Love Not The World

Following worship last First Day we took a timed photo of those who attended. I pray that we will all consider seriously the Scripture below. We are each given one life span to live out our salvation. 

1 John 2:15-18

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time."

A Christian Call

                   
The above photo was taken a year ago during the FCNL annual meeting in Washington DC. OYM sent an elder, an overseer and a minister from our Yearly Meeting as prayer warriors during that session. This year we refined a letter to be published publicly out of a concern brought to our Yearly Meeting for Christians to live in the love of God.

A Christian Call from Ohio Yearly Meeting of Friends (Conservative)

We are Christian Friends (Quakers) from various walks of life, political persuasions, ages, and backgrounds. We share both a desire to obey the Lord and a growing concern that our nation bring itself to the path of righteousness and mercy that Jesus taught.
Again and again, Christ calls us to love. We are to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and with all our mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Deuteronomy 6:5, Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30-31). When we are Christians, this is not optional. If our hearts are full of love, there is no room for fear, because “perfect love casts out fear.” (I John 4:18) Being blessed with God’s abundant love, we should be keeping families together, be welcoming to the strangers, and show compassion to those in need. We should see the best in each other regardless of political affiliation.
We know that “the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:14) And who is our neighbor? Jesus’ answer is the parable of the good Samaritan. Only the Samaritan shows mercy to the beaten man. Only the Samaritan is a true neighbor in the eyes of the Lord (Luke 10:35-37). Today, are we acting the part of the priest and the Levite, or of the Samaritan? Is each of us willing to be a good Samaritan only to those who are like us, or who like us, or whom we like?
We are to follow Him who is the Truth (John 14:6). In an era of confusion between falsehood and truth, we risk leaving Christ's side when we listen to only what pleases us. (2 Timothy 4:3-4) For the sake of Christ, it is worth investigating the truth, wherever it may lead. In the words of Isaac Penington (a 17th century Friend). “truth will not lose ground by being tried.”
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Is that what we are showing the world? As Christians, we are called to live exemplary lives that glorify God (I Peter 2:13) Standing on the True Foundation, the Rock of Christ, let us return to His path, stand in the Light of Christ Jesus that reveals all things, and bears witness to our Lord above all – above party, above friends, above media, and above ourselves.

In Christ,
Philip W. Helms, Clerk Ohio Yearly Meeting (Conservative)

 Home address: 2485 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake MI 48386 
(248) 933-8997 philipwhelms@yahoo.com 

Persevering In Faith

Salem Meeting arranged for a booth at the village "Quakerfest". It seemed fitting to be a presence there and show that Quakers exist as more than historical legend.

Insight from     A GUIDE TO TRUE PEACE

"And, though in the prayer of mental stillness, you may feel yourself to be in a dry and comfortless state, not being able to get rid of your troublesome thoughts, nor experience any light, consolation, or spiritual feeling, yet be not afflicted, nor desist from your undertaking, resign yourself at that time with vigor, and patiently persevere as in His presence, for, while you persevere in that manner, your soul will be internally improved.

     Do you believe, that when you come from prayer in the same manner as you began it, without feeling yourself profited thereby, that you have been toiling in vain. That is a fallacy; because true prayer consists, not in enjoying the light, and having knowledge of spiritual things, but in enduring with patience, and persevering in faith and silence; believing that you are in the Lord's presence, turning to Him your heart with tranquillity and simplicity of mind. 

We must be aware that nature is always an enemy to the spirit; and, that, when she is deprived of sensible pleasures, she remains weak, melancholy, and full of irksomeness. Hence from the uneasiness of thoughts, the lassitude of body, importunate sleep, and your inability to curb the senses, every one of which would follow its own pleasure; you will often feel impatient to be at the end of your prayer. Happy are you if you can persevere amidst this painful trial: Remember, that 'They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31"

   from A GUIDE TO TRUE PEACE the 1815 edition compiled by William Backhouse and James Janson  pg. 38, 39

Servants At Ohio Yearly Meeting

Dishwashing after meals on Committee Day

Two weeks  ago we returned from Ohio Yearly Meeting sessions 2018. I have copied below excerpts from the letter written to share our experience with other Yearly Meetings.  

