Why do human beings suffer?

That's an important question found together with the answer in the book : The sign by Shawn Boonstra.
Here's what it says:

" The story of Job makes several important points:

• We have yielded control of the planet to someone who is incapable of governing it, and we are reaping the rewards of that decision.
• The devil is interested in turning our hearts against the creator, so he creates opportunities for human suffering and then tries to pin the blame on GOD.
• If GOD were to intervene every time humans suffered, we would fail to reap the consequences of our freewill decision to surrender our allegiance to fallen angels, and nothing would be learned.
• Additionally, Satan could cry foul by pointing out to the universe that GOD is interfering in his government and not really giving people the opportunity to choose an alternative to him."

                                                                                                            (The sign, p. 46 - Shawn Boonstra) 

You can get a copy of this book by calling the toll-free number : 1-800-765-6955
or by  visiting  http://www.adventistbookcenter.com

"How can we avoid addiction?"

-"Dependence or commitment to a habit, practice, or habit-forming substance to the extent that its cessation causes trauma."
That is the definition of Addiction by the Webster's American Family dictionary.
Addiction can come in any form; drinking alcohol and smoking are two of the most common.

Before talking about how to avoid it let us understand what causes it first.

According to an article written by  Miroslav Kis in a special issue of the Adventist review; several steps lead to addiction:

1. Tolerance. A period of adjustment during which we become accustomed to the object of addiction...
2. Self-deception. Our mind becomes inventive; justifying addictive behavior...
3. Loss of Willpower. The conflicting message between wanting to become free and the craving for more create unbearable tension, which forces us to take the line of lesser resistance: we give in.
4. Distorted attention. The addict becomes so preoccupied with the desired object that the rest of life and people around us suffer...
5. Hiding. The feeling of shame and fear of being discovered drain the addict's energies even further.
6. Collusion. Friends who share the same addiction often provide support and a feeling of normalcy.
7. Capitulation. As time passes and we become more skillful at using our crutches, freedom from addiction seems too unrealistic, and we give up. (Adventist review: ADVENTISTS AND ADDICTION p. 4-5)

  Now truly, the best way to avoid addiction is not to start in the first place!!! we can never stress the importance of not taking the first step enough; and only our choices can make a difference because if we give in, the desire will be reinforced by repetition of the action and will then give birth to sin and we don't want that. 
No one is invincible when it comes to temptation, that's why we need to develop a close relationship with GOD throughout our entire life because we can do everything through him with faith:
" I am able to do all things through him who gives me strength." ( Philippians 4 : 13 Darby version )
It is important also to consider the impact the act would have on our lives should we give in to temptation;
the outcome could bring guilt and unwanted consequences:
" Young people, enjoy yourselves while you are young; be happy while you are young. Do whatever your heart desires, whatever you want to do.But remember that GOD will judge you for everything you do." ( Ecclesiastes 11 : 9 NCV )

are you ready?

Jesus is coming soon!....Are you ready?

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two books worth reading

Here are two great books for those eager to know more about Jesus-Christ:

-STEPS TO CHRIST   (by Ellen White)
    "  In just thirteen short chapters, you'll discover the steps to finding a forever friendship with Jesus.
       You'll read about his love for you, repentance,faith and acceptance, growing like him, the privilege of
       prayer,What to do with doubt, and how to spend your days rejoicing in your best friend, Jesus."

-THE TEN COMMANDMENTS    (by Loron Wade)
    " The ten commandments...They aren't simply artifacts to put on display in a glass case. They are a fountain
      flowing with practical wisdom, offering solutions to real problems and situations all of us deal with every
      single day. They are principles that have a reasonable application in daily life. And their verification is in
      their application.

"Does GOD care about me?"

"Does God really care?"..
We have here a question that's been asked by a lot of people nowadays;
as they struggle with what life has to throw at them on a daily basis.


Truth is he does care about us; but our sinful selves have put a gap between him and us which can be filled  only through Jesus-Christ. Making peace with God by accepting his son Jesus as their savior should bring a lot of blessings to those who believe it; then they will experience his love and see life from a different angle when they start to understand that they are children of the most high God, and he truly pays attention to his children.
When Jesus was among us he left this illustration which answers perfectly to this question:


"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost." Matthew 18 : 12-14 (NIV)


Together with this powerful example, Jesus left a warning to those who try to persecute those who believe in him :


"but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."
Mattew 18 : 6 (NASB)


Each and everyone of those who trust in him is precious before GOD's eyes; so if you really need to know and feel that you are important to the LORD , get close to him and learn to know him; just like you would for that  friend of yours that you trust.

"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you."

1 Peter 5 : 7 (NASB)