To prepare people for eternal life.
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Recipe |
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Seven Grain Patties |
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| 3 cups of boiling water | 2 Tablespoons soy sauce (or equivalent) |
| 1½ cups seven grain cereal | 2 teaspoons onion powder |
| ¾ teaspoon salt | ¼ cup sunflower seeds |
| 1 teaspoon thyme | ½ cup walnuts, chopped |
| Cook cereal in water until done. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Shape into patties and place on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Yield: 6 servings. You may select seasonings of your choice to alter the flavor of the patties. | |
Key Text
“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isaiah 43:1.
Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 8, 9–18; The Desire of Ages, 476–484.
“It is your privilege to trust in the love of Jesus for salvation, in the fullest, surest, noblest manner; to say, He loves me, He receives me; I will trust Him, for He gave His life for me.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 517.
Note: “If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity. God over all, blessed forevermore.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 5, 1126.
“Although Christ’s divine glory was for a time veiled and eclipsed by His assuming humanity, yet He did not cease to be God when He became man. The human did not take the place of the divine, nor the divine of the human. This is the mystery of godliness. The two expressions ‘human’ and ‘divine’ were, in Christ, closely and inseparably one, and yet they had a distinct individuality. Though Christ humbled Himself to become man, the Godhead was still His own. His deity could not be lost while He stood faithful and true to His loyalty.” Ibid., 1129.
Note: “ ‘Ye are My witnesses,’ [Isaiah 43:10] said Jesus, and in each act of our lives we should inquire: How will our course affect the interests of the Redeemer’s kingdom? If you are indeed Christ’s disciple, you will choose to walk in His footsteps, however painful this may be to your natural feelings.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 367.
Note: “In the words, ‘I am the light of the world,’ [John 8:12] Jesus declared Himself the Messiah. The aged Simeon, in the temple where Christ was now teaching, had spoken of Him as ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.’ Luke 2:32. In these words he was applying to Him a prophecy familiar to all Israel. By the prophet Isaiah, the Holy Spirit had declared, ‘It is too light a thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth.’ Isaiah 49:6, R.V. This prophecy was generally understood as spoken of the Messiah, and when Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world,’ [John 8:12] the people could not fail to recognize His claim to be the Promised One.” The Desire of Ages, 465.
Note: “The Jews, because their understanding was darkened by selfish prejudice, could not harmonize the strange power and authority of Christ’s convicting words, with His humble life and appearance. They did not appreciate the fact that real greatness can afford to go without display. This man’s poverty and humility seemed wholly inconsistent with his claims to the great honor and power of the Messiah. That He should announce Himself as the Son of God, they deemed intolerable blasphemy. They questioned, if he were the Messiah, why was He so unpretending? What would become of their nation if he were satisfied to be without the force of arms? When and how would the glory and power, so long anticipated, bring the nations as subjects to the city of the Jews? Had not the priests taught that they were to bear rule over all the earth? and could it be possible that the great religious teachers were in error? The Lord had answered their query through Isaiah: ‘O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.’ [Isaiah 3:12.]” The Review and Herald, February 7, 1888.
Note: “In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul’s need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father’s face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. … It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might recreate the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.” The Desire of Ages, 478.
Note: “While it is true that the Lord guides individuals, it is also true that He is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and there, one believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a people, and they should move with him unitedly.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 488.
Note: “The presence of God is guaranteed to the Christian. This Rock of faith is the living presence of God. The weakest may depend upon it. Those who think themselves the strongest may become the weakest unless they depend on Christ as their efficiency, their worthiness. This is the Rock upon which we may build successfully.” Sons and Daughters of God, 77.
Note: “When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour. Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us.” The Desire of Ages, 382.
“In [the promises of God’s word] He is speaking to us individually, speaking as directly as if we could listen to His voice. It is in these promises that Christ communicates to us His grace and power. They are leaves from that tree which is ‘for the healing of the nations.’ Revelation 22:2. … Nothing besides can impart the courage and faith which give vital energy to the whole being.” The Ministry of Healing, 122.
Note: “In ministry to the poor there is a wide field of service for women as well as for men. The efficient cook, the housekeeper, the seamstress, the nurse—the help of all is needed. Let the members of poor households be taught how to cook, how to make and mend their own clothing, how to nurse the sick, how to care properly for the home. Let boys and girls be thoroughly taught some useful trade or occupation.
“Missionary families are needed to settle in the waste places. Let farmers, financiers, builders, and those who are skilled in various arts and crafts, go to neglected fields, to improve the land, to establish industries, to prepare humble homes for themselves, and to help their neighbors.
“The rough places of nature, the wild places, God has made attractive by placing beautiful things among the most unsightly. This is the work we are called to do. Even the desert places of the earth, where the outlook appears to be forbidding, may become as the garden of God.” The Ministry of Healing, 194.
Note: “The work outlined in these scriptures is the work before us. The terms ‘My servant,’ ‘Israel,’ ‘the Lord’s servant,’ mean anyone that the Lord may select and appoint to do a certain work. He makes them ministers of His will, though some who are selected may be as ignorant of His will as was Nebuchadnezzar.
“God will work for those of His people who will submit themselves to the working of the Holy Spirit.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 138.
“In Christ were united the human and the divine. His mission was to reconcile God and man, to unite the finite with the infinite. This was the only way in which fallen men could be exalted through the merits of the blood of Christ to be partakers of the divine nature.” Ibid., vol. 2, 201.
“Jesus stood before the people as a living expositor of the prophecies concerning Himself. Explaining the words He had read, He spoke of the Messiah as a reliever of the oppressed, a liberator of captives, a healer of the afflicted, restoring sight to the blind, and revealing to the world the light of truth. His impressive manner and the wonderful import of His words thrilled the hearers with a power they had never felt before. The tide of divine influence broke every barrier down; like Moses, they beheld the Invisible. As their hearts were moved upon by the Holy Spirit, they responded with fervent amens and praises to the Lord.
