THE LITTLE THINGS THAT ARE MEANT FOR OUR

SANCTIFICATION

• Many today love the big things in life, we often focus and aim towards big dreams, while nothing is wrong with aiming big, we are to always remember that to accomplish them we must first start small.

2 Kings 5:8-14And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.11 But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.13 And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldestthou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?14 Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.KJV

Matt 25:20-24And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 16:10-12He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?KJV

Faithfulness is the key to maintaining our relationship with God, as with a marriage,

it is the key that open’s the door to our happiness, while

unfaithfulness closes it.

• 1 Cor 4:1-2

• Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

• 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

• KJV

• Prov 11:13

• 3 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

• KJV

• Ps 31:23

• O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

• KJV

• Prov 20:6

• Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?

• KJV

• Who can find a faithful man or woman is a question that should bring soberness to us as Christians, yet in the world we find people being faithful to their own profession.

• (1) DOCTOR – PROFESION - HEAL THE SICK.

• (2) LAWER/JUDGE – PROFESSION - JUDGE.

• (3) KING – PROFESSION - RULE.

• (4) POLICE – PROFESSION - TO PROTECT AND SERVE.

• (5) FIREMAN – PROFESSION - TO EXTINGUISH FIRES.

• (6) JOURNALIS - PROFESSION - TO REPORT NEWS.

1. Irreverence.

• Ps 96:9

• O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

We must have reverence for God and the things of God.

We need Reverence for the House of God

• Lev. 19:30

• Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.

• God is high and holy; and to the humble, believing soul, His house on earth, the place where His people meet for worship, is as the gate of heaven. The song of praise, the words spoken by Christ's ministers, are God's appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier worship.

• When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats. . . . Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the service. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worshipers.

• If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls. They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the house. We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness, by not encouraging moments of reflection and prayer. . . .

Elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; help them to weave Jesus into their experience; teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God and to understand that when they enter the Lord's house it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: "God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and holiest motives. . . . This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people." . . .

• Parents should not only teach, but command, their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and reverence. Practice reverence until it becomes a part of yourself.

2. Impatience

• Rom 13:3

• For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

• Rom 12:3

• For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

1 Peter 4:9

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

• Eph 4:29-32

• 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

• 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

• 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

• 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

•

3. speaking evil of others

Jam 4:11-1211 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of

his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and

judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the

law, but a judge.12 There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art

thou that judgest another? James 1:26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

4. we must give up bad association

• .

• Rom 12:1-2

• 12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

• 2 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.

• 2Co 6:14-17

• 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

• 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

• 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

• 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

• 1Ti 6:3-5

• 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

• 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

• 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

5. Eating of unhealthy foods

• In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God's original plan for man's diet. He who created man [296] and who understands his needs appointed Adam his food. "Behold," He said, "I have given you every herb yielding seed, . . . and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food." Genesis 1:29, A.R.V. Upon leaving Eden to gain his livelihood by tilling the earth under the curse of sin, man received permission to eat also "the herb of the field." Genesis 3:18.

• Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator. These foods, prepared in as simple and natural a manner as possible, are the most healthful and nourishing. They impart a strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor of intellect that are not afforded by a more complex and stimulating diet…

• If milk is used, it should be thoroughly sterilized; with this precaution, there is less danger of contracting disease from its use. Butter is less harmful when eaten on cold bread than when used in cooking; but, as a rule, it is better to dispense with it altogether. Cheese is still more objectionable; it is wholly unfit for food.

• The ministry of healing ,diet and health page 123,124

• Cheese can Contain Bacteria Transferred from the Cows It Comes From

• Although it can be a little weird to think about, cheese is a byproduct of cows. Made from cow’s milk, cheese can contain anything stuff that the cow it came from had in its system –including synthetic hormones and bacteria.

• It has long been suspected that synthetic hormones and bacteria transferred from cows to humans contribute to health problems, including memory and mood problems along with infections. Further, because cheese is made from milk that has not always been pasteurized, it may contain more bacteria than other cow products. For instance, it may harbor puss from a cow’s bladder infection.

• Some people have suggested that cheese, along with meat, might be bad for people’s heath as a cigarette. Studies on the topic have revealed that the consumption of excessive protein, as occurs when people eat a large and consistent amount of cheese and meat, is risked to links of cancer and to shorter lifespans.

