Accomplished or Sidetracked?

Imagine being able to heal people with just a touch—or even a word. Think of the good you could do! For starters, you could cure everyone of cancer. Then you could wipe out tuberculosis, Ebola, and AIDS. You could help war victims. You could heal the blind, deaf, and paralyzed. You’d have the cure for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, mad cow disease, arthritis, diabetes, and all the other diseases that plague the inhabitants of Earth.

If you had such power, the world would flock to your door. You could name your price, and people would be happy to pay it. Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News would feature you on their covers, and Oprah and the other talk show hosts would beg you to be on their programs. It probably wouldn’t be very long before you wouldn’t have much time to help the common people, because all the rich and famous would be pestering you to help them get rid of their acne, wrinkles, and excess weight. And how would you ever have time to share the gospel, when so many people were clamoring to be helped?

How did Jesus avoid falling into such a trap? He knew the dangers that came with being rich, famous, and popular, and He chose to avoid them through a life of poverty and service. He never lost His focus. After all, what good would it do to gain the attention and admiration of the whole world, if He didn’t do the work His Father sent Him to do?

God has a special work for you and me, too. Will we accomplish it—or will we be sidetracked by the things of this world? The choice is ours!

God Cares

I fought the urge to speed as I headed toward the ferry loading ramp. I needed to catch this ferry in order to make my appointment in Spokane, but I’d had some unavoidable delays. Now, a glance at the clock told me I had almost no chance of making it. Worse yet, my gas gauge panel flashed: 30 miles to empty! Saying a quick prayer that God would delay the ferry and help me make it to the next gas station about 30 miles away, I continued on my way. When I pulled up at the ferry ramp—seven minutes late—the ferry was still there! The moment my vehicle came to a stop, the attendant closed the gate and the ferry pushed off. I had made it, praise God!

After leaving the ferry, I began the trip over the beautiful Addy-Gifford road. Suddenly, a piece of white metal on the side of the road caught my eye. It looked familiar, so I stopped to investigate. Sure enough, it was an important part that had come off my trailer on a previous trip! I gratefully thanked God for the unexpected blessing and continued.

I drove as efficiently as possible, but the mountain road consumed the fuel much faster than the vehicle had calculated. Soon the gauge read, “0 miles to empty”—and I still had five miles to go. I drove those last five miles on empty, and as I pulled into the gas station, I couldn’t help but praise God for the third unexpected and undeserved blessing. Do you think anyone could convince me that God doesn’t care for His children? Not a chance!

Oblivious Scuba Diver

On one of our Mission Experience retreats, I had the privilege of scuba diving with two girls taking their very first dive. The dive instructor gave them a quick mini course in diving, and then we escorted them underwater.

The dive instructor led with “Cara.” Almost immediately he took hold of Cara’s tank to help keep her steady. I followed with “Emma,” and I soon realized I’d have to do the same for her, to keep her from shooting to the surface or rocketing to the bottom. The girls did well for their first dive, but they definitely did not have their buoyancy under control!

Back on the beach, Emma told Cara, “The dive instructor was holding onto your tank the whole time.
Too bad you weren’t able to dive on your own.” As she continued to tease her friend, it was obvious that she didn’t realize that she had needed just as much help as Cara—that someone had been holding onto her tank, as well!

It reminded me of how oblivious we can be to God’s help in our lives. We can think we are doing pretty well for ourselves, without ever stopping to realize that God’s hand is over us, keeping us steady and helping us along life’s way. In fact, although we seldom think of it, we owe every breath to God.

Hmm. When was the last time I thanked Him for all He does for me? How about you?

Chief Navigator

Dad slowed the car as we approached the intersection while Mom looked back to where I sat with the map. “Which way do we turn?”

I traced the road with my finger. “Left.”

Dad disagreed. “I think last time we came this way I turned right.” I felt a little perturbed. Dad had designated me “chief navigator” and now he didn’t believe me. I decided to let it go. I had just learned how to read maps and I could easily have made a mistake. As we turned right, I settled back in my seat. I would soon see a famous bridge and I couldn’t wait!

A few miles later, it became obvious that we were going the wrong way. There was no bridge and the road signs indicated that we were approaching a town that wasn’t where we wanted to be. We turned around and soon reached our destination.

I’m afraid I’ve done similar things in my life—when God has given me directions. His plans for me are always perfect. He has mapped out my course and He knows every curve and bump in the road. Still, I sometimes think I have a better idea and I set off on my own way. It never works out well, and ends in wasted time, hurt feelings, and lost opportunities. How much better it is to keep my heart open and my will surrendered to His guidance! He knows the map better than I ever can, and only in following His directions can I reach my destination.

