1. The LIFE LESSONS LEARNED FROM A DANDELION (7) [motive] Yoshinobu Namihira, MD, FACG 3000 halls ferry road vicksburg MS 39180 phone 601 638 9800, fax 601 638 9808, e mail: namihira @ earthlink.net www.betterlivingclinic.com ; www.namihira.org www.betterlivingclinic.comwww.namihira.org

2. Sermon detail Opening hymn: 462 Blessed assurance Scripture reading: 1 samuel 16:7 Special music: the namihira’s Sermon : the life lessons learned from a dandelion, part 7 [motive] Closing hymn: 632 until then

3. 1 Samuel 16:7 The lord does not see as man. For a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

4. Sermon detail Opening hymn: 590 trust and obey Scripture reading: Matthew 10:22 Special music: the namihira’s Sermon : the life lessons learned from a dandelion, part 2 Closing hymn: 632 until then

5. Sermon detail Opening hymn: 478 sweet hour of prayer Scripture reading: Matthew 10:22 Special music: the namihira’s Sermon : the life lessons learned from a dandelion, part 3 Closing hymn: 507 moment by moment

6. The LIFE LESSONS LEARNED FROM A DANDELION (7) [motive] Yoshinobu Namihira, MD, FACG 3000 halls ferry road vicksburg MS 39180 phone 601 638 9800, fax 601 638 9808, e mail: namihira @ earthlink.net www.betterlivingclinic.com ; www.namihira.org www.betterlivingclinic.comwww.namihira.org

7. 10 secrets of endurance 1.The leaf of dandelion 2.Daily schedule 3.Unity 4.Dandelion’s root system 5.The stem 6.Flexibility 7.Unrelenting effort 8.Spreading seeds 9.Hidden hooks 10.Service and ministry

9. Spreading seeds (1) Every part of the dandelion plant works toward one common goal, reproducing itself by way of seeds. Wind is the basic means the dandelion uses to give its seeds away. ( spreading ) The purpose of seed is to produce new plant. The seed has a special parachute attached to the top of itself called the pappus.

10. Spreading seeds (2) Wind is the basic means of transportation to carry its seeds away. The force of wind determines how far the seeds will go. The humidity of the air : stay aloft (take off) if humidity less than 70 %; landing if humidity more than 70 % ( just before it rains).the silk parachute will fold up and the seed will drop to the ground. If it rains, it gets pounded into the ground. All this works together, not as an accident but as the planning of a Divine Mind ( creator, God ) !

12. The designer/ engineer :the creator Humidity parachute / pappus movement less than 70 % ( dry ) take off, stay in the air More than 70 % ( moist ) descend, land

13. Spreading seeds (3) The wind determines the distance the seed will go before the humidity causes it to drop. Dandelion keeps telling the same story over and over again. The dandelion starts sharing wherever its seed is put down. It never tires of telling the old story of what God’s creative power and wisdom has done for it.

15. Spreading seeds (4) “ you shall be witness to me in Jerusalem, in Judea, and in Samaria,and to the end of the earth. ‘ Acts 1:8 Your witness tells what you have seen and experienced.

16. Seed determines the harvest (1) The seed: the size of a grain of rice Sleeping life of another dandelion is locked inside of that little capsule ( seed). Dandelion seed can lay dormant for 30 or 40 years before springing into life. Dandelion seeds always produce dandelions. “whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. for he who sows to his flesh will be of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the spirit will of the spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. “ Galatians 6:7- 9

17. Seed determines the harvest (2) Seeds illustrate the power of His words planted in the soil of our human heart. The bible is the divine seed catalog. Each promise is precious and will produce the life of its author, Jesus. Jesus said, He is coming again to harvest the good seed. Matthew 13:37-43 Jesus will return to harvest His seed as surely as dandelion seeds continue to grow new dandelion plants.

18. Seed catalog

22. Take home point The best seed catalog during life journey is The Bible !!!.

23. Hidden hooks (1) Nature has many surprises. Under the microscope, we can see the soft silk is more like barb wire !!! The spear meters of pappus are covered with tiny barb like briars similar to briars on a blackberry bush. These barb wires or hooks serve to attach the seed to animal or people.

