“The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause.”

Ellen G. White, Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 408.

Watching the desperate people of Jackson, Mississippi, during those weeks of suffering, I found myself pondering how much worse it will be when plumbing fixtures and water bottles will dispense blood, when no relief from sores, thirst, or heat will be available. Praise the God of all mercy that probation still lingers! Oh, let us seek Him while He may be found! Let us call on Him while He is near! (Isa. 55:6).

Watching the elaborate and varied rituals connected with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the multi-colored regiments and banners attending her coffin, the thousands lining the procession route, and of course the new King, his siblings, and their spouses following the prescribed ceremonial order, one cannot but ponder the ultimate pageantry of a much grander and glorious kingdom, in which each of us is privileged to strive for citizenship.

Reflections on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, third longest-reigning monarch in world history (1952-2022).

“Noah would have displeased God to have drowned one of the scoffers and mockers that harassed him, but God drowned the vast world. Lot would have had no right to inflict punishment on his sons-in-law, but God would do it in strict justice.”

Ellen G. White, Last-Day Events, p. 241.