New Heart

Although my friend Charlotte was still a young woman, she was dying of heart disease. Charlotte tried every medicine she could find, but she could not heal herself. Her heart was sick, and she knew she was going to die.

Charlotte told me of her desperation and her frantic visits to heart specialists. Finally a doctor held out some hope—if she could get a heart transplant, she might live. But someone would have to die in order for her to receive that heart.

Charlotte put her name on the list and waited. One day, the call came—a heart was available. Charlotte rushed to the hospital for the surgery. It was a success! But before Charlotte left the hospital, the doctor gave her a solemn warning: If she wanted her new heart to stay healthy, she would have to change her diet. She would have to exercise. She would need regular checkups. And she would need to take the medicine he prescribed.

Charlotte very willingly followed the doctor’s advice—and today she is enjoying a wonderful new life.

Charlotte’s story is full of object lessons for each of us. How many can you find? What is that old, sick heart? Who is the Master Physician? Who had to die? What is the “diet,” the “exercise,” and the “medicine” that He prescribes for each of us?

By the way, Charlotte told me that her worst enemy is her own immune system—her natural self. I can certainly relate—can’t you?

Friendship Sorrows

I had no idea what I’d done. Still, the cruel truth was that one of my best friends didn’t want anything to do with me. If I saw her somewhere and greeted her, she grimaced and turned her head. If she started to enter a room and saw me, she spun around and stalked off.

It was heartbreaking. She and I had shared our hearts with each other. We’d worked together, played together, and prayed together. We’d helped each other out and we’d borne each other’s burdens. But now I felt like an outcast in her presence.

I called her to ask what had caused her sudden scorn, but she hung up as soon as she realized it was me. I wrote to her, but got no reply. I searched my heart for anything I might have said or done to offend her, but came up with no answer. I hoped it was just a temporary problem, but the situation went on for months, until she finally moved away.

How different from the way my Friend Jesus treats me! I’ve done plenty to cause Him to turn away from me. I couldn’t blame Him if He cast me off forever. Instead, He’s always willing to take me back, to put the past aside, and to treat me as if I had never hurt Him.

His love makes me want to show the same kind of friendship to those around me. Even the friend who cast me off!

Joyful Baptism

Clouds hung low in the late October sky, and a chill breeze tingled our ears, but we hardly noticed as we made our way down the steep path leading to the river. Someone began singing “Shall We Gather at the River,” and we all joined in, our anticipation increasing as we reached the riverbank.

After a few moments, my father—the pastor—and my friend Annie waded into the frigid water of this natural baptistry. My dad spoke a few brief words. Then, raising his hand into the sky, he baptized Annie “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” As my friend was immersed under the water and quickly lifted out, cameras flashed and “amens” arose from the shore.

As I watched my friend take this important step in her life, I renewed my own baptismal vows. Annie and I had both chosen to give ourselves to Jesus, to become part of His organized church—part of His family. We knew baptism of itself had no power to make us perfect. Instead, it showed our willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to come into our hearts, dwell in us, and transform us.

The two dripping figures soon stumbled out of the water and wrapped themselves in towels and blankets. Despite the cold weather, our spirits soared with the joy of seeing a new member join God’s family.

The decision to be baptized is one of the most important decisions we can make. If you’ve been delaying, why not talk to your pastor today?

Without Measure

Don’t you love doing chores around the house? Doesn’t it thrill you to realize that you are lightening your parents’ loads and making home better for your siblings?

 If you’re reading in disbelief, I can identify. By the time I was about 12 years old, I was doing a major share of the family’s cooking, cleaning, and laundry. My mom needed to put most of her time and energy into earning a living for our family, and my younger brothers hadn’t developed an appreciable work ethic. I had a rare and special opportunity to minister to my family—but I didn’t always see it as a privilege. In fact, sometimes I felt life was a little unfair.

I wish I’d understood that I was sharing in the experiences of the boy Jesus. I wish I’d realized that there’s nothing better for mind and soul than looking for ways to make others happy. I wish I could say that my life always flowed in currents of sympathy and tenderness—as Jesus’ did.

I can’t go back, of course, but I can invite Jesus to be part of my life today—to fill me with His unselfish love for those around me. I’ve nothing to lose with such a program—and all Heaven to gain!

How about you? Who today could use a kind word and helping hand from you? Are you willing to give without reserve? If so, God will surely bless you without measure!

Hidden Person

It was sort of like hide and seek. Mr. Jacobsen* would go out somewhere along the trail and hide. After 20 minutes, a group of us would try to find him. We had to stay on the trail, but he promised he would be touching the trail, regardless of where or how he hid.

