tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:44:10 +0000A personal memoir of one man's journey on a quest for a closer, more personal relationship with Jesus Christ, each day...All day...Along the way!http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (SWB)Blogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-8328985536448087500Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:32:00 +00002009-02-05T19:44:10.584-05:00Please join me at the new home of this journey. See you there! SWBhttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2009/02/way-has-moved.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-1261965406856026078Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:23:00 +00002009-01-25T20:26:11.345-05:00The past couple of months have been quite busy. Aside from my daily commute of 3+ hours per day, I've also been building a new web presence for my home church. The Lord has now allowed me to take a break. With that said... I'll be back!http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2009/01/ill-be-back.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-5929170799677388673Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:23:00 +00002008-11-01T08:27:03.621-04:00Along the WayThoughtsIn the Garden of Eden, Eve believed in sanctity of her own rationale. She depended solely upon her ability to understand and make choices on her own. At that moment, she seperated herself from the Father and, as Adam followed her example, sin entered the world. Each of them, both Adam and Eve, failed to live up to the expectations and responsibilities that they were allowed to have. And. likewisehttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/11/afraid-to-fail.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-634279244321300810Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:23:00 +00002008-11-23T10:03:49.663-05:00StoriesAlong the WayI heard this story some time in the past. I�??ve shared this story many times in the past. It always brings a smile. Yet, I don�??t know where, or to whom to give the credit. ~ ~ ~ A faithful and devout Christian woman, who lived in a tightly packed, trailer park community, lost her job at the local plant due to a work force reduction during a hot, sticky summer. Not able to afford air conditioninghttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/09/delivering-groceries.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-8793051775423116548Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:45:00 +00002008-09-03T16:20:36.868-04:00Ellen G WhiteChristianAlong the WayThoughtsThe Bible ExperienceDiscipleshipAdventismHaving just started listening to the Book of John, I am moved by the Spirit to once again acknowledge and proclaim that it's ALL about Jesus! Nothing in this life matters above our call to know, love, and accept the grace and mercy of Him, our Savior. I recall in my early and first experience in the Adventist faith, I was taught primarily about the laws and proper code of conduct for disciples http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/09/its-all-about-jesus.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-509977232678367283Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:20:00 +00002008-08-29T22:17:11.959-04:00MarkChristianAlong the WayThe Bible ExperienceDiscipleshipIn Mark 4, I listen again to the Parable of the Sower. And, I am moved. While the parable clearly refers to the Gospel and our response to it, I�??m struck by how true the parable is for any truth that is shared in our lives. Truth, as I�??ve mentioned before, is available for all. There is no shade under the sun where Truth can be hidden. We can shield our ears and eyes from it. But, that doesn�??t http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/hard-soil.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-2598778387827318712Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:47:00 +00002008-11-23T10:03:49.664-05:00MatthewChristianAlong the WayThoughtsThe Bible ExperienceDiscipleshipMatthew 9:10-13 (NLT) Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, �??Why does your teacher eat with such scum?�?? When Jesus heard this, he said, �??Healthy people don�??t need a doctor�??sick people do.�?? Then he added, �??Now go and learn the meaning ofhttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/dinner-guests.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-2208710122108650043Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:32:00 +00002008-08-25T13:41:07.129-04:00MatthewChristianAlong the WayThe Bible ExperienceDiscipleshipMatthew 7:6 - - Don�??t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don�??t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. Ellen G. White writes that we are �??wonderfully and fearfully�?? made. My appreciation of that statement is heightened by my study of the bujyutsu of Japan, i.e. martial arts. During this morning�??s commute, my Bible Experience brought to mind ahttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/hidden-in-plain-sight.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-1992565835949375240Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:33:00 +00002008-11-23T10:03:49.665-05:00Along the WayFinding God's WillOnce again, the Lord has confirmed his words to me through words from another, namely my pastor. Specifically, today's sermon was linked in part to 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT): 10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/oh-yes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-463885646786974137Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:13:00 +00002008-08-23T20:43:56.541-04:00MatthewAlong the WayThe Bible ExperienceMatthew 1:18-20 (NLT) 18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered thishttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/feeling-anger-acting-with-love.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-4112928566461979745Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:11:00 +00002008-11-23T10:03:49.666-05:00Along the WayThoughtsDiscipleshipWith vivid clarity, I�??m beginning to see why the Lord has placed me in my current situation. I tried my very best to find a job close to home. I was even willing to be vastly under-employed for the opportunity to have a short commute. I have so much on my plate these days, I prayed for the simplicity of a solution that I felt was best, not just for me, but for my entire family. But, as I�??ve http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/vivid-clarity.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-1021943880366685720Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:32:00 +00002008-08-21T15:35:36.387-04:00ChristianAlong the WayThe Bible ExperienceDiscipleshipA few weeks ago, I started a new job. I'm very thankful of the opportunity to work and support my family. It is a blessing that arrived right on time and not a minute too soon. God is good�?�all the time. However, my commute is upwards of an hour to an hour and a half, each way. Initially, I dreaded the commute. But, for the past couple of days, I've had the pleasure of listening to the Bible http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-bible-experience.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-6780211188871797378Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:00:00 +00002008-11-23T10:03:49.667-05:00ChristianAlong the WaySermonsDiscipleshipAdventismAllow me to �??borrow�?? once again from a sermon recently given by my pastor, Mike Gill. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Romans 10:9-10 (NLT) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Paul is the http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/fundamenteralism-salvation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-605796215377011007Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:23:00 +00002008-11-23T10:03:49.667-05:00ChristianAlong the WayDiscipleshipAdventismWhen I lead a discussion during Sabbath School, I find a sense of �??encouragement,�?? for lack of a better word, when the sermon that follows continues upon the same theme. One might assume that this would be a frequent occurrence. But, on the contrary, it is not always the case. The pastor prepares his sermons well in advance. Due to the fact that he has three church congregations, sits on no lesshttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/saved-yet-still-pressing-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-8943929052971327441Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:00:00 +00002008-08-10T13:28:51.610-04:00Along the WayFinding God's WillDiscipleshipTravis Walker, a pastor and the publisher of Emerging Adventist, recently wrote about his experience with fasting. The following are my comments to him, and all of you, on the subject. ~ ~ ~ WOW!! Right on time. I need to follow your example. Food and I have always got along just fine. Too fine, to be honest. That's why I'm in the mess I'm in right now [with my health]. I've made some changes inhttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/food-friend-or-foe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-6288190891941316219Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:44:00 +00002008-12-10T12:06:36.759-05:00ChristianAlong the WayThoughtsDiscipleshipFather God, here I am. I�??m resting in the pasture that you�??ve provided for me. Yet, I�??m still restless. I feel underutilized. You know me, better than I know myself. You know that my ability to be patient requires that you have patience with me.Lord, there are so many things I can do...or not do. I can sit and �??be still�?? and know you are God while I focus on what you�??ve given me for right now, http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/08/be-still.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-2372147559510028663Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:08:00 +00002008-08-10T12:53:52.719-04:00ChristianAlong the WayDiscipleshipAdventismContrary to some misguided, yet popular beliefs, Seventh-day Adventists teach that salvation is a gift! Moreover, it is a gift that can not be earned. Nor, is it a gift where one must work to keep it. Through Christ and His sacrifice for all mankind, we can all be saved. We are thus justified by His blood on the cross. I find that most non-Adventists, and unfortunately many ex-Adventists, http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/07/they-just-dont-get-it.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-603355010947141504Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:30:00 +00002008-12-10T12:06:36.971-05:00ChristianAlong the WayFinding God's WillSermonsDiscipleshipBy spending time in His presence, one way God reveals His will to us is through the passions of our heart. By setting a torch to our soul, God shows us His plans for us. For Jeremiah, He gave a fire for hard hearts. For Nehemiah, He gave a fire for Jerusalem. And for Isaiah, He gave fire for a vision he couldn�??t resist. Everyone that was called by God received a fire in their heart�?�a driving http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/07/finding-his-will-through-your-passions.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-2428640309354342803Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:11:00 +00002008-12-10T12:06:37.177-05:00ChristianAlong the WayFinding God's WillSermonsDiscipleshipOn the road to Emmaus, two disciples had disregarded the word of God. Rather than consult the scriptures, they listened to their fears. Fortunately, the greatest Teacher of all joined them and proceeded to conduct a bible study.I liken reading the word of God to receiving a personal letter from Him to us. God uses scripture to reveal His will to us. More specifically, I believe that for every http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/07/finding-his-will-by-reading-his-word.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-8310993040286412927Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:33:00 +00002008-12-10T12:06:37.617-05:00ChristianAlong the WayFinding God's WillSermonsDiscipleshipEarlier this year, I found myself having some challenges and difficulty reconciling my walk with God and the manifestation of certain events in my life. One Sabbath morning, in my attempt to more closely communicate with Him, I didn�??t go to bible study, or to church. My family went without me. I, on the other hand, went to the park. My ambition was to �??walk and talk�?? in solitude with my Father. Ihttp://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/07/finding-his-will-through-people-of-god.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-774149813517385289Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:18:00 +00002008-12-10T12:06:37.919-05:00ChristianAlong the WayFinding God's WillSermonsDiscipleshipWithout a hint of uncertainty, there have been plenty of times where I would have been able to avoid �??stepping in it�?? if I had been able to clearly understand the will of God. Every Christian knows that God has a plan and that plan is good. But, the question that remains is how to make the plan real�?�how to know with full clarity what He wants every step of the way.I recall giving a bible study http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/07/finding-his-will-introduction.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-2174326573124115465Sun, 06 Jul 2008 05:30:00 +00002008-12-10T12:06:38.064-05:00Amazing GraceChristianAlong the WayMary GraceMusic MinistryI have come to accept that God doesn�??t make mistakes. Nor does He do things by coincidence.During bible study yesterday, we studied the life of Paul. More specifically, we talked and deliberated upon his place as a great missionary, regardless of his God-given handicaps. In fact, it is Paul that tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 what Jesus told him, �??My grace is sufficient for thee. My strength is http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/07/mary-amazing-grace.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-9035179823923111922Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:48:00 +00002008-06-29T11:36:44.719-04:00Along the WayMy grandfather used to say, �??I�??m not where I should be, but I�??m miles from where I was and heading the direction I need to go.�?? In Philippians 3:13-14(NLT), Paul elaborates. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/06/baggage-that-binds.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-7845784398699576421Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:58:00 +00002008-12-10T12:06:38.363-05:00Along the WayThoughtsI�??m finishing the last few moments of my annual family vacation to the Outer Banks of NC when I open my laptop and see that ABCNews.com is reporting that Jesus has arrived (maybe) and is living and teaching in Siberia.Suffice to say, I found myself quite curious. More specifically, I wondered how ABC News and the author, Ms. Clarissa Ward, validated their sources for the story. They quoted the http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/06/imagine-my-surprise.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8485370507423699613.post-4466619906285639561Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:00:00 +00002008-11-23T10:03:49.670-05:00Along the WayInterviewsI purposely held the following Q&A with Mr. Marcel Schwantes out from the earlier set because of its sheer magnitude and importance. Recently, I received the following question from a member of my home church and the wife of an elder. At the time, I found her question to be disturbing, to say the least. Because I'm not interested in debate and self-reasoning over God's word, I didn't want to http://alongthewaywithjesus.blogspot.com/2008/06/question-of-salvation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (SWB)0