Beacon Herald - Somerset SDA Church

SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
The
Beacon Herald
September 2016
Issue No. 3
Pastoral
Damon Hendrickson
We live in a world where shooting unarmed people in a supposed civilized and free country is happening with more and more frequency and regularity by the very persons who are charged with
serving and protecting them, with little to no repercussions felt by those perpetrating these heinous
acts. We live in a world where freedom of speech is seemingly an illusion as more and more people
who speak up and speak out against the social ills that plague many countries find themselves on
the wrong side of injustice. We live in a world where xenophobia, racism, classism and sexism are
adamantly talked against but are still exercised, instituted and practiced in many sectors of the
community. We live in a world where the haves ensure that they have while at the same time ensuring that the have nots continue to have not. We live in a world where planes are shot down and
no one is brought to justice for it and bombs can be planted and set off in major cities and nothing
can be done to stop it. We live in a world where someone can get a high school diploma, an undergrad degree and a graduate degree and still find themselves unemployed living below the poverty
line scratching and clawing just to make an end. We live in a world where it appears that media outlets are more concerned with reporting the bad news and pushing negative storylines while all the
while ignoring the frequent and regular good deeds that are going on.
It would seem that the more we look at the world around us, the more apparent it is that negativity
and uncertainty appear to be the currency of the day, and as the realization of the realities that we
now face set in more and more, people find it harder and harder to have any hope. Yet, it’s my personal belief that in light of the overwhelming onslaught of despair and discouragement that the
current state of the world may put us in we still have to have a belief in hope. Hope that a better
day is going to come, hope that soon and very soon Michael will stand up (Dan. 12:1), hope that one
day the Lord Himself shall descend (1st Thess. 4:16), hope that the Lord is coming quickly and He’s
bringing His reward with Him (Rev. 22:12). In spite of all that is going on right now in the world today, the wars and rumors of wars, the pestilence and the tribulations, the lawlessness and the love
of many that will grow cold (Matthew 24) we are assured to have hope and our hope is grounded in
the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
So in this season where the world seems more and more tempestuous and more and more rebellious, we have to be more and more bold in our proclamation of hope. So let’s determine in our
minds that we will be hope dealers, giving people hope in a world of hopelessness, sharing with our
friends and family the message of hope found in knowing Jesus Christ, and living a life that will reveal hope to all we come in contact with.
Pastor D
Page 2
SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
The Elders’ Voice - Albert Ratteray
“THREE PARTS OR CORDS OF A ROPE”
There is a proven fact that a good
rope will have three cords twisted or
wrapped together. These cords are wrapped
around each other making one rope. Boatmen love these types of ropes because they
are looking for a sure, safe haven when using their rope or when they are looking to
hold something together.
Just recently I attended a wedding
where the Pastor’s reference for marriages
to stay strong is for the couple to invite God
as the third partner in their union for life.
So in their union it would be the husband,
the wife and God. This would make three
cords in this marriage union. The biblical
base would be the foundation for a life of
happiness. As I reflected on this statement
making God a part of their marriage union, I
asked myself, what about the Christian?
How can they keep their relationship strong
with God? What was the source of Jesus’
success as He walked the earth and finally
became the Savior of the world?
In this article I have three suggestions that will assist us as we live day by day
looking for the promises shared in the Bible.
 Submit daily to God through Jesus
Christ and allow His spirit to reign
supreme in your life.
 Read your Bible
 Meditate/Pray throughout the day
There can be no greater joy in rising
up early in the morning and starting the day
with your Creator. The foundation will be
the base of future success in our ability to
reflect the character of God. Total submission is opening the door of our mind and
heart to the leading of God. Revelations 3:
20 “I stand at the door and knock. If anyone
hears my voice and opens the door, I will
come in…” Opening the door of our heart to
Jesus in a daily experience steadies us for
the next step.
There is an old song that says, “read
your Bible, pray every day and you will
grow, grow, grow!!!” There are some different ways we can read the Bible and for this
article, I would like to suggest a few: Read
the Bible in story form, and as a daily devotion, or in topical subjects. And there are
many great helps like devotion books
written to assist your study needs. When I
first started searching the Bible, I found a
book called Bible Reading for the Home
which was very enjoyable to assist with my
topical study. I still enjoy reading the Bible in
story form. Some of those stories make you
smile when reflecting on back then and life
today. Have you ever set and read Desire of
Ages? I will come back to these readings
further down in this article.
