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Bible Study – Patience

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Christian Character (4)

October 1 – 7, 2023

Key Text

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:36

Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 723–739

Introduction

“Patience pours the balm of peace and love into the experiences of the home life. … Patience will seek for unity in the church, in the family, and in the community. This grace must be woven into our lives.” The Review and Herald, February 21, 1888

Sunday

1 TEMPERANCE BEFORE PATIENCE

  1. Why does temperance or self-control precede patience? 2Peter 1:6

Note: “Any habit or practice which will weaken the nerve and brain power or the physical strength disqualifies for the exercise of the next grace which comes in after temperance—patience.” Our High Calling, 69

“It is next to an impossibility for an intemperate person to be patient.

“Some of us have a nervous temperament, and are naturally as quick as a flash to think and to act; but let no one think that he cannot learn to become patient. Patience is a plant that will make rapid growth if carefully cultivated.” My Life Today, 97

Monday

2 TRAINING THE CHILD

2.a. What traits of character is the child of God to develop? 2 Peter 1:4–8

Note: “The first education children should receive from the mother in infancy, should be in regard to their physical health. They should be allowed only plain food, of that quality that would preserve to them the best condition of health, and that should be partaken of only at regular periods, not oftener than three times a day, and two meals would be better than three. If children are disciplined aright, they will soon learn that they can receive nothing by crying or fretting. A judicious mother will act in training her children, not merely in regard to her own present comfort, but for their future good.” A Solemn Appeal, 137

2.b.        What did Sister White confirm in her own experience with helping various children in her home? 1 Corinthians 10:31

Note: “For more than twelve years we have taken only two meals each day, of plain, unstimulating food. During that time, we have had almost constantly the care of children, varying in age from three to thirteen years. We worked gradually and carefully to change their habit of eating three times a day to two; we also worked cautiously to change their diet from stimulating food, as meat, rich gravies, pies, cakes, butter, spices, etc., to simple, wholesome fruits, vegetables, and grains. The consequence has been that our children have not been troubled with the various maladies to which children are more or less subject. They occasionally take cold by reason of carelessness, but this seldom makes them sick. …

“Children reared in this way are much more easily controlled than those who are indulged in eating everything their appetite craves, and at all times. They are usually cheerful, contented, and healthy. Even the most stubborn, passionate, and wayward, have become submissive, patient, and possessed of self-control by persistently following up this order of diet, united with a firm but kind management in regard to other matters.” The Health Reformer, May 1, 1877

Tuesday

3 EXAMPLES OF PATIENCE

3.a. What did God say about Job’s character? Job 1:1, 8

3.b. What should we learn from Job’s reaction to Satan’s first devastating attack against his children and properties? Job 1:13–22

Note: “Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows. When he was suffered to afflict Job, how quickly flocks and herds, servants, houses, children, were swept away, one trouble succeeding another as in a moment. It is God that shields His creatures and hedges them in from the power of the destroyer.” Counsels on Health, 460

3.c. Having destroyed Job’s children and their possessions, how did Satan further try to discourage the patriarch? Job 2:3–8

Note: “The Lord said unto Satan, ‘All that he hath is in thy power.’ ‘Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.’

“Thus permitted, Satan swept away all that Job possessed—flocks and herds, menservants and maidens, sons and daughters; and he ‘smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.’ Job 1:8–12; 2:5–7.” Education, 155

3.d.        What did Job’s wife suggest he should do, and what was his response? Job 2:9, 10

Note: “Job was deprived of his worldly possessions, and so afflicted in body that he was abhorred by his relatives and friends; yet he maintained his integrity.” The Acts of the Apostles, 575

3.e. How does Isaiah’s prophecy describe Christ’s attitude before His enemies? Isaiah 53:7. What should we learn from the way this prophecy was fulfilled? Mark 14:60–62

Wednesday

4 ARRAIGNMENT AND CRUCIFIXION

4.a. What was Christ’s response before Pilate’s and Herod’s courts? Matthew 27:11–14; Luke 23:6–9

 Note: “Standing behind Pilate, in view of all in the court, Christ heard the abuse; but to all the false charges against Him He answered not a word. His whole bearing gave evidence of conscious innocence. He stood unmoved by the fury of the waves that beat about Him. It was as if the heavy surges of wrath, rising higher and higher, like the waves of the boisterous ocean, broke about Him, but did not touch Him. He stood silent, but His silence was eloquence. It was as a light shining from the inner to the outer man.

“Pilate was astonished at His bearing.” The Desire of Ages, 726

4.b.        How did Christ react during His crucifixion? Luke 23:33–47

Note: “Arriving at the place of execution, the prisoners were bound to the instruments of torture. The two thieves wrestled in the hands of those who placed them on the cross; but Jesus made no resistance. The mother of Jesus, supported by John the beloved disciple, had followed the steps of her Son to Calvary. She had seen Him fainting under the burden of the cross, and had longed to place a supporting hand beneath His wounded head, and to bathe that brow which had once been pillowed upon her bosom. But she was not permitted this mournful privilege. …

“The Saviour made no murmur of complaint. His face remained calm and serene, but great drops of sweat stood upon His brow. There was no pitying hand to wipe the death dew from His face, nor words of sympathy and unchanging fidelity to stay His human heart. While the soldiers were doing their fearful work, Jesus prayed for His enemies, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ His mind passed from His own suffering to the sin of His persecutors, and the terrible retribution that would be theirs. No curses were called down upon the soldiers who were handling Him so roughly. No vengeance was invoked upon the priests and rulers, who were gloating over the accomplishment of their purpose. Christ pitied them in their ignorance and guilt. He breathed only a plea for their forgiveness—‘for they know not what they do.’ ” The Desire of Ages, 744

