Articles – Page 34 – Steps to Life

Recipe – Flax Muffins

August 29, 2024 by Lynette Golia

Flaxseed

Flaxseed, or linseed as it is sometimes called, is quite simply one of the most nutritionally-beneficial whole foods a person can consume.

It’s no surprise flax is thought of as a “superfood.” There’s a list of benefits to eating these tiny, nutty seeds that is longer than your arm, and consequently it has been growing in reputation and popularity year after year.

Because flaxseed contains around 27% fiber, making it one of the finest plant sources of fiber, it aids in digestion. It also helps with weight loss and regulating blood sugar levels. Thus it is considered a low-glycemic food.

There are around 18 grams of protein in every 100-gram serving of flaxseed, which is even higher than the protein content of chia seeds.

Flaxseed is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains around 75-800 times more lignans than cereal grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Lignans have a chemical structure much like steroids, and have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, menopausal symptoms, and osteoporosis. A recent study showed that lignans in flaxseed played a part in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Flaxseed is an invaluable tool for the vegan baker as it makes a superb egg substitute. Grinding the seeds and mixing with a little water creates a gel which can then be used to replace an egg in muffins, breads, and cookies. You might also want to sprinkle them on a salad, use them in dressings, cereal, and smoothies.

Source: healthysupplies.com.uk/blog/article/ten-amazing-facts-about-flaxseed

Health Benefits of Flaxseed
• Loaded with nutrients
• High in omega-3 fatty acids
• May help protect against cancer
• Rich in fiber
• May lower cholesterol levels
• May reduce blood pressure
• May stabilize blood sugar levels
• May help with weight management
• Versatile and easy to use
www.healthline.com/nutrition/
benefits-of-flaxseeds

Recipe – Flax Muffins

Ingredients

2/3 cup flaxseed, ground into a meal

1/2 cup smooth almond butter, or any creamy nut or seed butter

1/2 cup plain nondairy milk

1/3 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp. vanilla bean powder

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/4 cup dried fruit, chopped, and/or carob chips

Process

Line a muffin pan with paper liners. In a bowl, stir together the flaxseed meal, almond butter, milk, maple syrup, vanilla bean powder, and sea salt until blended and smooth. Add the dried fruit and/or carob chips. Divide the batter evenly among 12 muffin cups. Bake at 325°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are browned and the centers are just set. Let the muffins cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pan to the rack to cool completely.

Divinity United with Humanity

August 29, 2024 by John J. Grosboll

A couple hundred years ago, people believed that things were getting better in this world because of medical advancements, the discovery of drugs and antibiotics that would result in the eradication of disease, and many other medical and scientific advancements. The world looked with optimism at the theory of evolution to prove that as time passed, this world and the people in it would progress to higher and higher levels of development.

But the idea of this world becoming a utopia was shattered by World War I and even more so by World War II. The entire psychology of the world in the last hundred years, the optimistic view of a steadily progressing improvement, was completely turned on its head. Before, we thought we would be able to solve every problem as advancement upon advancement was achieved, new technology was discovered and developed. But the truth is, we now know that we are not able to solve all the world’s problems, not with technology, not even with all our advancements. And as a result, the world today has become pessimistic, with many voices in the public press talking about the end of the world.

But the problem for us, we who call ourselves Christians, is not that the world is ending, but that we are not prepared to be made ready for the end to come.

Over many months, we have studied so that we might have a correct knowledge and understanding of the mystery of godliness and how it will prepare a people to be ready for the end of the world. We must understand what Jesus intends to do for us. We require an inside change to be ready for the end of the world and only Jesus can make this change in us. Otherwise, we will be destroyed. God has big plans for us, bigger and higher than we can possibly imagine. And understanding His plans will lead each of us to say, “Lord, I want Your plan to be worked out in my life.”

When Jesus came to this world, His own people did not understand who He was nor what He had come to do for them. When Jesus asked them who they thought He was, some thought he was Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets, and others said He was John the Baptist risen from the dead. But Peter hit upon the truth exactly in his response to Jesus’ question. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16

Jesus blessed Peter for his understanding, pointing out that Peter could not have known this by himself, that only by the Holy Spirit could it have been revealed to him. Then He described Peter as being a rolling stone. But God’s church would be built upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, and this church would prevail against everything, even death (verses 17, 18).

The focus and basis of our study has been 1 Timothy 3:16. “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit.”

