October 14, 2016

GOD'S APPOINTED WEAPONS

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherever ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:16, 17.

God has provided abundant means for successful warfare against the evil that is in the world. The Bible is the armory where we may equip for the struggle. Our loins must be girt about the truth. Our breastplate must be righteousness. The shield of faith must be in our hand, the helmet of salvation on our brow; and with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we are to cut our way through the obstructions and entanglements of sin....

Summoning Timothy before the bar of God, Paul bids him preach the Wood, not the sayings and customs of men; to be ready to witness for God whenever opportunity should present itself-before large congregations and private circles, by the way and at the fireside, to friends and to enemies, whether in safety or exposed to hardship and peril, reproach and loss..He was to reveal the patience and love of Christ, explaining and enforcing his reproofs by the truths of the Word.

To hate and reprove sin, and at the same time to show pity and tenderness for the sinner, is a difficult attainment....

We must guard against undue severity toward the wrong-doer; but we must also be careful not to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. There is need of showing Christ=like patience and love for the erring one, but there is also danger of showing so great toleration for his error that he will look upon himself as undeserving of reproof, and will reject it as uncalled for and unjust. - Acts of the apostles, pp. 502-504.

October 10, 2016

AN EARNEST SPIRIT

"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Ps. 126:6.

Do your best, and God will accept your efforts. Take up the duty lying nearest you, and perform it with fidelity, and your work will be wholly acceptable to the Master. Do not, in your desire to do something great, overlook the smaller tasks awaiting you. - Messages to Young People, p. 96.

The coming of Christ is near, and hasteth greatly. The time in which to labor is short, and men and women are perishing. Said the angel, "Should not the men who have had great light co-operate with Him who sent His Son to the world to give light and salvation to men?" Shall men who have received the knowledge of the truth line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, show but little appreciation of Him who came to the earth that His divine power might be the heritage of every believing soul? It was thus that the divinity of Christ was to become effectual in the salvation of the race, and the intercession of our great High Priest avail before the throne of God. The plan was devised in heaven. Shall those who have been brought with such a price fail of appreciating the great salvation? - Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 105.

Missionaries should enter the field before they shall be compelled to cease labor. There are now open doors on every side; they cannot afford to wait to complete years of training; for the years before us are not many, and we need to work while the day lasts. - Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 359.

October 07, 2016

WE LABOR WITH GOD

"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's buiding." 1 Cor. 3:9.

He will use you and me and each human being who enters His service, if we will submit to His guidance. Each one is to stand in his watchtower, listening attentively to that which the Spirit has to say to him, remembering that his every word and act makes an impression, not only on his own character, but on the characters of those with whom he is connected....

Each day God works with His building, stroke upon stroke, to perfect the structure, that it may become a holy temple for Him. Man is to co-operate with God. Each worker is to become jst what God designs him to be, building his life with pure, noble deeds, that in the end his character may be a symmetrical structure, a fair temple, honored by God and man. There is to be no flaw in the building, for it is the Lord's. Every stone must be perfectly laid, that it may endure the pressure placed upon it. One stone laid wrong will affect the whole building. To you and to every other worker God gives the warning: "Take heed how you build, that your building may stand the test of storm and tempest, because it is founded on the eternal Rock." - Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 172, 173.

To every man is given "his work," - the work for which hsi capabilities adapt him, the work which will result in greatest good to himself and to his fellow-men, and in greatest honor to God.

Thus our business or calling is a part of God's great plan, and, so long as it is conducted in accordance with His will, He Himself is responsible for the results. = Education, p. 138.

October 06, 2016

CAST THY BREAD UPON THE WATERS

"Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days." Eccl. 11:1.

No one can live the law of God without ministering to others. But there are many who do not live out Christ's merciful, unselfish life...They plan and study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. Not for others but for themselves do they minister. God created them to live in a world where unselfish service must be performed. He designed them to help their fellow-men in every possible way. But self is so large that they cannot see anything else. They are not in touch with humanity.Those who thus live for self are like the fig-tree, which made every pretension, but was fruitless....In the sentence pronounced on the fig-tree Christ demonstrates how fateful in His eyes is this vain pretense. He declares that the open sinner is less guilty tan is he who professes to serve God, but who bears no fruit to His glory. - The Desire of Ages, p. 584.

"I am debtor," Paul declares, "both to the Greeks and to the barbarians; both to the wise and to the unwise." So also are we. By all that has blessed our life above others, we are placed under obligation to every human being whom we might benefit.

These truths are not for the closet more than for the counting-room. The goods that we handle are not our own, and never can this fact safely be lost sight of. We are but stewards, and on the discharge of our obligation to God and man depend both the welfare of our fellow-beings and our own destiny for thsi life and for the life to come. - Education p. 139

October 05, 2016

LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt. 5:16.

Throughout the world, messengers of mercy are needed. There is a call for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, to go to foreign fields, to become acquainted with the needs of their fellow men, and to work for the cause of the Master. If such families would settle in the dark places of the earth, places where the people are enshrouded in spiritual gloom, and let the light of Christ's life shine out through them, what a noble work might be accomplished.

This work requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, the work they might do is left undone, and multitudes are dying without hope and without God. Some for the sake of commercial advantage, or to acquire scientific knowledge, will venture into unsettled regions, and cheerfully endure sacrifice and hardship; but ow few for the sake of their fellow men are willing to move their families into regions that are in need of the gospel.

To reach the people, wherever they are, and whatever their position or condition, and to help them in every way possible, - this is true ministry. By such effort you may win hearts, and open a door of access to perishing souls.

In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of Christ, in  a healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you seek to draw others within the circle of is love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor, bear witness to the power of His grace. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 155, 156.

October 04, 2016

GOD DIRECTS OUR SERVICE

"And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness he has the noon day." Isa. 58:10.

As we see the necessities of the poor, the ignorant, the afflicted, how often our hearts sin. We question, "What avail our feeble strength and slender resources to supply this terrible necessity? Shall we not wait for some one o greater ability to direct the work, or for some organization to undertake it?" Christ says, "Give ye them to eat." Use the means, the time, the ability, you have. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus.

Though your resources may not be sufficient to feed thousands, they may suffice to feed one. In the hand of Christ they may feed many. Like the disciples, give what you have. Christ will multiply the gift. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. That which seemed but a meager supply will prove to be a rich feast. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 49, 50.

Our hearts are to be so filled with the love of Christ that our words of thanksgiving shall warm other hearts. This is service that all can perform, and the Lord accepts it as offered to Himself. He makes if efficacious, imparting to the earnest worker to grace that reconciles man to God.

May the Lord help His people to realize that there is earnest work to be done. May He help them to remember that in the home, in the church, and in the world the are to work the works of Christ. They are not left to labor alone. The angels are their helpers. And Christ is their helper. Then let them labor faithfully and untiringly. In due season they will reap, if they faint not.

The Christian pilgrim does not yield to his desire to rest. He moves steadily forward, saying, "The night is far spent; the day is at hand." - Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 18.

