Thursday, January 29, 2015

Lesson 6 What you get is not what you see Jan 31 - Feb 6. 2015

Lesson 6*January 31–February 6

What You Get Is Not What You See

Sabbath Afternoon
Memory Text: There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12, NKJV).
As Paul had said: We see through a glass, darkly (1 Cor. 13:12). We see so little, and what we do see always comes filtered through our own minds. Our eyes and ears — all our senses, actually — give us only a narrow view of what’s really out there.
We can be deceived, too, not only about the external world, but about ourselves as well. Our dreams, our views, and our opinions can give us very distorted images of what we are really like, and of all deceptions, that can be by far the worst.
What should we do then, to protect ourselves from these deceptions? Proverbs provides us with basic counsel. We should not trust ourselves, as the fool does. On the contrary, we should trust the Lord, who controls the course of events even when all seems to go wrong. In short, we need to live by faith and not merely by sight, because our sight can be exceedingly deceptive, showing only a small portion of what is real, and then even worse, distorting the little it does show us.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 7.
SundayFebruary 1

The Assurance of the Fool

Read Proverbs 14:1-35. What does it say about the fool?


The fool speaks proudly (Prov. 14:3). The first depiction of the fool deals with his proud speech. The image of the rod associated with the fool’s lips implies his eventual punishment. His proud words have resulted in a blow on his lips, an outcome that is seen in contrast with the lips of the wise, which are preserved (see also Dan. 7:8).
The fool mocks wisdom (Prov. 14:6–9). Although the fool seems to seek wisdom, in fact he does not believe in it and is skeptical of it. He will not find it because, in his own mind, there is no wisdom apart from himself. Most frightful is his attitude toward violation of the law. What could be more deadly than mocking the idea of sin?
The fool is credulous (Prov. 14:15). Paradoxically, while the fool makes fun of those idealists who still believe in the values of wisdom, he has lost his ability to think critically about what he hears; he believes every word. The irony of this situation strikes at the heart of secular society. Skeptical people mock God and make fun of religion, claiming that these beliefs are for children and old people, yet they themselves often believe in some of the most foolish things, such as the creation of life on earth by pure chance alone.
The fool is impulsive (Prov. 14:1629). Because the fool believes that he has the truth within himself, he does not take time to think. His reaction will be quick, dictated mostly by impulse.
The fool oppresses others (Prov. 14:2131). The mechanisms of oppression and intolerance are suggested in the psychology of the fool. He is intolerant of others and will treat them with contempt (see Dan. 7:258:11-12).
It’s easy to see the traits of a fool in others, but what about in our own selves? Which, if any, of these character flaws might you need first to recognize, and then seek by God’s grace to overcome?

MondayFebruary 2

The Fear of the Wise

Read Proverbs 14:1-35 again. What does it say about the wise?


The wise speak humbly (Prov. 14:3). The wise restrain the use of their lips. Their silent reflection is motivated by a lack of arrogant self-assurance. The wise give consideration to the other person’s ideas; therefore, the wise will take time to think through and weigh the evidence. They are also silent because they are listening, ready to learn from others.
The wise value learning and knowledge (Prov. 14:618). It is difficult for the fool to learn, because it is hard for him to sit at the feet of a teacher; in contrast, it is easy for the wise to learn because of their humility. They will thus enjoy the experience of learning and growing. It is also this search for wisdom, for knowledge that they do not have, which makes them wise.
The wise are cautious (Prov. 14:15). The wise know that sin and evil exist. Therefore they will be careful where they walk. They will not trust their feelings and personal opinions; they will check things out and ask for advice. Yet they will always be careful about what other people say to them; they will sort out the good from the bad (1 Thess. 5:21).
The wise are calm (Prov. 14:2933). The wise can stay quiet because they do not rely on their own ways, but depend on above(Prov. 14:14, NKJV). It is their faith in God that allows them to relax and exercise self-control (Isa. 30:15). It is the fear of God that gives them confidence (Prov. 14:26).
The wise are compassionate and sensitive (Prov. 14:2131). The two commandments, You shall love the LORD your God and You shall love your neighbor, are linked (Mark 12:30-31, NKJV). We can’t love God and at the same time treat other people poorly. The greatest expression of our faith is how we deal with others, especially those in need.
We do not realize how many of us walk by sight and not by faith. We believe the things that are seen, but do not appreciate the precious promises given us in His Word. — Ellen G. White, Our High Calling, p. 85. What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight? How are we supposed to do that?

