From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 1 06:16:45 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 09:16:45 -0500 Subject: We Are Called The Sons Of God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91A8B1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Are Called The Sons Of God Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not; because it knew him not. 1 John 3:1. As John thought of the love of Christ, he was led to exclaim, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." People think it a privilege to see a royal personage, and thousands go great distances to see one. How much greater privilege it is to be sons and daughters of the Most High. What greater privilege could be conferred on us than to be given entrance into the royal family? In order to become the sons and daughters of God, we must separate from the world. "Come out from among them, and be ye separate," the Lord says, "and I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters." . . . There is a heaven before us, a crown of life to win. But to the overcomer only is the reward given. He who gains heaven must be clothed with the robe of righteousness. "Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." In the character of Christ there was no discord of any kind. And this must be our experience. Our lives must be controlled by the principles that controlled His life. Through the perfection of the sacrifice given for the guilty race, those who believe in Christ, coming unto Him, may be saved from eternal ruin. . . . Let no one be so deluded by the enemy as to think that it is a condescension for any man, however talented or learned or honored, to accept Christ. Every human being should look to heaven with reverence and gratitude, and exclaim with amazement, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." >From Our Father Cares - Page 15 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 2 07:32:12 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2005 10:32:12 -0500 Subject: We Are Purified As Christ Is Pure Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91A8C1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Are Purified As Christ Is Pure And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 1 John 3:3. Christ would elevate and refine man's mind, purifying it from all dross, that he may appreciate the love that is without a parallel. Through repentance, faith, and good works he may perfect a righteous character, and claim, through the merits of Christ, the privileges of the sons of God. The principles of divine truth, received and cherished in the heart, will carry us to a height of moral excellence that we had not deemed it possible for us to reach. . . . " And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Holiness of heart and purity of life were the great subjects of the teachings of Christ. In His sermon on the mount, after specifying what must be done in order to be blessed, and what must not be done, He says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Perfection, holiness,-nothing short of this would give them success in carrying out the principles He had given them. Without this holiness, the human heart is selfish, sinful, and vicious. Holiness will lead its possessor to be fruitful, and abound in all good works. He will never become weary in well-doing; neither look for promotion in this world; but he will look forward to be promoted by the Majesty of heaven when He shall exalt His sanctified and holy ones to His throne. . . . Holiness of heart will produce right actions. As God is pure in His sphere, so man is to be pure in his. And he will be pure if Christ is formed within, the hope of glory; for he will imitate Christ's life and reflect His character The princely dignity of the Christian character will shine forth as the sun, and the beams of light from the face of Christ will be reflected upon those who have purified themselves even as He is pure Purity of heart will lead to purity of life. From: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 3 04:23:04 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 07:23:04 -0500 Subject: Power Is Given Us To Become The Sons Of God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91A8D3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Power Is Given Us To Become The Sons Of God But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12 Divine sonship is not something that we gain of ourselves. Only to those who receive Christ as their Saviour is given the power to become sons and daughters of God. The sinner cannot, by any power of his own, rid himself of sin. For the accomplishment of this result, he must look to a higher Power. John exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Christ alone has power to cleanse the heart. He who is seeking for forgiveness and acceptance can say only,- "Nothing in my hand I bring; Simply to Thy cross I cling." But the promise of sonship is made to all who "believe on his name." Every one who comes to Jesus in faith will receive pardon. The religion of Christ transforms the heart. It makes the worldly-minded man heavenly-minded. Under its influence the selfish man becomes unselfish, because this is the character of Christ. The dishonest, scheming man becomes upright, so that it is second nature to him to do to others as he would have others do to him. The profligate is changed from impurity to purity. He forms correct habits; for the gospel of Christ has become to him a savor of life unto life. God was to be manifest in Christ, "reconciling the world unto himself." Man had become so degraded by sin that it was impossible for him, in himself, to come into harmony with Him whose nature is purity and goodness. But Christ, after having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could impart divine power, to unite with human effort. Thus by repentance toward God and faith in Christ, the fallen children of Adam might once more become "sons of God." When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the life of Christ. >From devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 4 04:10:50 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2005 07:10:50 -0500 Subject: God Is Near To All That Call Upon Him Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91A91C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- God Is Near To All That Call Upon Him The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Ps. 145:18. God is pleased when we keep our faces turned toward the Sun of Righteousness.... When we are in trouble and pressed down with anxieties, the Lord is near, and He bids us cast all our care upon Him, because He cares for us. . . . He comes to all His children in their affliction. In time of danger He is their refuge. In sorrow, He offers them joy and consolation. Shall we turn from the Redeemer, the fountain of living water, to hew out for ourselves broken cisterns, which can hold no water? When danger approaches, shall we seek for help from those as weak as ourselves, or shall we flee to Him who is mighty to save? His arms are open wide, and He utters the gracious invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." It is not the manifestation of His great and awful majesty and unparalleled power that will leave us without excuse if we refuse Him our love and obedience. It is the love, the compassion, the patience, the long-suffering that He has shown which will witness against those who do not offer Him the willing service of their lives. Those who turn to God with heart and soul and mind will find in Him peaceful security. . . . He knows just what we need, just what we can bear, and He will give us grace to endure every trial and test that He brings upon us. My constant prayer is for a greater nearness to God. Every provision has been made to meet the needs of our spiritual and our moral nature....Light and immortality are brought to light through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus has said that He has set before us an open door, and no man can shut it. The open door is before us, and through the grace of Christ, beams of merciful light stream forth from the gates ajar. >From Our Father Cares - Page 18 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 5 04:10:07 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 5 Jan 2005 07:10:07 -0500 Subject: Belief in Christ Means Everlasting Life Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AA2C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 5 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Belief in Christ Means Everlasting Life He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life. John 3:36. When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. Christ is ready to impart all heavenly influences. He knows every temptation that comes to man, and the capabilities of every human agent. He weighs his strength. He sees the present and the future, and presents before the mind the obligations that should be met, and urges that common, earthly things shall not be permitted to be so absorbing that eternal things shall be lost out of reckoning. The gifts of His grace through Christ are free to all. There is no election but one's own by which any may perish. God has set forth in His Word the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eternal life-obedience to His commandments, through faith in Christ. God has elected a character in harmony with His law, and any one who shall reach the standard of His requirement, will have an entrance into the kingdom of glory. Christ Himself said, "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." What an exalted position to be identified with one in whom is all perfection centered, who is indeed the Majesty of heaven, but who loved us, although fallen, so much that language cannot express it! He for our sakes laid aside His royal robe, stepped down from the throne of heaven, and condescended to clothe His divinity with humility, and became like one of us except in sin, that His life and character should be a pattern for all to copy, that they might have the precious gift of eternal life. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 6 04:14:00 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 6 Jan 2005 07:14:00 -0500 Subject: The Spirit Brings Wisdom And Understanding Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AAFA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 6 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Spirit Brings Wisdom And Understanding And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. Isa. 11:2. As the Holy Spirit opens to you the truth, you will treasure up the most precious experiences, and will long to speak to others of the comforting things that have been revealed to you. When brought into association with them, you will communicate some fresh thought in regard to the character or the work of Christ. You will have some fresh revelation of His pitying love to impart to those who love Him and to those who love Him not. "Give, and it shall be given unto you;" for the word of God is "a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon." 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 abundant measure. Every revelation of God to the soul increases the capacity to know and to love. The continual cry of the heart is, "More of Thee," and ever the Spirit's answer is, "Much more." For our God delights to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." To Jesus, who emptied Himself for the salvation of lost humanity, the Holy Spirit was given without measure. So it will be given to every follower of Christ when the whole heart is surrendered for His indwelling. Our Lord Himself has given the command, "Be filled with the Spirit," and this command is also a promise of its fulfillment. It was the good pleasure of the Father that in Christ should "all the fullness dwell;" and "in him ye are made full." God has poured out His love unstintedly, as the showers that refresh the earth. He says: "Let the skies pour down righteousness; let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together." . . . "Of his fulness have we received, and grace for grace." >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 7 12:10:39 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 15:10:39 -0500 Subject: Angels Minister To The Heirs Of Salvation Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AC56@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 7 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Angels Minister To The Heirs Of Salvation Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Heb. 1:14. God has angels whose whole work is to draw those who shall be heirs of salvation. . . The angels' work is to keep back the powers of Satan. The work of these heavenly beings is to prepare the inhabitants of this world to become children of God, pure, holy, undefiled. But men, though professing to be followers of Christ, do not place themselves in a position where they can understand this ministry, and thus the work of the heavenly messengers is made hard. The angels, who do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, would prefer to remain close by the side of God, in the pure and holy atmosphere of heaven; but a work must be done in bringing this heavenly atmosphere to the souls who are tempted and tried, that Satan may not disqualify them for the place the Lord would have them fill in the heavenly courts. Principalities and powers in heavenly places combine with these angels in their ministration for those who shall be heirs of salvation. Angels, who will do for you what you can not do for yourselves, are waiting for your co-operation. They are waiting for you to respond to the drawing of Christ. Draw nigh to God and to one another. By desire, by silent prayer, by resistance of satanic agencies, put your will on the side of God's will. While you have one desire to resist the devil, and sincerely pray, Deliver me from temptation, you will have strength for your day. It is the work of the heavenly angels to come close to the tried, the tempted, the suffering ones. They labor long and untiringly to save the souls for whom Christ has died. And when souls appreciate their advantages, appreciate the heavenly assistance sent them, respond to the Holy Spirit's working in their behalf; when they put their will on the side of Christ's will, angels bear the tidings heavenward. . . . And there is rejoicing among the heavenly host. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 8 06:11:42 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 09:11:42 -0500 Subject: We Receive A Faith That Works By Love Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AC5F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 8 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Receive A Faith That Works By Love For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Gal. 5:6. When you present your petitions to the Lord, it should be in humility, without boasting of superior attainments, but with real soul hunger for the blessing of God. Christ always knows what is cherished in the heart. We must come in faith that the Lord will hear and answer our prayers; for "whatsoever is not of faith is sin." Genuine faith is the faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. A living faith will be a working faith. Should we go into the garden and find that there was no sap in the plants, no freshness in the leaves, no bursting buds or blooming flowers, no signs of life in stalk or branches, we would say, "The plants are dead. Uproot them from the garden; for they are a deformity to the beds." So it is with those who profess Christianity, and have no spirituality. If there are no signs of religious vigor, if there is no doing of the commandments of the Lord, it is evident that there is no abiding in Christ, the living vine. Faith and love are the essential, powerful, working elements of Christian character. Those who possess them are one with Christ, and are carrying forward His mission. . . . We are to sit at Christ's feet as continual learners, and to work with His gifts of faith and love. We shall then wear Christ's yoke, and lift His burdens, and Christ will recognize us as one with Him; in heaven it will be said, "Ye are labourers together with God." Will our youth remember that without faith it is impossible to please God? and it must be faith that works by love and purifies the soul. We cannot overestimate the value of simple faith and unquestioning obedience. It is by following in the path of obedience in simple faith that the character obtains perfection >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 9 14:59:59 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 17:59:59 -0500 Subject: Dependence Upon God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AC64@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Dependence Upon God For without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5, last part. The first lesson to be taught . . . is the lesson of dependence upon God. . . . As a flower of the field has its root in the soil; as it must receive air, dew, showers, and sunshine, so must we receive from God that which ministers to the life of the soul. The presence of God is guaranteed to the Christian. This Rock of faith is the living presence of God. The weakest may depend upon it. Those who think themselves the strongest may become the weakest unless they depend on Christ as their efficiency, their worthiness. This is the Rock upon which we may build successfully. God is near in Christ's atoning sacrifice, in His intercession, His loving, tender ruling power over the church. Seated by the eternal throne, He watches them with intense interest. As long as the members of the church shall through faith draw sap and nourishment from Jesus Christ, and not from man's opinions and devisings, and methods; if having a conviction of the nearness of God in Christ, they put their entire trust in Him, they will have a vital connection with Christ as the branch has connection with the parent stock. The church is established not on theories of men, on long-drawn-out plans and forms. It depends upon Christ their righteousness. It is built on faith in Christ, "and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." . . . The strength of every soul is in God and not in man. Quietness and confidence is to be the strength of all who give their hearts to God. Christ has not a casual interest in us but an interest stronger than a mother for her child. . . . Our Saviour has purchased us by human suffering and sorrow, by insult, reproach, abuse, mockery, rejection and death. He is watching over you, trembling child of God. He will make you secure under His protection. . . . Our weakness in human nature will not bar our access to the heavenly Father, for He {Christ} died to make intercession for us. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 10 04:13:19 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2005 07:13:19 -0500 Subject: The Renewed Heart Loves As Christ Loved Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AC6C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Renewed Heart Loves As Christ Loved A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34. Jesus says, "Love one another as I have loved you." Love is not simply an impulse, a transitory emotion, dependent upon circumstances; it is a living principle, a permanent power. The soul is fed by the streams of pure love that flow from the heart of Christ, as a well-spring that never fails. O, how is the heart quickened, how are its motives ennobled, its affections deepened, by this communion! Under the education and discipline of the Holy Spirit, the children of God love one another, truly, sincerely, unaffectedly,-"without partiality, and without hypocrisy." And this because the heart is in love with Jesus. Our affection for one another springs from our common relation to God. We are one family, we love one another as He loved us. When compared with this true, sanctified, disciplined affection, the shallow courtesy of the world, the meaningless expression of effusive friendship, are as chaff to the wheat. To love as Christ loved means to manifest unselfishness at all times and in all places, by kind words and pleasant looks. . . . Genuine love is a precious attribute of heavenly origin, which increases its fragrance in proportion as it is dispensed to others. . . Christ's love is deep and earnest, flowing like an irrepressible stream to all who will accept it. There is no selfishness in His love. If this heaven-born love is an abiding principle in the heart, it will make itself known, not only to those we hold most dear in sacred relationship, but to all with whom we come in contact. It will lead us to bestow little acts of attention, to make concessions, to perform deeds of kindness, to speak tender, true, encouraging words. It will lead us to sympathize with those whose hearts hunger for sympathy. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares By Ellen G. White From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 11 04:17:11 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 11 Jan 2005 07:17:11 -0500 Subject: We Are to Take Time To Think About God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AD47@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Are to Take Time To Think About God Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Ps. 46:10. Christians should . . . cultivate a love for meditation, and cherish a spirit of devotion. Many seem to begrudge moments spent in meditation, and the searching of the Scriptures, and prayer, as though the time thus occupied was lost. I wish you could all view these things in the light God would have you; for you would then make the kingdom of Heaven of the first importance. To keep your heart in Heaven, will give vigor to all your graces, and put life into all your duties. To discipline the mind to dwell upon heavenly things, will put life and earnestness into all our endeavors. Let every one who desires to be a partaker of the divine nature appreciate the fact that he must escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. There must be a constant, earnest struggling of the soul against the evil imaginings of the mind. There must be a steadfast resistance of temptation to sin in thought or act. The soul must be kept from every stain, through faith in Him who is able to keep you from falling. We should meditate upon the Scriptures, thinking soberly and candidly upon the things that pertain to our eternal salvation. The infinite mercy and love of Jesus, the sacrifice made in our behalf, call for most serious and solemn reflection. We should dwell upon the character of our dear Redeemer and Intercessor. We should seek to comprehend the meaning of the plan of salvation. We should meditate upon the mission of Him who came to save His people from their sins. By constantly contemplating heavenly themes, our faith and love will grow stronger. Our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. They will be more intelligent and fervent. When the mind is thus filled . . . the believer in Christ will be able to bring forth good things from the treasure of the heart >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 12 04:12:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 12 Jan 2005 07:12:31 -0500 Subject: Let Us Come Boldly To The Throne of Grace Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AE56@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 12 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Let Us Come Boldly To The Throne of Grace Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16. Jesus knows the needs of His children, and He loves to listen to their prayers. Let the children shut out the world and everything that would attract the thoughts from God, and let them feel that they are alone with God, that His eye looks into the inmost heart, and reads the desire of the soul, and that they may talk with God. In humble faith you may claim His promises, and feel that although you have nothing in yourself whereby you may claim the favor of God, because of the merits and righteousness of Christ, you may come boldly to the throne of grace, and find help in time of need. There is nothing that can make the soul so strong to resist the temptations of Satan in the great conflict of life, as to seek God in humility, laying before Him your soul in all its helplessness, expecting that He will be your helper and your defender. With the trusting faith of a little child, we are to come to our heavenly Father, telling Him of all our needs. He is always ready to pardon and help. The supply of divine wisdom is inexhaustible, and the Lord encourages us to draw largely from it. The longing that we should have for spiritual blessings is described in the words, "As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God." We need a deeper soul-hunger for the rich gifts that heaven has to bestow. We are to hunger and thirst after righteousness. O that we might have a consuming desire to know God by an experimental knowledge, to come into the audience chamber of the Most High, reaching up the hand of faith, and casting our helpless souls upon the One mighty to save. His loving kindness is better than life. He desires to bestow on the children of men the riches of an eternal inheritance. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. >From Our Father Cares - Page 26 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 13 04:19:24 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 07:19:24 -0500 Subject: Rejoice In The Rich Treasures of Grace Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91AF2A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 13 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Rejoice In The Rich Treasures of Grace And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. Deut. 26:11. Thanksgiving and praise should be expressed to God for temporal blessings and for whatever comforts He bestows upon us. God would have every family that He is preparing to inhabit the eternal mansions above, give glory to Him for the rich treasures of His grace. Were children, in the home life, educated and trained to be grateful to the Giver of all good things, we would see an element of heavenly grace manifest in our families. Cheerfulness would be seen in the home life, and coming from such homes, the youth would bring a spirit of respect and reverence with them into the schoolroom, and into the church. There would be an attendance in the sanctuary where God meets with His people, a reverence for all the ordinances of His worship, and grateful praise and thanksgiving would be offered for all the gifts of His providence. . . . Every temporal blessing would be received with gratitude, and every spiritual blessing become doubly precious because the perception of each member of the household had become sanctified by the Word of truth. The Lord Jesus is very near to those who thus appreciate His gracious gifts, tracing all their good things back to the benevolent, loving, care-taking God, and recognizing Him as the great Fountain of all comfort and consolation, the inexhaustible Source of grace. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,-the great mercy and love of God,-we should have more faith and greater joy. No tongue can express, no finite mind can conceive, the blessing that results from appreciating the goodness and love of God. Even on earth we may have joy as a wellspring, never failing, because fed by the streams that flow from the throne of God. >From Our Father Cares - Page 27 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 14 07:48:52 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 14 Jan 2005 10:48:52 -0500 Subject: We Have Received Of God's Fullness Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A011DC1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 14 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Have Received Of God's Fullness And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. John 1:16. Christ sought to save the world, not by conformity to it, but by revealing to the world the transforming power of the grace of God to mold and fashion the human character after the likeness of the character of Christ. