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Bible Study Guides – Spiritual Light and Strength

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November 25, 2012 – December 1, 2012

Power of Prayer

Key Text

“I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.” Psalm 22:22.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 4, 523–537; Ibid., vol. 2, 577–582; Counsels on Diet and Foods, 185–191.

Introduction

“Prayer gives strength to renew the conflict with the powers of darkness, to bear trials patiently, and to endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 323.

1 OPENING THE HEART IN SINCERITY

  • What invitation does God extend to each of us? Jeremiah 29:11–13. How are we warned against accepting this offer in an artificial manner? Hosea 7:13–16.

Note: “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. But why is it that so many prayers are never answered? Says David: ‘I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me’ [Psalm 66:17, 18]. By another prophet the Lord gives us the promise: ‘Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart’ [Jeremiah 29:13]. Again, he speaks of some who ‘have not cried unto Me with their heart’ [Hosea 7:14]. Such petitions are prayers of form, lip service only, which the Lord does not accept.

“The prayer which Nathanael offered while he was under the fig tree came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered by the Master. Christ said of him: ‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!’ [John 1:47.] The Lord reads the hearts of all and understands their motives and purposes. ‘The prayer of the upright is His delight’ [Proverbs 15:8]. He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to Him, not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their great weakness and unworthiness.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 533, 534.

2 NATHANAEL’S PRAYER

  • How are we ourselves—as well as those with whom we labor—often like Nathanael? John 1:45–50.

Note: “He [Nathanael] was one of the number who heard John proclaim, ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ [John 1:29]. He felt deeply convicted, and retired to a grove, concealed from every human eye, and there meditated upon the announcement of John. … He bowed before God and prayed that if the person whom John had declared to be the Redeemer of the world was indeed the promised deliverer, that it might be made known to him.” The Review and Herald, January 21, 1873.

“Philip knew that his friend was searching the prophecies, and while Nathanael was praying under a fig tree, Philip discovered his retreat. They had often prayed together in this secluded spot hidden by the foliage.

“The message, ‘We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write,’ seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to his prayer. But Philip had yet a trembling faith. He added doubtfully, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ Again prejudice arose in Nathanael’s heart. He exclaimed, ‘Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?’

“Philip entered into no controversy. He said, ‘Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!’ In surprise Nathanael exclaimed, ‘Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee’ [John 1:45–48].

“It was enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in his solitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus. Though in doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael had come to Christ with an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met. His faith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus.” The Desire of Ages, 140.

  • What assurance is given to all those who cherish the prayerful spirit of Nathanael? Psalm 91:1.

3 HONEST SEEKERS REWARDED

  • What assurances are given to all who genuinely, wholeheartedly seek after truth and righteousness? John 7:17; Matthew 5:6.

Note: “Do not entertain the thought that because you have made mistakes, because your life has been darkened by errors, your heavenly Father does not love you and will not hear you when you pray. He says, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ [John 6:37]. ‘The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy’ [James 5:11]. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows, and even by our utterance of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear; for He holds up worlds, He rules over the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, that they can not find deliverance in Christ. The demoniacs of Gadara, in the place of prayer could utter only the words of Satan; but yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need is unheeded.” The Signs of the Times, June 18, 1902.

  • Why is it sometimes helpful to fast as well as to pray? Mark 9:17–29.

Note: “For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 187, 188.

  • What do the prayers of the Ethiopian eunuch and Philip teach? Acts 8:26–39.

Note: “If the Lord desires us to bear a message to Nineveh, it will not be as pleasing to Him for us to go to Joppa or to Capernaum. He has reasons for sending us to the place toward which our feet have been directed. At that very place there may be someone in need of the help we can give. He who sent Philip to the Ethiopian councilor, Peter to the Roman centurion, and the little Israelitish maiden to the help of Naaman, the Syrian captain, sends men and women and youth today as His representatives to those in need of divine help and guidance.” The Ministry of Healing, 473.

4 PUBLIC PRAYER

  • What instructions are we given with regard to praying in public? Psalms 22:22–25; 35:18; 40:10.