TuesdayFebruary 3

The Eyes of the LORD

The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good (Prov. 15:3, NKJV). How does this text make you feel, and why?


In the next two chapters in Proverbs the tone changes. These chapters are more theological than the preceding ones. The Lord is referenced more often than in previous proverbs. We are also told something amazing about Him: that His eyes are in every place(Prov. 15:3).
This acute consciousness of the Lord’s presence is precisely what the ancient Israelites called the fear of the LORD. The same association is found in the Psalms: the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him (Ps. 33:18, NKJV). Likewise, Job describes God as the One who looks to the ends of the earth and sees all that happens under the heavens (Job 28:24). Because of this, Job concludes thatthe fear of the LORD . . . is wisdom (Job 28:28).
This proverb reminds us of God’s ability to see good and evil, no matter where they are. As Solomon understood (1 Kings 3:9), true wisdom is the ability to discern between good and evil. On a human level, this awareness should help us remember always to do good and never evil, for God sees all that we do, even if no one else does. We fool ourselves, thinking that because, for now, we get away with evil, that we really do get away with it. In the long run we never do.
Let us, therefore, be diligent for there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Heb. 4:13, NKJV).
Read Proverbs 15:3Isaiah 5:20, and Hebrews 5:14. What crucial message do these verses have for us, especially in an age when the very concepts of good and evil are often blurred, with people claiming that good and evil are relative or just human ideas that have no objective existence apart from what we say they are? What is so wrong with such a notion of good and evil, and why is it so dangerous to hold?


WednesdayFebruary 4

The Joy of the Lord

Read Proverbs 15:1-33. Why is joy such an important human asset?


Scripture does not promise us a life without trials. As Jesus Himself said: Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matt. 6:34, NKJV).Proverbs 15:15 explains that amid evil days, the one who maintains a merry heart will have a better time of it. Pain, suffering, and trials will come, and often we can’t control when and how. What we can control, at least to some degree, is how we choose to respond.
Read Proverbs 15:1423. What is God’s part in this joy?


Although the biblical text does not explicitly mention the reason for joy, the parallel thought between Proverbs 15:13-14 suggests that the merry heart is the heart of him who has understanding (NKJV). It is the heart of the one who has faith and sees redemption beyond the immediate ordeal. This is why faith in God is so important; this is why it’s so crucial that we know for ourselves, from our own experience, the reality of God and His love. Then, whatever trials come, whatever suffering we face, those with understanding can endure, because they know for themselves God’s love.
Proverbs 15:23 brings us another important idea. Joy comes more from what we give than from what we receive. It is the good word shared with others that will bring joy to the giver. Who hasn’t experienced the blessings that come from blessing others, whether in word or in deed or both? As we have already seen in Proverbs, our words are powerful. They can do great good or great evil. And how much better it is when they do great good, not only for the one whom the good is done, but for the one who does it.
How well do you know, for yourself, God’s love? What are things you could do that could help open up your heart to this crucial truth? Consider how much better life would be if you knew the reality of God’s love.
ThursdayFebruary 5

The Sovereignty of God

We all dream and make plans, and yet things turn out differently, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The Bible acknowledges the value of human responsibility and freedom. Yet the Bible also affirms God’s control over the course of events (seeProv. 20:2421:31, and Daniel 2:1-497:1-28).
What does Proverbs 16:1 say? How are we to understand this text?


We prepare and make plans, but the last word still belongs to God. This does not mean that our preparations are worthless. But in the life of faith, if we just submit our plans to God, He will work with them, and our plans will be directed (Prov. 16:9) and ultimately established by Him (Prov. 16:3). Even the work of our enemies will be used in our behalf (Prov. 16:47).
Though these are not simple ideas to grasp, especially when we face difficult situations, they should give us comfort and help us learn to trust God, even when things seem to go terribly wrong, and when our plans don’t turn out as we had hoped. The key point for us is to learn to surrender all to God; if we do that, we can be sure of His guidance, even in the hardest times.
Read Proverbs 16:18-19. What is the place of ambition in human success?


