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Monday, October 29, 2012

Deliver Us from Evil

Scripture: “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.”  Proverbs 26:11.
Although this is one of the most repulsive verses in the Bible, It’s so gross that a creature would re-ingest what it has already expelled from its body!             
 But a message we can take from this wise saying is that once we have expelled our horrid sin, or foolishness, from our lives, we do NOT want to return to that way of life!  We should desire to put away our foolishness and sin in favor of living a godly lifestyle.
As disgusting as this is, we sometimes don’t even realize that we are going to retrieve our “vomit.” However, our Lord is a saving God, and we can trust that He will deliver us.
We All Sin
Everyone on earth is born into sin; we none of us escape it!  But God loves us so much that He has allowed us to place our trust in Him through His Son, Jesus Christ .
The Apostle Paul wrote that no matter what we have done in our lives before we become Christians, “We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.  For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.  Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous.  He did this through Christ Jesus when He freed us from the penalty for our sins.”  (Romans 3:22-24)  
After we commit to Christ, we must maintain our new Christian lifestyle – this can be difficult; we ARE still human!  But we want to put aside any sin and anything that comes between us and our relationship with the Lord.
We might still mess up; that’s life, and it just happens.  It is important to pay attention to your thoughts, words, and actions, trying to ensure you try to live like Jesus – with honor for God and compassion for your fellow human.  And when we mess up, we can trust the Lord to forgive us and help us grow closer to Him; we just have to ask and put off the trappings of this world 
Better off Never Having Known
But what if someone claims to be Christian but allows themselves to “return to their vomit,” or their sinful way of life?  The Bible is pretty clear that this would be a deeply distressing event.
 When people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before.  It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life.  They prove the truth of this proverb: ‘A dog returns to its vomit.’”  (from 2 Peter 2:20-25) 
 We followers of Christ are commanded to live a holy life – to live set apart from sin.  What a great gift of freedom this is!  It’s like being healed of a bad stomach virus; no-one wants to return to the pain and degradation of that kind of illness.
So what is your “vomit?”  What sin easily trips you up?  God continues to forgive us for sins after we are saved, but we must be watchful that we grow in HIS life for us, rather than keep on sinning.
We Will Face Troubles
Jesus taught His disciples to request that God will “deliver us from evil.”  (from Matthew 6:13)  Jesus knew that just as He Himself was to face persecution and evil, so His followers down through the years would be tested.
When you give your life to Christ and strive to live life righteously in His sight, life will be more joyful, but it won’t necessarily be much easier.  A Christian might face a life full of torment and annoyances from evil forces.  We are given God’s promise in the Book of Psalms, however:  “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.”
 In other words, no matter what comes into your path, you do NOT have to worry; the Lord will provide what we need in times of trouble!          
Praise for Deliverance 
When God shows us His path for a godly lifestyle, protecting us from returning to our “vomit,” we are blessed!  We owe Him thanks and praise          
King David wrote many songs of praise for God’s deliverance:  “You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.” (Psalm 32:7)       
David was someone who gave his life to God; he was “A man after [God’s] Own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14)  Nonetheless, he had huge problems with sinning.  But he consistently sought God’s forgiveness and strove to throw off the trappings of sin.  He knew he could depend on God in times of temptation and distress.
We live in a distressing, fallen world.  We hear of terrible happenings all over the world.  When you too face trials, remember that God is our strength and our deliverer.  He wants what’s best for you, like a loving parent!
So when you are tempted to sin, turn to the Lord for guidance and protection from earthly desires.  Join David in praise to our God, “This I declare about the Lord:  He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him.”  (Psalm 91:2) 

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Drop Self Into God’s Hands

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. John 10:29.

We must rise to a higher standard on the subject of faith. We have too little faith. The Word of God is our endorsement. We must take it, simply believing every word. With this assurance, we may claim large things, and according to our faith it will be unto us. . . If we humble our hearts before God, if we seek to abide in Christ, we shall have a higher, holier experience. . . . 

True faith consists in doing just what God has enjoined, not manufacturing things He has not enjoined. Justice, truth, mercy, are the fruit of faith. We need to walk in the light of God’s law; then good works will be the fruit of our faith, the proceeds of a heart renewed every day.

We must not in any way make self our god. God has given Himself to die for us, that He might purify us from all iniquity. The Lord will carry on this work of perfection for us if we will allow ourselves to be controlled by Him. . . .

The work of righteousness cannot be carried forward unless we exercise implicit faith. Move every day under God’s mighty working power. The fruit of righteousness is quietness and assurance forever. If we had exercised more faith in God and had trusted less to our own ideas and wisdom, God would have manifested His power in a marked manner on human hearts. By a union with Him, by living faith, we are privileged to enjoy the virtue and efficacy of His mediation. Hence we are crucified with Christ, dead with Christ, risen with Christ, to walk in newness of life with Him.

We are not to hold ourselves in our own hands. We are to drop self into the hands of God. . . . Our lack of faith is the reason that we have not seen more of the power of God. We exercise more faith in our own working than in God’s working for us. God designs that everything possible shall be done to enable us to stand heart to heart, mind to mind, shoulder to shoulder. This lack of love and confidence in one another weakens our faith in God.

