Knowing God's will
According to Ellen White’s writings, knowing God’s will is a process that involves several key steps: 1. Surrender and Earnestness: God reveals His will to those who are truly earnest and anxious to be guided. A lack of desire to know and do God’s will leads to uncertainty (3T 466.4). 2. Submission in Prayer: When we pray, we should submit our desires to God, saying, “Not my will, but Thine, be done,” trusting that He knows what is best for us and for the world (MH 230.1; GW 218.1). 3. Study and Consecration: Gaining knowledge of God comes from studying His word and living a life of daily consecration and service. This leads to the highest development of body, mind, and soul (8T 63). 4. Seeking God’s Will through Study: We must actively study to know God’s will, rather than simply following our own inclinations. Our hearts should continually ask, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” (4T 53.3). 5. Obedience and Light: Jesus taught that those who are willing to do God’s will are given understanding. By faithfully performing the duties we already know, we are enabled to understand and do more (SC 111.2). 6. The Bible as the Guide: God’s will is revealed in the Bible, and this is the essential knowledge for every believer (CE 84.1). 7. Faith and Works: Those who live by faith in Christ desire nothing more than to know and do God’s will (5T 644.1). 8. Obedience Brings Understanding: As we walk in humble obedience and fulfill God’s purpose, we will continue to grow in our understanding of His will (MH 465.2). Summary: Ellen White teaches that knowing God’s will involves earnest seeking, surrendering self, prayerful submission, diligent Bible study, and obedience to the light already given. As you walk in obedience and consecration, God reveals more of His will to you. References: - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 466.4 - Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 230.1; Gospel Workers, p. 218.1 - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 63 - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 53.3 - Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 111.2 - Ellen G. White, Christian Education, p. 84.1 - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 644.1 - Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 465.2
Please list references to little gems
While Ellen White does not have a specific publication or a recurring section titled "Little Gems," she frequently uses the metaphor of gems, jewels, and precious stones to describe truths, people, and acts of faithfulness. Here are several references where this concept appears: ### Gems of Truth Ellen White often referred to biblical truths as precious gems that should be sought after and treasured. * **Truths from Christ's Lips:** "The gems of truth that fell from his lips on that eventful day were hidden in the hearts of many who were present" (3SP 57.1). * **Truths Dug from Error:** "Truths have been dug out of the rubbish of superstition and error, by earnest prayer for light and knowledge, and have been presented to the people as precious pearls of priceless value" (GW92 137.1). ### People as Precious Jewels She frequently described God's people, especially children, as precious jewels in His sight. * **Children as Miniature Adults:** "They are miniature men and women, younger members of the Lord's family. These may be very near and dear to the Master, and if properly instructed and disciplined, will do service for him even in their youth" (GW92 16.1). * **God's People as Polished Stones:** "As precious stones, polished after the similitude of a palace, God designs us to find a place in the heavenly temple" (6T 363.2). * **A Christian's Character:** "A Christian is compared to a precious stone that catches the glory of God and reflects it" (6T 435.1). * **A Fitted Jewel:** "The jewel was fitted forever to shine, A gem in the casket, immortal, divine" (LS80 301.1). ### Little Duties and Acts of Kindness Small, faithful actions are described as being precious gems in God's eyes. * **Faithfulness in Little Things:** "Faithfulness and integrity in little things, the performance of little duties and little deeds of kindness, will cheer and gladden the pathway of life; and when our work on earth is ended, every one of the little duties performed with fidelity will be treasured as a precious gem before God" (4T 591.1). * **Value of Little Attentions:** "The weary and heavy-laden... may be strengthened and encouraged by little attentions that cost only a loving effort. To such the strong, helpful grasp of the hand by a true friend is worth more than gold or silver" (MH 158.3).
Gem cake references
While Ellen White does not have specific references to "gem cake," she often uses the term "gem" metaphorically. As we saw in the previous topic, she refers to precious truths, people (especially children), and small acts of kindness as "gems" or "jewels." If you are interested in her counsel on related topics such as health, diet, or specific foods, I would be happy to search for that information for you.
Looking specifically for the gem cakes (food)
Yes, Ellen White does mention "gem cakes" in the context of food preparation. However, the reference is a critique of them being poorly made. Here is the specific reference: * In a discussion about the importance of proper cooking, she wrote: "Sometimes we find gem cakes, or soft biscuit, dried, not baked, and other things after the same order" (1T 681.2). In this instance, "gem cakes" are used as an example of unskillful and unhealthful cooking. While this is the only direct mention of "gem cakes," she provides broader counsel on cakes in general, typically advising against them as part of a healthful diet. ### General Counsel on Cakes: * **Not the Best Food:** "Many understand how to make different kinds of cakes, but cake is not the best food to be placed upon the table. Sweet cakes, sweet puddings, and custards will disorder the digestive organs" (HL 92.1). * **Causes of Indigestion:** "Far too much sugar is ordinarily used in food. Cakes, sweet puddings, pastries, jellies, jams, are active causes of indigestion" (MH 301.4). * **Seldom on Her Table:** Describing her own practice, she stated, "No butter or flesh meats of any kind come on my table. Cake is seldom found there. I generally have an ample supply of fruits, good bread, and vegetables" (2T 487.1). * **Catering to Morbid Appetite:** "Because it is the fashion, in harmony with morbid appetite, rich cake, pies, and puddings, and every hurtful thing are crowded into the stomach. The table must be loaded down with a variety, or the depraved appetite cannot be satisfied" (HL 166.4). In summary, the specific reference to "gem cakes" is a criticism of their poor preparation. Her general counsel is to avoid rich, sweet cakes in favor of a simple, healthful diet.
Note: Ellen Chat may generate unexpected or inaccurate responses. Please verify any quotes with original sources.

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