We scoured the trail for an hour without ever glimpsing him. At last, in defeat, we went back to the house and slumped on the porch while Gary went off to tell him we’d given up.

However, he soon came running back. “Guys, you have to come see this! We were so blind!”

He led us out to a long straight stretch in the trail. He motioned to the side. “There he is!” We looked, but didn’t see anything. Just beside the trail sat a mossy stump, some clumps of ferns, and a pile of dirt and forest debris. Just then, a small twig sticking out of the stump began to wiggle. Mr. Jacobsen was part of the stump!

I think back on that day and laugh. But it taught me an important lesson. Sometimes, the things we’re looking for are right under our noses; and if we would just take a moment to really look, we’d have no trouble.

Two thousand years ago, when the priest dedicated baby Jesus to the Lord before the altar, he never suspected he was holding God’s Son. Many of the people who saw that ceremony longed for the Messiah to come. But because they didn’t really look, they didn’t see Him.

How often I make the same mistake! I long for Jesus to fill my heart and my life; and if I would just take the time to really look for Him, I would have all I need.

He is ready to fulfill. Will you join me in looking for Him?

*Names have been changed.

Strawberry Picker

Almost as soon as our family rolled into Walla Walla for the summer, I noticed kids like me spread all across a huge strawberry field, picking fruit. That looks like fun, I thought. They can eat all the strawberries they want, and they get paid, besides! As soon as I had a chance, I signed up to join them.

The next morning, I dragged myself out of bed at 5 am. When I arrived at the field, a man gave me a flat box with a handle. “Pick only the ripe berries,” he told me. “And we don’t want any stems or caps.” He pointed down a long row. “Start there. For every flat you fill, you’ll earn a quarter.”

At first it was fun—and the strawberries tasted wonderful. But soon my back began to ache and my
fingertips grew raw from constantly pinching off the stems. Before the day was half over, I didn’t feel much like eating any berries. By the end of strawberry-picking season, I didn’t care if I ever picked another strawberry.

The next summer, when I saw the strawberry pickers at work, I didn’t suppose they were having a blast. I knew what they were going through, because I’d been there!

That reminds me of one of the reasons I love Jesus so much. He knows what it’s like to live on Earth, because He’s been here, and He’s experienced every sort of temptation and sorrow we will ever have to face.

Water Park Woes

Mom made it clear at the beginning of the week: If I wanted to go to the water park after camp meeting ended, I would have to keep out of trouble while we attended the meetings.

Water parks ranked high on my list of fun summer activities, and I determined to keep my end of the bargain. I paid attention to what the speakers said each day; I didn’t cause trouble while riding the trolley with my friends; and I made sure Mom knew where I was at all times.

My anticipation soared as I imagined the slides and waves I would enjoy on Sunday. But when some older friends invited me to hang out with them instead of attending the Sabbath evening meeting, Mom’s warning faded into the background. However, my pleasure at being part of the crowd soon turned to disappointment. That Sunday I found myself pulling weeds in the garden instead of floating on the lazy river.

I am not the first one to miss out because of ignoring a promise and its conditions. Before Jesus came to Earth as a baby, He told His people when He would come, how to prepare to meet Him, and the benefits they would gain by obedience. Yet, like me, most of them missed out on the rich reward of total faithfulness.

When Jesus returns to Earth again to claim His own, I want to be found faithful. On my own I’d never make it, but He’s promised to give me the help I need to be able to claim the eternal reward!

Build in the Rock

Ever since I could sing, “The wise man built his house upon a rock,” I’ve known that Jesus wants me to be as tightly connected to Him as a house built onto a rock. But I never quite understood how such a thing could be. It always seemed to me that a house perching on a rock would be in grave danger of falling off!

Then I visited Sorrento, a lovely Italian town built on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. As I made my way down the long stairway leading to the harbor, I stopped to admire the stately old buildings at the top of the cliff. But the more I looked, the more puzzled I became. The cliffs were obviously made up of massive pieces of rock. Just as obviously, the buildings silhouetted against the sky were most definitely made of bricks and other building materials. But somewhere in the middle, the line of distinction faded out. No matter how long I looked, I could not tell where the cliff ended and the buildings began. They were literally built into the cliff!

That’s exactly how I want my life to blend with that of my Savior. I want to be so firmly connected with Him that you’d have to destroy Him in order to get to me. Then let the storms come! When I am firmly attached to the Rock, nothing will shake me.

