The Purpose of Delay

Why does God seem late sometimes? Not delays that are due to our personal laziness or selfishness, but delays that are beyond our control?

The Bible says, Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. James 5:8

Why does God allow those delays?

Activity:

Gather in groups and answer the following questions:

1. Why does God allow those delays?
2. Why do we need to develop patience?
3. Cite a Bible character or event that showed patience and another who was impatient.
4. What lesson can we learn from their story? And can be applied to these last days?
5. What to Do During Delay?

Highlight:

Not one sparrow falls to the ground without your Father. Matthew 10:29
The very hairs of your head are numbered. Luke 12:7
All things work together for good to them that love God. Romans 8:28

To those many who are waiting, we will be tempted to blame others for the delay. We must not yield.

Like the experience of the 144,000. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait trustingly for the Lord to work they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious experience. The Great Controversy, 630.2

We need to develop patience in order to develop obedience, loyalty, and create a deeper experience with God. To develop faith and trust. To test the genuineness of our desire. To glorify God’s name.

Remember the fall of Jericho. Remember the life of Joseph.

The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger – a faith that will not faint, though severely tried” Great Controversy, page 621.

“We must show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays answering us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire.… The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 145.2-3

What to Do During Delay?

From the experience of the five who were wise, in this parable, as in that of Matthew 24, two classes are represented. All had taken their lamps, the Bible, and by its light had gone forth to meet the Bridegroom. But while they that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them,” “the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

The latter class had received the grace of God, the regenerating, enlightening power of the Holy Spirit, which renders His Word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path. In the fear of God they had studied the Scriptures to learn the truth, and had earnestly sought for purity of heart and life. These had a personal experience, a faith in God and in His Word, which could not be overthrown by disappointment and delay.

Others “took their lamps, and took no oil with them.” They had moved from impulse. Their fears had been excited by the solemn message, but they had depended upon the faith of their brethren, satisfied with the flickering light of good emotions, without a thorough understanding of the truth, or a genuine work of grace in the heart.

These had gone forth to meet the Lord, full of hope in the prospect of immediate reward; but they were not prepared for delay and disappointment. When trials came, their faith failed, and their lights burned dim.

GAIN A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN THE DELAY.
Pray
Study the Scriptures
Seek for purity of heart and life
Have the oil of the Holy Spirit
Serve

Like in Psalm 27:14, Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord.

God’s delay is not God’s denial. Maranatha.

-Chummie

God’s Peculiar People: Called to Stand Apart

For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deuteronomy 14:2

Dear youth, according to The Faith I Live By, 167, “Life is mysterious and sacred. It is the manifestation of God Himself, the source of all life. Precious are its opportunities, and earnestly should they be improved. Once lost, they are gone forever.”

It is written in the Bible, in Exodus 19:5,6, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

We are given a mission and a command to follow. “This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul Thou hast avouched the LORD this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways, and to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and to hearken unto his voice: Deuteronomy 26:16-19.”

Many of these professed Christians dress, talk, and act like the world, and the only thing by which they may be known is their profession. Though they profess to be looking for Christ, their conversation is not in heaven, but on worldly things.

They were in the broad way, yet they professed to be of the number who were traveling the narrow way. Those around them would say: “There is no distinction between us. We are alike; we dress, and talk, and act alike.” {1T 128.2}

God’s people must be a peculiar, holy people, distinct in character and practice from the world, distinguished from all the religionists of the day. They must be patterns in personal piety and good works.

We need a thorough reformation in all our churches. The converting power of God must come into the church…. Put not off the day of preparation. Slumber not in a state of unpreparedness, having no oil in your vessels with your lamps…. Let not the question remain in perilous uncertainty. Ask yourselves earnestly, Am I among the saved, or the unsaved? Shall I stand, or shall I not stand? He only that hath clean hands and a pure heart shall stand in that day. {Mar 50.6}

Activity:

Group congregation into different classes. Assign a leader and a secretary. Give them a period of time to discuss the questions below. Before presenting their answers after the allotted time, let the group offer a special song.

Questions:

1. Cite a Bible figure who stood apart during his/her time. (Ex. Enoch, Noah, Elijah, Moses etc.)
2. What became the result of their loyalty and obedience?
3. What does God see in us today, in our homes and in our churches?
4. How to be dead to the world?
5. What snares and traps has Satan had set in the world about Time, Talent, Treasure, Temple?
6. Where is revival and reformation needed?