Thursday

5 PATIENCE—THE RESULT OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH

5.a. What is the only way we can develop patience? Romans 5:1–5

Note: “All who stand unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle must feel the special warfare of Satan against them. As they realize his attacks, they will flee to the Stronghold. They feel their need of special strength from God, and they labor in His strength; therefore the victories they gain do not exalt them, but lead them in faith to lean more securely upon the Mighty One. Deep and fervent gratitude to God is awakened in their hearts, and they are joyful in the tribulation which they experience while pressed by the enemy. These willing servants are gaining an experience and forming a character which will do honor to the cause of God.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 510

5.b.        How does patience promote our missionary efforts? 2 Corinthians 6:3–10

 Note: “Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor.” The Acts of the Apostles, 465

5.c. What is one identification of God’s remnant people? Revelation 14:12

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How do you define patience according to the Bible?

2    Why is temperance necessary in developing patience?

3    Summarize the experience of Job.

4    What is written about Christ’s patience?

5    Is patience the cause or result of justification before God?

Copyright 2005, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Nut and Seed Bread

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Nuts and Seeds

The Global Burden of Disease Study, the largest analysis of risk factors for death and disease in history, calculated that not eating enough nuts and seeds was the third-leading dietary risk factor for death and disability in the world, killing more people than processed meat consumption. Insufficient nut and seed intake is thought to lead to the deaths of millions of people every year, 15 times more than all those who die from overdoses of heroin, crack cocaine, and all other illicit drugs combined.

Major studies have shown that people who eat nuts appear to suffer fewer deaths from cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease, as well as living longer. Indeed, our life span may be increased by an extra two years by eating nuts regularly—one handful (or about a quarter of a cup) five or more days a week.

PREDIMED, one of the largest interventional dietary trials ever performed, followed more than 7,000 men and women at high cardiovascular risk randomized into different diet groups. One group received a free half pound of nuts every week for four consecutive years. Compared with other groups, the added-nuts group appeared to cut their stroke risk in half. If this works as well in the general population, 89,000 strokes a year, or ten strokes every hour, would be prevented in the United States alone simply by adding walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts to the nation’s daily diet.

Source: nutritionfacts.org/topics/hazelnuts

Recipe – Nut and Seed Bread

Ingredients

1 cup raw sunflower seeds

½ cup flax seeds, roughly ground

2 Tbs. chia seeds

½ cup hazelnuts, almonds, or any nut, roughly chopped

4 Tbs. psyllium seed husks or 3 Tbs. psyllium husk powder

1 ½ cups rolled oats, not quick or instant

1 to 1 ½ tsp. salt

2 Tbs. maple syrup

3 Tbs. coconut oil, melted

1 ½ cups water

Process

In a bowl, combine well all dry ingredients. Whisk maple syrup, oil, and water together. Add to dry ingredients and mix very well until everything is completely saturated. Transfer to oiled or parchment paper-lined loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula. Let sit on the counter for two to eight hours. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove bread from loaf pan, place upside down directly on the rack and bake for another 40 minutes. Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped. Let cool completely before slicing. Keep refrigerated. Makes delicious toast.

The Greatest Battle Ever Fought

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“Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh.”

1 Timothy 3:16

That mystery is so great that even when you get to heaven you will not understand all about it. Mrs. White says that it will ever be a mystery and the subject of study throughout eternity, and yet we need to understand as much as we can about it in this world.

The apostle Paul speaks about the great mystery of godliness in Colossians 1:26, 27: “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” What is the glory of Christ? In 1892, Ellen White wrote this sentence: “The glory of God is His character, and to us it is manifest in Christ.” The Present Truth, December 29, 1892. The riches of His glory are the riches of His character manifested in the life of Christ.

“It was through Satan’s misrepresentation of God’s character that man was led to doubt the reality of His love, and came to look upon God as his enemy. As Satan had done in heaven, so he did on earth—declared God’s government unjust, the restrictions of His law unnecessary, and bade man, as he had angels, to throw aside the yoke and let the dictates of their own nature be their only guide and law. He promised liberty; but as he himself is the servant of corruption, he brought the race into bondage, to sin, misery, and death. He represented God as claiming all and giving nothing, as requiring men’s service for His own glory, but denying Himself nothing for man’s good.” The Signs of the Times, February 13, 1893. Satan presented lies and deceptive reasoning to the mind of man to entice him to disobedience. He lied about God’s character, and he reasoned that God’s government was unjust and restricting. He uses the same deceit and lies still today.

What is the relationship between God’s character and His government? “God’s ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. The living God has given in His holy law a transcript of His character. The greatest Teacher the world has ever known is Jesus Christ; and what is the standard He has given for all who believe in Him? ‘Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ Matthew 5:48. As God is perfect in His high sphere of action, so man may be perfect in his human sphere.

“The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 365

“The law of God [the transcript of His character] is the foundation of His government in heaven and in earth, and as long as the follower of Jesus imitates his Lord by exalting the divine precepts in word and life, Satan has no power to deceive or mislead his soul.” The Signs of the Times, March 30, 1888

Satan entices men by lying to them regarding God’s law, His character and love, and if he is successful in persuading the very elect to believe his lies, then they will be indifferent to their high calling in Christ Jesus and fail to be filled with all the fullness of God’s love.

What is our high calling really? Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Our high calling is in Christ. “Let it never be forgotten that the teacher must be what he desires his pupils to become.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 58. Was Christ what He desired His pupils to become? Yes, He was. His divine nature combined with His human flesh were a perfect representation of what we are and what we, by striving to develop a character like His, can become.