In His strength,

Beware of Wolves

Marie and I became friends before I can remember—our families were just that close. Growing up, we spent countless happy hours playing. As we matured, she and I began discussing deep issues: our dreams for the future, politics, relationships, religion—almost everything. I trusted Marie’s opinions. After all, we had the same religious faith. But during our teens I noticed Marie’s values changing. It started subtly, with remarks that she didn’t see any point to certain principles our parents had raised us to keep. Puzzled, I studied the issues myself and brought Marie the evidence. She would shrug, and I could tell she wasn’t convinced. Did she not believe the written Word—or was I somehow wrong?

Before long, Marie started changing her music, clothing, entertainment, and so on. At times, our visits together felt awkward, because of our diverging convictions. Sometimes, I would give in and watch a video with her or try on her clothes. Then I’d go home and review the counsels she’d disregarded—and I’d be convicted afresh. Soon I realized I had to make a choice: to stand for God’s Word no matter what my friend thought, or to go along with her and hope she was right.
I’m glad God helped me stick to His Word. If I hadn’t, I might not be an Adventist today—Marie isn’t.

Jesus warned us to beware of any person or idea, no matter how trusted, that would lead us away from following His instructions. Remember: Sometimes wolves come in surprising costumes!

Your friend,

Broadway Street

When we lived in California’s Bay Area, every once in a while we’d take a trip into San Francisco. It was fun to visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Ghirardelli Square, and Chinatown. However, I didn’t enjoy passing through some of the streets along the way.

One of the worst was Broadway. That street seemed to specialize in evil. Everywhere you looked, garish neon signs advertised many kinds of vice and wickedness, inviting passers-by to indulge in sinful pleasures of all sorts.

Whenever we drove down that street, I always thought of the broad way Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount. For those on this road, self is Number One. Their motto seems to be, “If it feels good, do it; if it tastes good, eat it; if it looks good, try to take it.” This may sound appealing, but there is a big problem: The result of that way of living is sorrow and death.

In San Francisco, we always knew when we had turned onto Broadway. The neon signs told it all. That other broad way may not be so obvious, but you can always tell when you are on it: Just ask yourself, “Who is first in my thoughts and in my heart?”

If the answer is anything but Jesus, take an exit before it’s too late!

Let’s meet on the strait and narrow.

Your friend,
 

Love

I hurried to join the rest of my outreach group on a mission to minister to the homeless. Despite my warm clothing, the cold seeped through, and I shivered at the prospect of spending several hours outside. Then our leader stooped to talk to a man sitting on the sidewalk, huddled beneath a ragged jacket. Suddenly I forgot all about my grumbling.

We found the man a coat and some mittens for his near-frozen hands, and we listened to his story. When our leader urged him to go to a nearby shelter for help, he looked up with a weary expression. “God gave us the Ten Commandments and they’re all about love. I don’t know how we got it so wrong in this country.”

Weeks later, I still couldn’t forget those quiet, convicting words. It’s not only this country that’s gotten it wrong. Far too often I myself turn away from the world around me, forgetting that the One I follow heals the broken and loves the outcasts. When I turn away from my neighbors’ needs, I tell the world that the God I serve doesn’t actually love everyone. What a tragic lie!

God is love, and that’s why the golden rule is the standard of Christianity. I intend to live that rule; so I’m asking Him to teach me to love “in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Yes, it’s easier to turn away. Love costs. But the God of love has transformed my life. I want the world to know Him too.

Your friend,

Of Trains and Thirst

I’ve always been fascinated by model trains, and my husband grew up wishing he had a model train layout. So, when Tony was still a baby, we began making plans to someday construct an HO-scale model railroad for him.

At last, when Tony was about five years old, we decided he was ready for the train. We cleared out half the playroom and set up a huge train table. We laid down several loops of track, and added scenery: mountains, meadows, bridges, roads, buildings, trees, people, and vehicles. Finally, we connected the engine to the cars, set them on the tracks, and turned the switch. The little train worked perfectly!

When all was ready, we called Tony and unveiled the surprise. At first he was delighted, but soon it became clear that he was simply too young to be able to take care of such an elaborate and delicate plaything. By the time he was old enough to properly appreciate model trains, he had lost interest. We sold the whole setup to someone for $100.

This experience was an expensive lesson in the importance of really wanting something before we get it. I’m glad that our all-wise God lets us hunger and thirst for His blessings before He showers them down upon us!

Are you thirsty yet?

Your friend,

12 x 12 = 140. Or Not.

An argument had broken out on the playground! From our favorite hideout, my best friend and I watched, wondering what the trouble was this time. Then Darla marched over to us. “Cheyenne, what is 12 times 12? Kylie thinks she knows everything, but she’s wrong.”

