To Whom Am I Related?

While surfing the internet recently, I came across an article titled “All Blue-eyed People on Earth Share the Same Ancestor.” I was curious, so I clicked in to see who this ancestor might be. This is what I read:

“A group of scientists at the University of Copenhagen has determined that all blue-eyed people share one common ancestor from 6,000-10,000 years ago. ‘Originally, we all had brown eyes,’ explains Professor Hans Eiberg from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. ‘But a genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a “switch,” which literally “turned off” the ability to produce brown eyes. While this “switch” does not shut down the gene completely in blue-eyed people, … it does limit the production of melanin in the iris until brown eyes become blue.’

“Professor Eiberg and his team reached this conclusion after comparing the amount of melanin present in brown and green eyes with that in blue eyes. They found that the latter contains only a small amount of variation of melanin. ‘From this, we can conclude that all blue-eyed people are linked to the same ancestor.’ Eiberg continues. ‘They have all inherited the same switch at exactly the same spot in their DNA.’ This study began in 1996 and was conducted across a large number of blue-eyed individuals in Europe as well as in the Middle East, including Turkey and Jordan.

“Ultimately, this mutation doesn’t appear to affect anything other than the color of one’s eyes.”

Source: mymodernmet.com/are-all-blue-eyed-people-related

Of course, the Bible tells us we all have two ancestors in common—Adam and Noah. We also know from the Bible that our ancestors only go back 6,000 years. Sin, however, has had an effect on the world for these thousands of years, so man traveling throughout the world would have had to adapt to many new things—climate, environmental conditions, etc.

But then I got to thinking. It doesn’t really matter if we all had the same complexion or even the same facial features. It doesn’t matter if we all had the same color hair and eyes at some point in history. And it doesn’t matter that today we have a wide variation in facial features, skin, hair, and eye color.

What matters is what God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness … . So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26, first part, 27

My earthly ancestry may be traced back through Noah to Adam, but through my true ancestry, I am connected all the way back to God. Sin separates me from Him, but I can choose to allow Him to heal me from my sin, and once again restore His image in me. That image reflects the law of God written in my heart, and allows the world to see Jesus through me. My life will be as His was on this earth. My purpose will be to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone I meet, in every way I know how.

“The giving of the gospel to the world is the work that God has committed to those who bear His name. For earth’s sin and misery the gospel is the only antidote. To make known to all mankind the message of the grace of God is the first work of those who know its healing power.” The Ministry of Healing, 141

Lord, make us new, so that we are fit to complete this work in Your name.

Jesus, Save Yourself

“Let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. … He saved others; Himself He cannot save.”

Matthew 27:42

The first part of this scripture can be viewed as a challenge. Convince us. Save Yourself and we will believe. But the second part of the scripture is an admission.

For three and a half years Jesus had gone about preaching, teaching, healing, casting out demons, feeding the hungry—both in body and spirit—and performing, in the name of His Father, all manner of miracles, including raising the dead to life. The people had to admit that there was something extraordinary about Jesus. And by virtue of all these things He did for others, they acknowledged, whether they realized it or not, that He had the power to save; but all this was not enough.

They demanded one more miracle: that He should come down from the cross and save Himself. Sadly, they were asking Him to do the one thing He couldn’t do. Oh, He could have left the cross. He could have said, “I’m not going to do this. Let these people suffer their own consequences.”

We find this in The Story of Jesus, 143, “Christ could have come down from the cross. But if He had done this, we could never have been saved. For our sake He was willing to die.”

And “Christ could have come down from the cross. But it is because He would not save Himself that the sinner has hope of pardon and favor with God.” The Desire of Ages, 749

The fact is, Jesus didn’t have to go through all He went through. He could have left man to his own fate, the fate he willingly chose and continues to choose for himself. Jesus struggled with this decision beginning in the Garden of Gethsemane.

“The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed … for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. …

“… But now the history of the human race comes up before the world’s Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. … His prayer now breathes only submission: ‘… Thy will be done.’ ” Ibid., 690, 693

Jesus could not come down from the cross, otherwise we would have been lost. “Christ suffered all this that He might obtain your salvation, and mine. By His life of sacrifice and death of shame, He has made it possible for us to take hold of divinity … growing into His likeness until you shall stand before Him perfected.” The Review and Herald, January 14, 1909

We must understand that Jesus’ death on the cross was a voluntary act. Faithful always to do the will of His Father in regard to the keeping of the law, His sacrifice had to be, and was, voluntary; no obligation or requirement was placed upon Him (see Lift Him Up, 24). It was His love for man that made Him go. There was no other way that man could be saved. What a blessed thought that Jesus came to save us because He wanted to, no matter the cost to Himself.