If I was to follow Daniel’s example
in the Bible, I would pray three times a day
morning, noon and night. When Daniel
knew that the document had been signed,
he went to his house where he had windows
in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a
day and prayed and gave thanks before his
God, as he had done previously. Daniel 6:10
ESV. If I would follow Jesus Christ’s example
then there will be some all-nights spent in
prayer. One of those days Jesus went out
to a mountainside to pray, and spent the
night praying to God. Luke 6:12
The last part that we will look at is
meditation. I am not referring to a worldly
meditation where the thought is internal
and on self. I refer to the meditation of the
heart that reflects on Christ all day or as we
say moment by moment. This part of our
daily journey requires us to think on God’s
blessings in our life and thinking on the
readings and the devotionals that will carry
us through. May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart be pleasing
in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14.
Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 3
Dear Lord,
Bless the families that worship in this house.
Keep them strong and healthy.
Keep them safe and prosperous.
Cover the entire congregation from the children to adults.
Come down from heaven Lord,
With your almighty power Lord,
Shower them with your favor Lord,
Please bless the families that worship in this house.
SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
Page 4
God’s Ideal for the Family … The Walkers
Is there a plan for the family? If so
what is it and have we strayed away from
it?
We don’t need to look very far to
see families are in crisis, whether it’s within the church or outside the church. Oh
how it must pain our heavenly Father to
see that something He designed to be a
blessing has become the center of discord, discontent and brokenness. The
family and home should be the first place
in which we demonstrate discipleship in
winning souls to Christ. If we cannot win
those entrusted to our care how can we
expect to win others.
The importance of character training: Since character is the only thing we
take with us to heaven, we see why the
building up of it is so important to God. In
the book Education p. 225 it states that,
“Character building is the most important
work ever entrusted to human beings;
and never before was its diligent study so
important as now. Never was any previous generation called to meet issues so
momentous: never were young men and
young women confronted with perils, so
great, as confront them today.” Also, in
Child Guidance p. 193, it states “The first
years are vital to the building up of Christlike character, this is the time that a
child’s mind is most susceptible to impressions either for good or evil.”
God gave us the commission to
“Train up a child in the way he should go
and when he is old he will not depart
from it” Prov. 22:6. There is a lot in this
world that will distract and degrade the
character of young ones and God saw that
this would happen so He gave the blueprint to follow. The important thing to
know is that Christ is our example and He,
from childhood to manhood followed the
instructions given. Ps 119:1-3 gives us the
blueprint “Blessed are the undefiled in
the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Blessed are they that keep His testimonies
and that seek Him with the whole heart.
They also do no iniquity: they walk in His
ways.” The strength for character building
is seen a few verses later of the same
chapter in verses 9, 11 “wherewithal shall
a young man cleanse his way? By taking
heed thereto according to thy word… Thy
word have I hid in mine heart that I might
not sin against thee.” God does not call us
up to higher ground without providing the
means for us to do so. We have His precious promises in His word. Christ exemplified this as a child when dealing with
His family, friends or even the priests, He
was always “about His Father’s business”
and ready to answer with an “It is
written.”
Satan is on the war path and he is
seeking to devour us through the breakdown of the family. Our only safeguard is
to hide God’s word in our heart and seek
to please Him only. Strong families build
strong churches which build strong communities.
We have the promises and we can
see from Christ’s life the why and how of
character training. Understanding that
everyone in the family unit has to grab
hold of these promises is the key to
building stronger families. The family circle is to be strengthened by each member and our endeavor in the Family Life
Department is to follow the blueprint
and to aid and encourage others to also
come up higher to strengthen our characters.
Page 5
Volume 1, Issue 3
How to Pray
Matthew 6:10-13
P
R
PRAISE for who He is.
for what He has done.
OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BE THY NAME.
REPENT of sins I have committed.
of commands I have neglected.
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS.
A
ASK for the needs of others.
for my needs.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD AND LEAD US NOT INTO
TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
Y
YIELD my will to God’s will.
My agenda to God’s agenda for me.
THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN
HEAVEN. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE
GLORY, FOR EVER. AMEN.
SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
Page 6
Stewardship, Pt. 2 … Trescot Wilson
The idea of systematic giving also sharpens recognition of the constancy of the
needs of the church and the world. These needs are as constant as my needs.
The provision for God's work should be as frequent as my provision for myself.
That is why David reminds the church in 1 Chron. 29:14, that every gift comes
from God and returning a portion is not difficult.
