CONSECRATION OF ELISHA

"And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. and he said unto him, God back again: for what have i done to thee?" 1 Kings 19:20.

This was not a repulse, but a test of faith. Elisha must count the cost, _decide for himself to accept or reject the call. If his desires clung to his home and its advantages, he was at liberty to remain there. but Elisha understood the meaning of the call. he knew it was from God, and he did not hesitate to obey. Not for any worldly advantage would he forego the opportunity of becoming God's messenger, or sacrifice the privilege of association with His servant.

He "took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him." Without hesitation he left a home where he was beloved, to attend the prophet in his uncertain life.

Had Elisha asked Elijah what was expected of him, _what would be his work, _he would have been answered: God knows; he will make it known to you. If you wait upon the Lord, he will answer your every question. you may come with me if you have evidence that God has called you. Know for yourself that god stands back of me, and that it is His voice you hear. If you can count everything but dross that you may win the favour of God, come.

For your present and eternal good it is best to commit yourself wholly to the right, that the world may know where you are standing.

CONSECRATION OF PAUL

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” Eph. 6:19, 20

So to the apostle Paul, praying in the temple at Jerusalem, came the message, “Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” So those who are called to unite with Christ must leave all in order to follow Him. Old associations must be broken up, plans of life relinquished, earthly hopes surrendered. In toil and tears, in solitude and through sacrifice, must the seed be sown.

Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God, will constantly receive a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of his own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth His highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges, and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls.

Through co-operation with Christ, they are made complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence.

Many do not discern and appreciate how great is the influence of each one for good or evil. Every student should understand that the principles which he adopts become a living , moulding influence upon character. He who accepts Christ as his personal Saviour, will love Jesus, and all for whom Christ has died; for Christ will be in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. He will surrender himself without reservation to the rule of Christ.

CONSECRATION OF SAMUEL

“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men.” 1 Sam. 2:26.

Though Samuel’s youth was passed at the tabernacle devoted to the worship of God, he was not free from evil influences or sinful example. The sons of Eli feared not God, nor honoured their father but Samuel did not seek their company nor follow their evil ways. It was his constant endeavour to become what god would have him. This is the privilege of every youth. God is pleased when even little children give themselves to his service. Samuel had been placed under the care of Eli, and the loveliness of his character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous, obedient, and respectful. Eli, pained by the waywardness of his own sons, found rest and comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. It was a singular thing that between the chief magistrate of the nation and the simple child so warm an affection should exist. As the infirmities of age came upon Eli and he was filled with anxiety and remorse by the profligate course of his own sons, he turned to Samuel for comfort….

Young as he was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service of God, according to his capacity. These were at first very humble, and not always pleasant; but they were performed to the best of his ability, and with a willing heart. His religion was carried into every duty of life. He regarded himself as god’s servant, and his work as God’s work. His efforts were accepted, because they were prompted by love to God, and a sincere desire to do his will.

CONSECRATION OF THE POOR WIDOW

“And He said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” Luke 21:3,4.

The rich had bestowed from their abundance, many of tem to be seen and honoured by men. Their large donations had deprived them of no comfort, or even luxury; they had required no sacrifice, and could not be compared in value with the widow’s mite.

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 now 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.

In order to manifest the character of God, in order that we may not deceive ourselves, the church, and the world, by a counterfeit Christianity, we must become personally acquainted with god. If we have fellowship with God, we are his ministers, though we may never preach to a congregation. We are workers together with God in presenting the perfection of his character in humanity.

CONSECRATION OF MOSES

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for the had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Heb. 11.24-26

Moses was fitted to take pre-eminence among the great of the earth, to shine in the courts of its most glorious kingdom, and to sway the sceptre of its power. His intellectual greatness distinguishes him above the great men of all ages. As historian, poet, philosopher, general of armies, and legislator, he stands without a peer. Yet with the world before him, he had the moral strength to refuse the flattering prospects of wealth and greatness and fame, “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”

Moses had been instructed in regard to the final rewards to be given to the humble and obedient servants of God, and worldly gain sank to its proper insignificance in comparison. The magnificent palace of Pharaoh and the monarch’s throne were held out as an inducement to Moses; but he knew that the sinful pleasures that make men forget God were in its lordly courts.