Jesus, how can we thank You for the sacrifice You have made so that we might one day be with You in paradise. Purify us, give us the desire and strength to follow Your example, so that one day soon, when You look at us, You will see only Yourself.

[Emphasis supplied.]

What is Love?

A soldier hurt in a war lost his legs and suffered brain damage. His young wife sacrifices all to care for him. Is that love?

A single mother raising three children alone, working three jobs to keep them in school, dressed, fed, and housed. Is that love?

The mother bird gathers her chicks under her wings to protect them from a raging wildfire, sacrificing her own life to save theirs. Is that love?

Helping a man, an enemy, beaten and robbed on the side of the road when no one else will. Is that love?

Yes, it is. How do we know?

Because Jesus gave up everything to save you and me. He lived the life that He promises we will be able to live by His power. And He died to pay the penalty for our sinfulness that we could not pay. That is love!

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

We sacrifice, giving up everything, all of ourselves. We obey His commands and do His will. This is love.

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.”  Verses 11, 12

“Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly origin, which lives and flourishes only where Christ reigns.

“Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. … It is diffusive in its nature, and quiet in its operation, yet strong, mighty, to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful.” Gospel Workers, 312

“Those who have genuine love for God will manifest an earnest desire to know His will and to do it.” Reflecting Christ, 96

“John’s love for his Master was not a mere human friendship, but it was the love of a repentant sinner, who felt that he had been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. … His love for Jesus led him to love all for whom Christ died. …

“John desired to become like Jesus, and under the transforming influence of the love of Christ, he became meek and lowly of heart. Self was hid in Jesus. He was closely united to the Living Vine, and thus became a partaker of the divine nature.” Ibid., 92

“Perfect obedience to the law of God is the test by which it is known that our love is perfect toward Christ.” The Signs of the Times, June 18, 1896

“It is not the great results we attain, but the motives from which we act, that weigh with God.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 510, 511

“We give evidence of being the friends of Christ when we manifest implicit obedience to His will. It is no evidence to say, and do not; but in doing, in obeying, is the evidence.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 691

Lord, help us to seek and to obey Your will. Perfect Your love within us, for alone we are not able, but You have promised to do a work in us. Transform us by the power of Your love so that we are remade in Your image.

Blessed and Sanctified Sabbath

“Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it … .” Genesis 2:1–3, first part

“God looked with satisfaction upon the work of His hands. All was perfect, worthy of its divine Author, and He rested … .

“After resting upon the seventh day, God sanctified it, or set it apart, as a day of rest for humankind. …

“God designs that the Sabbath shall direct the minds of all people to the contemplation of His created works. Nature speaks to their senses, declaring that there is a living God, the Creator, the Supreme Ruler of all. … The beauty that clothes the earth is a token of God’s love. We may behold it in the everlasting hills, in the lofty trees, in the opening buds and the delicate flowers. All speak to us of God. The Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made them all, bids men and women open the great book of nature and trace therein the wisdom, the power, and the love of the Creator.” To Be Like Jesus, 134

“Following the example of the Creator, man was to rest upon this sacred day, that as he should look upon the heavens and the earth, he might reflect upon God’s great work of creation; and that as he should behold the evidences of God’s wisdom and goodness, his heart might be filled with love and reverence for his Maker. …

“God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man … that he might more fully contemplate the works of God, and meditate upon His power and goodness. He needed a Sabbath, to remind him more vividly of God, and to awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the beneficent hand of the Creator.

“When the foundations of the earth were laid … then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath. Well may this institution demand our reverence: it was ordained by no human authority, and rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of days, and commanded by His eternal word.” The Faith I Live By, 31

Our relationship with God must be a 24/7/365 relationship, but on the Sabbath, above the other six days, God means for us to empty our hearts and minds of the needs and cares of our worldly life to spend this 24 hours with Him alone. The Sabbath is a continual sign of His love and mercy, and as we rest from our labors, we give evidence of our obedience to His law.