Let’s list some of the basic points that we have discussed during this series:

Jesus is touched with the feeling of our infirmities because He experienced the weaknesses of humanity, identified in Inspiration as the wants or desires of man.
The drawing of desire, or the terrible power of temptation, endured by Jesus was a hundred-fold stronger than any member of the human race would ever be asked to bear. Why was it so much stronger? Because “His spiritual nature was free from every taint of sin.” The Signs of the Times, December 9, 1897. This is the same as saying His spiritual nature was free from every taint of selfishness.
Hebrews 4:14–16 tells us that we have a great High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and to whom we can boldly come in every time of need and He will extend grace and help.
Jesus was tempted on three specific points—appetite, presumption, and love of the world. These three temptations are the strongest temptations for us and encompass many other temptations, perhaps not as strong, but equally troublesome for man. “Christ endured these three great leading temptations and overcame in behalf of man, working out for him a righteous character, because He knew man could not do this of himself.” Testimonies, Vol. 3, 372

“Appetite and passion, the love of the world and presumptuous sins, were the great branches of evil out of which every species of crime, violence, and corruption grew.” The Review and Herald, August 18, 1874

Many people are seeking the answer to this question: “Was Jesus tempted with the same evils that sinful man is tempted with?” Some say yes, while others say no. But the truth is, Jesus was tempted like we are. Every evil, every sin comes under one of these three great branches and our High Priest was tempted in all of these points. Okay, but was Jesus tempted with every species of crime, violence, and corruption—adultery, lying, stealing, murder, idolatry, addiction, depression, discouragement—all the bad things that you can imagine?

“Christ was God manifest in the flesh.” The Signs of the Times, April 26, 1905

“Let no man say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted of God’; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts He any man.” James 1:13

From a surface reading of this Spirit of Prophecy quotation and Bible scripture it seems that they contradict each other, but the problem, as it always is when dealing with inspired writings, is our understanding. “We are led to make wrong conclusions because of erroneous views of the nature of our Lord.” The Signs of the Times, April 10, 1893. Notice the date this quotation was written—April 10, 1893. We will see its significance shortly.

The apparent dilemma that needs to be resolved is how could Jesus be tempted in all the three great branches of evil if Christ, who was God in the flesh, cannot be tempted with evil? Inspiration clearly reveals the answer to this apparent contradiction.

God cannot be tempted with evil.
Christ was God manifest in the flesh.
Jesus was tempted in all of the three great branches of evil.

How does Inspiration tie these truths together in a harmonizing way?

Many Protestant theologians believe and teach that because He was God, it was impossible for Christ to yield to temptation. Mrs. White was once asked if Christ was capable of yielding to temptation and this was her response:

“The point you inquire of me is, in our Lord’s great scene of conflict in the wilderness, apparently under the power of Satan and his angels, was He capable, in His human nature, of yielding to these temptations?

“I will try to answer this important question: As God He could not be tempted: but as a man He could be tempted, and that strongly, and could yield to the temptations. …

“His human nature was created; it did not even possess the angelic powers. It was human, identical with our own. … He was now where, if He endured the test and trial in behalf of the fallen race, He would redeem Adam’s disgraceful failure and fall, in our own humanity.

“A human body and a human mind were His. … He came into our world to maintain a pure, sinless character, and to refute Satan’s lie that it was not possible for human beings to keep the law of God. Christ came to live the law in His human character in just that way in which all may live the law in human nature if they will do as Christ was doing.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 6, 110, 111

In order to be tempted, I must be capable of yielding to that temptation. Being capable and actually yielding are two different things, and this difference needs to be understood. Jesus became a man, and, as a man, was capable of being tempted. However, His divine nature played a major role not only in what He was tempted to do, but also in the strength of His temptations.

Theologians have argued for 1,500 years over the relationship between Christ’s humanity and His divinity. “Christ was God manifest in the flesh. In Him divinity and humanity were united.” The Signs of the Times, April 26, 1905. What does it mean for His divinity and humanity to be united? Unity means that separate things become one. In marriage, as an example, the Bible says that the man will leave his parents and home and unite with his wife, and the two become one in spirit (Matthew 19:5). Jesus came to this world—read this carefully—and became one flesh with us so that, being united with Him, we could become one Spirit with Him. This process of humanity uniting with divinity must occur if we want to spend eternity with Christ, and it must occur here. Not one person from this world will be in the kingdom of heaven whose humanity has not been united with divinity.

The apostle Peter writes in a clear and detailed way how this must happen in each life. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:2–4

Christ was God manifest in the flesh. In Him divinity and humanity were united [become one, cannot be separated]. “In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9

Nobody in the world can fully explain or understand this unity between Christ’s humanity and divinity, or how our humanity can be united with divinity to become a changed person fit for heaven. But we find in inspired writing that it is possible and when God inspires a prophet or an apostle to say or write something to His people, then it is truth, even if it can’t be understood. There are mysteries about the incarnation of Christ that you and I cannot understand here, and will not be able to understand even throughout eternity.

