October 2020 Signs of the Times Newsletter!

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October 2020 Signs of the Times Email Newsletter The Signs of the Times newsletter is a collection of stories and quotes from past issues of Signs and These Times. ***************************      When David Livingstone returned to his native land after spending sixteen years in the uncharted continent of Africa, he was given many honors. The story of his explorations, trials, and triumphs for Christ stirred the hearts of thousands. Many honors were heaped upon him. When the University of Glasgow conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Law, he told that assembly of teachers and students the secret of his indomitable courage and perseverance. "Shall I tell you what supported me through all these years of exile among a people whose language I could not understand and whose attitude toward me was always uncertain and often hostile?" he said. "It was the words of Jesus, ‘Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.'" Matthew 28:20.—By Julius L. Tucker, Signs of the Times, January 20, 1942. Quote: "I RESOLVED that I would permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him."—By Booker T. Washington, The Youth’s Instructor, February 5, 1929. *************************** Don't miss the November issue of Signs of the Times: To order Signs, call: 1-800-765-6955 or ONLINE! ***************************      Far up in the rugged highlands of Switzerland, close by a mirror-clear lake, surrounded by snow-clad mountains, and away from the beaten paths, the frequented ways of tourists, a lone traveler came suddenly and unexpectedly upon a beautiful, well-cared-for estate.      Entering the meticulously kept grounds, the traveler met the care-taker, who showed him around the extensive, lovely, flower-filled gardens.      "Is your master here the year round?" the traveler inquired.      "No, he is away," the gardener answered.      "How long has he been gone?"      "About twenty years now," the caretaker replied.      "I suppose you hear from him often?" the questioner continued.      "Not once has he written me."      "From whom do you get your pay then?"      "From my master's agent in Meilen," said the gardener.      "Does the agent come often to tell you what is to be done?" the stranger asked.      "No, he has never been here, either."      "Pray tell, who does come then to oversee things?"      "It is very seldom that anyone comes here," the cordial caretaker continued, "since we are so far off the beaten path."      To the traveler, this was hard to understand. His doubt and dismay were revealed in his next remark.      "And still you have kept the gardens, yes, every nook and corner of the whole estate in such perfect order! Everything looks as if you were expecting your master tomorrow."      "Yes, sir, I keep everything as though he were coming today," said the happy, faithful gardener.      If in these uncertain times, you and I can work on the plan of the gardener, applying this principle in the care and cultivation of the little plot of spiritual ground our Lord has entrusted to us, we need have no fears of tomorrow.—By C. L. Paddock, Our Times, August 1948. Quote: "It is not work that kills men; it is worry. Work is healthy; you can hardly put more upon a man than he can bear. Worry is rust upon the blade. It is not the revolution that destroys the machinery, but the friction. Fear secretes acids, but love and trust are sweet juices."—By Henry Ward Beecher, These Times, May 1951. *************************** NEW from Pacific Press—Living for God, Reclaiming the Joy of Christian Virtue by Dr. Frank Hasel explores the beauty of simple biblical virtues, such as gratitude, courage, patience, humility, contentment, and more. It contains true stories and practical tips to help you apply these virtues to your life and relationships. CLICK HERE to read the first chapter online free! Order ONLINE or call your local Adventist Book Center at 1-800-765-6955. ***************************      President Abraham Lincoln modeled intellectual humility in a remarkable way. At the height of the American Civil War, Lincoln was doing everything in his power to preserve the unity of his crumbling country. As the nation’s elected president and one of the most intelligent men of his generation, Lincoln had every right to expect deferential respect from his subordinates. And yet, as the war waged, he found himself criticized and ridiculed by friends and foes alike. One whom Lincoln initially considered a friend was his secretary of war, Edwin Stanton. Both publicly and privately, Stanton made no secret of his disdain for Lincoln. Even though Lincoln was aware of Stanton’s insubordination, he kept him as secretary of war, believing that Stanton’s sharp mind and independent perspective would be a valuable balance to his own.      At one of the war’s most critical points, Lincoln sent a direct order to Stanton. Not only did Stanton refuse to carry it out, but he also called Lincoln a fool. Instead of reacting in anger or spite, Lincoln responded, “ ‘If Stanton said I was a . . . fool, then I must be one. For he is nearly always right, and generally says what he means. I will step over and see him.’ ”      Lincoln was no weakling. He had demonstrated many times that he was willing to stand his ground if necessary. Still, as the story goes, the two men had a meeting in which Lincoln listened carefully to his subordinate, concluded that Stanton was right after all, and withdrew his order. Lincoln ignored the demands of pride in order to pursue the wisest course. Ultimately, this intellectual humility helped save his crumbling nation and ensured his reputation as one of the greatest statesmen in the history of the United States of America.—By Frank M. Hasel, Living for God, Reclaiming the Joy of Christian Virtue. Quote: "God gives the birds their food, but He does not throw it into their nests."