Lilies in the City - March/April 2016 - Issue 14
lilies city
MILLET PARFAIT THE PRESENT TRUTH CLEANING OR KILLING
DON'T FALL OFF
Give me the
Bible!
THE ONLY REASON FOR
Marriage April Fools!
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6 12
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18 16
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lilies city Practical Lily Social Lily Lily Eats Lily Lifestyle
6 Cleaning Or Killing 10 Don't Fall Off 12 The Only Reason For Marraige
16 Millet Parfait
18 The Present Truth 22 Give Me The Bible!
Unless otherwise noted, all scripture references are taken from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Version)
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Don't Be
fooled!
S
ARAN WRAPPED TOILET BOWLS, toothpaste on toilet seats, and loosened salt shaker lids are part of an endless list of tricks and pranks that surface more around this time of year. And while these may seem harmless, they bare the characteristics of none other than Satan, the arch deceiver himself.
To fool and to trick is Satan’s modus operandi: he is after all the father of lies (see Jn. 8:44). Truth is His major enemy and he is continually at work scheming ways to trick both the suspecting and the unsuspecting. At the foundation of it all, I’m reminded that Christ did not find enjoyment at someone else’s expense: 4
He never lived to please himself (see Romans 15:1-3). For us, it started in Eden with Eve by the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 3). But Revelation 12:9 tells us of a war in heaven, which lead to once perfect and sinless angels being cast down. Revisiting John 8:44, we can safely conclude that something of Satan’s character contributed to that war and the great falling away of those angels. So then from the very beginning, the deceiver has been deceiving and even perfect angels fell for his tricks. The Apostle Paul also knew something of the effects of Satan’s deception, “O foolish Galatians,” he exclaims, “who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth?” (Gal 3:1)
We live in a world where everything is deemed relative. While my guitar might seem medium-sized to me, and quite large to my 3-year-old neice, yet it still stands at an actual size. Let us not fall into the trap or be bewitched like the Galatians about the truth. The truth is not relative. The common bumper sticker, “live out your truth” is only accurate if your truth is the Truth. So, what is truth? In this issue we look at the truth for today, how to maintain spiritual victories and just in time for wedding season, what truly is the only reason to get married.
Administrative
STAFF
Almarie Hill Almarie is the Editor-in-Chief at Lilies in the City (LIC). Of things seen on this earth, she loves only sweet potatoes and bananas more than words, writing and editing. Almarie lives for ministry and has a passion for Christ's wholistic method of healing - naturally. Wholly Whole is her personal ministry, reflecting her journey to completeness in Christ.
Akilah Ballard As the Financial Manager at LIC, the Lord has blessed Akilah with a knack for organization and attention to detail: two skills fundamental to finance and accounting. When not analyzing numbers, she loves to admire God through His created works: gardening has become one of her favorite interests. She suspects that the same excitement she has watching seeds grow is the same that God has in watching His Word bear fruit in our hearts.
Sarah Victor Sarah is LIC’s Account Manager and she has made it her personal goal to make the service of God the most attractive thing in the world. Whether she is sharing tasty, healthful recipes, sharing object lessons while gardening, or while making her all natural hair and body butters for Jane's Butters, there is always one goal: to show that there is great peace, safety, and most of all joy in the service of our loving God!
Rochelle Mekowulu Rochelle, the Business Manager, provides strategic guidance to ministries in their marketing and development efforts. She has always had a passion for ministry and the furtherance of the gospel. When not working on various projects, she can be found in nature, doing a bible study or writing.
Jaleesa Almarales Jaleesa, the Marketing Manager, believes that Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching people. Therefore counseling and teaching combined with a few other talents are tools that God has given her to prepare people, especially an army of youth, to meet our God. In her spare time, she can be found working on a DIY project, painting or trying to learn to play the piano.
Angelique Manning As the administrative assistant at LIC, Angelique is dedicated to using the skills the Lord has blessed her with to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. She believes that true happiness is found in unselfish ministry and with that, loves to serve whether it's by encouraging her family and friends or sharing the love of Christ with people in her community.