“Was the human nature of the Son of Mary changed into the divine nature of the Son of God? No; the two natures were mysteriously blended in one Person—the man Christ Jesus. In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 21, 418

“He united humanity with divinity, a divine spirit dwelt in a temple of flesh.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, 1147. This is the mystery of godliness—a divine spirit dwelling in a temple of flesh.

The night Jesus was betrayed, Philip asked, “ ‘Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.’ Jesus said, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father … .’ ” John 14:8, 9

“Jesus encircled the race with His humanity, and united divinity with humanity; thus moral power is brought to man through the merits of Jesus.” The Review and Herald, March 1, 1892. Moral power is made available to man through our relationship with Jesus.

Many have said, “Lord, how can you save someone like me?” Jesus died on the cross to forgive your sins but forgiveness alone does not save you. The Holy Spirit must bring moral power into your life so that you can be changed on the inside. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Unless a person is born of water and the Spirit there is no chance that he can enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5. The gospel is not only about forgiveness of sins. Rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit creates inside of you something that was not there before. This change, this new creation, is accomplished only by a member of the Godhead because it requires creative power. The Bible says that God had only to speak and the world was made (Psalm 33). We serve a God who speaks and things happen.

This change doesn’t have to happen months or years from now. If God speaks in your behalf, you will have a new heart and a new mind. Paul writes, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts … .” Hebrews 3:15. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2, last part. Friends, when you hear the Holy Spirit speak to your heart, don’t wait. There are multitudes of people in this world right now who intend to be saved, but because they still desire the pleasures of sin, they will likely be lost because they put off until tomorrow what must be done today, now.

When the world ends and burns up there will be millions of people who will be destroyed in hellfire who never intended to be there. We cannot let this happen to us.

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” Ephesians 3:14–21

“The glory of God is His character.” The Signs of the Times, September 3, 1902

“This Saviour was the brightness of His Father’s glory and the express image of His person. He possessed divine majesty, perfection, and excellence. He was equal with God. ‘It pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.’ ” Testimonies, Vol, 2, 200

God’s fullness is His glory, His character, and His love, and it was manifested in His only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

“To human eyes, Christ was only a man, yet he was a perfect man. In His humanity, He was the impersonation of the divine character. God embodied His own attributes in His Son—His power, His wisdom, His goodness, His purity, His truthfulness, His spirituality, and His benevolence. In Him, though human, all perfection of character, all divine excellence, dwelt.” The Youth’s Instructor, September 16, 1897

This reference lists the attributes of God’s character and tells us that Jesus possessed all of them in His human nature. “Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else than good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God regards more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly origin, which lives and flourishes only where Christ reigns.” Gospel Workers (1892), 311, 312

Intellectual and moral strength cannot be separated from love. The power of God is His pure divine love, something we just do not understand unless we study the life of Christ. Only then can we understand, even just a little, the love of God. We do know that if we have God’s love in our hearts, then we will obey His commandments. True love always leads to obedience. The world has muddied up what love is, confused it with sexual passion, which is not love at all.

The obedience that springs from true love is the moral strength that God imparted to His only begotten Son so that we would have an example of what He wants to do in those who are willing to be adopted into His family and to prove that He has the power to unite His divinity with our humanity. We are born into this world as a child of the devil and therefore must be adopted into the family of God. But in order to be adopted into God’s family, we must allow the miraculous recreation of what we were meant to be when God created Adam and Eve. He will give each of us a new heart and a new spirit. He will change our minds. We will talk differently, think differently, act differently. Why? Because He has made us a different person. He has made us His child, a member of His holy family.

“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16

There is Always a Cost

Salvation has a cost. Yes, Jesus paid that cost when He died on the cross, but we tend to emphasize the physical aspects of the ransom that Christ paid for our salvation, and while we should not minimize the reality of that, it was the mental anguish that He endured to save us that we do not understand.

“In order to fully realize the value of salvation, it is necessary to understand what it cost. In consequence of the limited ideas of the sufferings of Christ, many place a low estimate upon the great work of the atonement.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 200

Why do we place such a low estimate on the great work of the atonement? Because our limited ideas regarding His suffering tend to focus on His physical sufferings, and far less on the mental anguish He endured. The following quotes are referring to His suffering in Gethsemane and on Calvary.