He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond a monarch’s crown, to the high honours that will be bestowed on the saints of the Most High in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by faith an imperishable crown that the King of heaven would place on the brow of the overcomer. This faith led him to turn away from the lordly ones of earth, and join the humble, poor, despised nation that had chosen to obey God rather than to serve sin.

CONSECRATION OF THE MACEDONIANS

“For to their power I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves…..and this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” 2 Cor. 8:3-5

Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this world’s goods, but their hearts were overflowing with love for God and His truth, and they gladly gave for the support of the gospel. When general collections were taken up in the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish believers, the liberality of the converts in Macedonia was held up as an example to other churches. Writing to the Corinthian believers., the apostle called their attention to “the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality….yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves…”

The willingness to sacrifice on the part of the Macedonian believers came as a result of whole hearted consecration. Moved by the Spirit of God, they “ first gave their own selves to the Lord;” then they were willing to give freely of their means for the support of the gospel. It was not necessary to urge them to give; rather, they rejoiced in the privilege of denying themselves even of necessary things in order to supply the needs of others. When the apostle would have restrained them, they importuned him to accept their offering. In their city and integrity, and in their love for the brethren, they gladly denied self, and thus abounded in the fruit of benevolence…

Spiritual prosperity is closely bound up with Christian liberality. The followers of Christ should rejoice in the privilege of revealing in their lives the beneficence of their redeemer.

CONSECRATION OF JESUS

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil 2:8

Jesus carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of men. He knew that unless there was a decided change in the principles and purposes of the human race, all would be lost. This was the burden of his soul, and none could appreciate the weight that rested upon Him. Through childhood, youth, and manhood, He walked alone. Yet it was heaven to be in His presence. Day by day he met trials and temptations; day by day He was brought into contact with evil, and witnessed its power upon those whom He was seeking to bless and to save. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged.

In all things He brought his wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father. When in his youth, His mother, finding Him in the school of the rabbis, said, “Son, why has Thou thus dealt with us?” he answered, and His answer is the key-note of his life-work, _ “How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about My father’s business?”

The same devotion, the same consecration, the same subjection to the claims of the Word of God, that were manifest in Christ, must be seen in His servants. He left his home of security and peace, left the glory that He had with the Father before the world was, left his position upon the throne of the universe, and went forth, a suffering tempted man; went forth in solitude, to sow in tear, to water with His blood the seed of life for a lost world.

CONSECRATION BRINGS PEACE

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Ps. 119:165

The less of the meekness and lowliness of Christ the human agent has in his spirit and character, the more he sees perfection in his own methods, and imperfection in the methods of others.

There is nothing more needed in the work than the practical results of communion with God. We should show by our daily lives that we have peace and rest in God. His peace in the heart will shine forth in the countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power. Communion with God will impart a moral elevation to the character and to the entire course of action. Men will take knowledge of us, as of the first disciples, that we have been with Jesus.

The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one another. But the psalmist declares, “Great peace have they which love Thy law; and nothing shall offend them.” Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissention. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir-tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;” and life’s desert “shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.”

RIGHT LIVING BRINGS HONOR

“He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findenth life, righteousness, and honour.” Prov. 21:21.

The world to-day is in crying need of a revelation of Christ Jesus in the person of His saints. God desires that His people shall stand before the world a holy people.

In the History of Joseph, Daniel, and his fellows, we see how the golden chain of truth may bind the youth to the throne of God. They could not be tempted to turn aside from their course of integrity. They valued the favour of God above the favour and praise of princes, and God loved them and spread His shield over them. Because of their faithful integrity, because of their determination to honour God above every human power, the Lord signally honoured them before men…These youth were not ashamed to display their true colours. Even in the court of the king, in their words, their habits, their practices, they confessed their faith in the Lord God of heaven. They refused to bow to any earthly mandate that detracted from the honour of God. They had strength from heaven to confess their allegiance to God. You should be prepared to follow the example of these noble youth. Never be ashamed of your colours; put them on, unfurl them to the gaze of men and angels. Do not be controlled by false modesty, by false prudence which suggests to you a course of action contrary to this advice. By your choice words and a consistent course of action, by your propriety, your earnest piety, make a telling confession of your faith, determined that Christ shall occupy the throne in the soul temple; and lay your talents without reserve at His feet to be employed in His service.

HIS NAME IS MY REFUGE

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” Prov. 18:10.