We need to pray as we never have prayed before for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for if there was ever a time when we needed this baptism, it is now. There is nothing the Lord has more frequently told us He would bestow upon us, and nothing by which His name would be more glorified in bestowing, than the Holy Spirit. When we partake of this Spirit, men and women will be born again. . . . Souls once lost will be found, and brought back.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

We Have The Blessed Assurance

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb. 13:5.

We have but one life to live, and through our daily connection with God we have, in and through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ, a constant sustenance in doing the things that will represent Christ to the world. We may not have all the conveniences that some have in ease and comfort and in earthly goods, but we have the blessed assurance which Christ gave to His believing disciples. . . . To them He said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). . . .

Blessed words! We may receive Him into our hearts, and He will be unto us hope and courage and sustaining grace. The Lord would have us trust fully and entirely in Him. Then we will, in the simplicity of our faith, believe that Christ will do for us all that He has promised. Let all come to the Saviour in the full assurance that He will do all that He has promised.

We cannot please our Saviour more than by having faith in His promises. His mercies can come to you, and your prayers can come to Him. Nothing can break this line of communication. We must learn to bring all perplexities to Jesus Christ, for He will help us. He will listen to our requests. We may come to Him in full assurance of faith, nothing doubting, for He is the living Way. . . . 

The more we press our petitions to His throne, the more sure we are of constantly receiving the great grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You do not give strength to the road you are traveling by [having] faith. But you increase in strength and in assurance because you have a Guide right by your side, and you can ask Him with perfect faith to guide your steps aright.

Then trust in the Lord Jesus to lead you step by step into the right path. You can derive assurance and strength at every step you advance, for you can be assured that your hand is in His hand. You can “run and not be weary”; you can “walk and not faint,” for you can realize by faith that you have your hand in the hand of Christ. You will not sink under discouragement, for as you follow on to know the Lord, trusting in Him, you will have the assurance that the One who never forsakes those who fully trust Him is your constant Helper.

Friday, October 26, 2012

The Meaning Of Communion With God

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3.

Communion with God is the life of the soul. It is not something that we cannot interpret, something that we can clothe with beautiful words but which does not give us the genuine experience that makes our words of real value. Communion with God gives a daily experience that does indeed make our joy full.

Those who have this union with Christ will declare it in spirit and word and work. Profession is nothing unless in word and work good fruit is manifest. Unity, fellowship with one another and with Christ—this is the fruit borne on every branch of the living vine. The cleansed soul, born again, has a clear, distinct testimony to bear. . . . 

To know God is, in the scriptural sense of the term, to be one with Him in heart and mind, having an experimental knowledge of Him, holding reverential communion with Him as the Redeemer. Only through sincere obedience can this communion be obtained. Where this communion is lacking, the heart is not in any sense a temple of God, but is controlled by the foe, who is working out his own purposes through the human agency. Such a man, whatever his profession or claims, is not a temple of the Holy Spirit.

The experience is perfected by fruit bearing. He who does not bear good fruit in words and deeds, in the strength of elevated, ennobling principle, is a bad tree. The fruit that he bears is unpalatable to God. His professed knowledge of Christ is a falsehood, a deception. . . . 

In the light of the love of Christ, the gospel is an open book. This is the true light, which Christ came to bring to the world. The Saviour’s true disciples have received this love. . . . 

From the light that God has given me, I know that men’s great danger is in being self-deceived. Satan is watching his chance. He will come to men in human form, and will speak to them most entrancing words. He will bring against them the same temptations that he brought against Christ. Unless their minds and hearts are filled with the pure, unselfish, sanctified love that Christ revealed, they will fall under Satan’s power, and will do and say and write strange things, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. . . . 

Following Christ’s example of unselfish service, trusting like little children in His merits, and obeying His commands, we shall receive the approval of God.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Service To God Begins On Earth

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:17.

Those who work against the natural laws of the being must suffer the penalty of transgression. But the Saviour pities us, even when we suffer from infirmities caused by our own wrong course of action. In Him there is a healing power for us. Let us praise God for the tree of life, the leaves of which are for the healing of the nations. . . . 

Everywhere the effects of the curse are seen. Let us praise God that in the earth made new “there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him” (Rev. 22:3). Some little know what true service means. Those who expect to sing in an entertainment spend time in practicing, to familiarize themselves with the music and the words. That we may learn how to serve the Lord in heaven, we must enter His service now, becoming acquainted with Him and learning to be faithful servants. . . . 

It is our privilege to understand the blessed Word of God. We have fallen, it is true, but we are not always to remain in sin. We have been placed on vantage ground. The Lord God of heaven “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). What a precious hope we have in Christ! . . . 

Temptations will come. But when Satan throws his hellish shadow before us, we should reach in faith through the shadow to the light of life—to Him who has not only created man but who by His own blood has redeemed him. We are Christ’s cherished heritage. In living faith we must cooperate with Him in working out our own salvation. Amid trials and temptations His hand upholds and sustains us. Those who rest in Christ Jesus are never restless or uneasy. He means just what He says when He bids us commit the keeping of our souls unto Him, as to a faithful Creator.

Those who hold fast their faith unto the end will come forth from the furnace of trial as fine gold seven times purified. Of this work the prophet Isaiah says, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isa. 13:12). When in trouble, remember that faith tried in the furnace of affliction is more precious than gold tried with fire. Remember that there is One watching every movement, to see when the last particle of dross is taken away from your character.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Help For The Conflict Promised

Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isa. 43:1.