It is during the Sabbath hours, that we are spiritually refreshed and invigorated. It is on this day that we are told to gather in His house and join with our brothers and sisters in Christ in praise and thankfulness, glorifying Him who in the beginning created us and now preserves us until His coming. The Sabbath is God’s sign and pledge that He can and will sanctify all who surrender themselves to Him as His chosen and peculiar people. And as we keep the Sabbath holy, we display to all the earth that we are His people. (See The Review and Herald, October 28, 1902)

Keys to the Storehouse – Things that Count with God

In this world, people tend to feel that the things they do or acquire with their own hands and hard work are the things that count the most. Even in Christianity, people feel that if they help others, contribute money, help with missions and in their own communities, then they have accomplished great things.

But I was looking through my Bible recently, and I came across a heading that read, “Things that Count with God.” And that made me think.

We’ve used Matthew 7:21–23 in many of the articles in several different issues of the LandMarks. But this scripture tells us that there will be many, too many, who feel that if they do these things or those things, then they have laid up their treasure in heaven. But the truth is, if a person does not have a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, then doing all these things will mean nothing, because the actions alone certainly don’t save.

So let’s take a little time and see just exactly what does count with God.

“The daily life of the Christian should bring no discredit upon our holy faith. The motive of the heart, as well as the words and actions, is weighed in estimating our moral worth. …

“Reliance on forms and ceremonies will not save us. … The Lord defines Bible religion as a principle in the soul, not merely the performance of virtuous acts, although virtuous acts are the natural fruit of this principle in the soul. It is the spirit in which the acts are performed rather than the performance that counts with God.

“A man may give his goods to feed the poor, his body to be burned, yet if he is not actuated by the living principles of love for God and man his work is a failure.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 15, 269

“It is not the ready speaker, the sharp intellect, that counts with God. It is the earnest purpose, the deep piety, the love of truth, the fear of God, that has a telling influence. A testimony from the heart, coming from lips in which is no guile, full of faith and humble trust, though given by a stammering tongue, is accounted of God as precious as gold … .

“The truly converted soul is illuminated by the light shining from the Sun of Righteousness. … Let everyone, to a man, now rise, and let his ‘light so shine before men that they may see his good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven.’ Do what you can, and do it at once, cheerfully, heartily, prayerfully, joyfully, not as unto men, but unto God. Settle it in your hearts that you are not on the earth to exalt self, to make a great name, but to sink self wholly out of sight in Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be lifted up. Let the great truths connected with the salvation of man be the theme of your meditation day and night. Your work, both by precept and example, is to hold forth the word of life, to seek with all your power to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth.” Pamphlet 028, Elder Daniels and the Fresno Church, 26, 27

Yes, God wants us to do what He directs us to do. He wants us to have love and concern for our neighbor. But most of all, He wants us to surrender our hearts so that He can dwell within. All of our words and actions will then be a result of our relationship with Him.

Lord, help us to understand what really matters most to You.

Keys to the Storehouse – A New Year

The new year is here! This is a time of resolutions, promises, and commitments—most of which are broken or abandoned before the month of January has passed into February. So, what are your plans?

With the second coming of Christ just on the horizon, we should look with longing eyes for His return and make sure that we have made the two commitments that are the most important in this life: committing our lives—heart, soul, mind, and spirit—to follow and obey Him every day, and to do our part in spreading the gospel to a world that has so great a need for it.

“The new year is just before us. Shall not the gifts be turned to a better account than heretofore? Shall not confession be made and shall we not avail ourselves of the blood of Christ, who is able and willing to cleanse from all sin? …

“In the last great day we shall be judged in accordance with what we have done. Christ will say, ‘I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink: 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. Then shall they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee?’ (Matthew 25:42–44). Christ will then say, ‘Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me’ (verse 45). And Christ will say, ‘Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels’ (verse 41).

“Christ came and set the example in sacrificing, and if we are Christ’s, then we will do the works of Christ. Instead of pleasing ourselves, we will be seeking to do others good, and to impart benefits to suffering humanity. And unless this is done, we cannot expect to have a part with Christ.

“There are souls to be saved all around us, and each has a work to do to be reconciled to Christ. This is the work to take hold of in the new year. We are living for time and eternity, and we want the light to flash upon our pathway and in return we want to extend its blessings to others. …

“Let each strive to have a better record for the coming year, and live so near to God that you may be surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven, and thus be a representative of Christ.” The Upward Look, 374

“Let us review our own course during the past year, and compare our life and character with the Bible standard. Have we withheld from our gracious Benefactor that which He claims from us in return for all the blessings He has granted? Have we neglected to care for the poor, and comfort the sorrowing? Here, then, is work for us.” The Review and Herald, January 3, 1882

Dear Lord, we thank You for this new year and each new day in it. Show us how we each can best serve You. Bring into our lives those who need to know You. And help us, that in all we do and say, to do the work that will hasten Your return.