October 03, 2016

MESSENGERS OF GOD

"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world." John 17:18.

But when we give ourselves wholly to God, and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. HE would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure.We are to co-operate with One who knows no failure.

We should not talk of our own weakness and inability. This is a manifest distrust of God, a denial of His Word. When we murmur because of our burdens, or refuse the responsibilities He calls upon us to bear, we are virtually saying that He is a hard master, that He requires what He as not given us power to do....God works by whom He will. He sometimes selects the humblest instrument to do the greatest work; for His power is revealed through the weakness of men. We have our standard, and by it we pronounce one thing great and another small; but God does not estimate according to our rule. ...It does not rest with us to pass judgement on our talents or to choose our work. We are to take up the burdens that God appoints, bearing them for His sake, and ever going to Him for rest. Whatever our work, God is honored by whole-hearted, cheerful service. He is pleased when we take up our duties with gratitude, rejoicing that we are accounted worthy to be co-laborers with Him. - Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 363, 364.

Christ accepts, oh, so gladly, every human agency that is surrendered to Him. He brings the human into union with the divine, that He may communicate to the world the mysteries of incarnate love. - Mount of Blessing, p. 71.

September 30, 2016

CONSECRATION OF ELISHA

"And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray tee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow tee.And e said unto him, Go back again: for what have I done to thee?" 1Kings 1920.

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 them all. He know 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 were e 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 know to you. If you wait upon the Lord, He will answer your every question. You many 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 tat you may win the favor of God, come. - Prophets and Kings, pp. 220, 221.

For your present and eternal good it is best to commit yourself wholly to the right, that the world may know wehre you are standing. - Messages to Young People, p. 28.

September 29, 2016

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 wit 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. Te 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 is higest 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. - Gospel Workers, pp. 112, 113.

Many do not discern and appreciate how great is the influence of each one fr good or evil. Every student should understand tat the principles which he adopts become a living, molding 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. - Messages to Young People, p. 29.

September 28, 2016

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 honored their father; but Samuel did not seek their company nor follow their evil ways. It was his constant endeavor to become what 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 ting 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 has sincere desire to do His will. - Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 573.


September 21, 2016

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 cites 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 sheddingof 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. = Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 516.

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 as 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 is great love, is seeking to develop in us the precious graces 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 to 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. - Mount of blessing, pp. 170=172.

September 20, 2016

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 as 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 Christ, who died for man's justification. - Acts of the Apostles, p. 476.

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 sch a hope, big with immortality, and full of glory? We have tasted of the powers of the World to come and long for more. - Early Writings, p. 110.

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. Wen the light of Christ is shining 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. - Mount of Blessing, p. 121.

September 19, 2016

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 discouragements, 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 t 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 as 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. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 497, 498.

September 16, 2016

PEACE

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

When we receive Christ as an abiding guest in the soul, the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The Saviour's life on earth, though lived in the midst of conflict, was a life of peace.....No storm of human or Satanic wrath could disturb the calm of that perfect communion with God. And He says to us: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you." ...Happiness drawn from earthly sources is a changeable as varying circumstances can make it; but the peace of Christ is a constant and abiding peace. It does not depend upon any circumstances in life, on the amount of worldly goods, or the number of earthly friends. Christ is the fountain of living water, and happiness drawn from Him can never fail.

The meekness of Christ, manifested in the home, will make the inmates happy; it provokes no quarrel, gives back no angry answer, but soothes the irritated temper, and diffuses a gentleness that is felt by all within its charmed circle. Wherever cherished, it makes the families of earth apart of the one great family above. - Mount of Blessings, pp.31, 32.

Christ is "the Prince of peace," and it s His mission to restore to earth and heaven the peace that sin has broken....Whoever consents to renounce sin, and open his heart to the love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace.

There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife, and fills the soul with love. He who is at peace with God and his fellow-men can not be made miserable. - Ibid., p. 46.

September 14, 2016

OBEDIENCE

"Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end." Ps. 119:33.

God has made known His will, and it is folly for man to question that which has gone out of His lips. After Infinite Wisdom has spoken, there can be no doubtful questions for man to settle, no wavering possibilities for him to adjust. All that is required of him is a frank, earnest concurrence in the expressed will of God. Obedience is the highest dictate of reason as well as of conscience. - Acts of the Apostles, p. 506.

Above all, let children be taught that true reverence is shown by obedience. God has commanded nothing that is unessential, and there is no other way of manifesting reverence so pleasing to Him as obedience to that which He has spoken. - Education, p. 244.

Few parents begin early enough to teach their children to obey. The child is usually allowed to get two or three years the start of its parents, who forbear to discipline it, thinking it too young to learn to obey. But all this time self is growing strong in the little being, and every day makes harder the parent's task of gaining control. At a very early age children comprehend what is plainly and simply told them, and by kind and judicious management can be taught to obey. - Counsels to Teachers, pp. 111, 112.

If the youth could see that in complying with the laws and regulations of our institutions they are only doing that which will improve their standing in society, elevate the character, ennoble the mind, and increase their happiness, they would not rebel against just rules and wholesome requirements, nor engage in creating suspicion and prejudice against these institutions. - Messages to Young People, p. 182.

August 19, 2016

FORGIVE AND YE SHALL BE FORGIVEN

"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." Luke 6:37.

Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God only as we forgive others. It is the love of God that draws us unto Him, and that love can not touch our hearts without creating love for our brethren....

He who is unforgiving, cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong, we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults. However sorely they may have wounded us, we are not to cherish our grievances, and sympathize with ourselves over our injuries; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses against God, we are to pardon all who have done evil to us.

But forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. When God gives the promise that He "will abundantly pardon," He adds, as if the meaning of that promise exceeded all that we could comprehend: "My thoughts ae not your thoughts, neither are your ways, My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

God's forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart.....God in Christ gave Himself for our sins. - Mount of Blessing, pp. 166, 167.

August 16, 2016

CONFESSION LEADS TO SALVATION

"For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom. 10:10.

Could Christians realize how many times the Lord has ordered their way, that the purposes of the enemy concerning them might not be accomplished, they would not stumble along complainingly. Their faith would be stayed on God, and no trial would have power to move them. They would acknowledge Him as their wisdom and efficiency, and He would bring to pass that which He desires to work out through them.- Prophets and Kings, p. 576.

The conditions to obtaining mercy from God are simple and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order to gain forgiveness. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression. He that "confesseth and forsaketh" his sin "shall have mercy."

In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church-pleading for those for whom He has paid the redemption price of His blood. Centuries, ages, can never lessen the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. Neither life not death, height nor depth can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus not because we hold Him s firmly, but because He holds us so fast. If our salvation depended on our own efforts, we cold not be saved; but it depends on the One who is behind all the promises. Our grasp on Him may seem feeble, but His love is that of an elder brother; so long as we maintain our union with Him, no one can pluck us out of His hand. = Acts of the Apostles, pp. 52, 553.

August 15, 2016

IF WE CONFESS, HE IS FAITHFUL

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God, and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 641.

