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28 Stories - Study 21: A Dragon's View
Fundamental: Great Controversy
An ear-piercing scream erupted from the surface of the moon and tearing through time and space, demanded the attention of the universe.
Flapping huge sinewy wings, the unearthly demon propelled itself toward the moon—and the source of the scream. It was huge—a red dragon with seven angry heads-—a hideous beast.
On the surface of the moon, a woman clothed in the light of the sun and wearing a crown of twelve stars, screamed again in childbirth.
The dragon flapped its wings and opened its seven mouths, the sun glistening off razor-sharp teeth. A mighty bellow burst from the dragon in a dissonant chord of seven demonic voices. Landing on the moon, the dragon ran toward the woman. Its seven mouths gaped, each intent on being the first to devour the new baby.
The woman, standing in a crouched position, released a final scream of desperation and the baby fell onto the hard surface of the moon.
The dragon, running at top speed, lowered its heads to catch the baby. It began to rumble in a cross between a laugh and a growl. Fourteen rows of razor-sharp teeth snarled. Talons clawed at the ground—propelling the red demon faster and faster.
The woman, still in pain, reached toward her baby. The dragon's heads each swiveled in to catch the child before the woman. Then a huge hand came out of nowhere and snatched the baby.
The seven dragonheads flung skyward as the hand—and the baby—shot into the stars. The woman's gaze went to the same point in the sky. The surface of the moon began to shake as the dragon worked up enough speed to launch itself into the sky. With two great flaps of its leathery crimson wings the dragon left the surface of the moon in hot pursuit of the hand—and the baby.
Heaven, in all its glory, grew in size as the hand and the dragon approached. As the hand arrived in Heaven, Michael stood in the palm—a grown man—holding a sword. Raising the sword above his head, he shouted, "Come to arms, children of the light!"
The Dragon flapped its wings with new resolve. It too could see the kingdom of gold. There was a reflection in the dragon's eye—himself, sitting on a golden throne.
Michael was now standing in front of the glorious city—his huge sword radiating hot-white light. Lined up on both sides of Him, thousands of angels—covered in light—held swords of their own.
The dragon was about to land when a wooshing noise shot past—then another and another. Woosh. Woosh. Woosh. They were hard to see—woosh—only visible against the shining light of the city—woosh, woosh—dark beings, angels in black. The dragon and its evil minions landed together as a mighty army of darkness—at once beginning to fight against Michael and His angels. And there was war in Heaven.
The dark army was largely out numbered—three to one. The battle raged for a very long time. Finally, all but one of the dark beings had been pushed out of Heaven.
Michael faced the dragon with new resolve. The dragon lunged and attacked with seven heads at once. Michael stepped under the heads and drove his sword into the heavily plated chest of the dragon. The force of the blow propelled the beast backward a few steps.
The dragon teetered at the edge of Heaven. Its taloned feet clawed the ground trying to regain a foothold. Seven sets of draconic eyes fixed on Michael who stood, breathing heavily, leaning on His sword as if it were a walking stick. He watched as the dragon struggled to get a grip on Heaven. But, it was not to be. The dragon fell.
Like a lead weight dropped from the top of a building, the dragon plummeted toward the Earth. Stars rushed past like well-lit windows on a midnight expressway. The moon approached and rushed past.
The dragon wasn't flying. It was more like it had been thrown at great speed. It's wings flailed as it tried to right itself—too late. With a bone shattering, wing-snapping, teeth-grinding thud the dragon smashed into the dessert.
The Earthbound dragon climbed out of the crater created by the impact, only to see the woman walking away from him. He erupted with a thunderous roar that shook the desert.
The woman ran. She didn't stand a chance. The dragon clawed the ground as he ran after her. As he gained on the woman, she leapt into the air, two huge wings sprouting from her back. The dragon leapt up, flying behind her.
Taking seven huge breaths at once, the dragon released a torrent of water from each mouth. The streams joined together to make a tsunami in the desert. The huge wave rushed toward the woman, dwarfing her in its impressive shadow.
A tremendous earthquake shook the desert floor creating a massive network of cracks and chasms. The water plummeted into the thirsty ground and gurgled into silence.
The woman had vanished—hidden by the same hand that protected the baby. The dragon landed and searched the chasm that had inhaled the tidal wave. In frustrated anger one of the dragon's heads bit another. That head took a bite back. Soon the dragon was engaged in all out war on itself, necks intertwining, razor sharp teeth snapping.
Finally the dragon stilled and quizzically stared into the distance, beyond the desert, through time itself. Taking a couple of unsure steps in our direction, all seven heads scanned the ground, confident there was something in the desert dust not far away. The heads rose as one, with new resolve. This old Earth wasn't barren after all.
The great red dragon-—focusing on your scent and mine—charged, it's huge claws indiscriminately throwing clouds of sand to the left and the right.
My Reflection
What happened to your attention level when you read that the dragon smelled you and is running toward you? Did the story take on new importance? Why?
What do you think it would be like if we could physically see all the spiritual warfare that is going on around us between good and evil?
Have you had an experience where something that you thought was only affecting other people started to affect you? How did it change your interest and involvement in the situation?
On TV we see things like starving children, earthquakes, murders and more. What does it take to make those things "out there" become things "in here" in your heart?
My Assurance
For thousands of years the battle between good and evil, God and Satan, has raged on our little planet and the core concept from day one has been choice. God always gives the freedom of choice to His creatures. What do these verses tell us about the choices made by humanity and God?
Genesis 3:6-7 ~ The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness.
Romans 1:20 ~ ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Romans 5:15 ~ There is a great difference between Adam's sin and God's gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.
When humanity chooses to go it's own way, things come undone. What do these verses tell us about the results of ignoring God and His leadership? What commitment does it cause you to want to make in your life?
Ezekiel 28:17 ~ Your heart was filled with pride because of all your beauty. Your wisdom was corrupted by your love of splendor.
Romans 1:28-32 ~ Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.
Romans 5:17-18 ~ For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.
My Outlook
We can see a lot of good and a lot of evil happening around us every day, but there is much more happening at a spiritual level. How do these verses help you to see the cosmic conflict going on behind the scenes of our world?
Revelation 12: 7-9 ~ Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.
Romans 1:25 ~ They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise!
Romans 5:20-21 ~ God's law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God's wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God's wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The following statement is the 8th of the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Review the doctrine and then write a personal response. What difference does this make to your life?
The Great Controversy
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation.
The story of the Great Controversy between Michael and the Dragon can be found in Revelation 12.
Revelation 12, Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:12-18, Genesis 3, Romans 8:19-22, Genesis 6-8, 2 Peter 3:6, Hebrews 1:14, 1 Corinthians 4:9.
Restory Life
It has been said that we each have a book inside us.
Many of us have short stories busting out of the seams of our lives.
This section is for my friends, those of you who are restorying life.
Lonely and Misunderstood by Janet
An Everyday Miracle by Grace
If you've got a short story busting to get out, send it to me. I'd be glad to edit it and pop it up on the "Restory Life" section of my blog.
The only criteria is that it needs to make me want to live a better life.
Subjective? Yup. But it's my blog! Lol
I would also like a pic of you, to put a story to the face.
If you are under 18, we will need to arrange permission from your parents.
That's about all the rulish mumbo-jumbo!
Restory life! (you know you want to)
An Everyday Miracle
by Grace
a "Restory Life" post
"It's a boy!" The doctor cried. Darren wiped the sweat gently off Lindsay's forehead and looked into her deep brown eyes.
"We have a son! A baby boy!" Darren exclaimed. The doctor placed the tiny bundle of joy in Darren's arms. He squeezed Lindsay's hand and crouched down so that she could see her baby. The tiny little human was wrapped in a soft blue blanket. Tears rolled down Lindsay's shiny, sweaty cheeks.
"What are we going to call him? Joshua or David?" Darren asked. Lindsay put her finger in the baby's hand and his tiny fingers wrapped around it.
"Joshua." Lindsay said smiling.
"Hey Joshua…hey buddy." Darren said as he cradled the tiny baby. Joshua's eyes were tightly shut and his skin was covered in blood and fluid. The tiny thing had barely any hair. Joshua's nose was very small and round and his mouth was slightly open.
Darren couldn't believe it. His own tiny human to raise into a man. Now he knew what his father felt like when he and his sisters were born. He thought of all the things he and Joshua could do together when Joshua was a bit older; build tree houses, play tag, teach him to ride a bike, play sports with him. Darren smiled. It was a new adventure; raising a tiny human. It was something he'd never done before. He was afraid. Afraid to get things wrong. Darren had no idea how to change nappies and feed a baby, but he knew that before long, he would become an expert.
Darren cradled Joshua for a while longer before he passed the baby to Lindsay. Lindsay reached out and gingerly took her newborn son from Darren. Lindsay smiled and stroked Joshua's soft cheeks. He was so small. His head fit easily in the palm of her hand and the rest of his body layed gently on top of her forearm. She looked at Joshua, the tiny boy, the small bundle of giggles, gurgles and happiness. Lindsay couldn't believe that she was his mother. Everything felt so surreal to Lindsay. She'd never been a mother before. What if she wasn't good enough? What if she couldn't bring up Joshua right and he ended up hating her.
Lindsay shook her head. 'No.' she thought. She wouldn't let that happen to her and her son. Lindsay was very nervous and scared about bringing her first baby home. She didn't know how to breast feed, she didn't know how to understand what her baby was crying about; Lindsay didn't even know how to change a nappy properly. She sighed. She knew she'd work it out, there was still that doubt but she knew she could bring up her baby with the help of Darren. It was the best job in the world to share.
Parenthood. The start of something new. Something wonderful. A new life to share between the three of them. Darren and Lindsay were both excited and yet terrified.
Over the years Joshua grew. He had his first teeth and he started to walk. He learnt to ride a bike and he started to go to school. Darren and Lindsay worked hard and cared for Joshua as best they could.
When Joshua was 8 years old and in the second grade, Lindsay had her second child. A girl. Her name was Jemima. Jemima was very different to Joshua. Darren and Lindsay found it a lot easier to care for her because they'd been through it once before with Joshua. Joshua brought Jemima to school for show and tell. All of his classmates 'Ohhhhed' and 'Ahhhhhed' and the girls played with Jemima until Lindsay had to take her home for a nap. Joshua felt great being the centre of attention in his class because at home, Jemima was all anyone made a fuss about.
One day when Jemima was only a week old, the doorbell rang. Joshua tore towards the door. He always tried to beat his daddy to the door. It had become so much easier to beet daddy ever since he was so busy playing with Jemima. Joshua opened the door and his grandparents were there.
"Where is our new family member?" Granny asked as the two of them walked straight through the door, right past Joshua. Joshua felt very left out but his Grandpa made an effort to cheer him up by taking him out to play baseball.
Joshua got more upset as the years passed. Jemima was always the centre of attention because she was cute and little. Lindsay and Darren had no idea that they were half ignoring Joshua because between looking after Jemima and work, they were both so tired and slept a lot instead of playing with Joshua like they used to.
Joshua was 15 and things hadn't changed much. He would always get in trouble when Jemima did something wrong. Jemima was 7. She understood a lot more now. She was scared of Joshua though. He never played with her, he was always angry and he never wanted to speak to her. Jemima wondered what she had done wrong.
Lindsay and Darren called Joshua into his room one day that year. They could both see that he was growing bitter, angry and arrogant. Darren tried to understand what Joshua was going through but he was the youngest child in his family, so he didn't really know how Joshua felt. Lindsay on the other hand thought that it was just a phase that Joshua was going through and she decided to just wait for the time when it passed.
Joshua felt like no one was on his side. His parents never listened to him, he thought. They never gave him recognition when he got good grades in school, but when Jemima got a B+ or something, they would praise her more and more. Joshua knew that Jemima loved the praise, but he needed praise and love from his parents too.
A week later Joshua was teased at school when he accidentally mixed up his books and brought a fairy book of Jemima's to school. Joshua went home very angry that day. Lindsay and Darren tried to find out what was wrong but it only turned into a fight and Joshua felt terrible.
That night Joshua packed a back pack with all his favourite things; his card collection, some of his clothes, a blanket and some food and water. Joshua climbed out his window and ran off into the darkness.
"Lindsay! Joshua ran away!" Darren called in the morning as he rushed down the stairs with a handwritten note from Joshua.
I hate it here.
You never pay attention to me.
I just want to be left alone now.
Lindsay cried and Jemima gulped. She was scared for her brother. They were ALL scared for Joshua. He was all alone out in the big wide world. Lindsay and Darren were mad at themselves for being so focussed on Jemima that they forgot that they had two children, not just the one.
Lindsay and Jemima waited at home while Darren went out with the police looking for his boy. Lindsay cried in her bed for a long time. She went over everything that she could have possibly done to prevent this from happening. Jemima played with her dolls for most of the day. Every game ended up with one of her dollies getting angry and running away.
"DING DONG!" Jemima jumped up from the table when she heard the doorbell ring. Lindsay walked over and was greeted by the sight of her son. He was home safe and sound. He was dirty and sweaty but he looked perfectly fine.
Joshua was surprised when his mother ran towards him with open arms and squeezed the life out of him. He felt loved for once.
Joshua grew up more as time went on. Lindsay and Darren got much better at showing they loved him and Joshua became happier and calmer. They still had their ups and downs, arguments and celebrations but things ran more smoothly.
Joshua fell in love when he was 23 years old. Georgia Hawking was a pretty girl with dark hair and fair skin but she had a lovely personality. Joshua was only seven months older than Georgia but Georgia was very mature. She was a medical trainee and Joshua was studying to be a doctor. The two of them attended a number of classes together and spent a lot of time studying together. Joshua and Georgia started a relationship together later on that year. On Georgia's 24th birthday Joshua gave her the gift of an engagement ring and she happily said yes.
Joshua looked at himself in the full length mirror and adjusted his tie. He had to admit that he looked pretty good in his wedding suit. Joshua felt like the luckiest man on earth. He wondered what Georgia looked like. She always looked beautiful but he felt like she was going to look extra specially gorgeous today.
