Present Truth # 1
God's Letter to You

Heaven's Pledge - Our Assurance
At some stage in life, individuals question their existence and purpose in life. A young mind generally has hopes and aspirations for the future. A discontented or discouraged mind finds it hard to accept a purpose or reason for life. Then there are the lonely, the empty, the unhappy. How can your life become more fulfilling, healthy, interesting? What lies after death? Is it possible to receive eternal life? Human hearts of every walk of life question the uncertain, yet desire an answer to satisfy their needs of security and contentment. No doubt at times such questions enter your mind. Are there answers to life's vital questions? Where can you find them? We all have some beliefs or ideas, but how accurate are they? No book ever written reveals so well the answer to these and many other fundamental questions except the Holy Bible. It reveals how life can be lived and enjoyed to the fullest. This is a promise.

Who Wrote the Bible?
Some critics have claimed that the Bible is only a book written by ordinary men, and therefore is just like any other book. The first part of this assertion is partly true but the latter is false. Yes, the book was written by men, but they had one different characteristic to most authors.

“ . . . holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21.

God selected righteous men to pen His messages. They were not naturally creative writers, but events and messages were recorded as they were revealed and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Visions and thoughts were received and these holy men, knowing these were from God, faithfully wrote in their own language what they were shown.

Thus there is a variety of style and of expression in the Bible, but no contradictions. There is a common theme throughout the collection of writings and a unity of beliefs.

“The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.” 2 Samuel 23:2.

No one was entrusted to write God’s sacred messages without receiving divine assistance.

Actually the Bible is a compendium of books and its real Author is the Almighty. Throughout all these sacred writings is the theme of salvation from sin and its consequences, if we accept God's provisions and counsels.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

The Scriptures also tell us of God and His loving character. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

Divisions
Sixty-six books were written by nearly 40 writers during a period of approximately 1,600 years. Thirty-nine of the books constitute what is known as the Old Testament and twenty-seven comprise the New Testament. Whenever Jesus referred to Scripture, He quoted the Old Testament (the New Testament had not yet been written).

The Old Testament has three major sections. Jesus said, “. . . These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.” Luke 24:44.

“The law of Moses” refers to the first five books of the Bible. They were written by Moses and are often referred to as “the law,” because they contain all the laws that were given to ancient Israel. The ceremonial laws were symbolic and terminated at the cross. But there is far more to “Moses” than just the ceremonial system. Primarily it consists of the doctrines and principles of establishing God's church on earth. First there is the moral law as given by God Himself, then nature's laws, health, and doctrines of order and organization.

“The prophets” refer to all the prophetic books. Some books in other classifications also have prophetic sections but, for ease of identification, each book is only placed in one category. For instance, Jesus used this type of terminology when talking with two disciples who were traveling to Emmaus after Jesus' resurrection: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

One of the most compelling tests of the authenticity of the Scriptures is the evidence of prophecy, for true prophecy is the recording of history in advance. Many of the prophecies of the Bible were written hundreds of years before their fulfilment, others are occurring now, some refer to our future. So important is prophecy that God challenges anyone to accurately predict the future in detail as He does.

“Produce your cause, saith the Lord; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth, and shew us what shall happen: let them shew the former things, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare us things for to come. Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods; yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together.” Isaiah 41:21-23.

“Psalms” or poetry. The poetical books are Job, the Song of Solomon, and the Psalms. Some translations of the Bible record all the poetical sections in poetical format rather than prose. Although the meter is lost in translation from the original language, the beauty, majesty and pathos of the poetry of the Bible is still apparent and may be readily appreciated.

The Power and Purpose of the Bible
The power of God's word is demonstrated in many ways. When we scan the heavens and behold the sun, moon, planets and the myriads of stars, all orbiting their appointed trajectory through the immense expanse of space, we are witnessing the power of the Word of God!

“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:6, 9.

Yet a still greater power is contained in the living Word. Jesus, the son of God said, “. . . the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63. What is this power? What is its purpose?

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12.

“The word” has within itself power, deep, abiding, and eternal. It leads us to see ourselves as we really are. It searches our inmost failures and yearnings, and provides the power to raise us from the lowest degradation. It has power which is able to make and keep men right, something we cannot do for ourselves. The Bible is able to transform our character and to make each person radiant, joyous, and full of hope.

The Psalmist testified of this marvelous transforming power: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11.

How long will the word of God endure? Christ declared: “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35.

Comparing the short life span of man with the Word of God, the apostle Peter wrote: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the word of the Lord endureth forever . . . ” 1 Peter 1:24, 25.