Every sin is an offense against God, and is to be confessed to Him through Christ. Every open sin should be as openly confessed. Wrong done to a fellow being should be made right with the one who has been offended. If any who are seeking heath have been guilty of evil-speaking, if they have sowed discord in the home, and neighborhood, or the church, and have stirred up alienation and dissention, if by any wrong practise they have led others into sin, these things should be confessed before God and before those who have been offended. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 228, 229.

We are not to trust in our faith, but in the promises of God. When we repent of our past transgressions of His law, and resolve to render obedience in the future, we should believe that God for Christ's sake accepts us, an forgives our sins.

Darkness and discouragement will sometimes come upon the soul, and threaten to overwhelm us; but we should not cast away our confidence. We must keep the eye fixed on Jesus, feeling or no feeling. We should seek to faithfully perform every known duty, and then calmly rest in the promises of God. - Messages to Young People, p. 111.

August 12, 2016

SEARCH ME AND KNOW MY HEART

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Ps. 139:23, 24.

Nothing is more treacherous than the deceitfulness of sin. It is the god of the world that deludes, and blinds, and leads to destruction. Satan does not enter with this array of temptations at once. He disguises these temptations with a semblance of good. He mingles with amusements and folly some little improvements, and deceived souls make it an excuse that great good is to be derived by engaging in them.This is only the deceptive part. It is Satan's hellish arts masked. Beguiled souls take one step, then are prepared for the net. It is so much more pleasant to follow the inclinations of their own hearts than to stand on the defensive, and resist the first insinuation of the wily foe, and thus shut out his in-comings.

Oh, how Satan watches to see his bait taken so readily, and to see souls walking in the very path he has prepared! He does not want them to give up praying and maintaining a form of religious duties; for he can thus make them more useful in his service. He unites his sophistry and deceptive snares with their experiences and professions, and thus wonderfully advances his cause.

There is a necessity for close self-examination, and to closely investigate in the light of God's Word, am I sound, or am I rotten, at heart? Am I renewed in Christ, or am I still carnal at heart, with an outside, new dress put on? Rein yourself up to the tribunal of God, and see as in the light of God if there is any secret sin, any iniquity, any idol you have not sacrificed....Deal truly with your own souls. Search carefully. - Messages to Young People, pp. 83, 84.

August 11, 2016

HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS CONVICTION

"And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement." John 16:8.

It is the privilege of every Christian to enjoy the deep movings of the Spirit of God. A sweet, heavenly peace will pervade the mind, and you will love to meditate upon God and heaven. You will feast upon the glorious promises of His Word. But know first that you have begun the Christian course. Know that the first steps are taken in the road to everlasting life. Be not deceived. I fear, yea, I know that many of you know not what religion is. You have felt some excitement, some emotion, but have never seen sin in its enormity. You have never felt your undone condition, and turned from your evil ways with bitter sorrow. You have never died to the world.You still love its pleasures; you love to engage in conversation on worldly matters. But when the truth of God is introduced, you have nothing to say. Why so silent? Why so talkative upon worldly things, and so silent upon the subject that should most concern you, - a subject that should engage your whole soul? The truth of God does not dwell in you. - Messages to Young People, pp. 132, 133.

The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. - Ibid., p. 157.

The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The Desire of Ages, p. 302.

August 10, 2016

I ACKNOWLEDGE MY TRANSGRESSION

"For I acknowledge ,y transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." Ps. 51:3.

Thorough conversion is necessary among those who profess to believe the truth, in order for them to follow Jesus and obey the will of God, - not a submission born of circumstances, as was that of the terrified Israelites when the power of the Infinite was revealed to them, but a deep and heart-felt repentance and renunciation of sin.

Those who are but half converted, are as a tree whose boughs hang upon the side of truth, but whose roots, firmly bedded in the earth, strike out into the barren soil of the world. Jesus looks in vain for fruit upon its branches; He finds nothing but leaves. - Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 155.

The reason why the youth, and even those of mature years, are so easily led into temptation and sin, is that they do not study the Word of God and meditate upon it as they should. The lack of firm, decided will-power, which is manifest in life and character, results from their neglect of the sacred instruction of God's Word. - ibid., vol. 8, p. 319.

In order to receive help from Christ, we must realize our need. We must have a true knowledge of ourselves. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. Only as we see our utter helplessness and renounce all self-trust, shall we lay hold on divine power....All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves; therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God a constant, earnest confession of sin and humbling of the soul before him. Perils surround us; and we are safe only as we feel our weakness, and cling with the grasp of faith to our mighty Deliverer. - Ibid., p. 316.

August 09, 2016

I WILL DECLARE MY INIQUITY

"For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." Ps. 38:8

A little time spent in sowing your wild oats, dear young friends, will produce a crop that will imbitter your whole life; an hour of thoughtlessness-once yielding to temptation - may turn the whole current of your life in the wrong direction. You can have but one youth; make that useful. When once you have passed over the ground, you can never return to rectify your mistakes. He who refuses to connect with God, and puts himself in the way of temptation, will surely fall. God is testing every youth. Many ave excused their carelessness and irreverence, because of the wrong example given them by more experienced professors. But this should not deter any from right-doing. In the day of final accounts you will plead no such excuses as you plead now. You will be justly condemned, because you knew the way, but did not choose to walk in it..... While some of the youth are wasting their powers in vanity and folly, others are disciplining their minds, storing up knowledge, girding on the armor to engage in life's warfare, determined to make it as success. But they cannot make life a success, however high they may attempt to climb, unless they center their affections upon God. If they will turn to the Lord with all their heart, rejecting the flattering of those who would in the slightest degree weaken their purpose to do right, they will have strength and confidence in God. - Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 622-624.

It is for you to yield up your will to the will of Jesus Christ; and as you do this, God will immediately take possession, and work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. - Messages to Young People, p. 152.

August 08, 2016

MY FOOLISHNESS I KNOWN TO GOD

"O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee." PS. 69:5.

We may flatter ourselves that we are free from many things of which others are guilty; but if we have some strong points of character, and but one weak point, there is yet a points of character, and but one weak point, there is yet a communion between sin and the soul. The heart is divided in its service, and says, "Some of self and some of Thee." The child of God must search out the sin which he has petted and indulged himself in, and permit God to cut it out of his heart. E must overcome that one sin; for it is not a trifling matter in the sight of God.

One says, "I am not the least jealous, but ten I do not get provoked and say mean things, although I am always sorry after giving way to temper." Another says, "I have this fault or that, but then I just despise such and such meanness as is manifested by a certain person of my acquaintance." The Lord has not given us a list of graded sins, so that we may reckon some as of little consequence, and say that they will do but little harm, while others are of greater magnitude and will do much harm.

A chain is no stronger than is its weakest link. We might pronounce such a chain good on the whole, but if one link is weak the chain cannot be depended on....That impatient word quivering on your lips must be left unspoken. That thought that your character is not rightly estimated must be put from you; for it weakens your influence, and works out the sure result, making you of light estimation in the minds of others. You should overcome the idea that you are a martyr, and lay claim to the promise of Christ, who says, "My grace is sufficient for thee." - Messages to Young People, pp. 91, 92. 