Note: “Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him.” Prophets and Kings, 48.

“Do not fall into the habit of praying so indistinctly and in such a low tone that your prayers need an interpreter. Pray simply, but clearly and distinctly. To let the voice sink so low that it cannot be heard is no evidence of humility.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 383.

“All should feel it a Christian duty to pray short. Tell the Lord just what you want, without going all over the world. In private prayer all have the privilege of praying as long as they desire and of being as explicit as they please. They can pray for all their relatives and friends. The closet is the place to tell all their private difficulties, and trials, and temptations. A common meeting to worship God is not the place to open the privacies of the heart.

“What is the object of assembling together? Is it to inform God, to instruct Him by telling Him all we know in prayer? We meet together to edify one another by an interchange of thoughts and feelings, to gather strength, and light, and courage by becoming acquainted with one another’s hopes and aspirations; and by our earnest, heartfelt prayers, offered up in faith, we receive refreshment and vigor from the Source of our strength. These meetings should be most precious seasons and should be made interesting to all who have any relish for religious things.

“There are some, I fear, who do not take their troubles to God in private prayer, but reserve them for the prayer meeting, and there do up their praying for several days. Such may be named conference and prayer meeting killers. They emit no light; they edify no one. Their cold, frozen prayers and long, backslidden testimonies cast a shadow. All are glad when they get through, and it is almost impossible to throw off the chill and darkness which their prayers and exhortations bring into the meeting. From the light which I have received, our meetings should be spiritual and social, and not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man should be left at home. Little differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these meetings. As in a united family, simplicity, meekness, confidence, and love should exist in the hearts of brethren and sisters who meet to be refreshed and invigorated by bringing their lights together.” Ibid., vol. 2, 578, 579.

5 A KEY ELEMENT

  • How did Jesus emphasize our need of earnest faith? Matthew 21:18–22.

Note: “There is no excuse for anyone growing weak, inefficient, and faithless. The promise is to us: ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering’ [James 1:5]. Are there not some of us too much like the man who came to the minister, complaining that he had not been blessed, that he felt no joy; God did not answer his prayers although he had prayed again and again for a blessing. ‘Well,’ said the minister, ‘let us kneel right down here and tell the Lord just how the matter stands.’ After both had prayed, the minister asked him if he felt better. The man answered, ‘I feel no better than I did before I prayed. I did not expect to be blessed, and I am not blessed.’ He had made a mockery of prayer. He did not believe the Lord would answer him, and he received just what his faith had claimed. Is it any wonder that such prayers are not answered? ‘Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.’ Do you consider this, when you offer up your faithless petitions? Do you stop to consider how you are dishonoring God, and impoverishing your own soul? If you could but realize the wrong you are doing, you would cease to make mockery by meaningless devotions.

“Come to God in faith and humility. Plead with Him till the break of day, if necessary, till your soul is brought into such close relationship with Jesus, that you can lay your burden at His feet, and say, ‘I know whom I have believed’ [II Timothy 1:12]. The Lord is ‘able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think’ [Ephesians 3:20]. Our cold, faithless hearts may be quickened into sensibility and life, till we can pray in faith, preach in faith, and say, ‘The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God’ [Galatians 2:20]. Let us seek for the fullness of the salvation of Christ. Follow in the footsteps of the Son of God, for His promise is, ‘He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life’ [John 8:12].” The Signs of the Times, February 24, 1888.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Do you open your heart to God as a friend?

2 Why is the experience of Nathanael recorded for our instruction?

3 What is the promise to the earnest seeker?

4 How has fasting proven beneficial when it accompanies prayer?

5 How can our prayer meetings be more effective?

© 2003 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Recipe – Haricots Verts and Radishes

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1 lb. Haricots verts, trimmed

1/3 cup black sesame seeds

2 Tbsp. Bragg Liquid Aminos

1 Tbsp. rice vinegar (or lemon juice)

½ tsp. shichimi togarashi* or ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

8 radishes, each cut into 6 wedges

Fill large pot or bowl with ice water, and set aside. Bring 4 quarts salted water to a boil in stockpot over high heat. Add haricots verts, and blanch 2 to 3 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Drain in colander, and plunge colander in ice bath 3 to 4 minutes, or until haricots verts are cool. Drain, and pat dry. Toast sesame seeds in small, dry skillet over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes, or until fragrant. Cool to room temperature, then finely grind in spice or coffee grinder, or with mortar and pestle. Transfer ground sesame seeds to bowl, and stir in Bragg Liquid Aminos, maple syrup, rice vinegar (or lemon juice, and shichimi togarashi. Toss together green beans and dressing in large bowl. Scatter radishes on top.

