"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 30, 2016
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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