August 06, 2016

THE BURDEN OF SIN IS TOO HEAVY

"For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me." Ps. 38:4.

When Satan tells you that yo are a sinner, and cannot hope to receive blessings from God, tell him that Christ came into the world to save sinners. We have nothing to recommend us to God; but the plea that we may urge now and ever s our utterly helpless condition, that makes is redeeming power a necessity. Renouncing all self-dependence, we may look to the cross of Calvary and say, -

"In my hand no price I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling."....

Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of God bids them live. He cannot hold in spiritual death one soul who in faith receives Christ's Word of power. God is saying to all who are dead in sin, "Awake, though that sleepest, and arise from the dead." That word is eternal life......If we receive the Word, we have the deliverance. - The Desire of ages, pp. 317-320.

Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His arms of love and His robe of righteousness. He presents us to the Father clothed in the white raiment of His own character. He pleads before God in our behalf, saying: I have taken the sinner's place. Look not upon this wayward child, but look on Me. Does Satan plead loudly against our souls, accusing of sin, and claiming us as his prey, the blood of Christ pleads with greater power. - Mount of Blessing, p. 21.

August 05, 2016

WE ARE ASHAMED

"We lie down in our shame, and our confusion covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God." Jer. 3:25.

Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. The work tat we have to do on our part is plainly set before us: "Wash you, make you clean."....

When sin has deadened the moral perceptions, the wrong-doer does not discern the defects of his character, nor realize the enormity of the evil he has committed; and unless he yields to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, he remains in partial blindness to his sin. His confessions are not sincere and in earnest. To every acknowledgment of his guilt he adds an apology in excuse of his course, declaring that if it had not been for certain circumstances, he would not have done this or that, for which he is reproved. - Steps to Christ, pp. 44,45.

No man lives to himself. Same, defeat, and death were brought upon Israel by one man's sin...Various sins that are cherished and practiced by professed Christians bring the frown of God upon the church. In the day when the Ledger of Heaven shall be opened, the Judge will not in words express to man is guilt, but will cast one penetrating, convicting glance, and every deed, every transaction of life, will be vividly impressed upon the memory of the wrong-doer. The person will not, as in Joshua's day, need to be hunted out from tribe to family, but his own lips will confess his shame, his selfishness, covetousness, dishonesty, dissembling, and fraud. - Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 493. 

August 04, 2016

BEHOLD, I AM VILE

"Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth." Job 40:4.

Every act of transgression, every neglect or rejection of the grace of Christ, is reacting upon yourself; it is hardening the hart, depraving the will, benumbing the understanding, and not only making you less inclined to yield, but less capable of yielding, to the tender pleading of God's Holy Spirit.

Many are quieting a troubled conscience with the thought that they can change a course of evil when they choose; that they can trifle with the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again impressed. They think that after doing despite to the Spirit of grace, after casting their influence on the side of Satan, in a moment of terrible extremity they can change their course. But this is not so easily done. The experience, the education, of a lifetime, has so thoroughly molded the character that few then desire to receive the image of Jesus.

Even one wrong trait of character, one sinful desire, persistently cherished will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Every sinful indulgence strengthens the soul's aversion to God. The man who manifests an infidel hardihood, or a stolid indifference to divine truth, is but reaping the harvest of that which he has himself sown. - Steps to Christ, pp. 38, 39.

It is difficult for us to understand ourselves, to have correct knowledge of our own characters. The Word of God is plain; but often there is an error in applying it to one's self. There is liability to self-deception, and to think its warnings and reproofs do not mean me....Self-love and confidence may give us assurance that we are right, when we are far from meeting the requirements of God's Word. - Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 332. 

August 03, 2016

CONFESSION MERITS MERCY

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh tem shall have mercy." Prov. 28:13.

The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing, in order that we may have the forgiveness of sin. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven, or to expiate our transgression; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy. This is a precious promise, given to fallen man to encourage him to trust in the God of love, and to seek for eternal life in His kingdom....

Daniel did not seek to excuse himself or his people before God; but in humility and contrition of soul he confessed the full extent and demerit of their transgressions, and vindicated God's dealings as just toward a nation that had set at naught His requirements and would not profit by His entreaties.

There is great need today of just such sincere, heart-felt repentance and confession. Those who have not humbled their souls before God in acknowledging their guilt, have not yet experienced the repentance which is not to be repented of, and have not confessed our sin with true humiliation of soul and brokenness of spirit, abhorring our iniquity, we have never sought, we have never found the peace of God. The only reason why we may not have remission of sins that are past, is that we are not willing to humble our proud hearts, and comply with the conditions of the Word of truth - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 635, 636. 

August 02, 2016

BE RECONCILED TO THY BROTHER

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Matt. 5:23,24.

Then there are confessions that the Lord has bidden us to make to one another. If you have wronged your brother by word or deed, you are first to be reconciled to him before your worship will be acceptable to Heaven. Confess to those whom you have injured, and make restitution, bringing forth fruit meet for repentance. If any one has feelings of bitterness wrath, or malice toward a brother, let him go to him personally, confess his sin, and seek forgiveness.

From Christ's manner of dealing with the erring we may learn profitable lessons which are equally applicable to this work of confession. He bids us go to the one who has fallen into temptation, and labor with him alone. If it is not possible to help him, because of the darkness of his mind and his separation from God, we are to try again with two or three others. If the wrong is not righted, then, and only then, we are to tell it to the church. It is far better if wrongs can be righted, and injuries healed, without bringing the matter before the whole church...

But the question of how and to whom sins should be confessed, is one that demands careful, prayerful study. We must consider it from all points, weighting it before God, and seeking divine illumination....

But the question of how and to whom sins should be confessed, is one that demands careful, prayerful study. We must consider it form all points, weighting it before God, and seeing divine illumination...

there is power and permanency in what the Lord does, whether He words by human instrumentality or otherwise...Hearts that are under the influence of the Spirit of God will be in sweet harmony with His will. - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 646,647

August 01, 2016

CONFESS ONE TO ANOTHER

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16

If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God, because the brother whom you wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you sinned against his Creator and Redeemer. The case is not brought before the priest at all, but before the only true mediator, our great High Priest, who "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin," and who is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities," and is able to cleanse from every stain of iniquity...


True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as only to be brought before God; they may be wrongs that should be confessed before individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a general kind that should be made known in the congregation of the people. But all confession should be definite,and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty....

Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away. This will be the result of genuine sorrow for sin. - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 639, 640.

July 31, 2016

GIVE THANKS IN PRAYER AND MELODY

"The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: He is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him." Ex. 15:2.

It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth-life received wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn and twilight a quiet season for communion with their Father in heaven. And throughout the day let them lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our way He says, " I the Lord thy God will hold they right hand; .....fear not; I will help thee."

Could our children learn these lessons in the morning of their years, what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness, would be brought into their lives! - Education, p. 259.

