Lesson 13                                           December 23 - 29

 

                                                                To Make a Disciple

 Memory Text: (Prov 3:1 NRSV)  My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;

 Scripture from the NEW KINGS JAMES VERSION Copyright © 1982:Used by permission

 

Sabbath Afternoon

Education, p. 17

The Holy Scriptures are the perfect standard of truth, and as such should be given the highest place in education. To obtain an education worthy of the name, we must receive a knowledge of God, the Creator, and of Christ, the Redeemer, as they are revealed in the sacred word.  {Ed 17.1}

     Every human being, created in the image of God, is endowed with a power akin to that of the Creator-- individuality, power to think and to do. The men in whom this power is developed are the men who bear responsibilities, who are leaders in enterprise, and who influence character. It is the work of true education to develop this power, to train the youth to be thinkers, and not mere reflectors of other men's thought. Instead of confining their study to that which men have said or written, let students be directed to the sources of truth, to the vast fields opened for research in nature and revelation. Let them contemplate the great facts of duty and destiny, and the mind will expand and strengthen.  (p. 18) Instead of educated weaklings, institutions of learning may send forth men strong to think and to act, men who are masters and not slaves of circumstances, men who possess breadth of mind, clearness of thought, and the courage of their convictions.  {Ed 17.2}

(Prov 22:6 NKJV)  Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

(Prov 3:11, 12 NKJV)  My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; {12} For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

(Prov 13:24 NKJV)  He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

(Prov 12:15 NKJV)  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

(Prov 6:16-19 NKJV)  These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: {17} A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, {18} A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, {19} A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

(Prov 3:1 NKJV)  My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;

Sunday

Parenting

Child Guidance, pp. 38 - 39

   Read to Your Children.--Fathers and mothers, obtain all the help you can from the study of our books and publications. Take time to read to your children. . . . Form a home reading circle, in which every member of the family shall lay aside the busy cares of the day, and unite in study. Especially will the youth who have been accustomed to reading novels and cheap storybooks receive benefit from joining in the evening family study.  {CG 38.1}

     "Train," Not "Tell."--To parents is committed the great work of educating and training their children for the future, immortal life. Many fathers and mothers seem to think that if they feed and clothe their little ones, and educate them according to the standard of the world, they have done their duty. They are too much occupied with business or pleasure to make the education of their children the study of their lives. They do not seek to train them so that they will employ their talents for the honor of their Redeemer. Solomon did not say, "Tell a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." But, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  (p. 39) {CG 38.2}

     Educate for Self-control.--No work ever undertaken by man requires greater care and skill than the proper training and education of youth and children. There are no influences so potent as those which surround us in our early years. . . . The nature of man is threefold, and the training enjoined by Solomon comprehends the right development of the physical, intellectual, and moral powers. To perform this work aright, parents and teachers must themselves understand "the way the child should go." This embraces more than a knowledge of books or the learning of the schools. It comprehends the practice of temperance, brotherly kindness, and godliness; the discharge of our duty to ourselves, to our neighbors, and to God.  {CG 39.1}

     The training of children must be conducted on a different principle from that which governs the training of irrational animals. The brute has only to be accustomed to submit to its master, but the child must be taught to control himself. The will must be trained to obey the dictates of reason and conscience. A child may be so disciplined as to have, like the beast, no will of its own, his individuality being lost in that of his teacher. Such training is unwise, and its effect disastrous. Children thus educated will be deficient in firmness and decision. They are not taught to act from principle; the reasoning powers are not strengthened by exercise. So far as possible, every child should be trained to self-reliance. By calling into exercise the various faculties, he will learn where he is strongest, and in what he is deficient. A wise instructor will give special attention to the development of the weaker traits, that the child may form a well-balanced, harmonious character.  {CG 39.2}

(Prov 22:6 NKJV)  Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

(Prov 22:6 GWT)  Train a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not turn away from it.

(Prov 10:1 NKJV)  The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

(Prov 27:11 NKJV)  My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, That I may answer him who reproaches me.