“He ‘resisted unto blood’ in that hour when the fear of moral failure was as the fear of death. As He bowed in Gethsemane, in His soul agony, drops of blood fell from his pores, and moistened the sods of the earth. He prayed with strong crying and tears, and He was heard in that He feared. …

“Christ’s heart was pierced by a far sharper pain than that caused by the nails driven into His hands and feet. He was bearing the sins of the whole world, enduring our punishment—the wrath of God against transgression. His trial involved the fierce temptation of thinking that He was forsaken by God. His soul was tortured by the pressure of great darkness, lest He should swerve from His uprightness during the terrible ordeal.” Selected Messages, Book 3, 131, 132

“The wrath of God against sin, the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation. … The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was this agony that His physical pain was hardly felt.” The Desire of Ages, 753

Friends, in hell people are not going to live and burn forever; they will be destroyed. Not just their bodies, but their souls will be destroyed. To die in hellfire means that you will die alone, without God. It will be as if you had never existed. If you accept Christ as your Saviour, choosing to follow Him all the way, you will never have to pay the price of your sins because He’s paid it for you.

If you reject the sacrifice made by Christ on your behalf and refuse to welcome Him into your life, opting instead to pursue your own path rather than walking in His footsteps—a life He shared to demonstrate the potential of uniting your humanity with His divinity—then when He returns and the end of all things is at hand, you will bear the weight of your sins alone. You will die alone, without God, and with no hope of a resurrection.

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at 316-788-5559.

Mitochondria

August 29, 2024 by Janet Headrick

An Introduction

This introduction will just “scratch the surface” on the subject of this very small part of our body. Mitochondria vary in size, commonly between 0.75 and 3 µm (micrometers) in cross section. For comparison, a single grain of fine sand or dust is roughly 1 µm. So these parts of our cells range in size from ¾ the size of a grain of sand up to 3 grains of sand. Despite their small size, the mitochondria are vital to our survival.

Mitochondria are found in nearly all the cells of our body and are considered the “energy factory” of the body. In cells or organs with high metabolic activity and high energy demands, such as muscle and nerve cells—especially the heart, brain, and eyes—mitochondria occur in greater concentrations because energy consumption here is great. Liver and muscle cells can contain hundreds, even thousands, of mitochondria. Because of its critical nature and high demand for energy, the heart contains the greatest concentration of mitochondrial cells in the body. Red blood cells are an example of cells in our body which do not have mitochondria.

Mitochondria were first discovered in 1857 by Albert von Kölliker in the voluntary muscles of insects and named by Carl Benda in 1898. The word comes from the Greek words mitos, meaning “thread,” and chondrion, meaning “granule.” “Powerhouse of the cell” was a phrase adapted by Philip Siekevitz in 1957, describing a primary function of the mitochondria. This phrase stuck and is commonly used today.

Most cells in the body contain organelles, organized or specialized structures or “organs” within a living cell. Mitochondria are unlike other cellular organelles in that they have two distinct membranes—an inner and an outer—and a unique chromosome structure. When genetic material is taken from a human, most strands of DNA represent the genetic chromosomes of both the father and mother. Mitochondrial cells have the majority, if not all, of their genetic material from the mother. The maternal egg cell donates the majority of the cytoplasm, material within the cell membrane, to the embryo. The cytoplasm contributed to the embryo from the father, the much smaller amount, is usually destroyed.

Genesis 1:27, 28, first part, tells us: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth.’ ”

Through research of the mitochondrial genes, scientists have confirmed God’s instruction to Adam and Eve. Science has proven that all humans alive today can be traced to a single woman ancestor. They believe that this woman lived among other women, but that her maternal DNA superseded that of all other women.

The main function of mitochondria is to generate the chemical energy necessary to power cells. They do this by turning nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins into chemical energy that the body will use to live. This is done through a very complex, 8-step chain of chemical reactions known as the Krebs Cycle. These energy factories supply our body with 90% of the energy we need to function. They generate the majority of this energy from adenosine triphosphate (ATP). They are also involved in other pathways related to our metabolism. But, there is more to mitochondria than just the production of energy.

If you want to age well, you need the mitochondria to work smoothly and efficiently. Research is now showing that strong mitochondria protect your DNA. As the mitochondria are damaged, they frequently steal from our healthy DNA for their repair.

Mitochondria are important in cell repair, so you really wouldn’t want to do things that would cause them harm. They also start and regulate apoptosis, a process of programmed cell death necessary for the removal of poor or damaged cells. This is very important in cancer prevention because cancer cells are abnormal cells that need to be recognized and destroyed. So, the lack of mitochondrial health may be related to cancer development.

