Guidelines for living.
September 1st, 2026

Does My Life Have Any Purpose?

For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. Acts 13:36

One of the greatest tragedies in life is to get very close to reaching your goal, arriving at your full potential, accomplishing what you set out to do, only to fall short of what you wanted. It's always sad to have to quit a few hundred meters short of the top, or to get so very close to winning, only to have victory snatched from your grasp.

Unrealized goals, unfulfilled potential - what a tragedy! With a sigh, we speak of, "The man he might have been," or "the woman she could have become."

You tell me what your heart yearns to do, what you think about when you lie awake unable to sleep in the night hours, and I'll tell you what kind of a person you really are. If money consumes your thinking, you're materialistic. If you think only of revenge, you're angry and bitter. If your thoughts are of God and how you can serve Him, you are a person of spiritual sensitivity and dedication.

When I interview people, I often ask the interviewee a closing question: "At the end of your life, how would you like to be remembered?" Answers tell me a lot about the person who responds.

A thousand years after David, the king of ancient Israel, Luke, one of the writers of the New Testament, included a few thoughts about how David was remembered. He wrote, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep ... " (Acts 13:36). Another translation adds a single phrase which injects even more meaning. It reads, "For when David had served God's purpose in his own generation according to the will of God, he fell asleep" (Nestle's Greek text). The overview of history is often so much different than how we appear in the smoke and the dust of the battle.

For a few moments, measure your life against the benchmark of what Luke wrote about David. First, he served God's purpose. Now translate this to our generation: to your family, your workplace, your neighborhood. Would you say that you are really accomplishing God's purpose for your life? Or would you have to say, "No, I fall far short of that"?

You may be asking, "Well, what is God's purpose for my life?" Good question! There's a whole book that answers that one. It's called the Bible. It explains very clearly what God's purpose is for your life in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Now, the second thought is that David was responsible only for his generation. You can't do anything about what took place a hundred years ago, or even a generation ago. That's history. But you can do something about your generation today - the world in which you live.

Some think, mistakenly, that the sum total of their influence in life is zero. It's untrue! Every person, no matter how humble or significant, influences someone. You, friend, like David, can serve God's purpose, touching someone's life, making a difference.

Now, a final thought. David served God's purpose according to the will of God. That's a powerful thought. So, "does God have a will for my life?" you may be wondering. The Bible contends that He does. The writers of Scripture say that what happens to your life is of great importance to our Heavenly Father. Paul wrote, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore," he said, "do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" (Ephesians 5:15-17). There you have it - a life of purpose touching our generation according to the will of God!

Resource Reading: Ephesians 5:1-20

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.

Gods Creation,100 / evolution, 0
THE INCREDIBLE DESIGN OF PILOT WHALE SKIN

Ships traveling through the ocean have to be regularly cleaned because barnacles attach themselves to the hull. If enough build up, they create drag and reduce the ship’s efficiency.

Whales can have the same problem. Barnacles are commonly seen clinging to the skin of several whale species, sometimes in large numbers. Some barnacles are even specially adapted for life attached to whales.

But pilot whales are remarkably free of them.

Researchers studying pilot whale skin discovered that part of the answer may be found at the microscopic level. The skin contains tiny pores surrounded by structures called nanoridges. Along with these structures, the skin produces a gel-like material with antifouling and antimicrobial properties.

Together, these features make it difficult for barnacle larvae to establish a secure grip while also helping protect the skin from microorganisms.

Human engineers have taken notice. Researchers have studied pilot whale skin for ideas that could lead to better antifouling surfaces for ships, potentially preventing barnacles from attaching in the first place.

Think about that. Intelligent engineers face a difficult problem, discover that a whale already has an effective solution, study how it works, and then deliberately try to copy it.

We recognize intelligence when humans imitate the system, yet we're told the original arose through unguided evolutionary processes.

From a biblical perspective, there is no mystery about why nature contains engineering that repeatedly inspires our own. The creatures filling our oceans are the workmanship of a Creator whose wisdom far exceeds our own.

“O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.” — Psalm 104:24

Need to know.
Signs You Have an Octopus Spirit!

What is the Octopus Spirit?

This is a spirit that causes you to feel like your mind is wrapped, squeezed, and pulled in many directions at once. It clouds your thinking, steals your peace, and tries to choke out your spiritual life with lies that sound like your own voice.

The Bible does not use the word ‘octopus’ but it does describe this type of mental attack and calls us to take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

So here are 8 points, or ‘tentacles,’ that can show if you are being oppressed by this spirit.

Tentacle #1: You have intrusive thoughts that you did not invite.

For example:
- You are worship and a blasphemous thought flashes in.
- You are driving and a thought tells you to hurt yourself.
- You are holding your child and a dark image appears.