"He has ordained that giving should become a habit, that it may counteract
the dangerous and deceitful sin of covetousness. Continual giving starves covetousness to death. Systematic benevolence is designed in the order of God to
tear away treasures from the covetous as fast as they are gained and to consecrate them to the Lord, to whom they belong."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 548.
Systematic Benevolence: A blessing to All
The Apostle Paul’s advise to those who are "rich in this world possessions" is
capture in 1 Tim. 6:16,19 "That they do good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for
themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay
hold on eternal life." Notice that an important objective of systematic benevolence is to help the believer in the development of Christian character. "God
planned the system of beneficence, in order that man might become like his
Creator, benevolent and unselfish in character, and finally be a partaker with
Christ in the eternal, glorious reward."—Counsels on Stewardship, page 15.
Systematic giving is a blessing to you and a blessing to your fellowmen.
God cannot save a person who gives only a fraction of his life to Him. He is
seeking to develop the whole man. "God's providence has arranged the entire
plan of systematic benevolence for the benefit of man. His providence never
stands still. If God's servants follow His opening providence, all will be active
workers."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 399. Paul's life was a living demonstration of
continual giving, (2 Cor. 12:15). He even welcomed death as the fulfillment of
service. Therefore, the personal question for us today is, in what ways have I
been blessed as a result of faithfulness in giving systematically?
Ellen White said, "I saw that in the arrangement of systematic benevolence,
hearts will be tested and proved. It is a constant, living test. It brings one to
understand his own heart, to see whether the truth or the love of the world
predominates. Here is a test for the naturally selfish and covetous. They
will put down their possessions at very low figures."—Testimonies, Vol. 1,
p. 221.
Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 7
Note: This last sentence refers to the plan recommended in Adventist papers in the early 1860's of making
contributions to the cause on property holdings, as well as income, as though these properties increased
in value at a rate of 10 percent annually, the going rate for money in savings accounts. See SDA Encyclopedia, page 1287.
"The plan of systematic benevolence will prove a safeguard to every family against temptations to spend
means for needless things, and especially will it prove a blessing to the rich by guarding them from indulging in extravagances."— Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 412.
Principle of giving Jesus emphasize.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running
over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Here Jesus lays down a principle which holds true whether it be judging another or giving an offering. We
receive as we have given.
Jesus is seeking to develop a church that gives liberally of what it has for the purposes of God. A church
that is giving the most is receiving the most from God. "Those churches who are the most systematic and
liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually. True liberality in the follower of
Christ identifies his interest with that of His Master." —Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 405. Working churches are
spiritually strong. A body that does not follow God's instructions for healthful living is weaker than one
that does, and a working, giving, sharing church is much stronger than one that refuses to give.
"The spiritual health and prosperity of the church is de- pendent in a great degree upon her systematic
benevolence. It is like the lifeblood which must flow through the whole being, vitalizing every member of
the body. It increases love for the souls of our fellow men; for by self-denial and self- sacrifice we are
brought into a closer relationship to Christ, who for our sakes became poor."—Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 405.
Blessings I recognize in my church as the result of our members' faithfulness?
"God is leading His people in the plan of systematic benevolence, and this is one of the very points to
which God is bringing up His people which will cut the closest with some." —Testimonies, Vol. 1, p. 191.
"Every true Christian will develop in his life the characteristics of this divine love; he will reveal a spirit of
forbearance, of beneficence, and a freedom from envy and jealousy. This character developed in word
and act will not repulse, and will not be unapproachable, cold, and indifferent to the interests of others.
The person who cultivates the precious plant of love will be self-denying in spirit, and will not yield selfcontrol even under provocation. He will not impute wrong motives and evil intentions to others, but will
feel deeply over sin when discovered in any of the disciples of Christ."—Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 123.
Adapted from: SS1 Stewardship-04.pdf -1973
SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
Page 8
Away at University … Khaeljah Burgess
Becoming a university student, away from home was a big step, but for me, it was an easy and
exciting step. Having the sense of independence, not only being a university student, is what the
experience is all about. It became a time when I started to find myself, focus on the most important things, and start to figure out solutions to simple life problems.
In university, no week is the same. One week I would be excited for school and the next day I’ll
wish that I could just pay for my degree. However, even though those types of days are the days I
hate the most, they are the same days when I become motivated all over again because I have
my goal in mind.
As a psychology major, Bermuda becomes my third home, Nottingham, UK becomes my second
home, while the school Library takes first place. With nearly 16,000 words for research papers &
3 examinations with 2 months of preparation completed, and coming home at a usual 4 o’clock in
the morning, I practically live in the library. But, that is university and I love every bit of it, even
those days I feel like I cannot do it.