*Shichimi togarashi is a fragrant Japanese pepper blend that includes red pepper, dried orange peel, and seaweed, but can be easily swapped out for cayenne pepper.

Food – Haricots Verts

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“This is what we need: simple food prepared in a simple, wholesome, and relishable manner.”
Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, 408.

Haricots verts is indeed French for green beans—haricot meaning beans and vert meaning green. Although green beans are of nearly universal distribution, over 130 varieties of green beans are known. Green is a misnomer, as they are not solely the emerald green we know them as. Pod color can be green, golden, purple, red, or streaked. Shapes range from thin fillet types to wide romano types and more common types in between. They are found in two major groups—bush beans and pole beans. Bush beans are short plants, growing to approximately two feet in height, without requiring supports. Pole beans have a climbing habit and produce a twisting vine. Also called snap beans, string beans, French beans, wax beans and haricots verts, these thin, finger-like beans are always fresh, crunchy and versatile. French green beans are longer and thinner than most American varieties, but if your recipe specifies haricots verts and you are unable to find them, substitute with the thinnest young green beans you can find.

Green beans manage to be super low in calories—a whole cup only containing a little over 40—yet still loaded with nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese, a very good source of vitamin A (notably through their concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene), dietary fiber, potassium, folate and iron. And, also a good source of magnesium, thiamin, riboflavin, copper, calcium, phosphorus, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and niacin.

To get fresh beans ready, begin by washing them thoroughly in cold water and then topping and tailing them, a culinary term for snapping off the tip of both ends. Cook the beans quickly to avoid destroying their delicate flavor and crisp-tender quality. They can be boiled (check every minute for the perfect texture) and added to salads or braised, roasted, grilled on the barbecue, steamed, stir-fried or thrown into soups and stews.

Pen of Inspiration – Thanksgiving Exercises

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Nearly the whole of Thanksgiving day, November 29, was spent in church. Our morning meeting was one of special interest. In a cheerful testimony everyone had a thank-offering to present to God. In the forenoon we had a Bible-reading on the subject of thanksgiving, and it was clearly shown from the Scriptures that it is our duty to glorify God by offering thanks and praise. This was a most precious season. All were instructed and reproved; for repining at the dealings of God has been almost continual, while gratitude and praise had been seldom expressed and little cherished in the heart. Many confessed that they had cherished doubt and distrust, and had reaped as they had sown; and as they expressed a resolution to reform in this particular, I reminded them that when pretexts for dissatisfaction are presented, we are to say, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” Let everyone who has tasted of the love of God praise Him for His goodness to the children of men. In this let every soul be whole-hearted and sincere.

It is a great cause of gratitude that we understand the nature of this day better than we once did. It is not designed to minister to our selfish gratification in the enjoyment of every luxury because God has bestowed upon us the rich bounties of His providence; on the contrary, we are to recall His mercies, and to meditate upon His favors with thankful hearts. To devote this day to gluttony, and our time and strength to the preparation of rich and expensive dishes, thus tempting our families and friends to gorge themselves, instead of offering thanksgiving to God, is the basest idolatry of self; for it is perverting the very best gifts of Heaven to the indulgence of appetite. Many thus lay the foundation for disease and premature death, and furnish Satan an occasion for hellish exultation.