As always, the Bible warns against pride. After all, as fallen beings, what do we have to be proud of? What vice is more contrary to God than pride, the original sin? (See Ezek. 28:17.) Jesus emphatically taught about the iniquity of seeking to be great, and He urged His disciples to seek humility instead (Matt. 20:26–28).
Read Proverbs 16:33. What is the place of chance in human success?


The Bible does not make room for chance. For even when one thinks that the course of events is dictated by chance, we can trust that God is still in control.
As we seek to understand why things happen, how does the reality of the great controversy help us work through some difficult issues regarding why things happen as they do?
FridayFebruary 6
Further Study: From the beginning Satan has portrayed to men the gains to be won by transgression. Thus he seduced angels. Thus he tempted Adam and Eve to sin. And thus he is still leading multitudes away from obedience to God. The path of transgression is made to appear desirable; but the end thereof are the ways of death. Proverbs 14:12. Happy [are] they who, having ventured in this way, learn how bitter are the fruits of sin, and turn from it betimes. — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 720.
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings — as much a duty as it is to pray. If we are heaven-bound, how can we go as a band of mourners, groaning and complaining all along the way to our Father’s house? Those professed Christians who are constantly complaining, and who seem to think cheerfulness and happiness a sin, have not genuine religion. — Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 251.

Discussions Questions:

  1. Discuss the idea that we have only a limited view of reality. What does this mean? What things are out there that we know are real, yet we just can’t sense them, in any way? For instance, how many radio waves (cell phone calls, satellite programs, radio programs) are in the air all around you right now, and yet you can’t see, hear, or feel them at all? How should the existence of such realities help us understand how limited our senses are? How should this understanding help us realize the reality of other things that we can’t see, such as angels?
  2. Why is it important to understand the reality of human free will and free choice, even if God is ultimately in control? Though these concepts (human free choice, God’s sovereignty) seem to be in contradiction, both are taught in the Bible, so how can we reconcile them?
Inside Story~  NAD: West Virginia

“They Deserve A Chance, Too”

When Paul and Christie Brown moved into a less than desirable neighborhood in Elkins, West Virginia, they didn’t know that their home would become a magnet for young people.
I’ve always been youth focused, says Paul, so when the neighborhood kids wanted to hang out with our kids at the house, we said,OK, but there are rules: 
  1. Respect. You will treat yourself and others respectfully, with no swearing and no name calling.
  2. No lying. You lie to me, and it’s done–you are out the door.
  3. Health/Dietary issues–no drugs, no alcohol, no unclean meat.
Once the young people understood about clean and unclean foods, they tried sharing what they had learned with their families. The grandfather would be cooking a groundhog, says Paul, but the kids would tell him, No! We’re not going to eat that!
Before long, the visitors were asking to move in with the Browns. Brayden spends every weekend at our house, says Paul. It’s his Sabbath retreat, and gets him away from his house. During the week Brayden tries to avoid his abusive alcoholic step-father as much as possible.
Hunter and Wyatt are two others who spend more time with the Browns than at home. Both coming from difficult situations, the boys feel safe with Paul and Cindy, whom they consider to be their surrogate parents.
I try to treat all the kids as if they’re my kids, says Paul, because they deserve a chance, too. That includes providing clothing, bicycles, and various other items. Even the vehicle I drive–an extended cab truck–is based on how many kids we’re looking after, so we can take them to and from school.
With parental permission, the Browns have taken Brayden and Hunter with them to Pathfinders and to church, and are even paying for them to attend the local Adventist church school. Unfortunately, Wyatt’s mother will not give permission for him to join in these activities, but for Brayden and Hunter, their experience has been life changing. On November 2, 2013, both boys, along with the Browns’ son, Payton, were baptized at the Elkins Seventh-day Adventist Church.
We’ve been living here for three years now, Paul says, and my wife really feels that the Lord put us in this neighborhood. It’s not where we would have chosen, but we are sure that the Lord led us here.

Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission.  email:  info@adventistmission.org  website: www.adventistmission.org

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Celebrating Religious Freedom in Jamaica.

Erica Virtue, Senior Gleaner Writer

Celebrating Religious Freedom In Jamaica - Thousands Trek To National Arena For Festival

At 10:30 a.m. yesterday, it was standing room only inside the National Arena, and the thousands gathered were not there for a political rally, a reggae concert or a sporting event.