But the most important part of my university experience, is getting closer to God. I have never
prayed and trusted God so much until now. Being in university and being more or less alone, has
helped me realize that God is always with me. I have seen blessings upon blessings, the impossible becoming possible over and over again whilst being in university, and it has just made my
faith grow! My motto is simply to have a sedulous and praying attitude always, which has not
failed me yet. Even when the struggles of school, or general life problems arise, I always remind
myself that God allows everything to happen for a reason! Staying calm, sedulous and having a
continuous praying attitude, by not only asking God for help but also thanking him, not only his
blessings but also the situations He’s put me through to make me stronger, is KEY. Calmness, Sedulousness and Prayer are my keys to the university experience, but will stick with me for the rest
of my life, because that’s what university is all about, learning!
Some Advice for Students
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Be as organized as possible! A to-do list works wonders!
Don’t procrastinate! To help me, I have a weekly and hourly schedule for all my school work!
For University students, try and only buy clothes to reward yourself after you finish a big
paper or test. It saves money because your not binge shopping and it’s a rewarding feeling!
Always have your end goal in mind! Its so easy to want to give up, but staying motivated and
thinking of the end reward is key!
Do a recreational or extracurricular activity, or join the gym! It’s a great way to give your
mind a break! Just have fun!
Pray about and for everything! I CANNOT stress it enough! Pray for the good and bad situations, the smallest to the biggest! And thank God for everything!
Always have a positive attitude! Not everything will go your way, such as grades. But remember everything happens for a reason, so always stay calm, be positive, and do your best!
Make friends! You don’t have to try and become best friends, but having good company is
honestly, needed! Being away from home for some people can be hard sometimes, so surrounding yourself with people from different backgrounds and sometimes even the same
background as you, makes university not only easier, but fun!
Volume 1, Issue 3
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SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
Page 10
A Young Adult’s Perspective …
Illusions, Pt. 1
Elyssa-June Smith
Illusions. Have you ever been involved in one, or seen one? If your answer is ‘no’,
then I’m sorry to have to tell you this but, you’ve been duped - your whole life! We’re all actors in an overly glamourized sold out magic show every day; since before the day we were
even born! It’s an illusion that has been crafted and thought out so well, so meticulously, that
the vast majority of its cast members (human beings) are completely unaware that; 1) they’re
even starring in the show and 2) that they’re used daily to keep the show running. This deception has brought about the gravest and longest battle humanity has ever faced, it’s the battle
between good and evil. So, who’s the culprit of this mass deception and destruction of the
world? Satan. 1
Sounds a little too extreme right? Us Christians are always blaming the devil for bad
things, isn’t God the one who comes up with these things and lets them happen to us? Bear
with me and let’s take a deeper look into a few word meanings.
What are the definitions of an illusion?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
“something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality.
the state or condition of being deceived; misapprehension
an instance of being deceived
the act of deceiving; deception; delusion
Psychology. a perception, as of visual stimuli (optical illusion) that represents
what is perceived in a way different from the way it is in reality.” 2
Now let’s look at the definitions of an illusionist:
1) “a conjurer 3 or magician who creates illusions, as by sleight of hand. 4
2) an adherent 5 of illusionism."
Are you beginning to really see who this being is and what his true character and motives are all about? Not yet? Okay, well, here are some examples of illusions that I encounter
every day.
TV - Some will call it, ‘tell-lie-vision’ because the majority of the content shown on it
(news, advertisements, TV shows, movies, music videos, etc.) are completely fraudulent or
fictional. In other words it’s all FAKE or heavily exaggerated. Come on, you know what I’m
referring to! The industry will use phrases and words such as, “Based on a true story”,
“creative licence”, “This film has been adapted…”, “Reality TV”, “inspired by a true story”,
“dramatized”. Then on the opposite spectrum you have those infamous disclaimers that are
shown right before your favourite Law & Order or CSI (legal or investigative TV show) episode
that states, “The following story is fictional and does not depict any actual person or event”.
Which basically means that, the story is based on a true event/case, but to protect the studio
and writers they may choose to leave details of the story out i.e. revise / re-write the script.
For parts that are too dull or close to the actual story – they may dramatize it a bit to spice
things up, or they may change the characters names and/or cast actors to look nothing like the
people who the storyline is based on, to create a more glamorous and epic film.