“But when Jesus announced, ‘This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears,’ [Luke 4:21] they were suddenly recalled to think of themselves, and of the claims of Him who had been addressing them. They, Israelites, children of Abraham, had been represented as in bondage. They had been addressed as prisoners to be delivered from the power of evil; as in darkness, and needing the light of truth. Their pride was offended, and their fears were roused. The words of Jesus indicated that His work for them was to be altogether different from what they desired. Their deeds might be investigated too closely. Notwithstanding their exactness in outward ceremonies, they shrank from inspection by those clear, searching eyes. Who is this Jesus? they questioned. He who had claimed for Himself the glory of the Messiah was the son of a carpenter, and had worked at His trade with His father Joseph. They had seen Him toiling up and down the hills, they were acquainted with His brothers and sisters, and knew His life and labors. They had seen Him develop from childhood to youth, and from youth to manhood. Although His life had been spotless, they would not believe that He was the Promised One.” The Desire of Ages, 237.
“As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ’s withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church; but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience.” The Desire of Ages, 232.
©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.
Key Text
“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.
Study Help: The Desire of Ages, 741–757; “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 974.
“We must not shrink from the depths of humiliation to which the Son of God submitted in order to raise us from the degradation and bondage of sin to a seat at His right hand.” That I May Know Him, 65.
Note: “Alone in the silent night he [John the Baptist] read God’s promise to Abraham of a seed numberless as the stars. The light of dawn, guilding the mountains of Moab, told of Him who should be as ‘the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds.’ II Samuel 23:4. And in the brightness of noontide he saw the splendor of His manifestation, when ‘the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.’ Isaiah 40:5.
“With awed yet exultant spirit he searched in the prophetic scrolls the revelations of the Messiah’s coming—the promised seed that should bruise the serpent’s head; Shiloh, ‘the peace giver,’ who was to appear before a king should cease to reign on David’s throne. Now the time had come. A Roman ruler sat in the palace upon Mount Zion. By the sure word of the Lord, already the Christ was born.” The Desire of Ages, 102, 103.
Note: “By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God—God’s thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, ‘I have declared unto them Thy name’—‘merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth’—‘that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.’ [John 17:26; Exodus 34:6; John 17:26.] But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which ‘angels desire to look,’ [I Peter 1:12] and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which ‘seeketh not her own’ [I Corinthians 13:5] has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.” The Desire of Ages, 19, 20.
Note: “It was to bring the bread of life to His enemies that our Saviour left His home in heaven. Though calumny and persecution were heaped upon Him from the cradle to the grave, they called forth from Him only the expression of forgiving love.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 71.
Note: “Christ on the cross, not only draws men to repentance toward God for the transgression of His law—for whom God pardons He first makes penitent—but Christ has satisfied justice; He has proffered Himself as an atonement. His gushing blood, His broken body, satisfy the claims of the broken law, and thus He bridges the gulf which sin has made. He suffered in the flesh that with His bruised and broken body He might cover the defenseless sinner. The victory gained at His death on Calvary broke forever the accusing power of Satan over the universe, and silenced his charges that self-denial was impossible with God and therefore not essential in the human family.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 974.
Note: “What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial? He saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life. He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 43, 44.
Note: “The cross of Calvary appeals in power, affording a reason why we should love Christ now, and why we should consider Him first, and best, and last, in everything. We should take our fitting place in humble penitence at the foot of the cross. We may learn the lessons of meekness and lowliness of mind as we go up to Mount Calvary, and, looking upon the cross, see our Saviour in agony, the Son of God dying, the Just for the unjust. Behold Him who could summon legions of angels to His assistance with one word, a subject of jest and merriment, of reviling and hatred. He gives Himself a sacrifice for sin. When reviled, He threatened not; when falsely accused, He opened not His mouth. He prays on the cross for His murderers. He is dying for them. He is paying an infinite price for every one of them.” That I May Know Him, 65.
Note: “Those who take Christ at His word, and surrender their souls to His keeping, their lives to His ordering, will find peace and quietude. Nothing of the world can make them sad when Jesus makes them glad by His presence. In perfect acquiescence there is perfect rest. The Lord says, ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.’ Isaiah 26:3. Our lives may seem a tangle; but as we commit ourselves to the wise Master Worker, He will bring out the pattern of life and character that will be to His own glory. And that character which expresses the glory—character—of Christ will be received into the Paradise of God. A renovated race shall walk with Him in white, for they are worthy.” The Desire of Ages, 331.
Note: “As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here. We respond to His invitation: Come, learn of Me, and in thus coming we begin the life eternal. Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness. As we walk with Jesus in this life, we may be filled with His love, satisfied with His presence. All that human nature can bear, we may receive here.” The Desire of Ages, 331, 332.
Note: “Human power and human might did not establish the church of God, and neither can they destroy it. Not on the rock of human strength, but on Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages, was the church founded, ‘and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it’ Matthew 16:18. The presence of God gives stability to His cause. … God’s glorious work, founded on the eternal principles of right, will never come to nought.” Prophets and Kings, 595, 596.
Note: “To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation. These are they who fall upon the Rock and are broken. Submission to Christ and faith in Him are here represented. To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up our self-righteousness and to go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our transgressions, and believing in His forgiving love. And so also it is by faith and obedience that we build on Christ as our foundation. … Without this connection, no man can be saved. Without the life of Christ in us, we cannot withstand the storms of temptation. Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the sure foundation.” The Desire of Ages, 599.
“Christ is coming, and Christ is to be revealed in you, if you will only allow His image to be revealed in you. Fall on the Rock and be broken. … You want to break in pieces before God your pride, yourself, your folly, your wickedness, your dishonesty, your corruption of heart, your licentiousness, your impurity.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 212.
“And on ‘whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.’ [Matthew 21:44.] The people who rejected Christ were soon to see their city and their nation destroyed. Their glory would be broken, and scattered as the dust before the wind. And what was it that destroyed the Jews? It was the rock which, had they built upon it, would have been their security. It was the goodness of God despised, the righteousness spurned, the mercy slighted. Men set themselves in opposition to God, and all that would have been their salvation was turned to their destruction.” The Desire of Ages, 600.
“Christ has left us a perfect, sinless example. His followers are to walk in His footsteps. If they are not transformed in character, they can never dwell with Him in His kingdom. Christ died to elevate and ennoble them, and those who retain hereditary tendencies to wrong can not dwell with Him. He suffered all that it is possible for human flesh to suffer and endure, that we might pass triumphantly through all the temptations Satan may invent to destroy our faith.