Every obstacle to the redemption of the people of God is to be removed by the opening of the Word of God and the presentation of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The true light is to shine forth, for darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. The truth of the living God is to appear in contrast with error. Proclaim the glad tidings: We have a Saviour who has given His life that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Obstacles to the advancement of the work of the Lord will appear, but fear not. To the omnipotence of the King of kings, our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. Nothing can stand in His way. His power is absolute, and is the pledge of the sure fulfillment of His promises to His people. He can remove all obstructions to the advancement of His work. . . . 

The church of Christ is God’s agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him to do a special work, and if she is loyal to God, obedient to all His commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine power. If she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand against her. If she will be true to her allegiance, the forces of the enemy will be no more able to overpower her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind.

There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all alliance with the world. The members of the church need now to confess their backslidings, and press together. My brethren and sisters, allow nothing to come in that will separate you from one another and from God. Talk not of differences of opinion, but unite in the love of the truth as it is in Jesus. Come before God and plead the shed blood of the Saviour as a reason that you should receive help in the warfare against evil. I assure you that you will not plead in vain. As you draw near to God, with heartfelt contrition and in full assurance of faith, the enemy who seeks to destroy you will be overcome.

Turn to the Lord, ye prisoners of hope. Seek strength from God, the living God. Show an unwavering, humble faith in His power and willingness to save. From Christ is flowing the living stream of salvation. He is the Fountain of life and the Source of all power.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Avoiding temptation

Scripture: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.”  1 Corinthians 10:13.
So you become a Christian.  You think, “Follow Jesus:  that won’t be so hard.  Obviously, this is the way I want to live, so I’ll avoid all the bad things." Unfortunately, it is not so easy to avoid those bad things – those sins – that keep you away from God.  But the good news at least, as St. Paul noted, is that anything that has tempted you, has tempted others, as well.  Any sin you commit is not the first of its kind. Others know how you feel!              
But the even better news, he wrote, is that God will give you a way to avoid falling into the trap of yielding to your temptation and falling into sin.
"Get Behind Me, Satan!"
 In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 4, our Lord Jesus was sorely and brazenly tempted before He started His ministry.  Jesus had gone into the wilderness by Himself.  While He was alone and hungry, the Evil One tried to get Jesus to turn stones into bread, to have Him summon angels to attend Himself, and to make Jesus worship him.  Each time, Jesus used God’s Word to rebuke the Devil; Jesus would not give in to sin even if it made his life easier.                                
God does not want us to give in to sin either.  For us, temptation will probably not show up as the devil.  But we are tempted to sin – to make life easier for ourselves, to enjoy a pleasure not allotted to us, to avoid something we don’t want to do – in hundreds of ways. 
Our temptations tend to show up in more earthy ways:  for the original humans, it was eating a piece of fruit God told them not to.  Have you ever taken a sweet, or something else, that didn’t belong to you?  That’s an easy temptation to fall prey to.                            
As Jesus quoted in Matthew 4, and in the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, God taught His Chosen People after they’d escaped Egyptian captivity. He humbled and tested them in the wilderness, allowing them get hungry and then to feed them, “to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3a)  The manna God provided was only available at certain times and certain ways, and the Israelites had to obey God’s words to be able to even eat.  We also have to depend on God’s Word for survival in avoiding sin. 
 It Gets Worse
It might seem like eating something, even if it doesn’t belong to us, couldn’t be that big a sin.  You might think of a small temptation, “It’s not so bad” or “Maybe just one.”  Does anyone ever stop with “just one?”  Isn’t the temptation for “maybe just another” great, too?  When does it stop?  If you can’t be trusted with something small, how can you turn away from great temptation?              
In the story of Jesus’s temptation, we see the way evil tries to work.  First, Jesus was tempted to calm His hunger.  Next, He was tempted to test God, by throwing Himself off a high point.  Finally, Jesus was tempted to give up all His future glory for the ruling of the earthly realm, by worshiping the Evil One.                                                          
You can see how each temptation becomes worse and the sin deeper – a good reason Jesus told His followers, “Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41) In other words, be aware of what’s going on around you, and keep your focus on God, so sin doesn’t sneak into your life.
What happens when you give in to temptation
 If we take something that isn’t ours, we could end up being punished by the law of the land, in hopes that we will learn our lesson.  That’s bad enough, but even if we aren’t caught and have no earthly consequences, doesn’t the sin wear away at us?  When someone continues in sin, they become immune to knowing the difference between good and evil, craving more and more; yet nothing will fill the void.                                                                           
Worse, we disappoint God and other people if we give in to the temptation.  Sin always hurts someone, even if it’s “just” ourselves – there are no “victimless crimes.”  If you lie, cheat, or steal, you become a person people can't trust. If you harm your own body, you hurt the people who depend on you.                                                                       
Giving in to sin becomes the habit, and soon, your life – and your relationship with God – could be destroyed                  
God Gave Us A Way Out
  Any new Christian has a host of sins to put behind them as they seek to live a godly lifestyle.  More mature Christians must constantly assess their lives to make sure sin doesn’t creep in.  It is just so easy to take the sinful way, especially if the sinful behavior is habit.  But we can place our trust in Jesus, and believe in God’s Word that He will give us a way out.                                                
The Bible tells us that Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testing we do, yet He did not sin.”  (Hebrews 4:15)  As a human, Jesus experienced a sampling of all the sins and temptation that humanity falls prey to.  He knows how we feel; He knows our weaknesses!  So we can rely on His strength to get us past the trouble; we can use His goodness to distract ourselves from worldly evil.       
Jesus knew how hard it can be to turn away from temptation.  When He taught His Disciples to pray (using what is now called The Lord’s Prayer), He addressed it by having them ask God, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.”  (Matthew 6:13)  In other words, we’re to pray that God will spare us from times of trial.  If He doesn’t, we ask that He help us makes the proper choice: to focus on Him and avoid the sin. Remember, it is set in stone that He won’t allow you to be tempted past your endurance.  That means that any temptation you experience IS one you can turn away from.  God has already given you the ability, and He is faithful .      
Results of Turning from Temptation
 Feeling temptation isn’t itself a sin.  Jesus Himself experienced temptation, but “He did not sin.”  He didn’t pretend He wasn’t feeling tempted; instead, He acknowledged it and dismissed the tempter.
When you see something you know you shouldn’t take, it is hard to pretend it is not there.  Instead, understand how you are feeling, and make the conscious decision to choose God’s path for yourself.  The more you make the right choice, the easier it becomes.  Choosing to turn from temptation becomes a habit.                                                                             
And most importantly, we eagerly expect God’s heavenly reward, which Jesus referred to in His Parable of the Talents.  The Lord encourages us to invest well that which God has given us – we don’t want to squander His gifts by yielding to temptation.  The master rewards his dependable servant, “Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master’s happiness!”  (Matthew 25:21)