Mitochondria are involved in many functions of the body:

Help in the regulation of the cell cycle and cell growth,
Help to regulate the concentration of calcium in the cell,
Produce heat in certain cells,
Detoxify ammonia and waste production of protein metabolism in the liver,
Are indispensable for proper regulation of brain development as nerve cells develop,
Are important in the synthesis of steroids needed by the body.

Without effective communication, our cells could not work harmoniously in our body. Cells constantly send and receive messages that help maintain balance between the different processes that occur within us. Mitochondria have a role in hormone and immune signaling. They also play a vital role in signaling within our cells.

So, what strengthens or weakens the mitochondria? What damages or improves them? Questions for another article.

As we reflect upon all that this little organelle does, no larger than three grains of fine sand, we cannot but proclaim, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:14

Sources: bonecoach.com/ari-whitten-the-energy-blueprint; theenergyblueprint.com; my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15612-mitochondrial-diseases; medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320875#aging; Copilot with GPT-4 (bing.com); webmd.com/a-to-z/mitochondria-what-to-know; sciencenotes.org/mitochondria-definition-structure-function

Man’s Best Friend

August 29, 2024 by Judy Rebarchek

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you
more than he loves himself.”

Josh Billings

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind’; and it was so. And God … saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:24, 25, last part

Along with all the other creatures that God created on the sixth day of Creation, He made the dog. A person could write, and many have written, volumes on the origin of the dog, the many different species of dog, and the multitude of breeds. But I would like to talk about just one very special characteristic of a dog—its capacity to love under any and all circumstances.

The dog is a domesticated descendant of the wolf, specifically the extinct gray wolf. It is thought to be the first species to be domesticated by man. For hundreds—even thousands—of years, man has been selectively breeding the dog. The process of breeding brings forward various behaviors, sensory capabilities, and certain physical traits. Since dogs are natural hunters, certain breeds, like Pointers and Spaniels, are bred to make this trait stronger. Some breeds may be bred to make the hunting trait stronger, but also physical traits that allow them to go where larger dogs and man can’t go; for instance, Terriers, Beagles, Foxhounds, and the Dachshund. Other breeds are bred for their strength and ability to protect, specific behavioral traits like the ability to sniff out drugs and bombs, for search and rescue, as overseers of herds and flocks, as comfort/companion animals, to lead the blind, and assist the disabled.

Did You Know? A dog’s vision is dichromatic. They see yellows, blues, and grays, but have a hard time telling the difference between red and green.

I did say that I wanted to talk about the dog’s ability to love. I don’t think man especially bred or breeds the trait of love into dogs. I believe that a dog’s capacity to love unconditionally is a gift God gave to it so that we might learn from them how to love and give love. In this broken world marred by sin, marked by hatred, neglect, and abuse, it is incredible that the God who unconditionally loves us, the Father who promises to never abandon nor forget us, the Brother whose love for us is eternal, would offer mankind a living, breathing illustration of that boundless love.

We can see it in their eyes (most often brown, but sometimes blue, amber, or green), in the wiggle of their body (no matter how big or small) when we walk through the door, and in their tail. While a dog’s tail helps it to maintain its balance, its primary function is to communicate the dog’s emotional state.

Did You Know? Dogs can actually hurt themselves by wagging their tails too forcefully. What a wonderful welcome after a long day at work to come home and be met at the door by a creature that loves you so much, and missed you so badly, that it could actually injure itself by being so happy to see you.

Dogs exemplify the compassionate nature and unwavering dedication of God for man. It reminds me of the parable of the Lost Sheep. The Shepherd left the other 99 sheep in the fold and went in search of that one lost sheep until He found it and brought it safely home.

“This is the way the true Shepherd treats the lost sinner. He goes after him; He does not hesitate at peril, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. He is intent upon bringing the sin-burdened soul to repentance, to salvation, to peace, rest, and happiness in his Saviour’s love … .” Sons and Daughters of God, 277

But dogs also remind me of the importance of remaining committed to God. Take, for instance, Bobbie the wonder dog.

In 1923, the Brazier family and their dog Bobbie left their home in Edgerton, Oregon, to travel to Indiana to spend some time with relatives. During a stop in Indiana, Bobbie was chased off by a pack of dogs. For months they searched for him, but when hope of finding him faded, they returned to Oregon without their beloved dog.

Six months later, to their utter amazement, Bobbie showed up on their doorstep, having traveled almost 2,500 miles from where he was last seen. He was severely malnourished, his paws worn down to the bone, and he was covered in cuts and bruises, but none of this mattered to Bobbie. He was simply overjoyed to see his family again. Bobbie’s unwavering loyalty and determination to be reunited with his family is a reminder that love knows no bounds. His incredible journey is a testament to the power of love and loyalty.