Then in between these programmes we’re interrupted by those pesky little irritants,
known as, commercials. As if the devil didn’t have us engrossed enough in these highly DRAMATIZED and extremely EDITED 6: TV shows, movies and music videos, he’s infiltrated and used
the industry/art of Marketing to not just show us what we could have, but to tell and convince
Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 11
us that we NEED to buy whatever he’s selling. And we all fall into this belief of deception on a daily basis. It’s the conviction
that is so engrained in our minds that, we must have whatever the devil is selling, to ‘better’ our miserable, sappy, sorry lives!
The devil is not dumb; remember he is an illusionist! He is highly skilled in the art of deception and in fact, is the founder of it!
So, even if parts of what is said or advertised (‘fed’) to the audience (us watching, reading and/or listening) is true, it is not the
whole truth. People have created tools (technologies) to re-touch and edit ANYTHING, to make something appear more or less
‘realistic’, which is still unrealistic. This has severe effects on people’s mental, physical, and spiritual health, because they are
striving to reach a specific image that is unrealistic: monetarily, physically, emotionally and/or spiritually! Specifically within
the social media and ‘app’ sectors, the devil doesn’t even have to work hard to incite a covetous attitude; it is drilled into everything that we do! Through the illusion of TV, music, radio, the web, cell phones (i.e. media platforms), he can tell us how:
ugly/pretty, healthy/unhealthy we look, how rich/poor we are and how happy/unhappy we feel about our lives – he can tell us
anything he wants and unfortunately because our minds have been so deluded by his illusions for so long, we believe his lies!
Here’s part of an interview The Economist conducted with renowned, author and Marketer, Seth Godin, entitled ‘How Marketers Will Win’.
“EIU: So if the marketer isn't pushing out a message through those channels, what is marketing doing with them? You
say that word will get out. What's the marketer's role in getting the word out?
Seth Godin: Their role is coming up with an experience, an environment, a service, a product, that people can't help
talking about, and then consistently delivering on that.
Customers decide whether you're real
Say you start a real boutique hotel. Then you make sure the right people are staying there in the first few weeks.
Word gets out among their circle of friends, who talk to the next circle and the next, and the hotel is sold out. Or you
can start a fake boutique hotel, which Hyatt Hotel is trying to do. You skip all those steps and make it look like a boutique hotel. And then you're puzzled and surprised when there isn't a line out the door.
The reason there isn't a line out the door is that the people you were hoping to connect with can tell that it's not a real
boutique hotel.” 7
Do you see how deliberate and strategic the art of ‘marketing’ is? The devil has planned this out masterfully. He thought of:
the experience (sin – something everyone on this earth can relate to and experiences because we are born into it), the environment (a world full of sinful people looking to fill their voids with their desires i.e. the other ‘actors’ in the play, who are all
sinners), the services (channels, objects/things, people – anything to keep us deceived and distracted with our own sins vs.
God’s truth and love) and the product (Us! Our souls! They are up for grabs by the devil and his advocates). What’s the end
result? We accept sin as our first nature and choose to follow Satan and love ourselves/desires of sin above Jesus. However, I
thank God that the Lord is also in the soul seeking business. Furthermore, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to be the CEO,
CFO, President, V.P. accountant, administrator etc. to promote, operate and execute His MASTER PLAN, the ‘Soul Saving’ ministry! (John 3:17; 1 John 4:14; 1 Timothy 1:15) If you want to know whose marketing strategy won overall, go and study John
9:28-30.
____________________
1
Also known as: Lucifer, the devil, the (old) serpent, the dragon etc. - Revelation 12: 9-12 See also, ‘Names of Satan’ http://www.markbeast.com/satan/names-of-satan.htm.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/illusion?s=t
Definition, ‘conjurer’: “a person who conjures spirits or practices magic; magician; a person who solemnly charges or entreats.” ‘Conjures’: “to affect or influence by or as if by
invocation or spell; to call upon
or command a devil or spirit by invocation or spell.” http://www.dictionary.com/browse/conjurer?s=t; http://www.dictionary.com/browse/
conjure.
4
Definition, ‘sleight of hand’: “skill in feats requiring quick and clever movements of the hands, especially for entertainment or deception, as jugglery, card or coin magic, etc.;
legerdemain”; [legerdemain, “an artful trick” “trickery; deception”]; “skill in deception”. http://www.dictionary.com/browse/sleight-of-hand ; http://www.dictionary.com/browse/
legerdemain .
5
Definition, ‘adherent’: “a person who follows or upholds a leader, cause, etc.; supporter; follower.” http://www.dictionary.com/browse/adherent.
