Behind the Scenes

We all know that GOD is working even when we can't see any physical results--behind the scenes, as it were, but it is very easy for us to forget this--without even realizing it sometimes. If someone were to ask us outright whether we doubted our prayers would be answered, we would most likely say, "No, I believe they will be." Yet we tend to show just the opposite in deed, manifesting a faith and courage so languid that it's as though we've said, "You're right. They won't be answered, not now or anytime soon." Sometimes I wonder if that is why, when prayer is answered, we marvel so much--because we did not altogether believe it would be in the first place, because we dared not hope for too much.

My friend *Sean* was texting me the other night, and out of the blue, he said he was giving up a certain vice, that he was done with it. I could not believe my eyes. "Zelda! Look! Look!" I exclaimed, pointing to the screen. When she read it, she was happy as well. I responded with an exclamation of praise, and Sean asked me if I had prayed. I told him that I had.

With this, I had actually reached that point where you pray about it, knowing GOD is capable, but not expecting too much to come of it. In fact, it was somewhat forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life. I know that was wrong, and in light of the great thing He has done, I feel ashamed; but I thank GOD for working it out nevertheless, even though my faith was weary and my mind forgetful.

It gave me hope for other problems, and reminded me of another similar incident that happened a few years ago. *Ginger* and I were talking about appropriate music, particularly in regards to worship. Music is usually a touchy subject with people, and especially when  people see that you hold to very conservative views like I do. When I expressed my beliefs, she became very upset. Finally I said, "Let's just agree to disagree; no use ruining our friendship over this."

She agreed, and we continued to chat as usual, always avoiding the subject. I remembered to pray about it a few times immediately afterwards, but I soon forgot. Sometimes it would come back to me, and I would pray, but I'm sad to say there were no constant petitions made on Ginger's behalf.

A year later she messaged me and said, "You remember that conversation we had about music awhile back?"

"Yes, I do," I replied. "Why?"

"Well, GOD showed me that you were right," she answered, and went on to explain how, though all the particulars are hazy now.

I had nearly forgotten about these things, but GOD hadn't. It took a few months for one, a year for another, but He answered my prayers--and the feeble ones at that! If GOD works so wondrously behind the scenes for requests of that sort, what would the answer be if we were, "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18)? Something worth considering, isn't it?

Blessings,
Jean

About Flowers, Feeling Pathetic, and Finding Happiness

Lately, I had been very unhappy. Most everything seemed to be going wrong, except when it came to school. I felt like a floundering fish in terms of  making progress in my walk with the LORD. I was digressing--being increasingly irritable, giving in to frequent outbursts of anger, and bickering with Zelda over petty little things.

Yesterday afternoon, Mom, Zelda and I had a long discussion. We were able to hash some things out, and I was able to learn a few things, but even so, I felt so depressed. I would go from not wanting to try anymore to wanting to overcome through Christ. Unfortunately, in that tug of war, the former more or less won out.

When Mom left for work that night, Zelda and I were, I think, both a bit discouraged. Remembering what Mom had said earlier about our needing to be cheerful Christians, I started speaking in a positive, hopeful manner, expecting that my sister would join me and we could build each other up. Well, it didn't turn out that way. She would give an unhappy "yeah" or a little laugh to whatever I said. Regrettably, it made me angry, and I said to her, "This is what I mean when I say I try to be happy, and you don't do anything!"

"I'm sorry, Jean. Sometimes I just don't feel like talking," she said.

"That seems like never these days!" I shot back.

After a while I apologized, and sought to continue on being cheerful, even though tears were streaming down my face. It was no easy task. Zelda wasn't saying anything at all, and to be honest, I felt very foolish sitting there and speaking about Bible promises and heaven in the first place, because my feelings were at total variance with the words coming out of my mouth, and I didn't even want to do it; no response from Zelda made it all the harder.