You feel sick inside and wonder what is wrong with you. James 1:14 shows the enemies entices and whispers. You are not the thoughts you did not invite.

Tentacle #2: Every thought turns hopeless.

You make one small mistake and your mind jumps to ‘it is over.’ You have one bad day and feel, ‘this is who I am forever.’

If your thoughts keep ending in, ‘there is no point,’ that is a sign of mental oppression.

Tentacle #3: You have mental loops that don’t stop.

- You replay old conversations nonstop.
- You reheard disasters that have not happened.
- You wake up at night and relive things you cannot change.

You are not processing. You are in torment. The octopus spirit keeps your mind spinning without peace.

Tentacle #4: Your thoughts become your identity.

You used to think, ‘I am struggling with fear.’ Now you say, ‘I am a fearful person.’ You used to think, ‘I am tempted by lust.’ Now you call yourself a lustful person.

The Bible tells you to take thoughts captive, not to wear them as your name. When a repeated thought becomes how you describe yourself, it turns into a stronghold.

Tentacle #5: Prayer feels heavy and numbing feels easy.

The Bible feels boring, worship feels hollow, and prayer feels dry and heavy. But scrolling, eating, drinking, and binge watching feel effortless.

This can be spiritual warfare that pulls you away from what nourishes your spirit and drags you toward what only numbs you.

Tentacle #6: You hide and isolate.

You start thinking things like:
- ‘Do not tell anyone.’
- ‘They will judge me.’
- ‘No one will understand.’
- ‘Handle your problems alone.’

This spirit thrives in secrecy and isolation. The Bible calls us to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other to be healed. (James 5:16)

When you think your thoughts into the light, the grip of this spirit begins to loosen.

Tentacle #7: You live in mental fog and double mindedness.

You feel constant fog in your mind and struggle to focus, pray, and make decisions. Some days you feel close to God, but other days you feel numb and distant.

That fog is not from your Father. It is the enemy clouding the water so you cannot see clearly.

Tentacle #8: You start giving yourself permission to sin.

At first the voice in your head tempts you. Then it starts to sound like permission.

- ‘You deserve it.’
- ‘Just do it this once.’
- ‘God will understand.’
- ‘It’s not that serious.’

When your own thoughts start writing permission slips and signing God’s name on them, this is a sign that this spirit is at work.

If you see these signs in your life, it does not mean things are hopeless. It means the Holy Spirit is bringing this into the light so Jesus can set you free.

Here is what to do:
- Come to Jesus and confess that your mind belongs to Him.
- Identify the lies and name them out loud as lies.
- Replace lies with the truth of Scripture.
- Repent of any open doors and invite Jesus to close them.
- In the name of Jesus, command every spirit tied to these lies to leave.
- Refuse isolation and share honestly with a trusted, mature believer.
- Begin to renew your mind daily in the word of God.

You do not have to live with this forever. In Christ there is real freedom.

Let's talk about it.
“When looking at these four chapters in which Michael appears, we immediately notice that Michael is in conflict with Satan in each of these stories. Michael is the title used for Christ whenever He is at war with Satan. It is also the title connected to Him as the chief of the angels, or leader of the angels. Lucifer was next only to Christ, or Michael, among the angels. Christ’s title as Michael is a reminder that Lucifer rebelled against the chief of the angels and desired to be like God.

In each case described in Scripture when Christ takes the title of Michael, He is victorious. The final victory occurs in Daniel 12: 1. At the end of the world, Michael stands up to deliver a faithful generation who have proven Satan’s charges false.

Here in Revelation 12, Michael the archangel, or the chief angel, has a litany of angels on His side. The dragon, or Satan, has angels on his side. It is a polemical war that is fought over Satan’s lies against the government of God and Christ’s place in that government.

In verse 8, we see that Satan and his angels did not prevail. There was no place in heaven for his lies and for the dissension he had created.”

— Revelation: Practical Living in the Judgment Hour by Norman McNulty

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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.”

~. . . And the evening and the morning were the 243rd day. Good Morning, God's Beloved. On this 244th day of 2026, might I submit that, especially as Christians, we should be living a life worthy of the place in which we one day hope to dwell . . .==> "One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple." [Psalm 27:4]
[And as you RESPECT and LOVE one another as hard as you can, Please PLAY NICE, PRAY for one another, Distance-CHECK on your neighbors, and Keep a SMILE on your Faith.]
(For more videos like this, subscribe to my YouTube channel, MelzMark Video Productions, at www.youtube.com/[VStMelz])
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6nlYA1Qizzw&is=fKV_TOpz2XTE8id0

Daniel 12:3 NIV
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.