Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3.

It is the Word of God alone that gives to us an authentic account of the creation of our world.72Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 13.

The theory that God did not create matter when He brought the world into existence is without foundation. In the formation of our world, God was not indebted to pre-existing matter. On the contrary, all things, material or spiritual, stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His voice and were created for His own purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and all things therein, are not only the work of His hand; they came into existence by the breath of His mouth.73Testimonies for the Church 8:258, 259.

While there is an individuality and variety in nature, there is a oneness in their diversity; for all things receive their usefulness and beauty from the same source. The great Master Artist writes His name on all His created works, from the loftiest cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop upon the wall. They all declare His handiwork, from the lofty mountain and the grand ocean to the tiniest shell upon the seashore.74The Watchman, December 17, 1907.

He made the night, marshaling the shining stars in the firmament. He calls them all by name. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork, showing man that this little world is but a jot in God’s creation.75SDA Bible Commentary 3:1154.

The deepest students of science are constrained to recognize in nature the working of infinite power. But to man’s unaided reason, nature’s teaching cannot but be contradictory and disappointing. Only in the light of revelation can it be read aright. “Through faith we understand.”

“In the beginning God.” Genesis 1:1. Here alone can the mind in its eager questioning, fleeing as the dove to the ark, find rest. Above, beneath, beyond, abides Infinite Love, working out all things to accomplish “the good pleasure of his goodness.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11.76Education, 134.
The Faith I Live By p. 24
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for the people of North Carolina who have lost everything in the floods and are still living in tents in the snow and cold. Pray also for the people in California who have lost everything in the fires.
—-A salvation request has been given me and asking for prayer support. The prayer is for a man in his early 40’s named Melvin. He was a drug dealer and a criminal. 7 years ago he fell down some cement stairs and became paralyzed on the left side of his body and has been in a nursing home ever since. His cousin has been faithful for those years trying to get him to accept Christ. He is at a point now where he believes in prayer and asking for prayer, but is wondering why God, if He is so loving, doesn’t answer his prayer to heal and walk again. He is open to listen. His cousin David will be trying to explain the deeper things of God and needs prayers also. Michael
—-Prayers for my friend Becky and her husband
At a recent appointment they found a problem with his heart. Normally this issue is found after a heart attack, but his has been found before. He is scheduled for a double bypass. Pray it is not that bad, and that the family has peace about it. I know this family loves Jesus and serves with all they have, so they know Jesus is in control. Prayers for peace for the family and quick recovery. Jennifer
—-Please pray for Ainsley who has uncontrolled seizures and had one today at church. Pray that the doctors can find the correct medicine to control them. Rose
—-Can we keep my grandma in prayer she’s in the hospital with pneumonia and a foot infection that has progressed to the bone and they are talking about amputation just below the knee.Chris
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Dear Friends,
Johnny was watching a TV program the other day that had a segment where they were showing dry ice. It reminded me of something that happened when my mother and her sister, Joyce were children. One hot summer day, Joyce, who was about five or six at the time, was walking past the local fire station. On the ground was a small chunk of ice. Joyce stopped and looked at it. As this ice melted in the summer sun, it gave off a cloud of vapor. Joyce was fascinated. She had never seen ice quite like this before. One of the firemen, winking at the others, asked, “Would you like that piece of ice?”

Joyce was very happy and quickly picked it up and licked it. As soon as her tongue made contact with that chunk of dry ice, it stuck fast. Frightened, the child pulled and pulled. She couldn’t get free. What terrible pain! She looked at the men for help, but they were laughing heartily. What a cruel trick to play on an innocent child!

Joyce ran home to her mother, who managed to remove that frozen carbon dioxide from her tongue. However, part of the surface of her tongue stayed on that offending ice. Poor Joyce spent many days in pain. My grandmother was livid with rage and stomped down to that fire station and let those men know in no uncertain terms how cruel they were.

How often others we trust urge us to try something “just once.” The sinful practice looks harmless and attractive to us just as that dry ice looked like regular ice to my aunt when she was a little girl. Soon, we are convinced that it is safe to “lick” it just once, but that “just once” can start us on a lifetime of bondage. That “just once” becomes a strong enemy. That “just once” can cause excruciating pain and bring ruin to our lives. We look to our “friends” for help, but they cannot help us, they are amused at our suffering or they are as bound as we are and as helpless to overcome.

How vital to our present and future happiness that we shut our ears to the enemy or his agents’ whispered temptations. How important to daily pray, “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.” Ps 141:3,4 We must “flee from idolatry.” “Flee fornication.” 1 Cor 10:14; 6:18 “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up;” “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called.” James 4:7-101 Tim 6:11.12

May we daily pray for the discernment we so much need that we may be able to tell the difference between the pure water of life and the dry ice the evil one offers us is my prayer.

Rose

Origin by Creation