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Food – I Choose Not to Smoke

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Once the decision and commitment is made to quit smoking, a stop smoking plan needs to be initiated. Enlist the help of the Lord through Scripture reading, meditation, and prayer. Look for a good friend who can support you during this time. Set a date to stop and then do it. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, invoke your power of choice by saying, “I choose not to smoke.” The urge to smoke only lasts for 30 seconds to 3 minutes and will disappear quickly if you focus your mind elsewhere. Regardless the temptation, never give up your power of choice. To persist in your decision not to smoke is to succeed.

It is important to create new habits to replace old ones. As a habit is repeated, little pathways are established in the brain that allows the activity to be done without thinking. By replacing the bad habit of smoking with a good habit, new pathways are created in the brain while the old pathways tend to fade. It is important during this time to avoid, if possible, being in settings where others are smoking.

The nervous system of a smoker becomes accustomed to functioning with nicotine. When smoking has ceased, the reduced nicotine disturbs the unhealthy balance of the nervous system, causing withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptoms are cravings, irritation, anger, weight-gain, problem with concentration, depression, headaches, restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety. These are no cause for alarm, because they will be reduced after 24–72 hours and tend to disappear after a few weeks.

Altering your diet will improve your game plan to stop smoking. It is important not to overeat and stress the brain with a full stomach. Eat slowly, pausing between bites, and chew your food well. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar, and all drinks that “go with” your smoking habit—coffee, tea and soda. Absolutely abstain from all alcoholic beverages. It is especially beneficial to include foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates in your diet.

Because toxins are often eliminated through the skin, excellent hygiene during this time is vital. A steam bath will help eliminate toxins. You can treat yourself to a mild, calming, non-caffeinated herbal tea. Adequate rest, a relaxing, warm shower or footbath before retiring is beneficial. It is also very important to get a healthy amount of sunshine, do deep breathing exercises in the fresh outdoor air along with daily exercise.

It is beneficial to know why you smoke and then have a strategy to deal with this. If it is due to nervousness, combat the nervousness with exercise. If you like to physically manipulate the cigarette, and then start a project that uses your hands. Most of all stay busy so your mind and body are active and not dwelling on the fact that you are not smoking.

By affirming that the Lord is your strength (Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 41:10), believing (Mark 9:23; Philippians 4:13), and beholding Christ (II Corinthians 3:18) you can be changed from a smoker to a non-smoker. Choose to start your journey today, or help someone else begin a smoke-free life.

Children’s Story – Kindness of a Stranger

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It was a bitter, cold evening in northern Virginia many years ago. The old man’s beard was glazed by winter’s frost while he waited for a ride across the river. The wait seemed endless. His body became numb and stiff from the frigid north wind.

Then he heard the faint, steady rhythm of approaching hooves galloping along the frozen path. Anxiously, he watched as several horsemen rounded the bend. He let the first one pass by without an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by, and another. Finally, the last rider neared the spot where the old man sat like a snow statue. As this one drew near, the old man caught the rider’s eye and said, “Sir, would you mind giving an old man a ride to the other side? There doesn’t appear to be a passageway by foot.”

Reining his horse, the rider replied, “Sure thing. Hop aboard.” Seeing that the old man was unable to lift his half-frozen body from the ground, the horseman dismounted and helped the old man onto the horse. The horseman took the old man not just across the river, but to his destination, which was just a few miles away.

As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman’s curiosity caused him to inquire, “Sir, I notice that you let several other riders pass by without making an effort to secure a ride. Then I came up and you immediately asked me for a ride. I’m curious why, on such a bitter winter night, you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had refused and left you there?”

The old man lowered himself slowly down from the horse, looked the rider straight in the eyes, and replied, “I’ve been around these here parts for some time. I reckon I know people pretty good.” The old-timer continued, “I looked into the eyes of the other riders and immediately saw there was no concern for my situation. It would have been useless even to ask them for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were evident. I knew, then and there, that your gentle spirit would welcome the opportunity to give me assistance in my time of need.”

Those heartwarming comments touched the horseman deeply. “I’m most grateful for what you have said,” he told the old man. “May I never get too busy in my own affairs that I fail to respond to the needs of others with kindness and compassion.”

With that, Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America, turned his horse around and made his way back to the White House.

The Bible tells us of another Good Samaritan who helped somebody in need.

One day, a man who was traveling from a far away city, suddenly met up with a group of thieves. The thieves took everything he had, and then they beat him and left him lying half dead by the side of the road.

As he lay there he heard footsteps. “I hope he will help me!” He waited and listened and then the footsteps went a different direction. That was a priest who came by, but when he saw the man lying beside the road, he decided to take a different route because he was in a hurry and didn’t want to be bothered.

After a little while, he heard footsteps again. This time it was a Levite, a well-known teacher in the temple. But when he saw the man lying on the side of the road, he looked down and walked right by, completely ignoring the poor, hurting man.

It wasn’t long until the man heard another set of footsteps. The man who was traveling down the road this time was a stranger from Samaria. As he passed by, he noticed the man who was lying beaten and bloody on the side of the road. He felt sorry for him and wanted to help. He got off his donkey and bent down next to the man to get a closer look at the wounds. Gently, he wrapped bandages around the sores and helped him to his feet. He carefully put the man on his own donkey, and took him to the nearest hotel. He stayed with the man overnight and took care of him.

The next morning he had to leave, but he could not take the man with him. When he paid the bill, he gave the innkeeper extra money, saying, “Take care of him, feed him, and make sure he has everything he needs. If he owes you any money after he gets well and leaves, write it down, and I will pay the bill the next time I come by.”

Jesus tells us to go and do the same. Just like Thomas Jefferson took time to help somebody in need, you and I need to take time to help somebody in need.

The story of the Good Samaritan is recorded in Luke 10:30–37.

Keys to the Storehouse – Which Bundle are you Choosing?

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A train of cars was shown me, going with the speed of lightning. The angel bade me look carefully. I fixed my eyes upon the train. It seemed that the whole world was on board, that there could not be one left. Said the angel, ‘They are binding in bundles ready to burn.’ Then he showed me the conductor, who appeared like a stately, fair person, whom all the passengers looked up to and reverenced. I was perplexed and asked my attending angel who it was. He said, ‘It is Satan. He is the conductor in the form of an angel of light. He has taken the world captive. They are given over to strong delusions, to believe a lie, that they may be damned. This agent, the next highest in order to him, is the engineer, and other of his agents are employed in different offices as he may need them, and they are all going with lightning speed to perdition.’

