Stewards of Service

The Bible says that nature speaks of the Glory of God, which is His character. Sister White stresses the importance of this by telling us to study the lessons in nature. She says in Our High Calling, page 253: “Everything about us teaches us from day to day lessons of our Father's love and of His power, and of His laws that govern nature and that lie at the foundation of all government in heaven and in earth.” Let’s take a tree as an example. A mature tree uses precious earthly resources: it occupies space, utilizes air (Carbon-dioxide we exhale), water, and absorbs sunlight. In turn, we use the oxygen the tree exhales, and we take advantage of its shade. Is this a fair exchange? Many trees yield fruit that when consumed, is not only tasteful to our palate, but it is good for our health. Trees cannot consume fruits, as can we. There are other parts of the tree, which we utilize as well, such as the leaves and the wood of the tree for papers as well numerous other products. It seems that human beings benefit more from trees then the three do from us. So, all the resources that trees use, end up being for our benefit. And, it seems that trees do this – that is: serve us – selflessly. Well wouldn’t you say, If trees were stewards they would manage God’s entrusted resources to benefit us, mankind.

Our analogy of the tree is really on of stewardship and serving others. When a steward is faithful to God, his service is selfless. But, in our natural sinful state, we are selfish. We think only of ourselves. When we give to others or do for them it is because we expect the service to be of benefit for us. Often we expect a tangible return, such as money or other favors – tickets, meal, gift certificate, etc. Other times the benefit we derive from serving others is intangible. We want to be seen to gain favor. Frequently, we serve out of feelings of guilt, coercion, or fear. We hope to be relieved from doom. Thus we misuse God’s resources for our own benefit, even though we claim we are using these resources to serve others.

A true Christian - at whatever level - is a faithful Steward. Just as a mature tree yields fruit, he or she will yield fruit (Galatians 5:22-25). The Spirit of God that dwells in him springs forth this fruit, because the fruit is the character of God himself. Therefore, service is not out of guilt, coercion, or fear. The true Christian does not expect to gain absolution, freedom, or peace. The service of a true Christian, in whom the Spirit dwells, is motivated by Agape – God’s unconditional love – and the driving force is really gratitude. A true follower of Christ gives and serves freely, for he has received freely (Matthew 10:8).

Typically we do not equate stewardship with the selfless serving of others. As a steward serves his Master by caring for his assets, he does as the Master wishes. What are the Master’s wishes? “…but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). Perhaps the following text from Matthew 25 will illustrates what this means:

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Matthew 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Matthew 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Matthew 25:35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matthew 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
Matthew 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Matthew 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
Matthew 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Matthew 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
Matthew 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Matthew 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Matthew 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
Matthew 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Faithful stewards are sheep who unknowingly serve their Lord by serving those in need. Unfaithful stewards are the goats who served others but for personal gain. What is the difference between the two? It is Agape – God’s unconditional love. The type of love that the Father is, which drove Him to give to all human beings “…His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This love made Jesus weep because of the harm Sin had done to His humanity (John 11:35). This love can only be found in us when we permit the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. This love makes us faithful stewards who serve others, as they are needful, as we were serving Christ Himself. Will you let the Spirit transform you into a faithful steward serving others as the Lord wishes?

Raul Diaz & Maria Greaves-Barnes

The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/

Lord Of Our Worship

A very successful businessman named Tim, was once giving a talk on the importance of treating others well. He spoke at great length on showing genuine interest to both clients and employees. According to Tim, “If you treat people well, they will be pleased to see you and if you make yourself approachable they will come to you and be more than willing to do business with you." Tim then related a personal anecdote about his wife, his dog, and himself. He said, “Over time, I observed my wife, Lisa, at various social affairs, so affectionate with others that she drew them to herself. The host, guests, and even the hired help all greeted her warmly while I got the usual treatment of, ‘Good Evening, Mr. Hill.’ While I was glad that everyone loved Lisa, I realized that that I also felt angry. 'Maybe,' I thought to myself, 'I'm just being selfish.' However, later that evening, as I was reflecting on the day, I realized that what was really bothering me was that my wife did not respond to me in the same loving was as she treated strangers. That angered me. To make matters worse, upon arriving home, our dog ran straight to her, wagging his tail, and licking her hands, as she made lovey-dovey comments to him, calling him by his pet names. I stood in the doorway observing this Kodak moment with anger. Lisa must have noticed, for she asked me, ‘what’s wrong dear?’ Frustrated, I answered, 'Why aren't you ever affectionate like that with me?' 'What do you mean?’ she asked. Begrudgingly, I explained, ‘you greeted everyone at the party with a smile, and you even hugged and kissed them, and now this; even our dog gets more attention from you than I do.’ Looking at me mischievously, Lisa then said with the sweetest possible voice, ‘If you acted like the dog does when he sees me, you would get more of what he gets.'