24. Hidden hooks on the parachute

25. Hidden hooks (2) These hidden hooks are like our motives. Motives are why I do what I do. Motives can be of two kinds, selfish or unselfish. Only Christ's pure motives can overpower my selfish one. This secret motive will be made visible in the judgment.

26. Hidden hooks on the parachute

27. Hidden hooks (3) The judgment microscope will be looking for our life’s record, examining every motive. Our life will pass the scrutiny of the great white throne judgment. “God will bring every work into judgment, whether it is good or whether it is evil. “ Ecclesiastes 12:14

29. Hidden hooks (4) As we look at each other, we can not discern the hidden motives of the heart. We can not see the hidden hooks and we sometimes judge unwisely. Our natural eyes can see only the silky exterior God sees the hidden hooks of motive. Motives reveal all hidden hooks under the heavenly judgment microscope.

30. 1 Samuel 16:7 The lord does not see as man. For a man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

31. The bottom line God is in the heart transplant business (spiritual transformation )

32. Let us stop and think of motive

33. Unflinching courage While Jerusalem was filled with these strangers, the apostles preached Christ with unflinching courage, though they knew that in so doing they were placing their lives in constant jeopardy. The Spirit of God set its seal upon their labors; many converts to the faith were made; and these, returning to their homes in different parts of the world, scattered the seeds of truth through all nations and among all classes of society.AA ch 16

34. Christ’s presence He [Christ] identified Himself with the lowly, the needy, and the afflicted. He took little children in His arms and descended to the level of the young. His large heart of love could comprehend their trials and necessities, and He enjoyed their happiness His (Christ’s) presence never repulsed them. Christ’s presence never drove people,young and old, away !

35. Questions Who are you ? What you are made up of ? What motivates you ? What is the driving force ? Why do you do this or that ? What character constitutes you ? What kind of personality are you ? What kind of person are you ?

36. Two kinds of forces Pull toward Push away

37. run toward you You People

38. Run away from You people

39. Bees collect honey. Honey is sweet. Sweetness attracts. insects are attracted to flowers with sweet honey. { insects, people } are attracted to sweetness.

40. Sweetness vs. bitterness AttractRepulse drawRepel Pull towardPush away Be a magnet forDrive back Magnetize invite Sweetness bitterness

41. Sweetness attracts. Bitterness / coldness drive away.

42. The Majesty of heaven condescended to answer their questions and simplified His important lessons to meet their childish understanding He planted in their young, expanding minds the seeds of truth that would spring up and produce a plentiful harvest in their riper years.AH Chap. 47

43. Seeds of truth vs. tares if you do not plant the precious seeds of truth, of love, of heavenly attributes, in the heart, Satan will sow the field of the heart with tares? AH p.320

44. A question What are tares ? Tares - problematic weeds In the bible, a weed found growing among crops, usually considered to be darnel.

45. What are tares? What is wheat ?

46. Tares vs. wheat 1.Works of flesh : Gal : 5:191.Fruits of the spirit 1.Adultery1.Sexual purity 1.Fornication1.No impure thoughts 1.Uncleanness1.cleanness 1.Licentiousness1.Organization 1.Idolatry1.Focused meditation 1.SorceryGod – the source of worship 1.Hatred1.love 1.Contention1.Peace 1.Jealousies1.Compassion 1.Outburst of wrath1.Self control 1.Selfish ambitions1.Self less ambitions /passion 1.Dissentions1.Unity 1.Heresies1.Agreement 1.Works of flesh : 5:191.Fruits of the spirit

47. Tares vs. wheat 1.Envy1.Empathy /sympathy 1.Murders/ killing1.Healing /building /repair 1.Drunkenness1.sober 1.Revelries 1.Galatians 5:22 1.Hatred1.Love 1.Sadness1.Joy 1.Domestic disturbances1.Peace 1.Impatience1.Longsuffering 1.Cold attitude1.Kindness 1.badness1.Goodness 1.Unfaithfulness1.Faithfulness 1.roughness1.Gentleness 1.Random movement1.Self control 1.Envy1.Empathy /sympathy