"He who gives life was shown to us. We saw him and can give proof about it. And now we announce to you that He has life that continues forever. He was with God the Father and was shown to us."

 1 John1:2

"Dear Friends,

Our 205th session began this week in midsummer with the sound of gentle rain watering the hill country around Barnesville, Ohio. A meeting for worship the first evening was deeply covered in a pulsating silence, punctuated with a few anointed words of ministry. Feeling His presence, we sought His guidance. His love moved among us and for this we are grateful. We are a small gathering this year but still feel God among us in mighty ways providing us with strength, wisdom, and love, to be about Christ's business.

Our mornings begin in a circle of Friends with Bibles on their laps. One or the other person, as feel impressed to do so, will read a passage from the Bible. In the following hour we are immersed in interaction with a member who is well versed in the Greek writings of Scripture. He patiently explains some key passages that help us to understand the unique Friends perspective of the Christian religion.

We are here for the purpose of executing our business. We do not rush our decision making as we contemplate the query responses and committee reports, seeking to keep our thoughts in tune with our Holy Guide. Interacting throughout the day with our Friends seems to expand the brotherly love felt toward  one another. This process seems to bind us together, when each of us share in our own unique way, as listener try to piece together concerns of members of the body.

God spoke to us through his servants. He has invested in us a miracle. If we are faithful, we can see ourselves that way. God warned us that the enemy uses deception, distraction, discouragement and division. Of these, the most dangerous is division. We were also cautioned about pride, arrogance and self-centeredness. But all these dangers are dissolved when we look inward. It is through the inward search that we will find Him and His cross. Inwardly, we find the strength to pick up that cross and carry it.

…….."

"Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2L15 "

Teach Me Lord

Tell me in the morning about your love,

Because I trust you.

Show me what I should do.

Because my prayers go up to you.

Lord, save me from my enemies;

I hide in you.

Teach me to do what you want,

Because you are my God.

Let your good Spirit

Lead me on level ground.

Lord, let me live

So people will praise you.

In your goodness

Save me from my troubles.

In your love defeat my enemies.

Psalm 143:8-12a

Keep Yourselves From Idols

                             

                           Keep yourselves from Idols

What is your greatest pleasure on this earth? Upon what is the burning intensity of your thoughts spent? The beloved apostle John wrote, "Dear children keep yourselves from idols." The lust for anything on this earth for which we lavish our time has become our idol. Replacing the most high God with worldly lust, will poison our souls.

"Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, the Son of Man must also be lifted up. So that everyone who believes can have eternal life in him." Jesus said,  "If I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people toward me. now is the time for the world to be judged; the ruler of this world will be thrown down..' Jesus said this to show how he would die"

To experience healing and release from the clutches of those things that replace God in our life, it is imperative that we keep our spiritual eyes upon Jesus. Humbly allowing Him to test our impulses, and purify our ways.

"But test everything and keep away from anything that is evil" "The sacrifice God wants is a broken spirit. God, you will not reject a heart that is broken and sorry for sin."

John 5:21, Num 21:8, John 12:32-33, 3:14, I Thessalonians 5:22, Psalm 51:17,

Worship without Ritual

Friends worship without form or ritual. We take seriously the verses below. they teach us Christ has replaced the shadows. Jesus Christ is now our high priest.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrews:

"Every day the priests stand and do their religious service, often offering the same sacrifices. Those sacrifices can never take away sins. But after Christ offered one sacrifice for sins, forever, he sat down at the right side of God. And now Christ waits there for his enemies to be put under his power. With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy. The Holy Spirit also tells us about this. First he says: 

'This is the agreement. I will make

with them at that time, says the 

Lord.

I will put my teachings in their hearts

and write them on their minds.'

Jeremiah 31:33

Then he says' their sins and the evil things they  do- 

I will not remember anymore.'