6
Is ‘Reality TV’ Real?, https://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeedshift/career-confidential-a-reality-tv-editor-reveals-t?utm_term=.igWwJxYq1#.heXYP4ax2 ; http://www.photoshop.com
(Photo editing software), see ‘Dove – Evolution Commercial’ https://youtu.be/hibyAJOSW8U
7
‘How marketers will win…’ http://futureofmarketing.eiu.com’ – The Economist
2
3
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SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
Still not convinced? Okay, well, let’s study some scriptures to help connect the dots
and identify, why Satan brought his magic show to earth and explain the great controversy between him (Lucifer) and The Godhead (God the Father, the Son (Jesus) & the Holy Spirit). Our
endless suffering on this earth is merely collateral damage, for what occurred in heaven before
God even created the earth and everything on it.
Lucifer’s pride cost him and 1/3 of the angels (Revelation 12:4) to be cast out of heaven
because they attempted to overthrow God and His angels.
“7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and
the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were
cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and
the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is
cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.”
Revelation 12:7-10 (KJV)
Lucifer’s position in heaven was the highest after the Godhead, so wouldn’t it seem
(illusion) fitting that the ‘anointed cherub’8 would be next in line for the Kingdom of God? Not
so, as God knew of the grave jealously Satan had within his heart and despite the angels in heaven, who knew who God was and knew His true character (Deuteronomy 32:4; Exodus 34:6-7;
Psalm 103:8; John 3:12-21), Satan who was envious of God, masterfully deceived one third of
them.
“12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut
down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne
above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of
the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
Isaiah 14:12-14 (KJV)
I hope you can really, C L E A R L Y see how easily it was and still is for Satan to deceive
any being, who is choosing to not dwell with and believe in God. If a third (1/3) of the angels in
heaven were tricked by the devil so simply and were more than ready to pledge their allegiance
(their desires to be like gods (Genesis 3:5) - but the wrong one (the devil!)) to Lucifer - then what
chance did Adam have when his beloved wife Eve, (who God had created from Adams own rib)
became his ‘fruit of deception’?
_____________
8
“14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up
and down in the midst of the stones of fire.15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in
thee.” Ezekiel 28:14-15
Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 13
Page 14
Volume 1, Issue 3
Don’t Forget to Smile ...
A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning
was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along
with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her
daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself
feared that the electrical storm might harm her child.
Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut
through the sky. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove
along the route to her child’s school. As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and
smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each the little girl
would look at the streak of light and smile.
When the mother’s car drove up beside the child she lowered the window and
called to her.
“What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?”
The child answered, “I am trying to look pretty, God keeps taking my picture.”
May God bless you today as you face the storms that come your way.
You are sad - John 14
It feels as though God is far from you - Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation - Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared - Psalm 23
You are seeking peace - Matthew 11:25-30
For security - Psalm 3:47
For assurance - Mark 8:35
For reassurance - Psalm 145:18
People have failed you - Psalm 27
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Page 15
SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
Medical Missionary … Tunisia Wales … My Testimony
God is the foundation of everything; love was in all His healing acts. Christ stands before us as the pattern Man; the
great Medical Missionary, an example for all to follow. His love, pure and holy, blessed all who came within the
sphere of His influence. He came as an expression of the perfect love of God, not to crush, not to judge and condemn, but to heal every weak, defective character, to save men and women from Satan’s power.
What was Christ’s method alone of reaching the people? Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching
the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence, then He bid them follow Me. This method is a means of overcoming prejudice and to gain access to minds. Medical missionary work must be done to heal the sin-sick souls by giving the message of salvation. This work will breakdown prejudice as nothing else can. It is the most effective way of
gospel labour. My testimony is an example of this.
My life was going in a direction of insanity, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. I
knew I was searching for a change but what… I was disgusted of this life and this world… Thank God for a praying,
loving mother asking God to intercede in my life by guiding my footsteps and my mind to Him. She knew what she
had instilled in me.
I knew I wanted a better life for myself and children. I hated my way of life, which I now realize was the greatest
step to accepting God. He knew I needed His will in my life so He sent me on a journey for knowledge in Medical
Missionary work. God knew I needed a mind cure to heal the body and soul. He sent me to a haven to strengthen
my faith. God showed me for this, I needed the laws of health, temperance, and self control, dress, my diet, exercise, proper sleeping habits, hygiene, fresh air and plenty sunlight, and also things one must refrain from, for development through the Holy Spirit of God to truly enlighten me.