"Josh," Darren passed through the room beaming, "It's time."
Joshua stood at the end of the aisle smiling. The music played. The sun was streaming in through the windows. The light glinted off his father's glasses and his mother's tears that streamed down her face from the front row.
Georgia's sisters and Jemima were the maids and flower girls. They slowly walked down the aisle. Joshua soaked in the stunning sight as Georgia appeared down the end of the hall. Her hair was curled down the side of her face. She had very natural makeup on and her dress shone like the sun. Her eyes sparkled and her smile lit up her face.
The wedding went very fast for Joshua and before he knew it they were married and off on their honeymoon. Ten months later, Joshua and Georgia were in the same hospital that Joshua's parents were twenty seven years earlier. Except this time, Georgia was having twins.
Both survived. Two tiny baby girls. Joshua finally felt like a man. He knew what his father felt like when he and Jemima were born. He had his own tiny humans to raise and bring up right. He and Georgia both knew it wouldn't be easy. It never is. The vomit, the nappy changing, the tears, the long nights with no sleep, always being worried that your child is in some kind of danger. Parenthood is hard; but it is the most rewarding job anyone will ever undertake. Raising tiny humans to have manners, to be kind to one another, to work hard and to learn the meaning of life is never easy. Those who choose to take this mission, this adventure, this new way of life, these people are courageous, brave, patient and strong. They are our everyday miracle in the world.
My name is Grace. I am sixteen years old and I wrote my first short story in year two. I love school, especially English and when I finish school I want to be so many things. I want to be a teacher, a singer, a writer, a journalist, an artist, a fire fighter and a detective. I know I can't be all of those all at once so I use my imagination in my stories to dream and take me to places I have never been. You can be anything you want if you only use your imagination.
28 Stories - Study 20: Granting Forgiveness
Fundamental: The Second Coming of Christ
News of Joseph's joy soon reached the ears of Pharaoh. Everyone who knew Joseph was thrilled at his good fortune. Pharaoh sent a message, "Tell your brothers, 'This is what you must do: Load your pack animals, and hurry back to the land of Canaan. Then get your father and all of your families, and return here to me. I will give you the very best land in Egypt, and you will eat from the best that the land produces."
It was more than Joseph or his brothers could have ever dreamed. "Go tell Father," Joseph said, "God has made me Lord of all Egypt! Please bring Father here, quickly!"
Joseph spoke to his brothers into the wee hours of the night, recounting the things that had happened to him since he was sold into slavery. Some of the stories were difficult to tell, and brought tears to every eye in the room, as they all recognised how involved God had been in each step of the journey. Many of the stories Joseph had previously told as tales of woe were now tales of wonder at the awesome power and foresight of their mighty God.
While telling his own story, Joseph would interrupt himself asking his brothers to tell of their lives and the land he so fondly remembered. Every so often, the conversation would stop and the brothers would just stare at each other. Is this really happening? The famine ravaging the land had dominated their every thought over the last couple of years. And yet now, it was hardly even present in their thinking. They were moving to Egypt where they would be treated like kings—or the brothers of one, anyway!
The next morning, Joseph sent his brothers on their way in new wagons with enough provisions for the journey home and the return trip. He personally gave each brother a new set of clothes. When he came to Benjamin, he couldn't help himself, and gave him five sets of clothes and 300 pieces of silver.
Usually when you are thinking special thoughts of someone, you send a gift basket. But Joseph had bigger and better things in mind for his father. He sent 10 male donkeys loaded with Egypt's finest products and 10 female donkeys loaded with grain and bread.
As he farewelled the eleven, he couldn't hold in a little brotherly jibe, "Hey guys, don't slow yourselves too much by fighting on the way home!" He wanted them to get there quickly and in good spirits. More than anything, he wanted to see his father again.
When they arrived home, the eleven brothers were surrounded by their wives and children. Everyone was so excited to have their dads and husbands home. And everyone was hungry! When they could finally tear themselves away from their loved ones, the brothers regrouped and headed to their father's tent. Jacob knew they were home but he knew they would seek him out once they had embraced their families.
As the brothers approached, Jacob visibly relaxed when he saw Benjamin. A smile spread across his face, "Ah, a safe and successful trip! You have all returned to me. Did all go well with the purchase of food?"
The brothers looked at Simeon, the eldest, to allow him the pleasure of telling the good news. He had been playing the conversation over and over in his mind. How would he tell Father they had tricked him all those years ago—lied to him. Joseph hadn't been killed by wild animals. Joseph's own brothers had hated him so much they had sold him to slavers. The bloodied coat was just a cover-up. The strategy Simeon decided for telling the news to his father was to get right to the point—jump over the history and the hardships—and tell the good news first!
"Joseph is still alive!" Simeon said, beaming from ear to ear.
Jacob slumped, his knees had lost their strength. Two of the brothers rushed to him and lifted him before he fell.
Benjamin blurted, "And he is governor of all the land of Egypt!"
Jacob's eyes went as big as dinner plates. For his son to be alive was hard enough to believe. But now he knew it was a joke. It was impossible. He accused them of lying but when they repeated everything Joseph had told them, and when he saw the wagons Joseph had sent to carry him, their father's spirits revived and he began to believe them.
For the next few days, as his eleven sons, their wives and his many grand children packed the tents and prepared to move to Egypt, Jacob wandered from one person to the next. No matter who they were or if he had told them before, he repeated, "My son Joseph is still alive! I am going to see him before I die."
The return journey to Egypt took a lot longer with all the livestock being herded alongside the wagons. Finally they were near enough that Jacob sent Judah ahead to find Joseph and get directions to Goshen.
After sending Judah back to his father with directions, Joseph got in his own chariot and traveled to Goshen to meet his father. Could it be true? Was he really alive? Was God really this good?
Finally Joseph arrived in Goshen and found his family in the place he had chosen for them. The moment he saw Jacob, Joseph leapt off his chariot and ran to his father. He threw his arms around Jacob and wept, holding him for a long time. Finally, Jacob said to Joseph, "Now I am ready to die, since I have seen your face again and know you are still alive."
"Enough of this death talk, father," Joseph laughed. "There is someone who wants to meet you!" Joseph helped his father into the chariot and they raced back to Egypt.
Joseph gave his father a tour of the great city. The crowds parted and bowed as the chariot worked it's way through the streets. Eventually, they arrived at Pharaoh's palace. Joseph introduced his father to Egypt's monarch. Jacob began and finished the conversation by thanking Pharaoh for his generosity. The short conversation was marked with a deep mutual respect.
Pharaoh watched with wonder as Joseph and Jacob, father and son, walked arm in arm out of his palace.
Imagine you were Joseph. What would it have been like to see your father after all those years? What would you say?
What would it have been like to be Jacob and discover that your son was alive, you were going to meet him and he was in a position powerful enough to provide all the needs of your starving family?
Everyone in this story, upon reflection, would have realised that God had been working behind the scenes the entire time. Would it be easy to reframe the story in your mind from negative to positive? Describe the emotional and spiritual transitions the following people would have gone through: Joseph, Jacob, the brothers.
Consider a time when you felt forgotten or abandoned. Is it possible that God could have been shaping you for something in the future?
Imagine you discover you are related to someone extremely rich and powerful and they want to give you a new life. What positive and negative things can you imagine in this scenario?
Imagine that today a finely dressed man came to your house and said, "I'm your long-lost brother, here to take you all to a new life. Hop in the Hummer!" What would you do?
Like Joseph with his brothers, Jesus knows our past and chooses to forgive us for those wrongs. Joseph provided his loved ones with food and a place to live. Jesus has provided us with so much more! What do these verses reveal about the presence, power and promise of Jesus in our lives?
Hebrews 9:28 ~ Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.
John 14:1-3 ~ Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52 ~ But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.
While Jesus is in Heaven preparing a place for us and is planning to return to claim us, he has a role for us to play. What commitment and action do these texts call us to be involved in?
Matthew 24:14 ~ The good news about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
Matthew 24: 43-44 ~ If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 ~ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 ~ In the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Every day we hear about the failings of planet Earth and her people. The world seems to be unraveling at the seams. Without an understanding of God's plan and purpose, life can be hopeless. How do the following verses give us a clearer understanding of what is really going on around us and what will soon take place?
Titus 2:13 ~ We look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.
Mark 13:5-8 ~ Jesus replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
1 Corinthians 15:53-54 ~ For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
The following statement is the 25th of the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Review the doctrine and then write a personal response. What difference does this make to your life?
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour's coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfilment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times.
The story of Joseph is one of the longest narratives recorded in the Bible. It can be found in Genesis chapters 37, 39-50.
Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, Revelation 14:14-20, Revelations 19:11-21, Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21
28 Stories - Study 19: Saving Lives
Fundamental: Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
Joseph trembled as Pharaoh used his limitless power to transform a slave into a prince. A few snaps of the royal fingers and the interpreter of dreams was living a dream beyond imagination.
Pharaoh spoke loud enough for everyone to hear, "Since God has revealed the meaning of the dreams to you, clearly no one else is as intelligent or wise as you are. Only I, sitting on my throne, will have a rank higher than yours."
While only moments before he had been dressed for a dungeon, Joseph now stood attired in Egypt finest-—a silk robe, a gold chain around his neck and the Pharaoh's own ring of power on his finger.
Pharaoh said, "I hereby put you in charge of the entire land of Egypt. I am Pharaoh, but no one will lift a hand or foot in the entire land of Egypt without your approval." Just 30 years of age, Joseph was second in command of the most powerful nation on Earth.
Pharaoh gave Joseph an Egyptian name, a beautiful wife, chariots and servants. Wherever Joseph went, men ran ahead of his chariot shouting, "Make way! Bow down!" Anyone who didn't know Joseph would have said his rise to power was meteoric and undeserved. And Joseph would have agreed with them. But God knew differently. He had been shaping Joseph for this role since he was a boy. Each step along the way—every dream, every pit, every choice—as painful as it may have been, would now reveal itself as truly necessary and perfectly planned.
Joseph began implementing his taxation strategy throughout Egypt. Storehouses were built in all the cities. The people, enjoying seven years of bumper crops, were required to bring one fifth of every harvest to the storehouses. This was not easy, and the farming people, who lived only thinking of today, complained.
But Joseph, remembering the faith of his ancestors, knew that a double tithe—20 per cent—was the fitting response when a time of blessing was upon you. So, he applied an ancient Hebrew truth to his leadership in Egypt and the storehouses filled.
When the seven years of plenty came to an end, Egypt was ready for what was to come. And it came with a vengeance. The land dried up. The fields stopped growing and the desert took over the lush valleys. The Egyptian people came to the Pharaoh and begged for help. "Go to Joseph," Pharaoh told them. "Do whatever he tells you to do."
Joseph's role as stockpiler of crops now changed to distributor of grace. Any animosity in the hearts of the people from the time of overtaxing was replaced by appreciation as they received their crops back, when they needed them most.
The famine spread beyond the borders of Egypt. Surrounding nations ran out of food and hearing of the storehouses in Egypt, they came. Joseph knew if he gave grain to everyone who needed it there would soon be none left. So, he charged a hefty price for foreign sales. And he put the purchasers through a careful process of scrutiny to ensure they weren't spies or dishonest business men looking to profit from Egypt's wise planning.
A group of 10 men arrived one miserably hot afternoon, to buy grain. From a distance Joseph recognised them as Hebrews, his people. And when they drew nearer, Joseph recognised each of the ten travel-weary faces. They were his brothers. The brothers who had mocked him and tore off his special coat. The brothers who had thrown him in a pit. The brothers who had sold him to slavers. The cause of all his suffering. And, he realised with a sudden jolt of astonishment, the reason for every morsel of grain in the storehouses of Egypt.
A desperate struggle began between the heart and head of Joseph. His heart wanted to run to his brothers and embrace them—to tell them how their amazing God had provided this blessing for their family. But his head remembered the selfish nature of these men. Would they try to use and abuse Joseph's place of power in Egypt? Would they take more grain than they needed and sell it to benefit their own pockets? Were they good men or had their nature worsened with the passage of time?
Joseph decided to test them, just as he would anyone else he suspected of foul play. He knew, dressed in his royal finery, and speaking Egyptian, his brothers would never recognise him.
He called them spies. Oh, how it hurt to accuse his own flesh and blood of evil. He yelled at them in Egyptian. He put Simeon in prison while the others went home to get the youngest brother, to prove they were not spies. And when they returned with Benjamin, it was all he could do to control himself. Benjamin! My little brother! He fed them a banquet because of Benjamin. He couldn't help himself. He amazed them by seating them by age and then gave Benjamin 5 times as much food as the others. Finally, he arranged one last test, this time setting Benjamin up as a thief. How would they respond? Would they throw Benjamin away like they had Joseph all those years before?
The brothers wept and begged Joseph not to imprison Benjamin. They spoke to each other in Hebrew, "What has God done to us? We are being punished for what we did to Joseph!" Judah told Joseph a story. It was about their father and how much he loved Benjamin. He finished, saying, "So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. For how can I return to my father if the boy is not with me? I couldn't bear to see the anguish this would cause my father!"
Joseph made every Egyptian leave the room. Then, in Hebrew, he cried, "I am Joseph, your brother! Is my father really still alive?" His brothers were unable to take it in. What did this Egyptian lord just say? Our brother? Joseph? Impossible!
Joseph ran to Benjamin and hugged him. Then he turned to his brothers and repeated, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! Do not be angry at yourselves, I forgive you! It was not you who sent me here, but God. God sent me, to prepare for the famine and to preserve a remnant of our people on earth!"