48. Tares vs. wheat 1.1cor 6:91.1cor 12:9 gifts of spirit 1.Unrighteousness1.Words of wisdom 1.Fornicator1.Words of knowledge 1.Idolaters1.Faith 1.Adulterer1.Gift of healing 1.Homosexuals1.Working of miracles 1.Sodomites1.Prophecy 1.Thieves1.Discerning of spirits 1.Covetousness1.Different kind of tongues 1.Drunkards 1.Revilers 1.Extortioners Will not enter the kingdom of God

49. Success Demands Aim.--Success in any line demands a definite aim. He who would achieve true success in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor. Such an aim is set before the youth of today.--Ed 262 (1903). "Something Better"--The Law of True Living.-- "Something better" is the watchword of education, the law of all true living. Whatever Christ asks us to renounce, He offers in its stead something better.

50. The life’s highest ambition When once the gaze is fixed upon Him, the life finds its center. The enthusiasm, the generous devotion, the passionate ardor, of the youth find here their true object. Duty becomes a delight and sacrifice a pleasure. To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life's highest ambition and its greatest joy.--Ed 296, 297 (1903).

51. An Aimless Life a Living Death.-- An aimless life is a living death. The mind should dwell upon themes relating to our eternal interests. This will be conducive to health of body and mind.--RH, July 29, 1884. (CH 51.) {1MCP 343.4}

52. Actions Reveal Motives.--Actions reveal principles and motives. The fruit borne by many who claim to be plants in the Lord's vineyard shows them to be but thorns and briers. A whole church may sanction the wrong course of some of its members, but that sanction does not prove the wrong to be right. It cannot make grapes of thorn berries.--5T 103 (1882).

53. Motives, Not Appearance, Judged.--It is an important duty for all to become familiar with the tenor of their conduct from day to day and the motives which prompt their actions. They need to become acquainted with the particular motives which prompt particular actions. Every action of their lives is judged, not by the external appearance, but from the motive which dictated the action.--3T 507 (1875).

54. Two Antagonistic Motive Powers.--The Bible is its own expositor. Scripture is to be compared with scripture. The student should learn to view the Word as a whole and to see the relation of its parts. He should gain a knowledge of its grand central theme, of God's original purpose for the world, of the rise of the great controversy, and of the work of redemption. -- Ed 190 (1903).

55. He should understand the nature of the two principles that are contending for supremacy and should learn to trace their working through the records of history and prophecy, to the great consummation. He should see how this controversy enters into every phase of human experience; how in every act of life he himself reveals the one or the other of the two antagonistic motives; and how, whether he will or not, he is even now deciding upon which side of the controversy he will be found.--Ed 190 (1903).

56. Every Action Has Twofold Character.--Every course of action has a twofold character and importance. It is virtuous or vicious, right or wrong, according to the motive which prompts it. A wrong action, by frequent repetition, leaves a permanent impression upon the mind of the actor and also on the minds of those who are connected with him in any relation, either spiritual or temporal. The parents or teachers who give no attention to the small actions that are not right establish those habits in the youth.--RH, May 17, 1898. (CG 201.) {1MCP 347.1}

57. Motives Give Character to Acts.--It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth. Not the great things which every eye sees and every tongue praises does God account most precious. The little duties cheerfully done, the little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear worthless, often stand highest in His sight. A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift. The poor widow gave her living to do the little that she did. She deprived herself of food in order to give those two mites to the cause she loved. And she did it in faith, believing that her heavenly Father would not overlook her great need. It was this unselfish spirit and childlike faith that won the Saviour's commendation.--DA 615 (1898). {1MCP 347.3}

58. Our Secret Motives Decide Destiny.--Our acts, our words, even our most secret motives, all have their weight in deciding our destiny for weal or woe. Though they may be forgotten by us, they will bear their testimony to justify or to condemn.--GC 486, 487 (1911). Weal= a general state of well being,prosperity, and happiness.