• The risk of cancer increases even up to four times more for people who consume a high-protein diet of cheese and/or meat. Protein obtained from plants like beans, however, do not significantly raise the risk of cancer. The amount of protein a person should eat from cheese is also related to their age, indicating that cheese can be consumed in moderation at any age, but should be limited during many stages of life as well.

Vegan Cheese • Ingredients

• CHEESE

• 2 cups (240 g) raw cashews

• 2 garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp or 6 g)

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder, plus more to taste

• 1 lemon, zested

• 2 lemons, juiced (1/4 cup or 60 ml)

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) water

• 2 Tbsp (6 g) nutritional yeast

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) olive oil

• FOR SERVING

• 2 Tbsp (8 g) finely minced fresh dill

Instructions

• Place cashews in a bowl and cover with cool water. Cover with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to soak for 12 hours*. If you can't get to them right away, drain, place back in bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. They will keep refrigerated for 24-36 hours.

• Once soaked, drain cashews thoroughly and add to food processor. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, nutritional yeast, salt and olive oil.

• Process until very creamy and smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Then taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon zest for tartness, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, garlic for zing, or salt for flavor + balance.

• Place a fine mesh strainer (or colander) over a large mixing bowl, and lay down two layers of cheesecloth (or a clean, fine, absorbent towel).

• Use a spatula to scoop all cheese over the cheesecloth, then gather the corners and twist the top gently to form the cheese into a "disc." Secure with a rubber band.

• Place in refrigerator to set for at least 6 hours, preferably 12, or until excess moisture has been wicked away, and it holds its form when released from the cheesecloth.

• To serve, unwrap from cheesecloth and gently invert onto a serving platter. Reform with hands or cheesecloth as needed, then coat with chopped herbs and a bit more lemon zest (optional). It is fragile, so handle gently.

• Enjoy chilled with crackers or vegetables. Cheese will hold its form for 1-2 hours out of the refrigerator, but best when chilled. Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

6. Drinking of unhealthy drinks

Rom 12:1-2

12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 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.

Quote: Never was traced by human hand a more vivid picture of the debasement and the slavery of the victim of intoxicating drink. Enthralled, degraded, even when awakened to a sense of his misery, he has no power to break from the snare; he "will seek it yet again." Verse 35. [331]

No argument is needed to show the evil effects of intoxicants on the drunkard. The bleared, besotted wrecks of humanity—souls for whom Christ died, and over whom angels weep—are everywhere. They are a blot on our boasted civilization. They are the shame and curse and peril of every land. Ibid pg137

7. smoking

1 Peter 2:4-5

• 4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,

• 5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

• Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. ...

• Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer.

• Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body.

Tobacco is a slow, insidious, but most malignant poison. In whatever form it is used it tells upon the constitution; it is all the more dangerous because its effects are slow and at [328] first hardly perceptible. It excites and then paralyzes the nerves. It weakens and clouds the brain. Often it affects the nerves in a more powerful manner than does intoxicating drink. It is more subtle, and its effects are difficult to eradicate from the system. Its use excites a thirst for strong drink and in many cases lays the foundation for the liquor habit. MOH page 136.

8. Dress reform

We do not choose our appearances—the slope of our nose, the texture of our hair, the height and width of our physical frame—all of these are genetically determined and largely out of our control. We do choose, however, which clothes we wear on our bodies, and we make this decision each and every day. There is a power in this—we have the power to choose clothing that reflects our values and self-image.

What Is Proper Women's Dress ?(I Timothy 2:9)

• 1 Timothy 2:9 (KJV)

• 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

• The question of proper dress for women has been of interest to many. Actually, God's guidelines regarding clothing and dress are very general. God expects Christian women to dress in "modest apparel, with propriety and moderation (discretion, margin) " (I Timothy 2:9)—that is, in clothes that are not flamboyant and garish. A Christian woman should not be an "exhibitionist" in attracting undue attention to herself by wearing clothing that is provocative, suggestive, or outrageous.

• By the same token, this does not mean that Christian women should be drab, colorless, or tasteless dressers. A Christian is to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14-16), an example of balance and good taste. We should not be so out of step with the fashions of society that we stand out like the proverbial "sore thumb." Clothes can be fashionable without being immodest or peculiar. Apparel should be appropriate for the occasion—decent swimsuits for the beach, jeans for yard work, and usually a dress or other nicer outfit for special occasions. A Christian woman should especially strive to look nice for her husband and family.