Remembering What Matters

December 25 is celebrated by Christians around the world as the day that Christ was born. A diligent student of the Bible knows that it does not tell, anywhere within its pages, the exact day of Christ’s birth. A diligent study of the history of the world will show that the date December 25 is actually celebrated as the birthday of the pagan deity Tammuz, worshiped as a god. He has many names depending on the culture, but the date and the way his birth is celebrated is deeply rooted in paganism. So why do Christians celebrate December 25 as the birthday of Christ?

Likely it is because not many of us are diligent students of history. We don’t believe in paganism and the many varied gods and services and rituals that are worshiped and performed in that religion, and since we don’t believe, we dismiss paganism as a relic religion of the past. The pagan religion involved the worship of many things—trees, bunnies, chicks, stars, the sun, the moon, mountains, rivers, the earth and the sky. As Christians, should we then be concerned about having pictures of trees and mountains and rivers in our homes? Should we be concerned because we are fascinated by the stars in the sky and the things of the earth?

Perhaps our concern should not be so much about how Christmas came to be and more about the Christ who came.

“The 25th of December has long been commemorated as the day of Jesus’ birth, and … it is not my purpose to affirm or question the propriety of celebrating this event on this day, but to dwell upon the childhood and life of our Saviour … the humble manner in which the Redeemer came to the world. All heaven was interested in the great event of Christ’s advent to earth. Heavenly messengers came to make known the birth of the long-promised, long-expected Saviour to the humble shepherds who were watching their flocks by night on the plains of Bethlehem. The first manifestation that attracted the notice of the shepherds at the birth of the Saviour, was a radiant light in the starry heavens, which filled them with wonder and admiration. …

“The astonished shepherds could scarcely comprehend the precious message borne to them by the angels, and when the radiant light had passed away, they said one to another, ‘Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child’ (Luke 2:15–17). …

“What matchless love Jesus has manifested for a fallen world! If angels sang because the Saviour was born in Bethlehem, shall not our hearts echo the glad strain, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will to men? Although we do not know the exact day of Christ’s birth, we would honor the sacred event. May the Lord forbid that anyone should be so narrow minded as to overlook the event because there is an uncertainty in regard to the exact time. Let us do what we can to fasten the minds of the children upon those things which are precious to everyone who loves Jesus. Let us teach them how Jesus came into the world to bring hope, comfort, peace, and happiness to all. … Let the hearts of all respond with exceeding joy for the priceless gift of the Son of God.” The Review and Herald, December 17, 1889

(For a more in-depth reading regarding Christmas and its pagan origins, see Marshall Grosboll’s article How to Celebrate Christmas, p. 2, in this issue.)

Keys to the Storehouse – Obedience Brings Thanksgiving

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1

“We should ever remember that thanksgiving is the fruit of true, willing obedience. The Lord is the object of our worship, and to praise His holy name shows respect for His efficiency. God says, ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth Me.’ …

“The absence of praise and thanksgiving pleases the enemy of God. The line of demarcation between those who utter the holy name of God in blasphemy, and those who praise Him with heart and with voice, is clear and distinct. He who is truly converted will glorify God as he beholds the wonderful things of His creation, the brightness of the sun, moon, and stars, the changing beauty of the heavens. To him all nature will declare God’s mighty power. He will be led to give glory to His holy name. …

“ ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.’ …

“What greater encouragement and assurance than this could the Lord give His loyal, commandment-keeping people? Have we not every reason for changing our attitude toward God? Is it not our duty to show the world that we appreciate the love of Christ? … He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart with praise and thanksgiving; and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He desires to have a stronger expression of praise from His people, showing that they know they have reason for manifesting joy and gladness. …

“We are to glorify God by keeping His commandments. Christ said: ‘If ye love Me, keep My commandments.’ …

“… Christ is with His children, enlightening their minds and leading them to call upon Him. As they do this, He hears their prayers and purifies their hearts. They see Him as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. They do not walk in accordance with the ways of the world. They ask God for Christ’s sake to help them, and they receive the help they ask for. …

