Don’t hate yourself because of your sin.

Don’t hate yourself for your sin. You are a sinner, but God valued who you are so much that He died so He could redeem you and work in your life. He knew you would make mistakes, but He didn’t choose to throw you away. He wants to SAVE you, and save the parts of you that truly define the real you (which is NOT your sinfulness). There are things about you that make you truly unique and special, apart from the mistakes you’ve made, and THOSE are the things that make God so CRAZY ABOUT YOU. Those are the reasons He said, “I just can’t give you up.” He knows He can HEAL your sin and brokenness and TRANSFORM you into that person that you so desperately long to be.

Jesus loves you so much, just as you are. Come to His feet in your heart, right now.

- Jose

Romans 5:1, 7-8 ESV

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

My only hope now…

Lord Jesus Christ, I feel like that thief hanging on the cross next to you. I am completely helpless, with absolutely no way out of my present situation. I can do absolutely nothing without you. All I can do is come to you. Sit at your feet like a hungry child. Reach for the hem of your garment like that woman with the hemorrhage. Letting go of my anxieties and all the things I try to earn on my own, I open my hands, my empty hands, and just wait for you to fill them with yours. Lord, without you I can do nothing. I simply wait upon you. I wait for your mercy and your grace and your love. And I know that the rest depends upon an action of your will. I know that I have reached the end of my capabilities. I am tied up and hanging on that cross. You are my only hope now. I beg you, please, remember me.

Functional jewelry versus ornamental jewelry

“1. Adventist Standard on Jewelry and the Bible The Adventist standard on jewelry rejects ornamental jewelry while at the same time recognizing that there is such a thing as functional jewelry and that using it is not necessarily a violation of the standard. As discussed previously, this is what the Bible states with respect to the use of jewelry. It is true that for some people it is difficult to accept the concept that jewelry could have today different functions, but jewelry even in the Western World does fulfill several functions.” Rodriguez, “Jewelry in the Bible”

Adventist standard on jewelry

“4. Principles versus Standards The standard on jewelry (rejection of ornamental jewelry; restrictive use of functional jewelry) and the principles regulating the use of functional jewelry (e.g., modesty) have permanent relevance across time and culture. Those principles can and should be used to determine what is appropriate with respect to functional jewelry. In this particular case the church should not provide a list of what is or is not appropriate, but must give general guidance and allow church members, under the guidance of the Spirit, to apply to each specific cultural practice the biblical principles. We must acknowledge that there are areas in the Christian life where the individual and his or her Lord must decide what to do. This is in fact a sign of Christian and spiritual maturity. It is possible and even probable that some may misuse this freedom, but that argument should not be employed to deny the freedom granted to us by the Bible itself.” Rodriguez, “Jewelry in the Bible”

Like taking pleasure in pointing the finger at others?

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in a spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” But how little of the pitying tenderness of Christ is manifested by His professed followers! When one errs, others too often feel at liberty to make the case appear as bad as possible. Those who perhaps are guilty of fully as great sins in some other direction, will treat their brother with cruel severity. Errors committed through ignorance, thoughtlessness, or weakness are exaggerated into willful, premeditated sin. As they see souls going astray, some fold their hands and say: “I told you so. I knew there was no dependence to be placed upon them.” Thus they place themselves in the attitude of Satan, exulting in spirit that their evil surmisings have proved to be correct. {5T 604.3}

Working against unity in the church is working against Christ

Any enterprise which will unite the interests of church members, and will bring harmony and unity of effort into the work of God, may be safely entered into. But never, never forget that you are either servants of Jesus Christ, working strenuously for that unity of believers which Christ prayed might exist, or you are working against this unity and against Christ. (p. 479) {5T 478.3}

Differing opinions …. ???

“Truth is eternal, and conflict with error will only make manifest its strength. We should never refuse to examine the Scriptures with those who, we have reason to believe, desire to know what is truth as much as we do. Suppose a brother held a view that differed from yours, and he should come to you, proposing that you sit down with him and make an investigation of that point in the Scriptures; should you rise up, filled with prejudice, and condemn his ideas, while refusing to give him a candid hearing?”

…The only right way would be to sit down as Christians and investigate the position presented, in the light of God’s word, which will reveal truth and unmask error. To ridicule his ideas would not weaken his position in the least if it were false, or strengthen your position if it were true. If the pillars of our faith will not stand the test of investigation, it is time that we knew it. There must be no spirit of pharisaism cherished among us….

We must study the truth for ourselves. No living man should be relied upon to think for us. No matter who it is, or in what position he may be placed, we are not to look upon any man as a perfect criterion for us. We are to counsel together, and to be subject to one another; but at the same time we are to exercise the ability God has given us to learn what is truth. Each one of us must look to God for divine enlightenment. We must individually develop a character that will stand the test in the day of God. We must not become set in our ideas, and think that no one should interfere with our opinions.—The Review and Herald, June 18, 1889. 

{CW 43.1-43.3} 

What is the definition of grace? Unmerited favor. If we received Sabbath rest (at Creation) without deserving it, then the Sabbath was an expression of God’s grace.