“I asked the angel if there were none left. He bade me look in an opposite direction, and I saw a little company traveling a narrow pathway. All seemed to be firmly united, bound together by the truth, in bundles, or companies. Said the angel, ‘The third angel is binding, or sealing, them in bundles for the heavenly garner.’ ” Early Writings, 88, 89. [Emphasis supplied.]

“The wicked are being bound up in bundles, bound up in trusts, in unions, in confederacies. Let us have nothing to do with these organizations. God is our Ruler, our Governor, and He calls us to come out from the world and be separate (11 Corinthians 6:17). … If we refuse to do this, if we continue to link up with the world and to look at every matter from a worldly standpoint, we shall become like the world. When worldly policy and worldly ideas govern our transactions we cannot stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth.” Last Day Events, 116.

In which bundle are you being bound? Is it the bundle or company that is obeying God as He calls us to come out from the world and be separate? Or is it the bundle or company that stands on the wide road with the whole world and following after worldly policy and ideas? We are known by our fruits. What are your fruits showing?

Even Abigail, the wife of Nabal, knew at that time about the bundles of life and gave the warning to David who was in danger of making the wrong decision and being bound into the wrong bundle. What decisions are you making today?

“And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground. … Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.” I Samuel 25:23, 29.

Oh Lord, Give me the strength to step from that speeding car, the world, which is encircling me and destroying my spiritual, mental, and physical health. Deliver me from the whirlwind of deception and error. Hold up my goings in Thy paths only, that my footsteps slip not so that I may be bound into the bundle of life with others. Amen.

Health – Watercress

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“The true method for healing the sick is to tell them of the herbs that grow for the benefit of man.”  Pamphlet 144, 13

Watercress is an herb that has long been prized by the Muslims in India. In relatively recent times it has been used in Europe and England, being greatly valued for its health giving properties, but in the United States it is quite underrated and rarely used.

As food, the herb reaches back into history. During the seventh century B.C., Spartan athletes, who were famous for their dedication to superb health and sports, relaxed each day after they had completed their exercises in the outdoor arenas, which were the very first gymnasiums. Their coaches gave them heavily buttered, open-faced yogurt sandwiches topped with a bunch of watercress to enable the athletes to remain in top condition. In the days of Marco Polo (1254–1324), when only the very wealthy could afford the new seasonings that he brought from China, the peasants, who were never ill, seasoned most of their food with the pungent watercress. In England today, watercress soup and sandwiches are considered important to good health.

In Mexico, the raw herb was crushed, added to water and then sweetened. It was steeped for a few hours, strained, and given, when thirsty, to people with weak lungs or tuberculosis.

Spanish speaking New Mexicans use it as a treatment for kidney and heart problems. Native Mexicans drink the crushed leaves with water for an inflamed liver, mouth or larynx. The cooked leaves are mashed with olive oil and bound as a poultice over any painful place. The fresh plant is used in the treatment of constipation.

Watercress, like other plants that have a pungent taste, is celebrated as a blood purifier and has been used in the springtime to eliminate the toxins accumulated during the winter. It increases the appetite, frees up the bowels, and causes a freer flow of urine. It is strongly alkaline and therefore treats acidity of the blood, relieving symptoms related to over acidity. It is said to help clear up acne, as it cleanses the blood and relieves arthritis and rheumatism. It is relatively high in vitamin C and was extensively used to prevent scurvy during the last century. If you do not have a source of vitamin C in your diet or vitamin pills, watercress could be a valuable supply.

Used with carrots and spinach, it is said to be very helpful in treating low blood pressure and anemia. It is used as a diuretic, causing an increased flow of urine, thus helping to cleanse the system. Watercress nourishes the pituitary gland and strengthens the heart. Because it is rich in iron and iodine, it stimulates glandular activity. Having high sulphur content, it is often prescribed for eczema, while its unusual vitamin A content makes it particularly good for night blindness.

With its high potency in vitamins and minerals, and cleansing effect on the system, it is a good disease preventative taken daily. One should “eat as much watercress as can be obtained, raw, in the daily salad. There is no better salad herb available to man. An old name for watercress was poor man’s bread. When wheat bread could not be afforded there was always watercress.” It contains three times the amount of vitamin E as lettuce and therefore has been considered good to improve stamina.

The herb can be grown in pots as long as the soil mixture is kept wet. Therefore, the pots must be set in a tray of water. You can also plant it outdoors, in a miniature sunken garden; for example, in pots placed in a sunken bird bath or some other container sunk in the ground (the water stays cooler that way). The water should be changed often. Plants can be obtained by rooting sprigs from a bunch. Sprigs will sprout in a glass of water, provided the water is changed daily.

When collecting the watercress be sure that you gather only the cress, since the poisonous water hemlocks, which somewhat resemble the carrot plant, often grow nearby. The watercress usually sways and floats on top of the water and is quite easily distinguishable from plants. When harvesting, do not pull up the whole plant, but pinch or snip off the greens at the water’s surface. In this way, there will be plenty for future use.

You can gather and dry the leaves for sprinkling on winter fare, but by far the best way of using the herb is raw and in a salad. The dried leaves can be made into an infusion (tea) in the wintertime. It can be minced and added to soups or vegetables just prior to serving. Thinly slice whole grain bread and spread it thickly with watercress leaves for the classic sandwich. It is by far more nutritious when eaten raw.

Watercress can be cooked exactly as you do spinach. To make cream of watercress soup, add a pound of minced watercress to creamed potato soup. Cook until done.

Watercress is a superior source of many vitamins including C, K, E, Iron, Calcium—which strengthens bones and teeth, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, and Potassium, even more so than apples, broccoli and tomatoes. Adding it to cooked food, salads, stews, and even to stir fries, just before serving, is a great idea.

Watercress is considered to be a most wonderful plant by many herbalists. A member of the cabbage family, it is very nutritious. Besides containing carotenoids and lutein, memory and mental functions are improved by eating it. Digestion is improved, and the flow of bile is regulated. Because watercress is a blood cleanser, it is very valuable in improving the complexion.

Chopping the leaves and steeping in boiling water, or soaking them in honey overnight and then straining, can make a cough syrup. This mixture can then be used when needed to alleviate a cough.

When purchasing watercress, make sure the leaves are nice and green and not wilted or yellowing. They can be kept in the refrigerator for about three days in a sealed plastic bag.

If you are suffering from a bladder infection, it is wise to avoid watercress until the infection is cleared up.

Because of its high content of iodine, people who cannot tolerate iodine should avoid using it.

Excerpts of this article are from www.schoolofnaturalhealing.com October 2010.