The cities of refuge appointed for God’s ancient people were a symbol of the refuge provided in Christ. The same merciful Saviour who appointed those temporal cities of refuge, has by the shedding of his own blood provided for the transgressors of God’s law a sure retreat, into which they may flee for safety from the second death. No power can take out of his hands the souls that go to him for pardon.

Satan seeks to bring us into temptation, that the evil of our characters may be revealed before men and angels, that he may claim us a his own….the enemy leads us into sin, and then he accuses us before the heavenly universe as unworthy of the love of God…

God, in His great love, is seeking to develop in us the precious races of His Spirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships, not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation resisted, every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience, and advances us in the work of character-building. The soul that through divine power resists temptation reveals t the world and to the heavenly universe the efficiency of the grace of Christ….

The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our hearts that temptation has power over us. But when we behold the great love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul.

HE GIVES A NEW SONG

"And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." Ps. 40:3.


When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man's justification.


With such a prospect as this before us, such a glorious hope, such a redemption that Christ has purchased for us by His own blood, shall we hold our peace? Shall we not praise God even with a loud voice, as did the disciples when Jesus rode into Jerusalem? Is not our prospect far more glorious than was theirs? Who dare then forbid us glorifying God, even with a loud voice, when we have such a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory? We have tasted of the powers of the world to come, and long for more.


By their good works, Christ's followers are to bring glory, not to themselves, but to Him through whose grace and power they have wrought. It is through the Holy Spirit that every good work is accomplished, and the Spirit is given to glorify, not the receiver, but the Giver. When the light of Christ is shinning in the soul, the lips will be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God. Your prayers, your performance of duty, your benevolence, your self-denial, will not be the theme of your thought or conversation. Jesus will be magnified, self will be hidden, and Christ will appear as all in all.

HE HATH ESTABLISHED MY GOINGS

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Ps. 40:2.

Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragments, requires men who are more than weaklings.

Men of stamina are wanted, men who will not wait to have their way smoothed, and every obstacle removed, men who will inspire with fresh zeal the flagging efforts of dispirited workers, men whose hearts are warm with Christian love, and whose hands are strong to do their Master's work.

Some who engage in missionary service are weak, nerveless, spiritless, easily discouraged. They lack push. They have not those positive traits of character that give power to do something, - the spirit and energy that kindle enthusiasm.

Those who would win success must be courageous and hopeful. They should cultivate not only the passive but the active virtues. While they are to give the soft answer that turns away wrath, they must possess the courage of a hero to resist evil.

With the charity that endures all things, they need the force of character that will make their influence a positive power...

There is in true Christian character an indomitableness that can not be molded or subdued by adverse circumstances. We must have moral backbone, an integrity that can not be flattered, bribed, or terrified.

FAITHFULNESS UNTO DEATH

"Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Acts 21:13.

During Paul's final trial before Nero, the emperor had been so strongly impressed with the force of the apostle's words, that he deferred the decision of the case, neither acquitting nor condemning the accused servant of God. But the emperor's malice agaist Paul soon returned....Not long afterward Nero pronounced the decision that condemned Paul to a martyr's death. Inasmuch as a Roman citizen could not be subjected to torture, he was sentenced to be beheaded. Paul was taken in a private manner to the place of execution. Few spectators wer allowed to be present; for his persecutors, alarmed at the extent of his influence, feared that converts might be won to Christianity by the scenes of his death....

More than one accepted the Saviour whome Paul preached, and ere long fearlessly sealed their faith with their blood....Paul carried with him the atmospehre of heaven. All who associated with him felt the influence of his union with Christ. The fact that his own life exemplified the truth he proclaimed, gave convincing power to his preaching. here lies the power of truth...

The apostle was looking into the great beyond, not with uncertainty or dread, but with joyous hope and longing expectation. As he stands at the plae of martyrdom, he sees not the sword of the executioner or the earth so soon to receive his blood; he looks up through the lcalm blue heaven of that summer day to the throne of the Eternal...Paul has the witness in himself that his soul is precious in the sight of his Redeemer.

SOBRIETY, GODLINESS

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." Titus 2:11,12

As ordinarily conducted, parties of pleasure also are a hindrance to real growth, either of mind or of character. Frivolous associations, habits of extravagance, of pleaure-seeking, and too often of dissipation, are formed, that shape the whole life for evil. In place of such amusements, parents and teachers can do much to supply diversions wholesome and life-giving.