“Christ has declared that the cross which makes the line of demarcation between His people and the world so distinct is not a cross of discouragement, but a cross of salvation. Love for the Saviour will lead us to acknowledge this. God has given human beings all that ministers to their happiness, and in return He asks them to lay their gifts and offerings on His altar. Shall we disregard this requirement? Shall we fail of offering God praise and thanksgiving in word and deed?” The Review and Herald, November 20, 1900

Dear Lord, for all the things that You have given to us, we ask that You also will bestow the strength and grace needed to be faithful commandment keepers, seeking always to do Your will. May we sing praises to You for Your marvelous works in this world and in our lives, now and throughout eternity.

Keys to the Storehouse – Why Should He Love Me So

My mother sang all of her life. When I was very young, she would be up front at church leading songs or singing in the choir or performing alone. As a young woman, she was part of an evangelistic team in the northeastern United States. In those days, evangelistic meetings might involve a big tent or auditorium and staying in the community for many months after the meetings themselves were done to follow up with those who wanted Bible studies. Mother sang duets with another lady named Cassie during the meetings and also on the radio. I always thought that if I could sing half as good as she did, that would be good enough.

I remember many Sabbaths when I sat on the front row pew of the church while she performed her responsibilities up front. Still today, many of the songs that she sang are my personal favorites: In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross and one I heard the other day on the radio, Why Should He Love Me So?

This is a beautiful song from a musical perspective, but even more so when you understand the words.

 

Love sent my Saviour to die in my stead,

Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.

 

Nails pierced His hands and His feet for my sin,

He suffered sore my salvation to win.

 

O how He agonized there in my place,

Nothing withholding my sin to efface.

 

Why should He love me so?

Why should my Saviour to Calvary go?

Why should He love me so?

 

It reminds me of Hebrews 12:2, “looking unto Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.”

“That joy was to see souls saved by His humiliation, His agony, and the shedding of His blood.” The Sanctified Life, 57

“Love for lost souls brought Christ to Calvary’s cross. … The joy of seeing souls eternally saved will be the reward of all who follow in the steps of the Redeemer. …

“It was a costly sacrifice that the Lord of heaven made. Divine benevolence was stirred to its unfathomable depths; it was impossible for God to give more.” Testimonies, Vol. 9, 59, 60

Lord, we know that You will never leave us, physically and spiritually sick as we are. We cannot fathom the love that it took to go to Calvary, giving Your life so that we would not perish. But we must commit our lives to following and obeying You. You, who are the Author and Finisher of our faith and the only One who can heal us from this sin sickness and restore us to Your image. Please do that today, Lord.

Keys to the Storehouse – Invited, but …

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is an example of an invitation received and accepted. We know that the invitation was not accepted at first. In fact, every manifestation of God’s power and presence were denied, including the most obvious example when Christ walked among the flames of the fiery furnace with the three worthies. Repeatedly, Nebuchadnezzar rejected the extended invitation until God, in His mercy, took from Nebuchadnezzar all that he had, including his senses.

“They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” Daniel 4:25

For seven years, Nebuchadnezzar lived like a beast, no longer a king, with no subjects, eating grass in the field. And then, his reason was restored and Ellen White says:

“[L]ooking up in humility to the God of heaven, he recognized the divine hand in his chastisement. In a public proclamation he acknowledged his guilt and the great mercy of God in his restoration. …

“God’s purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy and goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history.” Conflict and Courage, 253

Brought to see his own weakness, he acknowledged the supremacy of God.

“ ‘At the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing. And He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest Thou? … Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the king of heaven, all whose works are truth and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is able to abase.’ ” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 3, 186

“King Nebuchadnezzar, before whom Daniel so often honored the name of God, was finally thoroughly converted, and learned to ‘praise and extol and honor the King of heaven.’ ” The Review and Herald, January 11, 1906

“The king upon the Babylonian throne became a witness for God, giving his testimony, warm and eloquent, from a grateful heart that was partaking of the mercy and grace, the righteousness and peace, of the divine nature.” The Youth’s Instructor, December 13, 1904

Lord, You have extended this same invitation to the whole world. You loved the people of this world so much that You gave Your life for us and promised to save us from our sins. Two thousand years ago You said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Help us not to leave the invitation unopened. Let us accept it with joyous hearts and then extend it to all with whom we come in contact.