Keys Storehouse

The Wrong Way

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On October 25, 1964, the Minnesota Vikings were playing the San Francisco 49ers. Before the game was over, one of the worst gaffes in NFL history would occur.

Jim Marshall, Minnesota’s star defensive end, intercepted the football and ran 66 yards to score a touchdown for the Vikings—or so he thought. Marshall, a veteran of the game, was so thrilled with his touchdown that he threw the ball out of bounds in celebration, only to then realize that his touchdown was not in his own end zone. He had run 66 yards in the wrong direction to make a touchdown for San Francisco.

As he ran for the end zone, Marshall was convinced that he was running in the right direction. Once he crossed the goal line into the end zone, he was certain that he made a touchdown for the Vikings. But that certainty didn’t make Marshall’s error true.

Marshall was part of the Vikings’ famous “Purple People Eaters” defensive line. He had played 20 seasons in the NFL in 282 straight games. The Vikings won the game that day, in spite of Marshall’s error, but his stellar career was forever marred. It was much easier to remember his 66-yard, wrong-way run, than his 20 seasons of achievement.

Source: history.com/this-day-in-history/worst-nfl-mistakes-gaffes-jim-marshall-minnesota-vikings

As I read about Marshall’s mistake and what it could have cost his team, I was reminded of the following verse:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

“A man is traveling, and comes to a place where there are several roads, and a guide-board indicating where each one leads. If he disregards the guide-board, and takes whichever road seems to him to be right, he may be ever so sincere, but will in all probability find himself on the wrong road. …

“It is not enough to have good intentions; it is not enough to do what a man thinks is right … . His soul’s salvation is at stake, and he should search the Scriptures for himself. However strong may be his convictions, however confident he may be … this is not his foundation. He has a chart pointing out every way-mark on the heavenward journey, and he ought not to guess at anything, but to know what is truth. He should search the Scriptures on bended knees; morning, noon, and night, prayer should ascend from secret places, and a continual prayer should arise from his heart that God will guide him into all truth.” The Signs of the Times, July 17, 1884

“It is the first and highest duty of every rational being to learn from the Scriptures what is truth, and then to walk in the light, and encourage others to follow his example. We should day by day study the Bible diligently, weighing every thought, and comparing scripture with scripture.” The Review and Herald, June 28, 1906

Lord, keep our minds clear, our eyes focused on, and our feet turned into the path, the only right path, that leads to You.

Patience

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Recently, I read a Facebook post written by a gentleman with whom I attended academy some years ago. He has a profound depth of understanding of different aspects of life and spirituality. I was so impressed with this one, I wanted to share it:

Our inner self can be trained to wait on God, even though our outer self is stressed and anxious for answers. This is difficult in our fast-paced society, where the spiritual discipline of waiting on the Lord is often lacking.

We want everything—right now. But if we are always in a hurry, we will miss out on the close fellowship with God that takes time to develop. He will speak to our hearts if we are patient enough to listen.

After slaying the prophets of Baal, Elijah learned a valuable lesson about waiting on God. The Lord told him to stand on a mountain. A great wind came, followed by an earthquake, then a great fire, but the Lord was in none of these.

It was only after the wind, the earthquake, and the fire had all died away that the Lord spoke in a still, small voice. Had Elijah been impatient he would not have heard the Lord’s voice.

If we are to pray effectively, we must choose to wait patiently and listen for His word. Waiting and listening takes the focus off us and places it on Him, who is the answer to all our needs.

It is often in the silence that follows turmoil that the power of God is moving most mightily. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach us to wait in His presence.

Gaylen Healzer

Evil Has a Face

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Friends and neighbors who were interviewed after the Son of Sam killer was apprehended had all found him to be nice, and never would have suspected he was a serial killer. Evil had a face, David Berkowitz.

Jeffrey started killing animals at a young age. He killed his first human when he was 16 but killed 17 more young men before he was finally stopped. Evil had a face, Jeffrey Dahmer.

David was so faithful that God helped him to defeat Goliath and become the king of Israel. God referred to David as a man after His own heart. But then evil was found in his heart, and he lusted after Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of his best friends. David committed adultery with her, and then he killed Uriah to keep it a secret. However, neither the adultery nor the murder was secret. Evil had a face, King David.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists pulled off attacks against America, killing nearly 3,000 people, including eight children. Evil had a face, 19 terrorists, and a culture of hatred.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas executed well-coordinated armed incursions at the southern border of Israel, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and others of different nationalities, murdered in some of the most horrendous and inhumane ways, and took 251 hostages. Evil had a face that day, Hamas, and a culture that has hated Israel and Western culture for centuries.