You see, Tim's wife, and their dog had an ongoing relationship of trust. Tim however did not seem to have ongoing intimacy with his wife. As such, he became needlessly jealous of the dog's place of affection in his wife's heart. He was even envious of the attention and affection others had for his wife. Poor Tim, he is entitled to so much more of his wife's love and care, yet is willing to settle for that given to strangers and pets. As adults in a loving union with Christ, our adoration and attention should be His. Anything that steals the affections rightly belong to Him, has no place in our hearts. A heart filled with gratitude and praise to Christ is a heart that naturally spills over to others in works of mercy. This is the ultimate demonstration of worship.

According to the Greek lexicon, the word "Worship" means "to kiss The hand," which could certainly conjure up a picture of a dog licking his master's hand. For those of you who don't like or have pets, this could be a very unpleasant analogy. But here's a question for you, "Have you thought about the way in which you welcome God?" Are you as happy to see Him, as a pet (dog) is happy to see his master? Dogs may not agape their masters, but most tend to be very affectionate, loyal and forgiving; no matter what, they tend to come back to you. As human beings, God made us to have dominion over the animals. As such I am sure He wants more than simple-minded worship from us. Yet, many of us don't even adore Christ as much as these 'dumb' animals do. Lest you be offended by the use of the term 'dumb' to describe animals, remember, that as human beings we were made a little lower than the angels. We can feel and think, animals can feel and intuit; and there's a world of difference between the two.

In the New Testament, the word translated as "worship" means "to kneel or prostrate oneself in homage through obeisance, as a method of expressing respect or making supplication. The idea of kneeling or prostrating oneself implies the concept of inferiority and superiority in terms of rank; The one who kneels or lays prone is of lesser rank. In a very real sense, when we bow down and worship, we are acknowledging Christ's superior rank. Yes, it is possible to submit to Him merely because He has greater rank and stature than we do, however this is not the worship that Christ desires. Christ longs for mature worship springing forth from hearts softened by grace, bathed in the memories of His loving care. Such a heart has bright hopes for a future with Him. No bridegroom wants his bride to await him begrudgingly, thinking that this is the best deal she is going to get, so she'd better take it. What an affront that would be to an intelligent, mature and loving
groom.

Folks, through the prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 55:1, the Lord invites all who hunger and thirst for the bread and water of life to come freely that they may partake, yea, without cost. In John 4:13, 14, Christ says, " Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again (this He said to the Samaritan woman at the well): But whosoever drinketh of this water that I shall give him will never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." Folks, we are not like the Samaritan people who worshipped they knew not what (vs. 22). No, we are those who know that although the Father is Spirit, Christ is flesh and blood, having put on humanity like ours. As such, we understand that God is seeking those who worship Him in Spirit and in truth. We understand and have partaken of the living bread of life who has given His flesh as a ransom for the human race (John 6:51). In light of this we not only have been made righteous and are growing up to the fullness of the measure of the stature of Christ (Romans 5:19, Eph. 4:13), but we along with 'Spirit,' are the 'bride' who together "say 'Come,' and let him that heareth say 'Come,' and whoever is athirst, 'Come;' And whoever will, let him take the water of life freely" Rev. 22:17).

