Thursday, February 26, 2015

“Words of Truth”

Insights #9 February 28, 2015
First Quarter 2015 Adult Sabbath School Lessons
"Words of Truth"
For the week of February 28, 2015

The lesson points out that some of the Proverbs are very similar to ideas expressed in Egyptian texts of an earlier period.  The lesson raises the possibility that Solomon may have even taken the Egyptian proverbs and re-expressed them from a Hebrew perspective.

Here are a few Egyptian proverbs.  Notice how they are "true", and similar to things in Proverbs:

        -"Don't cheat your neighbors with false ledgers.  Don't bear false witness"
        -"Don't covet the goods of the poor, don't hunger for their bread."
        -"Make honesty your guide to life and you will sleep soundly and wake happily."
        -"Better to be praised for loving your neighbor than loving your wealth."
        -"A word is like a bird, once released it can never be recaptured."

As the lesson points out, this should remind us that "truth" has a universal character.  Truth is "true" wherever and whenever it appears.  Everything that has its origin in God is true.  One wise person asked, "Is something true because it is in the Bible, or is it in the Bible because it is true?"  This makes the point that God included things in His Word BECAUSE they are true, not to make something true that would not otherwise be true.  There is no magical character to God's Word that causes something to be true because it is there.  Things are in the Bible because they are true – universally true – even if we find them other places also – even in pagan or heathen literature like Egyptian writings. 
A.T.Jones understood this very well as he looked at the nearness of God not just to Christians or "good" people, but to everyone on planet earth, including heathen people.  Notice what he says in the mid-1890s:

HAVE you ever thought that God was away off from you, and you did not know how to get near to him?  His answer to all that is that "he is not far from every one of us."  To be "not far" is to be near. Then as he is not far from every one of us, he is certainly near to every one of us.  Had it occurred to you that this word—"he is not far from every one of us"—was first spoken to a great crowd of heathen, Greek heathen, too, sunken to the very depths of idolatry and all other Greek heathen abominations; and that there was not a single even professed Christian there, except the man who spoke it?  That is the truth: it was spoken by Paul at Athens; and he was there "alone," and he spoke it to a crowd of none but heathen. To them all he said, by inspiration of God, "He is not far from every one of us."  That being true of heathen, and such heathen, too, how is it, then, with you who do believe in him and love him? Is he far from you?—No, no; he is not far from you; he is near to you.  Yes, he is more than near to you: he says, "Lo, I am with you." More than that: he says: "I am with you always." Yea, even more than that: he says, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  Then please, please, never think again that God is far from you. Nobody but the devil can ever suggest such a thing. Please believe the Lord rather than the devil. {December 14, 1897 ATJ, ARSH 790}

So if the Lord is not far from every one of us, it becomes entirely conceivable that anyone anywhere who is listening can have the blessing of learning and sharing truth from God.  If they are listening that is!

The challenge comes because Satan has mixed truth with error.  While there may have been a lot of "truth" in Egyptian literature, it was mixed with superstition, false ideas about God, and false "proverbs".  While there might be a lot of truth in the writings of popular authors from various religions and cultures, everything needs to be tested by the standard of truth – God's Word.

Ellen White acknowledges the reality that at times in history there have been heathen "wise men" who have studied the Scriptures and had better discernment than God's people did.  Notice her following quote regarding the wise men that came to Jesus shortly after His birth:

The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. Balaam belonged to the magicians, though at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah; and his prophecies had been handed down by tradition from century to century. But in the Old Testament the Saviour's advent was more clearly revealed. The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord.  {DA 59.3}

It is a not uncommon mistake to decide if something is true based on who says it, rather than based on what is actually said.  How often we may hear in conversations at church, or work, things like, "I don't believe that because so-and-so said it."  Or, relatedly,  people will label things rather than discussing the issue.  For example, some will say, "that's Roman Catholicism," or, "that's moral influence theory", or, "he/she is a liberal/conservative."  All these scenarios are ways of people avoiding actually dealing with the truth or error of what is being said.  By labeling ideas or people into certain categories that cause people to back away, we avoid actually investigating what is being said and discerning its authenticity, or its error.

Truth is no less inspired if it comes from a non-Christian or non-Adventist source.  Rather than criticize the source, or label something with a negative label, we need to look at the message itself.