“In Christ is our only hope. God has daily victories for His people to gain. … By His heavenly gifts the Lord has made ample provision for His people. An earthly parent can not give his child a sanctified character. He cannot transfer his character to his child. God alone can transform us. Christ breathed on His disciples, and said, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost.’ [John 20:22.] This is the great gift of heaven. Christ imparted to them through the Spirit His own sanctification. He imbued them with His power, that they might win souls to the gospel. Henceforth Christ would live through their faculties, and speak through their words. They were privileged to know that hereafter He and they were to be one. They must cherish His principles and be controlled by His Spirit. They were no longer to follow their own way, to speak their own words. The words they spoke were to proceed from a sanctified heart, and fall from sanctified lips. No longer were they to live their own selfish life; Christ was to live in them. … He would give to them the glory that He had with the Father, that He and they might be one in God.
“Young men and young women should realize that to be one with Christ is the highest honor to which they can attain. … Consecrate all that there is of you—soul, body, and spirit—to the Lord. Yield every power you have to the control of the Holy Spirit.” Sons and Daughters of God, 294.
“Isaac was a figure of the Son of God, who was offered a sacrifice for the sins of the world. God would impress upon Abraham the gospel of salvation to man. In order to do this, and make the truth a reality to him as well as to test his faith, He required him to slay his darling Isaac. All the sorrow and agony that Abraham endured through that dark and fearful trial were for the purpose of deeply impressing upon his understanding the plan of redemption for fallen man. He was made to understand in his own experience how unutterable was the self-denial of the infinite God in giving His own Son to die to rescue man from utter ruin. To Abraham no mental torture could be equal to that which he endured in obeying the divine command to sacrifice his son.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 369.
©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.
Key Text
“Is the Lord’s hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.” Numbers 11:23.
Study Help: Fundamentals of Christian Education, 355–357; Christ’s Object Lessons, 164–180.
“The long-suffering and forbearance of God will be appreciated by those who repent, and God will save them from sin. But those who continue to disobey will receive punishment which is proportionate to their rebellion against the God of heaven.” Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, 221.
Note: “The kingdom of Judah, prosperous throughout the times of Hezekiah, was once more brought low during the long years of Manasseh’s wicked reign, when paganism was revived, and many of the people were led into idolatry. ‘Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen.’ II Chronicles 33:9. The glorious light of former generations was followed by the darkness of superstition and error. Gross evils sprang up and flourished—tyranny, oppression, hatred of all that is good. Justice was perverted; violence prevailed.
“Yet those evil times were not without witness for God and the right. The trying experiences through which Judah had safely passed during Hezekiah’s reign had developed, in the hearts of many, a sturdiness of character that now served as a bulwark against the prevailing iniquity. Their testimony in behalf of truth and righteousness aroused the anger of Manasseh and his associates in authority, who endeavored to establish themselves in evil-doing by silencing every voice of disapproval.” Prophets and Kings, 381, 382.
Note: “In the case of Manasseh the Lord gives us an instance of the way in which He works.
“The Lord has often spoken to His people in warning and reproof. He has revealed Himself in mercy, love, and kindness. He has not left His backsliding people to the will of the enemy, but has borne long with them, even during obdurate apostasy. But after appeals have been made in vain, He prepares the rod for punishment. What compassionate love has been exercised toward the people of God! The Lord might have cut down in their sins those who were working at cross purposes with Him, but He has not done this. His hand is stretched out still. We have reason to offer thanksgiving to God that He has not taken His Spirit from those who have refused to walk in His way.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, 1132.
Note: “Foremost among those who were rapidly leading the nation to ruin was Zedekiah their king. Forsaking utterly the counsels of the Lord as given through the prophets, forgetting the debt of gratitude he owed Nebuchadnezzar, violating his solemn oath of allegiance taken in the name of the Lord God of Israel, Judah’s king rebelled against the prophets, against his benefactor, and against his God. In the vanity of his own wisdom he turned for help to the ancient enemy of Israel’s prosperity, ‘sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people.’ [Ezekiel 17:15.] …
“To the ‘profane wicked prince’ had come the day of final reckoning. ‘Remove the diadem,’ the Lord decreed, ‘and take off the crown.’ [Ezekiel 21:25, 26.] Not until Christ Himself should set up His kingdom was Judah again to be permitted to have a king.” Prophets and Kings, 450, 451.
Note: “The strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in the opportunities or facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity with which they fulfill God’s purpose.
“An illustration of this truth is found in the history of ancient Babylon. To Nebuchadnezzar the king the true object of national government was represented under the figure of a great tree. …
“But the king failed of recognizing the power that had exalted him. … Instead of being a protector of men, Babylon became a proud and cruel oppressor. The words of Inspiration picturing the cruelty and greed of rulers in Israel reveal the secret of Babylon’s fall and of the fall of many another kingdom since the world began. …
“Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has been permitted to occupy its place on the earth, that it might be seen whether it would fulfill the purpose of ‘the Watcher and the Holy One.’ [Daniel 4:13.] Prophecy has traced the rise and fall of the world’s great empires—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. With each of these, as with nations of less power, history repeated itself. Each had its period of test, each failed, its glory faded, its power departed, and its place was occupied by another.” Education, 175–177.
Note: “More than a century before the birth of Cyrus, Inspiration had mentioned him by name, and had caused a record to be made of the actual work he should do in taking the city of Babylon unawares, and in preparing the way for the release of the children of the captivity. Through Isaiah the word had been spoken.” Prophets and Kings, 551.
Note: “In a written proclamation published ‘throughout all his kingdom,’ [II Chronicles 36:22] Cyrus made known his desire to provide for the return of the Hebrews and for the rebuilding of their temple.” Prophets and Kings, 558.
“The Lord has resources. His hand is on the machinery. When the time came for His temple to be rebuilt, He moved upon Cyrus as His agent to discern the prophecies concerning Himself, and to grant the Jewish people their liberty. And more, Cyrus furnished them the necessary facilities for rebuilding the temple of the Lord. This work began under Cyrus, and his successor carried on the work begun.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1175.
Note: “The spiritual restoration of which the work carried forward in Nehemiah’s day was a symbol, is outlined in the words of Isaiah:
“The prophet here describes a people who, in a time of general departure from truth and righteousness, are seeking to restore the principles that are the foundation of the kingdom of God.” Prophets and Kings, 677, 678.
Note: “In the time of the end every divine institution is to be restored. The breach made in the law at the time the Sabbath was changed by man, is to be repaired. God’s remnant people, standing before the world as reformers, are to show that the law of God is the foundation of all enduring reform.” Prophets and Kings, 678.