On the midst of all the turmoil and strife of this present age, the Bible stands as an immovable, unchangeable beacon, with its light pointing to the true haven. It is a teacher and counselor of the highest order.

Can Everyone Understand the Bible?
For centuries it has been claimed by the clergy that the Bible should not be read by lay members because only learned theologians are able to interpret its doctrines. This withholding of the Scriptures from the people resulted in an intellectual, spiritual, and moral decline known, today, as the “Dark Ages.” “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6.

Contrary to the stated belief of “the clergy,” “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Psalm 119:130.

Therefore, the Word of God is not only for intellectuals to understand, but if studied and obeyed, it will ennoble and elevate the humble searcher for truth, whatever his station in life. Christ declared that God's Word was more readily understood by those of open minds “babies” in trusting and absorbing just what God says, than by those who claim to be “wise.”

“At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” Matthew 11:25.

Often men of considerable learning, whether secular or theological, are too proud to admit wrong and thus disqualify themselves from understanding the truth of God. This is clearly illustrated in the Bible by the attitude of the learned scribes and Pharisees toward the teachings and person of Christ. Although they had theoretical knowledge, they could not accept the truth being presented to them.

The Lord sees those who are humbly seeking for truth: “. . . to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” Isaiah 66:2.

As we have read before, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” In other words, the “Spirit of God” gave the messages to the various writers. In order to understand the Word of God aright, we need this same Spirit to guide our mind when we read the Bible.

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” John 16:13.

The written Word of God is God's voice speaking to us. It should always be treated with respect and should be studied with genuine desire to understand truth and its messages. Time spent searching the Scriptures should be regarded as time being spent in contact with the Divine. Therefore, before opening your Bible always pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance and believe that you will be directed and taught aright.

Why Are There So Many Different Interpretations of the Bible?
This question is often asked by skeptics as an argument that the Bible is unreliable. But are they right? What is the key to true understanding?

One reason is given by the apostle Peter: “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:16.

In addition the Bible reproves sin and lays open the hidden secrets of the heart. This is not agreeable to our human nature which seeks to obscure the Scripture's plain explanations. The apostle Paul prophesied: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, have itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3, 4.

It is impossible to come to a right understanding of the Bible if our hearts are not changed, because sinful human nature is opposed to the Spirit of God. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

Today men are eagerly seeking for personal advantage. For the sake of gaining riches, honor or power, they place the maxims, traditions and requirements of men above the requirements of God. From such the treasures of God's word are hidden.

Obedience is one key to a true understanding of the Scriptures. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17.

The Theme of Bible Inspiration
Many books have a central figure around which the story is woven. The Bible too has a central person in both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus said: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39.

When conversing with the two disciples on the way to Emmaus after His resurrection, Jesus explained this vital truth to them: “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:27.

Will There Always Be Opportunity to Study God's Word?
Many people put off searching the Scriptures until they retire, or to some other time in the future. But they are making a fatal mistake!

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.” Amos 8:11-13.

This wonderful book—the Bible—will soon be of no use for men. There will be no more opportunities to understand it or to obey its teachings. The Holy Spirit will not then be available to help people know the truth. Nevertheless, today we still have opportunity. There is still time to become acquainted with God's plan for us.

Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General Conference.

PROVERB OF THE DAY

(Proverbs 1)

1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2. To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,

3. To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;

4. To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—

5. A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,

6. To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.

7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

8. My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;

9. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck.

10. My son, if sinners entice you,
Do not consent.

11. If they say, “Come with us,
Let us lie in wait to shed blood;
Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12. Let us swallow them alive like Sheol,
And whole, like those who go down to the Pit;

13. We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
We shall fill our houses with spoil;

14. Cast in your lot among us,
Let us all have one purse”—

15. My son, do not walk in the way with them,
Keep your foot from their path;

16. For their feet run to evil,
And they make haste to shed blood.

17. Surely, in vain the net is spread
In the sight of any bird;

18. But they lie in wait for their own blood,
They lurk secretly for their own lives.

19. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;
It takes away the life of its owners.

20. Wisdom calls aloud outside;
She raises her voice in the open squares.

21. She cries out in the chief concourses,
At the openings of the gates in the city
She speaks her words:

22. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
For scorners delight in their scorning,
And fools hate knowledge.

23. Turn at my rebuke;
Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
I will make my words known to you.

24. Because I have called and you refused,
I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

25. Because you disdained all my counsel,
And would have none of my rebuke,

26. I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,

27. When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.

28. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.

29. Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the LORD,

30. They would have none of my counsel
And despised my every rebuke.

31. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

32. For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33. But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

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SEPTEMBER THEME — LOVE THAT GROWS:
Growing Together in Love, Wisdom and Grace

WEEK 1
GROWING IN UNDERSTANDING
Learning to See Your Spouse Through the Eyes of Love

SEPTEMBER DAY 1 - Morning

Reflection
UNDERSTANDING BEFORE JUDGING

Good Morning!
One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is the gift of being understood.
Sometimes we are quick to judge because we see the behaviour but don't know the story behind it.
Your husband may come home unusually quiet.
Your wife may seem distant.
One of you may become impatient over something that normally wouldn't matter.
The easy response is:
"What's wrong with you?"
But love asks a better question:
"What is happening with you?"
There is a difference.
Perhaps your spouse had a difficult day at work.
Perhaps something happened that they haven't found the courage to discuss.
Perhaps they are simply tired.
Understanding doesn't mean agreeing with everything your spouse does.
It means taking time to understand the person before passing judgment on the behaviour.
Imagine a husband returning home from work in Accra after battling traffic for hours, frustrated and exhausted. His wife notices his silence and immediately assumes, "He's angry with me."
But instead of reacting, she asks:
"Honey, you've been quiet. Is everything okay?"
That simple question may open a door that criticism would have closed.

God's Word
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."
— James 1:19

Today's Love Action
Before making an assumption about your spouse today, ask one gentle question and listen carefully to the answer.

Let's Talk
Do I usually try to understand my spouse before I react to their behaviour?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach us to listen with patience and understand with compassion. Help us not to judge quickly or assume the worst about one another. Give us hearts that are willing to listen before speaking and understand before reacting. In Jesus' name, Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair
Many marital conflicts grow because couples respond to assumptions instead of information.
Before you conclude, ask.
Before you react, listen.
Before you judge, understand.

Marriage Nugget
"Understanding often begins with one simple decision: listen before you judge."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

# **DWELLING IN THE SECRET PLACE**

There is a difference between **visiting God and living close to God**. Psalm 91:1 says, *“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”* I think of the secret place as that quiet space where you can put everything down for a moment—the things you cannot explain to anyone, the worries you carry into the night, the questions you are afraid to ask out loud. It is where you come before God without pretending that everything is fine. In His presence, you can breathe again.

The secret place is not necessarily a particular room, building, or mountain. It is a life of intimacy with God. It may be those early minutes before everyone else wakes up, a quiet corner after a long day, or simply a moment in your car when you turn everything off and talk honestly to God. **To dwell means to remain.** It is more than running to God when life falls apart and then forgetting Him when things become comfortable. It is learning to walk with Him in ordinary days as well as difficult ones. When you make God's presence a regular part of your life, prayer becomes more than an emergency call; it becomes a relationship.

Something changes when you spend time with God consistently. Your problems may not disappear overnight, but your perspective begins to change. You become less controlled by fear and less dependent on people's approval. You begin to recognize God's voice, understand His Word more clearly, and make decisions from a place of faith rather than panic. The secret place does not promise a life without trouble; it gives you somewhere to stand when trouble comes. **Psalm 91:2** says, *“I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’”*

Perhaps you have been trying to carry too much on your own. You have been strong for everyone else, answering messages, solving problems, meeting expectations, and quietly wondering who will strengthen you. **Come back to the secret place.** You don't have to arrive with perfect words. Come tired. Come confused. Come grateful. Come disappointed. Just come. God is not asking you to perform; He is inviting you into His presence.

Don't make the secret place somewhere you visit only when you are desperate. **Make it your dwelling.** Let prayer become part of your rhythm. Let Scripture shape your thinking. Let worship quiet your heart. And when the storms come—and they will—you will have something deeper than circumstances to hold onto. **You will know where your strength comes from, where your peace is found, and where you can return when everything around you feels uncertain.**

MINDFULNESS: THE WISDOM OF HOW WE TREAT ONE ANOTHER

Being mindful is more than simply being aware.

It is remembering that we share this world with other people.

It means practicing manners, decorum, etiquette, and civility—not because we are trying to appear perfect, but because we recognize the dignity of others.

Sometimes wisdom sounds like speaking.

Sometimes wisdom sounds like listening.

And sometimes wisdom sounds like silence.

“A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:7

There are moments when our words can encourage, correct, defend, or bring healing.

And there are moments when speaking out of anger, pride, impulse, or frustration can cause unnecessary harm.

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
— James 1:19

The Bible reminds us that our words matter.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
— Proverbs 18:21

And sometimes the wisest response is simply to be still.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10

Being still does not mean being indifferent.

Being quiet does not mean being weak.

Being civil does not mean permitting wrongdoing.