59. God Estimates Men by Purity of Motive.--Not by their wealth, their education, or their position does God estimate men. He estimates them by their purity of motive and their beauty of character. He looks to see how much of His Spirit they possess and how much of His likeness their life reveals. To be great in God's kingdom is to be as a little child in humility, in simplicity of faith, and in purity of love.--MH 477, 478 (1905). {1MCP 348.2}

60. God Judges by the Motives.--There is much in the conduct of a minister that he can improve. Many see and feel their lack, yet they seem to be ignorant of the influence they exert. They are conscious of their actions as they perform them, but suffer them to pass from their memory, and therefore do not reform. {1MCP 348.3} If ministers would make the actions of each day a subject of careful thought and deliberate review, with the object to become acquainted with their own habits of life, they would better know themselves. By a close scrutiny of their daily life under all circumstances they would know their own motives, the principles which actuate them. This daily review of our acts, to see whether conscience approves or condemns, is necessary for all who wish to arrive at the perfection of Christian character. {1MCP 348.4}

61. Many acts which pass for good works, even deeds of benevolence, will, when closely investigated, be found to be prompted by wrong motives. Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts inspects motives, and often the deeds which are highly applauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfish motives and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and praiseworthy or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it.--2T 511, 512 (1870).

62. Sometimes Difficult to Discern Motives.--Amid the cares of active life it is sometimes difficult to discern our own motives, but progress is made daily either for good or evil.--5T 420 (1889). {1MCP 349.1} Real Conversion Changes Motives.--Real conversion is a decided change of feelings and motives; it is a virtual taking leave of worldly connections, a hastening from their spiritual atmosphere, a withdrawing from the controlling power of their thoughts, opinions, and influences. - -5T 82, 83 (1889). {1MCP 349.2}

63. The Great Motive Powers of the Soul.--The great motive powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love; and it is to these that Bible study, rightly pursued, appeals. The outward beauty of the Bible, the beauty of imagery and expression, is but the setting, as it were, for its real treasure--the beauty of holiness. In its record of the men who walked with God, we may catch glimpses of His glory. In the One "altogether lovely" we behold Him, of whom all beauty of earth and heaven is but a dim reflection. "I, if I be lifted up," He said, "will draw all men unto Me" (John 12:32).--Ed 192 (1903). {1MCP 349.3}

64. Question What are the greatest motive powers on the earth ?

65. The great motive powers of the soul faith hope love 1cor 13

66. Another question What is the magnet in your life ? Who is the magnet in your life ?

67. Draw like a magnet Christ is lifted up All men Young/ old All women Rich /poor John 12:22

68. Right Motivation Essential.--It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth. Not the great things which every eye sees and every tongue praises does God account most precious. The little duties cheerfully done, the little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear worthless, often stand highest in His sight. A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift.--The Desire of Ages, p. 615.

69. To Be Judged by Our Motives.--Daily review of our acts, to see whether conscience approves or condemns, is necessary for all who wish to reach perfection of Christian character. Many acts which pass for good works, even deeds of benevolence, will, when closely investigated, be found to be prompted by wrong motives. {WM 315.2} Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts weighs the motives, and often deeds highly applauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfishness and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and praiseworthy or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it.--Gospel Workers, p. 275. {WM 315.3}

70. The Two Oars--Faith and Works.--If we are faithful in doing our part, in cooperating with Him, God will work through us [to do] the good pleasure of His will. But He cannot work through us if we make no effort. If we gain eternal life, we must work, and work earnestly.... Let us not be deceived by the oft-repeated assertion, "All you have to do is to believe." Faith and works are two oars which we must use equally if we [would] press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief. "Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." The Christian is a man of thought and practice. His faith fixes its roots firmly in Christ. By faith and good works he keeps his spirituality strong and healthy, and his spiritual strength increases as he strives to work the works of God.--Review and Herald, June 11, 1901.

71. Let us stop and think about A boat An airplane A man

72. Faith and work: two oars boat workfaith Faith and works are two oars which we must use equally if we [would] press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief.