Imagine you were one of the brothers at the moment of Joseph revealing his true identity. What would it have been like to be Simeon, the oldest brother (who had failed to protect the young Joseph in the pit)?
What would it have been like to be Judah, who was now expecting to be a prisoner in Egypt for the rest of his life?
What would it have been like to be Benjamin?
For a very long time, Joseph believed he was a prisoner in Egypt for one reason—because his brothers were mean. What would have been going through Joseph's heart and mind when he realised that God had sent him to Egypt as a saviour for his people?
Can you remember a time when you were forgotten or left behind? Tell the story. What happened? How did you feel? What was it like when you were found or reclaimed?
Do you like surprise parties? Have you ever been truly surprised when someone threw one? Have you ever thrown one for someone else?
To the person being celebrated, a surprise party seems sudden and unexpected. To the person throwing the party, there is a lot of planning and preparation involved. The rest of this study is about the longest preparation and best planned party in the universe. Can you guess what it is? (Hint: the preparation is still going on, right now!)
The party is for you! God has spent over 6000 years getting it "just right." How does that make you feel?
God has a plan for the salvation of humanity. Jesus' first coming was part of that plan. Jesus' second coming is also part of that epic plan. What assurance do you gain from these verses about what Jesus did, is doing and will do for the people of Earth?
Hebrews 1:3 ~ The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
Hebrews 9:11, 14, 27-28 ~ So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven . . . Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. . . . And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.
Revelation 22:12 ~ Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.
Jesus has seen this world and experienced the worst it has to offer. And He has conquered it! He calls us to follow Him and His ways. What do these verses teach us about the nature of God's people in the days prior to Jesus' second coming? How are you challenged to live?
Hebrews 4:14-16 ~ So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Revelation 14:6-7 ~ And I saw another angel flying through the sky, carrying the eternal Good News to proclaim to the people who belong to this world—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. "Fear God," he shouted. "Give glory to him. For the time has come when he will sit as judge. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all the springs of water."
Revelation 14:!2 ~ God's holy people must endure persecution patiently, obeying his commands and maintaining their faith in Jesus.
God does not want His people to live powerless and broken lives. He offers us access to His great power through the presence of Jesus as our High Priest. This is huge! How do these verses impact the way you see yourself and your place in God's plan today?
Hebrews 8:1-2 ~ Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven. There he ministers in the heavenly Tabernacle, the true place of worship that was built by the Lord and not by human hands.
Hebrews 10:19-22 ~ And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God's house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.
Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.
Hebrews 9:11-28, Hebrews 2:16-17, Daniel 7:9-27, Daniel 8:13-14, Daniel 9:24-27, Leviticus 16, Numbers 14:34, Ezekiel 4:6, Revelation 20:12
28 Stories - Study 18: Dungeon to Kingdom
Fundamental: Stewardship
Joseph inserted a key into the door of the jail cell of the King's cupbearer and baker. The two men had been in prison for quite some time and the three had become close friends.
"Time for breakfast, gentlemen," Joseph said as he took the plates from the servants behind him and set them on a worn wooden table in the middle of the small cell.
The two men nodded their thanks and came to the table. As Joseph reached the cell door, about to leave, he realised something was making him uncomfortable. Something wasn't right. Neither of the two men, usually quite friendly, had said a word. He turned around slowly and studied their silent faces as they ate. They seemed somber and perhaps even depressed.
"Why do you look so worried this morning?" Joseph asked, closing the door behind him.
The two men looked up at Joseph then at each other and finally back at their plates, in silence. After some time, the cupbearer spoke, still staring into his plate as if searching for a sign among the scraps of prison food.
"We both had strange dreams last night."
"Dreaming is not unusual," Joseph said. "We all have them."
"Yes," the cupbearer continued, "we weren't concerned until we realised we had both dreamed much the same thing on the same night. Such dreams are to be feared!"
The baker cut in, "We've talked to some of the other prisoners and no-one has a clue what our dreams mean."
"God alone can interpret dreams," Joseph said matter-of-factly. "Tell your dreams to me."
"You start," the baker said.
"In my dream," The cupbearer recounted, "I was standing before a fruitless grapevine holding Pharaoh's empty goblet in my hand. Before my very eyes, grapes grew on three branches of the vine—fat juicy grapes. I picked them, squeezed them into the goblet, walked to Pharaoh and gave him the full goblet."
Joseph smiled and, in amazement, said, "I understand it!"
"You do?" The two men said in unison.
"Yes," Joseph said rubbing his hands together excitedly.
The cupbearer rose to his feet. "Well, tell me!"
"The three branches are three days," Joseph said. "And the rest is your old job, back in action. So," Joseph paused to get his thoughts and words right, "in three days, you will be restored to your position as Pharaoh's cupbearer!"
The cupbearer clapped his hands twice and then clasped them to his cheeks as tears of joy ran from his eyes. "Can it be true?" he asked in wonder.
"If it is," Joseph said seriously, "Please tell my story to Pharaoh. I have been unjustly condemned to a life of imprisonment. Even though I was captured from my homeland and brought here as a slave, I have not been bitter or disobedient. I have served both Potiphar and the jailer with a good nature. And, yet, I am in prison for something of which I am innocent."
The cupbearer nodded expressively, "I will never forget you, Joseph. I will tell of your honesty, integrity and that you are faithful in both big and small things."
The baker was standing now, excited about the meaning of his dream. It was so similar to the cupbearers; surely his freedom must be approaching as well. "What about my dream?" he asked. "Listen to mine!"
Joseph turned to the baker and smiled, "Of course! Tell it, and perhaps God will again grace me with understanding."
"It's so much like his dream," the baker said gesturing at the cupbearer, "it must mean the same thing! Ok, here it is: There were three baskets of delicious pastries stacked on my head, the top one was for Pharaoh. As I walked toward the palace, birds dive-bombed me and ate the bread before I could stop them!"
The colour faded from Joseph's face. He stumbled to the wall and collapsed against it, sliding down it's cold surface until he sat on the ground.
The cupbearer and baker rushed to his side. They knelt in front him. "Are you alright?" they asked.
Recovering his composure, Joseph looked with anguish at the baker. "It's not good," he said. "Not good at all. The three baskets are three days. But that's where the similarity ends." Joseph went silent.
"And?" the baker asked. "Will I get out of this jail?"
"Yes," Joseph said and then in a whisper he added, "Pharaoh will have you impaled on a pole and birds will swoop at you and rip your flesh from your body!"
And it was so. Three days later, on Pharaoh's birthday, he called for the two men, impaling one and empowering the other.
Two long years later the cupbearer remembered Joseph when the Pharaoh needed an interpreter of dreams. Joseph was summoned and listened to the King's dreams.
"My God has made the meaning of your dreams clear to me," Joseph said. "Seven years of prosperity approach. Seven years of desperate times—famine in Egypt and beyond—will follow. My advice, great King, is that you employ a wise manager to prepare for the seven lean years by making the most of the seven years of plenty. Otherwise this famine will destroy the land!"
Pharaoh studied the faces of the wise men and officials around his throne room, all of whom had been unable to interpret his dream, "Who is as wise as this man, Joseph?" Pharaoh asked. Then he turned to Joseph, "Through you, the unseen God has revealed our future. For years, you have served faithfully where no one sees. Now, I place all of Egypt in your worthy hands."
Imagine you were Joseph in prison after the baker and cupbearer were released. The cupbearer promised to tell your story to the most important man in the country! How long would it be before you stopped expecting to be released? How would you have felt?
Imagine the day that the message came: "Pharaoh needs you to interpret a dream for him." What would you be feeling?
Have you ever been wrongly accused of something? What happened? How long did it take before your story was heard? How did it end?
Is it easy to do the right thing when you are living in an unjust situation? How do you keep from getting bitter and spiteful? What did Joseph do to keep his attention away from dwelling on the unjust things he couldn't control?
God has given us all that we need to live. From necessities as basic as air to privileges such as wealth and wisdom. What blessings and promises do these verses reveal?
Genesis 1:26 ~ Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground."
1 Chronicles 29:14 ~ But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!
Malachi 3:10 ~ Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!
In all of life, God expects His blessings to result in a response from us. What commitments do the following verses call from us?
Genesis 2:15 ~ The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.
Matthew 23:23 ~ What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.
2 Corinthians 8:7 ~ Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
The interaction between God and His people causes them to see everything with God-tinted lenses. How do these verses help you see your place in this world differently?
Romans 15:26-27 ~ For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.
Malachi 3:8 ~ "Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! "But you ask, 'What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?' "You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me."
The following statement is the 21st of the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Review the doctrine and then write a personal response. What difference does this make to your life?
We are God's stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness.
Genesis 1:26-28, Haggai 1:3-11, 1 Corinthians 9:9-14, 2 Corinthians 8
28 Stories - Study 17: Remember your Roots
Fundamental: Christian Behaviour
The burly soldier shoved two finely dressed men down the cold stone steps into the catacombs beneath Egypt's busy streets. As he came to the iron gate that locked the world out, he shouted, "Two prisoners, by order of Pharaoh."
Moments later, a door in the darkness beyond the gate creaked open and quick footsteps advanced up the long corridor. A gust of icy wind blasting from below was followed by a young man dressed in a simple robe.
The soldier shivered as the key went into the lock from inside. The gate swung open. "Two more fine visitors," the young jail-hand said with a friendly smile.
The soldier grunted, handing over the chain binding the two men. "They disappointed Pharaoh himself," the soldier said as he braced himself against the chill. "Aren't you cold, man? You should be wearing a cloak!"
"Cloaks have a tendency to tell lies about me," the young man said with a laugh. "And the fresh air keeps me awake and busy enough to stay warm."
"Whatever get's the job done, eh?" The soldier guffawed.
"Indeed," the jail-hand replied. "Fare thee well."
"And you," the soldier said as the huge gate swung shut, it's latch clicking loudly. His task complete, the soldier turned and headed up the stairs, back to the free world.
The jail-hand led the two men into the depths of the prison to an office where he unlocked their shackles and gestured for them to sit on a bench. The men, wealthily dressed, certainly weren't common criminals.
"For the records," the jail-hand said as he sat behind a small desk facing the two men and unfurled a scroll, "please state your positions in Egypt."
"I am the King's baker."
"And I am the King's cupbearer."
The jail-hand scribbled on the scroll and then looked at the men. "I am Joseph. I am a prisoner, just like you."
The two men exchanged confused glances. The cupbearer spoke, "But you have the keys. You could leave at any time!"
Joseph laughed, "They would catch me and throw me back down here. And then, I'd be here as a criminal. Right now, I'm innocent. I'm as free as I can be without breaking the laws of Egypt or disappointing my God who seems to bless me at every turn."
"Bless you?" the baker cut in, "But you are a prisoner!"
"Yes I am!" Joseph said. "And even so, the God of my fathers is with me. He blessed me when I served in the house of Potiphar so that I was made manager of the estate."
The two men, again looked at each other with raised eyebrows. Potiphar was the captain of Pharaoh's guard. To serve as head of his house would be a great honour.
Joseph continued, "And now God has blessed me in this prison causing me to be put in charge of the entire dungeon. I serve the God of my ancestors with humility. Likewise, I serve each earthly master with respect and integrity."
"I wish we had been so wise," the cupbearer said. "We let our positions go to our heads and ended up offending Pharaoh. A bit of respect and integrity would have kept us out of this pit."
Joseph took a slow breath, placed his palms on the desk and leaned toward the two men, "To climb to the top of a mountain, you must start in the valley. This moment may be the lowest you have fallen but it can be the first step of the greatest achievement of your life."
"Where do you learn such wisdom?" the baker asked.
"My great-grandfather heard the voice of God," Joseph said. "God found him in the land of Ur and invited him, 'Abram, walk with me.' And what a journey they undertook! I don't hear His voice like my great-grandfather did, but I do my best to walk with God each day by reflecting on the stories of God's leading in the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob — my father."
"You are a Hebrew?" the cupbearer said, tilting his head back.
"Yes," Joseph said.
"And yet you speak and write Egyptian."
"One step at a time, my friend," Joseph said quietly. "This is not the first pit I have been in. I have started many new things. And God has been with me every step of the journey."
The cupbearer nodded. "You will surely rise to great heights."
"To rise up, one must be cast down," Joseph stated. "To be great, one must serve. And to be free, one must obey."
What would it be like to have such confidence in God?
Imagine the stories you would tell if your grandfather had talked with God. What would it be like to have such a heritage? What other situations can you imagine where you would tell the story?
Reflect on a time when you hit rock bottom. What was the difference between you and Joseph? Where did Joseph get his strength? Where did you get yours?
Imagine you met someone today who was considering giving up on life. What advice could you give them from your experience? What advise could you offer from the lives of others?
When we accept our identity in Christ, His Spirit moves in our heart and begins working His good will and purpose in our lives. How do the promises in these verses encourage you?
Ephesians 5:8-9 ~ For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ~ Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
2 Corinthians 6: 16 ~ And what union can there be between God's temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Amazingly, God chooses to make Himself evident to the World through His disciples. What challenges do these verses present to you?
Romans 12:1-2 ~ And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Ephesians 5:15-17 ~ So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
1 Corinthians 10:31 ~ So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
The way we see our place and purpose in the World directly affects the impact we have. How do the following verses empower you to see yourself as God's ambassador to the World?
1 John 2:6 ~ Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
Ephesians 5:1-2 ~ Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
Philippians 4:8 ~ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
The following statement is the 22nd of the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Review the doctrine and then write a personal response. What difference does this make to your life?
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.
Ephesians 5, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, 1 Peter 3:1-4, Leviticus 11.