I could not let this opportunity to invite sinners to Jesus pass unimproved. I wanted all who had not previously done so to present themselves a thank-offering to Him who has made so costly an offering for them. Oh, matchless love! Oh, precious, precious offering in our behalf, that we might have eternal life! In response to the invitation, about thirty came forward, including some who had backslidden from God, and quite a number who were seeking Him for the first time. What a precious thank-offering to Jesus was this! He Himself says, “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance” [Luke 15:7]. There was indeed cause for rejoicing when the news was borne to heaven that on Thanksgiving day, November 29 1883, at South Lancaster, Mass., souls were deserting the black banner of Satan, and taking their position beneath the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel. In imagination I could hear the response of praise, as angels told the glad news that these precious souls had entered into covenant with God to obey Him as dear children, and that their names were enrolled in the Lamb’s book of life. What a victory was this for Christ, and what a disappointment for Satan!

Our meeting closed about two o’clock, and we then took ample refreshments; but we had no time to devote to the preparation of extra dishes. We were having a feast of fat things; we were eating of the Bread of Heaven, and drinking rich draughts from the well of Bethlehem. Jesus graced the feast with His royal presence, and our hearts were joyful in Him. The testimonies borne by our brethren and sisters were full of courage and gratitude to God; and their verdict was, “Oh, what a Thanksgiving day this has been! It is the best Thanksgiving day I ever experienced!”

The Review and Herald, January 15, 1884.

Poor, But Rich!

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A poor blind woman in Paris put twenty-seven francs into a plate at a missionary meeting.

“You cannot afford so much,” said one.

“Yes, sir, I can,” she answered.

On being pressed to explain, she said: “I am blind, and I said to my fellow straw-workers, ‘How much money do you spend in a year for oil in your lamps when it is too dark to work nights?’ they replied, ‘Twenty-seven francs.’ So I found that I save so much in the year because I am blind and do not need a lamp, and I give it to shed light to the dark heathen lands.”

What a happy, thankful heart was that! What a rich poor woman! She might have added the misery of a complaining, selfish spirit to the misfortune of her blindness, but instead, she made the darkness itself light by cherishing a loving and thankful spirit; she lessened her own woes by seeking to relieve those of others. Such grace to me be given!

The Youth’s Instructor, November 5, 1896.

Children’s Story – The Night the Count and the King Both Stayed Up

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To plot against Frederick William III was a treacherous venture. Not too many succeed in assassinating a king. One count found this out the hard way and was imprisoned in the practically inescapable fortress of Glatz.

It was a rough, stormy November night, when the mountain winds howled round the fortress, the rain fell in torrents, and the foaming Neisse River below roared down into the valley. The count tried desperately to sleep, but to no avail. The heavy hand of his own sins pressed upon him. His past seemed to constantly portray itself before him in true-to-life representation. Step by step, his life’s shortcomings and failures walked before his eyes. He had accomplished nothing worthwhile and now he was doomed to a slow death in the prison to which he had been sentenced for life.

Many scenes of his life revealed one thing, and that was that he had missed out on the greatest opportunity of all. He had given up the precious privilege of knowing and serving God. For the first time in his entire life his heart was soft, and his eyes were wet with tears of genuine repentance.

He got up from his cot, and went to the little table on which the guards had placed a few personal items, a candle, and a Bible. Also, for the first time in his life, he endeavored to read the Bible.

Lighting the candle, he opened the Bible and began reading. The first words that he had ever looked at, in that great book, were those of Psalm fifty, verse fifteen. He read, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.”

This word of God reached to the depth of his heart and mind; He fell to his knees and cried to God for mercy. Soon the sorrow and despair vanished. In the middle of a prison he became a whole man.

Berlin was a long way from the fortress of Glatz, but not too far from God. And the things that took place that same night, that the count found peace with God, were amazing.

The castle candles were all lit as King Frederick William III was gravely ill. He was tormented by severe body pains, which the court physician could find no remedy for or bring any relief to the agonizing king. In his utter exhaustion, he begged out loud for God to grant him just one single hour of refreshing sleep.

Not too long after his urgent plea, the king fell fast asleep. When he awoke the next morning, his faithful and concerned wife was by his bed. He spoke softly to Queen Louise, “My wife, God answered my prayer and not only gave me sleep, but complete recovery.”

The king sat up in bed.