Insights from the Book of Isaiah II – Earth’s Final Days

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March 25 – 31, 2018

Key Text

“With righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked” (Isaiah 11:4).

Study Help: The Great Controversy, 603–614, 622–626, 635–644.

Introduction

“We are living in altogether too solemn a period of the world’s history to be careless and negligent.” Sons and Daughters of God, 118.

Sunday 

1              AN AWESOME AWAKENING

  • Why is the latter rain to be such a joyous event in history? Hosea 6:1–3.

Note: “Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works, with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men (Revelation 13:13). Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand.

“The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord’s side.” The Great Controversy, 612.

Monday 

2              THE GREAT CONTROVERSY UNFOLDS

  • What will be another result of successfully presenting the gospel under the power of the latter rain? Ecclesiastes 11:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 2:14–17.

Note: “Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power—all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men and demand a plain ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.

“As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God’s downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: ‘Show us from the word of God our error’—the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.” The Great Controversy, 606, 607.

Tuesday 

3              PROTECTION ONLY FROM GOD

  • As church and state unite in defiant rebellion against God’s moral law of Ten Commandments, what will befall the faithful few who will seek to adhere to its holy principles? 2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 13:11–17.

Note: “As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the state ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. … This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts.

“The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble.” The Great Controversy, 615, 616.

  • When the normal channels of commerce are cut off and the protection of civil government is withdrawn, how will God’s faithful few survive? Isaiah 43:18–21; 41:17–20; 33:16.

Note: “The Lord has shown me repeatedly that it is contrary to the Bible to make any provision for our temporal wants in the time of trouble. I saw that if the saints had food laid up by them or in the field in the time of trouble, when sword, famine, and pestilence are in the land, it would be taken from them by violent hands and strangers would reap their fields. Then will be the time for us to trust wholly in God, and He will sustain us. I saw that our bread and water will be sure at that time, and that we shall not lack or suffer hunger; for God is able to spread a table for us in the wilderness. If necessary He would send ravens to feed us, as He did to feed Elijah, or rain manna from heaven, as He did for the Israelites.” Early Writings, 56.

Wednesday 

4              SOLID SECURITY

  • What are God’s people instructed to do in anticipation of the time of trouble—and how will they be sheltered? Isaiah 26:20, 21; 49:15, 16.

Note: “Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar and earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble and have no clogs to weigh them down.

“I saw that if any held on to their property and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able.” Early Writings, 56, 57.

“In the day of fierce trial He [Christ] will say, ‘Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast’ (Isaiah 26:20). What are the chambers in which they are to hide? They are the protection of Christ and holy angels. …

“I saw the saints leaving the cities and villages, and associating together in companies, and living in the most solitary places. Angels provided them food and water, while the wicked were suffering from hunger and thirst.

“During the night a very impressive scene passed before me. There seemed to be great confusion and the conflict of armies. A messenger from the Lord stood before me, and said, ‘Call your household. I will lead you; follow me.’ He led me down a dark passage, through a forest, then through the clefts of mountains, and said, ‘Here you are safe.’ There were others who had been led to this retreat. The heavenly messenger said. ‘The time of trouble has come as a thief in the night, as the Lord warned you it would come.’

“In the time of trouble just before the coming of Christ, the righteous will be preserved through the ministration of heavenly angels; but there will be no security for the transgressor of God’s law. Angels cannot then protect those who are disregarding one of the divine precepts.” Maranatha, 270.

Thursday 

5              DELIVERANCE!

  • Who will be safe at the hour of God’s wrath? Isaiah 33:13–16; 52:9, 10.
  • What awesome event will turn the world upside down—perhaps in order that every eye shall see it at approximately the same time? Isaiah 11:4; 24:1–6, 19–22; Revelation 1:7. What will the saints declare? Isaiah 25:9.

Note: “It was at midnight that God chose to deliver His people. … Dark, heavy clouds came up and clashed against each other. But there was one clear place of settled glory, whence came the voice of God like many waters, shaking the heavens and the earth. There was a mighty earthquake. The graves were opened, and those who had died in faith under the third angel’s message, keeping the Sabbath, came forth from their dusty beds, glorified, to hear the covenant of peace that God was to make with those who had kept His law.” Early Writings, 285.

“Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The people of God know this to be the sign of the Son of man. In solemn silence they gaze upon it as it draws nearer the earth, becoming lighter and more glorious, until it is a great white cloud, its base a glory like consuming fire, and above it the rainbow of the covenant. Jesus rides forth as a mighty conqueror.” The Great Controversy, 640, 641.

“At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants. [Isaiah 24:1, 3, 5, 6 quoted.]” Ibid., 657.

Friday 

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1             Why can all who sow seeds of truth today do so with joy and confidence?

2             What will be the result of some being summoned to testify for their faith?

3             How can we be preparing now for the actual crisis of the time of trouble?

4              What will happen to our possessions when the real crisis strikes?

5             Why can we be thankful that God gives so many details about the future?

 

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Insights from the Book of Isaiah II – Ultimate Triumph

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March 18 – 24, 2018

Key Text

“With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 47–56; Christ’s Object Lessons, 415–421.

Introduction

“At this very hour His [God’s] Spirit and His grace are for all who need them and will take Him at His word.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 20.

Sunday 

1              WITNESSING WITH POWER

  • Describe the experience of the early church after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:16, 17; 4:33.

Note: “[In the time of the early apostles], hundreds proclaimed the message: ‘The kingdom of God is at hand’ (Mark 1:15). They could not be restrained or intimidated by threatenings. The Lord spoke through them; and, wherever they went, the sick were healed, and the poor had the gospel preached unto them.

“So mightily can God work when men give themselves up to the control of His Spirit.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 20.

  • What prophecy will have a more complete fulfillment in these last days? Isaiah 60:3–5.

Note: “When God’s people so fully separate themselves from evil that He can let the light of heaven rest upon them in rich measure, and shine forth from them to the world, then there will be fulfilled more fully than it has ever been fulfilled in the past the prophecy of Isaiah, [Isaiah 60:3–5 quoted].” In Heavenly Places, 313.

“Let Christians put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was ‘the former rain,’ and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 21.

Monday 

2              THE TIMES OF REFRESHING

  • What reassuring promise of revival and refreshing does Hosea give under the figure of the early and latter rains? Hosea 6:1–3.
  • What are the conditions of receiving the “times of refreshing” promised—the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit in latter-rain power? Acts 3:19–21.

Note: “The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are ‘the times of refreshing’ to which the apostle Peter looked forward … [Acts 3: 19, 20 quoted].” The Great Controversy, 611, 612.

“Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.