“He was the embodiment of the law of God.” The Signs of the Times, November 15, 1899. The embodiment of the law of God is “the transcript of His character.” Ibid. It is God’s purpose that your life will become an embodiment of the law of God. That is our high calling.

But we have an enemy. Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. Satan does not want you to become an embodiment of the law of God, and he uses enticements and deceptive promises to lure men and women into sin.

What is the purpose of temptation? Many people who are tempted ask, “If God is all powerful, wise, and loving, why does He allow this?” “Our heavenly Father sees the hearts of men, and He knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have susceptibilities and powers, which, directed in the right channel, might be used to His glory to aid in the advancement of His work. He puts these persons on trial and in His wise providence brings them into different positions.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 84, 85

People think they are in charge of their own lives. But it is by way of temptation that we can know who is truly in control of our lives. God places His children “… under a variety of circumstances, testing them that they may reveal what is in their hearts and the weak points in their characters which have been concealed from their own knowledge.” Ibid., 85

Notice two points. God allows these temptations to reveal what is in a person’s heart, and to reveal the weak points in their character. We often do not know what is truly in our own hearts, nor what our weaknesses are. Temptations come and reveal to us what we did not know about ourselves.

“He [God] gives them opportunities to correct these weaknesses.” Ibid. As long as we have breath, God gives us opportunity to see and correct our weaknesses. Upon recognizing that there is something in my heart that is out of harmony with God’s law, I must surrender myself to the sovereignty of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Surrendering myself and asking that a miracle be performed to change my heart requires that I cooperate and do my part.

“He gives them opportunities to correct these weaknesses, to polish off the rough corners of their natures, and to fit themselves for His service … . He in mercy reveals their hidden defects, that they may look within and examine critically the complicated emotions and exercises of their own hearts, and detect that which is wrong; thus they may modify their dispositions and refine their manners. The Lord in His providence brings men where He can test their moral powers and reveal their motives of action, that they may improve what is right in themselves and put away that which is wrong.” Ibid.

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” Matthew 12:34, last part, 35

“The heart must be diligently searched as with a lighted candle, that all defects may be seen in the light of the law of God, His standard of character.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 7, 179

“All defects of character originate in the heart.” The Review and Herald, September 1, 1885. Pride, vanity, evil temper, covetousness, they all proceed from the carnal heart of flesh, unrenewed by the grace of Christ. “Never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrong-doing.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 330. We have both inherited and cultivated tendencies to sin, but we are not to lower God’s standard to accommodate what we are. “We need to understand that imperfection of character is sin.” Ibid.

God allows temptations in our lives that we might see the defects and imperfections in our characters, that we might repent of and confess these sins—not only to be forgiven, but also to be cleansed from all unrighteousness.

“The purification of the people of God cannot be accomplished without their suffering.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 85. It is impossible to be purified without going through this process. “God permits the fires of affliction to consume the dross, to separate the worthless from the valuable, that the pure metal may shine forth. He passes us from one fire to another.” Ibid. Has this been your experience—rejoicing as you walk out of one fire, only to walk into another one?

“God’s work of refining and purifying must go on until His servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that, when called into active service, their eye will be single to His glory. He will then accept their efforts; they will not move rashly, from impulse; they will not rush on and imperil the Lord’s cause, being slaves to temptations and passions and followers of their own carnal minds set on fire by Satan. Oh, how fearfully is the cause of God marred by man’s perverse will and unsubdued temper! How much suffering he brings upon himself by following his own headstrong passions! God brings men over the ground again and again.” Ibid., 86

When you are in trouble, God does not give up on you. He brings another test. It may be harder, the circumstances a bit different, but it is necessary that you successfully pass each test until your character has been purified and is ready for heaven. “God brings men over the ground again and again, increasing the pressure until perfect humility and a transformation of character bring them into harmony with Christ and the spirit of heaven, and they are victors over themselves.” Ibid.

Let’s review the purposes of temptation:

  1. to reveal the hidden things in my own heart that I did not see before;
  2. to reveal the weak points in my character;
  3. so that the dross of selfishness can be separated from the true gold and silver of Christian character;
  4. that I might be purified;
  5. that I might reflect the radiance of divine love and be filled with all the fullness of God.

When these purposes are accomplished, then we are ready for the marriage supper. “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.” Revelation 19:7, 8

The second coming of Christ is drawing nearer every day. God’s church must be pure and perfect so that she can make a full and final display of God’s grace, mercy, and love. But can I make a full and final display of these things if they are not a part of my character? It is impossible.

God’s last day church, every member, must have a character that displays His grace, mercy, and love in order that she might be pure and perfect in these last days.

The Role of Desire in Temptation

“Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed. He is turned away from the course of virtue and real good by following his own inclinations.” Testimonies, Vol. 4, 623. The dictionary definition of inclinations is “a propensity or a disposition more favorable to one thing than to another.” Inclination has to do with desire, love, affection, regard for, and disposition of mind. By following our own inclinations, we find ourselves, too often, in trouble.

James says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” James 1:13–15. “Feeling the terrible power of temptation, the drawing of desire that leads to indulgence, many a man cries in despair, ‘I cannot resist evil.’ ” The Ministry of Healing, 174. She calls it the terrible power of temptation, the drawing of desire. “Tell him that he can, that he must resist.” Ibid.

Friend, if you want to go to heaven, whatever the temptation is, no matter how terrible it is, you can and you must resist, calling upon the Lord to help you. Desire is not only the power of temptation, it is the terrible power of temptation.