Have Any Questions For The Lilies Staff? Contact us: admin@liliesinthecity.org
Associate Editor: Delnita McDavid
Photo Credits: Monik Amelia (cover, pg 25) Layout & Design: Abiola Osinjolu 5
Are you cleaning
or killing your home? – CJ Marshall
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"Bodily harm is not from the household chores performed but rather from the harsh chemicals used." aldehyde, a highly toxic, known carcinogen, and phenol. When phenol touches your skin it can cause it to swell, burn, peel, and break out in hives.
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AMMONIA: is a very volatile chemical and is very damaging to your eyes, respiratory tract, and skin.
S CLEANING YOUR HOME hazardous to your health? ANTIBACTERIAL CLEANERS: Ironically, the very chores may contain triclosan, which is which are meant to pro- absorbed through the skin and mote a healthful living en- can be tied to liver damage. vironment have, in many cases, proved to be unhealthful to hu- BLEACH: is a strong corrosive. mans and animals. But before It will irritate or burn the skin, we shout for joy at having finally eyes, and respiratory tract. It discovered a legitimate excuse may cause pulmonary edema or for not cleaning, we must note vomiting and coma if ingested. that the bodily harm is not from Never mix bleach with acid toithe household chores performed let bowl cleaners or ammonia. but rather from the harsh chemi- These mixtures may produce cals used. fumes which can be deadly.
According to The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC), a large number of occurrences of poisoning are due to cleaning products. From "Poisons Under Your Sink" by Glenn Beach, the following is an alphabetical list of some of the most hazardous household cleansers: AIR FRESHENERS: interfere with your ability to smell by releasing nerve-deadening agents or coating nasal passages with an oil film, usually methoxychlor, a pesticide that accumulates in fat cells. Known toxic chemicals found in an air freshener are form-
CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY SHAMPOO: Most formulas are designed to overpower the stain itself; they accomplish the task but not without using highly toxic substances. Some include perchlorethylene, a known carcinogen that damages the liver, kidney, and nervous system; and ammonium hydroxide, which is corrosive, and extremely irritable to eyes, skin, and respiratory passages. CHLORINE: The first agent of chemical warfare was chlorine. WWII ended with an abundance of this cheap chemical. In the name of huge profits, it was 7
added to our water supply and many other products. Chlorine is the number one cause of breast cancer and can be lethal. Scientists won’t handle chlorine without protective gloves, face masks, and ventilation, yet it is in most store-brand cleaners, including dishwasher detergents. The harmful effects are intensified when the fumes are heated, as in the shower. It is in our drinking water, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, and more. DISHWASHER DETERGENTS: Most products contain chlorine in a dry form that is highly concentrated. The #1 cause of household poisoning is dish detergent. Dishwashing liquids are labeled “harmful if swallowed.” Each time you wash your dishes, some residue is left on them, which accumulates with each washing. Your food picks up part of the residue, especially if your meal is hot when you eat it. FURNITURE POLISH: contains petroleum distillates, which are highly flammable and can cause skin and lung cancer. They contain nitrobenzene, which is easily absorbed through the skin and extremely toxic. LAUNDRY ROOM PRODUCTS: Laundry detergents contain phosphorus, enzymes, ammonia, naphthalene, phenol, sodium nitilotriacetate, and countless other chemicals. These substances can cause rashes, itches, allergies, sinus problems, and more. The residue left on your clothes, bed sheets, etc. is absorbed through your skin, as is everything else you touch. OVEN CLEANER: one of the most toxic products people use. They contain lye and ammonia, which eat the skin, and the fumes linger and affect the respiratory system. Then 8
there is the residue that is intensified the next time you turn your oven on. TOILET BOWL CLEANERS: usually contain hydrochloric acid, a highly corrosive irritant to both skin and eyes that damages kidneys and liver; and hypochlorite bleach, a corrosive irritant that can burn eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Toilet bowl cleaners may also cause pulmonary edema, vomiting, or coma if ingested. Contact with other chemicals may cause chlorine fumes which may be fatal.
Something Better… The good news is, a cleaning product need not be a strong chemical to be powerful. Several non-toxic ingredients commonly found in the kitchen cupboard are just as effective and a lot less expensive. A variety of cleaning tips and "recipes" for homemade cleansers can be found on several websites. Here are some basics to get you started Mirros/Glass: Use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol Shower/Bathtup/Toilet: Use baking soda for scouring Linoleum Floors/Counter Tops/ General cleaner: Mix vinegar with drops of essential oil (like lavender) Wood Floors/Wood Furniture: Mix vinegar with drops of olive oil (to keep moisture in wood) and drops of essential oil (lemon if you want the Pledge smell) For Clogged Drains: Pour one cup baking soda followed by one cup vinegar into drain. Let it foam and remain there for 30-60 minutes. Flush drain with 1 gallon of boiling water. Works great!