“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God.” Early Writings, 71.

  • In order to receive the power of the Holy Spirit without measure, what work must be done for us and by us? Isaiah 43:25; 44:22.

Note: “We may claim the blessed assurance, ‘I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions’ (Isaiah 44:22). Thy ‘sins, which are many, are forgiven’ (Luke 7:47). O, how precious, how refreshing, is the sunlight of God’s love! The sinner may look upon his sin-stained life, and say, ‘Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died.’ ‘When sin abounded, grace did much more abound’ (Romans 8:34; 5:20). Christ, the Restorer, plants a new principle of life in the soul, and that plant grows and produces fruit. The grace of Christ purifies while it pardons, and fits men for a holy heaven. We are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ until we reach the full stature of men and women in Christ.” The Review and Herald, July 14, 1891.

Tuesday 

3              THE GARMENTS OF SALVATION

  • While we may feel unworthy, what assurance can we have that the Lord will accept us when we come to Him in repentance? Isaiah 61:10.

Note: “Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). …

“In the beautiful parabolic prophecy of Zechariah, the high priest Joshua, standing clothed in filthy garments before the angel of the Lord, represents the sinner. And the word is spoken by the Lord, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. … So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments’ (Zechariah 3:4, 5). Even so God will clothe you with ‘the garments of salvation,’ and cover you with ‘the robe of righteousness’ (Isaiah 61:10).” Christ’s Object Lessons, 205, 206.

  • What is soon to occur under the “latter-rain” power of the Holy Spirit? Isaiah 61:11; Joel 2:23, 28–31.

Note: “We must not wait for the latter rain. It is coming upon all who will recognize and appropriate the dew and showers of grace that fall upon us. When we gather up the fragments of light, when we appreciate the sure mercies of God, who loves to have us trust Him, then every promise will be fulfilled. [Isaiah 61:11 quoted.] …

“The time of test is just upon us, for the loud cry of the third angel has already begun in the revelation of the righteousness of Christ, the sin-pardoning Redeemer. This is the beginning of the light of the angel whose glory shall fill the whole earth.” “Ellen G. While Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 984.

“A work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole earth with his glory. Do not think that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of bitterness.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 175.

Wednesday 

4              PREPARING FOR THE RAIN

  • How must we prepare our hearts to participate in the latter rain? Joel 2:12–14; Hosea 10:12.

Note: “God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point but fall off at the next. … Some are willing to receive one point; but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find that it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols and heed the counsel of the True Witness. If any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: ‘They are joined to their idols, let them alone’ (Hosea 4:17) and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 187.

  • Besides deep searching of heart and genuine repentance, what other duties do we have with regard to the latter rain? Matthew 5:6; Zechariah 10:1.

Note: “Why do we not hunger and thirst for the gift of the Spirit, since this is the means by which we are to receive power? Why do we not talk of it, pray for it, preach concerning it?” Testimonies, vol. 8, 22.

“Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain.” The Faith I Live By, 333.

“When we have entire, whole-hearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.” The Review and Herald, July 21, 1896.

Thursday 

5              STRIVING FOR GOD’S SEAL OF APPROVAL

  • What is to be the intensive focus of every follower of Christ—and why is this so necessary? Revelation 3:5; 7:1–4, 13, 14; 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Note: “The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character.” The Review and Herald, May 21, 1895.

“When we become children of God, our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and they remain there until the time of the investigative judgment. Then the name of every individual will be called, and his record examined by Him who declares, ‘I know thy works’ (Revelation 3:15). If in that day it shall appear that all our wicked deeds have not been fully repented of, our names will be blotted from the book of life, and our sins will stand against us. If the professed believer becomes self-confident, if in word or spirit he breaks the least precept of God’s holy law, he misrepresents Jesus, and in the Judgment the awful words will be spoken, ‘Blot out his name from the book of life; he is a worker of iniquity’ (Revelation 3:5; Luke 13:27). But the Father pities the self-distrustful, God-fearing soul, harassed though he may be with doubts and temptations. Jesus pleads for him, and confesses his name before the Father and His holy angels.” The Signs of the Times, August 6, 1885.

“But those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin will be disappointed. We have no reason to fear while looking to Jesus, no reason to doubt but that He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto Him; but we may constantly fear lest our old nature will again obtain the supremacy, that the enemy shall devise some snare whereby we shall again become his captives. … As wax  takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 336, 337.

Friday 

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1             What results can we expect to see under the power of the latter rain?

2              Who only will receive the seal of God?

3              What prevents us from receiving the latter rain?

4             What do we need to overcome in order to receive the latter rain?

5             What should we fear with regard to overcoming sin?

Copyright © 2016 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Insights from the Book of Isaiah II – Persevering Missionaries

by

March 11 – 17, 2018

Key Text

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isaiah 55:1).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 5, 385–389; Ibid., vol. 6, 14–29.

Introduction

“Soon there is to be trouble all over the world. It becomes everyone to seek to know God. We have no time to delay. With earnestness and fervor the message must be given: [Isaiah 55:1; 56:1, 2 quoted].” Testimonies, vol. 9, 228.

Sunday 

1              PERSEVERANCE THROUGH DIFFICULTIES

  • What message must be given to everyone today, regardless of the trying circumstances that may confront us? Isaiah 55:1, 2. Why does God permit trials to come upon His church?

Note: “In all ages of the church God’s appointed messengers have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth’s sake. But wherever God’s people may be forced to go, even though, like the beloved disciple, they are banished to desert islands, Christ will know where they are and will strengthen and bless them, filling them with peace and joy. …

“God’s love for His church is infinite. His care over His heritage is unceasing. He suffers no affliction to come upon the church but such as is essential for her purification, her present and eternal good. He will purify His church even as He purified the temple at the beginning and close of His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon the church in test and trial comes that His people may gain deeper piety and more strength to carry the triumphs of the cross to all parts of the world. He has a work for all to do. There must be constant enlargement and progress. The work must extend from city to city, from country to country, and from nation to nation, moving continually onward and upward, established, strengthened, and settled.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 227, 228.

Monday 

2              ARISE, SHINE!

  • What light is to shine in the heart of all who hear the gospel message? 2 Corinthians 4:6. Upon whom and through whom will this light shine today? Isaiah 9:2; Philippians 2:15.

Note: “Christ came to our world to reveal the Father amid the gross darkness of error and superstition which then prevailed. The disciples of Christ are to represent Him in their everyday life, and thus the true light from heaven will shine forth in clear, steady rays to the world; thus a character is revealed entirely different from that which is seen in those who do not make the word of God their guide and standard. A knowledge of God must be preserved amid the darkness that covers the world and the gross darkness that envelops the people. Age after age the pure character of Christ has been misrepresented by those who claimed to be believers in Him and in the word of God.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 152.