(Prov 28:7 NKJV)  Whoever keeps the law is a discerning son, But a companion of gluttons shames his father.

(Prov 29:15 NKJV)  The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

(Prov 30:11-14 NKJV)  There is a generation that curses its father, And does not bless its mother. {12} There is a generation that is pure in its own eyes, Yet is not washed from its filthiness. {13} There is a generation; oh, how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. {14} There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, And whose fangs are like knives, To devour the poor from off the earth, And the needy from among men.

(Prov 22:6 NKJV)  Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

 

Monday

Disciplining

(Prov 3:11, 12 NKJV)  My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction; {12} For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

(Prov 13:24 NKJV)  He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.

Education, pp. 288 - 289

   To direct the child's development without hindering it by undue control should be the study of both parent and teacher. Too much management is as bad as too little. The effort to "break the will" of a child is a terrible mistake. Minds are constituted differently; while force may secure outward submission, the result with many children is a more determined rebellion of the heart. Even should the parent or teacher succeed in gaining the control he seeks, the outcome may be no less harmful to the child. The discipline of a human being who has reached the years of intelligence should differ from the training of a dumb animal. The beast is taught only submission to its master. For the beast, the master is mind, judgment, and will. This method, sometimes employed in the training of children, makes them little more than automatons. Mind, will, conscience, are under the control of another. It is not God's purpose that any mind should be thus dominated. Those who weaken or destroy individuality assume a responsibility that can result only in evil. While under authority, the children may appear like well-drilled soldiers; but when the control ceases, the character will be found to lack strength and steadfastness. Having never learned to govern himself, the youth recognizes no restraint except the requirement of parents or teacher. This removed, he knows not how to use his liberty, and often gives himself up to indulgence that proves his ruin.  {Ed 288.1}

     Since the surrender of the will is so much more difficult for some pupils than for others, the teacher should make obedience to his requirements as easy as possible.  (p. 289)  The will should be guided and molded, but not ignored or crushed. Save the strength of the will; in the battle of life it will be needed.  {Ed 288.2}

     Every child should understand the true force of the will. He should be led to see how great is the responsibility involved in this gift. The will is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or choice. Every human being possessed of reason has power to choose the right. In every experience of life, God's word to us is, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15. Everyone may place his will on the side of the will of God, may choose to obey Him, and by thus linking himself with divine agencies, he may stand where nothing can force him to do evil. In every youth, every child, lies the power, by the help of God, to form a character of integrity and to live a life of usefulness.  {Ed 289.1}

     The parent or teacher who by such instruction trains the child to self-control will be the most useful and permanently successful. To the superficial observer his work may not appear to the best advantage; it may not be valued so highly as that of the one who holds the mind and will of the child under absolute authority; but after years will show the result of the better method of training.  {Ed 289.2}

     The wise educator, in dealing with his pupils, will seek to encourage confidence and to strengthen the sense of honor. Children and youth are benefited by being trusted. Many, even of the little children, have a high sense of honor; all desire to be treated with confidence and respect, and this is their right.

Education, pp. 288 - 289 (continued)

They should not be led to feel that they cannot go out or come in without being watched. Suspicion demoralizes, producing the very evils it seeks (p. 290) to prevent. Instead of watching continually, as if suspecting evil, teachers who are in touch with their pupils will discern the workings of the restless mind, and will set to work influences that will counteract evil. Lead the youth to feel that they are trusted, and there are few who will not seek to prove themselves worthy of the trust.  {Ed 289.3}

(Eph 6:4 NKJV)  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

(Col 3:21 NKJV)  Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Child Guidance, p. 525

   More Prayer Means Less Punishment.--We should pray to God much more than we do. There is great strength and blessing in praying together in our families, with and for our children. When my children have done wrong, and I have talked with them kindly and then prayed with them, I have never found it necessary after that to punish them. Their hearts would melt in tenderness before the Holy Spirit that came in answer to prayer.  {CG 525.1}

