New Year Resolutions

It is that time again when resolutions are made for the new year. Some advocate the futility of such resolutions and determine that it is not necessary. What can one deduct from inspiration about new year resolutions.  Yes, the Bible teaches making resolutions, not yearly but daily !

One dictionary defines resolution as a firm decision to do or not to do something, the quality of being determined or resolute. Similar words are determination, purpose, intent. Are these not the Christian’s watch words ? Let’s find a few words confirming this in the Bible.

In Psalms 17 :3 the Psalmist purposed that his mouth shall not sin.

« Thou hast proved mine heart ; thou hast visited me in the night ; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing ; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. »

When a young slave determined to live for God he first had a resolution.  Daniel 1 :8 tells us

clearly : “ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank : therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. ”

We can be true disciples of Jesus only by doing what is admonished in Acts 11:23 “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. ”

As we make the resolution today to cleave unto the Lord, we must make the resolution daily to cleave to God with the firm determination to make our calling and election sure, as Peter wrote in  2 Peter 1:10 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall”

“The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun. Now he is to « go on unto perfection ; ” to grow up « unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. ”. . . ”From the book The Great Controversy p. 470.

Will you resolve to be earnest in your walk with Jesus. We can guide you in Bible studies and training to  start and continue your journey in Christ Jesus. Please contact us.

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Marian  O. Atolagbe

Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Agatha Thrash, MD

Major changes occur in blood chemistry when we eat. Some food substances must be taken in several gram quantities to make a major change in the chemical components of the blood. Fiber falls in that category. Other food substances require only milligram quantities to change the composition of the blood. Salt is one of these. Even one-half of one percent of a food such as salt can cause a major alteration in blood constituents. Much the same can be said of baking soda or baking powder : not a great deal is required before the effect on the blood is profound. Since blood bathes every cell in the body, any substance dissolved in blood will have an influence on tissues.

Baking soda consists mainly of sodium bicarbonate. Both sodium and bicarbonate are natural substances in the body, but the metabolic control of both of them is very tight. Excess amounts of either cause a derangement in physiology. For the body, excess bicarbonate represents a threat, as it can alter profoundly the pH of the blood, and indirectly of many tissues of the body. Thus we can say that the entire system is deranged by the use of baking soda. Some vitamins in foods and in the blood (thiamine, vitamin C) are largely destroyed by too much baking soda.

Not only is the blood involved in deleterious alterations, but so is the stomach. As everyone knows, the stomach requires a very acid medium in order to do its work the very best. The pH of the stomach’s contents should be around 1.5 to 3, whereas the pH of a solution of baking soda may be at a pH around 9. Most foods by contrast will be at a pH around 4 to 7. The introduction of alkalizing substances into the stomach causes digestion to be delayed while the stomach produces more acid. The production of larger quantities of acid is depleting to the energy of the stomach. Further, since the stomach may not be able to stop producing the acid just at the proper quantity, excessive acid may be temporarily produced causing the susceptible individual to be more likely to get a peptic ulcer.

One study revealed that sodium bicarbonate reduces both heart and systemic oxygenation. It may lead to actual oxygen starvation of the heart muscle in some people with that disease (Ref. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, 87 :7. July 1989).

Another potentially injurious substance in baking soda is sodium. For some people with a family history of hypertension, the use of baking powder could cause hypertension to appear earlier. Population studies reveal that the higher the intake of sodium, the greater the incidence of hypertension in that group. Baking powder is simply baking soda to which neutralizing substances have been added in order to make the effects of the alkaline baking soda less objectionable. The chemicals used to neutralize add their own harmful effects while not reducing the harm from the baking soda. These chemicals include three principle types : Phosphate, aluminate, and tartrate. Phosphate causes the kidneys to put out calcium in the urine, thus reducing blood calcium. The bones subsequently suffer. Aluminum, used in almost half the baking powder in the U.S., is still under investigation as a possible factor in Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps demineralize bones. Furthermore, alum is a powerful astringent and irritant of the stomach. The third chemical, tartrate, can injure the kidneys causing nephritis.

So, the best policy is to learn cooking and baking techniques that do not require these chemicals to make the breads light and pleasant.