Points to highlight:

Stand apart in doctrine, practices and character.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” For your soul’s sake, for Christ’s sake, who gave himself to save you from ruin, pause on the threshold of your life, and weigh well your responsibilities, your opportunities, your possibilities. God has given you an opportunity to fill a high destiny. Your influence may tell for the truth of God; you may be a co-laborer with God in the great work of human redemption. {RH, June 16, 1891 par. 3}

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. John 2:15, 16

Seventh-day Adventists, above all people, should be patterns of piety, holy in heart and in conversation. To them have been entrusted the most solemn truths ever committed to mortals. Maranatha 113.3

Seventh-day Adventists have been chosen by God as a peculiar people, separate from the world. By the great cleaver of truth He has cut them out from the quarry of the world and brought them into connection with Himself. He has made them His representatives and has called them to be ambassadors for Him in the last work of salvation. 7T 138

It is God’s purpose to manifest through His people the principles of His kingdom. That in life and character they may reveal these principles, He desires to separate them from the customs, habits, and practices of the world. By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the love of God revealed in His church, the world is to have a representation of His character. Maranatha 113.2

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Our only safety is to stand as God’s peculiar people. We must not yield one inch to the customs and fashions of this degenerate age, but stand in moral independence, making no compromise with its corrupt and idolatrous practices. Child Guidance 449.3

Church members, let the light shine forth. Let your voices be heard in humble prayer, in witness against intemperance, the folly, and the amusements of this world, and in the proclamation of the truth for this time. Your voice, your influence, your time-all these are gifts from God and are to be used in winning souls to Christ.

There is work for every mind and for every hand. There is a variety of work, adapted to different minds and varied capabilities. Every one who is connected with God will impart light to others. If there are any who have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light.

Why is it so hard to lead a self-denying, humble life? Because professed Christians are not dead to the world. It is easy living after we are dead. But many are longing for the leeks and onions of Egypt. They have a disposition to dress and act as much like the world as possible and yet go to heaven. Such climb up some other way. They do not enter through the strait gate and narrow way. {1T 131.2}

God has a test for us, and if we come up to the standard we shall be a peculiar people. The Sabbath draws a separating line between us and the world, not faintly but in plain, distinct colors.

There is a danger in turning back against God, even if a step back has not been taken yet. The danger is in the first signs of disaffection. Remember Eve, remember the prodigal son, he was still in his father’s house, but his heart was already in a far country…. and he went there.

Be careful that we do not have a change of confidence from spiritual friends to unbelievers. Let us make sure that our strength of character be prepared for times of troubles and temptations. Do not go far from the source of light. It is not how much feeling we manifest over injustice in treatment that evidences strength of character, but it is the self-control, the firm check put upon a strong emotion, that evidences strength of character and the spirit of Jesus.

Praying for all of us,

Chummie

AY Program Idea: The Beautiful Way

Hello Dear Youth. I hope you are all doing well.

I will be sharing today a timely message for all of us.

According to 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is”.

Will we be like Jesus BEFORE He comes?

“He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” Revelation 22:11,12.

“Those who receive the seal of the living God and are protected in the time of trouble must reflect the image of Jesus fully.” Early Writings, page 71.

ACTIVITY

Group the congregation into classes or groups and assign 1 out of 8 points of beauty, then let them answer the following questions below. Allot a few minuted for the group to discuss.

Group Assignment:

Group 1: Beautiful Character

“It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and to seek first the highest beauty – that which is imperishable…. That beauty of character which in His sight is of `great price'” Education, page 249.

Group 2: Beautiful Countenance

“The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief.” DA, 254

Group 3: Beautiful Garments

And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty. Exodus 28:2

Group 4: Beautiful Homes

“God loves the beautiful. He has clothed the earth and the heavens with beauty, and with a Father’s joy He watches the delight of His children in the things that He has made. He desires us to surround our homes with the beauty of natural things.” Ministry of Healing, page 37

Group 5: Beautiful Manners

With one another: beautiful courtesy and politeness
With God: Beautiful worship

Group 6: Beautiful Literature

These dear youths need so much to put into their character building the very best material,–the love and fear of God and a knowledge of Christ. Messages to Young People, 279

Group 7: Beautiful Witnessing

Christians should be the happiest people upon the earth. Review and Herald, December 1, 1885

Group 8: Beauty of God

“For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” Isaiah 53:2.

Questions:

1. What is Jesus like?
2. What are the reasons why we should be like Jesus?
3. Who changes us?
4. What does the assigned point of beauty means?
5. How do we become beautiful based on the point given?