Instead, it was goose-pimpled gospel singing, praise and worship, and the gospel of Christians that drew persons from different religions, but mainly Christians from the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, to the country's first-ever Festival of Religious Freedom held under the theme 'Our Right ... Our Freedom ... Let's Celebrate'.

Organisers said representatives of all 730 Seventh-day Adventist congregations in Jamaica were present to celebrate the level of religious freedom in Jamaica, when across the world it had become increasingly difficult for individuals to practise their religions in peace.

JAMAICA A GOOD EXAMPLE

Dr Ganoune Diop, director of the United Nations Relations for Religious Freedom at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Washington, DC, USA, said Jamaica was an example to the rest of the world for its respect and tolerance of religious freedom.

"All religious freedom depends on freedom of worship. And Jamaica is sending a message to countries that all religious faiths can cohabit. Today is a celebration, and a thank you to the Government and people of Jamaica. It is a privilege to practise one's religion in Jamaica," Diop told The Sunday Gleaner minutes after his presentation titled 'Theology of Religious Freedom'.

He said religious freedom and practices were ordered by God and were created from a "heavenly intervention" in the beginning. According to Diop, even in the beginning, Adam and Eve had the choice to listen or not, and that freedom has lived through the ages.

"Even the disciples were given the choice to freely follow or leave, because Jesus came to promote religious liberty. That liberty is based on human dignity, secured and grounded on human beings created in God's image," stated Diop.

Nigel Coke, communication, public affairs and religious liberty director for the Adventist Church in Jamaica, said the rally would be used to launch the local National Religious Liberty Association, the international branch of which is grounded on a non-sectarian and non-governmental approach and is recognised by the United Nations.

"It's an organisation that defends the rights and freedoms of religious practices everywhere," said Coke.

He was careful to point out that it was not a "religious trade union" but it would provide representation and defend the rights and freedom of individuals who felt their religious freedoms were being violated.

Friday, January 23, 2015

Eradicate Ethnic Conferences; Dwight Nelson Speaks

Dwight Nelson's MLK-Weekend Sermon Spurs Petition to Eradicate Ethnic Conferences

Lesson 5 The Blessing of the Righteous Jan 24-30 2015

Lesson 5*January 24-30

The Blessings of the Righteous

Sabbath Afternoon
Memory Text: Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked (Proverbs 10:6, NKJV).
As the title suggests, this lesson looks at the blessings of the righteous. The Hebrew word zaddiq, for righteous, is the key word in our texts. Zedeq (also translated justice), from which it is derived, appears in the introduction of the whole book: The proverbs of Solomon . . . to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice [zedeq] . . . (Prov. 1:1–3). What the book of Proverbs is telling us is that wisdom is righteousness, and righteousness means to walk according to God’s commands — to walk in faith and obedience to what the Lord has called us to be and to do. Righteousness is a gift, one that comes from God. The opposite is folly and unfaithfulness. Wisdom is justice, or righteousness; folly is sin and wickedness — and in the verses we will study, the contrast between them is stark.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 31.
SundayJanuary 25

Righteousness Is Holistic

Read Proverbs 10:1–7. What various principles about life and faith are revealed here?


There is a story about a man in a boat who began to drill a hole under his feet where he sat. When people in the boat demanded that he stop, he responded: This is none of your business. This is my place! This absurd response is often the excuse used by the sinner to justify his or her behavior. This is my life; it has nothing to do with you. Of course, anything we do or don’t do has an impact on others, especially on those nearest to us. Who hasn’t felt, in a big way, the results of other people’s actions, either good or bad?
The principle of unity between the spiritual-moral life and the physical-material life is dealt with in Proverbs 10:3-5. The main idea is that wickedness or moral deficiency does not pay, even if one is rich; and, second, that righteousness is always rewarding, in one way or another, even if one is poor.
In Proverbs 10:6-7, we see here an earlier expression of what Jesus said about how lust is adultery, or hatred akin to murder. Hiding our hatred behind our words doesn’t always work, either. Wicked thoughts are often betrayed in our body language and the tone of our voice. The best possible starting point for good relations with others is You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Lev. 19:18, NKJV; compare with Matt. 19:19, NKJV). As the texts also suggest, the impression you make for good can have a lasting influence on others. In the end we’re dealing with a certain amount of common sense: isn’t it better to have a good name than a bad one?
What important decision are you going to be making soon? If you haven’t already done so, consider carefully the impact that choice might have on others, for good or for evil.