You will find that customers will want to purchase some products but they stay far away and they will wish the products to be delivered to them. Some people will be discouraged to buy your products if the shipping is not okay hence you have to make sure that the customers will be okay with the shipping. Therefore, if you are the owner of any online shop you will be required to choose a shipping company that will ensure the shipping fee for your customers is affordable so that you attract more customers to buying your products. The discussion below is on the factors to consider when choosing a shipping company.
You have to make sure that your products are among the tips for choosing a shipping company. There are so many products that are sold out there and therefore, you will notice that the different companies will not ship the same type of product. The different companies will have different specialization when it comes to the products that they ship. We have a good number of shipping companies that you may not be able to choose them if your products are small in size.
One of the tips for choosing a shipping company is the speed of the shipping process. We have those shipping companies that will take so long to deliver the products while other shipping companies will take a short period to deliver the products. You will realize that some of the customers will want the products as fast as possible due to various reasons and that is why the process should also take a short time. One will be discouraged to select a shipping company that takes long to make the delivery.
Some other tip for choosing a shipping company is their tracking. You will also want to know if the products have been delivered to different customers hence you will have to choose a shipping company that allows tracking. Since some of the companies will not have the link that will allow the customers to track the products you have to be careful when choosing the company. Therefore, make sure the company you choose will have a website that will allow your customers to track their products.
Insurance option should also be a factor that you will have to consider when selecting a shipping company. One is discouraged to select a company that does not allow the customers to insure their products especially if a customer stays far. Your customers will want to make sure that they can insure their packages for different reasons. To keep your customers you will have to choose a shipping company that will allow the customers to insure their products.