Come all who are listening, come all who are reading, come and take the water of life. Come and praise the One who gave His life a ransom for the many. Come and praise with the heavenly host, and the twenty-four elders, and the angels, the One who was found worthy to open the sealed book and commence vindication of Himself in His people. And, the Spirit and the Bride say 'COME.' Folks, with such a great invitation, what is stopping you? COME!
--
Maria Greaves-Barnes & Raul Diaz

The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/

Lord of Our Labour

A young man approached a group of men who were working diligently and silently on a construction site. As the project was in its initial phase, and had no sign apparent, it was nearly impossible to determine the type of building which would be constructed there. The young man - a passerby -looking at the project commented to himself, "I wonder what they are building here?" Deciding to find out, he approached one of the workers and asked him, “Sir, I am not from this area, but I see that your company is constructing something. Can you tell me what you're doing?" Irritated by the interruption, the construction worker stopped, looked at the visitor sternly and said briskly, “What does it look like I am doing? I am laying bricks!” Taken aback, the young man thought, "although he answered my question, I still don't have any idea what they are constructing -- guess I'd better ask someone else." So, upon thanking the workman, he stepped away. Still curious, the young man approached a nearby workman looking for a better response. Having overheard the previous conversation between the young man and the other construction worker, this worker replied, "I'm putting in the supporting structural beams." Still curious as to the type of building being constructed, the young man moved on. Spotting another worker some distance away, he approached and asked the question, "may I ask what you are working on?" Smiling, the older worker responded, "I am building a cathedral." At last the young man walked away thinking, "this is simply amazing, one building project, three different answers, and only one of the three knew what he was really doing." And indeed it was true, for of the three men, two had answered based on the narrow focus of the job itself. Only one saw the big picture and responded as such. In hearing this story, I wondered, "is this how I'd respond if I'd been working there and was asked about the work I was doing?" So my friends I ask you too, "how would you have
responded?"

So what is work anyway, and why do we do it? Its quite likely that the majority of us view it as something to be done to make a living, and believing this, we do it in exchange for a salary, paycheck, stipend or profit. Yet, if we turn to Genesis 1:26-28; 2:15,19,20, we see the Godhead not only agreeing to create Adam -- the progenitor of the human race -- in Their own image, but commissioning Adam to his work. It is not until after the fall, that work becomes cursed and laborous. In Genesis chapter 3, we see the extent of the curse. But prior to this curse, 'man did not eat by the sweat of his brow, the earth did not yield thistles and thorns, and neither did man have sorrow.' According to Romans 8:23, "... the whole creation (all creatures) groan and travail together in pain... ." So for those of us who've believed that work is a necessary evil as a consequence of the fall, we've been deceived. Work was given to mankind before the fall, and from what we read in Genesis, it seemed pleasurable. (See EGW Notes for this lesson, p. 68).

Before the fall, Adam and Eve had their work, just as the Godhead, and the angels had their work (for heaven is not a place of inactivity). And on the Seventh-Day, all rested. Why, were they weary from the burden of heavy labour? No, of course not. Rest on the Sabbath was not a cessation of labour due to weariness, for there was none. In heaven and on earth there existed perfect balance and completeness in the cycle of work and of rest. What a wonderful concept.

After the Fall, the principle of unconditional (Agape) love died in man, and the principle of "self" reigned instead, degenerating and enfeebling the nature of every living thing. Thus work became irksome and tiring, and we began to think of it as a curse. Men and women no longer worked for the benefit of others, but grudgingly because they had to. Men schemed to work less and profit at the expense of others' labour. Mankind became bound to work in order to eat; 8, 10, 12, 16 hours of labour became the norm. There was no regard for age. If you were old enough to walk and talk and feed yourself, your life became one of unceasing toil. Then the Lord in his mercy enabled not only the passing of child labour laws, but the almost worldwide legislation of other laws to prevent the abuse of common labourers. Given the history of work, it is no wonder we've thought of it as drudgery!

Yes work is tiresome, for if it weren't Christ would not have said in Matthew chapter 11:

Matt. 11:28 Come unto Me, all ye that are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matt. 11:29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matt. 11:30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

At the Cross, Christ redeemed us from the real curse, which is the second death--'or good-bye to life forever.' Thus we belong to Him twice, once by creation, and once by redemption. All that we have is His by right of these two grand acts. The principle of the Kingdom of God is unconditional, self-denying love, and it is opposed to the principle of "self" -- selfishness, self-centeredness, self-aggrandizement. As we follow Christ, the Word changes our priority. No longer seeking our own, we seek His righteousness, and all (these) things are added unto us (Matt. 6:33). When we understand the love of God as displayed on the cross, its principles will actuate us in all our undertakings. What does this mean? It means that we work as He worked, with the bigger picture not only in view, but stamped on our hearts and minds (and I will put my law in your hearts and minds--(Heb. 8:10). What is the law? It is the law of love (for all the law hangs on these two principles, namely -- "Thou shalt love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, and that ye shall love one another as I have loved you" Matt. 22:37, 40 & John 15:12).