There is a particular desire that dwells within the heart of every man, woman, and child, and it plays a vital role in temptation. “It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 118. Temptation has power over me because there is selfishness in my heart.

“Selfishness is the root of all evil.” Evangelism, 633

“Selfishness is sin.” The Signs of the Times, April 13, 1891

“Selfishness is the strongest and most general of human impulses, the struggle of the soul between sympathy and covetousness is an unequal contest; for while selfishness is the strongest passion, love and benevolence are too often the weakest, and as a rule the evil gains the victory.” The Review and Herald, December 7, 1886. Notice, Inspiration links selfishness with covetousness.

“The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to His likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: ‘Dead in trespasses and sins;’ ‘the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;’ ‘no soundness in it.’ We are held fast in the snare of Satan, ‘taken captive by him at his will.’ … God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him.

“The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.” Steps to Christ, 43. The terrible power of temptation is the drawing of our natural desires which come from the law of selfishness, the governing principle of Satan’s kingdom. Each and every one of us inherited that selfishness from Adam.

“We have hereditary tendencies to wrong. This is a part of self that no one need carry about. It is a weakness of humanity to pet selfishness, because it is a natural trait of character. But unless all selfishness is put away, unless self is crucified, we can never be holy as God is holy.” The Faith I Live By, 140

“All selfishness is covetousness, and is, therefore, idolatry.” The Review and Herald, May 23, 1907

If there is selfishness in my heart, I am breaking the second commandment in my heart. I’m living with sin within. The Spirit of Prophecy calls these selfish, sinful desires, hereditary tendencies to wrong, defects in my character. Selfishness causes defects in my character, and imperfection of character is sin. All selfishness is condemned by the law of God, and not one of Adam’s posterity has escaped this inheritance. Every single one of us is, by nature, selfish and it is here that Satan has his greatest success.

“Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of Himself, ‘The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me.’ ” Ibid., November 8, 1887

Jesus said to the religious rulers of His day, “You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do.” All the evil desires that Satan puts in our heart are sin. “Every tree in Satan’s garden hangs laden with the fruits of vanity, pride, self-importance, evil desire, extravagance—all poisoned fruit, but very gratifying to the carnal heart.” Ibid., December 9, 1884

“In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ presented before His disciples the far-reaching principles of the law of God. He taught His hearers that the law was transgressed by the thoughts before the evil desire was carried out.” Ibid., June 12, 1888

“Until the requirements of the holy law were applied as the rule of life, fallen man could not understand his own guilt, nor realize his condemned, lost condition. Jesus made application of the law directly to the soul, and laid under its jurisdiction the will and desires and works of man.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 9, 235. Our desires are under the jurisdiction of the law of God. Any desire that is out of harmony with the law of God is sin.

The Bible describes sin this way: “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Genesis 6:5. Figuratively, an imagination is a conception, a purpose that is formed in the mind. Lust is the desire for something that is forbidden. When evil desires or lusts are conceived in the mind, sin is being cherished. When sinful desires are cherished, temptation asserts its power. The word cherish according to the dictionary means “to treat in a manner to encourage growth.” To cherish means to indulge and encourage in the mind. Growth in the Christian life has as much to do with what goes on in the mind as it does with the actions that are a result of our thoughts and desires.

So if the natural desires of man are continually evil, is man destined to commit sin until Jesus comes? Many theologians, including some Adventist theologians, believe that we will.

“We should preserve the strictest chastity in thought, and word, and deportment. Let us remember that God sets our secret sins in the light of His countenance. There are thoughts and feelings suggested and aroused by Satan that annoy even the best of men, but if they are not cherished, if they are repulsed as hateful, the soul is not contaminated with guilt, and no other is defiled by their influence. Oh, that we each might become a savor of life unto life to those around us!” The Review and Herald, March 27, 1888

This quotation makes it clear that while even the best Christian can be tempted, he or she can also resist temptation. Man does not have to sin. Temptation is not sin and therefore, when refusing to yield to temptation, a person, by the power and grace of God, does not sin.

The gospel tells how Jesus wants to deliver me from this evil world, but before He can deliver me from the devil on the outside, He must first deliver me from the devil on the inside. Jesus said, “ ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.’ ” Matthew 23:27. What we need is to be cleaned up on the inside and then the outside will be clean.

“Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan’s power without, we must be delivered from his power within.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 174, 175

If there is any kind of sin in your life, the devil has power to overcome you on the inside. “The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is accomplished, ‘He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.’ ” Ibid., 175

To summarize the role of desire in temptation:
Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed.

  • Naturally-selfish desires are the defects in our characters that readily respond to Satan’s lying promises and deceitful arguments.
  • God does not tempt any man, but He permits us to be tempted so that we may know what is in our heart so that we might have a deep heart-longing to be cleansed from the defilement of sin.

“No one can be omnipotent, but all can cleanse themselves from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. God requires every soul to be pure and holy.” The Faith I Live By, 140. No exceptions.

“By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter. By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the divine similitude. This is what it means to live ‘by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’ This is eating the Bread that comes down from heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 391

“As we partake of the divine nature, hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong are cut away from the character, and we are made a living power for good.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, 943

When we yield our will fully to God, our hereditary tendencies to wrong, our sinful desires are cut away and they are replaced by holy desires. “Some seek to control their surroundings, thinking that if they are placed in favorable positions, the bad traits in their character will not be developed. But God orders our surroundings, and He will place us where we shall have test after test, to prove us and to reveal what is in our hearts. Again and again we shall be brought into strait places, that it may be known whether we are indeed crucified with Christ or full of self-love. How will this proving, testing process end with each of us?” The Review and Herald, June 3, 1884

“Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you cannot overcome.” Messages to Young People, 99

“Your only safety is to live like a watchman. Watch and pray always. Oh, what a preventive against yielding to temptation and falling into the snares of the world! …

“Watch, lest evil passions should overcome you, instead of your subduing them.