For more information visit :

www.ucheepines.org

Christian Poetry : Get Your Degrees - BA.

Welcome to the school of Christ.

What must we be to be accepted with God, to be a part of His school ?

What must we be that heaven win ?

Here, to be wise is to first become a fool.

To seek to be first is to be last,

To be last is to be first,

A child again to become,

You must be born again ;

Of water and of the Spirit.

The old man must be broken, if heaven be gained.

Here is the first degree,

None else comes till this be acquired ;

No advancement till this be had.

But how must this be ?

Look ! He says, « Just as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up ! »

To the cross of Christ, see !

Only in Him do we truly see !

Therein we find unselfish love in its fullest beam.

If we will, into our heart light it may bring !

Think not that there be another way,

Christ is the Way ;

Seek the Lord today and get your BA.

The Hand that Intervenes : Hanserd Knollys in London.

Brother Hanserd was one of the most eminent of the early English dissenters.  While in London, seeking to flee imprisonment, brother Hanserd was in a strait ; he had only enough to pay for his family’s lodging, nothing else.

Trusting to God’s infinite promise that He would never leave nor forsake His own, he encouraged his wife then went out trusting God’s providence.

About eight doors away from his lodge, a woman met him explaining to him that her husband sent word that a lodging had been provided for him and his family by some Christian friends. What surprise ! With joy he went with the woman and was given a good sum of money too.

He returned home and related all to his wife. After thanking God, they relocated to their new lodgings where all had been paid for for 15 weeks !

Proverbs 10 :3 The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish : but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.

Summarized by Fred Felix.

A New Year ! Urgent ! Be Quick, Get Your Degrees !

We begin a short series of four articles and poems this month on degrees in the school of Christ.

Christ Jesus launched an invitation to every man on earth, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11 :28-30 NKJV

The call to “learn from Me” is Christ Jesus’ invitation to you and me into His school. We are to come into an educational program very much different from our usual way of life, to learn meekness instead of pride, to learn to be last and not first; into an apprenticeship where we are taught the right way of life in order to be ready for heaven for Christ is the Way.

We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn from Him meekness and lowliness. Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained for heaven. This training means a knowledge of Christ. It means emancipation from ideas, habits, and practices that have been gained in the school of the prince of darkness. The soul must be delivered from all that is opposed to loyalty to God. DA 330.2

This program is a lifelong one where we unlearn the ways of Satan and no one can apply for us, we each must decide for, to a great extent, we are the architects of our destiny.

The first degree is the BA. This is to be Born Again. This comes first and undergirds every other advancement in the Christian way. Just as when one would skip the foundational classes, thinking to advance without learning the basics, would fail woefully in his courses, so would anyone fail who tries to live the Christian Life without the new birth. Are you born again ?

Why delay ? Begin 2022 accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Saviour ; Lord, meaning your King, to order how you live ; personal Saviour meaning He died for your transgressions or violation of His divine Ten Commandments, live by His merits.

Here is how this grace may be obtained :

Go to your closet, and there alone plead with God : « Create in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew a right spirit within me. » Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much. Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus in the garden sweat great drops of blood ; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God ; then  watch, and just as long as you watch and pray you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you. Messages to Young People 131.3

Fáwẹ́hìnmi Olúwatóbi.

SWEET DATES (DABINO).

Date is a sweet fruit that is specially known for its great taste. It grows in the tropics and locally here in the northern part of Nigeria and is popularly known as dabino in the Hausa dialect. It is often sold along side ofio or aya, called tiger nuts in English.

The fruit is oblong( longer in one direction than the other), usually 1-3 inches, long, dark brown, reddish, or yellowish brown when ripe. With thin or thick skin, sweet flesh.

If you are getting dates directly from a farm note that it is astringent until fully ripe.

Dates are eaten because of their wonderful sweet taste, they are an excellent natural sweetener that leave no adverse effect on the body after use as refined sugars would do.

Some uses of these wonderful date fruits:

Dry or soft dates may be chopped and used in a great variety of ways:-

In pap or gruel, in pudding, bread (either to act as sweetener or to apply on whole wheat bread as spread) and other baked products.