"So what does this have to do with work," you say? Just this, much of our work and earning money is really about covetousness, and not about love. We want the things we see around us and often feel that if we've worked hard, we deserve them. Yes, some save for their expenditures, and others borrow; but both alike feel that they are within their right to make purchases as they will. They've paid tithe, and offerings (perhaps), so now the other 90% or so is theirs to do with as they please. Christ has said, "Take heed; and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Luke 12:15).
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or What shall a man give in exchange for his soul" (Matt. 16:26)?

As followers of Christ, we will do the works that He did, not our own, and not for fear of reprisal nor desire for reward. Jesus said that He came to do the will of Him who sent Him, and that of Himself, He could nothing. In light of this, how disappointing it must be to Him that we think "I can choose to do whatever I put my minds to - as long as I'm not hurting anyone," and still call ourselves Christian? Whatever happened to the big picture we're to keep in mind -- that we're strangers and pilgrims passing through on our way to the kingdom of heaven?

Friends, where our treasure is -- whether it be work itself, or the money, perks and benefits we derive from work -- there will our heart be also (Luke 12:24). Christ saw the big picture. He said of His life here on earth, "My meat is to do the will of Him who sent Me...," and "My Father works and hitherto, I work" (John 4:3, John 5:17). Considering His claims of love, can we really choose to do any less than He has done? It is merely unbelief that causes us to think that
Christ does not mean us good. Mary Magdalene stands in stark contrast to the measly gifts of love we offer our Saviour. In purchasing that "ointment" which cost her one years' wages-- and pouring it out on His feet, she gave her all to the Master whom she loved. She knew she was forgiven much, and therefore loved much. So, the question comes to us today, will we choose to let the Master show us the big picture, and work His work of love in us, or will we continue to work as we have?

Maria Greaves-Barnes & Raul Diaz


The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/

I Can Lose Weight "Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

This week I, Raul, will share how the Lord has blessed me, when I have let Him be Lord of my Body-Temple.

I Can Lose Weight "Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Most of my life I have lived a life of pleasure. As someone suggested my life was a life of "whatever - whenever." I drank what I wanted to drink when I wanted. I ate what I wanted to eat when I wanted. The sad part is that although I enjoyed it, I did not truly like the consequences of this lifestyle. It is no surprise that most of my life I have been overweight, if not obese. This is the part I did not like. Like everyone else I tried all sorts of things, but nothing worked. Actually, it seemed like things got worse every time I tried something new. And, people kept asking me when I was going to do something about my weight. In answer to years of intercessory prayer by my loved ones, I finally yielded my will in this matter to God. It was only then that I was enabled to stop trying on my own, and let God do it. And when God took over with my permission, that's when I actually started losing weight consistently, and in a healthy manner.

Now that I have lost more than 100 lbs, the question frequently is, "What are you doing to lose weight?" In the beginning I would give the standard answer, "I'm walking, watching the proportions I eat, and when." Then one day when I was feeling satisfied with my progress, then Christ rebuked me. He told me that I was giving the credit to myself and others that He deserved. You see, I had forgotten that it was really Christ who was doing the work in me. There is only one reason you see results today: I am willing. So now when the question is asked, my answer is, "I am following the Philippians 4:13 plan: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This of course, is puzzling to some people. It was to me, until I read an article, on how the Gospel gives us the power to lose weight, and then it clicked. When I was taking the credit for my weight loss, I was being just like King Hezekiah who, when the Babylonians came to him in search of answers, took all the glory to himself, instead of giving it to God - its Rightful Owner. I have since realized, that its God who does the work, and I just surrender my will -- daily. In the past I was resistant to yielding because I thought I could handle things, but now by His grace I am willing to let Him work in me. Recently as I was relating this new found insight to some friends, one of them caught on and then asked, "So what is God doing for you (now)?" Here is the answer to his question.