This is one of the problems that lay at the foundation of the rejection of the 1888 message over 100 years ago.  Men were looking to other men to know what truth was, rather than investigating for themselves what the truth was.  By labeling ideas as, "not part of the landmarks," or labeling the men as too young or too outspoken, etc, individuals avoided their responsibility to examine the truth in a fair and impartial manner.  And in doing this, they ended up turning back the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Notice Ellen White's encouragement that investigation and not prejudice (e.g. labeling) should have been the order of the day in 1888:

When the Jews took the first step in the rejection of Christ, they took a dangerous step. When afterward evidence accumulated that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, they were too proud to acknowledge that they had erred. So with the people of our day who reject the truth. They do not take time to investigate candidly, with earnest prayer, the evidences of the truth, and they oppose that which they do not understand. Just like the Jews, they take it for granted they have all the truth, and feel a sort of contempt for anyone who should suppose they had more correct ideas than themselves of what is truth. All the evidence produced they decide shall not weigh a straw with them, and they tell others that the doctrine is not true, and afterward, when they see as light evidence they were so forward to condemn, they have too much pride to say "I was wrong"; they still cherish doubt and unbelief, and are too proud to acknowledge their convictions. Because of this, they take steps that lead to results of which they have never dreamed.  {1888 169.4} 

Those who have not been in the habit of thinking and investigating for themselves, believe certain doctrines because their associates with them in the work believe them. They resist the truth without going to the Scriptures for themselves to learn what is truth. Because those in whom they have had confidence oppose the light, they oppose it, not knowing they are rejecting the counsel of God against themselves.  {1888 170.1} 

God has a work to do in our world that many finite minds do not see or understand, and when God unfolds truth to His people, and it does not come in harmony with their ideas, many are ready to despise and reject it. I entreat you, brethren, reverence your Bible. Plead with God for light. Fast and pray in your closet upon your knees. Ask God to lead you into all truth. Tell Him that you want the truth as it is in Jesus. It is not wise for one of these young men to commit himself to a decision at this meeting, where opposition, rather than investigation, is the order of the day. The Scriptures must be your study, then you will know that you have the truth. Open your heart that God might write the truth upon its tablets."  {1888 170.2} 

May we learn from Jewish history, from Adventist history, and from common sense, to judge truth based on its origin in the source of truth – the God of heaven.  May we discern that the Bible has been given us to allow us to sort out the mixture of truth and error that Satan has introduced into the different philosophies and religions and cultures around the world.  And may we be willing to accept truth from wherever God brings it, and bring it to the fair and objective standard of God's Word to separate the wheat from the chaff.
-Bob Hunsaker

Raul Diaz

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

“Words of Wisdom”

Insights #8 February 21, 2015
First Quarter 2015 Adult Sabbath School Lessons
"Words of Wisdom"
For the week of February 21, 2015

Words are thoughts made audible. Have you ever said "I am going to give him/her a piece of my mind!" If so, how was this accomplished? We give a piece of our minds by our words. Our words are ether wise or foolish.

Human wisdom has to do with accumulated philosophic or scientific learning that is more than knowledge. One may have knowledge, but not the wisdom to use it wisely. Wisdom includes the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships. This is known as insight. True wisdom also involves good judgment. With that is good sense. Wisdom is practical and not merely theoretical.

Jesus is both the Word of God and the Wisdom of God (John 1:14; 1 Cor 1:24). He is the heavenly Word of Wisdom. If we accept Him into our lives, we receive God's wisdom. The wisdom of heaven cannot be separated from Jesus. It is embodied in Him. We receive it by receiving Him. His wisdom, like His word, is very practical. This then is the foundation for this week's lesson.

Our study this week covers three chapters of Proverbs, which are chapters 20-22. These chapters reveal practical actions – both good and evil – within the great controversy motif. This is the central theme. There are no abstract theoretical theologies here. These are practices warring against each other. Two antagonistic kingdoms meet – the kingdom of heaven versus the kingdom of hell.

Proverbs 20:1 begins with the wisest things to not do, which is to be led astray by wine and strong drink. In verse 2 the word of wisdom is to not rile up those in authority, for it may cost you your life.