“I am so thankful. Who in my kingdom has wronged me most? I will forgive him!”

“The count imprisoned in Glatz tried to take your life,” she replied.

“You’re right! Let him be pardoned!” the king proclaimed.

Dawn had not come to Berlin when the messenger left for Glatz with the release of the count.

Two men did not sleep that night. Neither did God.

W.A. Spicer and Helen Spicer Menkel, The Hand That Still Intervenes, Concerned Publications, Inc., Clermont, Florida, 1982, 61–63.

Health – The Function of the Frontal Lobe

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MTV-Problems with Violence

There is a concern that many teenagers are moving from more typical television options to MTV (music television) and its imitators. This type of music programming constantly stimulates the visual senses through its provocative, fleeting images of rapidly changing scenes. Not only do the images rapidly change (even multiple images per second on occasion) but the ear is stimulated as well. This eye-ear combination seems calculated to induce an even more profound shutdown of the analytical processes.

One study that uniquely demonstrates this was done in a maximum-security mental hospital with 222 patients. During a period of about a year, patients were exposed to seven months of MTV followed by five months without it (normal TV options remained available). The results showed that aggressive behavior decreased by up to 52 percent.

The standard, modern, rapid-paced television has a well-proven negative influence on the frontal lobe. However, we see here indications that the effects of MTV are even worse.

Television and Sex

Television also effectively increases sexual activity in teens and younger children. Studies show it significantly decreases the age of first sexual intercourse. The more television watched, the lower the age for that first sexual encounter. Not only do studies show it, but the children themselves report that television encourages them to take part in sexual activity too soon.

Television Is Addictive

Most people do not realize that television is addictive. They find themselves gravitating toward the set without thinking about it, and some leave it on all day. In 1976, the Detroit Free Press conducted a survey to help determine why their newspaper circulation was decreasing. The survey results showed that most people received their news and information from television. This is unfortunate because, as we have seen, in some respects it is the poorest source of information. We can learn so much more from reading newspapers, newsmagazines, or online computer news services than by watching one-sided news clips pass before our eyes in rapid succession. Also, we may miss a point, but we cannot go back and take another look. Reading is by far a better way to review the news, learn new things, and involve our frontal lobe.

The Detroit Free Press did not stop with their survey. They went on to offer $500 to any family who would give up television for one month. The paper extended the invitation to 120 families. A total of 93 of them could not be enticed to part with their television for even thirty days. However, 27 families accepted their offer. To make sure they could not cheat, the newspaper company installed electronic devices that would interfere with any television used on their premises.

The results of the one-month trial were amazing. Family members manifested actual withdrawal symptoms. Insomnia and headaches were common. One man, noted for being a kind husband, lost his cool during the first week, became irritated, and began beating his wife. However, throughout the month, attitudes changed. At the end of the month, to almost everyone’s surprise, all 27 families said that it had been a good experience. Most of the families put their extra time to good use by getting things done around the house. One of the most rewarding findings was that the families were able to relate to each other in ways they had not done for years. They found things they could do together; their minds were more creative, and they were actually enjoying life more than when they had television.

Would they go back to television now that they earned their $500? They were generally convinced that they would do much better if they kept television viewing to a minimum. The study helped to illustrate television’s addictive allure and demonstrated that in many respects TV viewing works against us rather than for us. This study actually provides a glimpse into another danger of TV viewing: the influence of parents is greatly diminished when TV becomes the main companion to children in a home. This lack of parental involvement in the lives of children directly relates back to another frontal lobe robber: alcohol and tobacco use. Researchers from Louisiana State University Medical Centre in New Orleans, Lousiana, demonstrated this when they studied over 2,000 fifth and sixth graders for three to four years. Children who reported that their parents spent more time with them and had more communication with them were less likely to use alcohol and tobacco. They were also less likely to choose friends who used these substances. Unfortunately, research shows what we all would expect: with more television viewing, the amount of time spent in active conversation with family members significantly decreases. If television viewing is depriving us of active time spent together as a family, parents may likely reap an extremely bitter harvest.