I thank God for this because He knew I needed to be a true example for my Gifts, my “Children”, because what the
parent is the children will be. And the home was, and is, my first mission. The nobler my aims and the higher the
mental and spiritual endowments, the better I am at cultivating mental and moral tendencies in my children (gifts).
God is so good, because most of all, His lesson to me was to live by His merits through faith and works. Everyday I
am blessed with life, I am to die to self and be a doer of His Holy Word.
So today, as a disciple of God, He has given me a great commission to teach true education as like the disciples in
Matthew 10:1, but I must continuously cultivate my mind to the highest degree of perfection that I may be able to
do the greatest amount of good in which I am capable. Romans 12:1-2 speaks life to this fact.
The Body
Jesus is the Head,
Gospel Ministry is the body, and
Medical Missionary is the right arm of the gospel.
God wants us to love and share His Word.
Page 16
Volume 1, Issue 3
Eating Healthy on a Budget …
When you’re on a tight budget, the thought
of preparing tasty, healthy meals on a regular basis
can seem daunting. Not only is it easy to get sucked
in by grocery merchandising tricks, but it’s also normal for most of us to fall into a mealtime rut, eating the same foods over
and over. But you’re in control of your kitchen—and if you cook smart, you can enjoy the first-class meals you deserve.
You can save money and still have quality. If you’ve been using cost as an excuse to eat junk, you can kiss that excuse
goodbye! To start, here’s a quick review of basic tips of healthy eating:
 Limit your intake of junk food
 Drink lots of water (at least 8 cups a day)
 Limit salty and sugary foods
 Avoid eating many foods that are high in saturated fats
 Make “variety” the watchword of your eating
Next, set aside regular blocks of time for planning meals, making your grocery list, and shopping—tasks that are most
often shortchanged in food prep. Include healthy snack ideas, as well as main menu items. Think about the time of day, day of
week, and even week in the month that you shop. Generally, the grocery is the least busy early in the morning, in the middle of
the week, and on any day but the first day or two of the month (when many people receive pension or paychecks). Don’t be
afraid to surf the internet for recipes that use specific ingredients (plug the ingredient in as a keyword of your search).
Stock your fridge and cupboards with items that are quick and easy to cook (yet kind to your wallet):
 Beans and lentils, whether canned or dried, make nutritious, hearty soups, and can be a main course with the addition of
fresh vegetables or rice.
 Brown Rice is a great addition to leftover meat and veggies. Although brown rice is slightly more expensive than white, the
nutritional payoff is well worth it. Another inexpensive, easy-to-fix grain, millet, is best when bought fresh. Simply rinse and
toast before using it in recipes.
 Pasta, likewise, is quick and easy to prepare, and can be paired with veggies, meat, or a fresh salad. Have fun adding your
own embellishments (mushrooms, spices, and herbs.) Choose whole-wheat pasta whenever available.
 Soups can’t be beat for nutrition and convenience, especially since you can use canned or packet soups as your base, then
add your own veggies and leftover meat. Again, try to experiment, adding your own herbs and spices.
 Fresh vegetables and fruit should be bought at least once or twice each week, preferably in season, to ensure optimal
taste and nutrition. You can also rely on canned/frozen varieties as handy additions to last-minute meals. Veggies make great
stir-fries and vegetable patties, while fruit is good for a quick nutritious snack.
Finally, a few more hints that can help you save a little green:
 When cooking a big meal, make extra to freeze, or use later in the week for lunches or quick suppers. Double recipes, then
freeze half.
 Save your vegetable trimmings to make your own vegetable stock. Not only do you save money, but vegetable stock also
makes a nutritious base for casseroles, soups, and Crockpot cooking.
 Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper; you can freeze perishable items in smaller portions to use as needed. It’s always a
good idea to buy non-perishable items in bulk (canned foods, dried beans and grains, etc.).
 Capitalize on one-pot dishes, which generally save prep time, money, and dishwashing, and often make great leftovers.
 Look high and low (literally) to find the less expensive generic or store brands on grocery shelves, often very similar to
higher-priced brand names though packaged under different labels. Stores deliberately place the highest-priced brand-name
items at eye level, but if you compare the cost per unit, you’ll be able to figure out the most cost-effective purchase. You can
even try your own taste tests— blind, of course— to see where you can save money without sacrificing flavor.
Limit your dining out, especially when it comes to fast food, since you’ll find yourself spending unnecessarily on items that are
high in fat, salt, and calories, which short-change you in the nutrition department.