1.0 Prayer:
My weight loss is really an answer to prayer. Loved ones who were concerned about my health, prayed for me for at least ten years. God loves to answer prayer that is from the heart and is offered collectively. While He listens to our individual prayer petitions, He responds more quickly to our collective intercession, particularly on behalf of others. So, if you are in need, ask God to send you -- people who delight in being in His presence, and who take sin seriously -- to pray for you.

2.0 Providence:
In His Time and in His way I came across persons as well as information that God used to guide me along to the next step in this journey. As an example, God provided select television and radio shows which provided critical information at the time when I needed it. He also provided two specialists for me to work with (a Physician and a Nutritionist) along with a workbook or two.

2.1 A Book To Read
In early 2003 my sister asked me to watch an Oprah talk show on the topic of weight loss. Immediately I made a face of disgust, and made up an excuse that the show was on too late. But, in the Lord's providence, I ended up watching it. The guest speaker that day was a female author by the name of Laura Mellin, who had written a book entitled, "The Solution." I watched in fascination as she discussed the content of the book. What Laura said that really peaked my curiosity, was that there are about six cures we learn from our parents as we grow up. According to her book, if we learn these six cures our weight will be appropriate for our age, height and bone structure, and will remain stable. If however, these cures are not passed on, or we aren't able to learn them, we are not only likely to overeat, but to become overweight and even obese. The case is not lost however, for if we choose to, we can learn these six cures as adults, from her book. Amazingly, by working in the workbook under the power, direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have resolved many of my past issues, and been relieved of all the baggage that led to my gaining weight. I am so thankful to God for using this process to clean and purify my mind and emotions. Folks, this is what the Holy Spirit is trying to do in all of us. Yes, He has different methods, but the process is the same. This is what Sanctification is all about, the Holy Spirit, with our permission, ridding us of hidden sin. God has used this book to heal me emotionally; for which I am grateful.

2.2 A Specialist To See:
A few years ago being obese started to produce complications. For starters, sciatica pain put me out for a week; a few years after that I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, and soon after found that I had mild levels of arthritis in both knees. To add more insult to injury, I developed two pinched-nerves in the lumbar area of my back. Boy was the pain and discomfort were unbearable. Naturally most of these ailments were all weight related. My primary care physician was so concerned that he recommended I consider a gastric by-pass operation. Fearful, I changed some habits (which I discuss next), but my efforts were inconsistent and half-hearted. In late 2003, I was diagnosed with Diabetes, and when I saw that "Diabetic" label being stuck on my chart, it finally hit me that I was "over my head" in trouble. At that visit, the physician said, "...no more games. You will see a dietician as soon as possible," and I said, "Anything." Finally, I was ready to listen willingly to God, and to hear what He had to say. The Diabetes scared me so much that I knew that I had finally lost control. It was then that I chose -- both emotionally and intellectually to listen and yield (to God); really listening, helped me stop resisting the necessary changes to becoming a healthy individual. Prayerfully I beseeched the Lord that He would show me the right dietician for me. I then approached my Brother-in-Law with the names of dieticians I had been given. He recognized one name immediately, and strongly recommended her as he knew her personally. God answered our prayers in that this dietician was professional, conscientious and explained my new way of eating in a simple manner with examples. She was exactly what I needed, and God provided her in His time and in His way.

3.0 Things I Could Do:
In God's time and in His way He showed me there were things I could do, if only I was willing.

3.1 Walking
He showed me that I could start a walking routine. I was amazed to find that one way of making sure that I exercised consistently, was just to find out what worked, and then do it. In my case, I can walk right after work around my job. Initially I started walking in the immediate vicinity of my job, but over time, I have increased the distance and by His grace, I now walk approximately two miles in 40 to 45 minutes four to five days a week.

3.2 Drinking Water
It is said we need at least 6 - 8 glasses of water daily. Someone else has said that amount is a minimum. The amount of water we drink should correlate with our weight. Ideally, we should drink half our weight in ounces, which means that if you weight 180 pounds you should drink 90 ounces of water. In my case I needed to drink 1½ gallons of water daily, but I don't think I ever accomplished that. Despite this, God showed me how I could come close to drinking the amount my body required. Its fashionable now to carry bottled water, but it wasn't always so. God showed me that I too could carry water with me and thus I would be able to drink as necessary. One of the unpleasant side-affects of drinking so much water is that I have to go to the restroom more frequently, however, unlike before, my urine is clear and odorless.

