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Inspiration – The Warfare Before Us

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God wants us to help one another by a manifestation of sympathy and unselfish love. There are those who have inherited peculiar tempers and dispositions. They may be hard to deal with; but are we faultless? They are not to be discouraged. Their errors are not to be made common property. Christ pities and helps those who err in judgment. He has suffered death for every man, and because of this He has a touching and profound interest in every man.

A man may be trying to serve God, but temptations from within and from without assail him. Satan and his angels urge and coax him to transgress. Perhaps he falls a prey to their temptings. How then do his brethren treat him? Do they speak harsh, cutting words, driving him further from the Saviour? What a sad sight for Christ and the angels to behold!

Let us remember that we are struggling and falling, failing in speech and action to represent Christ, falling and rising again, despairing and hoping. Let us beware of dealing unkindly with those who, like ourselves, are subjects of temptation and who, like ourselves also, are the objects of Christ’s unfailing love.

Testimonies, vol. 9, 222.

Children’s Story – Kindness Repaid

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It was in a small town in England and at the time before there were cars, and people traveled using horses and carriages. The old barn keeper was just loosening the harness on the tired horses when he was startled by Jack, a young sailor. “Excuse me, sir. May I sleep in your barn tonight?” he asked. Startled by the voice, the old man turned around to see who it was who was talking to him. He was just bringing in some horses to bed them down for the night out of the freezing gusts of wind that were beating upon him.

The young sailor quietly stood there, tired and cold, waiting for an answer to his request. Suddenly the old barn keeper gruffly said, “No, I do not want anybody like you staying in my barn. You had better keep right on moving or you will be in big trouble.”

The young man replied, “But sir! I am honest and I would not take anything that was not mine, even if I were without shoes.”

But the old barn keeper would not listen. He hollered back, “I don’t trust you any further than I can see you! Now get out of here or else!”

Jack, sadly turned away wondering where he would go next. All of the places he had tried before had turned him away with the same kind of harshness. He felt dejected; nobody wanted to help him. They considered him a beggar, so sadly he turned away and walked back out into the darkness. Suddenly he felt a light tap on his shoulder. It was the young boy who had been helping the old barn keeper in the stable. The boy quietly said, “Wait!” Then he whispered, “I think I know where you can get help. Just go down this road to the first little shop you come to. Mrs. Smith is a widow, but I’m sure she will let you sleep in her woodshed. She is very kind and is always willing to help those who need it.”

Oh what warmth filled Jack’s heart as he replied to the young boy, “Thank you very much!” There was at least somebody who cared enough to help someone in need. Jack had come into port only two days before and when he reached the shore, somebody had robbed him of all that he had. Now he had to beg his way to London. Every time someone refused to give him food or shelter, it hurt him deeply.

Now, Jack’s heart was filled with hope. He quickly reached the shop, but the door was locked. Oh no, he thought. But Jack remembered the stable boy told him that she never turned anybody away. So he gently knocked on the door. The door opened and the lady on the other side said, “Good evening. Were you looking for me?”

Jack quickly answered, “Are you Mrs. Smith? I was told that you might let me sleep in your woodshed.” The door opened wide and she said, “Come in! You look as though you are nearly frozen. I don’t have much to share tonight, but won’t you join me for dinner? I was just sitting down to eat.”

As Jack shared this simple meal in a warm room with the widow, he told her about everything that had happened to him. He even told her about how he had narrowly escaped becoming shipwrecked himself. Mrs. Smith replied, “Well, Mr. Willis, how thankful you must be that God, in His providence, has spared you until this very moment. But remember that He who has saved your life at sea can also save your soul. The Lord has sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of His people. Have you asked the Lord to have mercy on you?”

After giving thanks to the Lord for the meal, the widow spread some clean, dry straw in a corner of her woodshed. Jack lay down with a thankful heart and slept soundly all night. The next morning when he awoke he straightened his rumpled clothes as best he could. He then went to thank the kind woman for letting him stay the night and he would go on his way. But, to his surprise, the kind woman had prepared for him a warm breakfast. When they were finished, she also gave him a small sum of money to help him travel farther. As he left her house, she prayed for the Lord’s blessing to follow him.

Ten years went by and no one remembered what had happened on that cold windy night except one person.