“Pray. Jesus would not have enjoined this upon you, unless there was actual necessity for it. It is well known to Him that of yourself you cannot overcome the many temptations of the enemy … . He has not left you alone to do this; but has provided a way that you can obtain help.” The Faith I Live By, 224

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

Protein – What’s all the Hype?

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There are seven broad, needful categories of food to be considered if we are to experience vibrant heath, and not just the absence of disease or injury. Those categories are carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. In this article, we will take a closer look at proteins.

Few nutrients are as important as protein. Not getting enough protein will affect the health and body composition. How critical they are to our survival can even be seen in its Greek root word Proteios, which means “primary importance.” Proteins are large, highly-complex molecules that are present in all living organisms. They play many critical roles in the body. They

  • are essential for the growth, maintenance, and repair of body cells and tissues;
  • are the building blocks of our organs, muscles, skin, hair, and nails;
  • help boost the immune system so that our bodies can resist and fight off infections;
  • play a key role in the balance of fluid in the body;
  • provide energy for the body to function;
  • are critical in chemical reactions in the body (enzymes, some critical in digestion; hormones, such as insulin, needed to regulate glucose, and hemoglobin which carries oxygen to every cell in the body are proteins); and
  • work within the body to transfer reactions from cell to cell.

Proteins are species specific, meaning that proteins differ from species to species. They are also organ specific. For example, proteins of the brain and proteins of the liver will be different even within the same body.

Chemical proteins are large molecules that are basically a chain of amino acids. These proteins differ from one another primarily in the ordering of the amino acids. This ordering determines the activity of the protein. They are basically made up of a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group (1 carbon atom, 2 oxygen atoms and a hydrogen atom), and an amino group (a nitrogen atom and 2 hydrogen atoms).

There are approximately twenty different amino acids that naturally occur in proteins within our bodies, but there are at least 100 amino acids that occur in nature, mostly plants. Of these, 11 are non-essential in the human diet because our bodies make them, or retrieve them, from the breakdown of other protein. Nine of the 20 amino acids are essential to obtain from our diet, because these we do not manufacture or retrieve. There are also conditional amino acids that our body needs during times of stress and illness.

The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) is 0.36 grams of protein per pound (0.8 grams per kilogram) of body weight. This amounts to 54 grams (1.9 oz) per day for a 150-pound sedentary person or 65 grams (2.3 oz) per day for a 180-pound sedentary person. A highly-active person would need to consume 0.54 to 0.9 grams per pound of body weight, a significant increase over a less active person.

This recommended daily intake of protein is likely enough to prevent protein deficiency, but the amount a person needs varies from person to person, depending on the physical activity level, as well as age, sex, overall health, to name a few. Extra protein can also be needed during times of illness and physical repair (such as burns), children during growth spurts, and during pregnancy and lactation.

When dietary protein is in short supply, the body tends to take protein from skeletal muscles for more important body functions. This can result in muscle wasting over time and is specifically worse in the elderly from even moderate protein insufficiency.

So how do we get this critical nutrient into our bodies and have vibrant health? It is easy for the non-vegetarian to not only get enough protein, but to get too much protein from, for example, meat, milk, cheese, and eggs, plus the protein from vegetables and other non-animal sources.

The saying, “You can’t get too much of a good thing” isn’t true. For example, even though protein is a necessary nutrient to have daily, consuming too much of it can lead to brain fog, bloating, and weight gain.

Vegan vegetarians get their protein primarily from nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, grains, and vegetables. Nuts and seeds, including almonds, hazel nuts, mixed nuts, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are good sources of protein. Pinto, black, kidney, or garbanzo beans, split peas, and lentils are good sources of lean protein. High in fiber, they may help lower your cholesterol if you eat them regularly. Tofu, edamame, tempeh, and other products made from soybeans are also good sources of protein. Vegetables, although not high in protein, do supply protein for vegetarians.  Some vegetables with higher amounts of protein are green peas, spinach, artichokes, corn, avocado, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, kale, and potatoes.

Of primary concern for the vegetarian is getting all nine essential amino acids because most plant-based products lack one or more of the essential amino acids. Quinoa, soybeans, edamame, tempeh, buckwheat, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and amaranth contain all nine essential amino acids.

Of all the soybeans produced in the United States, about 95% of these are genetically modified. To avoid these, buy organic soybean products and tofu, or those labeled non-GMO.

It is not necessary to eat a complete protein at every meal, nor even every day, but aim for variety in your diet. One real advantage of vegetarian protein choices is that many of them are high in fiber and make you feel full and may help in weight control and lowering cholesterol if eaten regularly. The higher the fiber content the better for your gut microorganisms, regularity, and may help reduce colon cancer.

This may be more than you wanted to know about protein, but it has clearly demonstrated why protein is critical to life. With adequate protein added to your nutrition plan, you are one step closer to experiencing vibrant health. Bon appétit!

Sources: marketplacewellnesscenter.com/high-quality-protein; wikipedia.org/wiki/Protein; study.com+(primary+functions+of+protein); healthline.com+>+protein; medlineplus.gov/ency/article/022467 Protein in diet; wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of _countries_by_soybean_production

Question: What is the unpardonable sin?

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Question:

What is the unpardonable sin?