Note: pitting( to remove the seeds) may be done in the kitchen with a knife, by simply cutting each date into two and removing the hard seed inside.

Surplus dates are made into cubes, paste, spread, powder( date sugar), jam, jelly, juice, syrup etc. Libya is the leading producer of date syrup.

Dates are a healthier option when compared with refined sugars like white sugar and other artificial sugars that leave the body drained after a sugar rush of “good” feelings rather than vitalized.

A simple way to process dates in the kitchen after pitting(removal of the seed inside) is as follows :

• Wash off quickly the dirt in clean water. Ensure not to keep them too long in water lest the sugar content be lost into the water. Then put them in a clean glass or ceramic or stainless bowl.

• Soak dates in hot water then cover with a lid. This is to soften them

• Within 10 minutes or less, they should be ready for grinding to paste. This could be done either by means of an electric blender or a hand mortar and pestle.

• The paste can be refrigerated to store for longer use.

Bekesu Samuel.

The Hand that Intervenes: In Cannibal Islands.

There was a missionary named Oscar Michelsen who travelled from New Zealand to the New Hebrides Island in the year 1878 for work.

At this time, the system of trade by barter was used on the Island. Brother Oscar’s goods for barter became exhausted over time, therefore he had nothing more for trading because the goods with which he bartered were received from a mission ship but which at this time hadn’t arrived due to a delay. This was a trying time for his faith but he decided to put his trust in God for provision.

Few days later, native men came to Brother Oscar with some farm produce. What a marvel it was to him! And so he made known to them that he had nothing with which to pay. In reply, they explained to him that they were aware and that the produce were actually sent down to them by one Mari-Marki( a bitter enemy of the teaching). These food items arrived just before his supply of food got exhausted and they lasted for a good period of time.

The Lord who used rapacious ravens to feed His servant Elijah used a bitter enemy of the gospel to feed His servant. And so even today the Lord has not changed. He remains faithful.

Book by William.A, Spicer

Narrated by Bekesu Felix.

THE CREATOR-GOD: WHAT ARE WE THAT HE IS MINDFUL OF US?

How shall we who are subject to death live forever? What is the key to endless life? What is that “something better” that we yearn for and understand not?

Jesus answers, John 17:3 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” This is not a mere assent of the mind to truth but an absolute commitment and devotion of heart and life to the knowledge of God or His revealed will. In this knowledge man is to find the most fulfilling bliss, the purest joy unfettered and peace unsurpassed.

How then shall God be known? From the very first, He is introduced to us as the Creator, as the Maker and the Former of all things, whether they be things above or things beneath, all things were made by Him and for Him, this being the theme of this discourse. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Following this is a description of His creative power expressed in six literal days. By His Word, this world was made, for “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

Psalms 33

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

With every day of creation, a new wonder was performed but of all the created things, none surpassed the crowning work of His creation, His masterpiece or chef d’oeuvre – Man.

The intent of God is made known in the following words:

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26

The purpose is made known in two parts:

• That man would be made in God’s image, after His likeness, which is to mean that man would “bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character.” This is a most interesting thought to consider when we think of God as infinite, and rightly so for His Word declares Him so, 1 Timothy 1:17, 6:16, we realize that man made, in His innocence, was meant to grow more and more into godlikeness since God knows no end and as man would continue to learn of Him, knowing Him, he would continue to grow more and more like God.

• That man would have dominion over God’s created earth and all the creatures within the earth, man becoming rightful sovereign of the earth under God. This as well is to reflect

God’s character as Monarch of the entire universe. What is man that God is so mindful of him?

The divine intent is accomplished in the following words:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27.

This is man’s origin. Man came from God. God made man. God is man’s Maker.

Shall we not again make it known? God created man in His image. There is no room for coming to false conclusions.

“He who set the starry worlds on high and tinted with delicate skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work, to place one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a being worthy of the hand that gave him life. The genealogy of our race, as given by inspiration, traces back its origin, not to a line of developing germs, mollusks, and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator. Though formed from the dust, Adam was "the son of God." Patriarchs and Prophets 44.3

We further find that even gender was made by God which is to glorify Him too. It says, “male and female created He them.”