73. Faith and work: two wings Air plane work Faith

74. Faith and work: two legs Body faith work

75. Synonym Discussion of MOTIVE motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action. motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act. impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution. incentive applies to an external influence (as an expected reward) inciting to action. inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another. spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor. goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire. motiveimpulseincentiveinducementspurgoadmotiveimpulse incentiveinducementspurgoad

76. Sure, it's possible to succeed with someone else providing the motivation for you. But motivation that comes from within really makes the difference.

77. You have a car with a full tank of gas, a well- tuned engine, good set of tires, quadraphonic CD system, and a sleek, polished exterior. There it sits. This car has incredible potential. (Have you heard that before?) However, until a driver sits behind the wheel, puts the key in the ignition, and cranks it up, the car doesn't function. You guessed it; the KEY is MOTIVATION.

78. Interest is an important motivator for a student. So is a desire to learn. When you link these two things together, you create success. Often success in an endeavor leads to more interest and a greater desire to learn, creating an upward spiral of motivation toward a goal you have established. How can you develop the internal motivation that really counts? When it comes to motivation, KNOWING is not as important as DOING.

79. Genesis 4:7 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” 1 John 3:12 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

80. Matthew 6:1-18 (New King James Version) Do Good to Please God 1 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. [a]a

81. The Model Prayer 5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. [b] 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:b

82. Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. [c] 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.c

83. Fasting to Be Seen Only by God 16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. [d]d

84. Job 1:9-11 9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”

85. What is the motive for Job to obey God? Because God blesses Job, therefore, Job believes and obeys God Even if God does not bless Job, does Job still believe, love and obey God? Does Job believe, love and obey God for selfish motive? Does Job believe, love and obey God for unselfish motive ?

86. Proverbs 20:10-12 (New King James Version) 10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. 11 Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both.

87. Let us ponder and meditate on the concluding statements.

88. Conclusions 1 Jesus said, He is coming again to harvest the good seed. Matthew 13:37-43 These barb wires or hooks serve to attach the seed to animal or people These hidden hooks are like our motives Motives are why I do what I do Motives can be of two kinds, selfish or unselfish

89. Conclusions 1 Only Christ's pure motives can overpower my selfish one This secret motive will be made visible in the judgment “God will bring every work into judgment, whether it is good or whether it is evil. “ Ecclesiastes 12:14 As we look at each other, we can not discern the hidden motives of the heart.

90. Conclusions 2 Our natural eyes can see only the silky exterior God sees the hidden hooks of motive Motives reveal all hidden hooks under the heavenly judgment microscope The dandelion lives and practice self denial. His presence never repulsed them { insects, people } are attracted to sweetness if you do not plant the precious seeds of truth, of love, of heavenly attributes, in the heart, Satan will sow the field of the heart with tares?

91. Conclusions 3 Success Demands Aim.--Success in any line demands a definite aim true success in life must keep steadily in view the aim worthy of his endeavor "Something Better"--The Law of True Living.— To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life's highest ambition and its greatest joy.--

92. An Aimless Life a Living Death Actions Reveal Motives.--Actions reveal principles and motives Motives, Not Appearance, Judged Every action of their lives is judged, not by the external appearance, but from the motive which dictated the action. grand central theme, of God's original purpose for the world, of the rise of the great controversy, and of the work of redemption. Conclusions 4

93. Conclusions 5 in every act of life he himself reveals the one or the other of the two antagonistic motives which side of the controversy Every Action Has Twofold Character Motives Give Character to Acts. A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift. Our Secret Motives Decide Destiny

94. Conclusions 6 God Estimates Men by Purity of Motive inspects motives Real Conversion Changes Motives.--Real conversion is a decided change of feelings and motives The Great Motive Powers of the Soul.--The great motive powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love

96. Conclusions 7 if I be lifted up," He said, "will draw all men unto Me" (John 12:32) Right Motivation Essential The Two Oars--Faith and Works.— Faith and works are two oars which we must use equally if we [would] press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief But motivation that comes from within really makes the difference

97. Conclusions 8 the KEY is MOTIVATION Do Good to Please God For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right.