MondayJanuary 26

The Mouth of the Righteous

The mouth (with its components, the lips and the tongue) is the most important organ in the book of Proverbs. In the New King James Version of the book, the word mouth is used 50 times, lips occurs 41 times, and tongue 19. The use of this organ in speech is a particularly important theme in Proverbs 10–29.
The basic premise is crucial: our words are very powerful, either for good or for evil. The tongue can be the best or the worst gift that we’ve been given. This ambivalence about the tongue is one of the most important lessons in Proverbs. Indeed, the mouth generates life, but it also may bring death.
Read Proverbs 10:11–14. What is the contrast there between how the righteous person speaks and how the fool does?


In Proverbs 10:11 notice the expression the well of life. It symbolically refers to qualities of wisdom. It is used in reference to the Lord (Ps. 36:9), the Source of life. The same image is used in relation to the sanctuary, from which the stream of water springs (Ezek. 47:1-2). Jesus uses this metaphor to illustrate the gift of the Spirit (John 4:14). So the comparison of the mouth of the righteous to a well of life amounts to relating it to God Himself.
What characterizes this mouth is the positive gift of life. This quality tells us what the proper function of the mouth should be. It should be a force for good, not evil, a source of life, not death. What is being said here is seen also in James 3:2–12.
Remember, too, that it was through speech, through the word of His power (Heb. 1:3, NKJV), that God created the heavens and the earth. Speech, therefore, should serve only creative purposes.
Consider just how incredibly powerful words are. With your words you can fill people with self-confidence, cheer, and hope, or you can break them down and damage them as surely as if you attacked them physically. How careful are you as you wield the power of your tongue?

TuesdayJanuary 27

The Hope of the Righteous

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them (Prov. 11:3). What evidence do we have of the truth of this verse? What examples have you seen or heard about in which this spiritual truth has been revealed? By contrast, what things have you seen that mean that, so far at least, you have to take this text by faith?


Read Proverbs 11. Though it touches on so many topics, what are some of the great blessings that come to the faithful as opposed to what happens to the wicked?


The sense of a future and the value of what is not yet seen (see 2 Cor. 4:18) help motivate the righteous to live rightly. Because of their hope in the future, the righteous behave with humility, honesty, and compassion.
On the other hand, wicked people live only in the present; they are concerned only with what they see and with the immediate reward. They think of themselves before others and will resort to deception and abuse. For instance, the salespeople who deceive their customers might perhaps get an immediate reward with a higher price, but they ultimately could lose their customers and their business might fail (Prov. 11:318).
Think about some of the decisions you have to make and how you go about making them. How much long-term planning (as in eternity) factors into your choices?

WednesdayJanuary 28

The Truth of the Righteous

Read Proverbs 12:1-28 and focus on the theme of words, especially in the context of telling truth or telling lies. What message do we find here about honesty and lying?


Philosopher Sissela Bok has convincingly demonstrated how lying can be harmful for society. She writes: A society, then, whose members were unable to distinguish truthful messages from deceptive ones, would collapse. — Lying: Moral Choice in Public and Private Life (New York: Pantheon Books, 1978), p. 19. Likewise, Augustine, as quoted in the introduction of Bok’s book, noted thatwhen regard for truth has been broken down or even slightly weakened, all things will remain doubtful. — Page xv.
Ellen G. White wrote: Lying lips are an abomination to Him. He declares that into the holy city there shall in no wise enter . . . any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie. Let truth telling be held with no loose hand or uncertain grasp. Let it become a part of the life. Playing fast and loose with truth, and dissembling to suit one’s own selfish plans, means shipwreck of faith. . . . He who utters untruths sells his soul in a cheap market. His falsehoods may seem to serve in emergencies; he may thus seem to make business advancement that he could not gain by fair dealing; but he finally reaches the place where he can trust no one. Himself a falsifier, he has no confidence in the word of others. — My Life Today, p. 331.
When we think of how powerful words are, we must think about lying as well, because most lies are told with words. Who hasn’t felt the sting, the betrayal, the sense of defilement when lied to? It’s not hard to imagine a society falling into total chaos when lying is the norm rather than an aberration from the norm.
There’s another angle, too: the effect of lying on the one who lies. Some people are so used to the practice that it doesn’t bother them; many people, though, do feel a sense of guilt, of shame, when they lie. Good for them, because that means there is still some receptiveness to the Holy Spirit.
Imagine, though, the danger for the one who lies but doesn’t even think twice about it.
When was the last time you lied? How did you feel when you did it?