This story of man’s creation is so important that it is expanded in Genesis 2. Man is formed from the dust of the earth, God breathes in his nostrils and he becomes a living soul, God then plants a garden for man’s blessing, rich with fruit trees of all kinds and all kinds of ornamental plants. To man He gives work for his blessing. God even gives Adam a companion! He is ever blessing, ever loving and ever giving…

Do we see a God that stands aloof or a purposeful God drawing so near? Why is this important to know? For it reveals to us what we were meant to be and what we ought to be which is – like God.

Let’s come closer, who is this Creator? . "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God.... All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:1-3. Who is this Word? It is the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:16 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him…”

Jesus is the Creator. He reveals to man the Father. He is the Son of God. He is the life and the resurrection. He is the Lord, strong and mighty.

As Creator, Christ knows us through and through. And why not? He made us! He knows us, He knows our thoughts afar off, He knows everything we do, intimately acquainted with all we do. (Psalm 139:1-13) Let’s see a testimony from His word: KJV Psalms 139:14,15

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

He sees us even while being formed in the womb! He is our creator.

Back to our initial question, how shall we live forever? We must know God and His Son whom He has sent, this is eternal life. Who is our Creator? Christ Jesus is. This makes great meaning and is a reason then that He qualifies to be the Redeemer and Savior of fallen man, you and me, for He knows us through and through.

And so the appeal goes to you and to me:

KJV Job 22:21

21 Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee…

Fáwẹhìnmí Olúwatóbi.

Cayenne Pepper.

Cayenne pepper has been recognized as one of the greatest of all herbs, not only for the circulatory system but for the entire digestive system. Once someone said that if he had to choose just two herbs to serve him, they would be Activated charcoal and Cayenne pepper.

Cayenne pepper is powerful because of its ability to attract blood to a body part, since it is blood that brings healing. It is a vasodilator per excellence. This makes it a quality herb of great importance to man. It's wonderful! Many things can be done with it that may not be done with other known herbs. Please note that other peppers irritate, Cayenne pepper soothes.

The following are some of its effects and uses:

 Carminative, it relieves discomfort of gas in the digestive tract.

 Antispasmodic, it suppresses spasms.

 Antiseptic, prevents microbial infection.

Some Uses

• Stops unnatural bleeding, both internal and external.

• Stops heart attacks and prevents strokes.

• Heals bleeding, stomach ulcers, cuts etc.

• Calms nerves and anxiety.

• It has been known to be an excellent remedy for hemorrhoids(piles).

• It helps to regulate the heart and blood pressure. When taken with garlic, it lowers the blood pressure and cleanses the bronchial tubes and improves circulation and pulse rate.

Samuel Bekesu

The Way of Salvation: The Sanctuary.

God's way, the Psalmist says, "is in the sanctuary." Psalm 77:13. This informs us that to understand the Lord's way of salvation, we need to look to the sanctuary.

In our last article, we found that a sacrificial system was taught to Adam. Adam taught his descendants this system of offering sacrifices which served as a means of teaching them of the coming Messiah as our sacrificial Lamb 'without blemish and without spot' 1 Peter 1:19.

The sacrificial system also foreshadowed Christ's ministry as High Priest and Mediator and also as soon coming King.

During the time of Moses, God commanded, 'And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.' Exodus 25:8. A very important instruction was given later in the same chapter, 'And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shown thee in the mount.' vs 40. Moses was to make this sanctuary after a pattern; he had a view of the original to aid his building of a copy. He made the sanctuary "according to the fashion he had seen." Acts 7:44. The apostle Paul tells us that "the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry" when completed, were "the patterns of things in the heavens." Hebrews 9:21,23

In sum, the purpose of this earthly sanctuary built by Moses was simply this - to teach us humans of God's heavenly sanctuary and the work to be carried out there. This heavenly sanctuary is where the terms of the New Covenant or the everlasting gospel were to be carried out in man's behalf.

Fawehinmi Oluwatobi K

If you would like to know more or would like a free “Foundation and Pillars of the Christian Faith” study course (34 lessons by correspondence or with a Bible worker), contact the ministry through one of the contact options: Manna Lifestyle Ministry +234 705 071 1322 heavenlymanna2020@gmail.com mannalifestylehome.com