"A cleaning product need not be a strong chemical to be powerful."
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DON'Tfall off.
Maintaining Spiritual Victories – Rochelle Mekowulu
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I Safeguards must be put in place to ensure nothing comes between our souls and our Savior.
recently started exercising again. And you know how it is the first few days, everything in your body screams. A few months ago, I was introduced to High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Now the purpose of this is not to give a dissertation on HIIT, but you need to know that it is serious and very intense. HIIT, in addition to my standard walks, is now a regular part of my exercise routine. And my body is currently having a love/hate relationship with me. Nevertheless, the Lord has been showing me some wonderful lessons during my exercise sessions. It is simply amazing how even in the simplest activities of life the Lord is longing to teach us spiritual truths.
it is to regain the first love experience when once it has been lost. We all remember the freshness of when we first met Christ, how we longed to spend time with Him in prayer and Bible study. Yet at times we lose that fervor and when we try to regain it, the road back seems twice as hard. That which was the joy of our heart at times can seem like a chore. While not impossible, it is very hard to restore something once it has been lost.
I am no stranger to exercise but The lesson that the Lord was seekbecause of a number of factors I ing to show me was the imporleft doing regular vigorous exertance of preserving and maintaincise for a number of months. Oh ing the ground or victories that yes, I would go walking but not with He gives. If not, then we make life the intensity that would really make more difficult for ourselves. Safeit count as exercise. But the Lord guards must be put in place to enhas been merciful and I am back sure nothing comes between our on my routine. When I began again, souls and our Savior. the way my body responded was as though exercise was a foreign Yes, God in mercy is willing to language that I was learning for the help us should we lose our way, first time. Things that before had but He desires even much more been simple, as a result of consisto make it so that we will never tency, seemed twice as hard. Muslose our way. This is the thought cles that use push through rou1. to Roger-Pamplona, G. (2003). expressed in 1 John 2:1. Two of tines now were in rebellion. They Encyclopedia of foods and their healing the best safeguards we can put in had become weak a lack power, (Vol.through 1, p. 39). Hagerstown, place are regular prayer and Bible of use. Maryland: Review and Herald Pub. Assn. study. Satan knows that if He is able to get us to neglect that we The Lord showed me a spiritual will be overcome by his temptalesson. Hebrews 6:4-6 speaks tions. Therefore, it is important that of the difficulty of renewing those we set times for those activities who have once known the truth but and guard jealously those hours. have turned their backs on it. It is I am committing to making sure I not that God is unable or unwilling do not lost any more ground, will to save, but it is a hard road back. you join me? And if you have lost Now you and I may not have fallen ground it is not too late to regain it. away in the sense of the scripture, but we can all relate to how difficult 11
M
THE ONLY REASON FOR
L
ove as the world defines it and love as the Word defines it are in total discord. The world holds that love is an intense romantic attachment, where the Bible concludes that "God is love" (1 John 4:8, 16). A courtship that ultimately leads to marriage and finally children does not guarantee perfect bliss. If this were the case, divorce rates would not be so alarmingly high. Marriage entails much more; therefore, the preparatory steps to marriage, which is courtship, also entails more.
The wise king Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 12:13 that the sole duty of man is to "Fear God, and keep
arriage
His commandments." Jesus, in Matthew 22:37-40, sums up the keeping of the commandments by saying, love God and love your neighbor as yourself. Our love for parents, siblings, friends, husbands and even enemies is intertwined with our love for God. If you cannot obey your earthly father whom you have seen, how can you obey your Heavenly Father whom you have not seen? If you cannot submit yourself to your earthly husband whom you live with, how then can you be submissive to He who resides in heaven? If you cannot forgive someone who has done you harm, how can you expect forgiveness from God (see Matt. 6:14,15)?
not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs‌It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Cor. 13:4-7, NIV). If our patience was never tested, our temper never tried, or if our trust was never abused, how could we relate? We are extremely emotional beings; we feel deeply. We oftentimes, however, allow the devil to control and abuse these emotions that God intended to bring us closer to Him. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me" (Ex. 20:3) was written by the holy finger of God and is the first commandment for this very reason; there is great danger in idolizing anything or anyone before God.