A key to the study of the three chapters, regarding the words of wisdom's rightness, is found in chapter 22 beginning with verse 17 –

17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; 18for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, 19so that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you. 20Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, 21that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?

James, like Solomon, outlines heavenly versus demonic wisdom in chapter 3:13–18. This passage sheds light on the theme for this week in the book of Proverbs:

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Both James and Solomon present the same practical facts of all wisdom, of all learning, of all education, whether that wisdom is good or evil. The fact of wisdom is always demonstrated in behavior. Righteousness and heavenly wisdom are always united. There is practicality in righteousness by faith as well as in the wisdom of God. E. J. Waggoner penned the following:

In 1 Cor. 1:30 we are told that Christ is made unto us righteousness as well as wisdom; and since Christ is the wisdom of God, and in Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, it is evident that the righteousness which life is made to us is the righteousness of God. Let us see what this righteousness is.  In Ps. 119:172 the Psalmist thus addresses the Lord: "My tongue shall speak of Thy Word; for all Thy commandments are righteousness." The commandments are righteousness, not simply in the abstract, but they are the righteousness of God.  For proof read the following: –"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner; but My salvation shall be for ever, and My righteousness shall not be abolished.  Hearken unto Me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings." Isa. 51:6, 7.  What do we learn from this?  That they who know the righteousness of God are those in whose heart is His law, and therefore that the law of God is the righteousness of God. Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, March 14, 1898."

Righteousness by faith always carries God's law on the face of it – always upfront. Faith never sets it aside. It always causes the law to stand out. "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law" (Rom 3:31).

As stated above, God's "commandments are righteousness" (Psa 119:172). By faith in Christ the righteousness of the law is seen in the life of the believer. The same is true regarding the law and wisdom. The law "is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people'" (Deut 4:6). Like righteousness, wisdom does not come directly from the law. However, this is promised in the new covenant – that God will write this wisdom, this righteousness, in our hearts and minds. We must never forget that God's righteousness, like His wisdom, is embodied in Christ. Both are received by receiving Him by faith.

The wisdom exercised and the works of righteousness performed by the believer are never meritorious. Christ alone is our wisdom, our righteousness, our merit. Mrs. White speaks to the merit issue in the following quotation:

If man cannot, by any of his good works, merit salvation, then it must be wholly of grace, received by man as a sinner because he receives and believes in Jesus. It is wholly a free gift. Justification by faith is placed beyond controversy. And all this controversy is ended, as soon as the matter is settled that the merits of fallen man in his good works can never procure eternal life for him.—Ellen G. White, Faith and Works, p. 20.

For what purpose, then, are good works? Prov 20:11 opens this up for us: "Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right." What is true of children is likewise true of adults. We are known by our works. They never save, but they reveal what we are: either evil and carnal or pure and righteous. The purity, the righteousness, the works and the wisdom reveal Christ to others. Truly, we are Christ's sermons in shoes.

In closing, consider the following thought from Waggoner:

There is one text … which briefly sums up all that Christ is to man and gives the most comprehensive reason for considering Him. It is this: "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30. We are ignorant, wicked lost. Christ is to us wisdom, righteousness, redemption. What a range! From ignorance and sin to righteousness and redemption. Man's highest aspiration or need cannot reach outside the bounds of what Christ is to us and what He alone is to us. Sufficient reason this why the eyes of all should be fixed upon Him. Christ and His Righteousness, pp. 7-8.
-Jerry Finneman

Raul Diaz

Thursday, February 12, 2015

1888 Insight:“Dealing With Fights”

Insights #7 February 14, 2015
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First Quarter 2015 Adult Sabbath School Lessons
"Dealing With Fights"
For the week of February 14, 2015
 
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 1 Jn 4:17.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Jn 16:33


The source of all conflict finds its root in enmity towards God, and the solution to all conflict finds its answer in Christ. As we explore the lesson this week, we find that we can identify with Christ and the gospel revealed in Him so that our conflicts are seen as extensions or applications of His Great Conflict. Thus, we find the gospel as the solution  to all conflict, both within and without.