Note: “When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in Christ’s love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the mastery in the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ’s grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness. Entering into communion with the Saviour, we enter the region of peace.” The Ministry of Healing, 250.
Note: “If you give yourself to God’s service, He who has all power in heaven and earth will provide for your needs.
“Jesus does not release us from the necessity of effort, but He teaches that we are to make Him first and last and best in everything. We are to engage in no business, follow no pursuit, seek no pleasure, that would hinder the outworking of His righteousness in our character and life. Whatever we do is to be done heartily, as unto the Lord.” Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 99.
“God requires His people to shine as lights in the world. It is not merely the ministers who are required to do this, but every disciple of Christ. Their conversation should be heavenly. And while they enjoy communion with God they will wish to have intercourse with their fellow men in order to express by their words and acts the love of God which animates their hearts. In this way they will be lights in the world, and the light transmitted through them will not go out or be taken away. It will indeed become darkness to those who will not walk in it, but it will shine with increasing brightness on the path of those who will obey and walk in the light.
“The spirit, wisdom, and goodness of God, revealed in His word, are to be exemplified by the disciples of Christ, and are thus to condemn the world. God requires of His people according to the grace and truth given them. All His righteous demands must be fully met. Accountable beings must walk in the light that shines upon them. If they fail to do this, their light becomes darkness, and their darkness is great in the same degree as their light was abundant. Accumulated light has shone upon God’s people; but many have neglected to follow the light, and for this reason they are in a state of great spiritual weakness.
“It is not for lack of knowledge that God’s people are now perishing. They will not be condemned because they do not know the way, the truth, and the life. The truth that has reached their understanding, the light which has shone on the soul, but which has been neglected or refused, will condemn them. Those who never had the light to reject will not be in condemnation. What more could have been done for God’s vineyard than has been done? Light, precious light, shines upon God’s people; but it will not save them unless they consent to be saved by it, fully live up to it, and transmit it to others in darkness. God calls upon His people to act. It is an individual work of confessing and forsaking sins and returning unto the Lord that is needed. One cannot do this work for another. Religious knowledge has accumulated, and this has increased corresponding obligations. Great light has been shining upon the church, and by it they are condemned because they refuse to walk in it. If they were blind they would be without sin. But they have seen light and have heard much truth, yet are not wise and holy. Many have for years made no advancement in knowledge and true holiness. They are spiritual dwarfs. Instead of going forward to perfection, they are going back to the darkness and bondage of Egypt. Their minds are not exercised unto godliness and true holiness.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 122–124.
©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.
Key Text
“Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” I Peter 5:5.
Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 349–366; In Heavenly Places, 75.
“The pride of Assyria and its fall are to serve as an object lesson to the end of time.” Prophets and Kings, 366.
Note: “At the time of Hezekiah’s accession to the throne of Judah, the Assyrians had already carried captive a large number of the children of Israel from the northern kingdom; and a few years after he had begun to reign, and while he was still strengthening the defenses of Jerusalem, the Assyrians besieged and captured Samaria and scattered the ten tribes among the many provinces of the Assyrian realm. The borders of Judah were only a few miles distant, with Jerusalem less than fifty miles away; and the rich spoils to be found within the temple would tempt the enemy to return.
“But the king of Judah had determined to do his part in preparing to resist the enemy; and, having accomplished all that human ingenuity and energy could do, he had assembled his forces and had exhorted them to be of good courage. ‘Great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee’ had been the message of the prophet Isaiah to Judah; and the king with unwavering faith now declared, ‘With us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles’ Isaiah 12:6; II Chronicles 32:8.” Prophets and Kings, 351.
Note: “Nothing more quickly inspires faith than the exercise of faith. The king of Judah had prepared for the coming storm; and now, confident that the prophecy against the Assyrians would be fulfilled, he stayed his soul upon God.” Prophets and Kings, 351.
Note: “The long-expected crisis finally came. The forces of Assyria, advancing from triumph to triumph, appeared in Judea. Confident of victory, the leaders divided their forces into two armies, one of which was to meet the Egyptian army to the southward, while the other was to besiege Jerusalem.
“Judah’s only hope was now in God. All possible help from Egypt had been cut off, and no other nations were near to lend a friendly hand.
“The Assyrian officers, sure of the strength of their disciplined forces, arranged for a conference with the chief men of Judah, during which they insolently demanded the surrender of the city. This demand was accompanied by blasphemous revilings against the God of the Hebrews. Because of the weakness and apostasy of Israel and Judah, the name of God was no longer feared among the nations, but had become a subject for continual reproach.” Prophets and Kings, 352.
Note: “When persons meet together for the investigation of points of faith concerning which there is a difference of opinion, the spirit which controls them will be manifested. Those who are standing in defense of truth should be calm and self-possessed. If they have the mind of Christ, they will be kind and courteous. They will not be betrayed into the use of harsh language. They will not regard themselves as infallible, nor look with contempt upon those who differ with them. They will not regard them as enemies, nor meet them with ridicule or jesting.” Gospel Workers, 389. (1892 edition.)
“Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence, for this is a part of their discipline in the school of Christ, and it is essential in order that all dross may be purged away.” Messages to Young People, 63.
“Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper.” The Acts of the Apostles, 467, 468.
Note: “God would have us recall His dealings with His people in the past to save them from their enemies. He has always chosen extremities, when there seemed no possible chance for deliverance from Satan’s workings, for the manifestation of His power. Man’s necessity is God’s opportunity.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 714.
Note: “Hezekiah’s pleadings in behalf of Judah and of the honor of their Supreme Ruler were in harmony with the mind of God. Solomon, in his benediction at the dedication of the temple, had prayed the Lord to maintain ‘the cause of His people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require: that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else.’ I Kings 8:59, 60. Especially was the Lord to show favor when, in times of war or of oppression by an army, the chief men of Israel should enter the house of prayer and plead for deliverance.” Prophets and Kings, 359.
Note: “The King of kings bends low to listen to the prayer coming from one who desires to do the Master’s will. An earnest prayer offered from a sincere, contrite heart is of more value in God’s sight than is eloquence of speech. God hears every prayer offered with the incense of faith. His weakest child may exert an influence in harmony with the councils of heaven. It is in answer to prayer that God revives His work.” The Review and Herald, June 23, 1903.