Panic froze my brain. As second graders, we hadn’t learned multiplication yet, but I had heard my brother reciting this equation. What was the answer? I had to say something! Faking a confident smile, I said what came to mind: “140.”

Soon Kylie stomped up, arms crossed. “It is not 140.” Her glare injected me with dread. “It’s 144.”

“Well, Hud said . . .” I stopped, confused and embarrassed. I had a feeling Kylie was right, but how could I admit that?

“See! You don’t really know.” Kylie strutted off.

The other girls exchanged uneasy glances. “Well, I believe Cheyenne,” Darla said. The rest nodded.
When Kylie asked the teacher, the whole class found out that I had been wrong. They trusted my answers a little less after that—and I learned that it’s better to admit it if I’m not sure!

You can’t share information unless you really know it, whether math solutions or spiritual truths. Just so, you can’t lead people to Christ unless you really know Him. People will doubt what you say about Him if your actions show you’re not really connected.

I want my words and my life to be trustworthy, leading others to Christ. That means I’ll need to abide in Him—every day!

Your friend,

Crazy Attack

Footsore and weary, I eased onto the log situated close to the fire circle, enjoying a lovely view of the lake. What a welcome place to spend the evening!

Just then my parents’ dog lunged for one of the stones in the fire ring. Growling, Ellie snapped at the rock, then kicked it away and chased after it. With a great pounce, she stopped its roll and continued attacking. Even when my parents scolded her to stop, the dog kept biting and growling. The way she lit into it, I could almost have believed her prey was alive!

Watching, I wondered what made this friendly Border collie so ferocious toward a harmless stone. Did the rock smell like a dangerous animal, or perhaps a savory meal? Why didn’t Ellie attack any of the other rocks in the fire pit? When it didn’t fight back, couldn’t she tell that the stone wasn’t actually a threat?

Suddenly I realized that we humans make the same sort of illogical attacks. Far too often, we assault innocent people with criticism, gossip, resentment, and bitterness, just because they did something we didn’t appreciate. If you think about it, though, our condemnation and criticisms make about as little sense as attacking a rock. The difference is that our judging can hurt many people!

It’s no wonder that Jesus spoke strongly against judging. As you study this subject, I hope you’ll let God convict your heart—and submit to any changes He may ask you to make.

Pressing upward,
 

A Shirt Named "Joe"

What color is your favorite shirt? My dad has a favorite hiking shirt that’s a rusty orange, but the retailer poetically named the color “Navajo Joe.” Papa finds this so comical that he calls his shirt “Joe.” When he first bought the shirt, he mentioned it often. When the wind picked up, when clouds blocked the sun, or when the evening chill settled into camp, Pa would remark about putting on Joe.
I’ve known several Joes, but a certain Joe stands out—a good friend for many years. Almost every time Pa referred to that shirt, I thought of Joe—so when the shirt was new and Pa spoke of it often, I had many reminders of my friend!

One afternoon in the backcountry, we paused on the trail for Pa to take off Joe. I looked around me at the stunning mountain scenery. Each peak told me that God loves me. My eyes traced a green ridge down to a shining aqua lake. It said the same thing! The sun beamed down my Father’s care, and the birds sang about it. That’s when I realized that God has put more than a thousand reminders of His love into nature—and daily life. If I’m listening, I’ll hear His name continually—much more often than Pa could ever mention Joe!

I’m glad God says “I love you” so often, because I need the reminders. When I take them to heart, I realize I don’t have one good excuse to worry. My Father cares!

Hiking heavenward,

African Treasures

A number of years ago, our family spent a couple of years on a remote mission station in Zaire, now known as Democratic Republic of Congo. When it came time to return home, we decided to leave most of our goods in Africa. They were hardly worth taking home! However, we had acquired some valuable African curios, including an ancient copper trading piece, some malachite sculptures, and several other rare and exotic items. Carefully wrapping our treasures, we packed them in a 55-gallon drum. Then, to make sure that they wouldn’t be stolen, we welded the barrel shut and added a big lock.

After we returned home, we waited eagerly for the arrival of our valuables. But months passed, and still the drum did not come. We finally realized that we were never going to see it.

Although we were disappointed, we’ve managed just fine without our African treasures. I can’t even remember what they looked like. However, that experience was a very good reminder of how easily we can lose our earthly possessions. No matter how hard we try to secure our valuables, they can still be taken from us. In fact, we can’t be sure of keeping anything on this earth.

Thankfully, I can lay up treasure in Heaven—using God’s fail-safe plan. You can, too. I hope you’ll take the time to learn all about it in this week’s Bible lesson.

Your friend,