     Benefits of Solitary Prayer.--It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth-life received  wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn and twilight a quiet season for  communion with their Father in heaven. And throughout the day let them lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our way He says, "I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand; . . . fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13. Could our children learn these lessons in the morning of their years, what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness, would be brought into their lives!  {CG 525.2}

     The Gates of Heaven Are Open to Every Mother.-- When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan after His baptism and offered up prayer in behalf of humanity, the heavens were opened; and the Spirit of God, like a dove of burnished gold, encircled the form of the Saviour; and a voice came from heaven which said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."  {CG 525.3}

     What significance does this have for you? It says that heaven is open to your prayers. It says that you are accepted in the Beloved. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burden at the Saviour's feet. It says that Christ has encircled the race with His (p. 526) human arm, and with His divine arm He has grasped the throne of the Infinite and united man with God, and earth with heaven.  {CG 525.4}

 

Tuesday

Despise Not Correction

(Prov 16:25 NKJV)  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

(Jer 10:23 NKJV)  O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.

(John 15:5 NKJV)  "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

(Phil 4:13 NKJV)  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

(3 John 1:2 NKJV)  Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

(Prov 12:15 NKJV)  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.

(Prov 15:25 NIV)  The LORD tears down the proud man's house but he keeps the widow's boundaries intact.

(Prov 15:25 NKJV)  The LORD will destroy the house of the proud, But He will establish the boundary of the widow.

(Prov 13:18 NKJV)  Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.

(Prov 29:21 NKJV)  He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.

(Prov 17:6 NRSV)  Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents.

(Prov 17:6 NKJV)  Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.

The Ministry of Healing, p. 417

The mechanism of the human body cannot be fully understood; it presents mysteries that baffle the most intelligent. It is not as the result of a mechanism, which, once set in motion, continues its work, that the pulse beats and breath follows breath. In God we live and move and have our being. The beating heart, the throbbing pulse, every nerve and muscle in the living organism, is kept in order and activity by the power of an ever-present God.  {MH 417.1}

     The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy beings, all waiting to do His will. Through these messengers He is in active communication with every part of His dominion. By His Spirit He is everywhere present. Through the agency of His Spirit and His angels He ministers to the children of men.  {MH 417.2}

     Above the distractions of the earth He sits enthroned; all things are open to His divine survey; and from His great and calm eternity He orders that which His providence sees best.

     "The way of man is not in himself:

      It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

     "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. . . .

      In all thy ways acknowledge Him,

      And He shall direct thy paths."

     "The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him,

         Upon them that hope in His mercy;

      To deliver their soul from death,

         And to keep them alive in famine."

     "How precious is Thy loving-kindness, O God! . . .

         The children of men take refuge under the shadow

              of Thy wings."

     "Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help,

         Whose hope is in the Lord his God."

         (p. 418)

     "The earth, O Jehovah, is full of Thy loving-kindness."

         Thou lovest "righteousness and justice."


The Ministry of Healing, p. 417 (continued)

      Thou "art the confidence of all the ends of the earth,

         And of them that are afar off upon the sea:

      Who by His strength setteth fast the mountains,

         Being girded about with might;

      Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, . . .

         And the tumult of the peoples."

     "Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening

            to rejoice."

     "Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness;

         And Thy paths drop fatness."

     "The Lord upholdeth all that fall,

         And raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

      The eyes of all wait upon Thee;

         And Thou givest them their meat in due season.

      Thou openest Thine hand,

         And satisfiest the desire of every living thing."

             Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5, 6; Psalms 33:18, 19;

{MH 417.3}

 (Prov 16:22 NKJV)  Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly.

 (Isa 8:20 NKJV)  To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

 (John 14:26 NKJV)  "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

 (John 16:13 NKJV)  "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

 

Wednesday

What God Hates

(Prov 6:16-19 NKJV)  These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: {17} A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, {18} A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, {19} A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

(Prov 15:26 NKJV)  The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, But the words of the pure are pleasant.