ThursdayJanuary 29

The Reward of the Righteous

As we have seen in Proverbs, so much of the instruction and teaching given has been presented by contrasting two types of people.The wise person does this, the fool does that. The godly man does that, the wicked man does this.
Of course, in reality, there’s often a bit of wisdom and foolishness in all of us. With the exception of Jesus, we all are sinners, we all fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Fortunately, we have the wonderful promise that comes in the next verse: though we are sinners, by faith we can be justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:24).
In the end, all humanity is going to be in either one of two camps: people who are going to be saved or lost.
Read John 3:16. What two options does all humanity face?


Read Proverbs 13:1-25. How does this chapter contrast the experience and fate of the righteous with that of the wicked?


The wise are compared to a lasting lamp, while the wicked are compared to a lamp that will be put out (Prov. 13:9). The wise person will enjoy the good fruit of his or her work, while the sinner will reap evil (Proverbs 13:225). Through their children (Prov. 13:22), the wise have a future even beyond themselves; the wicked, instead, will leave their wealth to strangers, even to the righteous (Prov. 13:22).
The point is that a life of faith and obedience to the Lord is better than a life of disobedience and folly.
Putting aside the big issue of the promise of eternal life, what are some of the immediate, day-to-day advantages that you have experienced through living a life of faith in Christ?

FridayJanuary 30
Further Study: It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. . . . Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness. — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 312, 313.
The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ’s day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. . . . The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. . . . The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. . . . Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world. “The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 309, 310.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Discuss how our decisions impact others for good or for evil. Why is this an inescapable fact of life? This truth was first revealed in the story of the Fall, where even to this day the impact of Adam and Eve’s choice is felt in each of our lives. It might be tempting to try to measure the amount of good or bad our decisions might bring, but that’s risky, because we often don’t know the impact of our choices. Why, then, in light of God and His law, must we choose to do what’s right, regardless of what we fear the consequences might be?
  2. Proverbs makes a sharp distinction between the righteous and the fool, and from these verses we learn about what is right and wrong. Why, though, must we be very careful whom we judge as fools? On the other hand, how often have we been deceived by those whom we once thought were righteous?
Inside Story~  NAD: Alaska

A Light in the World

Heather Ueeck grew up in Delta Junction, a small town at the end of the Alaska Highway. As a child, Heather loved going to camp every summer, and kept a record of her experiences, listing her daily activities. Early on she wrote, And of course we had to do worship, and that was dumb.
But as the years went by, camp worships became more meaningful to Heather. One worship that made a big impression involved a candle and a balloon. They held a balloon over a lit candle and the balloon popped right away. Then they put water into another balloon and held it over the candle, and it didn’t pop! The presenter explained that we are like the balloon and the water represents Christ. If we have Christ in us, He calms us and gives us peace and strength–He’s a resource that we can latch on to.
Heather now tries to pass on these lessons to campers as she works at Camp Polaris. The kids aren’t Adventists, and they don’t come from the best families. They aren’t used to discipline, to structure, and people caring about them. They often act up. Sometimes it seems as if they hate camp, but they keep coming back. Even with the struggles, underneath they realize that we actually care about them.
Heather admits that working at Camp Polaris has taught her patience. It’s my job to lead the kids toward God. Patience and flexibility are so important. And trusting in God. It’s given me a strong tool for facing situations that will come up in my life–just learning to deal with the things that this world throws at you. It’s given me appreciation for others who have served me, and has given me the attitude that I want to help other people and be a light in the world.
Camp Polaris is in need of updated facilities, such as “bear-proof cabins,” says Heather. And now that the Moodys have left, the only way to ferry the children to camp is by making several 1 ½ hour trips by small boat. Restroom and bathing facilities include 2 outhouses, a steam sauna, and the icy waters of Lake Aleknagik.
But the primitive accommodations are not a deterrent for Heather. I’ve lived in Alaska all my life, she says, and it [Camp Polaris] is the most isolated I’ve ever been. But, it’s definitely a place where you can feel very close to God. I really love it up there.

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