As the children of Israel, journeying through the wilderness, cheered their way by the music of sacred song, so God bids His children to-day gladden their pilgrim life. There are few means more effective for fixing is words in the memory than repeating them in song. And such song has wonderful power. IT has power to subdue rude and uncultivated natures; power to quicken thought and to awaken sympathy, to promote harmony of action, and to banish the gloom and foreboding that destroy courage and weaken effort....

Let there be singing in the home, of songs that are sweet and pure, and there will be fewer words f censure, and more of cheerfulness and hope and joy. Let there be singing in the school, and the pupils will be drawn closer to God, to their teachers, and to one another.

As a part of religious service, singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer. Indeed, many a song is prayer. - Ibid., pp. 167,168

July 30, 2016

PRAISE THE LORD

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth." Ps. 34:1.

Shall all our devotional exercises consist in asking and receiving? Shall we be always thinking of our wants, and never of the benefits we receive? Shall we be recipients of His mercies, and never express our gratitude to God, never praise Him for what He has done for us? We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. If the loving kindness of God called forth more thanksgiving and praise, we would have far more power in prayer. We would abound more and more in the love of god, and have more bestowed to praise Him for. You who complain that God does not hear yoru prayers, change the present order, and mingle praise with your petitions. Wen you consider His goodness and mercies, you will find that He will consider your wants. 

Pray, pray earnestly and without ceasing, but do not forget to praise. It becomes every child of God to vindicate His character. You can magnify the Lord; you can show the power of sustaining grace. There are multitudes who d not appreciate the great love of God nor the divine compassion of Jesus. Thousands even regard with disdain the matchless grace shown in the plan of redemption. All who are partakers of this great salvation are not clear in this matter. They do not cultivate grateful hearts. 

But the theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the ransomed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? Should we not praise God with heart and soul and voice for His "wonderful works to the children of men"? - Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 317, 318.

July 29, 2016

AS FOR ME, I WILL CALL UPON GOD

"As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and he shall hear my voice." Ps. 55:16,17.

As we make Christ our daily companion, we shall feel that the powers of an unseen world are all around us; and by looking unto Jesus we shall become assimilated to His image. By beholding we become changed. The character is softened, refined, and ennobled for the heavenly kingdom. The sure result of our intercourse and fellowship with our Lord will be to increase piety, purity, and fervor. There will be a growing intelligence in prayer. We are receiving a divine education, and this is illustrated in a life of diligence and zeal.

The soul that turns to God for its help, its support, its power, by daily, earnest prayer, will have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth and duty, lofty purposes of action, and a continual hungering and thirsting after righteousness. By maintaining a connection with God, we shall be enabled to diffuse to others through our association with them, the light, the peace, the serenity that rule in our hearts. The strength acquired in prayer to God, united with persevering effort in training the mind in thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares one for daily duties, and keeps the spirit in peace under all circumstances. - Mount of Blessing, p. 127.

We are living in a most solemn, important time of this earth's history. We are amid the perils of the last days. Important and fearful events are before us....We should flee to the Word of God and to prayer, individually seeking the Lord earnestly, that we may find Him. We should make this our first business. -Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 53.


July 28, 2016

HOLY AND REVEREND IS HIS NAME

"HE sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend in his name." Ps. 111:9.

Both in public and in private worship, it is our privilege to bow on our knees before the Lord when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." Of is disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Paul declared, "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God." 

True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed and as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened. "Holy and reverend is His name," The psalmist declares. Angels, wen they speak that name, veil their faces. With what reverence, then should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it upon our lips"

Well wold it be for old and young to ponder those words of Scripture that show how the place marked by God's special presence should be regarded. - Gospel Workers, p. 178.

High-flown language is inappropriate in prayer, whether the petition be offered in the pulpit, in the family circle, or in secret. Especially should the one offering public prayer use simple language, that to thers may understand what is said and unite with the petition. - Ibid., p. 177.

July 27, 2016

IN THE MORNING I WILL PRAY TO THEE

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Ps. 5:3.

When you rise in the morning, do you feel your helplessness, and your need of strength from God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously doing wrong, and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong, your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course, choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.

If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will be marked in the book of God in Heaven, and you will be found wanting in the trying day. - Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 363, 364.

Morning and night obtain the victory for yourselves in your own family. Let not your daily labor keep you from this. Take time to pray, and as you pray, believe that God hears you. Have faith mixed with your prayers. you may not at all times feel the immediate answer; but then it is that faith is tried. You are proved to see whether you will trust in God, whether you have living, abiding faith. - Ibid, vol. 1, p. 167.

Those who thus connect themselves with God are acknowledged by Him as His sons and daughters. They are constantly reaching higher and still higher, obtaining clearer views of God and of eternity, until the Lord makes them channels of light and wisdom to the world. - Messages to Young People, p. 247

July 26, 2016

AS LONG AS I LIVE I WILL CALL

"Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live." Ps. 116:2.

We should have the door of the heart open continually, and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.

Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breath its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose harts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth, and will have constant communion with Heaven. 

We need to have more distinct views of Jesus, and a fuller comprehension of the value of external realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God's children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things.

Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. WE may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun.

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears, before God. you can not burden Him; you can not weary Him....Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing i too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concern our peace is too small for Him to notice. - Steps to Christ, pp.103-105

July 25, 2016

EXAMPLE OF PAUL

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."

The ship on which Paul and his companions were to continue their journey, was about to sail, and the brethren hastened on board. The apostle himself, however, chose to take the nearer route by land between Troas and Assos, meeting his companions at the latter city. This gave him a short season for meditation and prayer. The difficulties and dangers connected with his coming visit to Jerusalem, the attitude of the church there toward him and his work, as well as the condition fields, were subjects of earnest, anxious thought; and he took advantage of this special opportunity to seek God for strength and guidance. -Acts of the Apostles, pp. 391, 392.

Pray in your closet; and as you go about your daily labor, let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan can not overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God.

There is no time or place in which  it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God, and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. - Steps to Christ, p. 103. 

July 24, 2016

CONTINUING INSTANT IN PRAYER

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. "Rom. 12:12, 13.

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always, if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be "instant in prayer," to "continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." ....Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with Gd, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life purity and holiness flow back to God.

There is necessity for diligence in prayer; let nothing hinder you. Make every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeing for communion with God, will be seen in their prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty, and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves were they can receive the rays of light from heaven. 

We should pray in the family circle; and above all we must not neglect secret prayer; for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the sol to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solution let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free form surrounding influences, free from excitement. Calmly, yet fervently, will it reach out after God. Sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who seeth in secret, whose ear is open to hear the prayer arising from the heart. - Steps to Christ, pp. 101-103.

July 23, 2016

WE WILL GIVE OURSELVES TO PRAYER

"But we willgive ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." Acts 6:4.

Pray, yes, pray as you have never prayed before, that you may not be deluded by Satan's devices, that you may not be given up to a heedless, careless, vain spirit, and attend to religious duties to quiet your own conscience. It is inappropriate for Christians in any age of the world to be lovers of pleasure, but nhow much more so now when the scenes of this earth's history are so soon to close.