There’s no magic formula to cooking on a budget. Like anything else worthwhile in life, it takes a little planning, creativity, and work. But if you think of the rewards—better health and more money—you’ll find it’s worth the effort. No doubt
you’ll still have days when you fall back on that quick-fix packaged food. But if you look at cooking as an adventure, you’ll also
have days when you find yourself pleased at what you’ve accomplished—as you serve dinner to rave reviews from family and
friends!
by Rebecca Pratt
SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
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SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
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Volume 1, Issue 3
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SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
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Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 21
Trail Mix Cookies
Serves: 25-30 cookies
Dry Ingredients
·
1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
·
½ cup gluten-free oat flour
·
¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
·
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
·
½ teaspoon baking powder
·
½ teaspoon baking soda
·
½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
·
·
·
·
·
2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons warm water, whisked together, set for 5
mins)
¼ cup melted coconut oil
½ cup natural, unsalted almond butter
½ cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-in Ingredients
·
·
·
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup almonds, sliced or finely chopped
½ cup sunflower seeds
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or greased foil. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: oats, flour, coconut, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: flax eggs, coconut oil, almond butter, coconut sugar and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir and fold
the ingredients together until well combined. Fold in cranberries, almonds and sunflower seeds.
5. Scoop 2 tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Using
a fork, gently flatten cookies to desired thickness. Cookies won’t spread during baking.
6. Bake for 8-12 minutes.
7. Using a flat, heatproof spatula, immediately remove cookies from the sheet and place onto a
cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before storing. Enjoy!
SOMERSET SDA CHURCH
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Volume 1, Issue 3
SEPT
OCT
2nd
Shirlene &
Albert Ratteray
23rd
Lazeka &
Kirk Richards
7th
Alison &
Winston Roberts
SEPTEMBER
1 - Kirk Richards
10 - LaKiesha Wolffe
17 - Lazeka Richards
17 - Juliet Pearman
26 - Dianne Lodge
OCTOBER
4 - Adesina Butterfield
7 - Zurie Tate
8 - Joanne DeRoza
14 - Cheyenne Brangman
17 - Dayla Gibbons
19 - Ashayanna Smith
22 - Jonathan Tankard
23 - Pamela Martin
26 - Coleridge Fubler
26 - Jalen Smith
NOV
DEC
6th
Rosemary &
Clement Smith
NOVEMBER
3 - Everton Dawes
13 - Winifred Lynch
14 - Norma Minors-Reginald
21 - Anthony Smith
25 - Roslyn Amory
DECEMBER
12 - Renika Stowe
17 - Calvert Pitt
20 - Clement Smith
25 - Kevin Burgess
25 - Ismay Barker
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY AND ALWAYS!
Somerset Seventh-day
Adventist Church
Physical Address:
6 Beacon Hill Road
Sandys MA 03
Bermuda
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box MA 299,
Sandys MA BX
Bermuda
Phone: 441-234-2979
E-mail: [email protected]
CHURCH OFFICERS
Damon Hendrickson - Pastor
Kevin Burgess - Head Elder
June Dill - Church Administrator
Trescot Wilson - Treasurer
Keva Carter - Sabbath School Leader
Aldon Samuels - Head Deacon
Lynette Wilson - Head Deaconess
Kirk Richards - Personal Ministries Leader
COMMUNICATIONS:
Lazeka Richards & Roslyn Amory
[email protected]
We’re on the Web
www.somersetsdachurch.org
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE CONFERENCE. . .
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… - October 8:
September 29:
October 2:
October 3:
October 14:
October 15-29:
October 24:
October 24-28:
November 5:
November 6:
November 7:
November 10:
November 13:
November 17:
November 25:
November 26:
November 28:
December 1:
December 4:
December 5:
Revelation of Hope at Southampton Church
Bermuda Conference Executive Committee meet at 5:30 p.m.
Personal Ministries directors meeting with Sis. Eloise Symonds
BI Home & School Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
BI Grandparents’ Day
Central District Evangelism with Pastor John Coaxum at Hamilton SDA Church
Bermuda Conference Executive Committee meet at 5:30 p.m.
BI Mid-term Break
Ingathering Campaign begins
Personal Ministries directors meeting with Sis. Eloise Symonds
BI Home & School Meeting at 6:30 p.m.
BI Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
WAVES Training
Bermuda Conference Trustee Board Meeting
BI Honors Chapel
Written report from Conference administrators
Bermuda Conference Executive Committee meet at 5:30 p.m.
BI Christmas/Concert Program
Personal Ministries directors meeting with Sis. Eloise Symonds
BI Home & School Meeting at 6:30 p.m.