(Prov 20:10 NKJV)  Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD.

(Prov 20:19-22 NKJV)  He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. {20} Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

(Prov 20:22 NKJV)  Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.

(Prov 6:17 NKJV)  A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,

(Job 21:22 NKJV)  "Can anyone teach God knowledge, Since He judges those on high?

(Psa 18:27 NKJV)  For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks.

(Rom 8:2 NKJV)  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

(Prov 15:8 NKJV)  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.

(Prov 21:27 NKJV)  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

(Prov 28:9 NKJV)  One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

(John 6:37 NKJV)  "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

Thursday

Heart Work

 (Isa 29:13, 14 NKJV)  Therefore the LORD said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, {14} Therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work Among this people, A marvelous work and a wonder; For the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, And the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden."

(Mat 15:7-9 NKJV)  "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: {8} 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. {9} And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"

(Rev 3:14-20 NKJV)  "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: {15} "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. {16} "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. {17} "Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'; and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; {18} "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. {19} "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. {20} "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

(Prov 3:1 NRSV)  My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;

(Prov 3:1 NKJV)  My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;

(Prov 23:26 NKJV)  My son, give me your heart, And let your eyes observe my ways.

(Rom 12:2 NKJV)  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Christ’s Object Lesson, p. 74

  Notwithstanding Christ's warning, men have sought to uproot the tares. To punish those who were supposed to be evildoers, the church has had recourse to the civil power. Those who differed from the established doctrines have been imprisoned, put to torture and to death, at the instigation of men who claimed to be acting under the sanction of Christ. But it is the spirit of Satan, not the Spirit of Christ, that inspires such acts. This is Satan's own method of bringing the world under his dominion. God has been misrepresented through the church by this way of dealing with those supposed to be heretics.  {COL 74.1}

     Not judgment and condemnation of others, but humility and distrust of self, is the teaching of Christ's parable. Not all that is sown in the field is good grain. The fact that men are in the church does not prove them Christians.  {COL 74.2}

     The tares closely resembled the wheat while the blades were green; but when the field was white for the harvest, the worthless weeds bore no likeness to the wheat that bowed under the weight of its full, ripe heads. Sinners who make a pretension of piety mingle for a time with the true followers of Christ, and the semblance of Christianity is calculated to deceive many; but in the harvest of the world there will be no likeness between good and evil. Then those who have joined the church, but who have not joined Christ, will be manifest.  {COL 74.3}

     The tares are permitted to grow among the wheat, to have all the advantage of sun and shower; but in the time of harvest ye shall "return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not." Mal. 3:18. Christ Himself will decide who are worthy to dwell with the family of heaven. He will judge every man according to his words and his works. Profession is as nothing in the scale. It is character that decides destiny.  (p.  75) {COL 74.4}

(Rev 18:1-4 NKJV)  After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. {2} And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! {3} "For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury." {4} And I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

The Great Controversy, pp. 390, 464

Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness and alienation from God that exist in the churches which constitute Babylon, the great body of Christ's true followers are still to be found in their communion. There are many of these who have never seen the special truths for this time. Not a few are dissatisfied with their present condition and are longing for clearer light. They look in vain for the image of Christ in the churches with which they are connected. As these bodies depart further and further from the truth, and ally themselves more closely with the world, the difference between the two classes will widen, and it will finally result in separation. The time will come when those who love God supremely can no longer remain in connection with such as are "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."  {GC 390.1}

     Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion.