When we realize that we are far from home, far from God, we must turn our back on where we are, and with steadfast determination, head for home. We may be tired and foot sore, but every mile that brings us closer to God is worth the struggle.

Dogs have earned the moniker “Man’s best friend” because when you have troubles, hurts, pain, fear, emptiness, and loneliness, he sits with you—sometimes on you—or he will lay his head in your lap or on your shoulder, he will lick the tears from your cheeks, and softly whine encouragement.

The Bible tells us that we have a Friend who loves us even more than this furry friend can, and that He will stand by us whenever we call upon Him.

“There is a Friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24, last part

“He is our best friend. … We should ever keep Him in view.” Our High Calling, 55

Jesus is our best friend, and while we do not see Him, nor do we feel His touch, through this marvelous and amazing creature of His design, we can know that Jesus loves us, died to save us, and will never forsake us.

“No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:12

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog

Omnipotence from God

August 29, 2024 by Judy Rebarchek

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.

Story – A Special Birthday

August 29, 2024 by Lynette Golia

Laura had saved a very special present to open last. It was a birthday present from Grandma and Grandpa. They almost always got her a doll, but she had no idea what was in this tiny box. She sat down with her two favorite dolls and opened her last present.

It was a beautiful music box! Laura lifted the top and giggled when she heard the little song.

“What is this?” she asked, as she took a little card out of the box. Two ten-dollar bills fell out! There was also a little note that said:

Dear Laura,

We wanted to buy you a doll, but we didn’t know which one you would like. So this birthday we want you to get a very special doll, one that you can keep for your own little girl.

Love, Grandma and Grandpa

Laura was excited. She knew just which doll she wanted. There was one little girl doll at the toy store that she liked so very much. She looked at the money again and said, “Mom, with this money I can buy two dolls—one for me and one for my best friend Becky.”

“Maybe you should think about that a little more, Laura. Grandma and Grandpa want you to have a very special doll. Maybe you’ll find one.”

“But Mom, if I buy two of them, both Becky and I will have a special doll. She would like to have a new doll, too. The only one she has is one her sister played with.”

“Hi Laura!” called Becky. “May I see your presents?”

Becky and Laura looked at the music box and the other nice gifts.

“Becky, I’m so excited! With my birthday money I can buy two dolls, one for you and one for me. Just think of how special that will be.”

“Well, Laura, I think you should get just one doll, the prettiest one you can find. That’s your birthday money and you should use it for yourself,” said Becky. “We can take turns playing with her. I know you have a favorite doll picked out at the toy store.”

“Come on!” said Laura. “Let’s ask my mom if we can go to the store now.”

Mother agreed.

The best friends skipped along, happy to be together. They looked in the window of the toy store and saw so many wonderful toys—stuffed animals, blocks, puzzles. In one corner of the window was a beautiful baby doll just waiting for a new mother.

“Isn’t she pretty?” gasped Laura. “She must have just come in.”

“She’s adorable!” agreed Becky. “Let’s go in and see if we can hold her.”

Laura picked up the doll and cuddled her. “I’d like to take you home. I’ll call you Baby Sue.”

Laura and Becky took turns carrying Baby Sue around as the two friends looked at all the other dolls in the store. Both agreed that Baby Sue was the most special of all.

“It looks like Baby Sue is the one for you,” said Becky.

Laura smiled at the doll. “I’m going to put you back in your corner, Baby Sue. But maybe I’ll come back for you.”

“Why didn’t you buy Baby Sue, Laura?” asked Becky.

“I want to talk to my mom first,” said Laura, with a twinkle in her eye. “Come on, let’s run home.”

That night Laura and her mother talked a long time about Baby Sue and Becky.

“Mom, Becky is too kind to say she’d like a Baby Sue of her own. But I saw the look in her eye as she held her. Becky has only one worn-out doll. I just wouldn’t be happy playing with Baby Sue, even if I shared her with Becky, because I know Becky would love to have a doll of her own. I wish I could give Becky a Baby Sue … but I would like a Baby Sue, too.”

“Maybe there is a way to solve the problem,” said Mother. “I want to think about it tonight. Let’s pray about it. Now it’s time for sleep. Sweet dreams.”

Laura could see that Mother had a special surprise sparkle in her eyes the next morning but Mother wouldn’t tell her the happy secret.

“Let’s check the toy store today,” said Laura when Becky came over to play that afternoon.

Together the friends skipped to the store. They looked for Baby Sue’s corner in the window and … she wasn’t there!