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Eating The Leaves Of The Tree Of Life

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Rev. 22:2.

Must we wait until we are translated before we eat of the leaves of the tree of life? He who receives into his heart the words of Christ knows what it means to eat the leaves of the tree of life. . . . 

The knowledge that comes from God is the bread of life. It is the leaves of the tree of life which are for the healing of the nations. The current of spiritual life thrills the soul as the words of Christ are believed and practiced. Thus it is that we are made one with Christ. The experience that was weak and feeble becomes strong. It is eternal life to us if we hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end.

All truth is to be received as the life of Jesus. Truth cleanses us from all impurity, and prepares the soul for Christ’s presence. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory. . . . 

It is essential that those who pledge themselves to keep God’s commandments have an intelligent knowledge of the Scriptures. Thus we learn to deny self and to be strictly honest with God in using His goods. It was in order that we might understand the divine will that God gave us the Bible. We cannot obey His commandments until we know what these commandments are.

Parents are without excuse if they fail to obtain a clear understanding of God’s will, that they may obey the laws of His kingdom. Only thus can they lead their children to heaven. My brethren and sisters, it is your duty to understand God’s requirements. How can you educate your children in the things of God unless you first know yourselves what is right and what is wrong, unless you realize that obedience means eternal life and disobedience eternal death?

We must make it our lifework to understand the will of God. Only as we do this can we train our children aright. Your every word and action is to be in accordance with the will of God, irrespective of the opinions and practices of those who refuse to obey God. . . . 

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Ps. 19:7). The Lord has kept back nothing that is necessary for the enlightenment of His children. No one can plead in excuse for transgression that he was left in ignorance, that the way to heaven was not clearly marked out. We have not been left to serve God in a vague, uncertain way.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Our Sanctuary Doctrine

Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Dan. 8:14.

God bids us give our time and strength to the work of preaching to the people the messages that stirred men and women in 1843 and 1844. . . . 

My brethren, take your position where God bids you. Leave alone those who, after light has been repeatedly given them, have taken a stand on the opposite side. . . . Take up the work which has been given us. With the Word of God as your message, stand on the platform of truth and proclaim the soon coming of Christ. Truth, eternal truth, will prevail.

For more than half a century [i.e., since 1844] the different points of present truth have been questioned and opposed. New theories have been advanced as truth, which were not truth, and the Spirit of God revealed their error. As the great pillars of our faith have been presented, the Holy Spirit has borne witness to them, and especially is this so regarding the truths of the sanctuary question. Over and over again the Holy Spirit has in a marked manner endorsed the preaching of this doctrine. But today, as in the past, some will be led to form new theories and to deny the truths upon which the Spirit of God has placed His approval.

Any man who seeks to present theories which would lead us from the light that has come to us on the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary should not be accepted as a teacher. A true understanding of the sanctuary question means much to us as a people. When we were earnestly seeking the Lord for light on that question, light came. In vision I was given such a view of the heavenly sanctuary, and the ministration connected with the holy place, that for many days I could not speak of it.

I know from the light that God has given me that there should be a revival of the messages that have been given in the past, because men will seek to bring in new theories, and will try to prove that these theories are scriptural, whereas they are error, which, if allowed a place, will undermine faith in the truth. We are not to accept these suppositions and pass them along as truth. No, no; we must not move from the platform of truth on which we have been established.

There will always be those who are seeking for something new, and who stretch and strain the Word of God to make it support their ideas and theories. Let us, brethren, take the things that God has given us, and which His Spirit has taught us is truth, and believe them, leaving alone those theories which His Spirit has not endorsed.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Standing By Principle

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Ps. 119:97.