In this, as in all things else that concern our well-being, Inspiration has pointed the way. In early ages, with the people who were under God's direction, life was simple. They lived close to the heart of nature. Their children shared in the labor of the parents, and studied the beauties and mysteries of nature's treasure-house. And in the quiet of field and wood they pondered those mighty truths handed down as a sacred trust from generation to generation. Such training produced strong men. 

Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him. Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it...

As we need food to sustain our physical strength, so do we need Christ, the bread from heaven, to sustain spiritual life, and impart strength to work the works of God.

A CLEAR CONSCIENCE

"And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a consience void of offence toward God, and toward men." Acts 24:16

My brethren, the Lord calls upon you to examine the heart closely. He calls upon you to adorn the truth in your daily practice, and in all your dealings with one another....It is dangerous for you to trifle with the sacred demands of conscience...Are you learning daily in the school of Christ,--learning how to dismiss doubt and evil surminisings, learning how to be fair and noble in your dealings with your brethren, for your own sake, and for Christ's sake?

All who in that evil day would fearlessly serve God according to the dictates of conscience, will need courage, firmness, and a knowledge of God and His Word; for those who are true to God will be persecuted, their motives wll be impugned, their best efforts misinterpreted, and their names cast out as evil. Satan will work with all his deceptive power to influence the heart and becloud the understanding, to make evil appear good, and good evil. The stronger and purer the faith of God's people, and the firmer their determination to obey Him, the more fiercely will Satan strive to stir up against them the rage fo those who...trample upon the law of God. 

Our gatherings should be so conducted, and we should so conduct ourselves, that when we return to our homes we can have a conscience void of offense toward God and man; a consciousness that we have not wounded or injured in any manner those with whom we have been associated, or had an injurious influence over them.

Sept’ 10th’

SINCERITY

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6

Singleness of purpose, whole-hearted devotion to God, is the condition pointed out by the Saviour’s words. Let the purpose be sincere and unwavering to discern the truth and to obey it at whatever cost, and you will receive divine enlightenment. Real Piety begins when all compromise with sin is at an end. Then the language of the heart will be that of the apostle Paul: “This one thing I do…., I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”…



Yielding to temptation begins in permitting the mind to waver, to be inconstant in your trust in God. If we do not choose to give ourselves fully to God, then we are in darkness. When we make any reserve, we are leaving open a door through which Satan can enter to lead us astray by his temptations. He knows that if he can obscure our vision, so that the eye of faith can not see God, there will be no barrier against sin.



We are living in times full of importance to each one. Light is shining in clear, steady rays around us. If this light is rightly received and appreciated, it will be a blessing to us and to others; but if we trust in our own wisdom and strength of our fellow men, it will be turned into a poison. In the struggle for eternal life, we can not lean upon one another. The bread of life must be eaten by each one. Individually we must partake of it, that soul, body, and mind may be revived and strengthened by its transforming power, thus becoming assimilated to the mind and character of Jesus Christ. God must be made first and last and best in everything.

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Sept’ 9th’

 

A DISCIPLE’S DECISION

“And he left all, rose up, and followed him.” Luke 5:28.




When Christ called his disciples to follow Him, he offered them no flattering prospects in this life. He gave them no promise of gain or worldly honour, nor did they make any stipulation as to what they should receive. To Matthew as he sat at the receipt of custom, the Saviour said, “Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him.” Matthew did not, before rendering service, wait to demand a certain salary, equal to the amount received in his former occupation. Without question or hesitation he followed Jesus. It was enough for him that he was to be with the Saviour, that he might hear His words and unite with Him in His Work.






So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, they immediately left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour’s invitation, they did not hesitate, inquiring, how shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?” they could answer, “Nothing.”






To-day the Saviour calls us, as he called Matthew and John and Peter, to His work. If our hearts are touched by His love, the question of compensation will not be uppermost in our minds.






Principle is always exacting. No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart Is in the work, and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ…Wherever he leads the way, they will rejoice to follow.

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Sept' 8th'

 

WE WILL SERVE THE LORD

"And if it seems evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve;...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15



There will be a sharp conflict between those how are loyal to God and those who cast scorn upon His law. Reverence for God's law has been subverted. The religious leaders are teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. As it was in the days of ancient Israel, so it is in this age of the world. But because of the prevalence of disloyalty and transgression, will those who have reverenced the law of God now

cherish less respect for it? Will they unite with the powers of earth to make it void? The loyal will not be carried away by the current of evil. They will not throw contempt on that which God has set apart as holy. They will not follow Israel's example of forgetfulness; they will call to remembrance God's dealings with his people in all ages, and will walk in the way of his commandments. The test comes to everyone.