Eventually I was looking around for something to say a good word about. My eyes fell on the dying Sabbath roses on the table. "Won't it be nice in heaven," I croaked, my throat aching as I tried to hold back tears, "where flowers never fade?" No reply. What was the point? Here I was, saying something about silly flowers! What good would it really do? The idea seemed so pathetic to my distraught mind that I had to laugh before I gave way to the tears again.

If I remember correctly, I cried for a few more minutes, and then asked Zelda what song she liked (I downloaded a few hymn tunes onto my computer). She said it didn't matter, so I played "Faith is the Victory". At one point, I asked her if there wasn't a chapter in Steps to Christ about rejoicing in the LORD, and she said she thought there was. I forget whether it was immediately or a while after I asked her that I went and looked at it, but sure enough, the last chapter was entitled "Rejoicing in the LORD".

As I read, I was reminded that we are to show that unbelievers are to be able to clearly see the character of Jesus in us, that as His followers it is our mission to let this be so. Ellen White wrote that the devil loves it when we are anything but that, because it gives a false impression of GOD's character to others. This I knew; but what was my part in changing that? I read further, and this is what she said:

"Many, walking along the path of life, dwell upon their mistakes and failures and disappointments, and their hearts are filled with grief and discouragement. While I was in Europe, a sister who had been doing this, and who was in deep distress, wrote to me, asking for some word of encouragement. The night after I had read her letter I dreamed that I was in a garden, and one who seemed to be the owner of the garden was conducting me through its paths. I was gathering the flowers and enjoying their fragrance, when this sister, who had been walking by my side, called my attention to some unsightly briers that were impeding her way. There she was mourning and grieving. She was not walking in the pathway, following the guide, but was walking among the briers and thorns. 'Oh,' she mourned, 'is it not a pity that this beautiful garden is spoiled with thorns?' Then the guide said, 'Let the thorns alone, for they will only wound you. Gather the roses, the lilies, and the pinks'" (Ibid, pg. 116)

She then went on to ask if there were no good times in our walk with Jesus, if there were not promises which we could take hold of. She wrote that when we only mention our troubles, we are not only despising GOD's goodness to us, but making life harder for others. The next paragraph sums it up quite well:

 "It is not wise to gather together all the unpleasant recollections of a past life,—its iniquities and disappointments,—to talk over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with discouragement. A discouraged soul is filled with darkness, shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting a shadow upon the pathway of others" (pg. 117).

Rather, we ought to speak about the wonderful things GOD has done for us by His Son, and the precious privileges we have as a result. This honors Him, and makes Him happy, but His heart is broken when we complain and doubt, in word or deed. Not only that, but it has a poisonous effect on us and those around us, and sometimes it can't be entirely counteracted:

"All this is harming your own soul; for every word of doubt you utter is inviting Satan’s temptations; it is strengthening in you the tendency to doubt, and it is grieving from you the ministering angels. When Satan tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness. If you choose to open the door to his suggestions, your mind will be filled with distrust and rebellious questioning. If you talk out your feelings, every doubt you express not only reacts upon yourself, but it is a seed that will germinate and bear fruit in the life of others, and it may be impossible to counteract the influence of your words. You yourself may be able to recover from the season of temptation and from the snare of Satan, but others who have been swayed by your influence may not be able to escape from the unbelief you have suggested. How important that we speak only those things that will give spiritual strength and life!" (pg. 119).

What a weighty thought! I shuddered as I read it, but continued on anyway. I was reminded that heavenly intelligences are listening to what we say, and that all we say is an index to what we think of Jesus. No wonder when we meet with others we ought to praise Him!

There are a lot of gems in this small book, but I want to share one more with you:

"All have trials; griefs hard to bear, temptations hard to resist. Do not tell your troubles to your fellow mortals, but carry everything to God in prayer. Make it a rule never to utter one word of doubt or discouragement. You can do much to brighten the life of others and strengthen their efforts, by words of hope and holy cheer" (pg. 119).