Television Robs Spiritual Qualities

Television viewing, because of the time it takes, can keep us away from other meaningful activities and pursuits, including spending time with God. When we look at an average person’s weekly activities before and after the arrival of television, we see that the amount of time in church or in reading spiritual material such as the Bible has noticeably decreased. The reason for this probably has to do with more than TV subtly stealing away our time. Remember, television depresses activity in the frontal lobe, which is the seat of spirituality, morality, and the will. We would expect a corresponding decrease in such intangible frontal lobe qualities as spirituality and faith in God.

However, if we consider television from just the standpoint of time: it often captivates the few hours of discretionary time that we have in our day. Before television, the three most profound influences on American values were the family, the church, and the school. If the amount of time we spend in an activity directly corresponds to its power to shape our values, then in the 1950s television superseded the church. In the 1960s TV superseded the family; and by the 1970s it superseded the school. Currently, United States children spend approximately 20 percent of their waking hours watching television. The average American child, by the time he graduates from high school, has spent more time in front of the television set than he spent in 13 years in the classroom.

Many believe that these thousands of hours of random exposure to television programs have profoundly affected our nation [the United States]. They blame TV as one of the prime reasons for a decline in our nation’s moral values. Some critics would like to use legislation to fix the problem, but we should not and cannot legislate what people do in their homes. Families should set their own rules. But how can a family be motivated to set rules without being adequately informed of the injurious effects of television? Somehow, accurate information should go out to every family in America so that informed decisions can be made. If simple, healthy, and enjoyable TV-less family activities became the foundation of the home life, I believe there will be generally few regrets about abandoning the former life in which the TV set held full control.

If any are still wavering as to whether television should be emphasized less in their homes, let me summarize 17 deleterious effects of TV watching.

  • Produces a hypnotic effect, by passing the frontal lobe filtering
  • Reduces interest in reading and learning
  • Weakens brain power
  • Encourages poor lifestyle habits
  • Encourages obesity
  • Increases daydreaming
  • Weakens creativity
  • May reduce our powers of discrimination
  • Trains in non-reaction
  • Influences viewers to regard violence lightly
  • It makes children more irritable
  • Increases aggressiveness
  • Accelerates sexual activity
  • Addictive
  • Reduces time available for productive achievement
  • Steals time from family interaction
  • Adversely affects spiritual pursuits

These harmful effects collectively build a strong case for personal action—today. After all, the very moral conscience of you and your family—residing in your frontal lobes—may be hanging in the balances.

Summary List of Seven Actions to Take for Enhancing the Function of the Frontal Lobe

  • Protect the frontal lobe from mechanical injury: boxing, football, and motorcycle riding are examples of high-risk activities.
  • Prevent diseases that may damage the frontal lobe; e.g., controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, current tobacco use, heart disease, and alcohol.
  • Improve the quality of your brain’s blood supply
  • By breathing clean, fresh, well-oxygenated air
  • By taking deep breaths of fresh air you may be able to boost oxygen saturation sufficiently to improve frontal lobe function
  • Provide good nutrition. A total vegetarian diet that is free from all stimulating agents appears to be the best diet to improve the abilities of our front brains.
  • Get adequate sunshine as it increases serotonin production in the daytime. This, in turn, can help prevent depression and fatigue.
  • Challenge your frontal lobes by exercising the thinking power of your brain. Serious reading, the study of nature, asking questions about the vast world surrounding you, and other wholesome uses of your mental capacities tend to produce a salutary frontal lobe.
  • Control what you see and hear. Exposing your mind to great inspirational material will enlarge the mind and strengthen the intellect. Since spirituality, morality, and the will are centered in the frontal lobe of the brain, the inspirational material chosen should ideally appeal to your spiritual and moral being. The study of the word of God fills this requirement like no other can.

Conclusion

God has provided each one of us with the power to freely choose how we will live. And He usually does not interfere, even when we make bad choices. Truly, there is much truth in the adage that every person is the architect of his own fortune.