There are only two sides. On which side are you?



Let every soul be on the alert. The adversary is on your track. Be vigilant, watching diligently lest some carefully concealed and masterly snare shall take you unawares. Let the carell and indifferent beware lest the day of the Lord come upon them as a thief in the night. Many will wander from the path of humility, and, casting aside the yoke of Christ, will walk in strange paths. Blinded and bewildered, they will leave the narrow path that leads to the city of God..



It is time for our people to take their families from the cities into more retired localities, else many of the youth, and many also of those older in years, will be ensnared and taken by the enemy.

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Sept' 7th'

GOD DESIRES A CONTRITE HEART

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Ps. 51:17



The path to Heaven is no smoother now than in the days of our Saviour. All our sins must be put away. Every darling indulgence that hinders our religious life must be cut off. The right eye or the right hand must be sacrificed, if it cause us to offend..Are we willing to part with self-righteousness? Are we willing to give up our chosen worldly associates?...Every association we form, however limited, exerts some influence upon us. The extent to which we yield to that influence will be determined by the degree of intimacy, the constancy of the intercourse, and our love and veneration for the one with whom we associate.

Thus by acquaintance and association with Christ, we may become like him, the one faultless example.



No outward forms can make us clean; no ordinance, administered by the saintliest of men, can take the place of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The spirit of God must do its work upon the heart...



The spirit of Christ will be revealed in all who are born of God. Strife and contention cannot arise among those who are controlled by His spirit.



To talk of religious things in a casual way, to pray for spiritual blessings without real soul-hunger, and living faith availslittle. The wondering crowd that pressed close about Christ, realized no vital power from the contact. But when the poor, suffering woman, in her great need, put forth her hand and touched the hem of Jesus' garment, she felt the healing virtue. Hers was the touch of faith.

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Sept' 6th'

 

SERVE GOD WITH A WILLING MIND

"Know thou the God of they father, and serve him, with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts." 1 Chron. 28.9


In order for us to reach this high ideal, that which causes the soul to stumble must be sacrificed. It is through the will that sin retains its hold upon us. The surrender of the will is represented as plucking out the eye or cutting off the hand. Often it seems to us that to surrender the will to God is to consent to go through life maimed or crippled. But it is better, says Christ, for self to be maimed, wounded, crippled, if thus you may enter into life. That which you look upon as disaster is the door to highest benefit...



Only through the surrender of our will to God is it possible for Him to impart life to us. Only by receiving His life through self-surrender is it possible, said Jesus, for these hidden sins, which I have pointed out, to be overcome....

If you cling to self, refusing to yield your will to God, you are choosing death. To sin, wherever found, God is a consuming fire. If you choose sin, and refuse to separate from it and the presence of God, which consumes sin, must consume you.



You need to drink daily at the fountain of truth, that you may understand the secret of pleasure and joy in the Lord.

But you must remember that your will is the spring of all your actions...There is no such thing as following Christ unless you determine to obey God. It is not your feelings, your will. A life of usefulness is before you, if your will becomes God's will.

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Sept' 5th'

FORSAKE ALL FOR HIM

"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:33.



God does not force the will of His creatures. He can not accept an homage that is not willingly and intelligently given. A mere forced submission would prevent all real development of mind or character; it would make man a mere automaton. Such is not the purpose of the Creator...In giving ourselves to God, we must necessarily give up all that would separate us from Him...Whatever shall draw away the heart from God must be given up. Mammon is the idol of many. The love of money, the desire for wealth, is the golden chain that binds them to Satan. Reputation and worldly honor are worshipped by another class. The life of selfish ease and freedom from responsibility is the idol of others. But these slavish bands must be broken. We can not be half the Lord's and half the world's. We are not God's children unless we are such entirely....



When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with his love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action...

A profession of Christ without this deep love, is mere talk, dry formality, and heavy drudgery.



Do you feel that it is too great a sacrifice to yield all to Christ? Ask yourself the question, "What has Christ given for me?"

God will bring you over the ground again and again, until with Humble heart and subdued mind you bear the test that He inflicts, and are wholly sanctified to His service and work.