• In the Old Testament, God gives this law: "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman's garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God" (Deuteronomy 22:5). This refers to transvestitism or cross-dressing, not to a woman's wearing of pants that are designed for women. The simple principle is that men should look and dress like men—masculine—and women should look and dress like women—feminine. By doing so, we will both glorify God.

• The "meek and quiet spirit" of a truly converted Christian woman will be reflected in the kind of clothing she selects (I Peter 3:1-4). She will wear what is appropriate and stylish for any given occasion, but with proper modesty and decorum. And God will look on the heart of such a woman with approval.

In the hospitality and tourism sector we were taught the four (4) A’s of customer service delivery:

• 1 ATTITUDE - the way we react or respond to people

• 2 ACTION - our action tells a lot about our personality

• 3 ATTENTION - our ability to listen shows humility and willingness to learn

• 4 APPEARANCE - shows that one take’s pride in what they do, and is proud to represent the company they worked for.

• 1 Peter 2:9

• But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: KJV

• 1 Tim 2:9-10

• 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

• 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

• 1 Peter 3:3-4

• Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

• 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price

• Braids, Weaves Raise Risk of Hair Loss. April 11, 2011 -- Some hairstyles, including tight braids and weaves, may increase the risk of developing an irreversible form of scarring hair loss, according to a new study in the Archives of Dermatology. Apr 11, 2011

Hair Dyes

• Many American women, as well as a small but increasing number of men, use hair dyes. You may have heard rumors about a link between using hair dye and getting cancer. Many studies have looked at hair dyes as a possible risk factor for various types of cancer. Here we will discuss what the research shows so that you can make choices that are comfortable for you.

Over the years, researchers believed that hair dye could cause cancer, especially in women who used the darker colors. In fact, some studies even showed that using hair dye repeatedly could increase the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. But, despite scores of studies, the results linking hair dye to cancer were often contradictory and inconclusive. Until now.

New research in the American Journal of Epidemiology has found that women who have spent years coloring their hair do indeed run a greater risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system that claims about half of all its victim.

Before and After

• 1 Peter 3:3-4

• “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel, but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”

Human reasoning has ever sought to evade or set aside the simple, direct instructions of the Word of God. In every age, a majority of the professed followers of Christ have disregarded those precepts which enjoin self-denial and humility, which require modesty and simplicity of conversation, deportment, and apparel. The result has ever been the same—departure from the teachings of the gospel leads to the adoption of the fashions, customs, and principles of the world. Vital godliness gives place to a dead formalism. The presence and power of God, withdrawn from those world-loving circles, are found with a class of humbler worshipers, who are willing to obey the teachings of the Sacred Word. Through successive generations, this course has been pursued. One after another, different denominations have risen and, yielding their simplicity, have lost, in a great measure, their early power. Messages to young people pg.354

• The idolatry of dress is a moral disease. It must not be taken over into the new life. In most cases, submission to the gospel requirements will demand a decided change in the dress.

• There should be no carelessness in dress. For Christ's sake, whose witnesses we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance. In the tabernacle service, God specified every detail concerning the garments of those who ministered before Him. Thus we are taught that He has a preference in regard to the dress of those who serve Him. Very specific were the directions given in regard to Aaron's robes, for his dress was symbolic. 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. But the word of God gives no sanction to the making of changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion—that we may appear like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensive ornaments…

• The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express the truth of the gospel. Messages to young people pg.358

It is only by Faith we can truly gain the victory.

• The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.

• No one will be borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in this warfare for themselves; no one else can fight our battles. Individually we are responsible for the issues of the struggle; though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness.

• Ministry of healing pg. 195 under the chap the importance of seeking true knowledge

• 1 John 5:4

• 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

• When we are gaining the victory the things we used to do we will do them no more.

• Eph 2:1-3

• And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

• 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

• 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

• Eph 4:17,23-24

• This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

• 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness

• Phil 2:5

• 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

• Phil 2:12-16

• Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

• 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

• 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

• 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

• 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

• Col 2:6-8

• 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

• 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

• 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

• 2 Cor 5:17

• Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

• 2 Cor 5:20

• 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

• Heb 12:1-2

• Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

• 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

THE END