The widow had grown older and now used a cane to help her walk, but she still had a heart filled with love for helping others. Even though she was not rich, she shared what she had.

One morning she received a very important looking envelope. She opened it and read it: “Dear Mrs. Smith, you are invited to come to London tomorrow. I have a message for you. But I want to give you this message in person. Please meet me at 11 a.m. at the Red Lion Inn. Thank you.”

Mrs. Smith had never been away from her own little town and some of her friends were very concerned. She was a bit afraid to go on such a long journey but she was willing to believe the best in everyone. She trusted that God in His providence would protect her from all harm.

So the following morning she took a coach to London and arrived at the great Red Lion Inn. Before she could become worried, two respectable-looking men greeted her and led her to a room. There in the room she was very surprised to hear somebody say, “Well, how are you doing? Don’t you remember me?”

She looked carefully at the stranger. “No, sir, I don’t believe I know you.” The reply came, “I am Jack Willis. Remember the begging sailor you took into your home about ten years ago? I had no money and no friends in a strange town, but you gave me food and a place to sleep that cold, wintry night and I have never forgotten your kindness. I am now captain of a large ship and I wish to give you something in return.” Turning to the other man, Jack continued, “This is Mr. Bates. He is a lawyer whom I have asked to pay you a sum of money each year at this time. This is to show something of my thankfulness to you for your kindness. But, especially, I want you to know that your warning words were used by God to speak to my heart. The Lord used your words and example to convict me of my sin. He has also led me to the only Source of salvation for such a sinner as I am—to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Mrs. Smith’s heart was filled with wonder and burst into tears as she was overwhelmed by all that she had heard. Giving thanks to God for His rich blessings and care for Jack in both body and soul, she returned to her own home. How thankful she was that the Lord had provided also for her! She now had enough money to help even more needy ones. For the rest of her days, whenever she listened to someone tell of their troubles, she always thought of God’s wonderful providence and grace as witnessed in the life of Jack Willis.

How does this story parallel with the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30–35?

Children’s Story – Kindness of a Stranger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Children’s Story – It Always Pays to be Kind

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Long ago, before Jesus was born, Elimelech and his wife Naomi lived in the town of Bethlehem. There was famine in the land, so in order to provide for his family, Elimelech packed up his belongings and, with his wife and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, moved to the foreign land of Moab to find work until the end of the drought. A few years later tragedy struck, and Naomi’s husband died, leaving her there in Moab with her sons. Naomi was so sad!

In time, the boys grew to be men and married two of the local girls, Ruth and Orpah. Everything seemed good for Naomi during the next ten years until both of her sons died. Naomi’s life seemed to be one of sorrow, with one tragedy after another, and she was left alone in a foreign land with her daughters-in-law.

At last she heard news that the drought had broken and there was food again in her hometown. With nothing to keep her in Moab, Naomi decided that it was time to go home to Bethlehem. Her daughters-in-law were still young, so she suggested that they go back to their family homes where she prayed that the Lord would care for them (Ruth 1:8, 9). She kissed them goodbye, and with weeping, Orpah went on her way, but Ruth clung to Naomi, pleading that she would not leave without her. She said, “Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” Ruth 1:16.

Ruth loved Naomi and could not bear the thought of being apart from her, and she was not willing that Naomi make the long trip home alone. By staying with Naomi, she returned the kindness shown her by her mother-in-law. Together they packed their bags and started on the long and dusty journey back to Bethlehem. When they entered the city there was great excitement at Naomi’s return. However, Naomi felt that the Lord had dealt bitterly with her, so she asked to be called Mara (meaning bitter), as almost everything had been taken away from her.

There were no men to provide for the family of Naomi and Ruth, so Ruth had to go out and work. It was the custom of the day that after the harvesters had gone through the fields to gather the grain, they would leave the corners of the fields for the poor people who were allowed to glean whatever was left. Ruth was one of the poor people who gathered grain in the field of Boaz, a very wealthy man who had large fields. Boaz was a kinsman of Elimelech, and when he saw Ruth working in his field, he made enquiry as to who she was and from where she came.

Boaz had heard of Ruth’s kindness towards Naomi, so he said to her, “Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens. … It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.” Ruth 2:8, 11, 12.