Let those who talk of principle as if they would not on any account depart from it be sure that they understand the principles laid down in the Word of God for our guidance. There are some who follow false principles. Their idea of principle is misleading. Following right principle means the faithful doing of the first four and the last six commandments. In obedience to these divine commands, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ, appropriating all that is embraced in the atonement made on Calvary. Christ will stand by the side of all who receive Him as their Saviour. To them He will give power to become the sons of God. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

The One here referred to as the Word is the Son of God, who was the Commander in the heavenly courts, and who came to this world to open heavenly things to fallen human beings. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Word that was with God before the world was. In clothing His divinity with humanity, He became possessed of two natures, the divine and the human. And because of this, He was fully able to accomplish for the human race their complete redemption, and their restoration to the privileges of the higher life.

He began His earthly life as human beings begin theirs, coming to this world as a helpless babe. And while here, He lived the life that every human being may live who will receive the great gift that the Lord made to our world in sending His Son to work out the plan of salvation.

Christ bore the penalty of sin, the stroke of divine justice, that human beings might not be left to perish. He bore in His body the sentence pronounced against sinners. This is the science of salvation, which can safely be searched into, and which it is profitable to strive to understand. . . . 

Those who continue in transgression will be judged according to their refusal of light. They choose to stand on the side of the prince of darkness, to become the helping hand of him who, if it were possible, would deceive the very elect. They refuse the wonderful gift of heaven, and though they may profess righteousness, and talk of “adherence to principle,” they are at the same time following principles opposed to the noble principles of heaven, and they teach others to follow the same corrupting principles.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Peacemaker

In the old Wild West, the term "peacemaker" had an ominous tone to it.

A peacemaker was a pistol that a person carried. That peace was all too permanent. The Bible tells us that a peacemaker is a person of great value (Matthew 5:9). The greatest title a person or nation can obtain is that of being a peacemaker (Isaiah 52:7). Gaining and holding on to peace is a daunting task with few that have succeeded for any length of time.

Jesus Christ offers peace to humans even while they live in this world (John 14:27). He also offers an everlasting peace that will come about through His return and the enforcement of peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). Most people want peace, but it is illusive and often distant. Being a peacemaker in this world asks a great deal of us. Patience, longsuffering, kindness, understanding and opportunity are just some of the needs. It is not a position of weakness to be branded as a person who loves peace. Strive to be a peacemaker—it is a calling of the highest order.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Let God Work His Will In You

The God of peace . . . make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Heb. 13:20, 21.

By studying the Word of God, and carrying out its precepts in all their business transactions, men may carefully discern the spirit that controls the actions. In the place of following human impulse and natural inclination, they may learn, by diligent study, the principles that should control the sons and daughters of Adam.

The Bible is the guidebook that is to decide the many difficult problems that rise in minds that are selfishly inclined. It is a reflection of the wisdom of God, and not only furnishes great and important principles, but supplies practical lessons for the life and conduct of man toward his fellow man. It gives minute particulars that decide our relation to God and to each other. It is a complete revelation of the attributes and will of God in the person of Jesus Christ, and in it is set forth the obligation of the human agent to render wholehearted service to God, and to inquire at every step of the way, “Is this the way of the Lord?” . . . 

A deceiving crookedness is discernible in the minds of those whose eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eyesalve that they may see all things in the light of God’s Word. The will becomes enslaved, bound to pursue a course which the Word of God will not justify. The will of the human agent is not to be given into the control of any other man. When merged into the will of other men, it is misleading. . . . 

If the human agent consents, God can and will so identify His will with all our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His Word, that when obeying His will, we are only carrying out the impulses of our minds. All such will not possess an unsanctified, selfish disposition, ready to carry out their own wills, but will have a jealous, earnest, determined zeal for the glory of God. They will not want to do anything in their own strength, and will guard strictly against the danger of promoting self.

All who would perfect a Christian character must wear the yoke of Christ. If they would sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, they must learn of Him while on this earth. Our natures are in need of discipline. They must be conformed to the nature of Jesus Christ, that He may accomplish the good He designs to do for all who will submit to be molded by yielding their natures to His authority. The great Teacher will yoke up with every soul who will bear His yoke.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Cast Your Cares upon Him

Scripture: “Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7.
When you have the choice between using your energy to be joyful or using your energy to fret, which do you choose?  In your work, are you able to focus on the task at hand, or do concerns pull your attention away?  At home, can you delight in sharing your love with your family and friends, or do you snap and yell at them in your anxiety?
Go for God's Gold
What in the world can there be that is better for us, than what God wants for us?  His will in our lives is perfect, and that’s what we want to strive for. God’s love is better than riches, better than entertainment, better than luxurious surroundings or succulent food.  When we seek God’s will for our lives, it pleases Him, and we can rejoice!
Jesus told His followers,"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”  (Luke 12:31)
In other words, live for God, and He will provide what you need.  We can trust Him in that and have peace.
We Live for God, Our Lives Show It
When is it easiest to choose to use your energy to be joyful, rather than to fret? When are you most at peace?  When is your life delightful?  What makes you feel like you’ve accomplished the most?
For Christians, we are gladdened when our lives show that we are living for God: we follow His will, sharing His love through the Gospel with many people.
Many Christians feel triumphant peace in the Lord when our lives produce fruit for His glory.  We seek His Kingdom first and trust Him for all else. It’s like relaxing in the arms of a loving parent after a job well done.
We can trust God and lean upon Him.  We don’t need to depend on ourselves, letting our own worries get the best of us.  When we trust God, we give over our cares to Him and can produce the fruit of good soil.
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” the Prophet Isaiah wrote to God.  He advised His people,Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.”  (Isaiah 26:3-4)
Let us fix our thoughts upon the Lord, for He is our eternal Rock!
Because We Are Free
Living for God, with our thoughts fixed upon Him, will lead to our caring more deeply about our fellow people.  We yearn to share the freedom from sin God gives us with others; because we are free from the burden, we want them to be, too.  We have given our cares to God, and want others to experience that freedom from worry, as well.
 “You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the Truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters.  Love each other deeply with all your heart.  For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living Word of God.” (1 Peter 1:22-23) 
Our God will let us know when we have lived according to His will; one day, we hope to hear Him tell us face-to-face.  For now, we are His and each others’ servants. We give over any worry we might have to the Master, trusting in Him, and He will allow our lives to be peaceful, fruitful, and joyful.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Christ Intercedes For You

We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. Heb. 8:1, 2.