Surely the foundation of your hope of everlasting life cannot be laid too sure. The welfare of your soul, and your eternal happiness depend upon whether your foundation is built upon Christ. While others are panting after earthly enjoyments, be ye panting after the unmistakable assurance of the love of God, earnestly, fervently crying, Who will show me how to make my calling and election sure? - Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 144, 145.

The darkness of the evil one incloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to prayer, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching, we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy-seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. - Steps to Christ, pp. 98, 99.

July 22, 2016

MUSE ON THE WORK OF HIS HANDS

"I remember the days of old; I mediate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands," Ps. 143:5.

The mercies of God surround you every moment; and it would be profitable for you to consider how and whence your blessings come every day. Let the precious blessings of God awaken gratitude in you. You cannot number the blessings of God, the constant loving-kindness expressed to you, for they are as numerous as the refreshing drops of rain.

Clouds of mercy are hanging over you, and ready to drop upon you. If you will appreciate the valuable gift of salvation, you will be sensible of daily refreshment, of the protection and love of Jesus; you will be guided in the way of peace.

Look upon the glorious things of God in nature, and let your heart go out in gratitude to the Giver. There is in nature's book profitable study for the mind. Be not thankless and reckless. Open the eyes of your understanding; see the beautiful harmony in the laws of God in nature, and be awed, and reverence your Creator, the supreme Ruler of heaven and earth. - Messages to Young People, p. 409.

If the young would study the glorious works of God in nature, and His majesty and power as revealed in His Word, they would come from every such exercise with faculties quickened and elevated. A vigor would be received, having no kin to arrogance. By a contemplation of the marvels of divine power, the mind will learn that hardest but most useful of all lessons, the human wisdom, unless connected with the Infinite and sanctified by the grace of Christ, is foolishness. - Ibid., p. 253.

If we faithfully study the book of nature, we shall find it a fruitful source for contemplating the infinite love and power of God. - Ibid., pp. 365, 366.

July 21, 2016

MY SOUL THIRSTETH FOR GOD

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so apnteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and peear before God?" Ps. 42:1, 2.4

The heart that has once tasted the love of Christ, cries out continually for a deeper draught, and as you impart, you will receive in richer and more abudant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love. - Mount of Blessing, p. 37.

The cry of Christ to the thirsty soul is still going forth, and it appeals to us with even greater power than to those who heard it in the temple on that last day of the feast. The fountain is open for all. The weary and exhausted ones are offered the refreshing draught of eternal life. - The Desire of Ages, p. 454.

The greatest victories gained for the cause of God are not the result of labored argument, ample facilities, wide influence, or abundance of means; they are gained in the audience chamber with God, when with earnest, agonizing faith men lay hold upon the mighty arm of power.

True faith and true prayer - how strong they are! They are as two arms by which the human suppliant lays hold upon the power of Infinite Love. Faith is trusting in God, -believing that He loves us, and knows what is for our best good. Thus, instead of our own way, it leads us to choose His way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts His wisdom; in place of our weakness, His strength; in place of our sinfulness, His righteousness. Our lives, ourselves are already is; faith acknowledges His ownership, and accepts its blessings. Through, uprightness, purity, are pointed out as secrets of life's success. It is fath that puts us in possession of these. - Gospel Workers, p. 259.

July 11, 2016

WHATSOEVER WE ASK IN HIS NAME HE WILL DO

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If yes shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." John 14:13,14

Walk the narrow plank of faith. Trust all on the promises of the Lord. Trust God in darkness. That is the time to have faith. But you often let feeling govern you. You look for worthiness in yourselves when you do not feel comforted by the Spirit of God, and despair because you cannot find it. You do not trust enough in Jesus, precious Jesus. you do not make His worthiness to be all. The very best you can do will not merit the favor of God. It is Jesus' worthiness that will save you, His blood that will cleanse you. but you have efforts to make. You must do what you can on your part. Be zealous and repent, then believe. -Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 167.

I saw that if we do not feel immediate answers to our prayers, we should hold fast our faith, not allowing distrust to come in, for that will separate us from God. If our faith wavers, we shall receive nothing from him. Our confidence in God should be strong; and when we need it most, the blessing will fall upon us like a shower of rain.

When the servants of God pray for his Spirit and blessing, it sometimes comes immediately; but it is not always then bestowed. At such times, fiant not. Let your faith hold fast the promise that it will come. Let your trust be fully in God, and often that blessing willc oem when you need it most, and you will unexpectedly recieve help from God when you are presenting the truth to unbelievers, and will be enabled to speak the word with clearness and power. - Ibid., p. 121.

July 07, 2016

GOD WILL PROTECT

"Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be bid in the day of the Lord's anger." Zeph. 2:3.

The tempest is coming, and we must get ready for its fury by having repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will arise to sake terribly the earth. We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human lives will be sacrificed by millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human effort will be able to quench them. The palaces of earth will be swept away in the fury of the flames.

Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent; confusion, collision, and death without a moment's warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, probation is closing. Oh, let us seek God while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near! - Messages to Young People, pp. 89,90.

God forbid, tat I should cease to warn you. Young friends, seek the Lord with all your heart. Come with zeal, and when you sincerely feel that without the help of God you perish, wen you pant after Him as the hart panteth after the water-brooks, then will the Lord strengthen you speedily. Ten will your peace pass all understanding. If you expect salvation, you must pray. Take time. Be not hurried and careless in your prayers. Beg of God to work in you a thorough reformation, that the fruits of His Spirit may dwell in you, and you shine as lights in the world. Be not a hindrance or curse to the cause of God; you can be a help, a blessing. Does Satan tell you that you cannot enjoy salvation, full and free? Believe him not. - Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 159.

July 06, 2016

GOD HEARS THE PRAYER OF THE DISCOURAGED ONE

"For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes; nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplication when I cried unto thee." Ps. 31:22.

Be not discouraged because your heart seems hard. Every obstacle, every internal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. Look to Him for special grace to overcome your peculiar faults....Cry to the dear Saviour for help to sacrifice every idol, and to put away every darling sin. Let the eye of faith see Jesus standing before the Father's throne, presenting His wounded hands as He pleads for you. Believe that strength comes to you through your precious Saviour. - Messages to Young People, p. 112.

The first resistance to the Spirit's pleading prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart is hardened, and the conscience seared.

On the other and, every resistance of temptation makes resistance more easy. Every denial of self makes self-denial easier. Every victory gained prepares the way for a fresh victory. Each resistance of temptation, each self-denial, each triumph over sin, is a seed sown unto eternal life. Every unselfish action gives new strength to spirituality....With outstretched arms He waits to welcome the prodigal. Go to Him, and tell Him about your mistakes and failures. Ask Him to strengthen you for fresh endeavor. He will never disappoint you, never abuse your confidence. Trial will come to you. Thus the Lord polishes the roughness from your character. Do not murmur. You make the trial harder by repining. Honor God by cheerful submission. Patiently endure the pressure. Ibid., pp. 96,97.