Answer:

What constitutes the sin against the Holy Ghost? It is willfully attributing to Satan the work of the Holy Spirit.” Counsels for the Church, 81

“They [the Pharisees] attributed to satanic agencies the holy power of God, manifested in the works of Christ. Thus the Pharisees sinned against the Holy Ghost. Stubborn, sullen, ironhearted, they determined to close their eyes to all evidence, and thus they committed the unpardonable sin.” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, 1092

“In rejecting Christ the Jewish people committed the unpardonable sin; and by refusing the invitation of mercy, we may commit the same error. We offer insult to the Prince of life, and put Him to shame before the synagogue of Satan and before the heavenly universe when we refuse to listen to His delegated messengers, and instead listen to the agents of Satan, who would draw the soul away from Christ. So long as one does this, he can find no hope or pardon, and he will finally lose all desire to be reconciled to God.” The Desire of Ages, 324, 325

“Wrongs remain unconfessed. … Sin is cherished and the result is hardness of heart.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 13, 331

“The unpardonable sin is the sin that refuses to be pardoned; it is the refusal to hear Him concerning a sin, and to turn from that sin; it is the sin of refusing His instruction; it is the sin of unbelief concerning His warnings; it is the stubbornness of the heart that will not turn from sin, which seals the fate of any people or any individual.” The Review and Herald, May 19, 1903

“Never had Nero heard the truth as he heard it upon that occasion. Never had the enormous guilt of his own life been revealed to him as it was revealed that day. The light of heaven had pierced the sin-polluted chambers of his soul. He quaked with terror at the thought of a tribunal before which he, the ruler of the world, should be arraigned, and where his deeds should meet a just reward. …

“For a moment, heaven had been opened before him by the words of Paul, and its peace and purity had appeared desirable. That moment the invitation of mercy was extended even to the guilty and hardened Nero. But only for a moment. The command was issued for Paul to be taken back to his dungeon; and as the door closed upon the messenger of God, so the door of repentance was forever closed against the emperor of Rome. Not another ray of light was ever to penetrate the dense darkness that enveloped him.” Sketches from the Life of Paul, 315, 316

Changed into His Image

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“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 3:18

Sin-burdened, struggling souls, Jesus in His glorified humanity has ascended into the heavens to make intercession for us. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace.” We should be continually looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; for by beholding Him we shall be changed into His image, our character will be made like His. We should rejoice that all judgment is given to the Son, because in His humanity He has become acquainted with all the difficulties that beset humanity.

To be sanctified is to become a partaker of the divine nature, catching the spirit and mind of Jesus, ever learning in the school of Christ. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” It is impossible for any of us by our own power or our own efforts to work this change in ourselves. It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He would send into the world, that changes our character into the image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord. That is, the character of the one who thus beholds Christ is so like His, that one looking at him sees Christ’s own character shining out as from a mirror. Imperceptibly to ourselves, we are changed day by day from our ways and will into the ways and will of Christ, into the loveliness of His character. Thus we grow up into Christ, and unconsciously reflect His image.

Professed Christians keep altogether too near the lowlands of earth. Their eyes are trained to see only commonplace things, and their minds dwell upon the things their eyes behold. Their religious experience is often shallow and unsatisfying, and their words are light and valueless. How can such reflect the image of Christ? How can they send forth the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness into all the dark places of the earth? To be a Christian is to be Christlike. …

[Enoch] was ever under the influence of Jesus. He reflected Christ’s character, exhibiting the same qualities in goodness, mercy, tender compassion, sympathy, forbearance, meekness, humility and love. His association with Christ day by day transformed him into the image of Him with whom he was so intimately connected. Reflecting Christ, 20

Testimony – God Keeps His Own

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An evangelist named Peter was holding meetings in Quebec, Canada. He had noticed a young woman named Mary who had been coming to the meetings. There was something different about her, a far-away look in her eyes.

She was thrilled by the things she was learning in the meetings, and when Peter visited with her about them, she indicated her belief in what he had presented, but he could tell there was still something that bothered her. He soon found out it had to do with the state of the dead.

While living in Paris some years earlier, she had met a young man, John, through a friend. John was tall, blond, well-mannered, and muscular. He was respectful and understood her. Like a lot of young girls, she enjoyed the attention that he gave her. She needed someone to love her. He was everything that she ever wanted, and she had fallen in love with him. Their relationship had continued for many years. They were not living together, but she had invited him up to her apartment on many occasions. Yet, she remained pure.

The time came when she moved to Quebec, and John moved with her.

The devil usually uses a man or woman he can work through to create an infatuation between some young man or woman that God wants to use for His service. But as it happened, in this case, he wasn’t able to find that someone, so he had sent her a spirit boyfriend, one of his angels in the form of a human man. At first, she did not know, but she soon learned that John was not a real man, but by then her heart was fully entwined around him.

As Peter studied with Mary, the Spirit of the Lord began to work on her heart, and she wanted salvation. She made a decision and did something that, sadly, very few young people are willing to do. She broke off the relationship. Right then, she and Peter knelt down and prayed, and she committed herself wholly to the Lord.

John came to her that night. He first tried to sweet talk her, and when that did not work, he got upset with her, something he had never done before. In fact, he hit her in the mouth. Still, she decided to go forward and be baptized. He warned her, “Don’t be baptized.”

The day of her baptism came and as she and Peter stepped into the baptismal pool, she said, “He’s here. John is right here in the baptistery with us.” She knew his presence.

“John is here.” As Peter tried to immerse her in the water, a force would hold her up. With all his might, he tried again, and she was pushed back up. Three times he tried to baptize her. The third time, she was lifted right out of the baptistery and was thrown into the audience. Wet and dripping, and not baptized.