The natural eye can never behold the comeliness and beauty of Christ. The inward illumination of the Holy Spirit, revealing to the soul its true hopeless, helpless condition without the mercy and pardon of the Sin-bearer—the all-sufficiency of Christ—can alone enable man to discern His infinite mercy, His immeasurable love, benevolence, and glory.

No one ever came to our world on such an errand of grace, infinite compassion, and unspeakable love, as our Saviour; and none ever received such treatment at the hands of fallen man. “Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price” (see 1 Cor. 6:19, 20). We are Christ’s by creation, His by redemption. He is the only sinless Being who endured suffering, shameful humiliation, and rejection in our behalf. . . . 

Then, how should those who become new creatures in Christ Jesus, saved by His merits, conduct themselves before the universe of heaven? Shall they complain? Shall they accuse one another? Would not a meek and submissive spirit be more becoming? “Learn of me,” said the great Teacher, “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Shall we reveal this spirit in our characters? Shall we wear His yoke, and lift His burdens? . . . 

Could all see Christ before the throne, waiting for their prayers, waiting for them to surrender their will, to cease their rebellion and come back to their allegiance to God, in deep penitence they would pray the Father to forgive their transgression of His law, and forgive them for the influence they have exercised in causing others to disregard the law of Jehovah. The confederacies of the enemy’s army are triumphing in their delay. Will they longer remain under the condemnation of the law? Or, will they stand on the side of Christ, and with their influence help the betrayed, rebellious race by their own experimental knowledge? Will they now become co-workers with Jesus Christ, who is making personal intercession for them before the Father? Angels are keeping back the destroying agencies, for they have an intense interest for these rebellious sons, and they want to help them to return to the fold in safety and peace, that they may finally be overcomers, and be saved, eternally saved with the family of God in heaven.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Are You Preparing For Heaven?

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Cor. 2:9.

What a work is before us. We need greater faith in Christ and the Father, for this we must certainly have, else we shall be counted with the unbelievers. We see great opportunities and a great amount of work to do. We want the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. We cannot afford to miss the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. The sanctification of the truth, confirming man’s steadfastness in the faith, will constitute men laborers together with God.

United with the Source of all power, persevering in duty, enlarging the apprehension of the love of God in Christ Jesus, they become one with Christ, until they are complete with Christ in God.

The glories that await the faithful overcomer are beyond any description. The Lord will greatly honor and exalt His faithful ones. They shall grow like the cedar, and their comprehension will be certainly increasing. And at every advanced stage of knowledge their anticipation will fall far beneath the reality. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). Our work now is to prepare for those mansions that God is preparing for those who love Him and keep His commandments.... The Lord Jesus will enlarge every mind and heart for the reception of the Holy Spirit. . . . 

Time is short. Let the little time you have be employed for your own present and eternal good by active Christian service, doing all the good possible. Redeem the time that has been lost; seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Then you will have something to impart in good works, in cheerful, consecrated influence. . . . 

What preparation have you made for the future, eternal world? . . . You want something higher and better than you now have. You may exert a conscious and unconscious influence in right doing. God deserves something better from you as His subject than that which you have given Him. Carefully consider: Are you standing under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, or under the black banner of the prince of darkness? There is an obligation resting upon you to return the influence and money that is lent you of the Lord to advance His cause and glorify His name.

The Lord calls upon you, “My son, give me thine heart.”

Friday, October 12, 2012

The Word Of God Your Guide

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps. 119:105.

If we would work wisely and intelligently, our human passions, our hereditary and cultivated tendencies, must be brought under the control of a higher and more commanding generalship than human ability. . . . 

“Cease to do evil; learn to do well.” This is the lesson everyone should learn day by day. The training due to one’s self comes first. The influence exerted by a life of strict integrity will be a continual education to others. Those who are restrained and guided by the moral and religious principles plainly laid down in God’s Word walk in accordance with the mind and will of God, who is too wise to err and too good to do us harm.

If you would walk wisely, walk in the way of God’s commandments. The Word of God you have in your keeping, right at hand. This Word is so plain that none need go astray unless they allow themselves to be led by their hereditary and cultivated tendencies to wrong. Your Redeemer met Satan’s treacherous advances with the words, “It is written,” and with the imperative command, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” I counsel you to receive with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save your soul. The Word of God is your haven. It is a tower of strength, into which you may run and be safe. . . . 

The earnest, sincere searcher for truth will not mistake truth for error. The Word of God is the bread of life, of which all may partake and obtain eternal life. Error is falsehood and deception. Those who partake of it must suffer in consequence, as did Adam and Eve in Eden. It is the privilege of all to search with prayerful, eager interest for the truth. Truth is the tree of life, the leaves of which the human family are to eat and live.