text:
Sheriff: Boy, 7, attacked, killed by pit bull
Victim identified by authorities
Updated: 6:02 PM EDT Jun 6, 2016
WMTW
SOURCE: WMTW
Investigators have identified the 7-year-old boy killed in a dog attack in Corinna over the weekend.The boy was identified as Hunter Bragg, of Bangor. Bragg was a student at Downeast Community School in Bangor.The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office responded to the attack on Moody Mills Road around 5:15 p.m. Saturday.When officers arrived, they found the boy had been killed by the dog.During a news conference Monday afternoon, Penobscot County Sheriff Troy Morton said the boy was killed by a male pit bull."Hunter was playing in the yard with two other children when he was attacked. Hunter's father, Jason Bragg, 35, was in the residence at the time of the attack," Morton said.No one else was injured in the attack.The dog was euthanized at the request of the owner, Gary Merchant, 45, Morton said.Joshua Eldridge was mowing his lawn on Saturday when heard the commotion."Unfortunately, I think there was another child who witnessed the attack, and having two children of my own, it's heartbreaking to think that child mentally is probably going to be hurt for the rest of their life," Eldridge said.The incident remains under investigation. Morton said many of the details are too sensitive to release.Get the WMTW App9234908
BANGOR, Maine —
Investigators have identified the 7-year-old boy killed in a dog attack in Corinna over the weekend.
The boy was identified as Hunter Bragg, of Bangor. Bragg was a student at Downeast Community School in Bangor.
Boy killed in Corinna dog attack
The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office responded to the attack on Moody Mills Road around 5:15 p.m. Saturday.
When officers arrived, they found the boy had been killed by the dog.
During a news conference Monday afternoon, Penobscot County Sheriff Troy Morton said the boy was killed by a male pit bull.
"Hunter was playing in the yard with two other children when he was attacked. Hunter's father, Jason Bragg, 35, was in the residence at the time of the attack," Morton said.
No one else was injured in the attack.
The dog was euthanized at the request of the owner, Gary Merchant, 45, Morton said.
Joshua Eldridge was mowing his lawn on Saturday when heard the commotion.
"Unfortunately, I think there was another child who witnessed the attack, and having two children of my own, it's heartbreaking to think that child mentally is probably going to be hurt for the rest of their life," Eldridge said.
The incident remains under investigation. Morton said many of the details are too sensitive to release.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
saxophonist (23) + -
transcript (17) + -
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elizabeth (15) + -
adam (13) + -
peopl (88) + -
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Oral history interview with Boeta Sakkie
Oral history interview with Emmanuel Wilson
Oral history interview with Gathu Motsweni [Part 1 of 2]
Oral history, Political activists-- South Africa--Interviews, Government, Resistance to--South Africa
This sub-collection of interviews with political activists includes themes such as African National Congress (ANC) party politics, ANC underground training in Angola and Soviet Union, Jabulani Nobleman 'Mzala' Nxumalo, 1980s schools boycotts and the United Democratic Front(UDF). Interviewees include Gertrude Fester, Joe Marks, Lizo Ngqugwana, and Ray Alexander., Pin6.07a.mp3: Part 1 of 2 ; 31:88 min. ; interview 6 of 10
Oral history interview with Myrtle Hainsworth [Part 3 of 3]
Oral history, Harfield Village (Cape Town, South Africa)--History, Claremont (Cape Town, South Africa)--History, Colored people (South Africa)--Relocation--South Africa--Cape Town, Hainsworth, Myrtle, ,
Karen Daniels interviews Myrtle Hainsworth an ex-resident of Harfield Village, Cape Town. These interviews provide a very rich source or oral history regarding social life in Harfield Village and Claremont, as well as forced removals and their after-effects. Harfield Village, before the Group Areas Act, was a small mixed area of African, coloured and white inhabitants and was also known as "die vlak" by the locals. The themes included in the interviews are: inter-racial mixing and romanticisation of racial harmony, community and family relationships, religion - both Christian (Anglican, Methodist, Dutch Reformed) and Muslim (Harvey Road, Stegman Road and Main Road Mosques) - and schooling, leisure activities such as the Coon Carnival, music and jazz, shebeens and drinking. Class issues are discussed with reference to crime, gangs, "skollies", home ownership, rentals, incomes and employment. The physical, emotional and economic hardships endured by Harfield residents during and after the forced removals and the Group Areas Act are also discussed. Each interview in this collection contains a useful summary of the interview dynamics and the date of the interview., Forced removals, Cwc6.16a.mp3: Part 3 of 3 ; 04:32 min; interview 16 of 39
Oral history interview with Brian Eggelsohn, a bassist [Transcript]
Oral history, Egglesohn, Brian, Jazz musicians--South Africa--Western Cape-- Interviews, Bassist--South Africa--Western Cape--Interviews,
This is one interview in a collection of interviews composed of the life histories of twenty Cape Town jazz musicians. Some of the themes explored are the effects of apartheid in the music scene in the 1950's and 1960's; priorities of recording labels; music reception across social groupings in District Six and the extensive influence of American jazz. Music genres referred to span big band, the avant garde, bebop, dance, jive, marabi, township jazz, goema and Latin.
Oral history interview with Mrs Molly Theys
Oral history interview with Fagmia Kiemie [Part 2 of 3]
Oral history, Harfield Village (Cape Town, South Africa)--History, Claremont (Cape Town, South Africa)--History, Colored people (South Africa)--Relocation--South Africa--Cape Town, Kiemie, Fagmia, ,
Karen Daniels interviews Fagmia Kiemie, an ex-resident of Harfield Village, Cape Town. These interviews provide a very rich source or oral history regarding social life in Harfield Village and Claremont, as well as forced removals and their after-effects. Harfield Village, before the Group Areas Act, was a small mixed area of African, coloured and white inhabitants and was also known as "die vlak" by the locals. The themes included in the interviews are: inter-racial mixing and romanticisation of racial harmony, community and family relationships, religion - both Christian (Anglican, Methodist, Dutch Reformed) and Muslim (Harvey Road, Stegman Road and Main Road Mosques) - and schooling, leisure activities such as the Coon Carnival, music and jazz, shebeens and drinking. Class issues are discussed with reference to crime, gangs, "skollies", home ownership, rentals, incomes and employment. The physical, emotional and economic hardships endured by Harfield residents during and after the forced removals and the Group Areas Act are also discussed. Each interview in this collection contains a useful summary of the interview dynamics and the date of the interview., Forced removals, Cwc6.23b.mp3: Part 2 of 3 ; 30:31 min; interview 23 of 39
Oral history interview with Beatrice Jaftha
Oral history interview with Jack Cope