Sunday - Sin and Friends
 
He who covers a transgression seeks love. Prov 17:9

A friend loves at all time, and a brother is born for adversity. Prov 17:17

Christ, our Elder Brother, is the one who has covered and atoned for the sins of the world. He was born for adversity, and by His stripes we are healed. As He has "covered" for us, we desire nothing but the best for all men, even our enemies. Even the betrayer of Jesus was greeted by Him as "friend."

Monday - Be Just!

Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more. Jn 8:11.

Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. Prov 19:25

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Rev 3:19

It is only as we understand and experience the power of the gospel through God's preemptive forgiveness that we can grasp and apply the Laodicean message to ourselves. This, of course, changes our attitude and approach to encouraging others in the path of the tsaddiyq, or just. The Lord our Righteousness (The Just One) is our only hope for justice for ourselves and for others.

Tuesday - Words, Again

The words of a man's mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. Prov 18:4

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Prov 18:21

The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." Jn 6:63

It is the creative power of the Word that brought all into existence, and that sustains all life. Belief in that Word, love of that Word, brings that creative power into our lives so that we can speak the creative, life-giving word of God to others with the "faith of Jesus," believing that God will bring them new life. Belief or unbelief in the Word is a life and death matter, for words inform thoughts, thoughts drive feelings, feelings show in actions, and actions determine destiny.

Wednesday - Two Sides to a Story

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. Prov 18:17

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. Eph 2:14-16


Cross-examination is what brings understanding to a jury after one side tells its story. And it is examining the Cross of Christ that is the ultimate answer to the accusations of Satan against God and His law. It is the cross that destroys our enmity toward the law and removes its condemnation of us.

We may apply the lessons of the Cross to every conflict, to every enmity we face. Withholding judgment and waiting for evidence from both sides of a conflict is what God has been doing in this Great Controversy. That is also good counsel for us.

Thursday - Be Truthful

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish. Prov 19:9.

The most fundamental truth of the gospel to which we can witness is what God has done for all men, and specifically what He has done for us, in Christ.

Here is how E.J. Waggoner puts it:

As to your being Christ's, you yourself can settle that. You have seen what He gave for you. Now the question is, have you delivered yourself to Him? If you have, you may be sure that He has accepted you. If you are not His, it is solely because you have refused to deliver to Him that  which He has bought. You are defrauding Him. He says, "All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." Rom. 10:21. He begs you to give Him that which He has bought and paid for, yet you refuse and charge Him with not being willing to receive you. But if from the heart you have yielded yourself to Him to be His child, you may be assured that He has received you."

Now as to your believing His words, yet doubting if He accepts you, because you don't feel the witness in your heart, I still insist that you don't believe. If you did, you would have the witness. Listen to His word, "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son." 1 John 5:10. To believe in the Son is simply to believe His word and the record concerning Him.
 
And "he that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself." You can't have the witness until you believe, and as soon as you do believe, you have the witness. How is that? Because your belief in God's word is the witness. God says so. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Heb 11:1.

If you should hear God say with an audible voice that you are His child, you would consider that sufficient witness. Well, when God speaks in His word, it is the same as though He spoke with an audible voice, and your faith is the evidence that you hear and believe.

This is so important a matter that it is worth careful consideration. Let us read a little more of the record. First, we read that we are "all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:26. This is a positive confirmation of what I said concerning our unbelief in the witness. Our faith makes us children of God. But how do we obtain this faith? "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. 10:17. But how can we obtain faith in God's word? Just believe that God cannot lie. You would hardly call God a liar to His face, but that is just what you do if you don't believe His word. All you have to do to believe is to believe. "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed." Rom. 10:8-11. 1890 EJW, CHR 74-75.
-Todd Guthrie
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Monday, February 02, 2015

“What You Get Is Not What You See”

First Quarter 2015 Adult Sabbath School Lessons
"What You Get Is Not What You See"
For the week of February 7, 2015

Why Does God Permit Trials?
 
 
Sister Grant was distraught and frustrated. She could not understand why her life seemed to be a never ending "drama." It seemed like one crisis engendered another. She asked herself, "Why would God do this to me?" But of course, there was no answer. When she queried the pastor, his response was, "Those who are faithful to God will not see so many trials in their life; trials are a sign that God is not favoring you, which means that you are living in Sin." Disappointed, Sister Grant met with some supportive and prayerful co-workers. After sharing her story, she was surprised to discover that most of her colleagues seemed to be in a similar situation. However, not one of them could determine what they had done wrong. They were doing all of the things that their Pastors said they should do. They were faithfully attending church, tithing, returning offering and active in church programs. Why was God not blessing them?