A short time after the attacks on October 7, I was watching a day-in-the-life video of a Palestinian journalist in Gaza. I could see the abject fear in his eyes and sense it in his body as he cowered on the floor. He was certain that he would die at any moment. However, at that moment, I felt nothing for him, all of my sympathies being with those who had suffered and the families of those who had died. I don’t dislike Palestinians, so I can’t explain why I felt as I did for this man’s fear, and I saw something in myself that I had not seen before, something that needed to change. As Christians, God calls us all to love our neighbors. But as sinners, evil can have a face any day, and it could be any one of us.

“Love is the principle that underlies God’s government in heaven and on earth, and this love must be interwoven in the life of the Christian. The love of Christ is not a fitful love; it is deep, and broad, and full. Its possessor will not say, ‘I will love only those who love me.’ The heart that is influenced by this holy principle will be carried above everything of a selfish nature.” The Youth’s Instructor, June 10, 1897

“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” Romans 13:10

Who is our neighbor?

“Everyone who is in suffering need is our neighbor. …

“Our neighbors are not merely our associates and special friends; they are not simply those who belong to our church or who think as we do. Our neighbors are the whole human family. … We are to give to the world an exhibition of what it means to carry out the law of God. We are to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.

“He who truly loves God and his fellow man is he who shows mercy to the destitute, the suffering, the wounded, those who are ready to die.” My Life Today, 232

Dear Lord, we know evil has a face; we pray it isn’t ours.

Crisis

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Opioids, violence, sexual abuse, domestic abuse, racism, pandemic, voting rights, abortion, nuclear testing, global warming, war, child trafficking, suicide, disease, socialism, communism, politics, natural disasters, social disorder. Crisis! Crisis! Crisis!

It seems there is a new crisis every day and the people of the world are crushed by the weight of it all. But what is the real problem? Where do all these crises come from?

In a word: sin. Sin affects the natural world, it is the natural state of the human heart and the great desire of our nature. It is no wonder that there is a great dearth of faith in this world, often even among God’s own people.

“Satan desires to keep you in the lowlands of sin, but will you not decide that you will go free? Will you not say: ‘Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling’?” The Signs of the Times, August 8, 1892

Without sin, the world would be a perfect place, and, just as God designed it to be, we would be a perfect people.

In spite of the wickedness that seems to permeate everything around us, we have the assurance that Jesus is coming again and that sin and all who hold it dear will soon be gone.

“The chaos caused by sin will not last forever. Someday we will live as God intended—in peace, love, and happiness. Death and sorrow will be banished forever. And best of all, you can be a part of that amazing new world!” Darkness Before Dawn, 52

“The powers of darkness are arrayed against you. Satan desires to see you deserting your Leader. He would be greatly pleased to see you disappointing the One who has done so much for you. Do not yield to his temptations. Fight bravely against his suggestions. Remember that God and Christ and the heavenly angels are fighting with you.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 1, 1903

Lord, as You calmed the sea, calm our fears and doubts. Fill our hearts with Your peace. Help us to trust You during this time of progressing wickedness. Keep us faithful so that when all these crises have ended, we will be standing inside the holy city of God, with You.

Have You Considered My Servant?

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“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ …

“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’ ” Job 1:8, 12

So Satan caused marauders to steal Job’s oxen, donkeys, and camels, and kill his servants. He made a fire to come down and burn up all his sheep and shepherds and a great storm collapsed the house and killed all of Job’s children.

Job’s response? “ ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.’ In all this, Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” Verses 21, last part, 22

Then, the Lord allowed Satan to go a little farther. He said, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” Job 2:6

Now, Satan afflicts Job with boils, leaving him with only a complaining wife who suggests he curse God and die. Still, Job responds to his wife in the same manner, “In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” Verse 10, last part

Then, his three miserable friends try to convince him that he must be a sinful man and that God is punishing him. Still, he replies, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15

This habit of complete trust in God enables Job to assert in faith, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25–27

Someone might ask about chapters 3, 6, 10, and others where it seems Job has lost faith. He curses his birth, finds no comfort, and looks for understanding to that always sought-after answer. Why? An answer that is all too often not available—yet! He speaks of what he has lost, and later in the book, he challenges God. God’s response: “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” Job 38:4

I think we’ve all been in Job’s situation at some point. The circumstances may have been different, but we still have asked: Why? Remember where all this trouble came from? Satan accused God that Job only served Him because He had made him rich and protected him. I wonder if Job lost faith or if he just couldn’t see as God does.