God uses these earthly ties to teach us lessons for eternity. It would therefore be impossible to identify with Paul when The purpose of marriage lies in he states that, "Love is patient, the purpose of life itself: "And love is kind. It does not envy, it this is life eternal, that they does not boast, it is not proud. might know thee the only true It does not dishonor others, it is God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (Jn. 17:3). The sole purpose of life is to know the Father and the Son, and this knowledge is manifested through love. It is only for this reason that we are given human relationships and emotions.
"Our love for parents, siblings, friends, husbands and even enemies is intertwined with our love for God." 1212 10
– Sarah Victor
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"The purpose of marriage lies in the purpose of life itself." No woman should for a second think that because she is not called to marriage, that she does not have a responsibility to cultivate the traits of a wife. Our first work as Christ's bride is to learn to be submissive to Him, to use all our God given emotions to love Him with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind, and with all our strength (see Luke 10:27). How can we accomplish this practically? We must make Him our closest friend. Tell Him all of our intimate thoughts and all of the desires of our hearts. We should let Him know that we cannot stand to spend a single second away from His presence. It is only then, that Christ will dwell with us, as a husband dwells with his wife. His joy will then be full in us and we will be capable of sharing that love with another, so that they too may know Him. What is the only reason that we should ever consider entering into a marriage relation? Enter a marriage only if it will bring you into a closer relationship with God and help to advance His finishing work having His image recreated in man. Let us use these earthly ties to learn from them the doctrine of love. Then will we be able to boldly proclaim in our own homes, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh. 24:15).
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"Enter a marriage only if it will bring you into a closer relationship with God and help to advance His finishing work – having His image recreated in man."
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Millet
Parfait – Akilah Ballard
Ingredients: 2 cup Millet soaked overnight 4 cup Water 1/2 tsp. salt 3 cup Coconut milk (divided) 1 cup Raw unfiltered honey 2 tsp. Alcohol-free vanilla extract (optional) 1 tsp. Coriander 1 tsp. Cardamom
Directions: Drain water from soaked millet and rinse in strainer. Place millet, salt, water and 2 cups of coconut milk in crockpot and cook on a low setting until liquid is absorbed and millet is fully cooked. Spoon half of the cooked millet into blender, adding remaining three ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour blended millet into a large bowl. Next blend the remaining millet and honey together until smooth.* Add this mixture to the first half in the large bowl and mix with a spat-
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ula until everything is incorporated. *For easier blending add the liquids to the blender first. Layer millet in a glass with granola and your favorite fruit and enjoy as a parfait! You can also skip the layers and have it as a breakfast porridge dressed up with your favorite toppings! I like mine with fresh and dried fruit, nuts, and shredded coconut :)
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The Present
TRUTH – Jaleesa Almarales
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he Apostle Peter states, "I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth." (2 Peter 1:12) In like manner, this article will not introduce to you new theology, instead it will re-introduce to you the present truth, and for those who have never heard of present truth, we will clearly define it and then practically apply it.