Those who try to interpret the Word according to their own ideas, who read it in accordance with their opinions, will never see the truth, and will die in their sins. Those who eat of the forbidden tree accept Satan’s fallacies in the place of “Thus saith the Lord,” and unless they repent, they will never gain that life which measures with the life of God. As did Adam and Eve, they exclude themselves from the tree of life, the fruit of which perpetuates immortality. . . . 

We are living amid the solemnities of the judgment. Our souls should be filled with awe, for we are in God’s presence continually. Each one must decide for himself whether he will obey and live or disobey and perish.

To those who obey, the Word of God is the tree of life. It is the word of salvation, received unto eternal life.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Things Thou Knowest Not

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jer. 33:3.

We do not always consider that the sanctification we so earnestly desire and for which we pray so earnestly is brought about through the truth and, by the providence of God, in a manner we least expect. When we look for joy, behold there is sorrow. When we expect peace, we frequently have distrust and doubt because we find ourselves plunged into trials we cannot avoid. In these trials we are having the answers to our prayers. In order for us to be purified, the fire of affliction must kindle upon us, and our will must be brought into conformity to the will of God. In order to be conformed to the image of our Saviour, we pass through a most painful process of refining. The very ones that we regard the most dear upon the earth may cause us the greatest sorrow and trial. They may view us in the wrong light. They may think us in error, and that we are deceiving and degrading ourselves because we follow the dictates of enlightened conscience in seeking for the truth as for hid treasures. . . . 

Our prayers for conformity to the image of Christ may not be answered exactly as we desire. We may be tested and proved, for God sees it best to put us under a course of discipline which is essential for us before we are fit subjects for the blessing we crave. We should not become discouraged and give way to doubt, and think that our prayers are not noticed. We should rely more securely upon Christ and leave our case with God to answer our prayers in His own way. God has not promised to bestow His blessings through the channels we have marked out. God is too wise to err and too regardful of our good to allow us to choose for ourselves.

The plans of God are always the best, although we may not always discern them. Perfection of Christian character can be obtained only through labor, conflict, and self-denial. . . . 

How inestimably precious are the gifts of God—the graces of His Spirit—and we shall not shrink from the trying, testing process, be it ever so painful or humiliating to us. How easy would be the way to heaven if there were no self-denial or cross! How worldlings would rush in the way, and hypocrites would travel in it without number! Thank God for the cross, the self-denial. The ignominy and shame our Saviour endured for us is none too humiliating for those saved by the purchase of His blood. Heaven will indeed be cheap enough.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Faith for the Faithless

Scripture: "Lord, I have faith.  Help my weak faith to be stronger!” ." Mark 9:24
What would our lives be like if we believed the way God deserves to be believed in?  What would our lives be like if we trusted in Jesus the way He called His followers to trust?  What would our lives be like if we had faith that the Holy Spirit lives within us to comfort, to teach, to guide, and more…?

Nothing can separate us from God's love

No matter what, God loves us!  As followers of Christ, we can be closer to God, working to follow His will and share His love with others.

Paul the Apostle wrote in his letter to the Roman Christians, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s plan for the future of Earth and humanity might be beyond our understanding; and yet, He reveals Himself and His will to us at times.

In the Old Testament, we read the story of Creation, of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah, of how God tried to show the children of Israel the Way to righteousness.  He declared to His people, “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  You will look for Me and find Me, when you look for Me with all your heart.’”  (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

We read in the New Testament of the Way God provided.  Today, we accept God’s promise of finding Him when we look for Him in faith and trust Him with all our hearts.

However, sometimes bad things happen don't they?

In the story from Mark 9 (which also appears in other Gospels), an anxious father brought his extremely ill son to Jesus for healing.  The Gospels say that an evil spirit, or a demon, possessed the boy, causing him to lose his voice and convulse, throwing him into the fire or well.

In front of the crowd following Him, Jesus decried the faith of the people of His time, saying, “You people of this day have no faith.  How long must I be with you?  How long must I put up with you?”  (Mark 9:19)

The father begged for help, but Jesus said, “The one who has faith can do all things.”  (Mark 9:23)
At this point, the father cried out to the Lord that he did believe, and asked Jesus to make his faith stronger.  As more people gathered around, Jesus healed the boy, rebuking the evil spirit so it could not return.

“Bad things” have happened since history was recorded, and we continue to be afflicted today:  what is upsetting you and your friends and family?  What illnesses trouble your lives?

Faith like a child

We “know” that our Lord has dominion over our problems.  But it is sometimes so hard to have faith – to really believe – that they can be resolved in a godly way!

Jesus was teaching a radical new way of thinking and of living.  It’s still an amazing concept today:  to treat people with love and respect, believing that God can work in our lives to help us deal with everything from personality conflicts to illness!

In Matthew’s account, when His Disciples questioned Jesus about why they were unable to heal the boy, “He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith.  Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.’”  (Matthew 17:20)

A mountain of trouble

When our problems seem like mountains, it can be easy to lose our faith.  Jesus often had to scold His closest friends for their lack of faith – and they were watching His miracles, face-to-face, at an incredible rate!  But because we, too, can be counted as friends of Jesus, we can see His miracles, too.

When faced with a problem, we first must pray.  We turn to God, and although He knows everything about us, we are called to lay our troubles at His feet.  Describe them; tell God how you feel about each part of the issue.  Then ask Him to help.