Think of the confidence God had in Job. It was God who started the conversation with Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job?” Job still had some things he needed to see about himself, and God, through this trial, allowed him to see them. In the end, Job answered the Lord, “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. … Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. … I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore, I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:2–6

Lord, help us to have the faith of Job and transform us so that we might be worthy for You to ask, “Have you considered My servant?”

Cleave Asunder or Cleave To

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I was listening to a radio preacher some time ago speaking on marriage and the family and he quoted the scripture we always associate with marriage. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined (shall cleave) to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

Two other scriptures also came to my mind about cleaving or adhering firmly to what is right and good.

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Romans 12:9

“I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling [cleave] to me. A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will not know wickedness.” Psalm 101:3, 4

As I thought more on the idea of cleaving, I realized that the word cleave, depending on the context of its use, can mean both “to adhere firmly and closely … unwaveringly” or “to split or divide.” Two people can be so close that they appear as one in thought and action, adhering firmly to each other. But those same two people can also be cleaved apart, divided by a cutting blow.

A thoughtless word or unkind action can cut [cleave] to the very quick. The idiom, cut to the quick, is descriptive of how a person can be deeply affected to the most sensitive and fragile parts of themselves by the actions or words of others, particularly from those they trust and love.

For a moment, picture the image of cleaving yourself to Christ, being held firmly against His chest. Then, picture the cross, realizing that yielding to our sinful nature and rejecting His offer of love and forgiveness, we figuratively cleaved His heart in two. We killed the Son of God.

“Jesus offered Himself to the Father in man’s behalf, that those who had been separated from God through sin, might be brought back to God through the merits of the divine Petitioner. …

“The prayer of Christ in behalf of lost humanity cleaved its way through [cut through] every shadow that Satan had cast between man and God, and left a clear channel of communication to the very throne of glory.” Our High Calling, 156

“The injunction to cleave to the Lord will be precious to us if we will understand and obey it. Trust constantly in God. Have unswerving faith in Him because of the unmistakable evidence given you of His love and power. Never does one stretch out his arms in faith to the Saviour but there are placed around and underneath him the everlasting arms, and he is comforted and sustained.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 125

Lord Jesus, help us to cleave our connection with this world and all its temptations asunder, to cleave or cut away every spot of sin in our hearts, that we might cleave firmly into Your strong and loving arms.

You, Mother, Surpass Them All

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Nothing I could write would better express how important the mother’s position is in the family than the Spirit of Prophecy quotations below. I should have included this in the May issue since Mother’s Day is in May, but May had passed before I read this in my morning devotions. While this described my own mother to me, I know that it likely describes your mother, too, or someone to whom you looked for love and guidance.

If there are times when you feel unappreciated or discouraged, remember that God gave mothers the most important work of all, and you can, coupled with His power, raise children who will love God and be happy to work in His service. This can include anyone—grandmother, aunt, sister, teacher, friend, even a single father—who assumes the responsibility for raising or assisting in raising a child.

“There is a God above, and the light and glory from His throne rests upon the faithful mother as she tries to educate her children to resist the influence of evil. No other work can equal hers in importance. She has not, like the artist, to paint a form of beauty upon canvas, nor, like the sculptor, to chisel it from marble. She has not, like the author, to embody a noble thought in words of power, nor, like the musician, to express a beautiful sentiment in melody. It is hers, with the help of God, to develop in a human soul the likeness of the divine.” The Ministry of Healing, 377, 378

Is it any wonder that the devil works so hard to destroy families?

“The mother who appreciates this will regard her opportunities as priceless. Earnestly will she seek, in her own character and by her methods of training, to present before her children the highest ideal. Earnestly, patiently, courageously, she will endeavor to improve her own abilities, that she may use aright the highest powers of the mind in the training of her children. Earnestly will she inquire at every step, ‘What hath God spoken?’ Diligently, she will study His word. She will keep her eyes fixed upon Christ, that her own daily experience, in the lowly round of care and duty, may be a true reflection of the one true Life.” Ibid., 378

Do not be discouraged, mothers.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28, first part

Dear Lord, please send strength, comfort, satisfaction, and joy to all, especially our mothers, who have the privilege of raising children for You. May they, and their children, reflect You in every circumstance and in every place.