Revelation 14:1 describes 144,000 people who have the name of God written in their foreheads. Today, there are pockets of people throughout the world who desire to be a part of that number and these people also believe in the present truth. So, what is present truth? And what is so important about the 144,000 that these pockets of people desire to be a part of that number? The 144,000 appeared so appealing because they had
the name of God written in their foreheads. We see in Exodus 33:18,19 that God's name is connected with his glory. The word "present" is defined by the dictionary as "the period of time now occurring;" in John 14:6, Jesus is identified as the “truth�. Present truth can be defined as presently living the truth (or Jesus) in your life. So what does it mean to have your life live out Jesus Christ and to have God's name written in your forehead? When Paul
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"This is the present truth for this time: to fully reflect the char Jesus that when He returns we will be able to be with Him for
was speaking to the church at Corinth, he mentioned, that "we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord," (2 Corinthians 3:18). Once we start to behold our lovely Savior Jesus, when we see His perfect sinless life and the sacrifice He has made for us when we were yet sinners, we can be changed to His sinless image. All unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, backbiting, despitefulness, pride, and ALL things that are like this world will be done away with. Revelations 14:4 reads that this special group of people not only 20
lived out the truth in their lives, but followed the Lamb whereveer he went. In John 1:29, we see that Lamb is Jesus and as we established, Jesus is the truth. So, this special group of people followed after the truth where its teachings lead them. We can conclude then, that we can also find present truth whereever Jesus is. Revelation 14:7 tells us to "fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment IS come" this is the everlasting gospel (emphasis supplied). God is presently making judgment on us. The hour of judgment is paralleled to the Day of Atonement (See Leviticus 16:29,30). During that time, the people were to afflict their souls, a needed self-examination in order to make sure there were no cherished sins found within. If there was
found even one sin or if someone decided not to afflict their souls on that day they would have been cut-off from Israel (See Lev. 23:27-29). Similarly, very soon the proclamation will be made "he that is unjust, let him be unjust still... him that is righteous, let him be righteous still." (Revelation 22:11) This is the present truth for this time: to fully reflect the character of Jesus that when He returns we will be able to be with Him for eternity. We can accomplish this only by being sanctified through the truth, which is the word of God (see John 17:17). So far, we’ve identified that present truth is the truth for this present time which is to fully reflect the character of Jesus that when He returns we will be able to be with Him for eternity. But how can we
racter of eternity."
make that practical? Well, let’s take a look at this in light of a big test. I don’t know about you, but whenever I have a big test to take, I try not to wait until the last minute to prepare. However, in the event that I forgot I had a test, and I get a reminder only a few days before, I become a little perplexed. The lack of preparation for the test, combined with the urgency and severity of the event may stir me into action. I may check the syllabus to determine what I will be tested on. I may re-evaluate and reorganize my schedule to include more studying time. I may have to put my friends and social activities on hold and search for a study group to help me with my study. As the day draws closer and the test becomes
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a present reality, I may get my No. 2 pencils all sharpened. The night before, I may go to bed at a decent time and of course in the morning try to get a healthy breakfast. Lastly, I always try to bring a jacket or wear something warm because my testing rooms tend to be pretty cold, which makes me sleepy. Nevertheless, whatever you may do to prepare yourself for an upcoming test, the point is you do something. When you come face to face with the prophecies of this time and the judgment message, you may realize that you have not been preparing for the soon coming of Christ. God, in His mercy, gives us many opportunities to accept this present truth message and it will do nothing but spring the converted heart into action. You now realize that we will be judged according to our characters and our works (see Ecc. 12:14, Rev. 20:12 and 2 Cor. 5:10). As you partake in diligent study of the scriptures you realize that the only way to have your character changed is by beholding Christ (2 Cor. 3:18). As you behold Christ through the scriptures you see that He is about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49), He came to preach the gospel and set captives free (Luke 4:18), He was filled with compassion (Matt 9:36), He knew how to refuse the evil and choose the good (Isa 7:14-15) and most importantly He was without sin (Heb 4:15). As we approach the nearness of the end, there appears to be no time for idleness or frivolous activities. You may begin to realize that the things you once did does not give glory to God and you forsake those things. The people you used
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to spend time with no longer desire your company, and vice versa. You begin to see that the things you used to eat, the way you dressed and even the things you watched or listened to, is no longer in line with the character of Christ. As you continue to grow into the fullness of Christ, in preparation for His coming, you submit your will to your Heavenly Father and allow Him to reform you. Reform you back into the image that you were created in: that sinless image where you can fully reflect His character and glorify Him in the judgment. Lastly, you share this warning message found in Revelation 14, to help others who may not be preparing for Christ second coming, for you know its transforming power and are not ashamed of the gospel (Rom. 1:16). This is practically believing and applying present truth.