Conclusion:

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

It is impossible for us, of ourselves, to escape from the pit of sin in which we are sunken. Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” “The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Job 14:4; Romans 8:7. Education, culture, the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of behavior, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs of life. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness. {SC 18.1}

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me”. John 14:6.

Points to be highlighted for each group must include the following:

“In the One `altogether lovely’ we behold Him, of whom all beauty of earth and heaven is but a dim reflection.” Education, page 192

At the court of Babylon were gathered representatives from all lands, men of the highest talent, men the most richly endowed with natural gifts, and possessed of the broadest culture that the world could bestow; yet among them all, the Hebrew youth were without a peer. In physical strength and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment, they stood unrivaled. The erect form, the firm, elastic step, the fair countenance, the undimmed senses, the untainted breath–all were so many certificates of good habits, insignia of the nobility with which nature honors those who are obedient to her laws. Prophets and Kings, 485.2

“Many a lad of today, growing up as did Daniel in his Judean home, studying God’s word and His works, and learning the lessons of faithful service, will yet stand in legisla­tive assemblies, in halls of justice, or in royal courts, as a witness for the King of kings” Education, page 262.

So the dress of Christ’s followers should be symbolic. In all things we are to be representatives of Him. Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity.
Messages to Young People, 358

For Christ’s sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance.
Messages to Young People, 358

Do you ever see me gloomy, desponding, complaining? I have a faith which forbids this. It is a misconception of the true ideal of Christian character and Christian service that leads to these conclusions. It is the want of genuine religion that produces gloom, despondency, and sadness. Earnest Christians seek to imitate Jesus, for to be Christians is to be Christlike. It will be really essential to have correct conceptions of Christ’s life, Christ’s habits, that His principles may be reproduced in us who would be Christlike. {AH 431.1}

Educate the soul to cheerfulness, to thankfulness, and to the expression of gratitude to God for the great love wherewith He hath loved us. . . . Christian cheerfulness is the very beauty of holiness. {CG 146.5}

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God”
Ephesians 3:17-19.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
Proverbs 4:18

“Instead of questioning and caviling concerning that which you do not understand, give heed to the light that already shines upon you, and you will receive greater light.” Steps to Christ, page 111.

Beautiful in Christ,

Chummie

AY Program Idea: Developing Potential

Hello Dear Youth,

How was your week? I pray it went well, and you all are in good places today.

For this week, I will be sharing to you a program idea about developing our full potential, aligned with God’s plan for us.

INTRODUCTION

Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements requires men who are more than weaklings. Ministry of Healing, 497.1

You may say, “I am afraid I am weak.“ You may be weak, but you don’t have to be a weakling. Paul was weak. Jesus said to him, “My grace is sufficient for thee; My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

Samson was strong. But he was a weakling.

It does not matter how many handicaps we have. It is what we are doing with the opportunities Gods gives us.

Ellen G. White was weak. But she was not a weakling.

Develop your potential. It is in true service that the highest development takes place. But while we cannot become strong by lifting weights of a thousand pounds, we will never become strong by lifting weights of eight ounces either.

Men of stamina are wanted, men who will not wait to have their way smoothed and every obstacle removed, men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with Christian love and whose hands are strong to do their Master’s work. {MH 497.2}

Some who engage in missionary service are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give power to do something–the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm. Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful.

They should cultivate not only the passive but the active virtues. While they are to give the soft answer that turns away wrath, they must possess the courage of a hero to resist evil. With the charity that endures all things, they need the force of character that will make their influence a positive power.
Ministry of Healing, 497.3

ACTIVITY

Group the congregation into classes and assign a leader and a secretary. Give a period of time for discussion and allow them to share their group answers to the rest. Let them offer a song as a group first before giving their answers.

Answer the following questions:

1. Cite an example of a weakling from the Bible that had a strong character and grow into full potential.
2. Each member of the group should give a characteristic that they want to develop themselves.
3. What stops us from developing our potential?
4. For what use are our talents and potential?
5. How do we develop our characters and potential?

CONCLUSION

Some have no firmness of character. Their plans and purposes have no definite form and consistency. They are of but little practical use in the world. This weakness, indecision, and inefficiency should be overcome. Ministry of Healing, 498.1

Many who are qualified to do excellent work accomplish little because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no great object for which to live, no high standard to reach. One reason for this is the low estimate which they place upon themselves. Christ paid an infinite price for us, and according to the price paid He desires us to value ourselves.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” Ecclesiastes 9:10

Yours in prayer,

Chummie