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. . . . It declares that while God's hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me. The Father appreciates every soul whom His Son has purchased by the gift of His life. Every provision has been made for us to receive divine power, which will enable us to overcome temptations. Through obedience to all God's requirements the soul is preserved unto eternal life. God has a heaven full of blessings that He wants to bestow on those who are earnestly seeking for that help which the Lord alone can give. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares ------------------------------------------------- This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904. USA Read and Search more Ellen White's Books online at http://www.whiteestate.org/search/search.asp For help on avoiding ISP email SPAM blocking, visit: http://egwlists.whiteestate.org/Lists/help/Message/2.html To unsubscribe, mailto:devotional-off at egwlists.whiteestate.org To switch to the DIGEST mode, mailto:devotional-digest at egwlists.whiteestate.org To switch to the INDEX mode, mailto:devotional-index at egwlists.whiteestate.org For help on email modes: http://egwlists.whiteestate.org/Lists/help/Message/1.html For help or questions send an email to mailto:egwhelp at whiteestate.org -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: application/ms-tnef Size: 5639 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://egwlists.whiteestate.org/pipermail/devotional/attachments/20050114/e61c7f03/attachment.bin From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 15 05:14:23 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 15 Jan 2005 08:14:23 -0500 Subject: We Are Changed From Glory To Glory Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91B06D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 15 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Are Changed From Glory To Glory But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor. 3:18. When enlightened by the Spirit of God, the believer beholds the perfection of Jesus, and beholding this perfection, he rejoices with joy unspeakable. In self he sees sin and helplessness; in the Redeemer sinlessness and infinite power. The sacrifice that Christ made in order that He might impart to us His righteousness-this is a theme upon which we may dwell with deeper and still deeper enthusiasm. Self is nothing; Jesus is everything. . . . The transforming power of grace can make me a partaker of the divine nature. On Christ the glory of God has shone, and by looking upon Christ, contemplating His self-sacrifice, remembering that in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily, the believer is drawn closer and closer to the Source of power. . . . How essential that we have the enlightenment of the Spirit of God; for thus only can we see the glory of Christ, and by beholding become changed from character to character in and through faith in Christ. . . . He has grace and pardon for every soul. As by faith we look to Jesus, our faith pierces the shadow, and we adore God for His wondrous love in giving us Jesus the Comforter. . . . The sinner may become a child of God, an heir of heaven. He may rise from the dust, and stand forth arrayed in garments of light. . . . At every step of advance, he sees new beauties in Christ, and becomes more like Him in character. The love that was manifested toward him in the death of Christ, awakens a response of thankful love, and in answer to sincere prayer, the believer is brought from grace to grace, from glory to glory, until by beholding Christ, he is changed into the same image. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 16 04:45:15 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 16 Jan 2005 07:45:15 -0500 Subject: Love For Others Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91B07F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 16 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Love For Others Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Eph. 5:1, 2. You are to follow God as dear children, to be obedient to all His requirements, walking in love as Christ also hath loved us. . . . Love was the element in which Christ moved and walked and worked. He came to embrace the world in the arms of His love. . . We are to follow the example set by Christ, and make Him our pattern, until we shall have the same love for others as He has manifested for us. He seeks to impress us with this profound lesson of love. . . . If your hearts have been given to selfishness, let Christ imbue you with His love. He desires that we shall love Him fully, and encourages, yes, even commands, that we shall love others as He has given us an example. He has made love the badge of our discipleship. . . . This is the measurement to which you are to reach,-"Love one another; as I have loved you." What height, what depth and breadth of love! This love is not simply to embrace a few favorites, it is to reach to the lowliest and humblest of God's creatures. Jesus says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." . . . The love and sympathy which Jesus would have us give to others does not savor of sentimentalism, which is a snare to the soul; it is a love that is of heavenly extraction, which Jesus exemplifies by both precept and example. But instead of manifesting this love, how often we are alienated and estranged one from another. . . . The result is estrangement from God, a dwarfed experience, a blighting of Christian growth. . . . The love of Jesus is an active principle, uniting heart with heart in bonds of Christian fellowship. Every one who enters heaven will on earth have been perfected in love; for in heaven the Redeemer and the redeemed will be objects of our interest. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 17 06:28:49 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 09:28:49 -0500 Subject: We Are To Overcome As Christ Overcame Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91B090@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 17 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Are To Overcome As Christ Overcame These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33. Satan made stronger attacks upon Christ than he will ever make upon us. There was much at stake with him, whether Christ or himself should be conqueror. If Christ resisted his most powerful temptations, and Satan did not succeed in leading Him to sin, he knew that he must lose his power, and finally be punished with everlasting destruction. Therefore Satan worked with mighty power to lead Christ to do a wrong action, for then he would gain advantage over Him. . . . You can never be tempted in so determined and cruel manner as was our Saviour. Satan was upon His path every moment. Will man take hold of divine power, and with determination and perseverance resist Satan, as Christ has given him example in His conflict with the foe in the wilderness of temptation? God cannot save man against his will from the power of Satan's artifices. Man must work with his human power, aided by the divine power of Christ, to resist and to conquer at any cost to himself. In short, man must overcome as Christ overcame. And then, through the victory that it is his privilege to gain by the all-powerful name of Jesus, he may become an heir of God and joint-heir with Jesus Christ. This could not be the case if Christ alone did all the overcoming. Man must do his part; he must be victor on his own account, through the strength and grace that Christ gives him. Man must be a co-worker with Christ in the labor of overcoming, and then he will be partaker with Christ in His glory. The Saviour overcame to show man how he may overcome. All the temptations of Satan, Christ met with the Word of God. By trusting in God's promises, He received power to obey God's commandments, and the tempter could gain no advantage. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 28. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 18 04:17:24 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2005 07:17:24 -0500 Subject: Jesus Is A Friend That Is Closer Than A Brother Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A91B0F1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 18 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Jesus Is A Friend That Is Closer Than A Brother There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Prov. 18:24. Disappointments you will have, but ever bear in mind that Jesus, the living, risen Saviour, is your Redeemer, your Restorer. He loves you, and it is better to share His love than to sit with princes and be separated from Him. . . . Come daily to Jesus, who loves you. Open your heart to Him freely. In Him there is no disappointment. You will never find a better counselor, a safer guide, a more sure defense. Through all your trials . . . you have had a never-failing Friend, who has said, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." But how often is the Lord neglected for the society of others, and for things of no value! . . . We dare not let His name languish on our lips, and His love and memory die out of our hearts. "Well," says the cold, formal professor, "this is making Christ too much like a human being;" but the Word of God warrants us to have these very ideas. It is the want of these practical, definite views of Christ, that hinders so many from having a genuine experience in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is the reason that many are fearing and doubting and mourning. Their ideas of Christ and the plan of salvation are vague, dreary, and confused. . . . If ever there was a time when men needed the presence of Christ at their right hand, it is now, so that when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Communion with Christ-how unspeakably precious! Such communion it is our privilege to enjoy, if we will seek it. The everlasting assurance shall be yours that you have a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 28, 29. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 19 04:17:44 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 19 Jan 2005 07:17:44 -0500 Subject: Careful Habits Ensure Good Health Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E3F6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 19 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Careful Habits Ensure Good Health I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord. Jer. 30:17. The mind does not wear out nor break down so often on account of diligent employment and hard study, as on account of eating improper food at improper times, and of careless inattention to the laws of health. . . . Irregular hours for eating and sleeping sap the brain forces. The apostle Paul declares that he who would be successful in reaching a high standard of godliness must be temperate in all things. Eating, drinking, and dressing all have a direct bearing upon our spiritual advancement. Health is a blessing which few appreciate. . . . Many eat at all hours, regardless of the laws of health. Then gloom covers the mind. How can men be honored with divine enlightenment when they are so reckless in their habits, so inattentive to the light which God has given in regard to these things. . . . Life is a holy trust, which God alone can enable us to keep, and to use to His glory. But He who formed the wonderful structure of the body will take special care to keep it in order if men do not work at cross-purposes with Him. Health, life, and happiness are the result of obedience to physical laws governing our bodies. If our will and way are in accordance with God's will and way; if we do the pleasure of our Creator, He will keep the human organism in good condition, and restore the moral, mental, and physical powers, in order that He may work through us to His glory. . . . If we co-operate with Him in this work, health and happiness, peace and usefulness, are the sure result. He did not die for us in order that we might become slaves to evil habits, but that we might become the sons and daughters of God, serving Him with every power of the being. My dear young friends, advance step by step, until all your habits shall be in harmony with the laws of life and health. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 29, 30. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 20 04:31:00 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 07:31:00 -0500 Subject: Divine Wisdom Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E565@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 20 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Divine Wisdom For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Prov. 8:11. If Adam and Eve had never touched the forbidden tree, the Lord would have imparted to them knowledge,-knowledge upon which rested no curse of sin, knowledge that would have brought them everlasting joy. The only knowledge they gained by their disobedience was a knowledge of sin and its results.... Age after age, the curiosity of men has led them to seek for the tree of knowledge; and often they think they are plucking fruit most essential, when, like Solomon's research, they find it altogether vanity and nothingness in comparison with that science of true holiness which will open to them the gates of the city of God. The human ambition has been seeking for that kind of knowledge that will bring to them glory and self-exaltation and supremacy. Thus Adam and Eve were worked upon by Satan until God's restraint was snapped asunder, and their education under the teacher of lies began in order that they might have the knowledge which God had refused them. True wisdom is a treasure as lasting as eternity. Many of the world's so-called wise men are wise only in their own estimation. Content with the acquisition of worldly wisdom, they never enter the garden of God, to become acquainted with the treasures of knowledge contained in His holy Word. Supposing themselves to be wise, they are ignorant concerning the wisdom which all must have who gain eternal life....The unlearned man, if he knows God and Jesus Christ, has a more enduring wisdom than has the most learned man who despises the instruction of God. Divine wisdom is to be a lamp to your feet....Everything that can be shaken will be shaken; but rooted and grounded in the truth, you will abide with those things that cannot be shaken. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 30, 31. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 21 04:20:00 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 07:20:00 -0500 Subject: Study The Scriptures Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E671@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 21 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Study The Scriptures For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Rom. 15:4. This Holy Book has withstood the assaults of Satan, who has united with evil men to make everything of divine character shrouded in clouds and darkness. But the Lord has preserved this Holy Book by His own miraculous power in its present shape,-a chart or guidebook to the human family to show them the way to heaven. . . . This Word . . . is the guidebook to the inhabitants of a fallen world, bequeathed to them, that by studying and obeying the directions, not one soul would lose its way. There never was a time when it was so important that followers of Christ should study the Bible as now. Deceptive influences are upon all sides, and it is essential that you counsel with Jesus, your best friend. . . . David declares, "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." How many are betrayed into sin, because they have not, through prayerful study of the Word of God, realized the sinfulness of sin, and found out how they may steadfastly resist it. When temptation comes upon them, they seem to be off guard, and ignorant of the devices of the enemy. We are living in perilous times, and as we draw near the close of earth's history, there will be no safety for those who do not become familiar with the Word of God. . . . Everything that can be shaken, will be shaken. . . . The children of God have reached the most critical part of their pilgrimage; for the nets and pitfalls of the enemy are on every side. And yet with the guidance of the Lord, with that which is plainly revealed in His Word, we may walk securely and not stumble. . . . A voice from heaven is addressing us in its pages. Obedience to God's Word is our only safeguard against the evils that are sweeping the world to destruction. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 31. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 22 05:19:12 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2005 08:19:12 -0500 Subject: To Walk In His Way Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E71F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 22 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- To Walk In His Way The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. Prov. 10:29. If from the beginning we had walked in the counsel of God, thousands more would have been converted to the present truth. But many have made crooked paths for their feet. My brethren, make straight paths, lest the lame be turned out of the way. Let no one follow a crooked path that some one else has made, for thus you would not only go astray yourself, but would make this crooked path plainer for some one else to follow. Determine that as for yourself, you will walk in the path of obedience. Know for a certainty that you are standing under the broad shield of Omnipotence. Realize that the characteristics of Jehovah must be revealed in your life, and that in you a work must be accomplished that will mold your character after the divine similitude. Yield yourself to the guidance of Him who is the Head over all. We are doing our work for the judgment. Let us be learners of Jesus. We need His guidance every moment. At every step we should inquire, "Is this the way of the Lord?" not, "Is this the way of the man who is over me?" We are to be concerned only as to whether we are walking in the way of the Lord. God will honor and uphold every true-hearted, earnest soul who is seeking to walk before Him in the perfection of Christ's grace. He will never leave nor forsake one humble, trembling soul. Shall we believe that He will work in our hearts? that if we allow Him to do so, He will make us pure and holy, by His rich grace qualifying us to be laborers together with Him? Can we with keen, sanctified perception appreciate the strength of His promises, and appropriate them, not because we are worthy, but because by living faith we claim the righteousness of Christ? There is nothing so great and powerful as God's love for those who are His children. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 32 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 23 06:22:35 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 23 Jan 2005 09:22:35 -0500 Subject: All Men Are Drawn To The Uplifted Saviour Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E72D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 23 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- All Men Are Drawn To The Uplifted Saviour And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32. Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross. He was lifted up from the earth, to draw all to Him. Into the hearts of many who beheld that crucifixion scene, and who heard Christ's words, was the light of truth to shine. With John they would proclaim, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." There were those who never rested until, searching the Scriptures and comparing passage with passage, they saw the meaning of Christ's mission. They saw that free forgiveness was provided by Him whose tender mercy embraced the whole world. They read the prophecies regarding Christ, and the promises so free and full, pointing to a fountain opened for Judah and Jerusalem. The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light which streams from the cross of Calvary, and in connection with the wondrous, central truth of the Saviour's atonement. Those who study the Redeemer's wonderful sacrifice grow in grace and knowledge. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption,-the Son of God uplifted on the cross of Calvary. This is to be the theme of every discourse. Jesus is inviting and drawing by His Holy Spirit the hearts of young and old to Himself. . . . When Christ crucified is preached, the power of the gospel is demonstrated by the influence it exerts over the believer. In place of remaining dead in trespasses and sins, he is awakened. Lift up the Man of Calvary higher and still higher; there is power in the exaltation of the cross of Christ. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 32, 33. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 24 04:09:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 07:09:18 -0500 Subject: Reconciled To God By Christ's Death Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E74C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 24 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Reconciled To God By Christ's Death For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Rom. 5:10. The cross is invested with a power that language cannot express. Christ's sacrifice in behalf of the human race puts to shame our meager efforts and methods to meet and uplift humanity, to help sinful men and women to find Jesus. The work of the sons and daughters of God must be of a different character than has yet been manifested by a large number. If they love Jesus, they will have enlarged ideas of the love that has been expressed for fallen man, which required the provision of so expensive an offering to save the human race. Our Saviour asks the cooperation of every son and daughter of Adam who has become a son or daughter of God. . . . Our Saviour declares that He brought from heaven as a donation eternal life. He was to be lifted up upon the cross of Calvary to draw all men unto Him. How then shall we treat the purchased inheritance of Christ? Tenderness, appreciation, kindness, sympathy, and love should be shown to them. Then we may work to help and bless one another. In this work we have more than human brotherhood. We have the exalted companionship of heavenly angels. They cooperate with us in the work of enlightening high and low. Having engaged in the work, the amazing work of our redemption, Christ determined in council with His Father to spare nothing, however costly, to withhold nothing however highly it might be estimated, that would rescue the poor sinner. He would give all heaven to this work of salvation, of restoring the moral image of God in man. . . . To be a child of God is to be one with Christ in God, and to put forth our hands in earnest, self-sacrificing love to strengthen and bless the souls that are perishing in their sins. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 33, 34. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 25 04:26:47 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 07:26:47 -0500 Subject: True Missionary Effort Begins In The Home Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E870@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 25 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- True Missionary Effort Begins In The Home And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. Luke 1:6. In forming a relationship with Christ, the renewed man is but coming back to his appointed relationship with God. . . . His first duty is to his children and his nearest relatives. Nothing can excuse him from neglecting the inner circle for the larger circle outside. In the day of final reckoning fathers and mothers . . . will be asked what they did and said to secure the salvation of the souls they took upon themselves the responsibility of bringing into the world. Did they neglect their lambs, leaving them to the care of strangers? . . . A great good done for others will not cancel the debt you owe to God to care for your children. The spiritual welfare of your family comes first. In rightly training and molding the minds of her children, mothers are entrusted with the greatest mission ever given to mortals. Whenever you take up the duty that lies nearest you, then God will bless you, and hear your prayers. There are too many doing outside missionary work, while their own households are left destitute of any such efforts,-going to ruin through neglect. . . . The first missionary work is to see that love, light, and joy come into the home circle. Let us not be looking for some great temperance or missionary work to do until we have first done the duties at home. Every morning we should think, What kind act can I do today? What tender word can I speak? Kind words at home are blessed sunshine. The husband needs them, the wife needs them, the children need them. . . . It ought to be the desire of every heart to make as much heaven below as possible. A soul saved in your own family circle or in your own neighborhood, by your patient, painstaking labor, will bring as much honor to the name of Christ, and will shine as brightly in your crown as if you had found that soul in China or India. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 34, 35. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 26 04:17:21 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 26 Jan 2005 07:17:21 -0500 Subject: We Are To Do Good To Our Neighbors Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3E97F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 26 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Are To Do Good To Our Neighbors Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it Prov. 3:27. So ready, so eager is the Saviour's heart to welcome us as members of the family of God, that in the very first words we are to use in approaching God, He places the assurance of our divine relationship,-"Our Father." . . . In calling God our Father, we recognize all His children as our brethren. We are all a part of the great web of humanity, all members of one family. In our petitions we are to include our neighbors as well as ourselves. No one prays aright who seeks a blessing for himself alone. We are bound to the Lord by the strongest ties, and the manifestation of our Father's love should call forth the most filial affection and the most ardent gratitude. The laws of God have their foundation in the most immutable rectitude, and are so framed that they will promote the happiness of those who keep them. In the lesson of faith that Christ taught on the mount, are revealed the principles of true religion. Religion brings man into personal relation with God, but not exclusively; for the principles of heaven are to be lived out, that they may help and bless humanity. A true child of God will love Him with all his heart, and his neighbor as himself. He will have an interest for his fellow-men. True religion is the work of grace upon the heart, that causes the life to flow out in good works, like a fountain fed from living streams. Religion does not consist merely in meditation and prayer. The Christian's light is displayed in good works, and is thus recognized by others. Religion is not to be divorced from the business life. It is to pervade and sanctify its engagements and enterprises. If a man is truly connected with God and heaven, the spirit that dwells in heaven will influence all his words and actions. He will glorify God in his works, and will lead others to honor Him. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 35. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 27 04:15:23 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 27 Jan 2005 07:15:23 -0500 Subject: Being United As Children Of God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EA9F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 27 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Being United As Children Of God For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3:26. We seldom find two persons exactly alike. Among human beings as well as among the things of the natural world, there is diversity. Unity in diversity among God's children-the manifestation of love and forbearance in spite of difference of disposition-this is the testimony that God sent His Son into the world to save sinners. The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. In mind, in purpose, in character, they are one, but not in person. By partaking of the Spirit of God, conforming to the law of God, man becomes a partaker of the divine nature. Christ brings His disciples into a living union with Himself and with the Father. Through the working of the Holy Spirit upon the human mind, man is made complete in Christ Jesus. Unity with Christ establishes a bond of unity with one another. This unity is the most convincing proof to the world of the majesty and virtue of Christ, and of His power to take away sin. The powers of darkness stand a poor chance against believers who love one another as Christ has loved them, who refuse to create alienation and strife, who stand together, who are kind, courteous, and tender-hearted, cherishing the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. We must have the Spirit of Christ, or we are none of His. In unity there is strength; in division there is weakness. The closer our union with Christ, the closer will be our union with one another. Variance and disaffection, selfishness and conceit, are striving for supremacy. These are the fruits of a divided heart, open to the suggestions of the enemy of souls. Satan exults when he can sow seeds of dissension. In unity there is a life, a power, that can be obtained in no other way. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 36. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 28 03:38:03 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2005 06:38:03 -0500 Subject: Glad In The Lord Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EBBA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 28 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Glad In The Lord My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord . Ps. 104:34. Rest yourself wholly in the hands of Jesus. Contemplate His great love, and while you meditate upon His self-denial, His infinite sacrifice made in our behalf in order that we should believe in Him, your heart will be filled with holy joy, calm peace, and indescribable love. As we talk of Jesus, as we call upon Him in prayer, our confidence that He is our personal, loving Saviour will strengthen, and His character will appear more and more lovely. . . . We may enjoy rich feasts of love, and as we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of heaven. Wait upon the Lord in faith. The Lord draws out the soul in prayer, and gives us to feel His precious love. We have a nearness to Him, and can hold sweet communion with Him. We obtain distinct views of His tenderness and compassion, and our hearts are broken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feel indeed an abiding Christ in the soul. . . . Our peace is like a river, wave after wave of glory rolls into the heart, and indeed we sup with Jesus and He with us. We have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in His love. No language can describe it, it is beyond knowledge. We are one with Christ, our life is hid with Christ in God. We have the assurance that when He who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. With strong confidence, we can call God our Father. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. His Spirit makes us like Jesus Christ in temper, and disposition, and we represent Christ to others. When Christ is abiding in the soul the fact cannot be hid; for He is like a well of water springing up into everlasting life. We can but represent the likeness of Christ in our character, and our words, our deportment, produces in others a deep, abiding, increasing love for Jesus, and we make manifest . . . that we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 36, 37. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 29 05:45:56 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 08:45:56 -0500 Subject: Store The Mind With Divine Truth Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EC49@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 29 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Store The Mind With Divine Truth Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4. It is the duty of every child of God to store his mind with divine truth; and the more he does this, the more strength and clearness of mind he will have to fathom the deep things of God. And he will be more and more earnest and vigorous, as the principles of truth are carried out in his daily life. That which will bless humanity is spiritual life. He who is in harmony with God, will constantly depend upon Him for strength. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." It should be our life work to be constantly reaching forward to the perfection of Christian character, ever striving for conformity to the will of God. The efforts begun here will continue through eternity. The advancement made here will be ours when we enter upon the future life. Those who are partakers of Christ's meekness, purity, and love, will be joyful in God, and will shed light and gladness upon all around them. The thought that Christ died to obtain for us the gift of everlasting life, is enough to call forth from our hearts the most sincere and fervent gratitude, and from our lips the most enthusiastic praise. God's promises are rich, and full, and free. Whoever will, in the strength of Christ, comply with the conditions, may claim these promises, with all their wealth of blessing, as his own. And being thus abundantly supplied from the treasure-house of God, he may, in the journey of life, "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing;" by a godly example blessing his fellow-men, and honoring his Creator. While our Saviour would guard His followers from self-confidence by the reminder, "Without me, ye can do nothing," He has coupled with it for our encouragement the gracious assurance, "He that abideth in me . . . bringeth forth much fruit." >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 37, 38. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 30 05:45:29 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 08:45:29 -0500 Subject: Trees Planted By Rivers Of Water Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EC50@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 30 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Trees Planted By Rivers Of Water He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Ps. 1:3. Dangers beset every path, and he who comes off conqueror will indeed have a triumphant song to sing in the city of God. Some have strong traits of character that will need to be constantly repressed. If kept under the control of the Spirit of God, these traits will be a blessing; but if not, they will prove a curse. If those who are now riding upon the wave of popularity do not become giddy, it will be a miracle of mercy. If they lean to their own wisdom, as so many thus situated have done, their wisdom will prove to be foolishness. But while they shall give themselves unselfishly to the work of God, never swerving in the least from principle, the Lord will throw about them the everlasting arm and will prove to them a mighty helper. . . . This is a dangerous age for any man who has talents which can be of value in the work of God; for Satan is constantly plying his temptations upon such a person, ever trying to fill him with pride and ambition; and when God would use him, it is too often the case that he becomes independent and self-sufficient, and feels capable of standing alone. . . . Prayer and effort, effort and prayer, will be the business of your life. You must pray as though the efficiency and praise were all due to God, and labor as though duty were all your own. If you want power you may have it; it is waiting your draft upon it. Only believe in God, take Him at His word, act by faith, and blessings will come. . . . Those who have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts, and hears their prayer; and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome. . . . The blessing of heaven, obtained by daily supplication, will be as the bread of life to the soul and will cause them to increase in moral and spiritual strength, like a tree planted by the river of waters. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 38, 39. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 31 04:09:33 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 07:09:33 -0500 Subject: We Shall Inherit All Things Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EC6B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 31 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Shall Inherit All Things He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (daughter). Rev. 21:7. In order to inherit all things, we must resist and overcome sin. We may have joy in the Lord if we will keep His commandments. If we indeed have our citizenship above, and a title to an immortal inheritance, an eternal substance, we have that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. . . . We are members of the heavenly family, children of the heavenly King, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. At His coming we shall have the crown of life that fadeth not away. The Monarch of heaven would have you possess and enjoy all that can ennoble, expand, and exalt your being and fit you to dwell with Him forever, your existence measuring with the life of God. What a prospect is the life which is to come! What charms it possesses! How broad and deep and measureless is the love of God manifested to man! The privileges granted to the children of God are without limit,-to be connected with Jesus Christ, who, throughout the universe of heaven and worlds that have not fallen, is adored by every heart, and His praises sung by every tongue; to be children of God, to bear His name, to become a member of the royal family; to be ranged under the banner of Prince Immanuel, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Son of God was the heir of all things, and the dominion and glory of the kingdoms of this world were promised to Him. . . . Even as Christ was in the world, so are His followers. They are the sons of God, and joint heirs with Christ; and the kingdom and dominion belong to them. In place of the world, He will give you, for a life of obedience, the kingdom under the whole heavens. He will give you an eternal weight of glory and a life that is as enduring as eternity. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 39. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 1 04:16:28 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2005 07:16:28 -0500 Subject: I Give My Heart Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EDB0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- I Give My Heart My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Prov. 23:26 The Lord says to every one of you, "My son, give Me thine heart." He sees your disorders. He knows that your soul is diseased with sin, and He desires to say to you, "Thy sins are forgiven." The Great Physician has a remedy for every ill. He understands your case. Whatever may have been your errors, He knows how to deal with them. Will you not trust yourself to Him? The blessing of God will rest upon every soul that makes a full consecration to Him. When we seek for God with all the heart, we shall find Him. God is in earnest with us, and He wants us to make thorough work for eternity. He has poured out all heaven in one gift, and there is no reason why we should doubt His love. Look to Calvary. . . . God asks you to give Him your heart. Your powers, your talents, your affections, should all be surrendered to Him, that He may work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure, and fit you for eternal life. When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Love to Christ will be the spring of action. Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all, and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek It is the submissive, teachable spirit that God wants. That which gives to prayer its excellence is the fact that it is breathed from a loving, obedient heart. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 2 04:06:03 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 07:06:03 -0500 Subject: Pray In The Morning Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EEDF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Pray In The Morning 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 The very first outbreathing of the soul in the morning should be for the presence of Jesus. "Without Me," He says, "ye can do nothing." It is Jesus that we need; His light, His life, His spirit, must be ours continually. We need Him every hour. And we should pray in the morning that as the sun illuminates the landscape, and fills the world with light, so the Sun of Righteousness may shine into the chambers of mind and heart, and make us all light in the Lord. We cannot do without His presence one moment. The enemy knows when we undertake to do without our Lord, and he is there, ready to fill our minds with his evil suggestions that we may fall from our steadfastness; but it is the desire of the Lord that from moment to moment we should abide in Him, and thus be complete in Him. . . . God designs that every one of us shall be perfect in Him, so that we may represent to the world the perfection of His character. He wants us to be set free from sin, that we may not disappoint Heaven, that we may not grieve our divine Redeemer. He does not desire us to profess Christianity, and yet not avail ourselves of that grace which is able to make us perfect, that we may be found wanting in nothing. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God. Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. * * * * * It is a part of God's plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 40, 41. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 3 04:24:33 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 07:24:33 -0500 Subject: The Bible Begets New Life Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3EFDA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Bible Begets New Life Being born again . . . by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23 In the Bible the will of God is revealed. The truths of the Word of God are the utterances of the Most High. He who makes these truths a part of his life becomes in every sense a new creature. He is not given new mental powers, but the darkness that through ignorance and sin has clouded the understanding is removed. The words, "A new heart also will I give you," mean, "A new mind will I give you." A change of heart is always attended by a clear conviction of Christian duty, an understanding of truth. He who gives the Scriptures close, prayerful attention will gain clear comprehension and sound judgment, as if in turning to God he had reached a higher plane of intelligence. The Bible contains the principles that lie at the foundation of all true greatness, all true prosperity, whether for the individual or for the nation. The nation that gives free room for the circulation of the Scriptures opens the way for the minds of the people to develop and expand. The reading of the Scriptures causes light to shine into the darkness. As the Word of God is searched, life-giving truths are found. In the lives of those who heed its teachings there will be an undercurrent of happiness that will bless all with whom they are brought in contact. Thousands have drawn water from these wells of life, yet there is no diminishing of the supply. Thousands have set the Lord before them, and by beholding have been changed into the same image. Their spirit burns within them as they speak of His character, telling what Christ is to them and what they are to Christ. . . . Thousands more may engage in the work of searching out the mysteries of salvation. . . . Each fresh search will reveal something more deeply interesting than has yet been unfolded. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 41, 42. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Feb 4 04:22:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2005 07:22:18 -0500 Subject: The Spirit To Glorify Christ In Me Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3F118@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Spirit To Glorify Christ In Me He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:14 In these words Christ declares the crowning work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit glorifies Christ by making Him the object of supreme regard, and the Saviour becomes the delight, the rejoicing, of the human agent in whose heart is wrought this transformation. . . . Repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ are the fruits of the renewing power of the grace of the Spirit. Repentance represents the process by which the soul seeks to reflect the image of Christ to the world. Christ gives them the breath of His own Spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through cooperation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence. It should be the work of the Christian's life to put on Christ and to bring himself to a more perfect likeness of Christ. The sons and daughters of God are to advance in their resemblance to Christ, our pattern. Daily they are to behold His glory and contemplate His incomparable excellence. O that the baptism of the Holy Spirit might come upon you, that you might be imbued with the Spirit of God! Then day by day you will become more and more conformed to the image of Christ, and in every action of your life the question would be, "Will it glorify my Master?" By patient continuance in well-doing you would seek for glory and honor, and would receive the gift of immortality. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 42, 43. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 5 04:26:17 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2005 07:26:17 -0500 Subject: The Whole Earth Will Be Lightened Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3F1AE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 5 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Whole Earth Will Be Lightened And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. Rev. 18:1 The end of all things is at hand. God is moving upon every mind that is open to receive the impressions of His Holy Spirit. He is sending our messengers that they may give the warning in every locality. God is testing the devotion of His churches and their willingness to render obedience to the Spirit's guidance. Knowledge is to be increased. The messengers of Heaven are to be seen running to and fro, seeking in every possible way to warn the people of the coming judgments and presenting the glad tidings of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The standard of righteousness is to be exalted. The Spirit of God is moving upon men's hearts, and those who respond to its influence will become lights in the world. Everywhere they are seen going forth to communicate to others the light they have received as they did after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. And as they let their light shine, they receive more and more of the Spirit's power. The earth is lighted with the glory of God. This message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry. Servants of God, endowed with power from on high, with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought. A spirit of intercession was seen, even as was manifested before the great Day of Pentecost. Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families and opening before them the Word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 43. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 6 06:21:26 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 6 Feb 2005 09:21:26 -0500 Subject: Principle Not To Be Sacrificed For Peace Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3F1BF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 6 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Principle Not To Be Sacrificed For 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 There always have been and always will be two classes on the earth to the end of time-the believers in Jesus, and those who reject Him. Sinners, however wicked, abominable, and corrupt, by faith in Him will be purified, made clean, through the doing of His word. . . . Those who reject Christ and refuse to believe the truth will be filled with bitterness against those who accept Jesus as a personal Saviour. But those who receive Christ are melted and subdued by the manifestation of His love and His humiliation, suffering, and death in their behalf. . . . The peace that Christ gave to His disciples, and for which we pray, is the peace that is born of truth, a peace that is not to be quenched because of division. Without may be wars and fightings, jealousies, envies, hatred, strife; but the peace of Christ is not that which the world giveth or taketh away. It could endure amid the hunting of spies and the fiercest opposition of His enemies. . . . Christ did not for an instant seek to purchase peace by a betrayal of sacred trusts. Peace could not be made by a compromise of principles. . . . It is a grave mistake on the part of those who are children of God to seek to bridge the gulf that separates the children of light from the children of darkness by yielding principle, by compromising the truth. It would be surrendering the peace of Christ in order to make peace or fraternize with the world. The sacrifice is too costly to be made by the children of God to make peace with the world by giving up the principles of truth. . . . Then let the followers of Christ settle it in their minds that they will never compromise truth, never yield one iota of principle for the favor of the world. Let them hold to the peace of Christ. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 44. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 7 04:19:16 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 07:19:16 -0500 Subject: I Will Love As Christ Loved Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3F1EB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 7 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- I Will Love As Christ Loved By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 If we would be true lights in the world, we must manifest the loving, compassionate spirit of Christ. To love as Christ loved means that we must practice self-control. It means that we must show unselfishness at all times and in all places. It means that we must scatter round us kind words and pleasant looks. These cost the giver nothing, but they leave behind a precious fragrance. Their influence for good cannot be estimated. Not only to the receiver, but to the giver, they are a blessing; for they react upon him. Genuine love is a precious attribute of heavenly origin, which increases in fragrance in proportion as it is dispensed to others. . . . God desires His children to remember that in order to glorify Him, they must bestow their affection on those who need it most. None with whom we come in contact are to be neglected. No selfishness in look, word, or deed is to be manifested to our fellow beings, whatever their position, whether they be high or low, rich or poor. The love that gives kind words to only a few, while others are treated with coldness and indifference, is not love, but selfishness. It will not in any way work for the good of souls or the glory of God. We are not to confine our love to one or two objects. Those who gather the sunshine of Christ's righteousness, and refuse to let it shine into the lives of others, will soon lose the sweet, bright rays of heavenly grace, selfishly reserved to be lavished upon a few. . . . Self should not be allowed to gather to itself a select few, giving nothing to those who need help the most. Our love is not to be sealed up for special ones. Break the bottle, and the fragrance will fill the house. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 44, 45. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 8 04:19:24 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 8 Feb 2005 07:19:24 -0500 Subject: I Will Sing Unto The Lord Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AA3F2E6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 8 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- I Will Sing Unto The Lord Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. Ps. 50:23 Come to Jesus just as you are, sinful, weak, and needy, and He will give you the water of life. You want a faith that reaches through the hellish shadow that Satan casts athwart your pathway. He is busily inventing amusements and fashions which will so take up men's minds that they shall not be able to spare any time for meditation. Teach your children to glorify God, not to please themselves. They are His children-His by creation and by redemption. Teach them to shun the amusements and follies of this degenerate age. Keep their minds clean and pure in the sight of God. . . . Praise God. Let your conversation, your music, your songs all praise Him who has done so much for us. Praise God here, and then you will be fitted to join the heavenly choir when you enter the city of God. Then you can cast your glittering crowns at the feet of Jesus, take your golden harps, and fill all heaven with melody. We shall praise Him with an immortal tongue. As our Redeemer leads us to the threshold of the Infinite, flushed with the glory of God, we may catch the themes of praise and thanksgiving from the heavenly choir round about the throne; and as the echo of the angels' song is awakened in our earthly homes, hearts will be drawn closer to the heavenly singers. Heaven's communion begins on earth. We learn here the keynote of its praise. Praise the Lord; talk of His goodness; tell of His power. Sweeten the atmosphere that surrounds your soul. . . . Praise, with heart and soul and voice, Him who is the health of your countenance, your Saviour, and your God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 45, 46. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 9 04:25:57 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2005 07:25:57 -0500 Subject: Growth In Grace Begins At Home Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2954E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 9 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Growth In Grace Begins At Home The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Ps. 84:11 There are many who do not grow in grace because they fail of cultivating home religion. The members of the family are to show that they are in constant possession of a power received from Christ. They are to improve in every habit and practice, thus showing that they keep constantly before them what it means to be a Christian. Those who are Christians in the home will be Christians in the church and in the world. Grace can thrive only in the heart that is being constantly prepared for the precious seeds of truth. The thorns of sin will grow in any soil; they need no cultivation; but grace must be carefully cultivated. The briers and thorns are always ready to spring up, and the work of purification must advance continually. That which will make the character lovely in the home is that which will make it lovely in the heavenly mansions. If you are . . . to be the light of the world, that light is to shine in your home. Here you are to exemplify the Christian graces, to be lovable, patient, kind, yet firm. . . . You need to seek constantly the highest culture of mind and soul. . . . As a humble child of God, learn in the school of Christ; seek constantly to improve your powers, that you may do the most perfect, thorough work at home, by both precept and example. . . . Let the light of heavenly grace irradiate your character, that there may be sunlight in the home. The measure of your Christianity is gauged by the character of your home life. The grace of Christ enables its possessors to make the home a happy place, full of peace and rest. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 46, 47. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 10 04:21:55 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 07:21:55 -0500 Subject: God Multiplies My Talents Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29684@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- God Multiplies My Talents Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matt. 25:21 God has given us talents to use for Him. To one He gives five talents, to another two, and to another one. Let not him who has but one talent think to hide it from God. The Lord knows where it is hidden. He knows that it is doing nothing for Him. When the Lord comes, He will ask His servants, What have you done with the talents I entrusted to you? And as he who received five and he who received two tell Him that by trading they have doubled their talents, He will say to them, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. . . . Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Thus He will say also to him who has improved the one talent lent him. . . . To him who has but one talent I would say, Do you know that one talent, rightly used and improved, will bring to the Lord one hundred talents? How? you ask. Use your gift in the conversion of one man of intellect, who sees what God is to him, and what he should be to God. Let him place himself on the side of the Lord, and as he imparts the light to others, he will be the means of bringing many souls to the Saviour. Through the right use of one talent one hundred souls may receive the truth. It is not to those who have the greatest number of talents to whom the "Well done" is spoken, but to those who in sincerity and faithfulness have used their gifts for the Master. . . . There is a great work to be done in our world, and we are accountable for every ray of light that shines upon our pathway. Impart that light, and you will receive more light to impart. Great blessing will come to those who use their talents aright. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 47. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Feb 11 04:38:53 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 07:38:53 -0500 Subject: Preserve The Body Temple Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2979D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Preserve The Body Temple Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Cor. 3:16 God has given you a habitation to care for and preserve in the best condition for His service and glory. Your bodies are not your own. . . . "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" Health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value. . . . Life is a holy trust, which God alone can enable us to keep, and to use to His glory. But He who formed the wonderful structure of the body will take special care to keep it in order if men do not work at cross-purposes with Him. Every talent entrusted to us He will help us to improve and use in accordance to the will of the Giver. Youth is the time to establish good habits, to correct wrong ones already contracted, to gain and to hold the power of self-control, and to lay the plan, and accustom one's self to the practice of ordering all the acts of life with reference to the will of God. The sacred temple of the body must be kept pure and uncontaminated, that God's Holy Spirit may dwell therein. We need to guard faithfully the Lord's property, for any abuse of our powers shortens the time that our lives could be used for the glory of God. Bear in mind that we must consecrate all-soul, body, and spirit-to God. All is His purchased possession, and must be used intelligently, to the end that we may preserve the talent of life. By properly using our powers to their fullest extent in the most useful employment, by keeping every organ in health, by so preserving every organ that mind, sinew, and muscle shall work harmoniously, we may do the most precious service for God. When we do all we can on our part to have health, then may we expect that the blessed results will follow, and we can ask God in faith to bless our efforts for the preservation of health. Our Father Cares, p. 48. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 12 06:18:40 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 09:18:40 -0500 Subject: A Merry Heart Is Good Medicine Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2983D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 12 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Merry Heart Is Good Medicine A merry {rejoicing} heart doeth good like a medicine. Prov. 17:22 The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so. . . . Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care-these are health's greatest safeguard. The power of the will and the importance of self-control, both in the preservation and in the recovery of health, the depressing and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, gratitude, should also be shown. There is a physiological truth-truth that we need to consider-in the scripture, "A merry {rejoicing} heart doeth good like a medicine." The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of inestimable happiness. We should encourage a cheerful, hopeful, peaceful frame of mind; for our health depends upon our so doing. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 48, 49. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 13 04:44:06 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 07:44:06 -0500 Subject: A Merry Heart Is Good Medicine Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29842@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 13 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Merry Heart Is Good Medicine A merry {rejoicing} heart doeth good like a medicine. Prov. 17:22 The relation that exists between the mind and the body is very intimate. When one is affected the other sympathizes. The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. Disease is sometimes produced, and is often greatly aggravated, by the imagination. Many are lifelong invalids who might be well if they only thought so. . . . Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul. Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care-these are health's greatest safeguard. The power of the will and the importance of self-control, both in the preservation and in the recovery of health, the depressing and even ruinous effect of anger, discontent, selfishness, or impurity, and, on the other hand, the marvelous life-giving power to be found in cheerfulness, unselfishness, gratitude, should also be shown. There is a physiological truth-truth that we need to consider-in the scripture, "A merry {rejoicing} heart doeth good like a medicine." The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of inestimable happiness. We should encourage a cheerful, hopeful, peaceful frame of mind; for our health depends upon our so doing. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 48, 49. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 14 04:00:14 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 07:00:14 -0500 Subject: Love Heals Many Wounds Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2985A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 14 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Love Heals Many Wounds Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7 >From the Christian standpoint, love is power. Intellectual and spiritual strength are involved in this principle. Pure love has special efficacy to do good, and can do nothing but good. It prevents discord and misery and brings the truest happiness. Wealth is often an influence to corrupt and destroy; force is strong to do hurt; but truth and goodness are the properties of pure love. A man at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmising will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart in harmony with God is lifted above the annoyances and trials of this life. That which Satan plants in the heart-envy, jealousy, evil surmising, evil speaking, impatience, prejudice, selfishness, covetousness, and vanity-must be uprooted. If these evil things are allowed to remain in the soul, they will bear fruit by which many shall be defiled. Oh, how many cultivate the poisonous plants, that kill out the precious fruits of love and defile the soul! Only the love that flows from the heart of Christ can heal. Only He in whom that love flows, even as the sap in the tree or the blood in the body, can restore the wounded soul. Love's agencies have wonderful power, for they are divine. The soft answer that "turneth away wrath," the love that "suffereth long, and is kind," the charity that "covereth a multitude of sins"-would we learn the lesson, with what power for healing would our lives be gifted! How life would be transformed, and the earth become a very likeness and foretaste of heaven! >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 50, 51. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 15 04:00:56 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 07:00:56 -0500 Subject: How Pleasant Are Words Fitly Spoken Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29951@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 16 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- How Pleasant Are Words Fitly Spoken A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs. 25:11 When at a feast, Christ controlled the conversation, and gave many precious lessons. Those present listened to Him; for had He not healed their sick, comforted their sorrowing, and taken their children in His arms? Publicans and sinners were drawn to Him; and when He spoke, their attention was riveted on Him. Christ taught His disciples how to conduct themselves when in the company of others. He instructed them in regard to the duties and regulations of true social life, which are the same as the laws of the kingdom of God. He taught the disciples, by example, that when attending any public gathering, they need not want for something to say. His conversation when at a feast differed most decidedly from that which had been listened to at feasts in the past. Every word He uttered was a savor of life unto life. He spoke with clearness and simplicity. His words were as apples of gold in pictures of silver. Communion with Christ-how unspeakably precious! Such communion it is our privilege to enjoy. . . . When the early disciples heard the words of Christ, they felt their need of Him. They sought, they found, they followed Him. They were with Him in the house, at the table, in the closet, in the field. They were with Him as pupils with a teacher, daily receiving from His lips lessons of holy truth. They looked to Him as servants to their master. . . . They served Him cheerfully, gladly. Great importance is attached to our associations. We may form many that are pleasant and helpful, but none are so precious as that by which finite man is brought into connection with the infinite God. When thus united, the words of Christ abide in us. . . . The result will be a purified heart, a circumspect life, and a faultless character. But it is only by acquaintance and association with Christ that we can become like Him, the one faultless example. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 51. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 16 04:17:04 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 07:17:04 -0500 Subject: Jesus And His Friends At Bethany Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29A65@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 17 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Jesus And His Friends At Bethany Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. John 11:5 There was one home that He loved to visit-the home of Lazarus, and Mary, and Martha; for in the atmosphere of faith and love His spirit had rest. Among the most steadfast of Christ's disciples was Lazarus of Bethany. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 17 04:19:48 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2005 07:19:48 -0500 Subject: Give Others The Water Of Life Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29B5C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 17 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Give Others The Water Of Life Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14 In His talk with the Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging Jacob's well, Christ presented something better. . . . He turned the conversation to the treasure He had to bestow, offering the woman something better than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the gospel. How much interest Christ manifested in this one woman! How earnest and eloquent were His words! When the woman heard them, she left her waterpot and went into the city, saying to those she met, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" We read that many of the Samaritans of that city believed on Him. And who can estimate the influence that these words have exerted for the saving of souls in the years that have passed since then! Jesus came in personal contact with men. He did not stand aloof and apart from those who needed His help. He entered the homes of men, comforted the mourner, healed the sick, aroused the careless, and went about doing good. And if we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we must do as He did. We must give men the same kind of help that He did. The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to every soul. To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal labor. This was Christ's method. His work was largely made up of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience. Through that one soul the message was often extended to thousands. . . . There are multitudes who will never be reached by the gospel unless it is carried to them. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 52, 53. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Feb 18 12:52:04 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2005 15:52:04 -0500 Subject: Remember Especially Needy Church Members Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29CCA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 18 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Remember Especially Needy Church Members As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Gal. 6:10 In a special sense Christ has laid upon His church the duty of caring for the needy among its own members. He suffers His poor to be in the borders of every church. They are always to be among us, and He places upon the members of the church a personal responsibility to care for them. As the members of a true family care for one another, ministering to the sick, supporting the weak, teaching the ignorant, training the inexperienced, so is the "household of faith" to care for its needy and helpless ones. It is the duty of each church to make careful, judicious arrangements for the care of its poor and sick. Any neglect on the part of those who claim to be followers of Christ, a failure to relieve the necessities of a brother or a sister who is bearing the yoke of poverty and oppression, is registered in the books of heaven as shown to Christ in the person of His saints. What a reckoning the Lord will have with many, very many, who present the words of Christ to others but fail to manifest tender sympathy and regard for a brother in the faith who is less fortunate and successful than themselves. A true Christian is the poor man's friend. He deals with his perplexed and unfortunate brother as one would deal with a delicate, tender, sensitive plant. God wants His workers to move among the sick and suffering as messengers of His love and mercy. He is looking upon us, to see how we are treating one another, whether we are Christlike in our dealing with all, high or low, rich or poor, free or bond. There is no question in regard to the Lord's poor. They are to be helped in every case where it will be for their benefit. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 53, 54. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 19 04:28:46 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 19 Feb 2005 07:28:46 -0500 Subject: What God Loves Most Is A Beautiful Character Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29CD5@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 19 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- What God Loves Most Is A Beautiful Character Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us. Ps. 90:17 God is a lover of the beautiful, but that which He most loves is a beautiful character....It is beauty of character that shall not perish, but last through the ceaseless ages of eternity. The great Master-Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character. All who choose Christ's kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this life is theirs. In the book of God's providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history; even the hairs of the head are numbered. God's children are never absent from His mind. Worldly display, however imposing, is of no value in God's sight. Above the seen and temporal He values the unseen and eternal. The former is of worth only as it expresses the latter. The choicest productions of art possess no beauty that can compare with the beauty of character, which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit's working in the soul. . . Christ came to the earth and stood before the children of men with the hoarded love of eternity, and this is the treasure that, through our connection with Him, we are to receive, to reveal, and to impart. . . . We are to be distinguished from the world because God has placed His seal upon us, because He manifests in us His own character of love. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 54, 55. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 20 05:30:43 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 08:30:43 -0500 Subject: Partakers Through God's Promises Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29CEA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 20 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Partakers Through God's Promises Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 1 Peter 1:4 Every promise that is in God's book holds out to us the encouragement that we may be partakers of the divine nature. This is the possibility-to rely upon God, to believe His Word, to work His works, and this we can do when we lay hold of the divinity of Christ. This possibility is worth more to us than all the riches in the world. There is nothing on earth that can compare with it. As we lay hold of the power thus placed within our reach, we receive a hope so strong that we can rely wholly upon God's promise; and laying hold of the possibilities there are in Christ, we become the sons and daughters of God. . . . He who truly believes in Christ is made partaker of the divine nature, and has power that he can appropriate under every temptation. He will not fall under temptation or be left to defeat. In time of trial he will claim the promises, and by these escape the corruptions that are in the world through lust. . . . To make us partakers of the divine nature, heaven gave its most costly treasure. The Son of God laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown and came to our earth as a little child. He pledged Himself to live from infancy to manhood a perfect life. He engaged to stand in a fallen world as the representative of the Father. And He would die in behalf of a lost race. What a work was this! . . . I hardly know how to present these points; they are so wonderful, wonderful. . . . By His life of sacrifice and death of shame He has made it possible for us to take hold of His divinity, and to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. . . . If you are partakers of the divine nature, you will day by day be obtaining a fitting for that life that measures with the life of God. Day by day you will purify your trust in Jesus and follow His example and grow into His likeness until you shall stand before Him perfected. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 55. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 21 05:22:50 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 08:22:50 -0500 Subject: Reverence For The House Of God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29D0A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 21 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Reverence For The House Of God Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. Lev. 19:30 God is high and holy; and to the humble, believing soul, His house on earth, the place where His people meet for worship, is as the gate of heaven. The song of praise, the words spoken by Christ's ministers, are God's appointed agencies to prepare a people for the church above, for that loftier worship. When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with decorum, passing quietly to their seats. . . . Common talking, whispering, and laughing should not be permitted in the house of worship, either before or after the service. Ardent, active piety should characterize the worshipers. If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the service may be of special benefit to their own hearts and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls. They should remember that heavenly messengers are in the house. We all lose much sweet communion with God by our restlessness, by not encouraging moments of reflection and prayer. . . . Elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; help them to weave Jesus into their experience; teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God and to understand that when they enter the Lord's house it should be with hearts that are softened and subdued by such thoughts as these: "God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and holiest motives. . . . This is the place where God meets with and blesses His people." . . . Parents should not only teach, but command, their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and reverence. Practice reverence until it becomes a part of yourself. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 56. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 22 04:09:04 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2005 07:09:04 -0500 Subject: God Cares For Me Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29D5D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 22 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- God Cares For Me Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isa. 41:10 The Lord is in active communication with every part of His vast 57 dominions. He is represented as bending toward the earth and its inhabitants. He is listening to every word that is uttered. He hears every groan; He listens to every prayer; He observes the movements of every one. . . . God has always had a care for His people. . . . Christ taught His disciples that the amount of divine attention given to any object is proportionate to the rank assigned to it in the creation of God. He called their attention to the birds of the air. Not a sparrow, He said, falls to the ground without the notice of our heavenly Father. And if the little sparrow is regarded by Him, surely the souls of those for whom Christ has died are precious in His sight. The value of man, the estimate God places upon him, is revealed in the cross of Calvary. . . . God's mercy and love for the fallen race have not ceased to accumulate, nor lost their earthward direction. It is true that disappointments will come; tribulation we must expect; but we are to commit everything, great and small, to God. He does not become perplexed by the multiplicity of our grievances, nor overpowered by the weight of our burdens. His watchcare extends to every household, and encircles every individual; He is concerned in all our business and our sorrows. He marks every tear; He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. All the afflictions and trials that befall us here are permitted, to work out His purposes of love toward us-"that we might be partakers of His holiness," and thus become participants in that fullness of joy which is found in His presence. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 56, 57. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 23 04:11:50 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2005 07:11:50 -0500 Subject: Christ My Elder Brother Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB29F2A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 23 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Christ My Elder Brother Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. Heb. 2:17 The Elder Brother of our race is by the eternal throne. He looks upon every soul who is turning his face toward Him as the Saviour. He knows by experience what are the weaknesses of humanity, what are our wants, and where lies the strength of our temptations. . . . He is watching over you, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver. Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. Are you wounded? He will heal. The Lord "telleth the number of the stars"; and yet "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be open for 58 you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden Bearer. Circumstances may separate friends; the restless waters of the wide sea may roll between us and them. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is at our right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Christ's love for His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love; to say, "I will trust Him; for He gave His life for me." Human love may change, but Christ's love knows no change. When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched out to save. He desires us to realize that He has returned to heaven as our Elder Brother and that the measureless power given Him has been placed at our disposal. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 57, 58. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 24 04:10:29 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2005 07:10:29 -0500 Subject: Angels Are Preparing Me For Eternity Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2A08B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 24 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Angels Are Preparing Me For Eternity Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. E