text:
Summer in the City festival.
From 30 Jun 2006 to 02 Sep 2006
1 July-3 Sept 2006. Madrids huge summer festival Veranos de la Villa includes a season of concerts in the imposing setting of the Patio del Conde Duque. Brazilian singer Toquinho is first up (3 July), followed by Spanish rock duo Santiago & Luis Ausern (4 July), Kevin Johansen and the Nada (5 July), Cheb Khaled, the king of Algerian Ra music (6 July), the Alan Parson Project (10 July), Portuguese fado singer Dulce Pontes (12 July), The Original Blues Brothers Band (15 July), The Chieftains (17 July), Latin jazz with Michel Camilo and Tomatito (19 July), Brazilian jazz legend Gilberto Gil (23 July), American neo-soul artist Erykah Badu (24 July), Cape Verde blues diva Cesria vora (25 July) and The Soweto Gospel Choir (26 July). In Aug, Conde Duque hosts Lindsay Kemps latest dance work Elisabeth I el ltimo baile (2-5 Aug) and El Lindo Don Diego, a Spanish baroque comedy written by Agustn Moreto in 1662 and directed by Denis Rafter (8-11 Aug). Other events in over 20 venues across the city include exhibitions, open-air films, zarzuelas, flamenco, opera and a festival of tango. Details on the Madrid Council website in English and Spanish. Admission to Conde Duque 37-12. Concerts start 21.30. Bar opens 20.30.
Address The Patio del Conde Duque is at 9-11 Calle Conde Duque. By metro to Plaza de Espaa, Novicidiado & San Bernardo. By bus lines 1, 2, 21, 44, 133, 147 & 202. Tel. +34 902 101212
Website www.munimadrid.es/Principal/EnlacesHome/VeranosVilla/Vvilla2006.html
The Patio del Conde Duque is at 9-11 Calle Conde Duque. By metro to Plaza de Espaa, Novicidiado & San Bernardo. By bus lines 1, 2, 21, 44, 133, 147 & 202. Tel. +34 902 101212
Previous article St Petersburg Ballet in Madrid.
Next article St Petersburg Ballet in Madrid.