—Unknown, The Youth’s Instructor, January 22, 1929. *************************** Place this in your church bulletin or newsletter: The challenge of social distancing makes Signs of the Times® more valuable than ever. Sending a monthly subscription to a friend or neighbor is the perfect way to safely and effectively share Jesus. Order from your Adventist Book Center today. Call: 1-800-765-6955 or go online at: https://adventistbookcenter.com/signs-of-the-times-magazine.html *************************** We are told that there are thirty-two thousand promises in the Bible. One writer has said, "Were it the case that thirty-one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine of the thirty-two thousand promises said to be in the Bible were erased, there is enough comfort, strength, richness, sunshine, and music in this one (‘Lo, I am with you alway') to cheer every downcast, every weary, every destitute, every despondent, pilgrim as he journeys heavenward. It is a promise like the sunshine of heaven breaking through the rift made by Christ in the clouds, shining benignly for life, health, growth, and work."—By Julius L. Tucker, Signs of the Times, January 20, 1942. Quote: “What you can’t do by love, you needn’t try to accomplish any other way.”—By Charles G. Bellah, Signs of the Times, July 9, 1929. *************************** Share a Pocket Signs today! CLICK HERE to see the various topics available. ***************************       A legend says that Satan once appeared to an old saint, and said, "I am Jesus."      But the old saint confounded him and exposed his pretensions by asking, "Then where are the nail prints?"—By Charles G. Bellah, Signs of the Times, November 4, 1941. Quote: “Try and trust. You do not know what you can or cannot do until you try.”— By John Williams, The Youth’s Instructor, November 23, 1909. *************************** Looking for a good eBook? The largest assortment of Adventist eBooks can be found by CLICKING HERE! ***************************      During a bombing raid, a civilian was hit with a piece of shrapnel which cut his throat and seriously damaged his voice box. In his case, the accident was especially disastrous, for by profession he was a public lecturer. Lying in the hospital, he began to worry about what he would do to earn his living. The future appeared dark and hopeless.      His doctor, sensing his anxiety, encouraged him to believe that he could learn to talk again. It would be difficult, but with persistent practice, it could be accomplished. If anyone else had held out such hope, he would have found it hard to accept. But a doctor, he figured, must have some scientific basis for what he said. So he dared to hope.      At home, after his discharge, he began to try. But all he could do was to emit guttural sounds. His neighbors heard them and wondered what was going on. They asked his wife facetiously if she was trying to strangle her husband. It was no joke to them, especially of the desperate husband. They decided to move away for the summer to the beach where they could be alone and where he could practice and not be heard. But even there he made no progress. Finally, he became very despondent. One day, he concluded that the best way out of his dilemma would be to let her collect his life insurance.      It was a rainy day, and his spirits were as damp as the weather. He left home intent upon taking his life. But he wasn't sure just how to do it.      Walking along the seashore, he got an idea from the swelling breakers driven shoreward by high winds. He would jump into the water and let the waves beat his body against the rocks. But upon further thought he decided against this plan; it would be too gruesome.      Just then he heard a noise behind him. Turning round he saw a little dog with a piece of water-soaked wood in his mouth. He dropped it at the man's feet with the suggestion that he wanted to play. On the impulse of the moment without thinking, the man threw it and the mongrel retrieved it. Again and again he threw it, the little dog becoming more excited each time.      Finally, he threw the object against a rock and it bounced off into a six-foot depth of water. The dog tried to dive for it but it was too heavy for him to bring up. After several attempts, he apparently gave up and came and sat dejectedly at the feet of his new-found friend. He looked just as the man felt. Looking down at the little dog, the man was reminded of his morbid intention again. But now he decided to go back to the cabin and have one more meal with his wife.      As they were sitting there eating, he heard a noise at the door. Opening it, what should he see but that little dog triumphantly wagging his stub of a tail with the piece of wood beside him!      Seeing that, the man took courage. He vowed that if that little dog with no more to challenge him than a piece of wood, could persevere, he could too. How much more he had to live for! Sure, the odds were against him, but so had they been against the dog. And he had persisted until he won. Forthwith he abandoned his grisly intention and began afresh to work on his problem. Today, he is on the public platform again successfully pursuing his chosen profession.—Unknown, Our Times, January/February 1993. Quote: “There is no revival where there is no prayer; revival follows prayer.”—By F. C. Wood, Signs of the Times, December 16, 1941. *************************** The best source of evangelistic and Bible study materials is at: https://ToolsForEvangelism.com. CLICK HERE to see resources for sharing your faith. *************************** Jesus Whispers! "Jesus whispers, 'I am with you      In the sunshine, in the cloud, When the spirit is exalted,      When the stricken heart is bowed' "Jesus whispers, 'I am with you      In the battle every day; Standing by you in the conflict,      Going with you all the way.' "Jesus whispers, 'I am with you      In the hour of deepest need, When the way is dark and lonesome,      I am with you, I will lead.' "Jesus whispers, 'I am with you,      With you still, whate'er betide; In the sunlight or the shadow,      I am ever at thy side.' "—Unknown, Signs of the Times, January 13, 1942. *************************** *************************** Compiled by Dale Galusha. Please pass this newsletter on to others.