Note: “The God of the Hebrews had prevailed over the proud Assyrian. The honor of Jehovah was vindicated in the eyes of the surrounding nations. In Jerusalem the hearts of the people were filled with holy joy. Their earnest entreaties for deliverance had been mingled with confession of sin and with many tears. In their great need they had trusted wholly in the power of God to save, and He had not failed them. …
“The rise and fall of the Assyrian Empire is rich in lessons for the nations of earth today. Inspiration has likened the glory of Assyria at the height of her prosperity to a noble tree in the garden of God, towering above the surrounding trees. …
“But the rulers of Assyria, instead of using their unusual blessings for the benefit of mankind, became the scourge of many lands. Merciless, with no thought of God or their fellow men, they pursued the fixed policy of causing all nations to acknowledge the supremacy of the gods of Nineveh, whom they exalted above the Most High. God had sent Jonah to them with a message of warning, and for a season they humbled themselves before the Lord of hosts and sought forgiveness. But soon they turned again to idol worship and to the conquest of the world.” Prophets and Kings, 361–363.
Note: “ ‘The pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart away.’ Zechariah 10:11. This is true not only of the nations that arrayed themselves against God in ancient times, but also of nations today who fail of fulfilling the divine purpose. In the day of final awards, when the righteous Judge of all the earth shall ‘sift the nations’ (Isaiah 30:28), and those that have kept the truth shall be permitted to enter the City of God, heaven’s arches will ring with the triumphant songs of the redeemed.” Prophets and Kings, 366.
Note: “There are many ways in which God can punish, and punishment will surely follow wherever pride is indulged. ‘Pride goeth before destruction.’ [Proverbs 16:18.] Let a man be lifted up by a sense of his own ability, and trust in his human strength, and he will surely be overcome by temptation. God will bring him down. He will teach him his utter weakness, that he may feel his need of divine aid. Let anyone glory in his wisdom or his talents, or in anything but Christ and Him crucified, and he will learn that the Lord alone is to be exalted.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, 332, 333.
“When we begin to realize that we are sinners, and fall on the Rock to be broken, the everlasting arms are placed about us, and we are brought close to the heart of Jesus. Then we shall be charmed with His loveliness, and disgusted with our own righteousness. We need to come close to the foot of the cross. The more we humble ourselves there, the more exalted will God’s love appear.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 327, 328.
“The apostle James saw that dangers would arise in presenting the subject of justification by faith, and he labored to show that genuine faith cannot exist without corresponding works. The experience of Abraham is presented. ‘Seest thou,’ he says, ‘how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?’ [James 2:22.] Thus genuine faith does a genuine work in the believer. Faith and obedience bring a solid, valuable experience.
“There is a belief that is not a saving faith. The Word declares that the devils believe and tremble. The so-called faith that does not work by love and purify the soul will not justify any man. … Abraham believed God. How do we know that he believed? His works testified to the character of his faith, and his faith was accounted to him for righteousness.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 936.
“I have frequently seen that the children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially secret prayer, altogether too much; that many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege and duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not faith; the two are distinct. Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God’s to give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is in our power to exercise.
“True faith lays hold of and claims the promised blessing before it is realized and felt. We must send up our petitions in faith within the second veil and let our faith take hold of the promised blessing and claim it as ours. We are then to believe that we receive the blessing, because our faith has hold of it, and according to the Word it is ours. ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’ Mark 11:24. Here is faith, naked faith, to believe that we receive the blessing, even before we realize it. When the promised blessing is realized and enjoyed, faith is swallowed up. But many suppose they have much faith when sharing largely of the Holy Spirit and that they cannot have faith unless they feel the power of the Spirit. Such confound faith with the blessing that comes through faith. The very time to exercise faith is when we feel destitute of the Spirit. When thick clouds of darkness seem to hover over the mind, then is the time to let living faith pierce the darkness and scatter the clouds. True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. ‘If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.’ John 15:7. ‘Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.’ I John 3:22.” Early Writings, 72, 73.
©2005 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.
This month we will look at the anatomy and function of the large intestine (colon), two common colon problems and what we can do to prevent these problems.
The large intestine is much different in size, appearance, and function from the small intestine. The colon is approximately 2.5 inches in diameter, is 5–6 feet long, is located in the abdomen and surrounds the small intestines on three sides. It is divided into six sections. The ascending colon lies on the right side of the abdomen and moves upward toward the waistline. The transverse colon moves across the upper abdomen from the right side to the left side. The descending colon moves downward to the lower abdomen on the left side. The sigmoid colon is “S” shaped and moves into the pelvis. It connects to the rectum and ends in the anal canal from which our waste products exit the body.
The main functions of the colon are to absorb water from the food mass from the small intestine and to eliminate the remaining waste from the body. Two other functions of the colon relate to the bacterial flora within the colon. The bacterial flora interacts with the fiber in the colon, causing fermentation, release of irritating acids, and formation of gas. In addition to this, the bacterial flora makes B-complex vitamins and most of the vitamin K required by the liver.
Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint in the United States, resulting in about 2 million annual visits to the doctor. Most people, however, treat themselves to the tune of $725 million spent by Americans on laxatives each year. Approximately 17% of Americans, one in six, suffer with constipation, and 30% to 40% of Americans over 65 cite constipation as a problem.
Constipation means different things to different people, but common criteria for constipation is if you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months:
Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time.
Hard stools more than 25% of the time.
Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time.
Two or fewer bowel movements in a week. Note: the more common and healthful bowel pattern is one movement a day, but this pattern is seen in less than 50% of people.
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people find relief. A poor diet, low in fiber, is often the cause. Inadequate intake of water also contributes to constipation, as does a sedentary lifestyle. Most constipation is temporary and not serious.
Colon cancer, a prevalent disease of the large intestines, is very serious. In 2008, it is estimated that over 100,000 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed with nearly 50,000 deaths. Numerous factors contribute to colon cancer, many of which we can prevent or avoid. Associated with increased incidence is alcohol consumption, diabetes, a diet high in fat and low in fiber, lack of exercise, obesity, more than 2 meals a day, and smoking. Incidence is also increased with age over 50, a close family history of colon cancer, and presence of polyps.
This column has typically focused on prevention of illness and maintenance of optimal health. This time, however, deviates from that routine and covers a modality that may provide tremendous potential for healing in a number of medical situations. That modality is called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT.