Secondly, we must believe.  God’s Word calls us to faith, to believe, so many times.  No matter what, trust in God’s love and guidance, through each step of the resolution – whatever it might be.

Next, often, we must act.  Sometimes, God will act miraculously.  But frequently, He asks us to put our hands to the labor of the solution.  If we are sick, we might have to eat more healthfully, exercise, or take medicine.  If we have relational issues, we might have to humble ourselves before another person, compromise in a way we don’t like, or even end a relationship.  If we lack funds, we might have to work harder or longer to earn more money, budget more carefully, or even do without certain things that aren’t necessary.

Finally, no matter the outcome, we must still work to grow our faith!  Sometimes, God’s will isn’t our will.  But we have to trust our inheritance:  that God has plans for our “future and hope.”

Faith despite sorrow

When we don’t “get our way,” it’s easy to decide that God isn’t deserving of our attention.  When we experience pain and sorrow, it’s easy to forget our trust in Jesus.  When we don’t understand, it’s easy to think that the Holy Spirit isn’t “there for” us.

And when we sin like that, we need to return to the One Who loves us most.  The writer of Psalm 119 understood the need to confess before God, so faith can be restored:

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word. Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me and teach me Your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on Your laws.”  (Psalm 119:28-30)

God loves us and wants the best for His children!  In Him, we place our hope, trust and faith:

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord.  Be strong.  Let your heart be strong.  Yes, wait for the Lord.”  (Psalm 27:13-14)

Sunday, October 7, 2012

We May Overcome As Christ Overcame

[He] was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb. 4:15.

Christ, at an infinite cost, by a painful process, mysterious to angels as well as to men, assumed humanity. Hiding His divinity, laying aside His glory, He was born a babe in Bethlehem. In human flesh He lived the law of God, that He might condemn sin in the flesh, and bear witness to heavenly intelligences that the law was ordained to life and to ensure the happiness, peace, and eternal good of all who obey. . . . 

This is the mystery of godliness, that One equal with the Father should clothe His divinity with humanity, and laying aside all the glory of His office as Commander in heaven, [should] descend step after step in the path of humiliation, enduring severe and still more severe abasement. Sinless and undefiled, He stood in the judgment hall, to be tried, to have His case investigated and pronounced upon by the very nation He had delivered from slavery. The Lord of glory was rejected and condemned, yea, spat upon. With contempt for what they regarded as His pretentious claims, men smote Him in the face. . . . 

Pilate pronounced Christ innocent, declaring that he found no fault in Him. Yet to please the Jews, he commanded Him to be scourged and then delivered Him up, bruised and bleeding, to suffer the cruel death of crucifixion. The Majesty of heaven was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and amid scoffing and jeers, ridicule and false accusation, He was nailed to the cross. The crowd, in whose hearts humanity seemed to be dead, sought to aggravate the cruel sufferings of the Son of God by their revilings. But as a sheep before His shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth. He was giving His life for the life of the world, that all who believed in Him should not perish. . . . 

Christ bore the sins of the whole world. He endured our punishment—the wrath of God against transgression. His trial involved the fierce temptation of thinking that He was forsaken by God. His soul was tortured by the pressure of a horror of great darkness. . . . He could not have been tempted in all points like as man is tempted had there been no possibility of His failing. He was a free agent, placed on probation, as was Adam and as is man. Unless there is a possibility of yielding, temptation is no temptation. Temptation comes and is resisted when man is powerfully influenced to do a wrong action, and knowing that he can do it, resists by faith, with a firm hold upon divine power.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Ministry Of Angels

And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17.

How few contemplate the unseen agencies. Men are acting their part either for God or for Satan, the Prince of light, or the prince of darkness. All heaven is intensely interested in human beings who seem to be so full of activity, and yet have no thought for the unseen. Their thoughts are not on the Word of God and its instruction. If they would appropriate the Word of God, they would be astonished that there are agencies, good and evil, observing every word and deed. They are in every assembly for business transactions, in councils, and in meetings for the worship of God. There are more listeners in these public assemblies than can be seen with the natural sight, and every man has his work to do. Those unseen agencies are co-laborers with God or with Satan, and they work more mightily and more constantly than do men. Sometimes the heavenly intelligences draw aside the curtain that hides the unseen world, that we may have our minds withdrawn from the hurry and rush, and consider that there are witnesses to all we do and say when we [are] engaged in business, or when we think ourselves alone.

The Lord would have our perceptions keen to understand that these mighty ones who visit our world have borne an active part in all the work which we have called our own. These heavenly beings are ministering angels, and they frequently disguise themselves in the form of human beings. As strangers they converse with those who are engaged in the work of God. In lonely places they have been the companions of the traveler in peril. In tempest-tossed ships angels in human form have spoken words of encouragement to allay fear and inspire hope in the hour of danger, and the passengers have thought that it was one of their number to whom they had never before spoken.

Many, under different circumstances, have listened to the voices of the inhabitants of other worlds. They have come to act a part in this life. They have spoken in assemblies, and opened before assemblies human histories, and have done works which it was impossible for human agencies to do. Time and again have they been the generals of armies. They have been sent forth to cleanse away pestilence. They have eaten at the humble board of families. Often they have appeared as weary travelers in need of shelter for the night.

We need to understand better than we do the work of these angel visitants.