  • How far-reaching is the light of the knowledge of Christ and His glory to extend? Isaiah 49:6.
  • How will God’s glory be revealed in these last days? Isaiah 60:1, 2; Matthew 5:16.

Note: “It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 415.

“The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun. … Where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries. … They can distribute our publications, hold meetings in their homes, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to come to these meetings. Thus they can let their light shine in good works.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 245.

Tuesday 

3              FILLING THE EARTH WITH GLORY!

  • How does God depict the great final missionary thrust? Revelation 18:1–4. Why can’t this work be done by proxy?

Note: “God has sent message after message to arouse our people to do something, and to do it now. But to the call, ‘Whom shall I send?’ there have been few to respond, ‘Here am I; send me’ (Isaiah 6:8).” Testimonies, vol. 9, 46.

“Many professors of religion do nothing for Christ by personal effort. They are contented to have others do what properly belongs to themselves to perform, and, by lending a feeble influence for the workers, feel that they are doing good by proxy. Such persons do not possess that faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. They have no genuine religion, that enters into their daily business and regulates every action of their lives. A living faith in Christ is demonstrated by good deeds in our families, and our neighborhoods, by thoughtful, and practical consideration of the poor, by visiting and comforting the widows and the fatherless in their affliction, by keeping ourselves unspotted from the world, and by using our means and influence for the advancement of the cause of God. This must not be done grudgingly or murmuringly, but freely and cheerfully as Jesus gave all for us.” The Signs of the Times, August 22, 1878.

  • What are some of the ways in which we can be laborers together with God in this work? 1 Corinthians 3:9, 10.

Note: “Never was there greater need of earnest, self-sacrificing labor in the cause of Christ than now, when the hours of probation are fast closing. … Brethren and sisters, will you answer the [Macedonian] cry? saying: ‘We will do our best, both in sending you missionaries and money. We will deny ourselves in the embellishment of our houses, in the adornment of our persons, and in the gratification of appetite. We will give the means entrusted to us into the cause of God, and we will devote ourselves also unreservedly to His work.’ …

“Thus they can contribute money to send papers and books to those who have not the light of truth; they can help pay the expenses of students who are fitting for missionary work. Let every dollar that you can spare be invested in the bank of heaven.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 732, 733.

Wednesday 

4              ENLIGHTENING THE PEOPLE

  • What assuring invitation of mercy are we called to give to all nations, and how are we to give it? Isaiah 55:3–5.

Note: “I entreat the Lord’s people to cease to criticize one another, and to give themselves to the proclamation of the truth for this time. … We need now to bow before God in true humility of soul; for the day of clouds and thick darkness is fast approaching.

“The last great conflict is before us; but help is to come to all who love God and obey His law, and the earth, the whole earth, is to be lighted with the glory of God.” The Review and Herald, April 19, 1906.

“This work is given to all who have had Christ set forth crucified among them. By the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God’s people are to do, through the instrumentality of their Master, the work that Christ did. They are to represent the benevolence of God to our world. Partakers of the divine nature, they are not only to save their own souls, through faith in Jesus; but Christ says of them, Ye are laborers together with God. As His witnesses, He has given to each his work. As His representatives, they are to bear to the world the message of invitation and mercy.

“Christ enjoins upon His disciples to lift up the world’s Redeemer. They are to have a sense of their obligation to devote their entrusted capabilities to the work of winning souls to the gospel of Him who has made so full a sacrifice for the enlightenment and recovery of the world.” Ibid., March 22, 1898.

  • What should be remembered by those who are seeking to share with others the light of present truth directly from God’s Word? Isaiah 55:9–11.

Note: “The plan of holding Bible readings was a heaven-born idea. There are many, both men and women, who can engage in this branch of missionary labor. Workers may thus be developed who will become mighty men of God. By this means the word of God has been given to thousands; and the workers are brought into personal contact with people of all nations and tongues. The Bible is brought into families, and its sacred truths come home to the conscience. Men are entreated to read, examine, and judge for themselves, and they must abide the responsibility of receiving or rejecting the divine enlightenment. God will not permit this precious work for Him to go unrewarded. He will crown with success every humble effort made in His name.” Christian Service, 141.

Thursday 

5              A DIVINE STANDARD LIFTED

  • When the enemy overwhelms us with the temptation to give up in our efforts to reach souls, what will God do for us? Isaiah 59:19.
  • What attitude of mind will enable us to press on in the face of difficult circumstances? Isaiah 50:7.

Note: “In my youth I made up my mind that, should I allow myself to be controlled by circumstances, my life would be a failure; I went about whatever I regarded as duty, even though the surroundings were against me. My father would frequently say, ‘Ellen, if it were your duty to go to such a place, it would be made so plain that you could have no doubt in the matter. In consideration of your youth and feebleness, the Lord will give you clear evidence of your duty; and He will give you strength to do it without difficulty.’ ‘But,’ said I, ‘Father, if difficulties appear, I must summon greater resolution to meet them, and in doing this I shall gain a valuable experience, one that will help me to wisely use the abilities entrusted to my care.’

“Here is a work for every one of us to do. Never did I see and sense the value of souls as I do at the present time. How can we realize the importance of the work of salvation? In comparison with the value of the soul, everything else sinks into insignificance. This world and its treasures, this life and its happiness, are of little consequence, when we compare them with the joy of even one soul eternally saved. Until we have clear and distinct ideas of what that soul will enjoy when saved in the kingdom of glory; until we can fully comprehend the value of that life which measures with the life of God; until we can fully realize the riches of that reward which is laid up for those who overcome and gain the victory—we cannot know the inestimable value of the soul.” The Review and Herald, March 25, 1880.

Friday 

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1              How can we be persevering in our missionary work today?

2             How can lay people do a tremendous work in spreading the truth?

3             How can we heed the Macedonian cry?

4             How does genuine religion work in the life?

5             When will the world and its treasures lose their significance to us?

Insights from the Book of Isaiah II – Reaching Out to Souls

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March 4 – 10, 2018

Key Text

“The next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God” (Acts 13:44).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 7, 25–41; vol. 6, 31–57.

Introduction

“A tender spirit, a gentle, winning deportment, may save the erring and hide a multitude of sins.” The Ministry of Healing, 166.

Sunday 

1              A MESSAGE FOR TODAY

  • What work today was foretold in the prophecy of Isaiah 56? Verses 1, 2.