The youngest in the group, Ms. Bradley, waited until all the other ladies finished speaking, and then asked them this question: "What do Job, most the prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Apostles have in common?" They were all silent looking at her, suspecting that she had an answer. Ms. Bradley understood their silence so she continued, "They all suffered."  "Were they not faithful?" The ladies all looked at each other while murmuring possible answers to the question. After, a few moments, they all agreed and said, "Yes they were faithful." Ms. Bradley replied by asking, "Then, why did God allow them to suffer? Could it be that we have it all wrong? Why would God treat us any differently?"  The giants of faith suffered through trials (Hebrews 11). Yet, God favored them. This is an issue that all of humanity struggles with, "why do bad things happen to (allegedly) good people, and why does God permit suffering?"
[It turns out God uses trials for our good.] However, in order to answer the questions at hand, let us look at several sources to see what they have to say. To commence, let's read a statement from Ellen White:

It is for our present happiness and future good that God subjects us to trial. The greatest blessing that His wayward children have is the correction that He sends them. When called to pass through trials, we may know that thus God is striving to lead us to know Him and to place our trust in Him (ST, December 30, 1903 par. 1).
 
Trials are used of God to purify, correct, chasten, and demonstrate His love for us. (See Hebrews 12:6). Let's read a statement from Ellen White's Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, "The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones are polished after the similitude of a palace" (p.10).

This is perhaps why James has said regarding trials, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and com­plete, lacking nothing" (James 1:2 – 4, NKJV).  Peter has further admonished us in 1 Peter 1:6-7,
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

These verses tell us that suffering is not in vain, and that trials are neither random nor chaotic, but serve a divine purpose. One of the main functions of a trial is to produce genuine, pure faith in the followers of Christ, "without which it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). Stated in another way, trials teach us to depend on God to overcome temptation and to endure the pain and suffering that sin brings to us, until we receive the promise of the kingdom.

This does not mean that we should go around finding trials and needlessly suffering. This will come to us as a consequence of living, whether we look for it or not (Matthew 6: 24). We should, however consider one thing. As we read from James, trials produce patience that yields completeness in Christ.  The rich, young ruler, and Laodicea, were lacking something (Mark 10: 21; Revelation 3: 17).  Could it be that they refused to suffer?  It is the fool who rejects correction and hates the One who corrects (Proverbs 9: 8; 15: 5). We would do well to remember that even Christ was made perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2: 10).

When the people of Israel were in the wilderness, God was with them. Yet, they were not exempt from trials. We all know how good and generous God was with them. But time and again, "…when brought into difficulty, they broke into rebellion, distrusted God, and complained that Moses had brought them and their children out of Egypt only that they might die of thirst in the wilderness" {RH, April 7, 1903 par. 2, 3}. Take the experience at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7).  Ellen White says that,

It was by the express command of God that the children of Israel encamped at Rephidim. He knew of its lack of water, and He brought His people hither to test their faith. But how poorly they proved themselves to be a people whom He could trust! … The lesson is for us. Many think that in the Christian life they will find freedom from all difficulty. But everyone who takes up the cross to follow Jesus comes to a Rephidim in his experience. Life is not all made up of pleasant pastures and cooling streams. Trial and disappointment overtake us; privation comes; we are brought into trying places. Conscience-stricken, we reason that we must have walked far away from God, that if we had walked with Him, we should not have suffered so. Doubt and despondency crowd into our hearts, and we say, The Lord has failed us, and we are ill-used. Why does He permit us to suffer thus? He cannot love us; if He did, He would remove the difficulties from our path. Is the Lord with us, or not? (Ibid.)
 
The greatest difficulty in our path is self.  God designs our trials to remove self.  And, while we are in trials God does not abandon us. So, let us be comforted, Christ suffers with us. We are not alone. Christ is with us until the end (Matthew 28: 20). He is our sympathizing High Priest (Hebrews 4: 15). Be assured that God will not put us through anything we would not choose if we knew the end from the beginning (RH, March 7, 1912 par. 1).
-Raul Diaz

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