In view of this tremendous power that you have been given to shape your own future, won’t you take some time today to again seriously look at your lifestyle? I challenge you to reflect on your current health habits and ask yourself what you can do to take advantage of what you have learned. Try to identify some concrete steps that you can take within the next week to help protect and enhance your frontal lobe—and of course with it, your entire body. A healthful lifestyle makes sense. Do not merely follow your old ways of doing things just because they are comfortable, or “because everyone else is doing it.” In the words of Scripture, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2.

Dr. Neil Nedley, M.D., Proof Positive, Nedley Publishing Co., Ardmore, Oklahoma, May 1999, excerpt from chapter, “The Frontal Lobe.”

Q&A – The Grace of God

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Paul said, “We then, as workers together with Him, beseech you also

that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.” I Corinthians 6:1.

What does that mean?

To receive something in vain is to receive it as something as worthless or unimportant. Have you ever given a gift to somebody that they did not appreciate? They put the gift aside and it cannot benefit them. That, in a sense, is what happens with the “grace of God” that is given to many, but received in vain. It is laid aside and the benefit is not received. God’s gift when not appreciated is worthless to them; it has little meaning and without benefit to them. It is received in vain.

Paul knew well what the grace of God would do for them if it was received into the heart and beseeched the people to receive it.

“The refining influence of the grace of God changes the natural disposition of man. Heaven would not be desirable to the carnal-minded; their natural, unsanctified hearts would feel no attraction toward that pure and holy place, and if it were possible for them to enter, they would find there nothing congenial. The propensities that control the natural heart must be subdued by the grace of Christ before fallen man is fitted to enter heaven and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels.” The Acts of the Apostles, 273.

The influence of the grace of God when received into the heart changes the natural disposition of man and he is fitted to enter heaven and enjoy the society of the pure, holy angels. But when somebody considers God’s grace as worthless and receives it in vain, no change takes place in his heart. We are told that, “He (God) does not take pleasure in any man who retains his old nature, and is not so renewed in knowledge and grace that he is a new man in Christ.” Amazing Grace, 66.

Also, it is only by the grace of God that one can be led to repentance. “That repentance which is produced by the influence of divine grace upon the heart will lead to confession and forsaking of sin.” Acts of the Apostles, 324.

“In the heart renewed by divine grace, love is the ruling principle of action. It modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, and ennobles the affections. This love, cherished in the soul, sweetens the life and sheds a refining influence on all around.” Ibid., 551.

The influence of the grace of God changes our lives. To “receive the grace of God in vain” is to turn away from the new life, “the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24.

Keys to the Storehouse – Thankful or Thankless? Which Are You?

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“God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. This knowledge has been placed within our reach for use. We should employ every facility for the restoration of health, taking every advantage possible, working in harmony with natural laws. When we have prayed for the recovery of the sick, we can work with all the more energy, thanking God that we have the privilege of co-operating with Him, and asking His blessing on the means which He Himself has provided.” Conflict and Courage, 240.

Work and pray with God in restoring the health to yourself and to others, thanking Him for the privilege of cooperating with Him. Are you thankful?

“All the powers of our being, every means of our existence and happiness, all the blessings of the warm sunshine and the refreshing showers, causing vegetation to flourish, every comfort and every blessing of this life, comes from God. He sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. The treasures of heaven are poured out to all.” The Signs of the Times, December 12, 1878.

There is so much to be thankful for:

  • The powers of our being
  • Every means of our existence and happiness
  • All the blessings of the warm sunshine and the refreshing showers causing vegetation to flourish
  • Every comfort and every blessing of this life
  • All the treasures of heaven

Are you thankful or thankless?

“The great mass of mankind take the gift from their heavenly Father’s hand but make no acknowledgment to Him. They seem to take it for granted that these bounties are their rightful due, and forget that God is the giver. They do not even acknowledge their obligations by thanking God for His mercies. Indeed they treat no other friend so ill. They sit at the family board, loaded with bounties from His hand, and render no thanks to Him. They enjoy the gifts, but despise the giver.” Ibid.