I wonder what we might have done. Would we have continued? Mary did. She walked right back into the baptistery and was baptized.

Later, Mary was asked to give her testimony at camp meeting that year, and she agreed to do it. As she was writing, making notes for the testimony, John came and tore it all up. He told her, “If you give that testimony, you will be dead in two weeks.”

Now, you and I have all heard stories like this, and we know when the devil says it, it happens, right? The devil has gotten the world believing that nothing can stop him. But don’t believe everything Satan says. Mary gave her testimony, and she didn’t die in two weeks.

The devil is only as strong as God allows him to be. There’s a protection that God puts around those who seek to do His will. I’m sure Satan would have liked to cause, and would have done anything to bring about, Mary’s death, but day by day, Mary now lives under the protection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Get in the right place and God will put His power on you, and combine His divine with our human efforts, and we can work out our salvation with fear and trembling. That is a power that Satan cannot resist or overthrow.” Sermons and Talks, Vol. 1, 59

“God has set bounds that Satan cannot pass. Our most holy faith is this barrier; and if we build ourselves up in the faith, we shall be safe in the keeping of the Mighty One.” Maranatha, 64

Taken from the sermon “How to Overcome the Devil ” by Marshall J. Grosboll

I’ve Waited My Whole Life

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I turned to him and said, “I’ve waited my whole life to meet you.” It was 2003, and I was visiting a popular theme park for the first time. Standing there between the park’s two most famous characters to have my picture taken, I felt something was happening that I would remember forever.

And I have remembered it, and though I do remember how I felt in that moment, I now see the experience in light of something far more important.

Recently, what I said that day back in 2003 came to my mind, and I thought, there is a day coming when I should be able to look up and say to our returning Lord, “I’ve waited my whole life to meet You.”

I wish that I could meet Jesus with those words, but sadly, I—maybe you, too—have spent too much of my life involved in, busy with, enamored by the world. It was not my life’s work, early on, to develop the relationship with Jesus that would result in the formation of the character needed to meet Him on that not-so-distant morning.

There are no do-overs in this life. Time wasted with worldly things is time lost, never to be recovered, leaving less time to spend with Jesus. I have a picture of me with that theme park character, but am I ready to meet Jesus when He comes? We all have something that is part of this world that is special to us—a job, a home, family, friends, sports, internet games, social media, a picture with someone famous, or even being famous—but are we working toward the one thing we need most, a perfected character?

“If we would at last share the reward of the righteous, we must wisely improve the time of our probation. Moments are more precious than gold. …

“The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. We have but a little time in which to make ready. … We need a close connection with God. We are not safe a moment unless guided and controlled by the Holy Spirit. …

“Life, with its marvelous privileges and opportunities, will soon be ended. The time for improvement in character will be past. …

“Life is short. The things of the world must perish with the using. Let us be wise, and build for eternity. We cannot afford to idle away our precious moments, or engage in busy activities that will bring forth no fruit for eternity. Let the time hitherto devoted to idleness, frivolity, worldliness, be spent in gaining a knowledge of the Scriptures, in beautifying our life … .” Our High Calling, 187

“God has not revealed to us the time when this message [the third angel’s] will close, or when probation will have an end. …

“When Jesus rises up in the most holy place, and lays off His mediatorial garments, and clothes Himself with the garments of vengeance in place of the priestly attire, the work for sinners will be done. …

“The case of every soul will have been decided. …

“We have no time to lose. We know not how soon our probation may close. … Christ is soon to come.

“When probation ends, it will come suddenly, unexpectedly—at a time when we are least expecting it. But we can have a clean record in heaven today, and know that God accepts us; and finally, if faithful, we shall be gathered into the kingdom of heaven.” The Faith I Live By, 215

Lord, help us to see our desperate need of Your transforming power. Give us a sense of urgency, to be made ready for heaven.

Story – Tony’s Silver Dollar

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Tony lived in the middle of a big city. His family was poor, but they were a happy family. They were happy because each one in the family, including Tony, had accepted the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. Even though Tony was only eight years old, he knew he was a sinner and had asked the Lord Jesus to wash away his sins. Because he believed what the Bible says, he believed that he would be in heaven with the Lord Jesus someday. Anyone who knows this is happy.

One day Tony’s grandfather was visiting them and he gave Tony a silver dollar. Tony had never had a silver dollar before. He was so pleased with it that he kept looking at it, turning it over and over. He would put it in his pocket and then take it out to look at it again. How shiny and bright it was. He thought of many things he could buy with it.

Later that afternoon Tony reached into his pocket to take out his silver dollar again. It wasn’t there! Where did it go? He turned all four of his pockets inside out, but it wasn’t in any of them. He looked everywhere he remembered being that day, starting in the house. He even checked down in the basement. Then he ran outside where he had been playing games on the sidewalk, but he couldn’t find it. Tony felt so badly he began to cry.

When he still had not found it by evening, he was so downcast he just went to bed. He didn’t even take the time to pray.

As he tried to go to sleep, a small, still voice seemed to say, “Tony, you didn’t pray.” He would turn over and try to forget about it, but pretty soon the same small, still voice would remind him again.

Tony tossed and turned for quite a while. Each time he was about to fall asleep, he would hear the voice in his mind saying, “Tony, you haven’t prayed.”

Finally, he sat up in bed and said to himself, “Maybe I had better pray after all.”

Tony climbed out of bed and knelt down on the floor beside his bed. “Ouch! What’s that?” His knee was pressing down on something cold and hard.

It was his silver dollar!