3.3 Changing Eating Habits
There is a saying that goes: "Have the breakfast of a King, lunch like a queen, and supper like a pauper." The reason this saying is accurate (and it is) is because we typically expend the greatest amount of energy in the morning. Logically then, we should eat our heartiest meal in the morning, to acquire the caloric energy when it is most needed. God showed me it would be better for me to eat dinner in the morning and breakfast in the evening. In this manner I have been able to use the calories when I needed, and not when I am in bed sleeping (and thus gaining weight).

The biggest change came after being diagnosed with Diabetes. God used the Dietician to show me how I could eat the right portions of food, in the right proportion. I learned that I needed to increase the daily volume of salads, vegetables, and fruits as well as to increase the amount of complex (Low Glycemic) carbohydrates I was consuming. This meant that I could eat less sweet, refined flour products, and that fat and proteins needed decreasing as well. I thank God and give Him praise because I have been satisfied. The very first day when I started the diet, I wondered whether it would be enough, and was pleasantly surprised to find out my plate was full. I next asked God in prayer, "Will it hold me?" God answered my prayer that day. Yes, it did. To Him be all Glory.

4.0 Using For My Good What Is Supposed To Be For Evil.
As I mentioned above I had developed a series of health complications due to obesity. These do not include other types of inconveniences such as finding clothes that fit, being too large to sit in certain chairs, and breaking furniture. I also know first hand what diabetes can do to you. God allowed me to be exposed to other people who did not take care of themselves and I saw how they suffered the consequences. I liken diabetes to AIDS, in that one does not die of AIDS but of the complications. It is the same with Diabetes, and its complications are gangrene which leads to amputation, hypertension, which leads to blindness, strokes and heart attacks, and kidney failure. I did not want to experience these for myself. And thus God used various obesity related ailments to motivate me to lose weight. Currently, I am more willing to follow His plan, because I want to live a healthy life. It is a lifestyle change and it is for a lifetime.

5.0 Repentance
Repentance is a gift from God. It means turning around. God convicted me that I had made the wrong choices regarding my health. I chose to accept this and confess it. Thank God for this gift, because He has changed my heart on the issue of health. This isn't a temporary change until I lose the desired weight, but through God's grace I will never return to the old habits.

6.0 He Has Curbed My Desires
God has taken away my desire for forbidden foods. It is not that I do not like sweet junk food. I just do not have those cravings as I once did. I give the glory to God for this. God has given me the will power to decline eating forbidden foods, eating between meals, consuming the wrong things at the wrong time, and eating food in the wrong proportion. So when I am tempted, by His grace I can say, "No!"

7.0 He has showed me that how I use my time directly affects what and how much I eat.
God has helped me to avoid stressful situations which have often driven me to eat more than I should, and to eat the wrong things. For the same reason He has reminded me to avoid boredom, for I have noted that when bored I crave activity, and unfortunately, eating is my activity of choice to avoid boredom.) God has also convicted me to sleep the required hours I need. If I go to bed to late at night I get hungry, and that means eating unnecessarily. I've learned that I should pray about what I types of things I should do and when I should do them. Of course, I wait for an answer even though sometimes I am restless and don't want to, but I am aware that God knows best.

God wants what is best for each of us. He wants us to enjoy a healthy life, so although we have the freedom to choose to indulge now, we can also choose to grow old with minimal aches and pains. We can have the latter only if we choose to live God's way. However, if we desire, and resist God, He will let us have our own way even though it hurts Him and is to our detriment. It is His greatest desire that we allow Him to transform our characters so that we can be with Him eternally.

8.0 Last Thought
If God is indeed the Lord of my body, then I should consult with Him its needs and functions. Anything that goes into my body -- anything that I do with my body should have His consent and approval. After all I belong to Him, and am merely the steward of my body. If I do not have this attitude here and now, I will not be prepared to enter Heaven. Anything short of this type of disposition is self-righteousness and rebellion. God wants us to be one with Himself as is Christ. Through faith, His attributes can be ours through the gift of His indwelling Holy Spirit. Amen.

Raul Diaz

Maria Greaves-Barnes


The Special Insights web page resides at:
http://www.1888message.org/sabbathschool/