Boaz not only spoke kindly to Ruth, but he also invited her to eat with him! He ordered his men to leave extra grain for her to gather, and when she returned home to Naomi that evening she was loaded with leftover food from her lunch and had nearly a bushel of grain! That was a lot! Ruth was so amazed at Boaz’ kindness. Naomi was as well, and blessed the Lord for His provision for the two widows (Ruth 2:20).

This story of Ruth, which starts with such a lot of death and sadness, ends with a lot of joy. Boaz married Ruth, and they had a son named Obed. Years later, Obed became the grandfather of King David and the great-great-great-great grandfather of Jesus. You can find the family tree of Jesus in Matthew, chapter 1, and see the names of Boaz and Ruth listed there in verse 5. Ruth, a young widow, by faith chose to cast in her lot with Naomi, her mother-in-law, left her own home to live in a foreign place (Bethlehem), and committed to worship a foreign God. In spite of her own personal circumstances she showed kindness, and the reward of her kindness was the honor to be listed in the family tree of the Saviour of the world!

Even greater than Naomi’s example of kindness shown to Ruth and Boaz’ kindness and generosity shown to Ruth and Naomi, is the kindness shown by God to this fallen world.

Just as God wrote a beautiful ending to the story of Ruth and Boaz, He wants to write an ending for each and every one of our lives. No matter what our circumstances, nothing is too hard for the Lord.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11–13.

Bible Study Guides – A Paradise on Earth

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August 14, 2011 – August 20, 2011

Key Text

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10.

Study Help: The Adventist Home, 421–429, 506–520.

Introduction

“Home should be made all that the word implies. It should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated instead of being studiously repressed.” The Adventist Home, 15.

1 A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN

  • How can we have here on earth a little taste of heaven? Matthew 18:3; Colossians 3:16.

Note: “Family religion is a wonderful power. …

“Hearts that are filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart. …

“Only where Christ reigns can there be deep, true, unselfish love. Then soul will be knit with soul, and the two lives will blend in harmony. Angels of God will be guests in the home.” The Adventist Home, 94.

  • What will happen as we enter into an abiding experience with Jesus every day, and how can this be accomplished in our lives? Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:6.

Note: “Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. 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. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ.” Steps to Christ, 70.

“When Christ abides in the heart, the whole nature is transformed.” Ibid., 73.

2 SHOWING AFFECTION

  • Describe what we need to cultivate in our homes and in our churches. Romans 12:10; I John 4:12.

Note: “Home is to be the center of the purest and most elevated affection. Peace, harmony, affection, and happiness should be perseveringly cherished every day, until these precious things abide in the hearts of those who compose the family. The plant of love must be carefully nourished, else it will die. Every good principle must be cherished if we would have it thrive in the soul. That which Satan plants in the heart—envy, jealousy, evil surmising, evil speaking, impatience, prejudice, selfishness, covetousness, and vanity—must be uprooted. If these evil things are allowed to remain in the soul, they will bear fruit by which many shall be defiled. Oh, how many cultivate the poisonous plants that kill out the precious fruits of love and defile the soul!” The Adventist Home, 195, 196.

  • What attitude must we have in order to have the kinds of relationships described? I Corinthians 13:1–8.

Note: “Not all can go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all can be home missionaries in their families and neighborhoods. There are many ways in which church members may give the message to those around them. One of the most successful is by living helpful, unselfish Christian lives. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strengthened by little attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over the soul. The true heart expression of Christlike sympathy, given in simplicity, has power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ.” The Adventist Home, 485.

“Some parents—and some teachers as well—seem to forget that they themselves were once children. They are dignified, cold, and unsympathetic. … Such discipline is not Christlike. Children thus trained fear their parents or teachers, but do not love them; they do not confide to them their childish experiences. Some of the most valuable qualities of mind and heart are chilled to death, as a tender plant before the wintry blast.

“Smile, parents; smile, teachers. If your heart is sad, let not your face reveal the fact.” Child Guidance, 147, 148.

3 WHAT SHOULD WE SPEAK?

  • What kinds of words should we use with each other? Philippians 1:27; James 4:11; Ephesians 4:25, 29–32.

Note: “The voice is an entrusted talent, and it should be used to help and encourage and strengthen our fellow men. If parents will love God and keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, their language will not savor of sickly sentimentalism. It will be of a sound, pure, edifying character. Whether they are at home or abroad, their words will be well chosen. They will descend to no cheapness.