The Great Controversy, pp. 390, 464 (continued)

This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work. When those that "believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:12), shall be left to receive strong delusion and to believe a lie, then the light of truth will shine upon all whose hearts are open to receive it, and all the children of the Lord that remain in Babylon will heed the call: "Come out of her, My people" (Revelation 18:4).  {GC 390.2}

     (p. 464) Notwithstanding the widespread declension of faith and piety, there are true followers of Christ in these churches. Before the final visitation of God's judgments upon the earth there will be among the people of the Lord such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnessed since apostolic times. The Spirit and power of God will be poured out upon His children. At that time many will separate themselves from those churches in which the love of this world has supplanted love for God and His word. Many, both of ministers and people, will gladly accept those great truths which God has caused to be proclaimed at this time to prepare a people for the Lord's second coming. The enemy of souls desires to hinder this work; and before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavor to prevent it by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power he will make it appear that God's special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvelously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.  {GC 464.1}

     In many of the revivals which have occurred during the last half century, the same influences have been at work, to a greater or less degree, that will be manifest in the more extensive movements of the future. There is an emotional excitement, a mingling of the true with the false, that is well adapted to mislead. Yet none need be deceived. In the light of God's word it is not difficult to determine the nature of these movements. Wherever men neglect the testimony of the Bible, turning away from those plain, soul-testing truths which require self-denial and renunciation of the world, there we may be sure that God's blessing is not bestowed.  (p. 465) And by the rule which Christ Himself has given, "Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16), it is evident that these movements are not the work of the Spirit of God.  {GC 464.2}

Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 41

     A View of the Conflict   In vision I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world's insignia; the other was led by the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel. Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. An angel flying in the midst of heaven put the standard of Immanuel into many hands, while a mighty general cried out with a loud voice: "Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Christ now take their position. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters. Let all who will come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty."  {8T 41.1}

     The battle raged. Victory alternated from side to side. Now the soldiers of the cross gave way, "as when a standardbearer fainteth." Isaiah 10:18. But their apparent retreat was but to gain a more advantageous position. Shouts of joy were heard. A song of praise to God went up, and angel voices united in the song, as Christ's soldiers planted His banner on the walls of fortresses till then held by the enemy. The Captain of our salvation was ordering the battle and sending support to His soldiers. His power was mightily displayed, encouraging them to press the battle to the gates. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.  {8T 41.2}

     At last the victory was gained. The army following the banner with the inscription, "The commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," was gloriously triumphant.

Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 41 (continued)

The (p. 42) soldiers of Christ were close beside the gates of the city, and with joy the city received her King. The kingdom of peace and joy and everlasting righteousness was established.  {8T 41.3}

(Ezek 36:26, 27 NKJV)  "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. {27} "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

(Rom 7:14 NKJV)  For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

(Rom 7:24, 25 NKJV)  O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? {25} I thank God; through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

(Prov 20:9 NIV)  Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?

(Prov 20:9 NKJV)  Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin"?

(Rom 3:23 NKJV)  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Messages to Young People, p. 112

 Satan may whisper, "You are too great a sinner for Christ to save." While you acknowledge that you are indeed sinful and unworthy, you may meet the tempter with the cry, "By virtue of the atonement, I claim Christ as my Saviour. I trust not to my own merits, but to the precious blood of Jesus, which cleanses me. This moment I hang my helpless soul on Christ." The Christian life must be a life of constant, living faith. An unyielding trust, a firm reliance upon Christ, will bring peace and assurance to the soul.  {MYP 112.1}

     Be Not Discouraged  Be not discouraged because your heart seems hard. Every obstacle, every internal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. Look to Him for special grace to overcome your peculiar faults. When assailed by temptation, steadfastly resist the evil promptings; say to your soul, "How can I dishonor my Redeemer? I have given myself to Christ; I cannot do the works of Satan." Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice every idol, and to put away every darling sin. Let the eye of faith see Jesus standing before the Father's throne, presenting His wounded hands as He pleads for you. Believe that strength comes to you through your precious Saviour. (p. 113) {MYP 112.2}

(Prov 4:23 NIV)  Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

(Prov 4:23 NKJV)  Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

 

Friday

(2 Sam 11 NKJV)  It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David remained at Jerusalem. {2} Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king's house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. {3} So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, "Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"

{2 Sam 11:4-27} Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. {5} And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, "I am with child." {6} Then David sent to Joab, saying, "Send me Uriah the Hittite." And Joab sent Uriah to David. {7} When Uriah had come to him, David asked how Joab was doing, and how the people were doing, and how the war prospered. {8} And David said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." So Uriah departed from the king's house, and a gift of food from the king followed him. {9} But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants of his lord, and did not go down to his house.