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Sept' 4th'

 

I TURNED MY FEET

"I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." Ps. 119:59



Age will never excuse us from obeying God. Our faith should be prolific of good works; for faith without works is dead. Every duty performed, every sacrifice made in the name of Jesus, brings an exceeding great reward. In the very act of duty, God speaks, and gives His blessing. But He requires of us an entire surrender of the faculties. The mind and heart, the whole being, must be given to Him, or we fall short of becoming true Christians.



God has withheld nothing from man that can secure to him eternal riches. He has clothed the earth with beauty, and furnished it for his use and comfort during his temporal life. he has given His son to die for the redemption of a world that had fallen through sin and folly...God requires prompt and unquestioning obedience of his law; but men are asleep, or paralysed by the obedience of His law; but men are asleep, or paralysed by the deceptions of Satan, who suggests excuses to Eve in the garden, "Ye shall not surely die." Disobedience not only hardens the heart and conscience of the guilty one, but it tends to corrupt the faith of others.



Can we afford to have our own way, and take ourselves out of the hands of God, because it is more pleasing to the natural heart? God requires perfect submission and perfect obedience.



As a flower turns to the sun that the bright rays may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should the youth turn to the Sun and righteousness, that Heaven's light may shine upon them.

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Sept' 3rd'

 

WHO THEN IS WILLING?

"And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?" 1 Chron. 29:5

It is not safe for us to linger to contemplate the advantages to be reaped through yielding to Satan's suggestions. Sin means dishonor and disaster to every soul that indulges in it; but it is blinding and deceiving in its nature, and it will entice us with flattering presentations. If we venture on Stan's ground, we have no assurance of protection from his power. So far as in us lies, we should close every avenue by which the tempter may find access to us.



The whole heart must be yielded to God, or the change can never be wrought in us by which we are to be restored to his likeness. By nature we are alienated from God. The Holy Spirit describes our condition in such words as these: "Dead in trespasses and sins;" "the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint;" "no soundness in it." We are held fast in the snare of Satan; "taken captive by him at his will." god desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to him.



The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.



The government of God is not, as Satan would make it appear, founded upon a blind submission, an unreasoning control. It appeals to the intellect and the conscience.

 

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Sept' 2nd'

PRESENT YOUR BODIES

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Rom. 12:1.



You are not your own. Jesus has purchased you with His blood. Do not bury your talents in the earth. Use them for Him. In whatever business you may be engaged, bring Jesus into it. If you find that you are losing your love for your Saviour, give up your business, and say, "Here I am, Saviour; what wilt Thou have me to do?" He will receive you graciously, and love you freely, he will abundantly pardon; for he is merciful and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish...



We, and all that we have, belong to God. We should not regard it as a sacrifice to give him the affection of our hearts. The heart itself should be given to Him as a willing offering.



The Body is the only medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the up building of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to the enfeebling and degrading of the physical powers. His success here means the surrender to evil or the whole being.

The tendencies of our physical nature, unless under the domination of a higher power, will surely work ruin and death.



The body is to be brought into subjection...The requirements of God must be brought home to the conscience. Men and women must be awakened to the duty of self-mastery, the need of purity, freedom from every depraving appetite and defiling habit. They need to be impressed with the fact that all their powers of mind and body are the gift of God, and are to be preserved in the best possible condition for His service.

 
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SEPTEMBER

 

WHO THEN IS WILLING?

Consecration

Sept' 1st'

 

YIELD YOUR MEMBERS

"Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness not God." Rom. 6:13.



God's stamp is upon us. He has bought us, and He desires us to remember that our physical, mental, and moral powers belong to Him. Time and influence, reason, affection, and conscience, all are God’s, and are to be used only in harmony with His will. They are not to be used in accordance with the direction of the world; for the world is under a leader who is at enmity with God.

The flesh, in which the soul tabernacles, belongs to God. Every sinew, every muscle, is his. In no case are we by neglect or abuse to weaken a single organ. We are to co-operate with God by keeping the body in the very best possible condition of health, that it may be a temple where the Holy Ghost may abide, moulding, according to the will of god, every physical and spiritual power.



The mind must be stored with pure principles. Truth must be graven on the tablets of the soul. The memory must be filed with the precious truths of the Word. Then, like beautiful gems, these truths will flash out in the life.



The people of God will be tested and proved. A close and searching work must go on among Sabbath keepers. Like ancient Israel, how soon we forget God and his wondrous works, and rebel against Him.