“Every word spoken by fathers and mothers has its influence over the children, for good or for evil.” The Adventist Home, 434.

  • How should we speak? I Thessalonians 2:7; II Chronicles 10:7.

Note: “Religion is love, and a Christian home is one where love reigns and finds expression in words and acts of thoughtful kindness and gentle courtesy.” The Adventist Home, 94.

“Parents should keep the atmosphere of the home pure and fragrant with kind words, with tender sympathy and love; but at the same time they are to be firm and unyielding in principle. If you are firm with your children, they may think that you do not love them. This you may expect, but never manifest harshness.” Ibid., 434.

“We must subdue a hasty temper and control our words, and in this we shall gain great victories. Unless we control our words and temper, we are slaves to Satan. We are in subjection to him. He leads us captive. All jangling and unpleasant, impatient, fretful words are an offering presented to his satanic majesty. And it is a costly offering, more costly than any sacrifice we can make for God; for it destroys the peace and happiness of whole families, destroys health, and is eventually the cause of forfeiting an eternal life of happiness.” Ibid., 437.

  • How should we respond when receiving correction? Proverbs 8:33; 19:20.

4 HELPERS IN THE HOME

  • How does God want us to spend our time and energy? Colossians 3:23. What warnings are given against idleness? Ecclesiastes 10:18.

Note: “I have been shown that much sin has resulted from idleness. Active hands and minds do not find time to heed every temptation which the enemy suggests, but idle hands and brains are all ready for Satan to control. The mind, when not properly occupied, dwells upon improper things. Parents should teach their children that idleness is sin. …

“The minds of children are active, and if not occupied with that which is good and useful, they will inevitably turn to what is bad. While it is right and necessary for them to have recreation, they should be taught to work, to have regular hours for physical labour and also for reading and study. See that they have employment suited to their years and are supplied with useful and interesting books.” The Adventist Home, 284.

“Parents should by their example encourage the formation of habits of simplicity, and draw their children away from an artificial to a natural life.” Child Guidance, 139.

  • What is the necessary principle we must keep in mind in choosing how we will spend our time? Ecclesiastes 11:9.

Note: “Educate men and women to bring up their children free from false, fashionable practices, to teach them to be useful. …

“There are plenty of necessary, useful things to do in our world that would make the pleasure-amusement exercise almost wholly unnecessary. Brain, bone, and muscle will acquire solidity and strength in using them to a purpose, doing good hard thinking, and in devising plans which shall train them [the youth] to develop powers of intellect and strength of the physical organs, which will be putting into practical use their God-given talents with which they may glorify God.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 321.

“I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone. I shrink always from the almost sure result which follows in the wake of these amusements. It leads to an outlay of means that should be expended in bringing the light of truth to souls that are perishing out of Christ.” Ibid., 322.

5 PREPARING FOR HEAVEN

  • In order to prepare to dwell in that holy place called heaven, what must we do now? Genesis 35:2; Colossians 2:5.

Note: “We should teach our children lessons in simplicity and trust. We should teach them to love, and fear, and obey their Creator. In all the plans and purposes of life His glory should be held paramount; His love should be the mainspring of every action.” Child Guidance, 141.

  • What are some of the strange gods that should be put away before we are able to meet our Lord? II Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 21:27.

Note: “There are amusements such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers … which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 514.

“Children are not to be trained to be the devotees of society. They are not to be sacrificed to Molech, but they are to become members of the Lord’s family. … They are not to have their minds all engrossed in the fashions and practices of the world. They are not to educate their children to attend parties and concerts and dances, to have and attend feasts, because after this manner the Gentiles walk.” Child Guidance, 181.

“In the education of children and youth fairy tales, myths, and fictitious stories are now given a large place. … How can Christian parents permit their children to use books so filled with falsehood? …

“Never should books containing a perversion of truth be placed in the hands of children or youth.” The Adventist Home, 413.

“Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome.” Ibid., 500.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 Can you now have a little bit of heaven? How?

2 How does showing affection help your spiritual development?

3 What words should be in your home?

4 How can habits of simplicity best function in the home?

5 From what must you cleanse your life in order to be prepared to live in heavenly places?

Copyright © 2002 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.