Jeremiah 31:34

Now when these have been forgiven there is no more need for a sacrifice for sins. So brothers and sisters, we are completely free to enter the Most Holy Place without fear because of the blood of Jesus' death. We can enter through a new and living way that Jesus opened for us. It leads through the curtain - Christ's body. And since we have a great high priest over God's house, let us come near to God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, because we have been made free from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold firmly to the hope that we have confessed, because we can trust God to do what he promised.

Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming

If we decide to go on sinning after we have learned the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins. There is nothing but fear in waiting for the judgment and the terrible fire that will destroy all those who live against God. Hebrews 10:11-27

Invitation to General Gathering of Conservative Friends

Our forefather William Penn wrote, "The great work and business of the cross of Christ in man is self-denial; a word of much depth in itself, and of sore contradiction to the world; little understood; but less embraced by it; which yet must be borne. The Son of God is gone before us, and, by the bitter cup he drank, and the baptism he suffered, has left us an example that we should follow his steps........

All Friends of like mind are invited to the 2018 22-24, Sixth Month General Gathering of Conservative Friends. This is a weekend of worship and fellowship at Stillwater Friends Meeting, in Barnesville, Ohio. It is intended to instruct and refresh us all, as we come empty of self to wait for renewal. The world desires a Saviour, but rejects the Christ who is the cornerstone of human salvation. No other way will bring light to our condition.  Join us this weekend in weakness, without expectation, putting behind you any shadows, seeking strength  directly from the "substance" which is Christ Jesus.

When there was none to help, not one to open seals, to give knowledge, or to direct the course of poor man's recovery, He came in the greatness of his love and strength; and though clothed with the infirmities of a mortal man, being within fortified by the Almightiness of an immortal God, he travelled through all the straits and difficulties of humanity; and, first of all others trod the untrodden path to blessedness.

No Cross, No Crown William Penn, chapter 4, section #2 & 3

contact Registrar  Sharon A Helms    philandsharon04.01@sbcglobal.net

Drop Thy Still Dews of Quietness

   A poem written by John Greenleaf Whittier, 1897-1892  A Quaker poet

Seven Trumpets Sound

           Alpha & Omega

 
 

                 

The beginning and the end. New beginnings, new covenants, self determination. God sees the heart. He also works within our hearts and minds when we allow Him by humbling self. Kind of the opposite of  self determination.

"The Lord is not slow in doing what he promised - the way some people understand slowness. But God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost, but he wants all people to change their hearts and lives."

 2 Peter 3:9

There is a sweet scent in the freedom of obedience. Living for Christ Jesus, by His Spirit.

"That is the way we should live, because God's grace that can save everyone has come. It teaches us not to live against God nor to do the evil things the world wants us to do. Instead, that grace teaches us to live now in a wise and right way and in a way that shows we serve God." Titus 2:11-12

Jesus was deeply sorrowful for those who rejected the gift He brought. Freeing humans from desires that lead to spiritual death. 

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and stone to death those who are sent to you. Many times I wanted to gather your people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you did not let me. Now your house will be left completely empty. I tell you, you will not see me again until that time when you will say, "God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord."  Matthew 23:37

We are living in the last days. Dear Friends, choose life over death. Our Creator calls to all who are thirsty. Live in that life He offers. He gave his life in obedience to be raised up as a scepter to God for our release from living in sin.

The One on the throne said to me, "It is finished. I am the Alpha & Omega. " The Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of the water of life to anyone who is thirsty. Those who win the victory will receive this, and I will be their God. And they will be my children. But cowards, those who refuse to believe, who do evil things, who kill, who sin sexually, who do evil magic, who worship idols, and who tell lies - all these will have a place in the lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

"Happy are those who wash their robes so that they will receive the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside the city are the evil people, those who do evil magic, who sin sexually, who murder, who worship idols, and who love lies and tell lies. I, Jesus, have sent my angel to tell you these things for the churches. I am the descendant from the family of David, and I am the bright morning star."

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" Let the one who hears this say, "Come!" Let whoever is thirsty come: whoever wishes may have the water of life as a free gift.

Revelation 21:6-8, 22:14-17