"As you continue to grow into the fullness of Christ, in preparation for His coming, you submit your will to your Heavenly Father and allow Him to reform you. Reform you back into the image that you were created in: that sinless image where you can fully reflect His character and glorify Him in the judgment. "
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–
e h t e m e iv ible! G B
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ro o D
ouis L e thé
"For every problem you face, God has a solution for you in the Bible."
t
he words of the song "Give me the Bible" are ringing in my ears even now. Give me the Bible, what a beautiful plea. I can think of thousands of legitimate things to ask for: give me a car, give me a better job, give me a spouse, give me a child. Give me this, give me that. But above all these requests Lord, one thing I ask: give me the Bible. Give me Thy Word. The Psalmist made a similar statement with an earnestness that is inspiring. He said, "I prevented the dawning of the morning and cried: I hope in thy word. Mine eyes prevent the night watches that I might meditate in thy word." (Ps 119:147, 148) I can see him, long before the sun rises, eager to leave his covers just to feed on God's word, because it was more precious to him than sleep, yea, more precious than “fine gold.� (Ps 19:10 KJV) I can see him in the evening, on his knees, feeding again on God's word. It was so sweet, so much sweeter than honey that he would stop the night from coming if he could, just so he could remain in the Word. What devotion!
Biblical characters were not the only ones who cherished the scriptures. We can mention the Waldenses, faithful early Christians of old, for instance. It is said of them that, from earliest childhood, they instructed their youth in the scriptures and taught them to "regard sacredly the claims of the law of God."1 During their time, copies of the Bible were scarce and therefore they committed its precious truths to memory, often entire chapters! Still, their dedication didn't stop there. Because they loved the Bible so much and knew its lifechanging power, they sought to share it with others and multiply the available copies by writing it out, verse by verse, and chapter by chapter. When was the last time you and I had to write out the Bible to share with others? We are blessed to already have the Bible printed in several languages, and yet we do not use it or share it as we should. Of the Waldenses is given this testimony, "The principles of truth they valued above houses, lands, friends, kindred, even life itself".2 Closer to our time, we can cite great reformers like John Wycliffe, John Huss and Martin Luther. These men loved God's word and committed their lives to sharing it: even if it meant ridicule, persecution, or death. Where has gone that flame? What has happened to our generation when it comes to our love for the Word of God? Our lukewarm affection or plain indifference toward the Bible springs from our lack of appreciation of its true value--which is 25
a priceless treasure! These men who sacrificed their lives for the Bible, so that we may have it today, realized that it was not a mere book. They understood that it was God's Word, life-giving words. One of the statements from the pen of Inspiration that depicts the most beautiful and accurate picture of the nature of the Bible is this one: "The creative energy that called the worlds into existence is in the word of God. This word imparts power; it begets life. Every command is a promise; accepted by the will, received into the soul, it brings with it the life of the Infinite One. It transforms the nature and recreates the soul in the image of God.�3 Did you get that? The Bible you have in your room or on your bookshelf is the very Word that created all things in the beginning from nothing; the same Word that brought the dead back to life, and caused the stormy seas to be still. The Bible is not a regular book. It is God's Word; the word that can recreate us into the image of our Maker. If you could hear God speaking with your own ears, would you pass by that opportunity? I hope not. The good news is that you can hear God's voice with your own ears, through the Bible. Open your Bible and let His heart of love whisper in your ears the beautiful plans He has for you. Open your Bible and allow His word to heal your soul. "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them" (Ps 119:165).
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Many of us today are going about broken, purposeless, or lifeless, because we have neglected the source of life and power that is given so freely to us. Through the Scriptures we may connect to the One who is the Source of Life and Healing. Do you want to know Jesus? Study the Bible. (John 5:39). Do you want wisdom and guidance? Study the Bible. (Ps 119:99, 100, 130, 133). Do you want a revival and reformation from within, a new and clean heart? Study the Bible (John 17: 17). Do you want to remain pure and not fall for the enemy's deceptions? Study the Bible! (Ps 119: 101, 104; John 8: 31, 32). For every problem you face, God has a solution for you in the Bible. My friend, the Bible-God's word--is ALIVE, to give us life, joy, purpose and power. Read it, study it, meditate on it, apply it: it will change your life for good. 1. Ellen G. White. The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Publishing Assn,1911), 66 2. Ibid. 3. Ellen G. White. Education, (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Publishing Assn, 1903), 126
"Our lukewarm affection or plain indifference toward the Bible springs from our lack of appreciation of its true value-which is a
priceless treasure."
Open
" your Bible and let His heart of love whisper in your ears the beautiful plans He has for you."
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28 Lilies in the City - February 2015
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