Jesus Himself demonstrated that there is a time for gentleness and a time for righteous confrontation. Scripture calls us to pursue truth, justice, mercy, and righteousness—not merely comfort or appearances.

So mindfulness asks us:

Is this the right time to speak?
Is this the right way to speak?
Does this need to be said?
Am I listening as carefully as I am speaking?
Will my words bring understanding—or unnecessary injury?

And perhaps most importantly:

Am I treating people as members of a family whom God has commanded me to love?

“Love one another: as I have loved you.”
— John 13:34

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.”
— Romans 12:10

Christian love is not pretending that everything is acceptable.

It is not concealing injustice.

It is not remaining silent when someone is being harmed.

Rather, it means learning to speak truth with love, to correct without cruelty, to disagree without contempt, and to stand for what is right without abandoning compassion.

“Speaking the truth in love…”
— Ephesians 4:15

There is tremendous wisdom in knowing the difference between silence that protects peace and silence that permits injustice.

So today, let us be mindful.

Mindful of our words.
Mindful of our tone.
Mindful of our surroundings.
Mindful of other people’s dignity.
Mindful of when to speak.
Mindful of when to listen.
Mindful of when to be still.

And yes…

Mind your P’s and Q’s.

Not as an invitation to conceal who we are or to perform politeness for appearances—

but as a gentle reminder to show respect, practice good manners, exercise self-control, and treat others with the dignity we hope to receive.

Because kindness is not weakness.

Civility is not compromise.

Silence is not always surrender.

And speaking up is not always unkind.

Wisdom is knowing which moment requires which one.

“Let all that you do be done in love.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:14

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Hello everyone, I’m a new Christian. I started going to church and praying at the beginning of this year, and I’m looking forward to learning more about Christianity and deepening my faith.
مرحبا جميعا انا مسيحي جديد بينكم اتمنى التعلم اكثر عن المسيحية اتمنى ان تصلون من اجلي لاني اواجه مخاطر لسلكي هذا طريق

August 31
“WHEN I CANNOT SEE HIS HAND”
WHEN I WALK IN DARKNESS
Isaiah 50:10 (LLV) —
“Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the voice of His servant, yet walks in darkness and has no light? Let that person trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.”
We sometimes
expect faith
to make
the road
clear.
If I am
following God,
surely I should
know
where I am going.
If I am
obeying Him,
surely the next step
should be
easy to see.
If I am
walking
in His will,
surely there
should be
light.
Then Isaiah
describes
someone
who fears
the LORD.
Someone
who obeys.
Someone
who is doing
what is right.
And yet,
that person
“walks
in darkness
and has
no light.”
That changes
something.
Darkness
is not always
evidence
that we have
taken
the wrong road.
Sometimes
we can be
exactly where
God has led us
and still
not understand
where the road
is going.
We want
explanations.
God sometimes
asks for
trust.
We want
a map.
God sometimes
gives us
His name.
“Let that person
trust
in the name
of the LORD
and rely
upon his God.”
Notice
what Isaiah
does not say.
He does not say:
“Wait until
the light returns,
then continue.”
He describes
someone
who walks
in darkness.
That requires
a different kind
of faith.
Faith
when the answer
is obvious
is one thing.
Faith
when we can see
God's purpose
unfolding
is one thing.
But trusting God
when we cannot
see anything
ahead—
that is where
trust becomes
deeply personal.
Isaiah says,
“Rely upon
his God.”
Not merely
upon what
we know
about God.
Upon God
Himself.
Perhaps
we have spent
years learning
His character
precisely
for moments
like these.
We have learned
that He is faithful.
That He is good.
That He keeps
His promises.
That He does not
abandon
His children.
And then comes
a season
when we cannot
see His hand.
Now those truths
must become
more than things
we believe
when the road
is bright.
They become
what we stand on
when it is dark.
Sometimes
God gives us
light
for the road.
Sometimes
He asks us
to walk
with nothing
but confidence
in the One
who knows
the road.
And perhaps
that is
the deeper faith.
Not:
“I trust God because
I understand.”
But:
“I trust God
even when
I don't.”
A new beginning does not always begin in daylight:
when I cannot see the road ahead, I can rely upon the God whose character I already know.
Reflection: Am I assuming that uncertainty means I have missed God's direction, when perhaps He is asking me to trust Him without understanding what comes next?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I would rather see the road clearly, understand Your purpose, and know what comes next. But when You do not give me those things, teach me to rely upon You. When I walk in darkness and have no light, remind me of the character You have already shown me. You are faithful. You are good. You know the road I cannot see. Give me courage to keep walking when all I have to hold onto is You. In Jesus' name, Amen.