In Christ there is no east or west“In Christ there is no east nor west, in Him no south or north; but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth. In Him shall true hearts everywhere, their high communion find; His service is the golden cord, close binding all mankind. Join hands, then, brothers of the faith,What-e’er your race may be.Who serves my Father as a sonIs surely kin to me.In Christ now meet both east and west,In Him meet south and north;All Christly souls are one in Himthroughout the whole wide earth.

December 23, 1888 Vincent van Gogh cuts off his left ear with a razor, after an argument with fellow painter Paul Gauguin. He sends the ear to a prostitute for safe keeping. Mental healthOn this date in 1975 Republican President Gerald Ford signed the Metric Conversion Act into law which declared that the metric system be, quote, "the preferred system of weights and measures for United States trade and commerce”. Daniel 5 and the handwriting on the wallOriginally broadcast on KQQS 89.3 FM Sitka

Christmas Sermon preached Sabbath December 21 in the Sitka Seventh-day Adventist Church.Originally Broadcast on KQQS 89.3 FM Sitka.

December 21, 1915, 10.17" of rainfall fell in Glenora, Oregon setting a state record.As it was in the days of NoahI mistakenly attribute the death of Germon scientist Alzheimer to this date in 1915.Story of women who memorized the Bible

This day in History December 20, 1790 the 1st successful US cotton mill began spinning yarn in Rhode Island.Two hundred years later in 1990 The world's first website and server go live at the CERN research facility in Switzerland.Prayer of Nehemiah

On this day in History December 19, 1835 The HMS Beagle with Charles Darwin aboard arrives in New Zealand. Darwin’s original claim quoted: “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed, which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down. But I can find no such case.”Based on that, if Darwin were alive today, he wouldn't be an evolutionistSunday is a symbol of humanism and the Pope has been active in promoting both Sunday sacredness and a "New Humanism".Continued prayers for North KoreaThoughts on prayer from Hebrews 11:1–6

This day in History in 1997 HTML version 4.0 is published by the World Wide Web Consortium.The HTML standards have been changed many times over but God's commandments have not changed.

December 17, 1791 A New York City traffic regulation creates the 1st 1-way street. Which direction am I facing on the two-way road between heaven and hell?In 1798 1st impeachment trial against a US senator (William Blount, of Tennessee) begins. No comment.In 1900 100,000 francs is offered as a first prize for communications with extraterrestrials. Martians are excluded because they are considered too easy.Isaiah 8:20In 1986 Mrs Davina Thompson makes medical history by having the 1st heart, lung & liver transplant at Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, England.Ezekiel 36:26–271 Corinthians 15:51–58Continued prayers for North Korea

This day in history in December 16, 1707 was the Last recorded eruption of Mount Fuji in Japan.1773 the Sons of Liberty protesters threw tea shipments into Boston harbour in protest against the British imposed Tea Act in what is known as the Boston tea party.Two boxing matches1918 Jack Dempsey KOs Carl Morris in 14 seconds. 1940 Joe Louis defeats Al McCoy in 5 rounds for heavyweight boxing title in Boston, Massachusetts before a crowd of over 13,000. 1 Corinthians 4:91 Corinthians 9:24–27Ephesians 6:10–20

This day in history 533 Byzantine General Belisarius defeats the Vandals, under King Gelimer, at the Battle of Ticameron. In 1791 US Bill of Rights ratified when Virginia gives its approval, becomes amendments 1-10 of the US constitution. 1792 1st life insurance policy issued in US (Philadelphia). 1840 Napoleon Bonaparte receives a French state funeral in Paris 19 years after his death.Christmas sermon on the birth of Jesus.Scriptures used in sermon:Genesis 1:1Ps 100:3Isa 40:6Colossians 1:15–16Hebrews 1:1–21 Corinthians 8:6John 1:1–4, 10, 14, 472 Corinthians 8:9Hebrews 2:16–18Hebrews 4:14-16John 5:30Closing Hymn: What Child is This