Most of us are well aware that the pre-flood life span of humans and all other living things far exceeded that of all other time, since the flood. What caused that change? Were there differences in the atmosphere, air or other surroundings before and after the flood?
The Bible provides some answers to those questions. “And God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which [were] under the firmament from the waters which [were] above the firmament: and it was so.” Genesis 1:6, 7. This text clearly states that there were waters both above and below the firmament. The record also indicates that through the third day of creation the waters were everywhere above, as well as below the firmament. That was the third day. On the fourth day, “God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry [land] appear: and it was so. And God called the dry [land] Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that [it was] good.” Genesis 1:9, 10. Therefore, it seems reasonable to assume that the layer of waters above the firmament were left spread out, or covering the heavens.
It is common knowledge that the complete layer of water in existence then is now non-existent. So, what might be the practical difference for us today without that layer of water? There actually seem to be quite a few ramifications affecting many different aspects of life. The ones listed here deal only with those which may affect our health. These include the lack of filtering harmful radiation which would reduce somatic mutations in living cells; the potential of increasing the atmospheric pressure on earth, thereby contributing to a less healthy environment; more drastic changes in weather temperatures; and a lower concentration of oxygen in the air, among others. Creation scientists were intrigued by these possibilities and the resultant questions. If you wish to do some research on your own into this question, here is one link with which you can begin. (www.genesispark.org/genpark/flood/flood.htm)
We do not have the space to cover those particular issues in this article, but suffice it to say that the evidence and correlation are strong enough about pre-flood conditions that some people began questioning what would happen if just one or two of the pre-flood conditions were changed and a pre-flood oxygen level/pressure could be recreated … hence one initiator for further study on the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber.
Actually, people have, for more than 300 years, been breathing pressurized air for its therapeutic benefits. 1, 2 Henshaw, believed to have been the first to promote breathing compressed air, created a specially designed room called a domicilium in A.D. 1664. HBOT, as we now know it, was first developed in response to the issues divers experienced related to increased pressure on the body underwater. It wasn’t until 1935 that commercial and military operations began using pressurized oxygen to treat compromised divers. This is where the scientific study of HBOT really began. However, it is only now beginning to get wider attention and use by the medical community for reasons we will discuss later in this article.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT? “HBOT is a method of administering pure oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressure to a patient in order to improve or correct certain conditions.”3 The treatment consists of entering a sealed chamber, either built for a single person, or a room equipped for HBOT, for a period of time, usually from one to two hours of treatment. During a session of HBOT, because of the added pressure, oxygen dissolves into all the body’s fluids “including the plasma, the lymph, [and] the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.” 1 These fluids then carry this extra oxygen to other areas of the body, even when the usual circulation routes are poor or blocked.
HBOT aids in so many different medical situations simply because of the way our bodies operate and the fact that the processes of health and healing revolve around the use of oxygen—oxygen is important, first and foremost because all of the body’s major components, including water, protein, carbohydrate and fat, contain oxygen. Oxygen also aids in causing chemical reactions in the body that result in energy production. Think of what would happen if we had no energy to fuel various functions such as circulation, respiration, digestion and maintaining body temperature. We know that with a total deprivation of oxygen death occurs within minutes. When there is a compromised supply of oxygen damage also occurs, though at a slower rate than with complete deprivation. This deprived state is called hypoxia. In this state all body functions become reduced, sometimes causing damage to certain parts of the body, thereby compromising basic functions such as circulation.
For years it has been common knowledge that HBOT is a treatment of choice for decompression sickness. However, more recently it is coming more to the front as a treatment for a myriad of other medical applications. This makes sense medically when you consider that oxygen is vital to all the most basic functions of life.
There are a number of specific scenarios for which HBOT is applicable as a primary treatment. HBOT would be an appropriate treatment in any situation where breathing of oxygen has been compromised, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, near drowning, tunnel collapses, mining accidents, diving accidents, smoke inhalation, high altitude sickness, etc. It is also the treatment of choice for gas gangrene. (Gas gangrene is a bacterial infection that produces gas within tissues and is caused by a bacterium.)
The uses of HBOT in conjunction with other forms of treatment are numerous. There is evidence that it is beneficial for treatment of stroke, for brain and spinal cord injuries, cerebral edema, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, frostbite, chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, wounds that won’t heal or heal with difficulty, burns, bone issues such as infections, inflammations, and fractures that won’t heal, and complications which arise from radiation treatments or surgeries,3, 6 to name a few. In each case we can readily see the relationship to circulation, and the resulting benefit that may be the result of oxygenation under pressure.
The beneficial effects of HBOT for quicker injury recovery as well as for general well-being are now well enough known in certain circles that a number of professional sports teams now own or lease their own HBOT chambers, while a number of other professional athletes also use this form of therapy.7, 8
HBOT is not only useful as a medical device, but is also used in promoting general health through detoxing the body. We live in an age where it is near impossible to be in an environment that is free from toxins. Since oxygen exchange is a major contributor to cleansing, HBOT is being used to remove toxins retained in everyday living. “HBOT has been shown to have detoxification effects and suppresses inflammation.6, 9 Most of our chronic diseases are now recognized to result from chronic inflammation. When you begin to add up all of these beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen and combine them with the many other documented effects of HBOT on disease processes that are catalogued in The Oxygen Revolution, it is apparent that hyperbaric oxygen may in fact have anti-aging effects.” 4
HBOT is quite safe, and provides extra oxygen with few side effects when used properly as recommended. Safe guidelines indicate that the chamber should be below 3.0 atmospheres absolute, with virtually no issues reported at pressures below 2.0 atmospheres absolute. Given the inherent nature of oxygen, being highly explosive, the chambers are carefully designed to prevent fire as well as other dangers.
Some of the more common side effects include minor ear or sinus pressure, claustrophobia, fatigue or headache. Some longer-term effects may include myopia (short sightedness) that can last for weeks or months, sinus damage, ruptured middle ear, and lung damage. When administered improperly, oxygen toxicity can also result. However, the reported number of any of these side effects is very small.
There are a few situations where HBOT should be used with caution or not used at all. Caution should be exercised when treating people with severe congestive heart failure, those who are prone to oxygen toxicity, patients with certain lung conditions, and pregnant women.5 If possible in these situations, other forms of treatment are advisable as a first choice.