For me, this was the section that cinched and strengthened my desire to do better in regards to speaking. Have I been absolutely perfect since last night? No, but I have been making more of an effort to watch what I say, and to look happy too. As a result, I feel happier-not in a boisterous way, but in a calm, serene way. I hope this post can help one of you, and I would encourage all of you to read the book that inspired this post.


Blessings,
Jean

 

 

Reading, Writing, and "Whatsoever Things Are..."

Books are wonderful things. I've loved them ever since I was little. They can teach us so much. The trouble is, there are so many out there these days that it's often hard to know what to pick. Knowing what sort of book to make is even harder. Thankfully, as with every other aspect of life, the Bible gives us some guidelines to follow. I'm sharing them with you today because I see so many other young people in the same position I was once, devouring and even writing books with the word "Christian" tacked on to the genre, without giving much thought to how Christ-like the content actually is.  My hope is that by doing so, I can prevent someone from doing as much damage as I did to myself before I changed my course.

 

In Philippians 4:8, Paul gives a list of qualities that should be present in the things we think on. "Finally, brethren, 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." I think it would help in the long run if we analyze what we choose to read and write about by this sound advice.

 

• "...Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest" The very first rule of thumb is that we must think on, or in this case read about, what is true. Indeed, why do we do any less? In Colossians 3:9, we are told not to lie. Well, fiction, even "Christian" fiction, isn't true, and therefore is a lie. Many people like to say that Jesus spoke in parables which weren't literal and therefore untrue, so it's all right to read and write fiction. I've used the same argument myself in the past, but sadly it falls flat. Most of the parables Jesus told were taken from events that were going on at the time, or had happened recently. The only exception is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, which He told to the Sadducees and others who held to the notion of life after death, as many do today. With this parable, Jesus used this idea as a vehicle for the truth He wished to share. (See Christ's Object Lessons, page 263).

 

• "...Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure" The Greek word for just is dikaios, meaning equitable, or right, fair. The word for pure is hagnos, meaning clean or innocent. Allow me to use this portion of the verse to include something else we need to watch for in our reading besides truth. It is purity. Yes, content must be pure, but that will be addressed further on, since the next part is somewhat a reiteration and enlargement on that thought. When I say purity here, I'm not only talking about the overall message of a book, but something people might class as nit-picky. Can you guess? It is purity of language, clean language. As Christians, we must not excuse the reading of anything with vulgarity in it, even if it is true and the theme is good. You become what your eyes feed upon, and the devil doesn't care if his opening wedge is a "little" cuss word; he can work most successfully with those so- called "little" evils. Of course, this limits our selection of suitable reading even further, but you will experience a blessing for being so selective, trust me.

 

• "...Whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise," Just because something is true and swear-free doesn't mean it's proper mental food. It must also be good overall. This doesn't mean we can never read or write about anything sad or bad, for even the Bible chronicles some things that in and of themselves aren't good or innocent--but we need to ask ourselves when doing something like that whether it would eventually lead to something better and draw us all closer to GOD. For example, we could read about Hitler and the Third Reich; it's true, but is it lovely? Do the chronicles of his wicked deeds strengthen my relationship with GOD? No. On the other hand, we could read about the martyrs of old, or even our persecuted brethren today. It is true that the things that happened to them were awful, but the purpose of these acts being recorded is to show the extent to which they suffered and how they were still able to stand for Him regardless. Their example can inspire us to do the same. It  can strengthen us by reminding us that He just as He strengthened them, He will strengthen us if we ever need to face that as well. That is what makes such a book praiseworthy.

 

In reality, you could sum up these determining factors in one simple question-- provided you answer it honestly without the least bit of fudging: "Would Jesus be happy with the books on my bookshelf, with the drafts in my notebook (or on my computer)?" If the answer is no, don't be discouraged. Ask Him to forgive you, and to show you a better  way so that you can think on things that are pleasing to Him, and lead others to do the same.

Blessings,
Jean

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Strengthening Youth

It is true that many youth destroy other youth by their corrupt example, but it is also true that many youth strengthen other youth by their good example.