text:
This sample graphically shows common usage scenarios and the default rendering behavior for many user interface (UI) and layout controls in Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF). The Controls Gallery features a collapsible table of contents that has entries for many of the UI and layout controls that are supported in WPF. When you compile the sample, you can easily navigate the gallery and experience for yourself the breadth of the development platform

## Build the sample
The easiest way to use these samples without using Git is to download the zip file containing the current version (using the link below or by clicking the "Download ZIP" button on the repo page). You can then unzip the entire archive and use the samples in [Visual Studio 2019](https://www.visualstudio.com/wpf-vs).

### Deploying the sample
- Select Build > Deploy Solution.

### Deploying and running the sample
- To debug the sample and then run it, press F5 or select Debug >  Start Debugging. To run the sample without debugging, press Ctrl+F5 or selectDebug > Start Without Debugging.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Johnstown Castle was built by the Esmonde family who had come to Co Wexford from Lincolnshire in the wake of the Anglo-Norman Invasion in 1169. The Esmondes became important landowners in succeeding centuries but they were expelled from Co Wexford by Cromwell in the mid 1600s. The Grogan family acquired Johnstown in 1682 by marriage. However, in 1798, Cornelius Grogan was hanged by the British for complicity with the Rebellion. In 1810, his brother John Grogan managed to re-possess the estate. He and his son, Hamilton Knox Grogan, went on to develop the castle, grounds, lakes and estate that we have today.
The walled gardens and hothouses were originally laid out between 1844 -1851 and retain their early deign today. They are surrounded by a high wall and contain 4 acres. The woodland garden includes two lakes; the garden lake covering about 2.5 acres and the castle lake occupies 5 acres. There are many pathways throughout the grounds around the lakes. The sunken garden is now a picnic area located close to the car park. Rathlannon castle is located in the gardens. This single rectangular tower house dates back to 1169 and pre-dated Johnstown Castle. Johnstown Castle has a subterranean passage to an old meatstore that may be seen on the grounds. The entrance to this store is topped and camouflaged by a one-roomed square turreted structure that provides access to the basement of the castle.
The public may access the ornamental gardens and grounds while Teagasc, who is responsible for the entire estate, continue to carry out its research programme on the farm lands.


text:
Q: DataFormatString: the field must be a number I have this model:
[DisplayFormat(DataFormatString = "{0:c}", ApplyFormatInEditMode = true)]
public decimal SpotPrice { get; set; }

In my details view it displays prices as "25,00". When I try to edit the price, the field is pre-filled with the database entry "25,00". When I hit save immediately I get this error: "The field SpotPrice must be a number."
With the suggestions given in this question I have set my global culture in Web.Config:
<system.web>
<globalization culture="nl-NL"/>
</system.web>

I have also tried many different DataFormatStrings, but none of them allow me to get rid of that error message.
I use SQL Server to store the prices.
Edit: updated the question:
What can I do to make this price field validate properly?
Edit: Here's my Edit method, which I use to save the new price:
[HttpPost]
[ValidateAntiForgeryToken]
public ActionResult Edit([Bind(Include = "CampingSpotId,SpotName,FieldName,Surface,Wifi,Water,Sewer,Reserved,Booked,SpotPrice,Type")] CampingSpot campingSpot)
{
    if (ModelState.IsValid)
    {
        _campingspotrepository.SetModified(campingSpot);
        return RedirectToAction("Index");
    }
    return View(campingSpot);
}

SetModified method does this:
public void SetModified(CampingSpot campingSpot)
{
    db.Entry(campingSpot).State = EntityState.Modified;
    db.SaveChanges();
}

A: You must write [DataType(DataType.Currency)] in Model
[DataType(DataType.Currency)]
public decimal SpotPrice { get;set;}

A: I have had the same problem with currency and date formats. If noone has a proper solution, a workaround is to make SpotPrice a string and validate it server-side:
 public string SpotPriceStr { get; set; }

Within the controller, convert to decimal and if that fails, add an error to ModelState.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
How States Can Avoid Costly Pitfalls While Rebuilding Their Economies
In 2010, Michigan's economy was reeling. The Great Recession had hit the state hard and U.S. automakers were struggling to survive. Seeking to ease the pain, state officials authorized tax credits under the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) program as part of long-term deals with distressed automakers. But the program did not include fiscal protections to control the state's costs. This would prove to be a damaging misstep years later when Michigan had to close a multi-million-dollar budget gap with spending cuts after automakers began claiming credits in larger amounts than expected.
How did this happen? When developing the agreements, the state relied on unrealistic estimates of the number of jobs the companies would create and the salaries they would pay. The companies hired more workers at higher-than-anticipated salaries, qualifying for more tax credits and driving costs higher than expected. Fortunately, such situations can be avoided.
Top 50 Best Undergrad Programs for Entrepreneurs in 2022
There are those who describe the current, faster-and-faster-moving marketplace as a fourth industrial revolution, and the best entrepreneurship programs are those that help students appropriately speed up and, when necessary, scale up their ideas, from unicorns to innovative business models. Students who enroll at these schools will find themselves a...Continue Reading
Everything In The $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill: New Roads, Electric School Buses And More
TOPLINE President Joe Biden on Monday signed into law one of the largest infrastructure packages in U.S. history after months of bipartisan negotiations and tense political infighting, shoring up $1.2 trillion in funds, including $550 billion in new investments for the nation's bridges, airports, waterways, public transit and more—here's wha...Continue Reading
The Importance Of VR As A Marketing Tactic & The Science Behind Why It Works
Have you considered VR as a marketing tactic? If not, perhaps it's time you did. It's hard to overstate the power and potential of this exciting technology. Effective marketers have made storytelling a priority for years. VR amplifies the impact of a story by making it an immersive experience. Here Are Six Great Reasons To Use VR As ...Continue Reading


The first Ubuntu-powered device will finally be available in early 2015, even though we expected to see it unveiled by the end of this year. Either the hardware "isn't there yet"; or it's not as easy to make everything run smoothly on a mobile phone, and then move it to the big screen experience where "regular" Ubuntu apps should run properly.
In any case, the first Ubuntu-powered Meizu phone will be officially announced in the first quarter of 2015, as the two CEOs have met to share the big news with the world.


text:
Hans Niggl (1908 – 9 January 1943) was a Swiss sprinter. He competed in the men's 200 metres at the 1928 Summer Olympics.