Note: “The work of Sabbath reform to be accomplished in the last days is foretold in the prophecy of Isaiah. [Isaiah 56:1, 2, 6, 7 quoted.]” The Great Controversy, 451.

  • By what means can we best witness to those in large cities? Luke 14:23.

Note: “It is our work to give to the whole world—to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people—the saving truths of the third angel’s message. But it has been a difficult problem to know how to reach the people in the great centers of population. We are not allowed entrance to the churches. In the cities the large halls are expensive, and in most cases but few will come out to the best halls. We have been spoken against by those who were not acquainted with us. The reasons of our faith are not understood by the people, and we have been regarded as fanatics who were ignorantly keeping Saturday for Sunday. In our work we have been perplexed to know how to break through the barriers of worldliness and prejudice, and bring before the people the precious truth which means so much to them. The Lord has instructed us that the camp meeting is one of the most important instrumentalities for the accomplishment of this work.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 31, 32.

Monday 

2              REACHING BEYOND OUR CIRCLE

  • What was Isaiah shown about God’s plan for precious, sincere souls outside the fold of Christ? Isaiah 56:3–5. How was this seen in the preaching of the apostles? Acts 13:44.

Note: “The Jews had come more and more to regard themselves as superior by divine right to every other people upon the earth; yet they had not been careful to maintain their separate and holy character by rendering obedience to all the commandments of God. Now the prophet declares that the stranger who will love and obey God shall enjoy the privileges that have belonged exclusively to the chosen people. Hitherto, circumcision and a strict observance of the ceremonial law had been the conditions upon which Gentiles could be admitted to the congregation of Israel; but these distinctions were to be abolished by the gospel.” The Signs of the Times, February 28, 1884.

  • What selfish human tendency must we and our families determine to resist? Haggai 1:4.

Note: “Your interest, and efforts, and anxieties are for your family and your relatives. But you have not entertained the idea of reaching out for others around you, overcoming your reluctance to exert an influence outside of a special circle. You idolize yours, and shut yourselves within yourselves. That the Lord may save me and mine is the great burden. This spirit will have to die before you can flourish in the Lord and make spiritual advancement, before the church can grow and souls be added unto them of such as shall be saved.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 77.

  • How can we avoid the pitfalls of crowding together in one place? Luke 9:6.

Note: “How many towns and cities there are that are utterly neglected. Our people are injuring themselves by crowding into one place. When trees in a nursery are crowded thickly together, they cannot grow healthfully and sturdily. Transplant trees from your thickly planted nursery. God is not glorified in the centering of so many advantages in one place. Give room; put your plants in many places, where one will not lean for support upon another. Give them room to grow. This the Lord demands of you.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 147.

Tuesday 

3              THE LINK TO OUR TASTES AND HABITS

  • What is a wonderful promise given to new believers? Isaiah 56:6, 7. How are we to act a part in sharing the truth?

Note: “Every church is in need of the controlling power of the Holy Spirit, and now is the time to pray for it. But in all God’s work for man He plans that man shall co-operate with Him. To this end the Lord calls upon the church to have a higher piety, a more just sense of duty, a clearer realization of their obligations to their Creator. He calls upon them to be a pure, sanctified, working people. And the Christian help work is one means of bringing this about, for the Holy Spirit communicates with all who are doing God’s service. …

“Make regular, organized efforts to lift the church members out of the dead level in which they have been for years. Send out into the churches workers who will live the principles of health reform. Let those be sent who can see the necessity of self-denial in appetite, or they will be a snare to the church. See if the breath of life will not then come into our churches.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 266, 267.

  • What is the plague of the Pharisees, and how can we avoid it? Matthew 23:1–3; 7:24–29. How do our personal health habits affect our Christian witness? Isaiah 56:10–12; 1 Corinthians 9:26, 27.

Note: “The Lord is not pleased with the backslidden state of His people in regard to health reform. If they do not arouse to the need of heeding the light on health reform, they will soon fail to see the importance of other phases of the message.” Spalding and Magan Collection, 418.

“If the churches expect strength, they must live the truth which God has given them. If the members of our churches disregard the light on this subject [health reform], they will reap the sure result in both spiritual and physical degeneracy. And the influence of these older church members will leaven those newly come to the faith. The Lord does not now work to bring many souls into the truth, because of the church members who have never been converted and those who were once converted but who have backslidden. What influence would these unconsecrated members have on new converts? Would they not make of no effect the God-given message which His people are to bear?” Testimonies, vol. 6, 370, 371.

Wednesday 

4              TENDERNESS FOR THE OUTCASTS

  • Describe the special care God has for those who need it most. Isaiah 56:8.

Note: “Every one who loves God in sincerity and truth will love the souls for whom Christ has died. If we wish to do good to souls, our success with these souls will be in proportion to their belief in our belief in, and appreciation of, them. Respect shown to the struggling human soul is the sure means through Christ Jesus of the restoration of the self-respect the man has lost. Our advancing ideas of what he may become is a help we cannot ourselves fully appreciate. We have need of the rich grace of God every hour, then we will have a rich, practical experience, for God is love. He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God. Give love to them that need it most. The most unfortunate, those who have the most disagreeable temperaments need our love, our tenderness, our compassion. Those who try our patience need most love. We pass through the world only once; any good thing we can do, we should do most earnestly, untiringly, with the same spirit as is stated of Christ in His work. He will not fail nor be discouraged. The rough, stubborn, sullen dispositions are the ones who need help the most. How can they be helped? Only by that love practiced in dealing with them which Christ revealed to fallen man. Treat them, you may, as they deserve. What if Christ had treated us thus? He, the undeserving, was treated as we deserve. Still we are treated by Christ with grace and love as we did not deserve, but as He deserved. Treat some characters, as you think they richly deserve, and you will cut off from them the last thread of hope, spoil your influence and ruin the soul. Will it pay? No, I say no, a hundred times no. Bind these souls who need all the help it is possible for you to give them close to a loving, sympathizing, pitying heart, overflowing with Christlike love, and you will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 281, 282.

  • How can we work for the outcasts in our own midst? James 5:19, 20.

Note: “There are many who err and who feel their shame and folly. They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. When one has to swim against the stream, there is all the force of the current driving him back. Let a helping hand then be held out to him as was the Elder Brother’s hand to the sinking Peter. Speak to him hopeful words.” In Heavenly Places, 295.

Thursday 

5              FOLLOWING THE MASTER’S EXAMPLE

  • How can Christ’s compassionate ministry to sin-sick souls be reflected and imitated in the life of His followers? Isaiah 61:1–3.