Since HBOT is well recognized as a safe, highly-effective form of therapy, why is it not more widely used? Why is it that many doctors are not even aware that it exists? Well, there are several reasons. As of yet, most doctors are still not familiar with this form of treatment, in part, because many medical schools do not yet teach hyperbarics or even own an HBOT chamber. In addition, the chambers are costly in themselves, not to speak of the requirement for trained staff to operate them. Also, insurance carriers may and do choose at times not to pay for this treatment. Furthermore, “it is characteristic of the medical establishment, as with any establishment, to be disposed toward preserving the existing order.”3 Another reason has to do with the fact that in the medical community the HBOT is used as a “last resort,” resulting in an unsatisfactory outcome, hence compromising interest in this modality. “Unfortunately, hyperbaric medicine’s critics will often point at these failures and say, ‘we knew it wouldn’t work.’ It is important for both doctors and patients to understand that, as with all treatments, HBOT is more effective when used in a timely manner.”3 Nevertheless, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is gaining a foothold, and calls for research in many different medical situations.
In addition to the references listed at the end of this article, another all around link for HBOT therapy is www.ihausa.org/faq.html
It is my hope that in presenting this article you will be inspired to do your own research and possibly find an ally in healing that is safer and has less side effects than the typical “drug” route, or maybe even in preventing illness in the first place.
There is no time! You agreed I would take her! You must let her go!”
“No, please! Jolanta, please! No!” The terrified mother turned her back on her child’s last chance for life. Her body shook with fear and anguish.
“If you don’t, you condemn her to death, woman! Please! Give me the baby!” Jolanta pleaded, but the woman’s back remained turned to the rescuer.
The ambulance driver honked, warning Jolanta that their time was well passed. Every moment of delay brought danger ever closer. Any deviation from the carefully planned rescues could spell death to the children they were trying to save, as well as themselves. With a heavy heart, Jolanta turned from the pathetic scene and clamored into the truck as it drove off.
The year was 1942; the place: the Warsaw Ghetto. The Nazis had herded over 500,000 Polish Jews into less than one square kilometer of Poland where they were held in wait of transport to the Nazi extermination camps. Irena sat silent and solemn in the ambulance as they bounced down the war-torn road—everything was in shambles these days. So much had changed … and so quickly. Just six months ago she was Irena Sendler, a social worker whose life was a blissful broken record. But World War 11 had shattered her record player. Now, even thinking of her old identity could get her shot. Jolanta, Jolanta, she would repeat over and over to herself. Criminal, savior, Jew.
Jolanta looked out her rear-view mirror and her heart jumped into her throat. The red light swirling on the vehicle’s roof broke the comfort of the thick darkness, and the distance between the ominous crimson beam and the ambulance was closing quickly. Jolanta gnawed on her heart for several moments as she watched the car gain on their ambulance with its precious cargo. Finally she saw the headlights disappear around the other side of their transport as it passed them on the other side of the road. Her heart returned to her chest. Hearing a noise in the back of the ambulance, Jolanta opened the partition and climbed into the back, happy to have something to distract her frantic nerves.
“No, no, not you, Fritzy!” she said, turning her face away from the over-friendly German shepherd just to get a wet nose in her ear. Shoving the large animal out of the way, Jolanta climbed over the three other dogs and reached for the crying baby. She held the little one close, thanking God that there were some parents who had the strength to let go of their children that they might have a chance at survival. Fritzy nuzzled the little baby and he calmed, nodding off again despite the constant jostling.
“Jolanta! We’re coming to a checkpoint. Best get back up here quickly!” The German shepherds snarled, baring their teeth. “Not yet, not yet, you ferocious beasts! You don’t want to wake the children if you don’t need to.”
She had just closed off the partition as they were slowing down to meet the guards at the gate. “Passes!” they yelled, their flashlights and rifles aimed at Jolanta and her partner. They each held up their badges, which allowed them to move somewhat freely through the cities. “What is in the back?” the guard asked, inching his weapon a little closer to her counterpart’s face. “Cargo to be shipped from Poland, due to the war effort.” “Check it!” the Nazi barked. Two guards moved to the back of the vehicle. Immediately the four dogs began barking and growling ferociously. The two men exchanged a fearful look and took a step. “Check it!” the order was barked once more. The men stood there wondering whose bite would be worse—their commanding officer’s or the shepherd dogs’. Seeing the reticence of his underlings, the officer made a move to check himself. With the dogs’ vicious clamor intensified, covering the noise of the fearful, crying children and scaring off the guards, they were doing a capital job! The commanding Nazi also backed off and waved them on. Jolanta smiled at her counterpart. “Not even their own dogs like them,” she whispered to him. A smile played at her mouth, and her eyes twinkled with ironic humor.
As they drove through the checkpoint, Irena took a jar out, cleverly concealed somewhere in the ambulance interior. She had kept careful record of each child’s name and stored it safely in this small glass container, in hopes of one day restoring the children to any surviving family. She clutched her jar close to her heart and bowed her head silently. “One hundred eighty-six, Lord. Thank you. You have saved one hundred eighty-six. Yet, this is still too few. If you help us, we can have ten times as many. Please, Lord,” she prayed over her precious treasure trove. Her life’s work was summed up in this little jar with wads of paper jammed into it.
Irena Sendler continued her operation with Zegota, until, eventually, the Nazis became suspicious and arrested her in 1943. She was tortured and sentenced to death for her treachery against the Third Reich—a sentence she bore proudly, never once breathing even a hint of information that might endanger her associates, the children, or their cause, no matter the ferocity of the Nazi rage. En route to her execution, a guard, bought by Zegota, arranged for her escape. Though listed among the executed, Irena was yet among the living, and active. She returned to her work with Zegota protected by the German’s belief in her death. And, in the time that followed, God continued to work in answer to her prayers. Before her death on May 12, 2008, she was awarded the Order of the White Eagle, Poland’s highest civilian honor, among others, and was credited with saving the lives of over 3,000 Jewish children from the terror of the Nazi regime, far more than what she had asked of Him.
Alicia Freedman works at Steps to Life as a part of the LandMarks team. She can be reached by e-mail at:
aliciafreedman@stepstolife.org.
How do we know if our impressions are from the Lord?
In His love, the Lord has created us with the ability to think and to reason. Our minds are the most intricate and complicated of computers. With the ability to think and reason we have been given the privilege of choice, the privilege of carrying out our own ideas, which gives us satisfaction and joy. God in His great love created us to be happy.