Do you think that the Lord Jesus in heaven really listens to children’s prayers? Yes, He certainly does. Don’t be afraid or get discouraged when things seem to be going all wrong. Talk to the Lord Jesus about it, and ask Him for help. Tony would have found his silver dollar much sooner if he had knelt down to pray when he first went to bed. We will get help and guidance from the Lord much sooner if we take our trouble to Him right away.

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

Copied with permission from WholesomeWords.org from Messages of God’s Love published by Bible Truth Publishers.

What Creature Kills the Most Humans?

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That’s not a trick question. Truth is, when you factor in all the ways human beings are capable of killing themselves and each other, it is likely that more people are killed by humans, than any other creature on the planet.

But other than human beings, there is one creature that kills more humans than any other.

There is, however, one creature that kills more humans than any other.

You might think it would be snakes, lions, elephants, the hippopotamus, or sharks. You’d be right that any one of these creatures kill quite a few humans each year.

But none of these animals, bugs, or reptiles kill more than the itsy-bitsy mosquito. Mosquitoes transmit life-threatening diseases that kill 725,000-1,000,000 people every year.

The word mosquito comes from the Spanish meaning “little fly.” Their bodies are slender and segmented, with one pair of wings, a pair of halteres (two small club-shaped organs that help with body stabilization during flight), three pairs of long, hair-thin legs, and elongated mouthparts.

There are four stages to the mosquito’s life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The female lays her eggs by flying over the surface of the water, bobbing up and down to drop eggs as she goes. A female mosquito can lay 100-200 eggs during the course of the adult phase of her life cycle.

Adult mosquitoes typically mate within days after emerging from the pupal stage. It is a rather impersonal process, as the males simply swarm together around dusk and the females fly into the swarm to mate.

When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the algae and other organic material in the water. During this stage, the larvae can become a meal for freshwater animals, such as dragonflies, fish, and ducks.

The female mosquito is equipped with a proboscis—a tube-like mouthpart that can pierce the skin of its host and feed on their blood. The protein and iron they get from the blood helps in the production of eggs and thereby, the perpetuation of the species.

Male mosquitoes live for about five to seven days. Females live about a month in nature. Their lifespan is determined by temperature, humidity, and their ability to find a continual supply of hosts without becoming a meal themselves.

Mosquitoes don’t live or function well in temperatures below 50° F and are most active in temperatures between 59°-77° F. There are thousands of species of mosquitoes all around the world feeding on mammals (including humans), birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish.

Mosquitoes are known as vectors of parasitic diseases. That means they are a living agent that carries and transmits an infectious pathogen to other living organisms. While biting an infected host, they ingest pathogens and then through their saliva, transfer that pathogen to the next host. Only the females of certain species of mosquitoes spread these pathogens. In the United States, those species are: Anopheles, Aedes, and Culex. According to the World Health Organization, some of those diseases include: chikungunya, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, Rift Valley fever, Yellow fever, Zika, malaria, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile fever.

The worst disease carried by mosquitoes—simply because it kills so many people—is malaria, caused by a single-cell parasite called Plasmodium. It kills “more than 600,000 people every year; [with] another 200 million incapacitated for days at a time. It threatens half the world’s population, and causes billions of dollars in lost productivity annually.” This little parasite infects the mosquito, and once it reaches the mosquito’s midgut, the parasites multiply and migrate back to the salivary glands.

Many of the diseases spread by mosquitoes are endemic [restricted] to particular areas of the world and not often found in the United States and Europe, except perhaps in the case of the hapless traveler. Malaria, for example, is found mainly in areas with climatic factors like temperature, humidity, and rainfall—northern South America, Saudi Arabia, most of Africa, and Asia. African countries make up about 96% of all malaria deaths. In high altitude areas, colder seasons, and deserts, malaria does not occur or is less intense and more seasonal.

But why doesn’t the mosquito get sick from the infectious pathogen/parasite she picks up? Awanish Mishra at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Guwahati believes that it might be because the pathogen/parasite itself never comes into direct contact with the mosquitoe’s circulatory system. And El-Desouky Ammar at the University of Florida, IFAS & ARS-USDA suggests that the mosquito and the pathogen/parasite have a symbiotic relationship that is beneficial to both.

To reduce the chances of becoming an early-evening snack for a group of lady mosquitoes this summer, follow these, and other, common sense guidelines:
•   Monitor and disrupt standing water in gutters, uneven concrete, potted plants or spare tires on a weekly basis

Discard waste in sealed plastic bags and ensure trash is collected regularly

Fit water storage containers with tight lids and use fine-mesh coverings on storage vessels

Wear light-colored, long-sleeve clothes, use insect repellent and sleep under a bed net

Fit windows and doors with screens

Use insecticide sprays or vaporizers in and around houses

Sources: worldatlas.com/animals/10-animals-that-kill-the-most-humans; smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mosquitoes-kill-more-humans-human-murderers-do; cdc.gov/malaria/about/distribution; Wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito; researchgate.net/post/Why_vector_mosquitoes_dont_get_affected_by_the_viruses_plasmodium_they_transmit; usatoday.com/story/news/health/2023/02/02/what-animal-kills-most-humans

Animal people killed note
Snake 50,000  
Dog 25,000 mainly from the transmission of rabies
Assassin Bug 10,000 includes the tsetse fly, a primary carrier of malaria
Freshwater Snail 10,000 parasitic worm that carries the disease schistosomiasis
Scorpion 2,600  
Roundworm &Tapeworm 2,000-2,500  
Crocodile 1,000  
Hippopotamus 500  
Elephant 100  
Lion 100  
Shark 10