{2 Sam 11:10-27} So when they told David, saying, "Uriah did not go down to his house," David said to Uriah, "Did you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?" {11} And Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are encamped in the open fields. Shall I then go to my house to eat and drink, and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing." {12} Then David said to Uriah, "Wait here today also, and tomorrow I will let you depart." So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. {13} Now when David called him, he ate and drank before him; and he made him drunk. And at evening he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but he did not go down to his house. {14} In the morning it happened that David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by the hand of Uriah. {15} And he wrote in the letter, saying, "Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retreat from him, that he may be struck down and die." {16} So it was, while Joab besieged the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew there were valiant men. {17} Then the men of the city came out and fought with Joab. And some of the people of the servants of David fell; and Uriah the Hittite died also. {18} Then Joab sent and told David all the things concerning the war, {19} and charged the messenger, saying, "When you have finished telling the matters of the war to the king, {20} if it happens that the king's wrath rises, and he says to you: 'Why did you approach so near to the city when you fought? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? {21} 'Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Was it not a woman who cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you go near the wall?'; then you shall say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.'" {22} So the messenger went, and came and told David all that Joab had sent by him. {23} And the messenger said to David, "Surely the men prevailed against us and came out to us in the field; then we drove them back as far as the entrance of the gate. {24} "The archers shot from the wall at your servants; and some of the king's servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also." {25} Then David said to the messenger, "Thus you shall say to Joab: 'Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Strengthen your attack against the city, and overthrow it.' So encourage him." {26} When the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. {27} And when her mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD.

(2 Sam 12:1-25 NKJV)  Then the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: "There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. {2} "The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. {3} "But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him. {4} "And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man who had come to him; but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." {5} So David's anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the LORD lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! {6} "And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity." {7} Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. {8} 'I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! {9} 'Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon.

{2 Sam 12:10-25} 'Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' {11} "Thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. {12} 'For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.'" {13} So David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan said to David, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. {14} "However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die." {15} Then Nathan departed to his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it became ill. {16} David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. {17} So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. {18} Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, "Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!" {19} When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" And they said, "He is dead." {20} So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate. {21} Then his servants said to him, "What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food." {22} And he said, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who can tell whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?' {23} "But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." {24} Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her. So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the LORD loved him, {25} and He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet: So he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.

(Psa 51 NKJV)  Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. {2} Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. {3} For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me. {4} Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight; That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. {5} Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me. {6} Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. {7} Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. {8} Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. {9} Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. {10} Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. {11} Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. {12} Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. {13} Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. {14} Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, The God of my salvation, And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. {15} O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. {16} For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. {17} The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart; These, O God, You will not despise. {18} Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; Build the walls of Jerusalem. {19} Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, With burnt offering and whole burnt offering; Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

Education, pp. 287 - 297 (not included with lesson help)

The Ministry of Healing, p. 471

   It is because God is leading them that these things come upon them. Trials and obstacles are the Lord's chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified.  {MH 471.1}

     The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines. The blacksmith puts the iron and steel into the fire that he may know what manner of metal they are. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be placed in the furnace of affliction to prove what temper they are of and whether they can be fashioned for His work.  {MH 471.2}

     The potter takes the clay and molds it according to his will. He kneads it and works it. He tears it apart and presses it together. He wets it and then dries it. He lets it lie for a while without touching it. When it is perfectly pliable, he (p. 472) continues the work of making of it a vessel. He forms it into shape and on the wheel trims and polishes it. He dries it in the sun and bakes it in the oven. Thus it becomes a vessel fit for use. So the great Master Worker desires to mold and fashion us. And as the clay is in the hands of the potter, so are we to be in His hands. We are not to try to do the work of the potter. Our part is to yield ourselves to be molded by the Master Worker.  {MH 471.3}