July 04, 2016

GOD WIL BE FAVORABLE

"He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy; for he will render unto man his righteousness." Job 33:26.

No cry from the soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. - The Desire of Ages, p. 258, 259.

There are few who rightly appreciate or improve the precious privilege of prayer. We should go to Jesus and tell Him all our needs. We may bring Him our little cares and perplexities as well as our greater troubles. Whatever arises to disturb or distress us, we should take it to the Lord in prayer. When we feel that we need the presence of Christ at every step, Satan will ave little opportunity to intrude his temptations. IT is his studied effort to keep us away from our best and most sympathizing friend. We should make no one our confidant but Jesus. We can safely commune with Him of all that is in our hearts. -Testimonies, Vol. 5. p. 200,201

Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection. - The Desire of Ages, p. 667.

If we would only take the Lord at His word, what blessings might be ours! Would that there were more fervent, effectual prayer. Christ will be the helper of all who seek Him in faith. - Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 202.

SEEK THE LORD CONTINUALLY

"Seek the Lord and his strengt, seek his face continually." 1 Chron. 16:11.

Prayer is heaven's ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian Chracter. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of fiath will accomplish in the soul of the supplieant all for which he pleads. Fr the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, "Ye shall receive." Acts of the Apostles, p.564

When the mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of Gd, the finite with the infinite, the effect on body, and mind, and soul, is beyond estimate. In such communion is found the highest education. It is God's own method of development. Ibid., p. 126.

Not al your good purposes and good intentions will enable you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of taking with the Saviour when you are alone, wen you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labour. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petion for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer. - Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511.

June 28, 2016

THE TRANSFORMED LIFE BEARS FRUIT

"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Phil. 1:11

The plant does not germinate, grow, or bring forth fruit  for itself, but to "give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater." So no man is to live unto himself. The Christian is in the world as a representative of Christ, for the salvation of other souls.

There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. if you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ, - the spirit of unselfish love and labor for others, - you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will
reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely. - Christ's object lessons, pp. 67,68.

It is His plan, by conforming His servants day by day to the image of Christ, by making them partakers of the divine nature, to cause them to bear fruit abundantly.

He desires his people, through actual experience in the truth of the gospel, to become true, solid, trustworthy, experimental missionaries. he would have them show results far higher, holier, and more definite than in our day have yet been revealed. Testimonies, vol. 8 p. 186

June 24, 2016

HAVING DONE ALL, I SHALL STAND

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Eph. 6:13.

Those who stand in defense of the honor of God, and maintain the purity of truth at any cost, will have manifold trials, as did our Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. While those who have yielding temperaments, who have not courage to condemn wrong, but keep silent when their influence is needed to stand in defense of the right against any pressure, may avoid may heart-aches and escape many perplexities, they will also lose a very rich reward, if not their own souls. Those who are in harmony with God, and who through faith in Him receive strength to resist wrong and stand in defense of the right, will always have severe conflicts, and will frequently have to stand almost alone. But precious victories will be theirs while they make God their dependence. His grace will be their strength. Their moral sensibility will be keep and clear, and their moral powers will be able to withstand wrong influences. Their integrity, like that of Moses, will be of the purest character. - Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 302, 303.

Stupidity must be shaken off. We must arouse from the lethargy that will prove our destruction unless we resist it Satan has a powerful, controlling influence upon minds....There is no such thing now as a neutral position. We are all decidedly for the right, or decidedly with the wrong...
There are many who profess to believe the truth who are blind to their own danger. They cherish iniquity in their hearts and practice it in their lives. Their friends cannot read their hearts, and frequently think that such are all right. - Ibid., pp. 328, 329.

June 23, 2016

WE SHALL BE ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."

We need to be converted daily. Our prayers should be more fervent; then they will be more effectual. Stronger and stronger should be our confidence that God's Spirit will be with us, making us pure and holy, as upright and fragrant as the cedar of Lebanon. - Gospel Workers, p. 272.

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, ....is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it. - Ibid., p. 275.

Those who are engaged in service for the Master need an experience much higher, deeper, broader, than many have yet thought of having. Many who are already members of God's great family know little of what it means to behold His glory, and to be changed from glory to glory. Many have a twilight perception of Christ's excellence, and their hearts thrill with joy. They long for a fuller, deeper sense of the Saviour's love....

The Holy Spirit works with those who will be worked, molds those who will be molded, fashions those who will be fashioned. Give yourselves the culture of spiritual thoughts and holy Communions. You have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of His glory. As you follow on the know the Lord, you will know that the "path of the righteous is as the light of dawn, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." - Ibid., p. 27

June 22, 2016

THE WORD OF CHRIST SHALL DWELL IN ME

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Col. 3:16.

Faith in Jesus will grow as you become better acquainted with your Redeemer by dwelling upon His spotless life and His infinite love. You cannot dishonor God more than to profess to be His disciple while you keep at a distance from Him, and are not fed and nourished by His Holy Spirit.

When you are growing in grace, you will love to attend religious meetings, and you will gladly bear testimony of the love of Christ before the congregation. God, by His grace, can make the young man prudent, and He can give to the children knowledge and experience. They can grow in grace daily. You should not measure your faith by your feelings.

Closely examine your own heart, and the state of your affections toward God. Inquire, Have I devoted the precious moments of today in seeking to please myself, seeking for my own amusement? or have I made others happy? Have I helped those connected with me to greater devotion to God and to appreciate external things? Have I brought my religion into my home, and there revealed the grace of Christ in my words and in my deportment? By my respectful obedience, have I honored my parents, and thus kept the fifth commandment? Have I cheerfully taken up my little, everyday duties, performing them with fidelity, doing what I could to lighten the burdens of others? Have I kept my lips from evil, and my tongue from speaking guile? Have I honored Christ my Redeemer, who gave His precious life that eternal life might be within my reach? - Messages to Young People, pp. 121, 122.

June 21, 2016

I SHALL NOT FEAR

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Ps. 27:1.

Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence, for this is a part of their discipline in the school of Christ, and it is essential in order that all dross may be purged away. The servant of God must endure with fortitude the attacks of the enemy, his grievous taunts, and must overcome the obstacles which Satan will place in his way.

Satan will seek to discourage the followers of Christ, so that they may not pray or study the Scriptures, and he will throw his hateful shadow athwart the path to hide Jesus from the view, to shut away the vision of His love, and the glories of the heavenly inheritance. It is his delight to cause the children of God to go shrinking, trembling, and painfully along, under continual doubt. He seeks to make the pathway as sorrowful as possible; but if you keep looking up, not down at your difficulties, you will not faint in the way, you will soon see Jesus reaching His hand to hep you, and you will only have to give Him your hand in simple confidence, and let Him lead you...

Jesus is the light of the world, and you are to fashion your life after his. You will find help in Christ to form a strong, symmetrical, beautiful character. Satan cannot make of none effect the light shining forth from such a character. The Lord has a work for each of us to do. He does not provide that we shall be sustained by the influence of human praise and petting; He means that every soul shall stand in the strength of the Lord. - Messages to Young People, pp. 63, 64.

