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. Ex. 23:20 All heaven is engaged in the work of preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord's preparation. The connection of heaven with earth seems very close. . . . The heavenly intelligences are waiting with almost impatient earnestness to make Him known to the human agents, that they may be laborers together with these heavenly angels in presenting Jesus-the world's Redeemer, full of grace and truth. . . . The first tear of penitence for sins creates joy among the heavenly angels in the courts of heaven. The heavenly messengers are ready to be on the wing to minister to the soul who is seeking Jesus. . . . Grand and glorious things hath God prepared for those who love Him. Angels are looking forward with earnest expectation to the final triumph of the people of God, when seraphim and cherubim and the "ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" shall swell the anthems of the blessed and celebrate the triumphs of the mediatorial achievements in the recovery of man. Jesus counted the cost of the salvation of every son and daughter of Adam. He provided abundant means that, if they would but comply with the conditions, none need perish, but might have everlasting life. . . . Every heavenly intelligence works as His agent to win man to God. 59 The angels of glory find their joy in . . . giving love and tireless watchcare to souls that are fallen and unholy. Heavenly beings woo the hearts of men; they bring to this dark world light from the courts above; by gentle and patient ministry they move upon the human spirit, to bring the lost into a fellowship with Christ which is even closer than they themselves can know. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 58, 59. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Feb 25 04:23:58 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 07:23:58 -0500 Subject: In Christ There Is Strength Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2A195@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 25 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- In Christ There Is Strength Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me. Isa. 27:5 The enemy cannot overcome the humble learner of Christ, the one who walks prayerfully before the Lord. Christ interposes Himself as a shelter, a retreat, from the assaults of the wicked one. The promise is given, "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." . . . Satan was permitted to tempt the too-confident Peter, as he had been permitted to tempt Job; but when that work was done he had to retire. Had Satan been suffered to have his way, there would have been no hope for Peter. He would have made complete shipwreck of faith. But the enemy dare not go one hairbreadth beyond his appointed sphere. There is no power in the whole satanic force that can disable the soul that trusts, in simple confidence, in the wisdom that comes from God. Christ is our tower of strength, and Satan can have no power over the soul that walks with God in humility of mind. The promise, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." In Christ there is perfect and complete help for every tempted soul. Dangers beset every path, but the whole universe of heaven is standing on guard, that none may be tempted above that which he is able to bear. 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 we will give ourselves unselfishly to the work, never swerving in the least from principle, the Lord will throw about us the everlasting arms, and will prove a mighty helper. If we will look to Jesus as the One in whom we may trust, He will never fail us in any emergency. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 58, 59. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 26 06:15:01 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2005 09:15:01 -0500 Subject: The Will Is The Deciding Power Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2A217@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 26 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Will Is The Deciding Power Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom. 12:2 There is nothing that can keep you away from God but a rebellious will. The will is the governing power in the nature of man. If the will is set right, all the rest of the being will come under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the choice, the deciding power, the kingly power, which works in the children of men unto obedience to God or to disobedience. You will be in constant peril until you understand the true force of the will. You may believe and promise all things, but your promises and your faith are of no account until you put your will on the right side. If you will fight the fight of faith with your will power, there is no doubt that you will conquer. Your part is to put your will on the side of Christ. When you yield your will to His, He immediately takes possession of you, and works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Your nature is brought under the control of His Spirit. Even your thoughts are subject to Him. If you cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may desire, you can control the will, and thus an entire change will be wrought in your life. When you yield up your will to Christ, your life is hid with Christ in God. It is allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers. You have a strength from God that holds you fast to His strength; and a new life, even the life of faith, is possible to you. You can never be successful in elevating yourself, unless your will is on the side of Christ, cooperating with the Spirit of God. Do not feel that you cannot; but say, "I can, I will." And God has pledged His Holy Spirit to help you in every decided effort. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 60. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 27 05:38:00 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2005 08:38:00 -0500 Subject: Make Your Calling And Election Sure Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2A223@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 27 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Make Your Calling And Election Sure Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10, 11 Here a life insurance policy is offered us which insures for us eternal life in the kingdom of God. I ask you to study these words of the apostle Peter. There is understanding and intelligence in every sentence. By taking hold upon the Lifegiver, who gave His life for us, we receive eternal life. We are each deciding our eternal destiny, and it rests wholly with us whether we shall gain eternal life. Will we live the lessons given in the Word of God, Christ's great lesson book? It is the grandest, and yet the most simply arranged and easily understood book ever prepared for giving an education in proper behaviour, in speech, in manners, in affection. It is the only book that will prepare human beings for the life that measures with the life of God. And those who make this Word their daily study are the only ones who are worthy of receiving a diploma entitling them to educate and train the children for entrance into the higher school, to be crowned as victorious overcomers. Christ Jesus is the only judge of the fitness of human agents to receive eternal life. The gates of the holy city will open to those who have been humble, meek, lowly followers of His, having learned their lessons from Him, and received from Him their life insurance policy, forming characters after the divine similitude. When the ransomed are redeemed from the earth, the city of God will be opened to you. . . . Then the harp will be placed in your hand, and your voice will be raised in songs of praise to God and to the Lamb, by whose great sacrifice you are made partakers of His nature and given an immortal inheritance in the kingdom of God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 60, 61. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 28 04:09:45 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2005 07:09:45 -0500 Subject: Christ Presents Me With A Crown And Harp Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2A265@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for February 28 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Christ Presents Me With A Crown And Harp Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:8 Before entering the city of God the Saviour bestows upon His followers the emblems of victory and invests them with the insignia of their royal state. The glittering ranks are drawn up in the form of a hollow square about their King, whose form rises in majesty high above saint and angel, whose countenance beams upon them full of benignant love. Throughout the unnumbered host of the redeemed every glance is fixed upon Him, every eye beholds His glory whose "visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men." Upon the heads of the overcomers Jesus with His own right hand places the crown of glory. For each there is a crown, bearing his own "new name," and the inscription, "Holiness to the Lord." In every hand are placed the victor's palm and the shining harp. Then, as the commanding angels strike the note, every hand sweeps the harp strings with skillful touch, awaking sweet music in rich, melodious strains. Rapture unutterable thrills every heart, and each voice is raised in grateful praise: "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever." Oh, what joy unspeakable, to see Him whom we loved-to see Him in His glory who so loved us that He gave Himself for us-to behold those hands once pierced for our redemption stretched out to us in blessing and welcome! Those who . . . place themselves in God's hands . . . will see the King in His beauty. They will behold His matchless charms, and touching their golden harps, they will fill all heaven with rich music and with songs to the Lamb. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 61, 62. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 1 04:22:08 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2005 07:22:08 -0500 Subject: Privilege Of Open Communion With God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AB2A3B4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Privilege Of Open Communion With God I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Rev. 21:22 The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. "Now we see through a glass, darkly." We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance. We may address Him by the endearing name, "Our Father," which is a sign of our affection for Him and a pledge of His tender regard and relationship to us. And the Son of God, beholding the heirs of grace, "is not ashamed to call them brethren." They have even a more sacred relationship to God than have the angels who have never fallen. All the paternal love which has come down from generation to generation through the channel of human hearts, all the springs of tenderness which have opened in the souls of men, are but as a tiny rill to the boundless ocean when compared with the infinite, exhaustless love of God. Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to God through Christ. The longer we are in the heaven of bliss, the more and still more of glory will be opened to us; and the more we know of God, the more intense will be our happiness. And what is the happiness of heaven but to see God? What greater joy could come to the sinner saved by the grace of Christ than to look upon the face of God and know Him as Father? How much comfort it gives to behold Him here by the eye of faith, that we may by beholding be made like Him, but what will it be to behold Him as He is, without one dimming veil between? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 62, 63. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 2 04:19:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 2 Mar 2005 07:19:18 -0500 Subject: Preparing For The Holy Day Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD2A90@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Preparing For The Holy Day Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Ex. 20:8. At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said, "Remember." He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment. . . . When the Sabbath is thus remembered, the temporal will not be allowed to encroach upon the spiritual. No duty pertaining to the six working days will be left for the Sabbath. During the week our energies will not be so exhausted in temporal labor that on the day when the Lord rested and was refreshed we shall be too weary to engage in His service. . . . On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. . . . The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day. On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled from the soul. In a humble spirit, "confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another." Before the setting of the sun let the members of the family assemble to read God's Word, to sing and pray. We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy time. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 64. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 3 07:40:22 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2005 10:40:22 -0500 Subject: God's Gift To The Human Race Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD2C5E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- God's Gift To The Human Race For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16. The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. Through that gift there comes to us day by day the unfailing flow of Jehovah's goodness. Every flower, with its delicate tints and sweet fragrance, is given for our enjoyment through that one Gift. The sun and moon were made by Him; there is not a star that beautifies the heavens which He did not make. There is not an article of food upon our tables that He has not provided for our sustenance. The superscription of Christ is upon it all. Everything is supplied to man through the one unspeakable Gift, the only-begotten Son of God. He was nailed to the cross that all these bounties might flow to God's workmanship. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son." He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word. "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder." Isa. 9:6. God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. . . . Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love. Christ bowed down in unparalleled humility, that in His exaltation to the throne of God, He might also exalt those who believe in Him, to a seat with Him upon His throne. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 65. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 4 04:23:12 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2005 07:23:12 -0500 Subject: The Creator Incarnate Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD2D3E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Creator Incarnate And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Tim. 3:16. The incarnation of Christ is the mystery of all mysteries. Christ was one with the Father, yet . . . He was willing to step down from the exaltation of one who was equal with God. That He might accomplish His purpose of love for the fallen race, He became bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. How wide is the contrast between the divinity of Christ and the helpless infant in Bethlehem's manger! How can we span the distance between the mighty God and a helpless child? And yet the Creator of worlds, He in whom was the fullness of the Godhead bodily, was manifest in the helpless babe in the manger. Far higher than any of the angels, equal with the Father in dignity and glory, and yet wearing the garb of humanity! Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life. Those who claim that it was not possible for Christ to sin, cannot believe that He really took upon Himself human nature. But was not Christ actually tempted, not only by Satan in the wilderness, but all through His life, from childhood to manhood? Our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 65, 66. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 6 10:05:20 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 6 Mar 2005 13:05:20 -0500 Subject: A Saviour From Eternity Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD2DF2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 6 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Saviour From Eternity Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Eph. 1:3, 4 Since the Fall the Lord has wrought out His will in the plan of redemption, a plan by which He is seeking to restore man to his original perfection. Christ's death on the cross has made it possible for God to receive and pardon every repentant soul. As the divine Sufferer hung upon the cross, angels gathered about Him, and as they looked upon Him, and heard His cry, they asked, with intense emotion, "Will not the Lord Jehovah save Him?" . . . Then were the words spoken: "The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent. Father and Son are pledged to fulfill the terms of the everlasting covenant. God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Christ was not alone in making His great sacrifice. It was the fulfillment of the covenant made between Him and His Father before the foundation of the world was laid. With clasped hands they had entered into the solemn pledge that Christ would become the surety for the human race if they were overcome by Satan's sophistry. The salvation of the human race has ever been the object of the councils of heaven. The covenant of mercy was made before the foundation of the world. It has existed from all eternity, and is called the everlasting covenant. So surely as there never was a time when God was not, so surely there never was a moment when it was not the delight of the eternal mind to manifest His grace to humanity. The more we consider this subject, the greater depths we find, and yet there are depths that we do not reach as we study the Redeemer's glory. It is the glory of the Prince of life, and the mightiest powers of man cannot reach it. The angels themselves desire to look into this mysterious and wonderful theme, the redemption of the human race. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 67, 68. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 7 04:10:00 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 7 Mar 2005 07:10:00 -0500 Subject: Does Faith Cancel Obedience? Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD2E10@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 7 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Does Faith Cancel Obedience? Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Rom. 3:31. Faith is not an opiate, but a stimulant. Looking to Calvary will not quiet your soul into nonperformance of duty, but will create faith that will work, purifying the soul from all selfishness. The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. "Believe, believe," is their cry; "only believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do." While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. There are two errors against which the children of God-particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace-especially need to guard. The first . . . is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. He who is trying to become holy by his own works in keeping the law, is attempting an impossibility. . . . It is the grace of Christ alone, through faith, that can make us holy. The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption. But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love. The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth. . . . Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience. As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Saviour lived. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 68, 69. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 8 04:05:17 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2005 07:05:17 -0500 Subject: The Saving Power Of Jesus Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD2F7D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 8 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Saving Power Of Jesus And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:9. Our precious Saviour has invited us to join ourselves to Him and unite our weakness with His strength, our ignorance with His wisdom, our unworthiness with His merit. Rigid precision in obeying the law would entitle no man to enter the kingdom of heaven. There must be a new birth, a new mind through the operation of the Spirit of God, which purifies the life and ennobles the character. This connection with God fits man for the glorious kingdom of heaven. No human invention can ever find a remedy for the sinning soul. There must be a power working from within, a new life from above, before men can be changed from sin to holiness. That power is Christ. His grace alone can quicken the lifeless faculties of the soul, and attract it to God, to holiness. . . . The idea that it is necessary only to develop the good that exists in man by nature, is a fatal deception. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor. 2:14. . . . Of Christ it is written, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men"-the only "name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." John 1:4; Acts 4:12. . . . Paul the apostle . . . longed for the purity, the righteousness, to which in himself he was powerless to attain, and he cried out, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?" Rom. 7:24, margin. Such is the cry that has gone up from burdened hearts in all lands and in all ages. To all, there is but one answer, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 69, 70. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 9 04:11:34 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2005 07:11:34 -0500 Subject: Peace Through The Cross Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD30B7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 9 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Peace Through The Cross There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8:1 If sinners can be led to give one earnest look at the cross, if they can obtain a full view of the crucified Saviour, they will realize the depth of God's compassion and the sinfulness of sin. As your conscience has been quickened by the Holy Spirit, you have seen something of the evil of sin, of its power, its guilt, its woe; and you look upon it with abhorrence. . . . You long to be forgiven, to be cleansed, to be set free. Harmony with God, likeness to Him-what can you do to obtain it? It is peace that you need-Heaven's forgiveness and peace and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift, "without money and without price." Isa. 55:1. . . . Go to Him, and ask that He will wash away your sins, and give you a new heart. Then believe that He does this because He has promised . . . . It is our privilege to go to Jesus and be cleansed, and to stand before the law without shame or remorse. When at the foot of the cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save him, he may rejoice with fullness of joy; for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain. Thank God for the gift of His dear Son, and pray that He may not have died for you in vain. The spirit invites you today. Come with your whole heart to Jesus, and you may claim His blessing. As you read the promises, remember they are the expression of unutterable love and pity. . . . Yes, only believe that God is your helper. He wants to restore His moral image in man. As you draw near to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw near to you with mercy and forgiveness. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 70. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 10 04:21:42 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2005 07:21:42 -0500 Subject: Filled With His Righteousness Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD3208@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Filled With His Righteousness Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matt. 5:6. Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and "God is love." 1 John 4:16. It is conformity to the law of God, for "all thy commandments are righteousness" (Ps. 119:172), and "love is the fulfilling of the law" (Rom. 13:10). Righteousness is love, and love is the light and the life of God. The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive righteousness by receiving Him. Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat;. . . without money and without price." Isa. 55:1. "Their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord," and, "This is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our righteousness." Isa. 54:17; Jer. 23:6. No human agent can supply that which will satisfy the hunger and thirst of the soul. But Jesus says, . . "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35. . . . The more we know of God, the higher will be our ideal of character and the more earnest our longing to reflect His likeness. A divine element combines with the human when the soul reaches out after God and the longing heart can say, "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him." Ps. 62:5. . . . The continual cry of the heart is, "More of Thee," and ever the Spirit's answer is, "Much more." Rom. 5:9, 10. . . . It was the good pleasure of the Father that in Christ should "all the fulness dwell," and "in him ye are made full." Col. 1:19, R.V.; 2:10, R.V. Christ is the great depository of justifying righteousness and sanctifying grace. All may come to Him, and receive of His fullness. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 71. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 11 03:54:28 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2005 06:54:28 -0500 Subject: The Just Shall Live By Faith Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD330A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Just Shall Live By Faith As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him. Col. 2:6. Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness-all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly-by abiding in Him-that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the author, but the finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. . . . Do you ask, "How am I to abide in Christ?" In the same way as you received Him at first. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." Col. 2:6. "The just shall live by faith." Heb. 10:38. You gave yourself to God, to be His wholly, to serve and obey Him, and you took Christ as your Saviour. You could not yourself atone for your sins or change your heart; but having given yourself to God, you believe that He for Christ's sake did all this for you. By faith you became Christ's, and by faith you are to grow up in Him-by giving and taking. You are to give all-your heart, your will, your service-give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all-Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper-to give you power to obey. Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, "Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee." This is a daily matter. Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 72. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Mar 12 05:51:30 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 12 Mar 2005 08:51:30 -0500 Subject: Sincere Confession Essential Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD3390@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 12 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Sincere Confession Essential If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. The apostle says, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." James 5:16. Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God, because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you have sinned against his Creator. . . . True confession is always of a specific character, and acknowledges particular sins. They may be of such a nature as to be brought before God only; they may be wrongs that should be confessed to individuals who have suffered injury through them; or they may be of a public character, and should then be as publicly confessed. But all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty. Many, many confessions should never be spoken in the hearing of mortals; for the result is that which the limited judgment of finite beings does not anticipate. . . . God will be better glorified if we confess the secret, inbred corruption of the heart to Jesus alone than if we open its recesses to finite, erring man, who cannot judge righteously unless his heart is constantly imbued with the Spirit of God. . . . Do not pour into human ears the story which God alone should hear. The confession that is the outpouring of the inmost soul finds its way to the God of infinite pity. Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart, and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive, and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness. . . . Desire the fullness of the grace of Christ. Let your heart be filled with an intense longing for His righteousness. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 72, 73. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 13 04:27:03 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2005 07:27:03 -0500 Subject: A Change Of Heart Needed Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD3399@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 13 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Change Of Heart Needed Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:3. Nicodemus held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. . . . With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus. . . .The lessons that had fallen from the Saviour's lips had greatly impressed him, and he desired to learn more of these wonderful truths. . . Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. The change of heart represented by the new birth can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. . . . Pride and self-love resist the Spirit of God; every natural inclination of the soul opposes the change from self-importance and pride to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. But if we would travel in the pathway to eternal life, we must not listen to the whispering of self. In humility and contrition we must beseech our heavenly Father, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Ps. 51:10. As we receive divine light, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, we are "born again," freed from the defilement of sin by the power of Christ. The mighty power of the Holy Spirit works an entire transformation in the character of the human agent, making him a new creature in Christ Jesus. . . . The words and actions express the love of the Saviour. There is no striving for the highest place. Self is renounced. The name of Jesus is written on all that is said and done. Is not this, the renewal of man, the greatest miracle that can be performed? What cannot the human agent do who by faith takes hold of the divine power? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 73, 74. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 14 04:04:47 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 07:04:47 -0500 Subject: Holiness of Life Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD33AE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 14 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Holiness Of Life Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Heb. 12:14. No one who claims holiness is really holy. Those who are registered as holy in the books of heaven are not aware of the fact, and are the last ones to boast of their own goodness. It is not a conclusive evidence that a man is a Christian because he manifests spiritual ecstasy under extraordinary circumstances. Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love. No one can be omnipotent, but all can cleanse themselves from filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. God requires every soul to be pure and holy. We have hereditary tendencies to wrong. This is a part of self that no one need carry about. It is a weakness of humanity to pet selfishness, because it is a natural trait of character. But unless all selfishness is put away, unless self is crucified, we can never be holy as God is holy. There is in humanity a tendency to suspicious imagining, which circumstances quicken into lively growth. If this trait is indulged, it spoils the character and ruins the soul. God requires moral perfection in all. Those who have been given light and opportunities should, as God's stewards, aim for perfection, and never, never lower the standard of righteousness to accommodate inherited and cultivated tendencies to wrong. Christ took upon Him our human nature, and lived our life, to show us that we may be like Him. . . . We ought to be holy even as God is holy; and when we comprehend the full significance of this statement, and set our heart to do the work of God, to be holy as He is holy, we shall approach the standard set for each individual in Christ Jesus. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 74, 75. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 15 04:17:25 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 15 Mar 2005 07:17:25 -0500 Subject: The Arrow Of Death Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD34EA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 15 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Arrow Of Death O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! Deut. 32:29. The Lord "doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." Lam. 3:33. "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Ps. 103:13, 14. He knows our heart, for He reads every secret of the soul. . . . He knows the end from the beginning. Many will be laid away to sleep before the fiery ordeal of the time of trouble shall come upon our world. . . . If Jesus, the world's Redeemer, prayed, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me," and added, "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39), how very appropriate it is for finite mortals to make the same surrender to the wisdom and will of God. We have but a brief lifetime here, and we know not how soon the arrow of death may strike our hearts. We know not how soon we may be called to give up the world and all its interests. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. But a few short years, and for everyone now numbered with the living the mandate will go forth: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: . . . and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Rev. 22:11. Are we prepared? Have we become acquainted with God, the Governor of heaven, the Lawgiver, and with Jesus Christ whom He sent into the world as His representative? When our lifework is ended, shall we be able to say, as did Christ our example: "I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. . . . I have manifested thy name"? John 17:4-6. The angels of God are seeking to attract us from ourselves and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 75, 76. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 16 04:06:17 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005 07:06:17 -0500 Subject: Sorrow With Hope Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD360D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 16 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Sorrow With Hope But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 1 Thess. 4:13. To the afflicted ones I would say, be of good comfort in the hope of the resurrection morning. The waters of which you have been drinking are as bitter to your taste as were the waters of Marah to the children of Israel in the wilderness, but Jesus can make them so sweet with His love. . . . God has provided a balm for every wound. There is a balm in Gilead, there is a Physician there. Will you not now as never before study the Scriptures? Seek the Lord for wisdom in every emergency. In every trial plead with Jesus to show you a way out of your troubles, then your eyes will be opened to behold the remedy and to apply to your case the healing promises that have been recorded in His Word. In this way the enemy will find no place to lead you into mourning and unbelief, but instead you will have faith and hope and courage in the Lord. The Holy Spirit will give you clear discernment that you may see and appropriate every blessing that will act as an antidote to grief, as a branch of healing to every draught of bitterness that is placed to your lips. Every draught of bitterness will be mingled with the love of Jesus, and in place of complaining of the bitterness, you will realize that Jesus' love and grace are so mingled with sorrow that it has been turned into subdued, holy, sanctified joy. When Henry White, our eldest son, lay dying, he said, "A bed of pain is a precious place when we have the presence of Jesus." When we are obliged to drink of the bitter waters, turn away from the bitter to the precious and the bright. In trial grace can give the human soul assurance, and when we stand at the deathbed and see how the Christian can bear suffering and go through the valley of death, we gather strength . . . and we fail not, neither are we discouraged in leading souls to Jesus. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 76. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 17 04:36:26 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2005 07:36:26 -0500 Subject: Uttermost Salvation For God's Children Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD372E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 17 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Uttermost Salvation For God's Children But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Heb. 7:24, 25. Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered us to come to Christ. Christ offered up His broken body to purchase back God's heritage, to give man another trial. . . . By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a Conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these ascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression. Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he cannot save himself. He will look upon no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to employ this power in our behalf. We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet; for He loves us. His every look and word invites our confidence. He will shape and mold our characters according to His own will. In the whole satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Isa. 40:29. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 77. ------------------------------------------------- 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 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 18 04:17:19 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2005 07:17:19 -0500 Subject: The Blotting Out Of Sins Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD3841@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 18 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Blotting Out Of Sins He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Rev. 3:5. As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected. When any have sins remaining upon the books of record, unrepented of and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life, and the record of their good deeds will be erased from the book of God's remembrance. . . . All who have truly repented of sin, and by faith claimed the blood of Christ as their atoning sacrifice, have had pardon entered against their names in the books of heaven; as they have become partakers of the righteousness of Christ, and their characters are found to be in harmony with the law of God, their sins will be blotted out, and they themselves will be accounted worthy of eternal life. . . . The divine Intercessor presents the plea that all who have overcome through faith in His blood be forgiven their transgressions, that they be restored to their Eden home, and crowned as joint heirs with Himself to the "first dominion." . . . While Jesus is pleading for the subjects of His grace, Satan accuses them before God as transgressors. . . . Jesus does not excuse their sins, but shows their penitence and faith, and, claiming for them forgiveness, He lifts His wounded hands before the Father and the holy angels, saying, "I know them by name." . . . Their names stand enrolled in the book of life, and concerning them it is written, "They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." Rev. 3:4. Christians may daily cultivate faith by contemplating the One who has undertaken their cause, their "merciful and faithful high priest." >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 77, 78. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Mar 19 04:48:09 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2005 07:48:09 -0500 Subject: Schemes of Satan Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD38BE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 19 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Schemes of Satan Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8. It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable guides. God's law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is by this law that character is to be judged. If an inquirer after salvation were to ask, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" the modern teachers of sanctification would answer, "Only believe that Jesus saves you." But when Christ was asked this question He said, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" And when the questioner replied, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbour as thyself," Jesus said, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." Luke 10:26-28. No value is attached to a mere profession of faith in Christ; only the love which is shown by works is counted genuine. Yet it is love alone which in the sight of Heaven makes any act of value. . . . The hidden selfishness of men stands revealed in the books of heaven. . . . Sad is the record which angels bear to heaven. Intelligent beings, professed followers of Christ, are absorbed in the acquirement of worldly possessions or the enjoyment of earthly pleasures. Money, time, and strength are sacrificed for display and self-indulgence; but few are the moments devoted to prayer, to the searching of the Scriptures, to humiliation of soul and confession of sin. Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds, that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted. The archdeceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an atoning sacrifice and an all-powerful Mediator. He knows that with him everything depends on his diverting minds from Jesus and His truth. Those who would share the benefits of the Saviour's mediation should permit nothing to interfere with their duty to perfect holiness in the fear of God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 78, 79. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 20 06:29:41 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 09:29:41 -0500 Subject: Deposits In The Bank Of Heaven Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD38C2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 20 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Deposits In The Bank Of Heaven Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27. The tender sympathies of our Saviour were aroused for fallen and suffering humanity. If you would be His followers, you must cultivate compassion and sympathy. . . . The widow, the orphan, the sick, and the dying will always need help. Here is an opportunity to proclaim the gospel-to hold up Jesus, the hope and consolation of all men. When the suffering body has been relieved, . . . the heart is opened, and you can pour in the heavenly balm. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, the neighborhood, the church, and even in "the regions beyond," whose results will be as far-reaching as eternity. It is because this work is neglected that so many young disciples never advance beyond the mere alphabet of Christian experience. The light which was glowing in their own hearts when Jesus spoke to them, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," they might have kept alive by helping those in need. The restless energy that is so often a source of danger to the young might be directed into channels through which it would flow out in streams of blessing. The hours so often spent in amusement that refreshes neither body nor soul should be spent in . . . seeking to help someone who is in need. Every opportunity to help a brother in need, or to aid the cause of God in the spread of the truth, is a pearl that you can send beforehand, and deposit in the bank of heaven for safe-keeping. Love, courtesy, self-sacrifice-these are never lost. When God's chosen ones are changed from mortality to immortality, their words and deeds of goodness will be made manifest, and will be preserved through the eternal ages. . . . Through the merits of Christ's imputed righteousness, the fragrance of such words and deeds is forever preserved. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 79, 80. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 21 04:10:26 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 21 Mar 2005 07:10:26 -0500 Subject: What Kind Of Inheritance? Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316ABD3904@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 21 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- What Kind Of Inheritance? And Manoah said, Now let thy words come to pass. How shall we order the child, and how shall we do unto him? Judges 13:12. The words spoken to the wife of Manoah contain a truth that the mothers of today would do well to study. The child will be affected for good or for evil by the habits of the mother. She must herself be controlled by principle, and must practice temperance and self-denial, if she would seek the welfare of her child. If before the birth of her child she is unstable, if she is selfish, peevish, and exacting, the disposition of her child will bear the marks of her wrong course. . . . But if she unswervingly adheres to the right, if she is kind, gentle, and unselfish, she will give her child these traits of character. And fathers as well as mothers are involved in this responsibility. Both parents transmit their own characteristics, mental and physical, their dispositions and appetites, to their children. . . . The inquiry of every father and mother should be, "What shall we do unto the child that shall be born unto us?" The effect of prenatal influences has been by many lightly regarded; but the instruction sent from heaven to those Hebrew parents . . . shows how the matter is looked upon by our Creator. The mother who is a fit teacher for her children must, before their birth, form habits of self-denial and self-control; for she transmits to them her own qualities, her own strong or weak traits of character. The enemy of souls understands this matter much better than do many parents. He will bring temptations upon the mother, knowing that if she does not resist him, he can through her affect her child. The mother's only hope is in God. She may flee to Him for grace and strength. She will not seek help in vain. He will enable her to transmit to her offspring qualities that will help them to gain success in this life and to win eternal life. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 80, 81. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 22 04:12:45 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 07:12:45 -0500 Subject: Day Of Days Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6D903@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 22 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Day Of Days And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. Eze. 20:20. The Sabbath should be made so interesting to our families that its weekly return will be hailed with joy. The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. In the minds of the children the very thought of the Sabbath should be bound up with the beauty of natural things. . . . Happy the father and mother who can teach their children God's written word with illustrations from the open pages of the book of nature; who can gather under the green trees, in the fresh, pure air, to study the Word and to sing the praise of the Father above. In pleasant weather let parents walk with their children in the fields and groves. Amid the beautiful things of nature tell them the reason for the institution of the Sabbath. Describe to them God's great work of creation. Tell them that when the earth came from His hand, it was holy and beautiful. Every flower, every shrub, every tree, answered the purpose of its Creator. . . . Show that it was sin which marred God's perfect work; that thorns and thistles, sorrow and pain and death, are all the result of disobedience to God. Bid them see how the earth, though marred with the curse of sin, still reveals God's goodness. If we can cultivate within us a beauty of soul corresponding to the beauty of nature around us, there will be a blending of the divine and human agencies. As the sun goes down, let the voice of prayer and the hymn of praise mark the close of the sacred hours and invite God's presence through the cares of the week of labor. Thus parents can make the Sabbath, as it should be, the most joyful day of the week. They can lead their children to regard it as a delight, the day of days, the holy of the Lord, honorable. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 81. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 23 04:06:40 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2005 07:06:40 -0500 Subject: A Welcome To The Heavenly Home Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DA36@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 23 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Welcome To The Heavenly Home Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in. Isa. 26:2. The life on earth is the beginning of the life in heaven. We are children of the heavenly King, members of the royal family, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. The mansions Jesus has gone to prepare are to receive only those who are true, who are pure, who love and obey His words. . . . If we would enjoy eternal bliss, we must cultivate religion in the home. . . . Peace, harmony, affection, and happiness should be perseveringly cherished every day, until these precious things abide in the hearts of those who compose the family. That which will make the character lovely in the home is that which will make it lovely in the heavenly mansions. If we manifest the character of Christ here, keeping all the commandments of God, we shall be cheered and blessed with glimpses of the pleasant home in the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare. Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river and green fields, the waving trees and the living fountains, the shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home-that world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue describe. There the loves and sympathies that God has planted in the soul will find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages, the sacred fellowship that binds together "the whole family in heaven and earth"-all are among the experiences of the hereafter. . . . With unutterable delight we shall enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. It is the privilege of parents to take their children with them to the gates of the city of God, saying, "I have tried to instruct my children to love the Lord, to do His will, and to glorify Him." To such the gate will be thrown open, and parents and children will enter in. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 82. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 24 04:24:50 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 07:24:50 -0500 Subject: Who Shall Receive God's Seal? Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DB26@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 24 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Who Shall Receive God's Seal? And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Rev. 7:2, 3. The seal of the living God will be placed upon those only who bear a likeness to Christ in character. As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ. It is obedience to the principles of the commandments of God, that molds the character after the divine similitude. The seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment. This only, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and thus shows His claim to reverence and worship above all others. Aside from this precept, there is nothing in the Decalogue to show by whose authority the law is given. The Israelites placed over their doors a signature of blood, to show that they were God's property. So the children of God in this age will bear the signature God has appointed. They will place themselves in harmony with God's holy law. A mark is placed upon every one of God's people just as verily as a mark was placed over the doors of the Hebrew dwellings, to preserve the people from the general ruin. God declares, "I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them." Eze. 20:12. Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads-it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved-just as soon as God's people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; the judgments of God are now upon the land, . . . that we may know what is coming. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 82, 83. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 25 05:15:03 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 25 Mar 2005 08:15:03 -0500 Subject: Jesus' Example In Humility Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DC2F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 25 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Jesus' Example In Humility If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:14, 15. There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother. The ordinance of feet washing most forcibly illustrates the necessity of true humility. While the disciples were contending for the highest place, in the promised kingdom, Christ girded Himself, and performed the office of a servant by washing the feet of those who called Him Lord. Reconciliation one with another is the work for which the ordinance of feet washing was instituted. . . . Whenever it is celebrated, Christ is present by His Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that brings conviction to hearts. As Christ celebrated this ordinance with His disciples, conviction came to the hearts of all save Judas. So we shall be convicted as Christ speaks to our hearts. The fountains of the soul will be broken up. The mind will be energized, and, springing into activity and life, will break down every barrier that has caused disunion and alienation. Sins that have been committed will appear with more distinctness than ever before; for the Holy Spirit will bring them to our remembrance. Having washed the disciples' feet, He {Jesus} said, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." . . . Christ was here instituting a religious service. By the act of our Lord this humiliating ceremony was made a consecrated ordinance. It was to be observed by the disciples, that they might ever keep in mind His lessons of humility and service. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 83, 84. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Mar 26 05:35:04 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 26 Mar 2005 08:35:04 -0500 Subject: Builders, Not Destroyers Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DCB5@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 26 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Builders, Not Destroyers And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. Isa. 58:12. Has God no living church? He has a church, but it is the church militant, not the church triumphant. We are sorry that there are defective members. . . .While the Lord brings into the church those who are truly converted, Satan at the same time brings persons who are not converted into its fellowship. While Christ is sowing the good seed, Satan is sowing the tares. There are two opposing influences continually exerted on the members of the church. One influence is working for the purification of the church, and the other for the corrupting of the people of God. . . . Although there are evils existing in the church, and will be until the end of the world, the church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. . . . There is but one church in the world who are at the present time standing in the breach, and making up the hedge, building up the old waste places; and for any man to call the attention of the world and other churches to this church, denouncing her as Babylon, is to do a work in harmony with him who is the accuser of the brethren. . . .The whole world is filled with hatred of those who proclaim the binding claims of the law of God, and the church who are loyal to Jehovah must engage in no ordinary conflict. . . Those who have any realization of what this warfare means, will not turn their weapons against the church militant, but with all their powers will wrestle with the people of God against the confederacy of evil. Those who start up to proclaim a message on their own individual responsibility, who, while claiming to be taught and led of God, still make it their special work to tear down that which God has been for years building up, are not doing the will of God. Be it known that these men are on the side of the great deceiver. Believe them not. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 84, 85. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 27 11:05:34 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2005 14:05:34 -0500 Subject: Tears and Conflict Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DCC9@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 27 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Tears and Conflict Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews. Acts 20:19. >From the days of Adam to our own time, our great enemy has been exercising his power to oppress and destroy. He is now preparing for his last campaign against the church. The better to disguise his real character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so represented as to excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased to be painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object, misshapen, half animal and half human. If Satan was so cunning at first, what must he be now, after gaining an experience of many thousands of years? Yet God and holy angels, and all those who abide in obedience to all the Lord's will, are wiser than he. All who are actively engaged in the cause of God, seeking to unveil the deceptions of the evil one and to present Christ before the people, will be able to join in the testimony of Paul, in which he speaks of serving the Lord with all humility of mind, with many tears and temptations. . . . The tempter has no power to control the will or to force the soul to sin. He may distress, but he cannot contaminate. He can cause agony, but not defilement. Satan cannot read our thoughts, but he can see our actions, hear our words; and from his long knowledge of the human family, he can shape his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. And how often do we let him into the secret of how he may obtain the victory over us. Oh, that we might control our words and actions! Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest and most subtle temptations; but he was repulsed in every conflict. Those battles were fought in our behalf; those victories make it possible for us to conquer. Christ will give strength to all who seek it. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 85, 86. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 28 04:21:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 07:21:18 -0500 Subject: Safety Only In Obedience Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DCDA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 28 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Safety Only In Obedience For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 1 Peter 3:12. No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Especially should we entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His Word. Here are revealed the wiles of the tempter, and the means by which he may be successfully resisted. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation upon passages, by which he hopes to cause us to stumble. We should study the Bible with humility of heart, never losing sight of our dependence upon God. While we must constantly guard against the devices of Satan, we should pray in faith continually, "Lead us not into temptation." When Balaam, allured by the promise of rich rewards, practiced enchantments against Israel, and by sacrifices to the Lord sought to invoke a curse upon His people, the Spirit of God forbade the evil which he longed to pronounce, and Balaam was forced to exclaim: "How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed?" Num. 23:8. . . . The people of Israel were at this time loyal to God; and so long as they continued in obedience to His law, no power in earth or hell could prevail against them. But the curse which Balaam had not been permitted to pronounce against God's people, he finally succeeded in bringing upon them by seducing them into sin. When they transgressed God's commandments, then they separated themselves from Him, and they were left to feel the power of the destroyer. Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is more than a match for the hosts of darkness. . . . Only in humble reliance upon God, and obedience to all His commandments, can we be secure. Let none deceive themselves with the belief that God will pardon and bless them while they are trampling upon one of His requirements. The willful commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the soul from God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 86. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 29 04:22:07 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 07:22:07 -0500 Subject: A Crown For Every Saint Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DE1E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 29 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Crown For Every Saint Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12. I saw a very great number of angels bring from the city glorious crowns-a crown for every saint, with his name written thereon. As Jesus called for the crowns, angels presented them to Him, and with His own right hand the lovely Jesus placed the crowns on the heads of the saints. In the same manner the angels brought the harps, and Jesus presented them also to the saints. The commanding angels first struck the note, and then every voice was raised in grateful, happy praise, and every hand skillfully swept over the strings of the harp, sending forth melodious music in rich and perfect strains. . . . Within the city there was everything to feast the eye. Rich glory they beheld everywhere. Then Jesus looked upon His redeemed saints; their countenances were radiant with glory; and as He fixed His loving eyes upon them, He said, with His rich, musical voice, "I behold the travail of My soul, and am satisfied. This rich glory is yours to enjoy eternally. Your sorrows are ended. There shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." . . . I then saw Jesus leading His people to the tree of life. . . . Upon the tree of life was most beautiful fruit, of which the saints could partake freely, in the city was a most glorious throne, from which proceeded a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. On each side of this river was the tree of life, and on the banks of the river were other beautiful trees bearing fruit. . . . Language is altogether too feeble to attempt a description of heaven. As the scene rises before me, I am lost in amazement. Carried away with the surpassing splendor and excellent glory, I lay down the pen, and exclaim, "Oh, what love! what wondrous love!" The most exalted language fails to describe the glory of heaven or the matchless depths of a Saviour's love. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 87. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 30 04:05:29 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 30 Mar 2005 07:05:29 -0500 Subject: The Eternal Weight Of Glory Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6DF3E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 30 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Eternal Weight Of Glory For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. 4:17. I was pointed to the glory of heaven, to the treasure laid up for the faithful. Everything was lovely and glorious. The angels would sing a lovely song, then they would cease singing and take their crowns from their heads and cast them glittering at the feet of the lovely Jesus, and with melodious voices cry, "Glory, Alleluia!" I joined with them in their songs of praise and honor to the Lamb, and every time I opened my mouth to praise Him, I felt an unutterable sense of the glory that surrounded me. It was a far more, an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Said the angel, "The little remnant who love God and keep His commandments and are faithful to the end will enjoy this glory and ever be in the presence of Jesus and sing with the holy angels." Then my eyes were taken from the glory, and I was pointed to the remnant on the earth. The angel said to them, ". . . Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have, for the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon His altar-self, property, and all, a living sacrifice. It will take all to enter glory. Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where no thief can approach or rust corrupt. Ye must be partakers of Christ's sufferings here if ye would be partakers with Him of His glory hereafter." Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, let Jesus alone appear, and keep His glory continually in view. The work of salvation is not child's play, to be taken hold of at will and let alone at pleasure. It is the steady purpose, the untiring effort, that will gain the victory at last. It is he who endureth to the end that shall be saved. It is they who patiently continue in well-doing that shall have eternal life and the immortal reward. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 88. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 31 04:33:43 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2005 07:33:43 -0500 Subject: No More Death-Ever! Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E03B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for March 31 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- No More Death-Ever! And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Rev. 21:4. In the home of the redeemed there will be no tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourning. "The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity." Isa. 33:24. One rich tide of happiness will flow and deepen as eternity rolls on. . . . Let us consider most earnestly the blessed hereafter. Let our faith pierce through every cloud of darkness and behold him who died for the sins of the world. He has opened the gates of Paradise to all who receive and believe on Him. . . . Let the afflictions which pain us so grievously become instructive lessons, teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ. Let us be encouraged by the thought that the Lord is soon to come. Let this hope gladden our hearts. . . . We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer's glory in the kingdom of God. It will not be long till we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence, all the trials and sufferings of this life will be as nothingness. . . . Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city of God into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 88, 89. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 1 05:08:21 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 1 Apr 2005 08:08:21 -0500 Subject: Compassed With God's Mercy Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E14A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Compassed With God's Mercy Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Ps. 32:10. We often think that those who serve God have more trials than the unbeliever, and that the path marked out for them to travel in is rugged. . . . But does the sinner enjoy his worldly pleasure and enjoyment unalloyed? Oh, no. There are times when the sinner is fearfully troubled. He fears God but does not love Him. Are the wicked free from disappointment, perplexity, earthly losses, poverty, and distress? Many of them suffer a lingering sickness, yet have no strong and mighty One to lean upon, no strengthening grace from a higher power to support them in their weakness. They lean upon their own strength. They obtain no consolation by looking forward to the future, but a fearful uncertainty torments them; and thus they close their eyes in death, not finding any pleasure in looking forward to the resurrection morn, for they have no cheering hope that they shall have part in the first resurrection. . . . The Christian is subject to sickness, disappointment, poverty, reproach, and distress. Yet amid all this he loves God, he chooses to do His will, and prizes nothing so highly as His approbation. In the conflicting trials and changing scenes of this life, he knows that there is One who knows it all, One who will bend His ear low to the cry of the sorrowful and distressed, One who can sympathize with every sorrow and soothe the keen anguish of every heart. . . . Amid all his affliction, the Christian has strong consolation. And if God permits him to suffer a lingering, distressing sickness before he closes his eyes in death, he can with cheerfulness bear it all. . . . He contemplates the future with heavenly satisfaction. A short rest in the grave, and then the Life-giver will break the fetters of the tomb, release the captive, and bring him from his dusty bed immortal, never more to know pain, sorrow, or death. Oh, what a hope is the Christian's! Let this hope of the Christian be mine. Let it be yours >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 89, 90. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 2 04:54:19 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 2 Apr 2005 07:54:19 -0500 Subject: Hope For The Hopeless Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E194@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Hope For The Hopeless Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. Isa. 55:7, 8. It is your thought that your mistakes and transgressions have been so grievous that the Lord will not have respect unto your prayers, and will bless and save you. . . . The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. But do not be discouraged. This is evidence that Satan's delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you, and your indifference and unconcern are passing away. No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not see and realize its own sinfulness. The soul that is transformed by grace will admire His divine character; but if we do not see our own moral deformity, it is unmistakable evidence that we have not had a view of the beauty and excellence of Christ. The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our own sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon.... God does not deal with us as finite men deal with one another. His thoughts are thoughts of mercy, love, and tenderest compassion. "He will abundantly pardon." He says, "I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions." . . . Look up, you who are tried, tempted, and discouraged, look up.... It is ever safe to look up; it is fatal to look down. If you look down, the earth reels and sways beneath you; nothing is sure. But heaven above you is calm and steady, and there is divine aid for every climber. The hand of the Infinite is reaching over the battlements of heaven to grasp yours in its strong embrace. The mighty Helper is nigh to bless, lift up, and encourage the most erring, the most sinful, if they will look to Him by faith. But the sinner must look up >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 90, 91. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 3 09:50:35 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 3 Apr 2005 12:50:35 -0400 Subject: Enjoyment Of The Truth Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E1BE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Enjoyment Of The Truth Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. Ps. 86:11. Say with your whole heart, "I will walk in Thy truth." Every resolution expressed in the fear of God will give strength to purpose and to faith. It will tend to stimulate and to humble, to strengthen and confirm. "I will walk in thy truth." Truth deserves our confidence none the less because the world is flooded with fables. Because error and counterfeit are in circulation it only evidences the fact that there is truth, genuine truth, somewhere. . . . It is not enough for us to hear the truth only. God requires of us obedience. "Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11:28. "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:17. We may walk in the enjoyment of the truth. It need not be to us a yoke of bondage, but a consolation, a message to us of glad tidings of great joy, animating our hearts and causing us to make melody in our hearts unto God. Through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we have hope. The Christian hope is not gloomy, comfortless. Oh, no, no. It does not shut us up in a prison of doubts and fears. The truth makes free those who love and are sanctified through it. They walk in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. We who claim to believe the truth should reveal its fruits in our words and character. We are to be far advanced in a knowledge of Jesus Christ, in the reception of His love for God and for our neighbor, in order to have the sunlight of heaven shining in our daily life. Truth must reach down to the deepest recesses of the soul, and cleanse away everything unlike the spirit of Christ, and the vacuum be supplied by the attributes of His character who was pure and holy and undefiled, that all the springs of the heart may be as flowers, fragrant with perfume, a sweet-smelling savor, a savor of life unto life. It is truth enshrined in the soul that makes one a man of God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 91, 92. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 4 04:11:59 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 4 Apr 2005 07:11:59 -0400 Subject: Let Jesus Lead Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E1EF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Let Jesus Lead Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6. Oh, that we who are pilgrims and strangers in this foreign country . . . might comprehend Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. He says, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." The path He has marked out is so plain and distinct that the veriest sinner, loaded with guilt, need not miss his way. Not one trembling seeker need fail of finding the true path, and of walking in pure and holy light, for Jesus leads the way. The path is so narrow, so holy, that sin cannot be tolerated therein, yet access to the path has been made for all, and not one desponding, doubting, trembling soul needs to say, "God cares nought for me." Every soul is precious in His sight. . . . When Satan was triumphing as the prince of the world, when he claimed the world as his kingdom, when we were all marred and corrupted with sin, God sent His messenger from heaven, even His only begotten Son, to proclaim to all the inhabitants of the world, "I have found a ransom. I have made a way of escape for all the perishing. I have your emancipation papers provided for you, sealed by the Lord of heaven and earth." . . . It is not because there is any flaw in the title which has been purchased for you that you do not accept it. It is not because the mercy, the grace, the love of the Father and the Son is not ample, and has not been freely bestowed, that you do not rejoice in pardoning love. . . . If you are lost, it will be because you will not come unto Christ that you might have life. God waits to bestow the blessing of forgiveness of sins, of pardon for iniquity, of the gift of righteousness upon all who will believe in His love, and accept of His salvation. Christ is ready to say to the repenting sinner, ". . . Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee. . . ." Zech. 3:4-7. Christ is the connecting link between God and man. The blood of Jesus Christ is the eloquent plea that speaks in behalf of sinners. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 91, 92. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 5 04:15:39 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 5 Apr 2005 07:15:39 -0400 Subject: In Love With Christ Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E34F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 5 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- In Love With Christ For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Heb. 7:26. The character of Christ was one of unexampled excellence, embracing everything pure, true, lovely, and of good report. We have no knowledge of His ever visiting a party of pleasure or a dance hall, and yet He was the perfection of grace and courtly bearing. Christ was no novice; He was distinguished for the high intellectual powers He possessed even in the morning of His life. His youth was not wasted in indolence, neither was it wasted in sensual pleasure, self-indulgence, or frittered away in things of no profit. Not one of His hours from childhood to manhood was misspent, none were misappropriated. . . . Jesus was sinless and had no dread of the consequences of sin. With this exception His condition was as yours. You have not a difficulty that did not press with equal weight upon Him, not a sorrow that His heart has not experienced. His feelings could be hurt with neglect, with indifference of professed friends, as easily as yours. Is your path thorny? Christ's was so in a tenfold sense. Are you distressed? So was He. How well fitted was Christ to be an example! . . . The Inspired Record says of Him: "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52. As He grew in years He grew in knowledge. He lived temperately; His precious hours were not wasted in dissipating pleasures. He had a truly healthy body and true powers of mind. The physical and mental powers could be expanded and developed as yours or any other youth's. The Word of God was His study, as it should be yours. Take Jesus as your standard. Imitate His life. Fall in love with His character. Walk as Christ walked. A new spring will be given to your intellectual faculties, a large scope to your thoughts, when you bring your powers into vigorous contact with eternal things which are intrinsically grand and great. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 93. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 6 04:17:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 6 Apr 2005 07:17:31 -0400 Subject: The Privilege Of Assurance Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E47C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 6 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Privilege Of Assurance And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. 1 John 3:19. I would impress upon our young men and young women the necessity of making their calling and election sure. I would beseech you to do no haphazard or uncertain work where your eternal interests are involved. By so doing you lose happiness, peace, comfort, and hope in this life, and you lose also your immortal inheritance. My young friends, you are judgment bound, and through the grace of Christ you may render obedience to the commands of God, and daily gain fortitude and strength of character, so that you need not fail or be discouraged. Divine grace has been abundantly provided for every soul, so that each one may engage in the conflict and come off victorious. Do not become sluggish; do not flatter yourselves that you may be saved in walking in accordance with the natural traits of your character-that you may drift with the current of the world, and indulge and please self, and yet be able to withstand the forces of evil in a time of crisis, and come off victorious when the battle waxes hot. . . . You must learn every day to obey the orders of the Captain of the Lord's host. My young friends, do you pray? Are you educating yourselves to offer petitions for pure thoughts, for holy aspirations, for a pure heart and clean hands? Are you educating your lips to sing the praises of God, and are you seeking to do the will of God? This is the kind of education that will be of the greatest value to you; for it will aid you in the formation of Christlike character. Do not settle down in Satan's easy chair, and say that there is no use, you cannot cease to sin, that there is no power in you to overcome. There is no power in you apart from Christ, but it is your privilege to have Christ abiding in your heart by faith, and He can overcome sin in you, when you cooperate with His efforts. . . . You may be living epistles, known and read of all men. You are not to be a dead letter, but a living one, testifying to the world that Jesus is able to save. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 93, 94. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 7 04:16:37 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2005 07:16:37 -0400 Subject: God Calls For Our Best Affections Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E54E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 7 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- God Calls For Our Best Affections No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matt. 6:24. Many are on the enchanted ground of the enemy. Things of the least importance-foolish social parties, singing, jesting, joking-engross their minds and they serve God with a divided heart. . . . The declaration of Christ, "No man can serve two masters," is unheeded. One of the most marked features of the earth's inhabitants in the days of Noah was their intense worldliness. They made eating and drinking, buying and selling, marrying and giving in marriage, the supreme objects of life. It is not sinful, but the fulfillment of a duty, to eat and drink, if that which is lawful is not carried to excess. . . . God Himself instituted marriage when He gave Eve to Adam. All God's laws are marvelously adapted to meet the nature of man. The sin of the antediluvians was in perverting that which in itself was lawful. They corrupted God's gifts by using them to minister to their selfish desires. . . Excessive love and devotion to that which in itself is lawful, proves the ruination of thousands upon thousands of souls. To matters of minor importance is often given the strength of intellect that should be wholly devoted to God. We need always to be guarded against carrying to excess that which, rightly used, is lawful. Many, many souls are lost by engaging in those things which, properly managed, are harmless, but which, perverted and misapplied, become sinful and demoralizing. If we are constantly thinking of and struggling for the things that pertain to this life, we cannot keep our thoughts fixed on the things of heaven. Satan is seeking to lead our minds away from God, and to center them on the fashions, the customs, and the demands of the world, which bring disease and death. . . . In this world we are to obtain a fitness for the higher world. God has left a trust with us, and He expects us to use all our faculties in helping and blessing our fellow men. He calls for our best affections, our highest powers. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 94, 95. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 8 04:16:39 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 8 Apr 2005 07:16:39 -0400 Subject: Above The Fog of Doubt Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E633@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 8 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Above The Fog Of Doubt Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Ps. 31:24. Even Christians of long experience are often assaulted with the most terrible doubts and waverings. . . . You must not consider that for these temptations your case is hopeless. . . . Hope in God, trust in Him and rest in His promises. When the devil comes with his doubts and unbeliefs, shut the door of your heart. Shut your eyes so that you will not dwell upon his hellish shadow. Lift them up where they can behold the things which are eternal, and you will have strength every hour. The trial of your faith is much more precious than gold. . . . It makes you valiant to fight the battle of the Lord. . . . Satan connects with everyone that will connect with him. If he can get those that have had an experience in religion, they are his most effectual agents to reach just such men and compass their souls with unbelief. You cannot afford to let any doubts come into your mind. Do not please the devil enough to tell about the terrible burdens you are carrying. Every time you do it, Satan laughs that his soul can control you and that you have lost sight of Jesus Christ your Redeemer. . . . We are to show forth Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. It is by living faith that we rest in that light. It is by living faith that we rejoice in that light every day. We are not to talk our doubts and trials, because they grow bigger every time we talk them. Every time we talk them, Satan has gained the victory; but when we say, "I will commit the keeping of my soul unto Him, as unto a faithful witness," then we testify that we have given ourselves to Jesus Christ without any reservation, and then God gives us light and we rejoice in Him. The soul that loves God, rises above the fog of doubt; he gains a bright, broad, deep, living experience, and becomes meek and Christ-like. His soul is committed to God, hid with Christ in God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 95, 96. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 9 05:07:33 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2005 08:07:33 -0400 Subject: How To Maintain Integrity! Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E693@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 9 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- How To Maintain Integrity! Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Rom. 6:11, 12. Some regard sin as altogether so light a matter that they have no defense against its indulgence or its consequence. . . . If you suppose for a moment that God will treat sin lightly, or make provisions or exemptions so that you can go on in committing sin, and the soul suffer no penalty from so doing, you are under a terrible delusion of Satan. Any willful violation of the righteous law of Jehovah exposes your soul to the full assaults of Satan. When you lose your conscious integrity, your soul becomes a battlefield for Satan; you have doubts and fears enough to paralyze your energies and drive you to discouragement. . . . Remember that temptation is not sin. Remember that however trying the circumstances in which a man may be placed, nothing can really weaken his soul so long as he does not yield to temptation but maintains his own integrity. The interests most vital to you individually are in your own keeping. No one can damage them without your consent. All the satanic legions cannot injure you unless you open your soul to the arts and arrows of Satan. Your ruin can never take place until your will consents. If there is not pollution of mind in yourself, all the surrounding pollution cannot taint or defile you. Eternal life is worth everything to us or it is worth nothing. Those only who put forth persevering effort and untiring zeal with intense desire proportionate to the value of the object they are in pursuit of, will gain that life which measures with the life of God.... We have the example of Adam and Eve before us, and the result of their transgression should lead every soul of us to avoid sin, to abhor sin as the hateful thing it is, and to feel, in view of the sufferings which sin is sure to inflict, that it is better to suffer loss of all things than to depart from the least of God's commandments. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 96, 97. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 10 05:43:41 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2005 08:43:41 -0400 Subject: "Come Unto Me" Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E69E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- "Come Unto Me" Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28. Many who hear this invitation, while sighing for rest, yet press on the rugged path, hugging their burdens close to their heart. Jesus loves them, and longs to bear their burdens and themselves also in His strong arms. He would remove the fears and uncertainties that rob them of peace and rest; but they must first come to Him, and tell Him the secret woes of their heart. . . . Sometimes we pour our troubles into human ears, and tell our afflictions to those who cannot help us, and neglect to confide all to Jesus, who is able to change the sorrowful way to paths of joy and peace. . . . He proposes to be our friend, to walk with us through all the rough pathways of life. He says to us, I am the Lord thy God; walk with me, and I will fill thy path with light. Jesus, the Majesty of Heaven, proposes to elevate to companionship with Himself those who come to Him with their burdens, their weaknesses, and their cares. . . . His invitation to us is a call to a pure, holy, and happy life-a life of peace and rest, of liberty and love-and to a rich inheritance in the future, immortal life. . . . It is our privilege to have daily a calm, close, happy walk with Jesus. Rest is found when all self-justification, all reasoning from a selfish standpoint, is put away. Entire self-surrender, an acceptance of His ways, is the secret of perfect rest in His love. . . . Do just what He has told you to do, and be assured that God will do all that He has said He would do. . . . Have you come to Him, renouncing all your makeshifts, all your unbelief, all your self-righteousness? Come just as you are, weak, helpless, and ready to die. What is the "rest" promised?-It is the consciousness that God is true, that He never disappoints the one who comes to Him. His pardon is full and free, and His acceptance means rest to the soul, rest in His love. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 97, 98. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 11 04:09:53 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 11 Apr 2005 07:09:53 -0400 Subject: Time For Meditation Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E6AF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Time For Meditation But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Ps. 1:2. Your last thought at night, your first thought in the morning, should be of Him in whom is centered your hope of eternal life. 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. . . . As exercise increases the appetite, and gives strength and healthy vigor to the body, so will devotional exercises bring an increase of grace and spiritual vigor. The affections should center upon God. Contemplate His greatness, His mercy and excellences. Let His goodness and love and perfection of character captivate your heart. Converse upon His divine charms, and the heavenly mansions He is preparing for the faithful. He whose conversation is in heaven, is the most profitable Christian to all around him. His words are useful and refreshing. They have a transforming power upon those who hear them. There is constant need of private communion with God. We must take in the spirit of Christ if we would impart it to others. We cannot meet satanic and human agencies combined unless we spend much time in intercourse with the Source of all strength. There are times when we should get away from the sounds of earthly toil and human voices, and in retired places listen to the voice of Jesus. Thus we may taste of His love and imbibe His spirit. Thus we shall learn to crucify self. This course of action may seem impossible to the human mind. "I have not time," you may say. But when you consider the matter as it really is, you lose no time; for when you secure the power and grace that come alone from God, you do not accomplish the work. It is Jesus who is the real worker. "Without me," says Christ, "ye can do nothing." John 15:5. . . . Reflection and earnest prayer will inspire to holy endeavor. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 98. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 12 05:45:52 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2005 08:45:52 -0400 Subject: Seeking God With All The Heart Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AC6E7DC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 12 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Seeking God With All The Heart Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee. Zech. 9:12 We need to educate the soul to lay hold, and hold fast the rich promises of Christ. The Lord Jesus knows that it is not possible for us to resist the many temptations of Satan, only as we shall have divine power given us from God. He well knows that in our own human strength we should surely fail. Therefore every provision has been made, that in every emergency and trial we shall flee to the Stronghold.... We have the word of promise from lips that will not lie. . . . We must individually cherish the faith that we receive of Him the things He hath promised. God will be to us everything we will let Him be. Our languid, half-hearted prayers will not bring us returns from heaven. Oh, we need to press our petitions! Ask in faith, wait in faith, receive in faith, rejoice in hope, for everyone that seeketh findeth. Be in earnest in the matter. Seek God with all the heart. People put soul and earnestness into everything they undertake in temporal things, until their efforts are crowned with success. With intense earnestness learn the trade of seeking the rich blessings that God has promised, and with persevering, determined effort you shall have His light and His truth and His rich grace. In sincerity, in soul hunger, cry after God. Wrestle with the heavenly agencies until you have the victory. Put your whole being into the Lord's hands, soul, body, and spirit, and resolve to be His loving, consecrated agency, moved by His will, controlled by His mind, infused by His Spirit. Tell Jesus your wants in the sincerity of your soul. You are not required to hold a long controversy with, or preach a sermon to, God, but with a heart of sorrow for your sins, say, "Save me, Lord, or I perish." There is hope for such souls. They will seek, they will ask, they will knock, and they will find. When Jesus has taken away the burden of sin that is crushing the soul, you will experience the blessedness of the peace of Christ. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 99. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 13 04:12:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 13 Apr 2005 07:12:18 -0400 Subject: Humble, Persevering Prayer Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4EE70@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 13 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Humble, Persevering Prayer Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James 5:17, 18. Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon Mount Carmel he offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request unto God. The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed to honor God. . . . As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing, and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. The servant appeared, and said, "Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." 1 Kings 18:34. We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove His word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven with His interests, and then He can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory to self when the blessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God. God does not always answer our prayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He do this, we might take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and favors He bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil was entertained by us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail to realize our dependence upon Him. . . . Elijah humbled himself until he was in a condition where he would not take the glory to himself. This is the condition upon which the Lord hears prayer, for then we shall give the praise to Him. . . . God alone is worthy to be glorified. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 99, 100. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 14 04:25:17 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 14 Apr 2005 07:25:17 -0400 Subject: The Work Of Heart-Keeping Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4EF9A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 14 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Work Of Heart-Keeping Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Prov. 4:23. Diligent heart-keeping is essential to a healthy growth in grace. The heart in its natural state is a habitation for unholy thoughts and sinful passions. When brought into subjection to Christ, it must be cleansed by the Spirit from all defilement. This can not be done without the consent of the individual. When the soul has been cleansed, it is the duty of the Christian to keep it undefiled. Many seem to think that the religion of Christ does not call for the abandonment of daily sins, the breaking loose from habits which have held the soul in bondage. They renounce some things condemned by the conscience, but they fail to represent Christ in the daily life. They do not bring Christlikeness into the home. They do not show a thoughtful care in their choice of words. Too often, fretful, impatient words are spoken, words which stir the worst passions of the human heart. Such ones need the abiding presence of Christ in the soul. Only in His strength can they keep guard over the words and actions. In the work of heart-keeping we must be instant in prayer, unwearied in petitioning the throne of grace for assistance. Those who take the name of Christian should come to God in earnestness and humility, pleading for help. . . . The Christian cannot always be in the position of prayer, but his thoughts and desires can always be upward. 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. Our efforts are languid, and we run the Christian race slowly, and manifest indolence and sloth, because we so little value the heavenly prize. We are dwarfs in spiritual attainments. It is the privilege and duty of the Christian to be increasing in the knowledge of the Son of God, "unto a perfect man." >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 100, 101. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 15 00:52:00 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 15 Apr 2005 03:52:00 -0400 Subject: The Court Of Holy Life Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F0C1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 15 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Court Of Holy Life But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9. The church of Christ on earth is amid the moral darkness of a disloyal world, which is trampling upon the law of Jehovah. But their Redeemer, who has purchased their ransom with the price of His own precious blood, has made every provision that His church shall be a transformed body, illumined with Light of the world, possessing the glory of Emmanuel. The bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness, shining through His church, will gather into His fold every lost, straying sheep who will come unto Him and find refuge in Him. They will find peace and light and joy in Him who is peace and righteousness forever. The members of the church should individually keep the light of God's love burning brightly in their own souls, that it may also shine forth to others. We have too much at stake to allow spiritual lethargy to creep over us. Let us beware of indulging a disrelish for religious services and religious duties. Let us resolutely battle against that sluggishness of soul which is so fatal to the growth and even the life of the Christian. That church will be healthy and prosperous whose members are putting forth active, personal effort to do good to others, to save souls. This will be a constant incentive to every good work. Such Christians will labor with greater earnestness to secure their own salvation. The dormant energies will be aroused, the whole soul inspired with an unconquerable determination to win the Saviour's plaudit of "Well done," and to wear the victor's crown. Christ makes His church a beautiful temple for God. "Where two or three are gathered together in my name," He declared, "there am I in the midst of them," Matt. 18:20. His church is the court of holy life, filled with varied gifts, and endowed with the Holy Spirit. Appropriate duties are assigned by Heaven to each member of the church on earth, and all are to find their happiness in the happiness of those whom they help and bless. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 101, 102. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 16 18:05:44 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 16 Apr 2005 21:05:44 -0400 Subject: The Smiles Of God Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F133@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 16 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Smiles Of God The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22. Nothing can do us real good without the blessing of God. What God blesses is blessed. Therefore "a little that a righteous man hath is better that the riches of many wicked." Ps. 37:16. The little with the blessing of God is more efficient, and it will extend farther. The grace of God will make a little go a great ways. When we devote ourselves to the affairs of the kingdom of God, He will mind our affairs." The Lord has given us precious blessings in the simple flowers of the field, in the fragrance so grateful to our senses. He has tinted every flower with beauty; for He is the great Master Artist. He who has created the beautiful things in nature will do far greater things for the soul. God is a lover of the beautiful, and He would adorn our characters with His own rich graces. He would have our words as fragrant as the flowers of the field. He has given us blessings in daily provision for our physical needs. The very bread we are has upon it the image and superscription of the cross. They only are truly blessed whose chief concern is to secure those blessings which will nourish the soul and endure forever. Our Saviour says to us, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33. God has a care for us, even to bestow His temporal blessings upon us. Our earthly good is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father. He knoweth that we have need of these things. . . . When God smiles upon our efforts it is worth more than any earthly income. "How sweet our daily comforts prove When they are seasoned with His love." Every deliverance, every blessing, that God in the past has granted to His people, should be kept fresh in memory's hall as a sure pledge of further and richer, increasing blessings that He will bestow. There is no limit to the blessings that it is our privilege to receive. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 101, 102. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 17 04:50:08 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2005 07:50:08 -0400 Subject: With Eyes Of Faith Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F138@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 17 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- With Eyes Of Faith The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. Eph. 1:18. The highest qualification of the mind will not, cannot, supply the place of true simplicity, of genuine piety. The Bible may be studied as a branch of human science would be; but its beauty, the evidence of its power to save the soul that believes, is a lesson that is never thus learned. If the practice of the Word is not brought into the life, then the sword of the Spirit has not wounded the natural heart. It has been shielded in poetic fancy. Sentimentalism has so wrapped it about that the heart has not sufficiently felt the keenness of its edge, piercing and cutting away the sinful shrines where self is worshipped. . . . The eyes of the understanding must be enlightened, and the heart and mind brought into harmony with God, who is truth. He who beholds Jesus with the eye of faith sees no glory in himself, for the glory of the Redeemer is reflected into the mind and heart. The atonement of His blood is realized, and the taking away of sin stirs the heart with gratitude. Being justified by Christ, the receiver of truth is constrained to make an entire surrender to God, and is admitted into the school of Christ, that he may learn of Him who is meek and lowly of heart. A knowledge of the love of God is shed abroad in his heart. He exclaims, Oh, what love! What condescension! Grasping the rich promises by faith, he becomes a partaker of the divine nature. His heart being emptied of self, the waters of life flow in; the glory of the Lord shines forth. Perpetually looking unto Jesus, the human is assimilated by the divine. The believer is changed into His likeness. . . . The human character is changed into the divine. Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection as the reward of all His sufferings, His humiliation, and His love, and the supplement of His glory-Christ the great center, from whom radiates all glory. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 103, 104. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 18 04:12:38 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2005 07:12:38 -0400 Subject: How To Grow In Grace Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F163@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 18 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- How To Grow In Grace But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18. How is it possible that we may grow in grace? It is possible to us only as we empty our hearts of self, and present them to Heaven, to be molded after the Divine Pattern. We may have a connection with the living channel of light; we may be refreshed with the heavenly dew, and have the showers of heaven descend upon us. As we appropriate the blessing of God, we shall be able to receive greater measures of His grace. As little children we are to sit at the feet of Christ, learning of Him. . . . We should not allow a day to pass without gaining an increase of knowledge in temporal and spiritual things. We are to plant no stakes that we are not willing to take up and plant further on, nearer the heights we hope to ascend. The highest education is to be found in training the mind to advance day by day. The close of each day should find us a day's march nearer the overcomer's reward. Day by day our understanding is to ripen. Day by day we are to work out conclusions that will bring a rich reward in this life and in the life to come. Looking daily to Jesus, instead of to what we ourselves have done, we shall make decided advancement in temporal as well as spiritual knowledge. The end of all things is at hand. What we have done must not be allowed to place the period to our work. The Captain of our salvation says, "Advance. The night cometh, in which no man can work." Constantly we are to increase in usefulness. Our lives are always to be under the power of Christ. Our lamps are to be kept burning brightly. . . . He who places himself where God can enlighten him, advances, as it were, from the partial obscurity of dawn to the full radiance of noonday. We must put to the stretch every spiritual nerve and muscle. . . . God . . . does not desire you to remain novices. He wants you to reach the very highest round of the ladder, and then step from it into the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 104. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 19 04:15:05 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2005 07:15:05 -0400 Subject: Great In God's Sight Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F24B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 19 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Great In God's Sight He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10. Life is not made up of great things alone; it is the little things that make the sum of life's happiness or miseries. It is the little things in life that reveal a person's real character. Oh, if all youth and those of mature age could see as I have seen the mirror of person's lives presented before them, they would look more gravely upon even the little duties of life. Every mistake, every error, unimportant though it may be regarded, leaves a scar in this life and a blot on the heavenly records. Life is full of duties that are not agreeable, but all these unpleasant duties will be made agreeable by a cheerful performance of them because it is right. Taking an interest in the duties which someone must do, and striving to do them with the heart, will make the most disagreeable duties pleasant. There are many who undervalue the small events of life, the little deeds that are to be performed day by day; but these are not to be estimated as small, as every action tells either for the blessing or the injuring of someone. Every action tells its own story, it bears its own history to the throne of God. It is known whether it is on the side of right or on the side of wrong. It is only by acting in accordance with the principles of God's Word in the small transactions of life, that we place ourselves on the right side. We are tried and tested by these small occurrences, and our character will be estimated according as our work shall be. It is the conscientious attention to what the world calls little things that makes the great beauty and success of life. Little deeds of charity, Little words of kindness, Little acts of self-denial, A wise improvement of opportunities, A diligent cultivation of little talents, Make great men in God's sight. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 105. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 20 04:07:35 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 20 Apr 2005 07:07:35 -0400 Subject: Hold High The Standard Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F337@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 20 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Hold High The Standard Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Isa. 62:10. The Word of God not only sets forth the great principles of truth and duty which should govern our lives, but it presents also, for our encouragement, the history of many who have exemplified these principles. . . .Except the one perfect Pattern, there is not described in the Sacred Pages a single character more worthy of emulation than that of the prophet Daniel. Exposed in youth to all the allurements of a royal court, he became a man of unbending integrity and fervent devotion to God. He was subjected to the fierce temptations of Satan, yet his character was not vacillating, nor his course changeable. He was firm where many would be yielding; he was true where they would be false; he was strong where they would be weak. Daniel was a lofty cedar of Lebanon....Would that the faith, integrity, and devotion of the prophet Daniel might live in the hearts of God's people of today. Never were these noble qualities more needed in the world than now.... In the records of those who have done and suffered for the name of Jesus, there is no name that shines with a brighter or purer luster than the name of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. The love of Jesus, glowing in his heart, made him self-forgetful, self-denying. He had seen the risen Christ, and the Saviour's image was impressed upon his soul, and shone forth in his life. With faith, courage, and fortitude, that would not be daunted by danger or stayed by obstacles, he pressed his way from land to land to spread the knowledge of the cross.... Are the professed followers of Christ thus exemplifying the principles of their faith? Where are the deep, living, holy experiences which men of God were wont to recount? Has the standard of Christianity been lowered?...No; that standard remains just where God placed it. Holy men of ages past were required to give up all for Christ, to cherish His spirit, and to imitate His example. Nothing less than this will He accept now....When called to give up all for Christ, who will stand the test? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 106. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 21 04:12:06 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 07:12:06 -0400 Subject: Reminders of Our Heavenly Home Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F3EF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 21 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Reminders Of Our Heavenly Home Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. Neh. 9:6. There is beauty in the valley's awful grandeur, in the solemn, massive, cleft rocks; there is majesty in the towering mountains that look as if they touched the heavens. There are the lofty trees with their delicately formed leaves; the spires of grass, the opening bud and blossoming flower, the forest trees, and every living thing. They all point the mind to the great and living God. Every faculty of our being testifies that there is a living God, and we may learn from the open book of nature the most precious lessons in regard to the Lord of heaven. In this study the mind expands, is elevated and uplifted, and becomes hungry to know more of God and His majesty. We have awakened in our hearts feelings not only of reverence and awe but of love, of faith, of trust and entire dependence upon One who is the giver of all good. And as I look at His marvelous works and see the evidences of His power I instinctively inquire, "What is man that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" Ps. 8:4. All the greatness and glory of these wonderful things in God's house can only be appreciated as they are, in the mind, associated with God and the future home of bliss He is preparing for those who love Him. . . .While we talk freely of other countries, why should we be reticent in regard to the heavenly country, and the house not built with hands, eternal in the heavens? This heavenly country is of more consequence to us than any other city or country on the globe, therefore we should think and talk of this better-even an heavenly-country. And why should we not converse more earnestly, and in a heavenly frame of mind, in regard to God's gifts in nature? He has made all these things, and designs that we shall see God in His created works. These things are to keep God in our remembrance and to lift our hearts from sensual things and bind them in bonds of love and gratitude to our Creator. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 107. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 22 04:14:47 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 07:14:47 -0400 Subject: The Sacred Temple Of The Body Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F4DC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 22 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Sacred Temple Of The Body What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. That perfection of character which the Lord requires is the fitting up of the whole being as a temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. God will accept of nothing less than the service of the entire human organism. It is not enough to bring into action certain parts of the living machinery. All parts must work in perfect harmony, or the service will be deficient. It is thus that man is qualified to cooperate with God in representing Christ to the world. Thus God desires to prepare a people to stand before Him pure and holy, that He may introduce them into the society of heavenly angels. We have been entrusted with the most solemn message ever given to our world, and the object to be kept plainly and distinctly before our minds is the glory of God. Let us take care that we do nothing which will weaken physical, mental, or spiritual healthfulness, for God will not accept a tainted, diseased, corrupted sacrifice. Care must be exercised in eating, in drinking, in dressing, and in working, lest we detract from our efficiency and fail of doing our most exalted work in the best manner, in order that the results of our labor may be as lasting as eternity. It is our duty to train and discipline the body in order that we shall render to the Master the highest possible service. Inclination must not control us. We are not to pamper the appetite and indulge in the use of that which is not for our good, simply because it gratifies the palate; neither are we to seek to live by the starvation plan, with the idea that we shall become spiritually-minded, and that God shall be glorified. We must use the intelligence that God has given in order that we may be perfect in body, soul, and spirit, that we may have a symmetrical character, a well-balanced mind, and do perfect work for the Master. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 108. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 23 11:57:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 14:57:31 -0400 Subject: The Beauty Of Christlikeness Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F542@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 23 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Beauty Of Christlikeness Shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Titus 2:10. Everyone who names the name of Christ is to adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit....Possessing this, you will have favor both with God and with men. Words spoken hastily wound and bruise souls, and the deepest wound is made upon the soul of the speaker. Christ's gift, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, is authoritatively declared by Him who can make no mistake to be of great price. We must each find out its worth for ourselves by seeking it from God. However men may estimate us, if we wear this ornament, we bear the sign of our discipleship with Christ. We are esteemed by the Most High; for the ornament we wear is in His sight of great price. This precious gem is to be sought for.... To every soul things will come to provoke, to stir up anger, and if you are not under the full control of God, you will be provoked when these things come. But the meekness of Christ calms the ruffled spirit, controls the tongue, and brings the whole being into subjection to God. Thus we learn how to bear with the censure of others. We shall be misjudged, but the precious ornament of a meek and quiet spirit teaches us how to bear, how to have pity for those who utter hasty, unadvised words. Any unpleasant spirit displayed is sure to arouse the demon of passion in unguarded hearts. Unholy anger need not to be strengthened, but bridled. It is a spark which will set on fire untamed human nature. Avoid speaking words which will stir up strife. Rather suffer wrong than do wrong. God requires every one of His followers, as far as is possible, to live peaceably with all men.... We must be Christlike. Let us strive to make our lives what Christ designs them to be, full of the fragrance of love to God and our fellow men, full of Christ's own divine Spirit, full of holy aspirations toward God, rich in the beauty of Christlikeness. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 108, 109. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 24 06:07:26 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 09:07:26 -0400 Subject: Heaven Cheap At Any Price Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F551@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 24 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Heaven Cheap At Any Price And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27. It is too true that the great mass who possess ability and talent do not choose to travel the Christian road. Are their talent and ability too precious to devote to the Giver, the Lord of heaven and earth? . . . Many would be followers of Christ if He would come down from the cross and appear to them in such a manner as they desire. If He would come with riches and pleasure, many would receive Him gladly and would be in haste to crown Him Lord of all. If He would only lay aside His humiliation and sufferings and cry, "If any man will come after Me, let him please himself and enjoy the world and he shall be My disciple," multitudes would believe on Him. But the blessed Jesus will come to us in no other character than the meek and lowly Crucified One. We must partake of His self-denial and suffering here if we would take the crown hereafter. . . . The Word of God has not widened the narrow way, and if the multitude have found a path where they can wear a form of godliness and not bear the cross or suffer tribulation, they have found a way where our Saviour did not walk and they follow another example than that which Christ set before us. Is it not enough that Jesus left the felicity and glory of heaven, endured a life of poverty and deep affliction, and died a cruel, shameful death to provide for us the joys of holiness and heaven? And can it be that we, the worthless objects of so great a condescension and love, will seek after a better portion in this life than was given to our Redeemer? How easy would be the way to heaven if there was no self-denial or cross! How worldlings would rush in the way, and hypocrites would travel in it without number! Thank God for the cross, the self-denial. The ignominy and shame our Saviour endured for us is none too humiliating for those saved by the purchase of His blood. Heaven will indeed be cheap enough. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 109, 110. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 25 04:06:54 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 07:06:54 -0400 Subject: Let Your Light Shine Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F56A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 25 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Let Your Light Shine Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. 5:16 To every soul born into Christ's kingdom is given a solemn charge, Let your light so shine before men that they, by seeing your good works, shall glorify your Father which is in heaven. Pour forth upon your neighbors the rich rays of light received from the Sun of Righteousness; flash upon your friends in the world the bright gems of light and truth imparted to you abundantly from the throne of God. This is trading upon the talents entrusted. Go on from light to a greater light, catching more and more the bright beams from the Sun of Righteousness, and shine more and more unto the perfect day. Jesus does not bid the Christian to strive to shine, but just to let his light shine in clear and distinct rays to the world. Do not blanket your light. Do not sinfully withhold your light. Do not let the mist and fog and malaria of the world put out your light. Do not hide it under a bed or under a bushel, but set it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house....God bids you shine, penetrating the moral darkness of the world. Many do not know what is the matter with them. They want light and see no ray. They are calling for help and they hear no response. Shall doubt and unbelief be perpetuated because I do not gather the divine rays of light from Jesus Christ and let them shine forth to others? . . . The deep struggles of my own soul against temptations, the earnest longings of my mind and heart to know God and Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour, and to have assurance, peace, and rest in their love, lead me to desire every day to be where the beams of the Sun of Righteousness can shine upon me. Without this experience, I shall indeed meet with great loss, and all with whom I associate will be affected by the loss of the light I ought to be receiving from the Source of all light and comfort, and to be flashing into their pathway. Shall I be indeed a light unto the world, or a shadow of darkness? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 110, 111. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 26 04:17:55 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 07:17:55 -0400 Subject: A Jewel Or A Pebble? Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F69C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 26 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Jewel Or A Pebble? In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2:23. Christians are Christ's jewels. They are to shine brightly for Him, shedding forth the light of His loveliness. Their luster depends on the polishing they receive. They may choose to be polished or to remain unpolished. But everyone who is pronounced worthy of a place in the Lord's temple must submit to the polishing process. Without the polishing that the Lord gives they can reflect no more light than a common pebble. Christ says to man, "You are mine. I have bought you. You are now only a rough stone, but if you will place yourself in my hands, I will polish you, and the luster with which you shall shine will bring honor to My name. No man shall pluck you out of My hand. I will make you My peculiar treasure. On My coronation day, you will be a jewel in My crown of rejoicing." The divine Worker spends little time on worthless material. Only the precious jewels does He polish after the similitude of a palace, cutting away all the rough edges. This process is severe and trying; it hurts human pride. Christ cuts deep into the experience that man in his self-sufficiency has regarded as complete, and takes away self-uplifting from the character. He cuts away the surplus surface, and putting the stone to the polishing wheel, presses it close, that all roughness may be worn away. Then, holding the jewel up to the light, the Master sees in it a reflection of Himself, and He pronounces it worthy of a place in His casket. "In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee,... and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of hosts." Blessed be the experience, however severe, that gives new value to the stone, and causes it to shine with living brightness. God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers to be left alone to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel every one whose life is hid with Christ in God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 111, 112. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 27 04:08:33 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 07:08:33 -0400 Subject: Rooted In Christ Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F7A8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 27 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Rooted In Christ The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Ps. 92:12. The Christian is likened to the cedar of Lebanon. I have read that this tree does more than send down a few short roots into the yielding loam. It sends strong roots deep down into the earth, and strikes down farther and still farther in search of a still stronger hold. And in the fierce blast of the tempest, it stands firm, held by its network of cables beneath. So the Christian strikes root deep into Christ. He has faith in his Redeemer. He knows in whom he believes. He is fully persuaded that Jesus is the Son of God and the Saviour of sinners. . . . The roots of faith strike deep down. Genuine Christians, like the cedar of Lebanon, do not grow in the soft surface soil, but are rooted in God, riveted in the clefts of the mountain rocks. If the Christian thrives and progresses at all, he must do so amid strangers to God, amid scoffing, subject to ridicule. He must stand upright like the palm tree in the desert. The sky may be as brass, the desert sand may beat about the palm tree's roots, and pile itself in heaps about its trunk. Yet the tree lives as an evergreen, fresh and vigorous amid the burning desert sands. Remove the sand till you reach the rootlets of the palm tree, and you discover the secret of its life; it strikes down deep beneath the surface, to the secret waters hidden in the earth. As the palm tree, drawing nourishment from fountains of living water, is green and flourishing in the midst of the desert, so the Christian may draw rich supplies of grace from the fountain of God's love, and may guide weary souls, that are full of unrest and ready to perish in the desert of sin, to those waters of which they may drink, and live. The Christian is ever pointing his fellow men to Jesus, who invites, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink." John 7:37. This fountain never fails us; we may draw, and draw again. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 112. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 28 04:18:14 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 07:18:14 -0400 Subject: No Patchwork Religion! Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F8A3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 28 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- No Patchwork Religion! But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Matt. 24:13. The religion that is built on self is worthless; for God makes no compromise with selfishness. . . . The religion of Christ is a firm fabric, composed of innumerable threads, woven together with tact and skill. Only by the wisdom that God gives can we weave this fabric. Trusting to ourselves, we draw into it threads of selfishness, and the pattern is spoiled. There are many kinds of cloth which at first have a fine appearance, but they do not endure test. The colors are not fast. They wash out. Under the heat of summer they fade, and are lost. Such a fabric cannot endure rough handling, and is worth very little. So it is with religion. When the warp and woof of religion will not stand the test of trial, the material of which it is composed is worthless. And an effort to patch the old cloth with a new piece does not better the condition of things; for the worn-out, flimsy material breaks away from the new, leaving the rent much larger than before. Patching will not do. The only way is to discard the old garment and procure a new one. The religion of self, composed of threads that fade and give way under the stress of temptation, must be cast aside, to be replaced by the religion woven by Him in whose life no selfishness found place. Christ's plan is the only safe one. He declares, "Behold, I make all things new." Rev. 21:5. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." 2 Cor. 5:17. The Saviour gives no encouragement to any to think that He will accept a patchwork religion. Such a religion is of no value in His sight. There may at first seem to be some of self and some of Christ; but it soon seen that there is none of Christ. The patches of selfishness increase till the entire garment is covered with them. . . . A religion formed after the divine pattern is the only one that will endure. Only by striving to live the life of Christ here can we prepare ourselves to live with Him through the eternal ages. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 113. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 29 04:21:19 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 07:21:19 -0400 Subject: The Unsearchable Riches Of Christ Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4F9EC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 29 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Unsearchable Riches of Christ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man. Eph. 3:16. The themes of redemption are momentous themes, and only those who are spiritually-minded can discern their depth and significance. It is our safety, our joy, to dwell upon the truths of the plan of salvation. Faith and prayer are necessary in order that we may behold the deep things of God. Our minds are so bound about by narrow ideas that we catch but limited views of the experience it is our privilege to have... Why is it that many who profess to have faith in Christ have no strength to stand against the temptations of the enemy?-It is because they are not strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man. The apostle prays "that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." Eph. 3:17-19. If we had this experience, we should know something of the cross of Calvary. We would know what it means to be partakers with Christ in His sufferings. The love of Christ would constrain us, and though we would not be able to explain how the love of Christ warmed our hearts, we would manifest His love in fervent devotion to His cause. Paul opens before the Ephesian church, in the most comprehensive language, the marvelous power and knowledge they might possess as sons and daughters of the Most High. It was theirs "to be strengthened with might...," to be "rooted and grounded in love,"..."to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge."... Jehovah Emmanuel-He in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge-to be brought into sympathy with Him, to possess Him, as the heart opens more and more to receive His attributes: to know His love and power, to possess the unsearchable riches of Christ...this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and "their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." Isa. 54:17. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 114. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 30 06:56:09 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 09:56:09 -0400 Subject: Almost Home! Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4FA8F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for April 30 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Almost Home! And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3. More than eighteen hundred years have passed since the Saviour gave the promise of His coming. Throughout the centuries His words have filled with courage the hearts of His faithful ones. The promise has not yet been fulfilled;...but none the less sure is the word that has been spoken. Christ will come in His own glory, in the glory of His Father, and in the glory of the holy angels. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of angels, the beautiful, triumphant sons of God, possessing surpassing loveliness and glory, will escort Him on His way. In the place of a crown of thorns, He will wear a crown of glory-a crown within a crown. In the place of that old purple robe, He will be clothed in a garment of whitest white, "so as no fuller on earth can white" (Mark 9:3) it. And on His vesture and on His thigh a name will be written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords." Rev. 19:16.... To His faithful followers Christ has been a daily companion, a familiar friend. They have lived in close, constant communion with God. Upon them the glory of the Lord has risen. In them the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ has been reflected. Now they rejoice in the undimmed rays of the brightness and glory of the King in His majesty. They are prepared for the communion of heaven, for they have heaven in their hearts. With uplifted heads, with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness shining upon them, with rejoicing that their redemption draweth nigh, they go forth to meet the Bridegroom, saying, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us." The time of tarrying is almost ended. The pilgrims and strangers who have so long been seeking a better country are almost home. I feel as if I must cry aloud, Homeward bound! . . . "Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless." 2 Peter 3:14. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 115. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 1 04:30:02 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 1 May 2005 07:30:02 -0400 Subject: Superficial Knowledge Not Enough Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4FA95@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Superficial Knowledge Not Enough To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col. 1:27 There are many mysteries in the Word of God that we do not comprehend, and many of us are content to stop our investigation when we have just begun to receive a little knowledge concerning Christ. When there begins to be a little unfolding of the divine purposes to the mind, and we begin to obtain a slight knowledge of the character of God, we become satisfied and think that we have received about all the light that there is for us in the Word of God. But the truth of God is infinite. With painstaking effort we should work in the mines of truth, discovering the precious jewels that have been hidden. . . . Jesus meant just what He said when He directed His disciples to "search the Scriptures" (John 5:39). Searching means to compare scripture with scripture, and spiritual things with spiritual. We should not be satisfied with a superficial knowledge. We do not half realize what the Lord is willing to do for His people. . . . Our petitions, mingled with faith and contrition, should go up to God for an understanding of the mysteries that God would make known to His saints. . . . An angel's pen could not portray all the glory of the revealed plan of redemption. The Bible tells how Christ bore our sins and carried our sorrows. Here is revealed how mercy and truth have met together at the cross of Calvary, how righteousness and peace have kissed each other, how the righteousness of Christ may be imparted to fallen man. There infinite wisdom, infinite justice, infinite mercy, and infinite love were displayed. Depths, heights, lengths, and breadths of love and wisdom, all passing knowledge, are made known in the plan of salvation. He who desires the truth in his heart, who longs for the working of its powers upon the life and character, will be sure to have it. Says the Saviour, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6). >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 116. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 2 04:18:07 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 07:18:07 -0400 Subject: Our Divine Redeemer Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4FAC5@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Our Divine Redeemer Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. Phil. 2:6. Jesus Christ "counted it not a thing to be grasped to be equal with God." Because divinity alone could be efficacious in the restoration of man from the poisonous bruise of the serpent, God Himself, in His only begotten Son, assumed human nature, and in the weakness of human nature sustained the character of God, vindicated His holy law in every particular, and accepted the sentence of wrath and death for the sons of men. What a thought is this! He who was one with the Father before the world was made had such compassion for a world lost and ruined by transgression that He gave His life a ransom for it. He who was the brightness of the Father's glory, the express image of His person, bore our sins in His own body on the tree, suffering the penalty of man's transgression until justice was satisfied and required no more. How great is the redemption that has been worked out for us! So great that the Son of God died the cruel death of the cross to bring to us life and immortality through faith in Him. This wonderful problem-how God could be just and yet the justifier of sinners-is beyond human ken. As we attempt to fathom it, it broadens and deepens beyond our comprehension. When we look with the eye of faith upon the cross of Calvary, and see our sins laid upon the victim hanging in weakness and ignominy there-when we grasp the fact that this is God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace-we are led to exclaim, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us" (1 John 3:1)! . . . When man can measure the exalted character of the Lord of hosts, and distinguish between the eternal God and finite humanity, he will know how great has been the sacrifice of Heaven to bring man from where he has fallen through disobedience to become part of the family of God. . . . The divinity of Christ is our assurance of eternal life. . . . He, the Sin Bearer of the world, is our only medium of reconciliation with a holy God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 116, 117. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 3 04:32:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 3 May 2005 07:32:18 -0400 Subject: Tender, Loving, Compassionate Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4FC02@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Tender, Loving, Compassionate But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Ps. 86:15 God has ordained according to the law of ministry that we should comfort one another in tenderness and love when great sorrows come upon us. No man liveth unto himself. No one dieth unto himself. Life and death both mean something to every human being. . . . God has enjoined the duty upon His human agents to communicate the character of God, testifying to His grace, His wisdom, and His benevolence, by manifesting His refined, tender, merciful love. . . . Jesus . . . was ever touched with human woe, and our hearts should be softened and subdued by His Holy Spirit, that we may be like Him. . . . Our work is to restore the moral image of God in man through the abundant grace given us of God by Jesus Christ. Everywhere we shall find souls ready to die, and how essential it is that the compassion of Christ shall be given us of Him, in order that we may never place one soul in defiance by not manifesting long forbearance and pitying tenderness. . . . I inquire, Will we ever learn the gentleness of Christ? Oh, how much we need to know Jesus and our heavenly Father that we may represent Him in character! . . . Jesus calls us to Himself not simply to refresh us with His grace and presence for a few hours, and then to send us forth from His light to walk apart from Him in sadness and gloom. No, no. He tells us that we must abide with Him and He with us. Wherever His work is to be done He is present-tender, loving, and compassionate. He has prepared for you and me an abiding dwelling place in Himself. He is our refuge. Our experience should broaden and deepen. Jesus has opened up all the divine fullness of His inexpressible love, and He declares to you, Ye "are labourers together with God" (1 Cor. 3:9). O what meaning these words have-"Abide in me" (John 15: 4), "Take my yoke upon you" (Matt. 11:29). Will we take it? for the promise is, "Ye shall find rest unto your souls." There is rest, complete rest in abiding in Christ. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 117, 118. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 4 04:26:54 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 4 May 2005 07:26:54 -0400 Subject: The Holy Spirit Our Helper Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AD4FD33@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Holy Spirit Our Helper For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom. 8:14. Through the ministry of the angels the Holy Spirit is enabled to work upon the mind and heart of the human agent and draw him to Christ. . . . But the Spirit of God does not interfere with the freedom of the human agent. The Holy Spirit is given to be a helper, so that man may cooperate with the Divine, and it is given to Him to draw the soul but never to force obedience. Christ is ready to impart all heavenly influences. He knows every temptation that comes to man, and the capabilities of each. 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 the reckoning. The Lord has fullness of grace to bestow on every one that will receive of the heavenly gift. The Holy Spirit will bring the God-entrusted capabilities into Christ's service, and will mold and fashion the human agent according to the divine Pattern. The Holy Spirit is our efficiency in the work of character building, in forming characters after the divine similitude. When we think ourselves capable of molding our own experience, we make a great mistake. We can never of ourselves obtain the victory over temptation. But those who have genuine faith in Christ will be worked by the Holy Spirit. The soul in whose heart faith abides will grow into a beautiful temple for the Lord. He is directed by the grace of Christ. Just in proportion as he depends on the Holy Spirit's teaching he will grow. The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. We do not now see Christ and speak to Him, but His Holy Spirit is just as near us in one place as another. It works in and through every one who receives Christ. Those who know the indwelling of the Spirit reveal the fruit of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 118, 119. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 5 04:19:14 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 5 May 2005 07:19:14 -0400 Subject: "Despised And Rejected" Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE085C0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 5 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- "Despised And Rejected" He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Isa. 53:3. How few have any conception of the anguish which rent the heart of the Son of God during His thirty years of life upon earth. The path from the manger to Calvary was shadowed by sorrow and grief. He was the Man of Sorrows, and endured such heartache as no human language can portray. He could have said in truth, "Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow" (Lam. 1:12). His suffering was the deepest anguish of the soul; and what man could have sympathy with the soul anguish of the Son of the infinite God? Hating sin with a perfect hatred, He yet gathered to His soul the sins of the whole world, as He trod the path to Calvary, suffering the penalty of the transgressor. Guiltless, He bore the punishment of the guilty; innocent, yet offering Himself to bear the penalty of the transgression of the law of God. The punishment of the sins of every soul was borne by the Son of the infinite God. The guilt of every sin pressed its weight upon the divine soul of the world's Redeemer. He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. In assuming the nature of man, He placed Himself where He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, that by His stripes we might be healed. In His humanity Christ was tried with as much greater temptation, with as much more persevering energy than man is tried by the evil one, as His nature was greater than man's. This is a deep mysterious truth, that Christ is bound to humanity by the most sensitive sympathies. The evil works, the evil thoughts, the evil words of every son and daughter of Adam press upon His divine soul. The sins of men called for retribution upon Himself, for He had become man's substitute, and took upon Him the sins of the world. He bore the sins of every sinner, for all transgressions were imputed unto Him. . . . "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?" (Heb. 2:3). >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 119, 120. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 6 08:43:43 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 6 May 2005 11:43:43 -0400 Subject: An Advocate Clothed In Our Nature Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08717@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 6 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- An Advocate Clothed In Our Nature My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1. God's appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of grace itself is occupied by One who permits us to call Him Father. . . . He has placed at His altar an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our Intercessor, Christ's office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. He intercedes in behalf of those who receive Him. With His own blood He has paid their ransom. By virtue of His merits He gives them power to become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for Christ by receiving and welcoming Christ's friends as His friends. He is satisfied with the atonement made. He is glorified by the incarnation, the life, death, and mediation of His son. In Christ's name our petitions ascend to the Father. He intercedes in our behalf, and the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, for us to enjoy and impart to others. . . . Christ is the connecting link between God and man. . . . He places the whole virtue of His righteousness on the side of the suppliant. He pleads for man, and man, in need of divine help, pleads for himself in the presence of God, using the influence of the One who gave His life for the life of the world. As we acknowledge before God our appreciation of Christ's merits, fragrance is given to our intercessions. As we approach God through the virtue of the Redeemer's merits, Christ places us close by His side, encircling us with His human arm, while with His divine arm He grasps the throne of the Infinite. He puts His merits, as sweet incense, in the censer in our hands, in order to encourage our petitions. . . . Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He has also become the medium of blessing between God and man. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 120. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat May 7 07:04:35 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 7 May 2005 10:04:35 -0400 Subject: The Priceless Pearl Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08744@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 7 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Priceless Pearl Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. Matt. 13:45, 46. This goodly pearl represents the priceless treasure of Christ, as does the gold hid in the field. In Christ we have everything that is needful for us in this life, and that which will make up the joy of the world to come. All the money in the world will not buy the gift of peace and rest and love. These gifts are provided for us through faith in Christ. We cannot purchase these gifts from God; we have nothing with which to buy them. We are the property of God, for mind, soul, and body have been purchased by the ransom of the life of the Son of God. . . . Then what is it to buy the eternal treasure? It is simply to give back to Jesus His own, to receive Him into the heart by faith. It is cooperation with God; it is bearing the yoke with Christ; it is lifting His burdens. . . . The Lord Jesus laid aside His royal crown, He left His high command, He clothed His divinity with humanity, in order that through humanity He might uplift the human race. He so appreciated the possibility of the human race that He became man's substitute and surety. He places upon man His own merit, and thus elevates him in the scale of moral value with God. Christ is the atoning sacrifice. He left the glory of heaven, He parted with His riches, He laid aside His honor, not in order to create love and interest for man in the heart of God, but to be an exponent of the love that existed in the heart of the Father. . . . Jesus paid the price of all His riches, He assumed humanity, He condescended to a life of poverty and humiliation, in order that He might seek and save that which was lost. Through the grace of Christ we may be strengthened and matured, so that though now imperfect we may become complete in Him. We have mortgaged ourselves to Satan, but Christ came to ransom and redeem us. We cannot purchase anything from God. It is only by grace, the free gift of God in Christ, that we are saved. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 121. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 8 08:31:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 8 May 2005 11:31:18 -0400 Subject: Provision For Every Emergency Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08755@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 8 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Provision For Every Emergency How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. Heb. 2:3. The divine Author of salvation left nothing incomplete in the plan; every phase of it is perfect. The sin of the whole world was laid upon Jesus, and divinity gave its highest value to the suffering of humanity in Jesus that the whole world might be pardoned through faith in the Substitute. The most guilty need have no fear but that God will pardon, for because of the efficacy of the divine sacrifice the penalty of the law will be remitted. Through Christ the sinner may return to allegiance to God. How wonderful is the plan of redemption in its simplicity and fullness. It not only provides for the full pardon of the sinner but also for the restoration of the transgressor, making a way whereby he may be accepted as a son of God. Through obedience he may be the possessor of love and peace and joy. His faith may unite him in his weakness to Christ, the source of divine strength, and through the merits of Christ he may find the approval of God, because Christ has satisfied the demands of the law, and He imputes His righteousness to the penitent, believing soul. . . . What love, what wonderful love, was displayed by the Son of God....Christ takes the sinner from the lowest degradation, and purifies, refines, and ennobles him. By beholding Jesus as He is, the sinner is transformed and elevated to the very summit of dignity, even to a seat with Christ upon his throne. . . . The plan of redemption provides for every emergency and for every want of the soul. If it were deficient in any way, the sinner might find some excuse to plead for neglect of its terms, but the infinite God had a knowledge of every human necessity, and ample provision has been made to supply every need. . . . What, then, can the sinner say in the great day of final judgment as to why he refused to give attention, the most thorough and earnest, to the salvation proffered him? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 121, 122. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 9 04:13:11 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 9 May 2005 07:13:11 -0400 Subject: A Faith That Purifies The Life Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08785@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 9 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Faith That Purifies The Life But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Tim. 6:11, 12. Many teach that all that is necessary to salvation is to believe in Jesus, but what saith the word of truth?