Note: “The mission of Christ was to heal the sick, encourage the hopeless, bind up the brokenhearted. This work of restoration is to be carried on among the needy, suffering ones of humanity. God calls not only for your benevolence, but your cheerful countenance, your hopeful words, the grasp of your hand. Relieve some of God’s afflicted ones. Some are sick, and hope has departed. Bring back the sunlight to them. There are souls who have lost their courage; speak to them, pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the word of God. There is a soul sickness no balm can reach, no medicine heal. Pray for these, and bring them to Jesus Christ. And in all your work, Christ will be present to make impressions upon human hearts.” A Call to Medical Evangelism and Health Education, 23.

“We need not go to Nazareth, to Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great cities, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation.

“We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and comfort the suffering and afflicted. We are to minister to the despairing, and to inspire hope in the hopeless.

“The love of Christ, manifested in unselfish ministry, will be more effective in reforming the evildoer than will the sword or the court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker, but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the heart that hardens under reproof will melt under the love of Christ.” The Ministry of Healing, 105, 106.

Friday 

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1             For what specific aim were camp meetings originally designed, and why?

2             Why should we manifest interest in new souls with no family in the faith?

3             What do our personal health habits have to do with missionary success?

4             What happens when we treat people as they deserve to be treated? How does Jesus treat us?

5              Where can you find opportunities to minister personally as Christ would?

Insights from the Book of Isaiah II – Called to Witness

by

February 25 – March 3, 2018

Key Text

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 7, 9–24.

Introduction

“By communicating to others the grace we receive, we shall be made partakers of the rich blessings of God.” The Review and Herald, February 25, 1909.

Sunday 

1              REVIVING OUR LOVE FOR THE TRUTH

  • When tempted to waste our time in selfish pursuits or trivial matters, what should we consider? Isaiah 55:6, 7; Hebrews 3:12, 13.

Note: “My brethren and sisters, seek the Lord while He may be found. There is a time coming when those who have wasted their time and opportunities will wish they had sought Him.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 106, 107.

  • Why is it important to study the word of God now? Amos 8:11, 12. What effect will personal Bible study have on us? John 8:31, 32; John 17:17.

Note: “Those who study the Bible, counsel with God, and rely upon Christ will be enabled to act wisely at all times and under all circumstances. Good principles will be illustrated in actual life. Only let the truth for this time be cordially received and become the basis of character, and it will produce steadfastness of purpose, which the allurements of pleasure, the fickleness of custom, the contempt of the world-loving, and the heart’s own clamors for self-indulgence are powerless to influence. Conscience must be first enlightened, the will must be brought into subjection. The love of truth and righteousness must reign in the soul, and a character will appear which heaven can approve.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 43.

Monday 

2              REVIVING OUR LOVE FOR CHRIST AND OTHERS

  • What will the constraining love of God lead us to do? 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15.

Note: “If the love of God is in the heart, it will surely be revealed in tender love for others. The Lord is honored by our acts of mercy, by the exercise of thoughtful consideration for the unfortunate and distressed. The widow and the fatherless need more than our charity. They need sympathy and watchcare, compassionate words, and a helping hand to place them where they can help themselves. All deeds done for those who need help are done to Christ. In our study to know how to help the unfortunate, we should study the way in which Christ worked. He did not refuse to work for those who made mistakes; His works of mercy were performed for every class, the righteous and the unrighteous. For all alike He healed disease and gave lessons of instruction.” The Signs of the Times, July 14, 1909.

  • When this motive is lacking, what call to repentance must we accept—and why? Revelation 2:4, 5.

Note: “My brother, my sister, what are you doing for Christ? Are you seeking to be a blessing to others? Are your lips uttering words of kindness, sympathy, and love? Are you putting forth earnest efforts to win others to the Saviour?

“It is a mystery that there are not hundreds at work where now there is but one. The heavenly universe is astonished at the apathy, the coldness, the listlessness, of those who profess to be sons and daughters of God. For years the work has been kept before us, but many have been asleep.” The Review and Herald, August 7, 1913.

  • How can doing our “first works” in missionary lines improve our spirituality in the church?

Note: “Every departure from true missionary effort, every failure to cherish the missionary spirit, has reacted upon the church, and there has been a decline of spirituality. But every earnest effort that has been made in missionary lines has brought spiritual health to the church, and has not only increased the membership of the church, but has increased its holy zeal and gladness.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 205, 206.

Tuesday

3              REWARDING RESULTS

  • What encouraging words illustrate the gratefulness that those who hear the message will have for those who bring the message? Isaiah 52:7.

Note: “He [God] wants you to institute meetings for those outside the churches, that the people may learn the truths of this last message of warning. There are places where you will be gladly received, where souls will thank you for coming to their help. May the Lord help you to take hold of this work as you have never yet taken hold of it.

“Let us begin to work for those who have not had the light. … What we need is a living faith, faith to proclaim over the rent sepulcher of Joseph that we have a living Saviour, one who will go before us and who will work with us. God will do the work if we will furnish Him the instruments. There needs to be among us a great deal more of prayer and much less of unbelief. We need to lift up the standard higher and still higher before the people. We need to remember that Christ is always at our right hand as we proclaim liberty to the captives and deal the bread of life to hungry souls. When we keep before our minds the urgency and importance of our work, the salvation of God will be revealed in a remarkable manner.

“God help us to put on the armor and to act as if we were in earnest, as if the souls of men and women were worth saving. Let us seek a new conversion.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 107.

  • What can happen as we join hands in this great endeavor? Isaiah 52:8, 15.

Note: “The Lord is calling upon His people to take up different lines of missionary work. Those in the highways and hedges are to hear the saving gospel message. Church members are to do evangelistic work in the homes of those of their friends and neighbors who have not yet received full evidence of the truth.” Reflecting Christ, 202.

“If we teach the truth as it is in Jesus, we shall teach it in the spirit of the true Educator; and we will not have various opinions, and cling to our own ideas with tenacity, but will see eye to eye.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 914.

Wednesday 

4              HEEDING THE WAKE-UP CALL

  • How does the apostle Paul echo Isaiah’s call to service? Romans 10:13–15.

Note: “His [Christ’s] life was one of unselfish service, and it is to be our lesson book.

“Human beings have no right to think that there is a limit to the efforts that they are to make in the work of soul-saving. Did Christ ever become weary in His work? Did He ever draw back from sacrifice and hardship? Church-members are to put forth the continuous, persevering efforts that He put forth.” The Review and Herald, August 7, 1913.

  • Do we need to wait for a government decree or a General Conference resolution in order to wake up? If not, why not? Romans 13:11–14; 1 Thessalonians 5:4–8.