1656. First artificial pearls. They were made of gypsum pellets covered with fish scales.Matthew 13:56-57: Parable of the Pearl of Great Price1882 Henry Morton Stanley returns to Brussels from the Congo.Dr. Livingstone, I presume2 Corinthians 5:14-15—The love of Christ inspired the early missionaries to face hardship in spreading the gospelQuote from Christ's Object LessonsIn the parable, the pearl is not represented as a gift. The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord’s, to be consecrated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price. Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is to be bought and sold. In the market of which divine mercy has the management, the precious pearl is represented as being bought without money and without price. In this market all may obtain the goods of heaven. The treasury of the jewels of truth is open to all. “Behold, I have set before thee an open door,” the Lord declares, “and no man can shut it.” No sword guards the way through this door. Voices from within and at the door say, Come. The Saviour’s voice earnestly and lovingly invites us: “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.” Revelation 3:8, 18. The gospel of Christ is a blessing that all may possess. The poorest are as well able as the richest to purchase salvation; for no amount of worldly wealth can secure it. It is obtained by willing obedience, by giving ourselves to Christ as His own purchased possession. Education, even of the highest class, cannot of itself bring a man nearer to God. The Pharisees were favored with every temporal and every spiritual advantage, and they said with boastful pride, We are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing”; yet they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17. Christ offered them the pearl of great price; but they disdained to accept it, and He said to them, “The publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31. We cannot earn salvation, but we are to seek for it with as much interest and perseverance as though we would abandon everything in the world for it. We are to seek for the pearl of great price, but not in worldly marts or in worldly ways. The price we are required to pay is not gold or silver, for this belongs to God. Abandon the idea that temporal or spiritual advantages will win for you salvation. God calls for your willing obedience. He asks you to give up your sins. “To him that overcometh,” Christ declares, “will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Revelation 3:21. There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost.”Originally Broadcast on KQQS 89.3 FM Sitka.

December 13, 2003 Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is captured by US forces near his home town of Tikrit, during Operation Red Dawn. In 1993 Dow Jones hits a record at 3764.43. In 1961 American painter, Grandma Moses, dies at age 101.She started painting at age 76. Never too late to make important changes in life.For any flat earthers out there, I would love to go 50/50 on a pizza with you and listen to how you explain Sir Francis Drake’s voyage to circumnavigate the world which he began on this date in 1577.Continued prayer for North KoreaOriginally broadcast on KQQS 89.3 FM Sitka.

In honor of Otto Warmbier whose birthday it was today, we launch 10 days of prayer for North Korea.

This day in history December 11, 1930 The Bank of the United States in New York City failed. It was the 28th largest commercial bank in the country at the time.On this day in 1936 King Edward the 8th announced in a radio broadcast that he is abdicating the British throne to marry Wallis Simpson.And in 1941 Germany & Italy declared war on the United States, the Japanese attacked Wake Island and the Japanese began the occupation of Guam.I briefly touch on Christ's prophecy of the end of time in Matthew 24.In contemplation of King Edward's abdication, I ask the question, what am I willing to give up because of love?In memory of the bank failure I read James 5:1-12 which I believe is a prophecy of economic collapse before the end.

This day in history. 220 years ago today, December 10, 1799 the metric system was first used in France and on December 10, 1520 Martin Luther publicly burned the papel edict demanding he recant his views on justification by faith.In memory of Martin Luther, I read Romans 5:6-11; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:18, 31-39 and Galatians 1:3-4.I read Isaiah 40 for the word "span" a non-metric measure word.

The prophetic significance of General Belisarius along with words of encouragement.Hello Sitka! Episode number 1 broadcast on KQQS 89.3 Sitka on my first official day as interim pastor of the Sitka Seventh-day Adventist Church. On December 9, 536 A.D. Byzantine General Flavius Belisarius entered Rome. General Belisarius was influential in several events prophesied in Daniel chapter 7, namely, he helped conquer the Ostrogoths and Vandals, two of the "horns" that were to be removed. He also helped to establish Pope Vigilus on the papal throne in 538 A.D. beginning the 1260 years of papal rule predicted in bible prophecy.Here is the text of the anonymous quote:Prayer is the answer to every problem in life. It puts us in tune with divine wisdom, which knows how to adjust everything perfectly. Too often we do not pray in certain situations because from our standpoint the outlook is hopeless. But nothing is impossible with God. Nothing is so entangled that it cannot be remedied; No human relationship is too strained for God To bring about human reconciliation and understanding; No habit so deep-rooted that it cannot be overcome; No one is so weak that he cannot be strong. No one is so ill that he cannot be healed. No mind is so dull that it cannot be made brilliant. Whatever we need if we trust God, He will supply it. If anything is causing worry or anxiety, let us stop rehearsing the difficulty and trust God for healing, love, and power. Into the experience of all there comes times of Keen disappointment and utter discouragement--days when sorrow is the portion and it is hard to believe that God is still the Benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God's providences, We should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, And new faith would spring into being.