The thankless worldling:

  • takes the gift but makes no acknowledgment to Him
  • takes it for granted that these bounties are their rightful due, and forget that God is the giver
  • do not even acknowledge their obligations by thanking God for His mercies
  • sit at the family board, loaded with bounties from His hand, and render no thanks to Him

“The worst feature of this picture is, many who profess to be followers of Christ pursue the same course as the unbeliever and thankless worldling. They take the gifts of heaven without lifting the heart and voice to God in sincere thanks. God has blessed them with comfortable homes. They lie down to rest in safety because of the guarding care of His ministering angels; but they arise in the morning with scarcely a thought of God. This is unlike the world’s Redeemer. Although He owned all things, He never broke bread without lifting His eyes and hands to heaven in thanks to His Father, craving His blessing upon it. Yet finite man, wholly dependent upon God, has no sense of the debt of gratitude he owes.” Ibid.

The thankless professor:

  • takes the gifts of heaven without lifting the heart and voice to God in sincere thanks
  • takes for granted that God has blessed them with comfortable homes and no thanks is given
  • lies down to rest in safety because of the guarding care of His ministering angels, but arises in the morning with scarcely a thought of God

Father: We are a thoughtless, thankless people. Please forgive us of our slothfulness. Replace these ugly characteristics with the thankful mind of our dear Saviour and Redeemer. Remove the whirlwind of the world from around us that we may focus our minds upon the most wonderful gifts and mercies you have bestowed upon each of us that we may always give praise and thanks for all. Amen.

Current Events – Voting

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A number of countries around the world have recently elected or will soon elect new leaders. The United States of America will, on November 6, 2012, vote for its leader. The following quotes should be considered before Christians vote.

Should representative men keep the way of the Lord, they would point men to a high and holy standard. Those in positions of trust would be strictly temperate. Magistrates, senators, and judges would have a clear understanding, and their judgment would be sound and unperverted. The fear of the Lord would ever be before them, and they would depend upon a higher wisdom than their own. The heavenly Teacher would make them wise in counsel, and strong to work steadfastly in opposition to all wrong, and to advance that which is right and just and true. The word of God would be their guide, and all oppression would be discarded. Lawmakers and administrators would abide by every good and just law, ever teaching the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. God is the head of all good and just governments and laws. Those who are entrusted with the responsibility of administering any part of the law, are accountable to God as stewards of His goods. The Review and Herald, October 1, 1895.

Many who are elevated to the highest positions of trust in serving the public are the opposite of this. They are self-serving, and generally indulge in the use of narcotics, and wine and strong drink. Lawyers, jurors, senators, judges, and representative men have forgotten that they cannot dream themselves into a character. They are deteriorating their powers through sinful indulgences. They stoop from their high position to defile themselves with intemperance, licentiousness, and every form of evil. Their powers prostituted by vice open their path for every evil. The Signs of the Times, July 8, 1880.

Intemperate persons should not by vote of the people be placed in positions of trust. Their influence corrupts others, and grave responsibilities are involved. With brain and nerve narcotized by tobacco and stimulus they make a law of their nature, and when the immediate influence is gone there is a collapse. Frequently human life is hanging in the balance; on the decision of those in these positions of trust depends life and liberty, or bondage and despair. How necessary that all who take part in these transactions should be those who are proved, those of self-culture, those of honesty and truth, of staunch integrity, who will spurn a bribe, who will not allow their judgment or convictions of right to be swerved by partiality or prejudice. To Be Like Jesus, 177.

Only men of strict temperance and integrity should be admitted to our legislative halls and chosen to preside in our courts of justice. Property, reputation, and even life itself, are insecure when left to the judgment of men who are intemperate and immoral. The Signs of the Times, February 11, 1886.

In an article published in the Review of November 8, 1881, I [Ellen White] wrote:

‘There is a cause for the moral paralysis upon society. Our laws sustain an evil which is sapping their very foundations. Many deplore the wrongs which they know exist, but consider themselves free from all responsibility in the matter. This cannot be. Every individual exerts an influence in society. In our favored land, every voter has some voice in determining what laws shall control the nation. Should not that influence and that vote be cast on the side of temperance and virtue?’ The Review and Herald, October 15, 1914.