Note: “The whole earth is to be lightened with the glory of God’s truth. The Lord will not close up the period of probation until the warning message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The trumpet must give a certain sound. The law of God is to be magnified, its claims must be presented in their true, sacred character; that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth. …

“You have long expected the wonderful startling events that are to take place just prior to the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Now I ask, Are you prepared to give the trumpet a certain sound? Do you know that you are connected with God, and living in the light of His countenance? Who feels day by day that he belongs to the great co-partnership for honoring Christ by working out the Lord’s plan for the redemption of men? The best way to keep your own souls in the love of God is to become diligent workers for the salvation of others. …

“All heaven, if I may use the expression, is impatiently waiting for men to cooperate with the divine agencies in working for the salvation of souls. [Isaiah 52:7 quoted.] Who will arise and shine because the light has come, and the glory of the Lord hath risen upon them? Who have joined themselves to the Lord in holy covenant to become channels for the communication of heaven’s light and grace to our world?” General Conference Daily Bulletin, January 28, 1893.

Thursday 

5              MAKING A GOOD CONFESSION

  • What confession do we need to make while probation still lingers? Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11; 10:9, 10.

Note: “Lose no time; confess Christ without delay. It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth that testifies of Christ. Jesus said, ‘Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). To grieve the Holy Spirit which would make you a witness of Christ is a terrible thing. You know not when you may grieve the Spirit for the last time. The Holy Spirit does not work upon the human heart to compel you to give yourself to Christ, to force you to yield your conscience: but [the Spirit] shines into the chambers of the mind in a way to convict of sin, and to entice you unto righteousness. If you do not confess Christ now, the time will come when, overwhelmed with a sense of the great things that you have lost, you will make confession. But why not confess Christ now while mercy’s voice invites you?” The Youth’s Instructor, August 1, 1895.

  • When we confess Christ as our source of strength and righteousness, what effect will this have on our missionary efforts? Isaiah 45:24, 25.

Note: “In a special manner truth is adapted to the necessities of every human heart. As the children of God comprehend the ability of the Lord to supply their needs, they will reach out to meet the needs of the souls who are perishing in sin. God will accept all who will exercise faith in Him and become doers of His word.” The Review and Herald, August 12, 1909.

Friday 

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1              Why is it important for us to know what is truth?

2              What happens to our spirituality if we fail to do missionary work?

3              When seeking to share Christ, on whom should we begin our focus?

4              What example has Christ given in daily life—and how can we follow it?

5              How can my personal confession of Christ be a more effective witness?

Historial Gem – Fearful Rejection

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Paul was accused by Ananias of being the ringleader of the sect known as the Nazarenes. He was imprisoned for being a troublemaker who constantly incited the Jews to riots.

“Near the close of the two years, these dissensions led to a fierce combat in the market-place, resulting in the defeat of the Greeks. Felix, who sided with the Gentile faction, came with his troops and ordered the Jews to disperse. The command was not instantly obeyed by the victorious party, and he ordered his soldiers to fall upon them. Glad of an opportunity to indulge their hatred of the Jews, they executed the order in the most merciless manner, and many were put to death. As if this were not enough, Felix, whose animosity toward the Jews had increased every year, now gave his soldiers liberty to rob the houses of the wealthy.

“These daring acts of injustice and cruelty could not pass unnoticed. The Jews made a formal complaint against Felix, and he was summoned to Rome to answer their charges. He well knew that his course of extortion and oppression had given them abundant ground for complaint, but he still hoped to conciliate them. Hence, though he had a sincere respect for Paul, he decided to gratify their malice by leaving him a prisoner. But all his efforts were in vain; though he escaped banishment or death, he was removed from office, and deprived of the greater part of his ill-gotten wealth. Drusilla, the partner of his guilt, afterward perished, with their only son, in the eruption of Vesuvius. His own days were ended in disgrace and obscurity.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 245, 246.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D., the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by an avalanche of boiling mud and lava. Pompeii was buried under 20–40 feet of mud, and Herculaneum was under 60–75 feet.

In the summertime of 79 A.D., the young 18-year-old student, Gaius Plinius (Pliny the Younger) witnessed one of the most unbelievable catastrophes in the history of the world. He was staying with his mother and his uncle (Pliny the Elder) at a villa in the city of Misenum, which is located on the Bay of Naples, about 20 miles from Mount Vesuvius. While there he witnessed the eruption that completely buried the cities. His uncle, Pliny the Elder, died that day, but Gaius survived and wrote a startling account to the Roman historian Tacitus of what he saw in two long letters. Here are some translated excerpts of what he wrote: “On August 24, about one in the afternoon, my mother drew my uncle’s attention to a cloud of unusual size and appearance. It was not clear from a distance as to which mountain the cloud was rising from, although it was afterward known to be Vesuvius. …

“His uncle (Pliny the Elder) being commander of the naval fleet at Misenum, apparently realized, according to Gaius’s account, that Vesuvius was erupting and decided to take some ships across the bay to rescue whoever he could. It was impossible to come too close to land because of the hot, thick ashes and pumice (large chunks of lava), and so they headed for Stabiae, a city three miles south of Pompeii, and he came to the home of a friend, Pomponianus, who could not leave because of the opposing wind. So they waited. They watched Vesuvius, of which it is said that there was:

“ ‘broad streets of fire and leaping flames blazed at many points, their bright glow emphasized [sic] by the darkness of night.’

“Pliny the Elder was completely helpless to do anything and his hope of a rescue mission was impossible and he and the men with him were in great danger. …

“ ‘Only the shrill cries of women, the wailing of children, and the shouting of men. Some were calling to their parents, others to their children, others to their wives. … Many lifted up their hands to the gods, but most were convinced that there were now no gods at all and that this night was the end of the world. Finally the darkness lightened, and then like smoke or cloud dissolved away. Daylight returned, and the sun shone out, though luridly, as it does when an eclipse is coming.’ ” Excerpts from www.bible-history.com/resource/ff_vesu.htm, November 8, 2010.

“Drusilla, the partner of his guilt, afterward perished, with their only son, in the eruption of Vesuvius. …

“A ray of light from Heaven had been permitted to shine upon this wicked man, when Paul reasoned with him concerning righteousness, temperance, and a judgment to come. That was his Heaven-sent opportunity to see and to forsake his sins. But he said to the Spirit of God, ‘Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.’ He had slighted his last offer of mercy. He was never to receive another call from God.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 246.

Both Felix and Drusilla turned from the invitation and lost all.

Based on the story of Felix and Drusilla (Acts 24).