By Dr. Albert Schweitzer… 

“The man of today is exposed to influences which are bent on robbing him of all confidence in his own thinking. The spirit of spiritual dependence which he is called on to surrender is in everything he hears or reads; it is in the people he meets every day; it is in the parties and associations which have claimed him as their own; it pervades all the circumstances of his life to a virtually unavoidable extent. From every side and in the most varied ways it is dinned into him that the truths and convictions which he needs for life must be taken from the associations which have gained rights over him at the expense of his own GOD given free will. The spirit of the age never lets him come to himself! Over and over again, convictions are forced upon him in the same way as, by means of electric advertisements which flare out garishly in the streets of every large town, or a company which has sufficient capital to get itself securely established, exercises pressure on him at every step he takes to induce him to buy their boot polishes or their soups.

By the spirit of the age, then, the man of today is forced into skepticism about his own thinking, in order to make him receptive to truth which comes to him from “authority.” To all this constant influence man cannot make the resistance that is desirable because he is overworked and distracted, being without power or time to concentrate. Moreover, the manifold material trammels, which are his lot, work on his mentality in such a way that he comes at last to believe himself unqualified even to make any serious claim to thoughts of his own. The great important decisions are made by those much higher in standing: even in religious circles.

His self-confidence is also diminished through the pressure exercised upon him by the huge and daily increasing of mass knowledge. He is no longer in a position to take in as something which he has grasped of all the new discoveries that are constantly announced. He is compelled by circumstances to accept them as fact although he does not understand them. This being his relationship to scientific truth, he is tempted to acquiesce in the idea that where matters of thought and belief are concerned, his own judgment is inferior and cannot be trusted. Others more knowledgeable surely must know vastly more than he is able to comprehend. But they are not always right, and believers in them often fall into their traps. When there is no longer a conviction that men can get to know the truth by their own thinking, skepticism begins, and eventually escalates. Those who work to make our age skeptical in this way, do so in the expectation that, as a result of denouncing all hope of self-discovered truth, men will end by accepting as truth that which is foisted upon them with authority: even to the extent of unknowingly acting upon propaganda or unproved claims. But their calculations are wrong. No one who opens the sluice gates to let a flood of skepticism pour itself over the land must expect to be able to bring it back within its proper bounds. Of those who let themselves get too disheartened to try any longer to discover truth by their own seeking, only a few find a fleeting substitute for it in the truth they are able to receive from other people. Thus, unaware that the highest truths come from heaven, the mass of people remain skeptical, and it becomes the heritage of oncoming generations.

Every spiritual and every material step in advance has a significance for civilization. The will to civilization is then the universal will to progress which is conscious of the ethical as the highest value of all. In spite of the great importance we attach to the triumphs of knowledge and achievement, it is nevertheless obvious that only a humanity which is striving after ethical ends can in full measure share in the blessings brought by material progress and become master of the dangers which accompany it. To the generation which has adopted belief in an immanent power of progress realizing itself, in some measure, naturally and automatically, and which thought it no longer needed any ethical ideals but could develop its goal by means of knowledge and achievement alone, terrible proof was being given by its present position, of the error into which it had sunk.”

SilverRose

By Dr. Albert Schweitzer….

“As early as my first years at the university, I had begun to feel misgivings about the opinion that mankind is constantly developing in the direction of progress. My impression was that the fire of its ideals was burning low without anyone noticing it, or troubling about it. My own impression was that in our mental-spiritual life we were not only below the level of past generations, but were in many respects only living on their achievements…and that not a little of this heritage was beginning to melt away in our hands.

The late Jewish view of the world, centered in the expectation of the Messiah, is the crafter from which the flame of the eternal religion of love bursts forth. It is not where sinfulness is most talked about that its seriousness is most forcibly taught. There is not much about it in the Sermon on the Mount. But thanks to the longing for freedom from sin and for purity of heart which Jesus enshrined in the Beatitudes, these form the great call to repentance which is unceasingly working in man. If Christianity, for the sake of any tradition or for any consideration whatever, refuses to have itself interpreted in terms of ethico-religious thinking, it will be a dire misfortune for itself and for all mankind. What Christianity needs is that it shall be filled to overflowing with the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and in the strength of that shall spiritualize itself into a living religion of inwardness and love, such as its destined purpose should make it. Only as such can it become the leaven in the spiritual bread of life of mankind. What has been passing for Christianity during the past (twenty) centuries is merely a beginning, full of weaknesses and mistakes. The organized political, social, and religious associations of our time are at work to induce the individual person NOT to arrive at his convictions by his own thinking, but rather to make his convictions those which are being ready made for him by others. Any man who thinks for himself and at the same time is spiritually free, is to those who would influence or control his thought, something inconvenient and even uncanny. Such a one, refusing to be controlled by the notions of others, does not offer them sufficient guarantee that he will merge himself into their organization the way they wish. ”

About Dr. Albert Schweitzer: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Schweitzer

To Be Continued…SilverRose

[Edited: 10/8/08]

Before falling asleep on December 24^th I heard ‘The Voice’ speak the following Words:

“[My real name]“  [pause]  “I PROMISE.”

Because there are many promises given to GOD’s people in the Bible, I did not know which promise was being conveyed. So I took out our large battered Concordance and began searching scriptures.  Many promises are written throughout the Bible, yet in the New Testament Jesus is quoted as having uttered the word “promise” only twice. Once in the Book of Acts and once in the Book of Luke. Both times Jesus identified this promise as the baptism and gift of the Holy Ghost coming down to earth from the FATHER of LIGHTS:

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Act. 1:4-5)

“Then opened he [Jesus] their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Lk. 24:49)

Sadly, many doubters and unbelievers do not accept that the Holy Ghost [who is united as One with the FATHER and the Son and who speaks what He hears from them] baptizes, instructs – and even chastises if necessary – the New Covenant people on earth. But what joy for countless other believers who have received the promise and hear, see and understand: revelations, instructions and corrections through the Holy Ghost! It is a promise of a supernatural gift that should be witnessed and proclaimed far and wide so that others can also prepare and receive He who is also known as the Comforter and the Spirit of Truth:  (Cf. Jn. 14: 16-17, 26.)  

“Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear that shall he speak and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” (Jn. 16:13)

“Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I AM he that doth speak: behold it is I.” (Is. 52:6)

What an awesomely precious gift GOD gave us through HIS Son!  (Jn.14:26)

Wishing all a joyful, blessed and Merry Christmas, SilverRose

During prayer I saw in a vision a book about worshiping in the Tabernacle. The book was on my desk and was opened halfway through. On top, and in the middle of the white pages, rested a set of earphones. End of vision.

As Apostle Paul taught, we are the temple.  This vision is, without doubt, a call to enter the holy place and hear what the Spirit is speaking.

DECEMBER 17, 2007 (P.M.) 

In this vision I saw myself standing in what appeared to be a banquet hall near a round table covered with a white linen tablecloth. With the exception of shining silver utensils and a silver camera positioned on the right side of a plate, everything else on the table was either crystal or white. A few minutes later I saw a woman from the shoulders up walking in front of me from right to left. Her face gave me the impression of solemnity. She had flowing long hair down below her shoulders and was wearing a classic, very large brimmed white Victorian hat piled high with soft white feathers. It was magnificent and huge.

There is no doubt in my mind that this woman symbolized the Bride of Christ. That She appeared in classic traditional Victorian bridal attire speaks of “victory” and is a theme scripturally associated with Christ’s Bride.

A traditional camera captures light on film. The silver camera symbolized that I would witness and see the Bride through the symbolic spirit spectrum of Light a few minutes later. It was also appropriate that in the vision I was standing up to capture this snapshot because standing is considered proper etiquette when a Bride enters the church to walk down the aisle.

The soft white feathers piled high on Her hat symbolized that She is covered and protected by GOD’s holy angels of Light. It is also noteworthy that a Victorian bridal hat was usually the last piece of clothing to put in place before the wedding. Without doubt this is yet another vision – and a beautiful one! – which confirms that the church of Christ is in the final preparation stages.

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away….And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice, out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (Rev. 21:1-3)

“And behold I come quickly: and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (Rev.22:12-14)……And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Rev. 22:12-17)

http://www.rrbycresa.com/BridalBouquet/hat_trwivy1010top.jpg

With Love in Christ, SilverRose

During prayers early this morning, I began posing a question to the Lord when a strong impulse suddenly made me stop halfway through the sentence. I then proceeded to say, “Lord, I would like to ask you myriads of questions but what is it YOU want me to know.” Then I heard the following words:

“Listen (pause) To My Heart.” After a few more seconds the word ”Victory” followed.

The Lord knows what we need.  Sometimes in prayer all we need do is be quiet before Him and Listen.

The following is another simple but to the point message. During worship the other evening, I was singing: ”holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty.” After either the second or third “holy” the following Word was spoken: ”Everyday.”

GOD is calling us to worship HIM in holiness everyday.

It was surprising to hear the Words: “We Are Best Friends” because I esteem and regard the Lord as One who is exalted beyond human understanding. And to think of Him as a “Best Friend” is a little difficult given my own human flaws. But according to scriptures, it was evident that Jesus did, at times, describe His relationship with His brethren as one based on friendship. [Please note: Lest I give the impression of putting myself on a pedestal, it needs to be carefully considered that messages shared here apply to everyone, and not for me alone.]

The more that I listen and learn to discern the “Voice” the more it becomes evident that the Lord speaks in a simple, yet very accurate manner. Per the Oxford Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus [1998 edition] the following is a breakdown of each spoken Word:

WE: Used by and with reference to more than one person. Used for or by a royal person, an editor, etc., when speaking.

ARE:  1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd people: present of BE. [The word also represents the Holy Trinity.]

BEST:  To the greatest degree. [And of superior quality.]

FRIENDS: People with whom we enjoy mutual affection and regard: companions, helpers, comrades and confidants.

It is crystal clear that the Lord wants to have a relationship based on friendship with us. What an awesome, awesome blessing to be considered friends of HIS; it warms the heart!

Love in Christ….SilverRose

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and I will manifest myself to him.” (Jn. 14:21)

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and will all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Mt. 22:37-40)

“This is the commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (Jn. 15:13-14)

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (Jn. 14:15)

To Be Continued….SilverRose

Before prayers I was thinking about how we are called to commune with GOD within our Holy of Holies through Christ the Lord in the same manner that the children of Israel communed with HIM through an appointed High Priest in the Sanctuary Moses was instructed to build.

I thought about the Gate of the tabernacle Fence being the only entrance into the Outer Court, and thanked Jesus for having made the way passable from the outside to the inside. I thought about the Bronze Altar of Sacrifice which was the first item encountered in the Outer Court and thanked GOD, in the name of Jesus, for having sent His Son to atone for my sins through His sacrificial Blood. I thought about the Bronze Laver which was the second object encountered in the Outer Court and which was positioned in front of the Tent. I thanked GOD, in the name of Jesus, for the Water of Life that cleanses and sanctifies me in HIS presence. Then I thought about the Tent which covered the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. And because only tabernacle priests and one appointed High Priest could enter, I began praying, speaking, to our Beloved Eternal High Priest Christ about particular things. Then in the silence I waited, and heard the following Words: “We Are Best Friends.”

To Be Continued… SilverRose