“Maybe they moved her,” said Becky. “We could look inside.”

Whoosh. They opened the door and ran to the doll section. No Baby Sue!

“She’s gone! I wonder if someone bought her! What will we do now?”

Slowly the two friends walked back to Laura’s house, trying to hold back the tears.

Mother was waiting for the two friends, her eyes sparkling.

“Come in, girls. There’s a surprise in the den,” she said smiling.

“Mother, Baby Sue is gone! She’s not at the toy store!” cried Laura.

“Hmmm,” said Mother, who didn’t sound at all surprised to hear that news.

There were two packages in the corner of the den. They were exactly alike, except one said, “To Becky.” The other one said, “To Laura.”

“Unwrap them together,” Mother said.

Rustle, rustle, rustle. Then no sound at all, not even a breathing sound. Laura lifted a baby doll out of her box. Becky lifted a baby doll out of her box.

“Baby Sue!” said Laura.

“I have a Baby Sue, too!” cried Becky.

Both of the girls giggled with delight.

Now it was Mother’s turn to wipe a tear off her cheek. But it was a happy tear.

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35

“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap.” Luke 6:38

The Sinner’s Trials

August 29, 2024 by Ellen G. White

We often hear the life of the Christian described as being filled with trials, sadness and sorrow, with but little to cheer and comfort; and the impression is too often given, that if he should give up his faith and his efforts for Eternal Life, the scene would be changed to pleasure and happiness. But I have been led to compare the life of the sinner with the life of the righteous. The sinner does not have a desire to please God; therefore can have no pleasing sense of His approbation. He does not enjoy his state of sin and worldly pleasure without trouble. He feels deeply the ills of this mortal life. O yes, at times he is fearfully troubled. He fears God, but does not love Him.

Is the sinner free from disappointment, perplexity, earthly losses, poverty and distress? O no! In this respect he is no more secure than the righteous. He often suffers lingering sicknesses, yet has no strong and mighty arm to lean upon, no strengthening grace from a higher power to support him. In his weakness he must lean upon his own strength. He cannot look forward with any pleasure to the resurrection morn, for he has no cheering hope that he will then have part with the blest. He obtains no consolation by looking forward to the future. A fearful uncertainty torments him, and thus he closes his eyes in death. This is the end of the poor sinner’s life of vain pleasures.

The Christian is subject to sickness, disappointment, poverty, reproach and distress. Yet amid all this he loves God, and loves to do His will, and prizes nothing so highly as His approbation. In the conflicts, trials, and changing scenes of this life, he knows that there is One who understands it all; One who will bend His ear low to the cries of the sorrowful and distressed; One who can sympathize with every sorrow and soothe the keenest anguish of every heart. He has invited the sorrowing ones to come to Him and find rest. Amid all his affliction the Christian has strong consolation, and if he suffers a lingering, distressing sickness, before he closes his eyes in death, he can with cheerfulness bear it all, for he holds communion with his Redeemer. You often see his countenance radiant with joy, while he contemplates the future with heavenly satisfaction—only a short rest in the grave, and the Life-giver will break the fetters of the tomb, release the captive and bring him from his dusty bed immortal, never more to know pain, sorrow or death. Let this hope of the Christian be our hope, and we will ask no more.

Many speak of the life of the Christian taking away from us pleasure and worldly enjoyment. I say it takes away nothing worth having. Is there perplexity, poverty and distress endured by the Christian? O yes, this is expected in this life. But is the sinner of whom we speak as enjoying the pleasures of this world free from these ills of life? Do we not often see in him the pale cheek, the racking cough, indicating a fatal disease? Is he not subject to burning fevers, and contagious diseases? How often do you hear his complaints of meeting with heavy losses of worldly goods; and consider, this is his only treasure. He loses all. These troubles of the sinner are overlooked.

Christians are too apt to think they are the only ones who have a hard time, and some seem to think that it is a condescension in them to embrace unpopular truth, and profess to be Christ’s followers. The road seems hard. They think they have many sacrifices to make, when in truth they make no real sacrifice. If they are adopted into the family of God, what sacrifices have they made? Their following Christ may have broken friendship with worldly relatives; but look at the exchange—their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life—elevated, yes, greatly exalted to be partakers of salvation—heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, to an imperishable inheritance. If the link which binds them to worldly relatives is weakened for Christ’s sake, a stronger one is formed, a link which binds finite man to the Infinite God. Shall we call this a sacrifice on our part because we yield error for truth, light for darkness, weakness for strength, sin for righteousness, and a perishable name and inheritance, for honors that are lasting, and an immortal treasure? But even in this life the Christian has One upon whom to lean for support who will help him bear all his trials. But the sinner has to bear his trials alone. He goes down into the grave suffering remorse, under darkness, bound by Satan, for he is his lawful prey.