For a while, Zoe had secretly felt that she shouldn't have a Google+ anymore, but she always justified keeping it by saying, "Well, Jane [her sister] has one, and Alice [a friend] has one, so it must be OK!" One day Jane went on her Google+ and saw that Alice had said she was getting rid of her Google+ because she felt convicted about it. Jane related this to Zoe, and afterwards Zoe declared that she  was going to delete her Google+ as well. Her friend's example had revived her stifled convictions and inspired her to heed them this time. "Seeing Alice do it gave me the courage to do it, too," she explained.

One Sabbath morning, Jane had spoken about something un-Sabbath-like with her father. When she was in the youth Sabbath school, the teacher related something one of the fellow students, Jack, had to struggle with. Friday evening his sister had called. Jack offered to play something for her on the piano. "What would you like me to play for you?" he asked after a moment or two. His sister named a piece that wasn't appropriate for the Sabbath. As much as Jack loved his sister, he had to refuse. He wondered if he had done the right thing, but realized he had to be faithful to GOD even in the little things. Jane and all the others agreed.

Later in church that day, the thought came to her that she should apologize to her father when she went home, as he hadn't gone to church that day. She decided to, but when she returned home, her courage began to wane. After all, her father wouldn't understand, and she might receive a lecture or criticism. O LORD, it's such a little thing. He will think I'm extreme, she thought. And besides, You know what I will get.

The thought came to her as clearly as if someone had spoken: What did Jack do?

Jane paused. True, the situations weren't exactly the same, but the principles at stake were: listening to one's convictions, standing up for one's beliefs, and being faithful in the little things. OK, OK, she relented, and went and apologized. Although she was criticized, her heart felt light, because she had done the right thing.

But neither Zoe nor Jane, as far as we know, would have done what they did had it not been for the godly examples of Alice and Jack. How important it is, then, fellow young people, that we strive to present a good example! Who knows who it may help.

Paul's counsel to Titus is just as applicable to us today. He said, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7a). A pattern, friends, that our friends are safe in following. In the book of Hebrews, chapter ten, he writes: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (v. 24). Perhaps this doesn't always mean we should consciously consider other specific individuals, but simply that we should consider whether choices we make are worthy of imitation, and whether they could strengthen someone else to choose to do what is good and right. May we all seek to do this. One never knows the extent of the positive influence such a course will have in this life and in the next.

Blessings,
Jean



 

We Must Make Things Right

Central American Mission, or CAM, was the mission that Cameron Townsend was with. Some of those at the mission couldn't understand why Cam thought translating the Bible into Cakchiquel, the language of the Cakchiquel Indians of Guatemala, was important. CAM was to officially vote on whether Cam should be allowed to continue doing it. In 1925, Cam and his wife went to Moody Church in Chicago to attend CAM's council meeting on the issue. When it was time for lunch, he went for a walk with Mr. Smith, who appeared to feel the most strongly against Bible translation. Nothing Cam said seemed to change Mr. Smith's mind, and at one point his temper flared. Cam heatedly declared that the New Testament would be translated into Cakchiquel, regardless of whether Mr. Smith liked it or not! With that said, he returned to Moody Church alone. When the vote was taken, six men were for going ahead with the project, and two were opposed to it. One of the two was Mr. Smith, but even so, Cam was happy. Six to two meant he could carry on with his translation work. Nothing would hinder him now.

He was wrong. His brother Paul had done much for the mission, building schools and clinics and orphanages, but while Cam was away, Paul had accepted a teaching job at the Presbyterian Industrial College, located in the capital of Guatemala, Guatemala City. This meant that Cam had many more responsibilities, and less time for the translation work he loved so much. When a year had passed since his return to the mission field, he realized that he had only been able to spend twelve days translating! As Cam pondered this, he remembered how he had treated Mr. Smith. It didn't seem to matter now that he had won the vote, for ever since that day with Mr. Smith, his work had reached an impasse. Cam knew that he had to apologize, and he wrote a letter to Mr. Smith, in essence telling him that unless the LORD was behind it, he would never complete the translation.