References

1908 births
1943 deaths
Athletes (track and field) at the 1928 Summer Olympics
Swiss male sprinters
Olympic athletes of Switzerland
Place of birth missing

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
How To Play Football (Soccer) During Covid August Update
It's been a challenge doing anything football related these past couple of months. In the United States, the corona virus is still raging in all 50 states with very little slowdown on the number of cases with over 5 million confirmed. The question now is, "how to play the sport we all love safely?"
The truth is, with any contact sport to play it "safely" is somewhat of a fantasy. Contact with other players will happen and if you truly want to keep social distancing a main factor in your exercise then you'll most likely be training solo into the next year. But, if you're itching to get a competitive game going, there are small steps you can take to keep yourself as safe as possible when playing in a group.
Here are a couple of ways we used in order to get back in the game during a pandemic.
1. Train Solo
This is clearly the safest possible way to play football without the risk. You alone on a field with a ball will give you the best results from staying corona free and even this option carries its own risks. Other players may end up playing near you (you don't own public fields). Or maybe passerby's may get too close to the field during their own workout. The whole idea of training solo is to isolate yourself so do it as much as possible. Maybe get to the field a bit earlier than usual?
2. Wear A Mask
Hey you wanted to chance it right? It may be 95 degrees Fahrenheit but you wanted to play during a pandemic so do it right. The face mask has been required during all walks of life in recent times so why not have a designated mask for the pitch as well? Who knows, it could help you build your lung capacity as your grasping for air (don't quote us on this one).
3. Play Pick-Up At A Distance
Football can very much be a thinking game. Wear to pass the ball, how to shoot it, and how to break some ankles with a skill move runs through your brain all at once. It's hard to think about anything else while you're playing but you might need to in case other players get too close. Not only must you worry about how close you are to your defensive mark but EXACTLY how close you are to your defensive mark. Are you staying 6 ft away? Should you try winning the ball back or let him skate on by? I don't know man it's your call on this one.
4. Train With A Friend
Before you give up all hope you could always train with your friend. You know the buddy that has been holed up as much as you and is craving football just as much? It's a long shot but they may be willing to check things out at this point if they haven't already been out. Vitamin D is important.
These are just a couple of ways you can try to train during the pandemic. Check out how we train during the pandemic in the video we've linked below. Do you guys have any suggestions on how to play the game during these trying times? Let us know in the comment below.
cvorpcfrlw 16 de marzo de 2021
fzdzgvmakt 13 de marzo de 2021


An effective new strategy to stabilizing the cathodes in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries was recently developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada + BASF.
The new strategy allows for significantly improved cycle life performance, improving the number of times that the battery can be charged/discharged without losing significant capacity — which addresses one of the main issues with Li-S batteries, that the cathode degrades rapidly.
The new strategy depends largely on the use of nanosheets of manganese dioxide (MnO2) to stabilize the cathode — the mechanism identified by the researchers applies to graphene oxide and other materials as well though.
Here we report a strategy to entrap polysulfides in the cathode that relies on a chemical process, whereby a host—manganese dioxide nanosheets serve as the prototype—reacts with initially formed lithium polysulfides to form surface-bound intermediates. These function as a redox shuttle to catenate and bind 'higher' polysulfides, and convert them on reduction to insoluble lithium sulfide via disproportionation. The sulfur/manganese dioxide nanosheet composite with 75 wt% sulfur exhibits a reversible capacity of 1,300 mA h g−1 at moderate rates and a fade rate over 2,000 cycles of 0.036%/cycle, among the best reported to date. We furthermore show that this mechanism extends to graphene oxide and suggest it can be employed more widely.
Unlike previous strategies to trap polysulfides by physical barriers or simple surface interactions, this chemistry is quite efficient. The discovery and understanding of a transfer mediator, which binds polysulfides and promotes stable redox activity, addresses one of the important challenges that face this chemistry. Along with future anticipated improvements in electrolytes and the lithium-negative electrode, this brings the Li–S battery a step closer to practical realization.
That realization would of course lower batteries costs pretty significantly — that is, if the technology is embraced by the industry and can see the benefits of economies of scale + if it can be easily mass manufactured.
While the research is promising, until the findings are actually being put into practice commercially (economically) it's very much an unknown what will come of it. Perhaps nothing.
The researchers are now working to explore other materials options — in particular, determining those best-suited to this process/strategy.
The new findings are detailed in a paper just published in the journal Nature Communications.


text:
ADP-ribosylation factor 1 of arabidopsis plays a critical role in intracellular trafficking and maintenance of endoplasmic reticulum morphology in arabidopsis
Lee, M.H., Min, M.K., Lee, Y.J., Jin, J.B., Shin, D.H., Kim, D.H., Lee, K.H., Hwang, I.
Plant physiology 2002 v.129 no.4 pp. 1507-1520
Arabidopsis thaliana, protoplasts, green fluorescent protein, transgenic plants, recombinant proteins, G-proteins, translocation (plant physiology), amino acid sequences, adenosinetriphosphatase, nucleotide sequences, reporter genes, plasma membrane, chemical constituents of plants, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, plant proteins
ADP-ribosylation factors (Arf), a family of small GTP-binding proteins, play important roles in intracellular trafficking in animal and yeast cells. Here, we investigated the roles of two Arf homologs, Arf1 and Arf3 of Arabidopsis, in intracellular trafficking in plant cells. We generated dominant negative mutant forms of Arf 1 and Arf3 and examined their effect on trafficking of reporter proteins in protoplasts. Arf1[T31N] inhibited trafficking of H(+)-ATPase:green fluorescent protein (GFP) and sialyltransferase (ST):GFP to the plasma membrane and the Golgi apparatus. In addition, Arf1[T31N] caused relocalization of the Golgi reporter protein ST:GFP to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In protoplasts expressing Arf1[T31N], ST:red fluorescent protein remained in the ER, whereas H(+)-ATPase:GFP was mistargeted to another organelle. Also, expression of Arf1[T31N] in protoplasts resulted in profound changes in the morphology of the ER. Thetreatment of protoplasts with brefeldin A had exactly the same effect as Arf1[T31N] on various intracellular trafficking pathways. In contrast, Arf3[T31N] did not affect trafficking of any of these reporter proteins. Inhibition experiments using mutants with various domains swapped between Arf1 and Arf3 revealed that the N-terminal domain is interchangeable for trafficking inhibition. However, in addition to the T31N mutation, motifs in domains II, III, and IV of Arf1 were necessary for inhibition of trafficking of H(+)-ATPase:GFP. Together, these results strongly suggest that Arf1 plays a role in the intracellular trafficking of cargo proteins in Arabidopsis, and that Arf1 functions through a brefeldin A-sensitive factor.
PMCID: PMC166739
Find in a library Download RIS File Export to Zotero


Imagine if the first-ever Ford Mustang was lost to history. That almost happened, as it could've been sold for scrap when it stopped working. Instead, it sat in the garage for 27 years before getting a full restoration. We're very glad about that, because this Mustang has quite a history behind it.
Gail Wise, a teacher from Illinois, bought the car when she was just 22. The day she drove it home, 15th April 1964, was actually two days before the car was officially revealed at the New York World's Fair. The sky blue convertible was hidden away under a tarpaulin, out of sight in a back room of the Chicago dealership. As soon as the salesman lifted the cover, she knew it was the car for her.
The anticipation around the new Mustang was palpable, and heightened by advertisements that never showed the car – just the logo and the date it was to be revealed. Despite the secrecy, the salesman agreed to sell the car.
In the next few years, she got married, bought a house and had four kids. The only constant was the Mustang, which the family used for 15 years. Three of the kids fitted on the back seats, and Gail held the youngest on her lap. It was a time where people didn't buy new cars as often as they do today, she says.
The Mustang was a faithful servant to the family until the day it stopped working. Gail wanted to sell it to make space, but her husband Tom managed to convince her otherwise. It was to be his retirement project, he claimed.
Almost three decades later, Tom found an online article from someone claiming to be the first Mustang owner. He was looking for Mustang car parts at the time. The article was about someone who bought their car on April 16th, 1964 – still a day before it was released. Gail and Tom had kept all the records for the car, including the owner's manual and purchase invoice, which confirmed theirs had been bought the day earlier.
The value now? Somewhere between $350,000 - $450,000 – certainly much more than the $3,447.50 Gail paid in 1964, and unbelievable considering it had junk and lawn chairs piled up on it for so long.
We're surprised it's not priceless.
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