It does seem to me if there is anyone who should be continually grateful, it is the Christian. If there is anyone who enjoys happiness even in this life, it is the faithful follower of Jesus Christ. It is the duty of God’s children to be cheerful. They should encourage a happy frame of mind. God cannot be glorified by His children living continually under a cloud and casting a shadow wherever they go. The Christian should cast sunshine instead of a shadow. The unbeliever often receives the impression that religion is a gloomy thing, and that the life of the Christian has nothing inviting in it. If the Christian dwells too much upon the rough pathway, he makes it harder than it really is. If he dwells upon the bright spots in the way, and is grateful for every ray of light, and then dwells upon the rich reward that lies at the end of the race, instead of gloom, mourning and complaints, he will bear a cheerful countenance. He has carefully treasured every token for good, and God can safely bless him, and give him gladness of heart.

May the Lord ever give us a lively sense of the great sacrifice which has been made for us, and then present before us the inheritance purchased for us by that dear sacrifice, and may our vision be brightened and clear to dwell upon and appreciate the reward and excellent glory prepared for the faithful Christian. The Review and Herald, April 28, 1859

Imagination

August 29, 2024 by John J. Grosboll

Imagination is a beautiful, yet terrifying thing.

When it is too late to be saved, most of this world’s population will experience the awful realization that they are irretrievably lost. No longer will there be a sacrifice for sins. They will die in their sins, alone, never to awaken. Imagine waking up one day to find probation for the human race has ended, and you are not saved.

However, the Bible prophets give us these warnings so that this will not be our experience:

“The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved!” Jeremiah 8:20

“Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?” Ezekiel 18:31

“Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’ ” Ezekiel 33:11

The apostle Paul warns us against procrastination:

“For He says: ‘In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.’ ” 2 Corinthians 6:2

“Again He designates a certain day, saying in David, ‘Today,’ after such a long time, as it has been said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.’ ” Hebrews 4:7

Multitudes are in the “valley of decision” (Joel 3:14), and all those who remain too long in the valley of decision will die there.

“There are some who seem to be always seeking for the heavenly pearl. But they do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not die to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore, they do not find the precious pearl. They have not overcome unholy ambition and their love for worldly attractions. They do not take up the cross and follow Christ in the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Almost Christians, yet not fully Christians, they seem near the kingdom of heaven, but they cannot enter there. Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 118

Nearer, My God, to Thee

August 29, 2024 by Judy Rebarchek

Sarah Flower Adams was born in Harlow, Essex, England, on February 22, 1805. She wrote several poems and hymns during her short life (she passed away August 14, 1848), but her most well-known and beautiful hymn is Nearer, My God, to Thee, which retells the biblical account of Jacob’s dream found in Genesis 28:11–19.

“So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. Then he dreamed, and behold a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” Verses 11, 12

The hymn gained more notoriety when it was sung by the crew and passengers of the SS Valencia as she sank off the Canadian coast in 1906, and was alleged to have been the last song played by the RMS Titanic’s septet orchestra as the she sank beneath the icy waters of the Atlantic in 1912.

Sarah’s sister, Eliza Flower, first set it to music as one of 13 hymns written by Sarah for publication in William Johnson Fox’s Hymns and Anthems published in 1841. In the United Kingdom, it is sung to the 1861 hymn tune Horbury by John Bacchus Dykes, named after a village where he found peace and comfort. However, today, the rest of the world usually sings the hymn to the 1856 tune Bethany by Lowell Mason.

There are many tales surrounding this hymn, aside from the Titanic. It is said that U.S. President William McKinley’s dying words were the first few lines of the hymn and that it was played by multiple bands across the country at 3:30 p.m., September 14, 1901, in his honor. It was played as U.S. President James Garfield was interred at Lakeview Cemetery in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as at the funerals of Presidents Warren G. Harding and Gerald Ford. The Confederate army band played the hymn as survivors returned from the failed Pickett’s Charge during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Sarah intended to become an actress in the theater. For a short time, she was able to follow that dream and was quite successful until ill health prevented her from continuing. Instead, she gave the world one of its most beautiful and endearing hymns. A legacy that has far exceeded anything she might have done on stage. Nearer, My God, to Thee is about the joy and comfort found in a loving relationship with God. What a wonder it will be when God’s children step into the holy city and see the sure results of this hymn.

Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Nearer,_My_God,_to_Thee; thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/nearer-my-god-to-thee-history-and-lyrics