June 20, 2016

FAITHFULNESS IN THAT WHICH IS LEAST

"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much." Luke 16:10.

As a man "thinketh in his heart, so is he," Many thoughts make up the unwritten history of a single day; and these thoughts have much to do with the formation of character. Our thoughts are to be strictly guarded; for one impure thought makes a deep impression on the soul. An evil thought leaves an evil impress on the mind. If the thoughts are pure and holy, the man is better for having cherished them. By them the spiritual pulse is quickened, and the power for doing good is increased. And as one drop of rain prepares the way for another in moistening the earth, so one good thought prepares the way for another.

The longer journey is performed by taking one step at a time. A succession of steps brings us to the end of the road. The longest chain is composed of separate links. IF one of these links is faulty, the chain is worthless. Thus it is with character. A well-balanced character is formed by single acts well performed. One defect, cultivated instead of being overcome, makes the man imperfect, and closes against him the gate of the Holy City. He who enters heaven must have a character that is without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Naught that defileth can ever enter there. In all the redeemed host not one defect will be seen. God's work is perfect as a whole because it is perfect in every part, however minute. He fashions the tiny spear of grass with as much care as He would exercise in making a world. IF we desire to be perfect, ....we must be faithful in doing little things. - Messages to Young People, pp. 144.145

June 16, 2016

THE WORD OF GOD IS BREAD FROM HEAVEN

"As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so be that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is the bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." John 6:57, 58.

Our life is to be bound up with the life of Christ; we are to draw constantly from Him, partaking of Him, the living bread that came down from heaven, drawing from a fountain ever fresh, ever giving forth its abundant treasures. If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life.

Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God, as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet, joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as HE draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch....In those who possess it, the religion of Christ will reveal itself as a vitalizing, pervading principle, a living, working, spiritual energy. There will be manifest the freshness and power and joyousness of perpetual youth.

The heart that receives the Word of God is not as a pool that evaporates, not like a broken cistern that loses its treasure. It is like the mountain stream fed by unfailing springs, whose cool, sparkling waters leap from rock to rock, refreshing the weary, the thirsty, the heavy laden. - Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 129, 130.

Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God. - Prophets and Kings, p. 626.

June 15, 2016

THE WORD OF GOD STIMULATES GROWTH

"As new born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." 1 Peter 2:2,3.

We recommend to every student the Book of books as the grandest study of human intelligence, the book that contains the knowledge essential for this life and the life to come....The student who in his school life becomes familiar with the truths of God's Word and feels their transforming power upon his heart, will represent the character of Christ to the world in a well-ordered life and a godly conversation - Counsels to Teachers, pp. 395, 396.

As with life, so it is with growth. It is God who brings the bud to bloom and the flower to fruit. It is by His power that the seed develops, "first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear." .... The plants and flowers grow not by their own care or anxiety or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. The child can not, by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth. The plant, the child, grows by receiving from its surrounding that which ministers to its life, - air, sunshine, and food. What these gifts of nature are to animal and plant, such is Christ to those who trust in Him.....In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace, as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live, and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. As the flower turns to the sun....so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness,.....that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ. - Steps to Christ, pp. 72, 73.

June 14, 2016

GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18.

Young friends, the fear of the Lord lies at the very foundation of all progress; it is the beginning of wisdom. Your Heavenly Father has claims upon you; for without solicitation or merit on your part He gives you the bounties of His providence; and more than this, He has given you all heaven in one gift, that of His beloved Son.

In return for this infinite gift, He claims of you willing obedience. As you are bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God, He requires that you make a right use of the privileges you enjoy.

Your intellectual and moral faculties are God's gifts, talents entrusted to you for wise improvement, and you are not at liberty to let them lie dormant for want of proper cultivation, or be crippled and dwarfed by inaction. It is for you to determine whether or not the weighty responsibilities that rest upon you shall be faithfully met, whether or not your efforts shall be well directed and your best.

We are living in the perils of the last days. All heaven is interested in the characters you are forming. Every provision has been made for you, that you should be a partaker of the world through lust. Man is not left alone to conquer the powers of evil by his own feeble efforts. Help is at hand, and will be given every soul who really desires it. Angels of God, that ascend and descend the ladder that Jacob saw in vision, will help every soul who wills to climb even to the highest heaven. - Fundamentals of Christian education, pp. 85, 86.

June 08, 2016

BLESSED ARE THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Rev. 22:14.

A faithful obedience to God's requirements will have a surprising influence to elevate, develop, and strengthen all man's faculties. Those who have in youth devoted themselves to the service of God, are found to be the men of sound judgement and keen discrimination. And why should it not be so? Communion with the greatest Teacher the world has ever known, strengthens the understanding, illuminates the mind, and purifies the heart - elevates, refines, and ennobles the whole man...

Among the youth who profess godliness, there is a large class who may seem to contradict this statements. They make no advancement in knowledge or in spirituality. Their powers are dwarfing, rather than developing. But the psalmist's words are true of the genuine Christian. It is not, indeed, the bare letter of God's Word that gives light and understanding; it is the Word opened and applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. When a man is truly converted, he becomes a son of God, a partaker of the divine nature. Not only is the heart renewed, but the intellect is strengthened and invigorated. There have been many instances of persons who before conversion were thought to possess ordinary and even inferior ability, but who after conversion seemed to be entirely transformed. They then manifested remarkable power to comprehend the truths of God's Word, and to present these truths to others.....

God will do a great work for the youth, if they willb y the aid of the Holy Spirit receive His Word into the heart and obey it in the life. - Messages to Young People, pp. 65,66.

June 06, 2016

THE HEATHEN AND THE STRANGER SHALL OBEY GOD

"As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me." Ps. 18:44.

The law of God is as sacred as Himself. It is a revelation of His will, a transcript of His characer, the expression of divine love and wisdom. The harmony of creation depends upon the perfect conformity of all beings, of everything, animate and inanimate, to the law of the Creator. God has ordained laws for the government, not only of living beings, but of all all the operations of nature.....

But while everything in nature is governed by natural laws, man alone, of all that inhabits the earth, is amenable to moral law. To man, the crowning work of creation, God has given power to understand His requirements, to comprehend the justice and beneficence of His law, and its sacred claims upon him; and of man unswerving obedience is required. - Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 52.

Parents have not restrained the selfishness of their children. Self-indulgence has been the object of pursuit. Through self-serving, multitudes are bound in servitude to Satan. They are the slaves of their own impulses and passions, which are under the control of the wicked one. In calling them to His service God offers them freedom. Obedience to God is liberty from the thralldom of sin, deliverance from human passion and impulse. - Testimonies to Ministers, p. 247.

Willing obedience to God's requirements gives vital energy and power to the soul. A work enduring as the sun is done for the worker as well as for those for whom he labors. However limited the capacity of the one who engages in this work, the labor...will be acceptable to God. - Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 613.