Omnipotence from God

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Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task … .” Gospel Workers, 477

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always do a very good job of conquering self, and I’m a long way from noble heroism. It can be discouraging, yet God does not want us to be discouraged. In fact, He promises that we do not have to be discouraged or depressed.

The very thing that I am supposed to do in this world, but am totally unable to do by myself, He says I can accomplish. How? Because He has promised to give me the strength and ability to do everything He asks me to do.

God is:

Omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:24; Proverbs 15:3; Psalm 139:7–10)

Omniscient (Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 139:1–3)

Omnipotent (Matthew 19:26; Isaiah 43:13; Genesis 18:14)

And He says through Inspiration, “As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333

When I accept the hand of God, when I turn my life over to Him, He makes me powerful enough to conquer self. Friends, omnipotence means “having very great or unlimited power.” God says that I am to conquer myself, which is impossible for me, and then He gives me—you, us—unlimited power to do it, if only we will surrender.

“Words cannot describe the peace and joy possessed by him who takes God at His word. Trials do not disturb him, slights do not vex him. Self is crucified. Day by day his duties may become more taxing, his temptations stronger, his trials more severe; but he does not falter; for he receives strength equal to his need.” Messages to Young People, 98

Power and peace. Both are promised to the man, woman, and child who will make God their fortress, who will accept His help.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Lord, give us the desire to seek Your will and the strength to accomplish it. Amen.

I Love You

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From the moment we officially started dating until the day of his death, my husband Roger would tell me or call to tell me he loved me many times a day. He would say, “Have I told you yet today that I love you?” My response was always, “Yes, but you can tell me again.” I imagine that this type of exchange happens quite often between spouses, in many homes every day.

My mother would write me letters or end our phone conversations with, “I love you, Judy, but God loves you more.”

And my mother was right. Just like Roger’s oft-repeated words of love and my mother’s entreaties, God has shown me every day, in multiple ways, just how much He loves me. In the good times and the bad, even in the times when I had no interest in Him, His eye stayed focused on me, His love never wavering.

“Wherever we turn, we hear the voice of God and behold His handiwork. From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder and old ocean’s ceaseless roar, to the glad songs that make the forests vocal with melody, nature’s ten thousand voices speak His praise. In earth and sea and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, varying in gorgeous contrast or blended in harmony, we behold His glory. The everlasting hills tell of His power. The trees that wave their green banners in the sunlight, and the flowers in their delicate beauty, point to their Creator. The living green that carpets the brown earth tells of God’s care for the humblest of His creatures. The caves of the sea and the depths of the earth reveal His treasures. He who placed the pearls in the ocean and the amethyst and chrysolite among the rocks is a lover of the beautiful. The sun rising in the heavens is a representative of Him who is the life and light of all that He has made. All the brightness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens speak of God.

“Shall we, then, in the enjoyment of His gifts, forget the Giver? Let them rather lead us to contemplate His goodness and His love. Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river and green fields, the waving trees and living fountains, the shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home—that world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue describe. ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.’ 1 Corinthians 2:9.” Child Guidance, 53, 54

“ ‘I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.’ John 17:23. It seems almost too good to believe that the Father can and does love any member of the human family as He loves His Son. But we have the assurance that He does, and this assurance should bring joy to every heart, awakening the highest reverence, and calling forth unspeakable gratitude. God’s love is not uncertain and unreal, but a living reality.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 18, 332

“All that is good and lovely and beautiful in this world speaks to [us] of the love of our heavenly Father. The character of God [we] may discern in His created works.”
Child Guidance, 54

If You Can Believe

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“Then one of the crowd answered and said, ‘Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.’

“He answered him and said, ‘O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him [the child] to Me.’ Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth.

“So He asked his father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ And he said, ‘From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.’

“Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’ ” Mark 9:17–24

“Every human being can come to Christ. ‘Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.’ Titus 3:5. Do you feel that because you are a sinner you cannot hope to receive blessing from God? Remember that Christ came into the world to save sinners. We have nothing to recommend us to God; the plea that we may urge now and ever is our utterly helpless condition, which makes His redeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, we may look to the cross of Calvary and say:

‘In my hand no price I bring;

‘Simply to Thy cross I cling.’

“ ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’ Mark 9:23. It is faith that connects us with heaven and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every evil trait and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is still the same mighty Redeemer. Then grasp His promises as leaves from the tree of life: ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’ John 6:37. As you come to Him, believe that He accepts you, because He has promised. You can never perish while you do this—never.” The Ministry of Healing, 65, 66

Lord, we cling to you. Help our unbelief.