As a rule, our impressions are ideas that come to our minds from the things that we see, hear, feel, taste, and experience. Our surrounding environment does a great deal to influence what we think about, and usually we create our own environment; we choose what we want to read, watch, eat, where we go, what we think about, with whom we associate, and our employment. We also have inherited tendencies and familial influences. The things they talk about and the way they do things, the things that they value in life and the morals of the home all enter into the impressions that come to our mind. We often have no realization of what influences us to think the way we do.
The impressions we get about what to do or not to do are caused by some function or opportunity in front of us awaiting a decision, or it may be an impression to say or not to say something to a certain person. It may be a business deal you have the opportunity to enter into. You make decisions about all these things and more, according to your impressions.
The way to ensure ourselves against following the wrong impression is to live a life of prayer. If we study our Bibles faithfully and have a prayer relationship with the Lord, He will not lead us astray. He will allow us to build our characters by letting us do the choosing that we think is best, but we must compare our impressions with what we have learned from the study of the inspired writings. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, so we can take the Bible as our guide and standard. Anything that contradicts the Bible is not from God.
Satan will try to put things in our minds, but if we fortify our minds with the word of God we will recognize truth from error. It is necessary that we pray earnestly before we make important decisions, for we are fighting against a horrible enemy, and he is very deceptive and much more cunning and intelligent than we are, so, we must have the Lord to help us deal with the devil. There is no way that we can win the battle except that we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
“All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.” The Desire of Ages, 668.
“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
“Already has the new year been ushered in; yet before we greet its coming, we pause to ask, What has been the history of the year that with its burden of records has now passed into eternity? The admonition of the apostle comes down the lines to every one of us, ‘Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.’ God forbid that at this important hour we should be so engrossed with other matters as to give no time to serious, candid, critical self-examination! Let things of minor consequence be put in the background, and let us now bring to the front the things which concern our eternal interests.
“No one of us can in our own strength represent the character of Christ; but if Jesus lives in the heart, the spirit dwelling in Him will be revealed in us; all our lack will be supplied. Who will seek at the beginning of this New Year to obtain a new and genuine experience in the things of God? Make your wrongs right as far as possible. Confess your errors and sins one to another. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be put away; let patience, long-suffering, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience. What fruit have we borne during the year that is now past? What has been our influence upon others? Whom have we gathered to the fold of Christ? The eyes of the world are upon us. Are we living epistles of Christ, known and read of all men? Do we follow the example of Jesus in self-denial, in meekness, in humility, in forbearance, in cross-bearing, in devotion? Will the world be compelled to acknowledge us to be the servants of Christ?
“Shall we not in this new year seek to correct the errors of the past? It behooves us individually to cultivate the grace of Christ, to be meek and lowly of heart, to be firm, unwavering, steadfast in the truth; for thus only can we advance in holiness, and be made fit for the inheritance of the saints in light. Let us begin the year with an entire renunciation of self; let us pray for clear discernment, that we may understand our Saviour’s claims upon us, and that we may always and everywhere be witnesses for Christ.” The Signs of the Times, January 4, 1883.
“Lift up Jesus, you that teach the people. Lift Him up in exhortations, in sermons, in songs, in prayer. Let all your efforts be directed to pointing souls, confused, bewildered, and lost, to ‘the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ Bid them look and live.” The Review and Herald, April 12, 1892.
“Angels of God are waiting to show you the path of life. … Decide now, at the commencement of the new year, that you will choose the path of righteousness, that you will be earnest and true-hearted, and that life with you shall not prove a mistake. Go forward, guided by the heavenly angels; be courageous; be enterprising; let your light shine; and may the words of inspiration be applicable to you—‘I write unto you, young men, because you are strong and have overcome the wicked one.’
“If you have … given yourself to Christ, you are a member of the family of God, and everything in the Father’s house is for you. All the treasures of God are open to you, both the world that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His Spirit, the labors of His servants—all are for you. The world, with everything in it, is yours so far as it can do you good. Even the enmity of the wicked will prove a blessing, by disciplining you for heaven. If ‘ye are Christ’s’ ‘all things are yours.’ ” My Life Today, 5.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Romans 12:1.
“God calls for whole-souled consecration to His ways. Our highest powers are to be carefully cultivated. Our talents are lent us by God for use, not to be perverted or abused. They are to be improved by use, that they may do the work of God.
“We are to give ourselves to the service of God, and we should seek to make the offering as nearly perfect as possible. God will not be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer. Those who love Him with all the heart will desire to give Him the best service of the life, and they will be constantly seeking to bring every power of their being into harmony with the laws that will promote their ability to do His will.
“Personal consecration is necessary, and we cannot have this unless heart holiness is cultivated and cherished. Let your prayer be, ‘Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.’ This is a daily matter.
“The surrender of all our powers to God greatly simplifies the problem of life. It weakens and cuts short a thousand struggles with the passions of the natural heart. Religion is as a golden cord that binds the souls of both youth and aged to Christ. Through it the willing and obedient are brought safely through dark and intricate paths to the city of God. …
“How many times have the deep things of God been unfolded before us, and how highly should we prize these precious privileges. … The bright beams of Heaven’s light are shining upon your pathway. … Receive and cherish every Heaven-sent ray, and your path will grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.” My Life Today, 6.
“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Proverbs 23:26.
“The Lord says to every one of you, ‘My son, give Me thine heart.’ He sees your disorders. He knows that your soul is diseased with sin, and He desires to say to you, ‘Thy sins are forgiven.’ The Great Physician has a remedy for every ill. He understands your case. Whatever may have been your errors, He knows how to deal with them. Will you not trust yourself to Him?
“The blessing of God will rest upon every soul that makes a full consecration to Him. When we seek for God with all the heart, we shall find Him. God is in earnest with us, and He wants us to make thorough work for eternity. He has poured out all heaven in one gift, and there is no reason why we should doubt His love. Look to Calvary.
“God asks you to give Him your heart. Your powers, your talents, your affections, should all be surrendered to Him, that He may work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure, and fit you for eternal life.
“When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all, and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek.
“It is the submissive, teachable spirit that God wants. That which gives to prayer its excellence is the fact that it is breathed from a loving, obedient heart.” Ibid., 7.