99. The END Thank you for coming

100. Sermon detail Opening hymn: 462 Blessed assurance Scripture reading: 1 samuel 16:7 Special music: the namihira’s Sermon : the life lessons learned from a dandelion, part 7 [motive] Closing hymn: 632 until then

101. Place of visit 4-30-2011 vicksburg SDA

102. Hidden hooks (1) Nature has many surprises. Under the microscope, we can see the soft silk is more like barb wire !!! The spear meters of pappus are covered with tiny barb like briars similar to briars on a blackberry bush. These barb wires or hooks serve to attach the seed to animal or people.

103. Hidden hooks (2) These hidden hooks are like our motives. Motives are why I do what I do. Motives can be of two kinds, selfish or unselfish. Only Christ's pure motives can overpower my selfish one. This secret motive will be made visible in the judgment.

104. Hidden hooks (3) The judgment microscope will be looking for our life’s record, examining every motive. Our life will pass the scrutiny of the great white throne judgment. “God will bring every work into judgment, whether it is good or whether it is evil. “ Ecclesiastes 12:14

105. Hidden hooks (4) As we look at each other, we can not discern the hidden motives of the heart. We can not see the hidden hooks and we sometimes judge unwisely. Our natural eyes can see only the silky exterior God sees the hidden hooks of motive. Motives reveal all hidden hooks under the heavenly judgment microscope.

106. The cross (1) At maturity, the dandelion flower gives away everything it has lived for, namely its seed children. It keep none for itself. As a result, dandelions continue to grow. The dandelion lives and practice self denial. Jesus illustrated this principle of self denial at the cross of Calvary.

107. The cross (2) Jesus is the creator demonstrating His greater love for us by His ultimate self – denial and laying his life for His creatures for an insecure planet, earth. As the dandelion gives its seeds away that another generation of dandelion may live So Jesus yielded His life for those He loved, that a whole generation of sinners might live.

108. The cross (3) “ the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us that are being saved, it is the power of God. “ 1Corrinthians 1:18

109. Service and ministry (1) Many Visitors !!! bees—nectar --- golden honey Ants Pheasants, grouse Deer- dandelion leaves Dandelion leaves-high vitamin A, B, calcium, phosphorus, iron ; salad; cook as spinach, Dandelion root—sliced and boiled in salt water { serve like potatoes ! }

110. Service and ministry (2) What do visitors see in your house? What do you offer your friends when they come and visit your house? What do you contribute to your family lifestyle? We must learn the lesson of the dandelion.,” to be a servant to all “ mark 10:42-45

111. While many people think of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, herbalists consider it a valuable herb with many culinary and medicinal uses. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Its leaves are often used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots can be found in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make certain wines.

112. In traditional medicine, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also used dandelion decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water) to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and stomach upset. Chinese medicinal practitioners traditionally used dandelion to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow). In Europe, herbalists incorporated it into remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

113. Dandelion flowers are sensitive to light, so they open with the sun in the morning and close in the evening or during gloomy weather. The dark brown roots are fleshy and brittle and are filled with a white milky substance that is bitter and slightly odorous.

114. Parts Used: Dandelion leaves produce a diuretic effect while the roots act as an antiviral agent, appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and may help promote gastrointestinal health. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. Health care providers clinically use dandelion root to promote liver detoxification and dandelion leaves to support kidney function.

115. Medicinal Uses and Indications: Dandelion is a natural diuretic that increases urine production by promoting the excretion of salts and water from the kidney. Dandelion may be used for a wide range of conditions requiring mild diuretic treatment, such as poor digestion, liver disorders, and high blood pressure. Dandelion is a source of potassium, a nutrient often lost through the use of other natural and synthetic diuretics.

116. Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant and to improve upset stomach (such as feelings of fullness, flatulence, and constipation). The root of the dandelion plant is believed to have mild laxative effects and is often used to improve digestion. Research suggests that dandelion root may improve the health and function of natural bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies have also reported that dandelion root may help improve liver and gallbladder function.

117. Some preliminary animal studies also suggest that dandelion may help normalize blood sugar levels and improve lipid profiles (lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL, "good," cholesterol) in diabetic mice. However, not all animal studies have shown the same positive effect on blood sugar. In addition, research needs to be done on people to determine if this traditional use for diabetes (see Overview) has modern-day merit.