Once he sent the letter, Cam's translation work again went smoothly. It is the same with us in our business. The LORD can't bless us as fully if there is something between us and another person. We must do all we can to make it right, and then we may expect things to improve. We would do well to follow the Scripture, "Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16a).

Blessings,
Jean

Dry Bones

Sometimes we all wonder, "Am I converted?" I think the best way to answer that question is to ask another: "What is the driving force behind all I choose to do?" Is it a desire to glorify GOD, or to please myself? Such a question shouldn't be answered hastily, else we are liable to reach the wrong conclusion. We should thoroughly examine ourselves, and answer honestly. No good will come from glossing over the truth to spare ourselves pain. It doesn't improve the current situation and will only lead to far greater pain in the future. If deep down the answer is the latter, it is true that that is both an uncomfortable and deplorable situation; but we should not give ourselves over entirely to despair. The fact that we recognize our lack, cutting though it may be, is something to rejoice over—not because the lack is good in and of itself, but because we are able to receive the help that Jesus longs to give.

Jesus wants to restore us, to breathe life into us again, just like He did the dry bones that Ezekiel saw in the valley (Ezekiel 37). In fact, those bones symbolize people like me and maybe you. "This class is well represented by the valley of dry bones Ezekiel saw in vision. "Those who have had committed to them the treasures of truth, and yet who are dead in trespasses and sin, need to be created anew in Christ Jesus." Ellen White, The Review and Herald, January 17, 1893.  Look at what He said to those bones: "And [I] shall put My spirit in you, and ye shall live" (v. 14).

He is able to do it, and He has done it for those who sincerely desired it. David wrote in Psalm 119:50, "This [is] my comfort in my affliction: for Thy word hath quickened [meaning revived] me." Yes, and He will do it for us too, if we ask and act in faith. Then we shall seek His glory in everything, and He will be glorified in us.

Blessings,
Jean

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Help to Stem the Tide

"The people will seldom rise higher than their minister. A world-loving spirit in him has a tremendous influence upon others. The people make his deficiencies an excuse to cover their world-loving spirit. They quiet their own consciences, thinking that they may be free to love the things of this life and be indifferent to spiritual things because their ministers are so. They deceive their own souls and remain in friendship with the world, which the apostle declares to be enmity with God." ~Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pg. 645.

The people will seldom rise higher than their minister. Wow. What a startling thought! At the same time, what a true statement this is. Until I read this quote in Gospel Workers, I had never given the idea much thought. As I mentally reviewed the pastors I've had over the years, and the congregations they were in charge of, however, I couldn't help but make the connection. I also couldn't help but wonder how this related to the rising apostasy in the church.

I'm not saying that the congregation's spiritual standing is due to the pastor's one hundred percent, nor do I mean to imply that it is impossible for the congregation to be different from the minister. No. We each have a responsibility to GOD, and "seldom" means rarely, not never.

Yet we have seen that "by beholding, we become changed". Influence is a subtle, yet powerful tool. Used in the right direction, it can do much good; used in the opposite direction...well, you get the picture. That is why we need to be extremely careful not to simply be spoon-fed by the pastor each week, but to evaluate everything he says by the Word, despite his position of leadership. Not everyone is strong enough to do this at first, however. Along with being good examples to our fellow members, we need to pray for our pastors. We need to pray that they will catch brighter beams of truth, that they will understand it more clearly, for their own sakes and the sake of their flocks--especially those that are easily swayed. Even the apostle Paul, who could be considered a pastor, wrote to the Thessalonians and said, "Brethren, pray for us" (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

I believe that if we all make an effort to assist our pastors through our prayers that we will see a definite difference in the church. No, it won't change everyone, but it might change a few that would have never changed otherwise, and this is one more way in which we will be able to stem the tide of wickedness among GOD's people. Will you help?

Blessings,
Jean