-"Faith without works is dead" (James 2:26). We are to "fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life," take up the cross, deny self, war against the flesh, and follow daily in the footsteps of the Redeemer. . . . It is a fatal mistake to think that there is nothing for you to do in obtaining salvation. You are to cooperate with the agencies of heaven....There is a cross to be lifted in the pathway, a wall to be scaled before you enter the eternal city, a ladder to be climbed before the gate of pearl is reached, and as you realize your inability and weakness and cry for help, a divine voice will come to you from the battlements of heaven saying, "Take hold of my strength" (Isa. 27:5). . . . The controversy that was waged between Christ and Satan is renewed over every soul that leaves the black banner of the prince of darkness to march under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. The evil one will present the most subtle allurements to draw those away from their allegiance who would be true to Heaven, but we must yield all the powers of our being into the service of God, and then we shall be kept from falling into the snares of the enemy. . . . Any course of action that weakens your physical or mental power unfits you for the service of your Creator. We are to love God with all our hearts, and if we have an eye single to His glory we shall eat, drink, and clothe ourselves with reference to His divine will. Every one who has a realizing sense of what it means to be a Christian will purify himself from everything that weakens and defiles. All the habits of his life will be brought into harmony with the requirements of the Word of truth, and he will not only believe, but will work out his own salvation with fear and trembling, while submitting to the molding of the Holy Spirit. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 123, 124. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 10 04:10:53 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 10 May 2005 07:10:53 -0400 Subject: Children, Not Slaves Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE088AB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Children, Not Slaves Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Heb. 12:28. There are many who profess to be Christ's followers and yet are not doers of His Word. They do not relish this Word because it presents service which is not agreeable to them. They do not relish the wholesome reproofs and close, earnest appeals. They do not love righteousness, but are mastered and tyrannized over by their own erratic, human impulses. It makes every difference how we do service for God. The boy who drudges through his lessons because he must learn will never become a real student. The man who claims to keep the commandments of God because he thinks he must do it will never enter into the enjoyment of obedience. The essence and flavor of all obedience is the outworking of a principle within-the love of righteousness, the love of the law of God. The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our Redeemer, doing right because it is right. When the Word of God is a burden because it cuts directly across human inclinations, then the religious life is not a Christian life, but a tug and a strain, an enforced obedience. All the purity and godliness of religion are set aside. But adoption into the family of God makes us children, not slaves. When the love of Christ enters the heart we strive to imitate the character of Christ. . . . The more we study the life of Christ with a heart to learn, the more Christlike we become. Into the heart of every true doer of the Word the Holy Spirit infuses clear understanding. The more we crucify selfish practices by imparting our blessings to others and by exercising our God-given ability, the more the heavenly graces will be strengthened and increased in us. We will grow in spirituality, in patience, in fortitude, in meekness, in gentleness. . . . A train of cars is not merely attached to the engine; they follow on the same track as the engine. Whom are we following? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 123, 124. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 11 03:51:44 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 11 May 2005 06:51:44 -0400 Subject: Abiding In Christ Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE089B6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Abiding In Christ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. John 15:4. "Abide in me" are words of great significance. Abiding in Christ means a living, earnest, refreshing faith that works by love and purifies the soul. It means a constant receiving of the spirit of Christ, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. Where this union exists, good works will appear. The life of the vine will manifest itself in fragrant fruit on the branches. The continual supply of the grace of Christ will bless you and make you a blessing, till you can say with Paul, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20). The sacred union with Christ will unite the brethren in the most endearing bonds of Christian fellowship. Their hearts will be touched with divine compassion one for another. . . . Coldness, variance, strife, are entirely out of place among the disciples of Christ. They have accepted the one faith. They have joined to serve the one Lord, to endure in the same warfare, to strive for the same object, and to triumph in the same cause. They have been bought with the same precious blood, and have gone forth to preach the same message of salvation. . . . Those who are constantly drawing strength from Christ will possess His spirit. They will not be careless in word or deportment. An abiding sense of how much their salvation has cost in the sacrifice of the beloved Son of God will rest upon their souls. Like a fresh and vivid transaction the scenes of Calvary will present themselves to their minds and their hearts will be subdued and made tender by this wonderful manifestation of the love of Christ to them. They will look upon others as the purchase of His precious blood, and those who are united with Him will seem noble and elevated and sacred because of this connection. The death of Christ on Calvary should lead us to estimate souls as He did. His love has magnified the value of every man, woman, and child. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 124, 125. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 12 04:19:03 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 12 May 2005 07:19:03 -0400 Subject: A Life of Strength Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08B20@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 12 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Life of Strength I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. John 9:4. The Christian life does not consist merely in the exercise of meekness, patience, humility, and kindness. One may possess these precious and amiable traits and yet be nerveless and spiritless, and almost useless when the work goes hard. Such persons lack the positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, which would enable them to resist evil, and would make them a power in the cause of God. Jesus was our example in all things, and He was an earnest and constant worker. He commenced His life of usefulness in childhood. At the age of twelve He was "about his Father's business." Between the ages of twelve and thirty, before entering upon His public ministry, He led a life of active industry. In His ministry Jesus was never idle. Said He, "I must work the works of him that sent me...." The suffering who came to Him were not turned away unrelieved. He was acquainted with each heart and knew how to minister to its needs. Loving words fell from His lips to comfort, encourage, and bless, and the great principles of the kingdom of heaven were set before the multitudes in words so simple as to be understood by all. Jesus was a silent and unselfish worker. He did not seek fame, riches, or applause, neither did He consult His own ease and pleasure....He did not shirk care and responsibility, as many do who profess to be His followers.... The claims of Christ upon our service are new every day. However complete may have been our consecration at conversion, it will avail us nothing unless it be renewed daily, but a consecration that embraces the actual present is fresh, genuine, and acceptable to God. We have not weeks and months to lay at His feet; tomorrow is not ours, for we have not yet received it, but today we may work for Jesus. Today we may lay our plans and purposes before Him for His inspection and approval....This is God's day, and you are His hired servant. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 125. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 13 03:39:39 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Fri, 13 May 2005 03:39:39 -0700 Subject: Jesus Our All In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08B20@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08B20@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 13 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Jesus Our All But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 1 Cor. 1:30. It is growth in knowledge of the character of Christ that sanctifies the soul. To discern and appreciate the wonderful work of the atonement transforms him who contemplates the plan of salvation. By beholding Christ he becomes changed into the same image, from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. The beholding of Jesus becomes an ennobling, refining process. . . . The perfection of Christ?s character is the Christian?s inspiration. . . Christ should never be out of the mind. The angels said concerning Him, ?Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins? (Matt. 1:21). Jesus, precious Saviour! assurance, helpfulness, security, and peace are all in Him. He is the dispeller of all our doubts, the earnest of all our hopes. How precious is the thought that we may indeed become partakers of the divine nature, whereby we may overcome as Christ overcame! Jesus is the fullness of our expectation. He is the melody of our songs, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. He is living water to the thirsty soul. He is our refuge in the storm. He is our righteousness, our sanctification, our redemption. The power of Christ is to be the comfort, the hope, the crown of rejoicing, of every one that follows Jesus in his conflict, in his struggles in life. He who truly follows the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world, can shout as he advances, ?This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith? (1 John 5:4). What kind of faith is it that overcomes the world? It is that faith which makes Christ your own personal Saviour?that faith which, recognizing your helplessness, your utter inability to save yourself, takes hold of the helper who is mighty to save, as your only hope. It is faith that will not be discouraged, that hears the voice of Christ saying, ?Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world, and my divine strength is yours.? . . . ?Lo, I am with you alway.? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 126. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 15 12:24:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 15 May 2005 15:24:31 -0400 Subject: Building Up One Another Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08CF9@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 15 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Building Up One Another We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Rom. 15:1. God does not want us to place ourselves upon the judgment seat and judge each other. . . . When we see errors in others, let us remember that we have faults graver, perhaps, in the sight of God than the fault we condemn in our brother. Instead of publishing his defects, ask God to bless him and to help him to overcome his error. Christ will approve of this spirit 128 and action, and will open the way for you to speak a word of wisdom that will impart strength and help to him who is weak in the faith. The work of building one another up in the most holy faith is a blessed work, but the work of tearing down is a work full of bitterness and sorrow. Christ identifies Himself with His suffering children, for He says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:40). . . . Every heart has its own sorrows and disappointments, and we should seek to lighten one another's burdens by manifesting the love of Jesus to those around us. If our conversation were upon heaven and heavenly things, evil speaking would soon cease to have any attraction for us. . . . Instead of finding fault with others, let us be critical with ourselves. The question with each one of us should be, Is my heart right before God? Will this course of action glorify my Father which is in heaven? If you have cherished a wrong spirit, let it be banished from the soul. It is your duty to eradicate from your heart everything that is of a defiling nature. Every root of bitterness should be plucked up, lest others be contaminated by its baleful influence. Do not allow one poisonous plant to remain in the soil of your heart. Root it out this very hour, and plant in its stead the plant of love. Let Jesus be enshrined in the soul. Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and ennobled all His actions, and we are commanded to follow in His steps. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 16 04:17:42 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 16 May 2005 07:17:42 -0400 Subject: Opening The Mysteries Of Redemption Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08D12@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 16 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Opening The Mysteries Of Redemption Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Luke 24:45. The Lord wants every one of us to have a deeper, richer experience in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He desires that we shall grow in knowledge-not earthward, but heaven-ward, upward to Christ our living Head. How high, how great, is this knowledge to be? To the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. We cannot grow too much, we cannot gather up too many of the precious rays of light that God sends us. . . . We know falsehoods are coming in like a swift current, and that is just the reason why we want every ray of light that God has for us, that we may be able to stand amid the perils of the last days. . . . O how Christ longs to open before us the mysteries of redemption! He longed to do this for His disciples when He was among them on earth, but they were not far enough advanced in spiritual knowledge to comprehend 129 His words. He had to say to them, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now" (John 16:12). O how much better could they have borne the terrible ordeal through which they had to pass at His trial and crucifixion if they had advanced and been able to bear the instruction of Christ! Shall we not let Jesus open our understanding? . . . We are on the borders of the eternal world, and we must have a testimony with which all heaven shall be in harmony. The Lord is coming, and we must be ready! Every moment I want His grace-I want the robe of Christ's righteousness. We must humble our souls before God as never before, come low to the foot of the cross, and He will put a word in our mouths to speak for Him, even praise unto our God. He will teach us a strain from the song of the angels, even thanksgiving to our heavenly Father. We can do nothing of ourselves, but God wants to touch our lips with a living coal from off the altar. He wants to sanctify our tongues-to sanctify our whole being. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 128, 129. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 17 04:22:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 07:22:18 -0400 Subject: The Coming of the Comforter Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08E36@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 17 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Coming of the Comforter And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16, 17. Christ was about to depart to His home in the heavenly courts, but He assured His disciples that He would send them the Comforter, who would abide with them forever. To the guidance of this Comforter all may implicitly trust. He is the Spirit of truth; but this truth the world can neither see nor receive. . . . Christ desired His disciples to understand that He would not leave them orphans. "I will not leave you comfortless," He declared: "I will come to you" (John 14:18, 19). . . . Precious, glorious assurance of eternal life! Even though He was to be absent, their relation to Him was to be that of a child to its parent. . . . The words spoken to the disciples come to us through their words. The Comforter is ours as well as theirs, at all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all affliction, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing and we feel helpless and alone. These are times when the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. There is no comforter like Christ, so tender and so true. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. His Spirit speaks to the heart. Circumstances may separate us from our friends; the broad, restless ocean may roll between us and them. Though their sincere friendship may still exist, they may be unable to demonstrate it by doing for us that which would be gratefully received. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always there, one given in Christ's place, to act in His stead. He is always at our right hand, to speak soothing, gentle words, to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. This Spirit works in and through every one who receives Christ. Those who know the indwelling of this Spirit reveal its fruit-love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 126, 127. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 18 04:01:43 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 18 May 2005 07:01:43 -0400 Subject: Truths That Transform Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE08F69@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 18 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Truths That Transform The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:12. The truths of the Bible, treasured in the heart and mind and obeyed in the life, convince and convert the soul, transform the character, and comfort and uplift the heart. . . . The Word makes the proud humble, the perverse meek and contrite, the disobedient obedient. The sinful habits natural to man are interwoven with the daily practice. But the Word cuts away the fleshly lusts. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the mind. It divides the joints and marrow, cutting away the lusts of the flesh, making men willing to suffer for their Lord. The service of Christ is a heavenly and holy and blessed thing. The Word is to be diligently searched, for the ministry of the Word discovers the imperfections in our characters and teaches us that the sanctification of the Spirit is a work of heavenly devising, presenting in Christ Jesus the true perfection that if maintained will become a perfect whole in behalf of every soul. We are educated in Bible lines to become complete in Christlikeness and to see His Father's face in Him who gave His own life for the saving of the soul. If you are an intelligent Christian you will maintain religious vitality and will not be deterred by difficulties. . . . You will work the works of God in gloom as well as in glory, in shade as well as in sunshine, in trial as well as in peace. The truth must be treasured up in your heart as well as incorporated in your being, so that no temptation and no argument can induce you to yield to Satan's suggestions or devices. The truth is precious. It has wrought important changes upon the life and upon the character, exerting a masterly influence over words, deportment, thoughts, and experience. The soul who appreciates the truth lives under its influence and senses the tremendous realities of eternal things. He lives not to himself, but to Jesus Christ who died for him. To him, God lives and is very cognizant of all his words and actions. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 129, 130. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 19 04:26:41 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 07:26:41 -0400 Subject: A Never-Failing Refuge Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE0907C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 19 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Never-Failing Refuge Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Phil. 4:6. It is not the will of God that His people should be weighed down with care. But our Lord does not deceive us. He does not say to us, "Do not fear; there are no dangers in your path." He knows there are trials and dangers, and He deals with us plainly. He does not propose to take His people out of a world of sin and evil, but He points them to a never-failing refuge. . . . How can we remain in doubt, questioning whether Jesus loves us, sinful though we be and compassed with infirmities? He gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. He came to our world in the humble guise of a man, that He might become acquainted with the griefs and temptations that beset man's pathway, and that He might know how to help the weary with His offer of rest and peace. But thousands upon thousands refuse His assistance and only cling more firmly to their burden of care. He comes to the afflicted, and offers to soothe their grief and heal their sorrow. . . . To the disappointed, the unbelieving, and the unhappy He offers contentment, while pointing to mansions that He is preparing for them. . . . Jesus, our precious Saviour, should be first in our thoughts and affections, and we should trust Him with entire confidence. . . . As each day comes we must in the strength of Jesus meet its trials and temptations. If we fail one day we add to the burdens of the next, and have less strength. We should not cloud the future by our carelessness in the present, but by thoughtful and careful performance of today's duties be preparing to meet the emergencies of tomorrow. We need to cultivate a spirit of cheerfulness. . . . Let us ever look on the bright side of life and be hopeful, full of love and good works, rejoicing in the Lord always. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts," and "be ye thankful" (Col. 3:15). >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 130, 131 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 20 06:49:05 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 20 May 2005 09:49:05 -0400 Subject: A Progressive Faith Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE091A6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 20 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Progressive Faith But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb. 11:6. The time has come when we are to expect large blessings from the Lord. We must rise to a higher standard on the subject of faith. We have too little faith. The Word of God is our endorsement. We must take it, simply believing every word. With this assurance we may claim large things, and according to our faith it will be unto us.... The work of faith means more than we think. It means genuine reliance upon the naked word of God. By our actions we are to show that we believe that God will do just as He has said. The wheels of nature and of providence are not appointed to roll backward nor to stand still. We must have an advancing, working faith, a faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every vestige of selfishness. It is not self, but God, that we must depend upon. We must not cherish unbelief. We must have that faith that takes God at His word. . . . True faith consists in doing just what God has enjoined, not manufacturing things He has not enjoined. Justice, truth, mercy, are the fruit of faith. We need to walk in the light of God's law; then good works will be the fruit of our faith, the proceeds of a heart renewed every day. The tree must be made good before the fruit can be good. We must be wholly consecrated to God. Our will must be made right before the fruit can be good. We must have no fitful religion. "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). O what a field is opened before me! Our people must have the deep working of the Spirit of God every day. They must have a faith that works by love, a faith that emanates from God. There must not be a thread of selfishness drawn into the fabric. When our faith works by love, just such a love as Christ revealed in His life, it will be of a firm texture; it will be the fruit of a will subdued. But not until self dies can Christ live in us. Not until self dies can we possess a faith that works by love and purifies the soul. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p.131. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat May 21 06:26:49 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 21 May 2005 09:26:49 -0400 Subject: The Mighty Deliverer Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE0921E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 21 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Mighty Deliverer I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts. Isa. 65:2. The Lord God through Christ holds out His hand all the day long in invitations to the needy. He will receive all. He welcomes all. He rejects none. It is His glory to pardon the chief of sinners. He will take the prey from the mighty, He will deliver the captive, He will pluck the brand from the burning. He will lower the golden chain of His mercy to the greatest depths of human wretchedness and guilt and lift up the debased soul contaminated with sin. But man must will to come, and cooperate in the work of saving his soul by availing himself of opportunities given him of God. The Lord forces no one. The spotless wedding robe of Christ's righteousness is prepared to clothe the sinner, but if he refuses it he must perish. The record of the past can be blotted out with His [Christ's] blood, the page made clean and white. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isa. 1:18).... The words falling from the lips of Jesus, "Thy sins be forgiven thee" (Matt. 9:2), are worth everything to us. He saith, I have borne your sins in My own body on Calvary's cross. He sees your sorrows. His hand is laid upon the head of every contrite soul, and Jesus becomes our Advocate before the Father, and our Saviour. The lowly, contrite heart will make very much of forgiveness and pardon. . . . We may repeat His tender compassion for us to others who are wandering in the mazes of sin. The grace of Christ revealed to us must be tenderly revealed to others. A great tenderness and compassion will fill the soul for human beings who are still under the control of Satan. Christ is to be multiplied in every man and woman who believes in Him, for they are to live over the life of Christ in blessing and enlightening and bringing hope and peace and joy to other hearts. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 132. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 22 05:04:54 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 22 May 2005 08:04:54 -0400 Subject: How to Get Rid of Guilt Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE09223@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 22 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- How To Get Rid Of Guilt Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. Micah 7:18. I am glad indeed that our feelings are no evidence that we are not children of God. The enemy will tempt you to think that you have done things that have separated you from God, and that He no longer loves you, but our Lord loves us still. . . . Look away from yourself to the perfection of Christ. We cannot manufacture a righteousness for ourselves. Christ has in His hands the pure robes of righteousness, and He will put them upon us. He will speak sweet words of forgiveness and promise. He presents to our thirsty souls fountains of living water whereby we may be refreshed. He bids us come unto Him with all our burdens, all our griefs, and He says we shall find rest. . . . Jesus sees the guilt of the past, and speaks pardon, and we must not dishonor Him by doubting His love. This feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross of Calvary. The sense of sinfulness has poisoned the springs of life and of true happiness. Now Jesus says, "Lay it all on Me. I will take your sins; I will give you peace. Banish no longer your self-respect, for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are Mine. Your weakened will I will strengthen; your remorse for sin I will remove." Then turn your grateful heart, trembling with uncertainty, to Him and lay hold on the hope set before you. God accepts your broken, contrite heart, and extends to you free pardon. He offers to adopt you into His family, with His grace to help your weakness, and the dear Saviour will lead you on step by step, you placing your hand in His and letting Him guide you. Search for the precious promises of God. If Satan thrusts threatenings before your mind, turn from them and cling to the promises, and let your soul be comforted by their brightness. The cloud is dark in itself, but when filled with the light it is turned to the brightness of gold, for the glory of God is upon it. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 132, 133. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 23 04:13:30 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 23 May 2005 07:13:30 -0400 Subject: The Only Path of Safety Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE0923D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 23 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Only Path of Safety And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isa. 30:21. I know that human beings suffer much because they step out of the path that God has chosen for them to follow. They walk in the sparks of the fire they have kindled themselves, and the sure result is affliction, unrest, and sorrow, which they might have avoided if they had submitted their will to God and had permitted Him to control their ways. God sees that it is 134 necessary to oppose our will and our way, and bring our human will into subjection. Whatever path God chooses for us, whatever way He ordains for our feet, that is the only path of safety. We are daily to cherish a spirit of childlike submission, and pray that our eyes may be anointed with the heavenly eyesalve in order that we may discern the indications of the divine will, lest we become confused in our ideas, because our will seems to be all-controlling. With the eye of faith, with childlike submission as obedient children, we must look to God, to follow His guidance, and difficulties will clear away. The promise is, "I will instruct thee and teach thee . . . : I will guide thee with mine eye" (Ps. 32:8). . . . If we come to God in a humble and teachable spirit, not with our plans all formed before we ask Him, and shaped according to our own will, but in submission, in willingness to be taught, in faith, it is our privilege to claim the promise every hour of the day. We may distrust ourselves, and we need to guard against our own inclinations and strong tendencies lest we shall follow our mind and plans and think it is the way of the Lord. . . . Our heavenly Father is our Ruler, and we must submit to His discipline. We are members of His family. He has a right to our service, and if one of the members of His family would persist in having his own way, persist in doing just that which he pleased, that spirit would bring about a disordered and perplexing state of things. We must not study to have our own way, but God's way and God's will. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 133, 134. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 24 04:20:06 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 24 May 2005 07:20:06 -0400 Subject: The March To Victory Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE0937A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 24 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The March To Victory But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:57. Nothing can be more helpless, nothing can be more dependent, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly upon the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour. The Christian life is a life of warfare, of continual conflict. It is a battle and a march. But every act of obedience to Christ, every act of self-denial for His sake, every trial well endured, every victory gained over temptation, is a step in the march to the glory of final victory. If we take Christ for our guide, He will lead us safely along the narrow way. The road may be rough and thorny; the ascent may be steep and dangerous; there may be pitfalls upon the right hand and upon the left; we may have to endure toil in our journey; when weary, when longing for rest, we may have to toil on; when faint, we may have to fight; when discouraged, we may be called upon to hope; but with Christ as our Guide we shall not lose the path to immortal life, we shall not fail to reach the desired haven at last. Christ Himself has trod the rough pathway before us and has smoothed the path for our feet. The narrow path of holiness, the way cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in, is illuminated by Him who is the light of the world. As we follow in His steps, His light will shine upon us, and as we reflect the light borrowed from the glory of Christ, the path will grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. We may think it pleasant at first to follow pride and worldly ambition, but the end is pain and sorrow. Selfish plans may present flattering promises and hold out the hope of enjoyment, but we shall find that our happiness is poisoned and our life embittered by hopes that center in self. In following Christ we are safe, for He will not suffer the powers of darkness to hurt one hair of our heads. He will keep that which is committed to His trust, and we shall be more than conquerors through Him that loved us. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 134, 135. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 25 04:30:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 25 May 2005 07:30:31 -0400 Subject: Come Ye Yourselves Apart Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE0949F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 25 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- "Come Ye Yourselves Apart" Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Ps. 27:14. No other life was ever so crowded with labor and responsibility as was that of Jesus, yet how often He was found in prayer! How constant was His communion with God! . . . As one with us, a sharer in our needs and weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength that He might go forth braced for duty and trial. In a world of sin Jesus endured struggles and torture of soul. In communion with God He could unburden the sorrows that were crushing Him. . . . In Christ the cry of humanity reached the Father of infinite pity. As a man He supplicated the throne of God till His humanity was charged with a heavenly current that should connect humanity with divinity. Through continual communion He received life from God, that He might impart life to the world. His experience is to be ours. "Come ye yourselves apart" (Mark 6:31), He bids us. If we would give heed to His Word we should be stronger and more useful. . . . If today we would take time to go to Jesus and tell Him our needs we should not be disappointed; He would be at our right hand to help us. . . . In all who are under the training of God is to be revealed a life that is not in harmony with the world, its customs, or its practices, and everyone needs to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. He bids us, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). Here alone can true rest be found. And this is the effectual preparation for all who labor for God. Amid the hurrying throng and the strain of life's intense activities, the soul that is thus refreshed will be surrounded with an atmosphere of light and peace. The life will breathe out fragrance and will reveal a divine power that will reach men's hearts. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 135, 136. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 26 04:19:04 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 26 May 2005 07:19:04 -0400 Subject: The Preciousness of Secret Prayer Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CB30@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 26 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Preciousness of Secret Prayer Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Ps. 62:8. A deep sense of our need and a great desire for the things for which we ask must characterize our prayers, else they will not be heard. But we are not to become weary and cease our petitions because the answer is not immediately received. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matt. 11:12). The violence here meant is a holy earnestness, such as Jacob manifested. We need not try to work ourselves up into an intense feeling, but calmly, persistently, we are to press our petitions at the throne of grace. Our work is to humble our souls before God, confessing our sins, and in faith drawing nigh unto God. . . . It is the design of God to reveal Himself in His providence and in His grace. The object of our prayers must be the glory of God, not the glorification of ourselves. . . . God has honored us by showing how greatly He values us. We are bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God. When His heritage shall conscientiously follow the Word of the Lord, His blessing will rest upon them in answer to their prayers. "Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness" (Joel 2:12, 13). In secret prayer the soul should be laid bare to the inspecting eye of God. . . . How precious is secret prayer-the soul communing with God! Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive the burden of petitions. Calmly, yet fervently, the soul is to reach out after God; and sweet and abiding will be the influence emanating from Him who sees in secret, whose ear is open to the prayer arising from the heart. He who in simple faith holds communion with God will gather to himself divine rays of light to strengthen and sustain him in the conflict with Satan. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 136, 137. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 27 04:31:57 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 27 May 2005 07:31:57 -0400 Subject: The Motive For Obedience Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CC10@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 27 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Motive For Obedience For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3. It is the keeping of the commandments of God that honors and glorifies Him in His chosen. Wherefore every soul to whom God has given reasoning faculties is under obligation to God to search the Word and ascertain all that is enjoined upon us as God's purchased possession. We should seek to understand all that the Word requires of us. . . . We cannot show greater honor to our God, whose we are by creation and redemption, than to give evidence to the beings of heaven, to the worlds unfallen, and to fallen men, that we diligently hearken unto all His commandments, which are the laws that govern His kingdom. We need to study diligently that we may gain a knowledge of the laws of God. How can we be obedient subjects if we fail to understand the laws that govern the kingdom of God? Then open your Bibles and search for everything that will enlighten you in regard to the precepts of God; and when you discern a Thus saith the Lord, ask not the opinion of men, but whatever the cost to yourself, obey cheerfully. Then the blessing of God will rest upon you.... Often ask prayerfully, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Am I in any way disregarding the divine precepts? Am I in any way placing my influence on the enemy's side? Am I showing a careless disregard of God's commandments? Am I willing to yoke up with Christ, to lift the burdens, and to be a co-laborer with Him? Am I studying out possible excuses for neglecting obedience to a Thus saith the Lord? Am I risking the consequences of neglect to obey the clearly revealed precepts of Jehovah because I am not willing to come out from the world and be separate? Shall the fear of man have a greater influence over me than the fear of God?" Surrender yourself to God, saying, "'Here, Lord, I give myself away; 'tis all that I can do.' I will not be found in disobedience to Thy law, for that would place me in the enemy's ranks." >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 137. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat May 28 06:08:34 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 28 May 2005 09:08:34 -0400 Subject: Filled With His Fullness Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CC6E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 28 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Filled With His Fullness And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Eph. 3:19. There are many who think that it is impossible to escape from the power of sin, but the promise is that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. We aim too low. The mark is much higher. Our minds need expansion, that we may comprehend the significance of the provision of God. We are to reflect the highest attributes of the character of God. We should be thankful that we are not to be left to ourselves. The law of God is the exalted standard to which we are to attain. . . . We are not to walk according to our own ideas. . . , but we are to follow in the footsteps of Christ. The work of overcoming is in our hands, but we are not to overcome in our own name or strength, for of ourselves we cannot keep the commandments of God. The Spirit of God must help our infirmities. Christ has become our sacrifice and surety. He has become sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Through faith in His name He imputes unto us His righteousness, and it becomes a living principle in our life. . . . Christ imputes to us His sinless character and presents us to the Father in His own purity. We cannot provide a robe of righteousness for ourselves, for the prophet says, "All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6). There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We are to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ's righteousness. We are to say, "He died for me. He bore my soul's disgrace, that in His name I might be an overcomer and be exalted to His throne." It is privilege of the children of God to be filled with all the fullness of God. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end" (Eph. 3:20, 21). >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 138. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 29 08:05:48 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 29 May 2005 11:05:48 -0400 Subject: An Example of the Believers Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CC74@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 29 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- An Example of the Believers For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus. 2:11, 12. There is a great work for us to do if we would inherit eternal life. We are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live a life of righteousness. . . . There is no salvation for us except in Jesus, for it is through faith in Him that we receive power to become the sons of God. But it is not merely a passing faith, it is faith that works the works of Christ. . . . Living faith makes itself manifest by exhibiting a spirit of sacrifice and devotion toward the cause of God. Those who possess it stand under the banner of Prince Emmanuel and wage a successful warfare against the powers of darkness. They stand ready to do whatsoever their Captain commands. Each one is exhorted to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12), for we are to "live soberly, righteously, and godly" in this present evil world, representing the character of Christ, and manifesting His spirit. . . . Those who are connected with Jesus are in union with the Maker and Upholder of all things. They have a power that the world cannot give nor take away. But while great and exalted privileges are given to them, they are not simply to rejoice in their blessings. As stewards of the manifold grace of God they are to become a blessing to others. They are entrusted with great truth, and "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48). There are weighty responsibilities resting upon all who have received the message for this time. They are to exert an influence that will draw others to the light of God's Word. . . . We are our brother's keeper. . . . If we are true believers in Jesus we shall be gathering rays from glory, and we shall shed light on the darkened pathway of those around us. We shall reveal the gracious character of our Redeemer, and many will be drawn by our influence to "behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 139. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 30 06:25:55 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 30 May 2005 09:25:55 -0400 Subject: Putting Our Gifts To Work Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CC81@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 30 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Putting Our Gifts To Work But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. 1 Cor. 7:7. God gives more than money to His stewards. Your talent of imparting is a gift. What are you communicating of the gifts of God, in your words, in your tender sympathy? . . . The knowledge of truth is a talent. There are many souls in darkness that might be enlightened by true, faithful words from you. There are hearts that are hungering for sympathy, perishing away from God. Your sympathy may help them. The Lord has need of your words, dictated by His Holy Spirit. . . . The first work for all Christians to do is to search the Scriptures with most earnest prayer, that they may have that faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every thread of selfishness. If the truth is received into the heart, it works like good leaven, until every power is brought into subjection to the will of God. Then you can no more help shining than can the sun. . . . All natural gifts are to be sanctified as precious endowments. They are to be consecrated to God, that they may minister for the Master. All social advantages are talents. They are not to be devoted to self-pleasing, amusement, or self-gratification. . . . The gift of correct example is a great thing. But many gather about the soul an atmosphere that is malarious. . . . The gifts of speech, of knowledge, of sympathy and love, communicate a knowledge of Christ. All these gifts are to be converted to God. The Lord stands in need of them, He calls for them. All are to act a part in preparing their own souls and the souls of others to rededicate their talents to God. Every soul, every gift, is to be laid under contribution to God. All are to cooperate with God in the work of saving souls. The talents you possess are given you of God to make you efficient colaborers with Christ. There are hearts hungering for sympathy, perishing for the help and assistance God has given you to give to them. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 140. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 31 04:00:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 07:00:31 -0400 Subject: Exalting the Man of Calvary Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CCBA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for May 31 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Exalting the Man of Calvary And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:14, 15. I point you to the cross of Calvary. I ask you to consider the infinite sacrifice made in your behalf that through faith in Jesus Christ you may not perish but have everlasting life. . . . I point you to Jesus. You are safe in committing to Him the innermost working of your mind. The Lord Jesus hath purchased you with an infinite price. You may commit the keeping of your soul to Jesus. You may trust Him as your Counselor. . . . Constantly draw nigh unto God. He will help you. O be sure you receive your illumination from the Source of all light. He is the great central Light of the universe of heaven and the great Light of the world. He will enlighten every man that cometh into the world. Reach no cheap, low standard. Cultivate the gentleness of Christ. Secure the highest attainments, and draw your inspiration from Jesus Christ. He is your Friend. You may always depend upon Him and find Him faithful and true. When you need His sympathy in your greatest perplexity, wounded and bruised, He will not pass you by on the other side. To Him you may come in the simplicity of children. To Him you may come with joy and rejoicing. With everything that is flattering to your hopes, every success which attends your labors in the Lord, look up to Jesus and lay every honor at His feet. Everything depends upon your walking in all humility of mind. Write the name of Christ upon your banner and never dishonor your colors. All heaven was given to us in Christ Jesus. . . . O honor Jesus by giving to Him the heart's best and holiest services! He has given His life for you. Who is He that hath done this? The only begotten Son of God, He that was One with the Father before the world was. Lift up your banner, lift it up higher. Never, never let it trail in the dust of the earth. Exalt Jesus. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp, 140, 141. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 1 04:17:50 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 1 Jun 2005 07:17:50 -0400 Subject: We Shall See His Face Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CE0C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- We Shall See His Face And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. Rev. 22:4. We cannot now see the glory of God, but it is only by receiving Him here that we shall be able by and by to see Him face to face. God would have us keep our eyes fixed on Him, that we may lose sight of the things of this world. We have . . . no time for any of us to delay that preparation which will enable us to see the face of God. . . . Only by looking to Jesus, the Lamb of God, and following in His steps, can you prepare to meet God. Follow Him, and you will one day walk the golden streets of the city of God. You will see Him who laid aside His royal garments and His kingly crown, and disguising Himself with humanity, came to our world and bore our sins, that He might lift us up and give us a revelation of His glory and majesty. We shall see Him face to face if we now give ourselves up to be molded and fashioned by Him and prepared for a place in the kingdom of God. Those who consecrate their lives to the service of God will live with Him through the ceaseless ages of eternity. "God himself shall be with them, and be their God" (Rev. 21:3). . . . Their minds were given to God in this world; they served Him with their heart and intellect, and now He can put His name in their foreheads. "And there shall no night there; . . . for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 22:5). They do not go in as those that beg a place there, for Christ says to them, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:34). He takes them as His children, saying, Enter ye into the joy of your Lord. The crown of immortality is placed on the brow of the overcomers. They take their crowns and cast them at the feet of Jesus, and touching their golden harps, they fill all heaven with rich music in songs of praise to the Lamb. Then "they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 141, 142. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 2 04:14:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 2 Jun 2005 07:14:31 -0400 Subject: Not to Condemn But to Save Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9CF25@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Not to Condemn But to Save For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17. There are souls who are trembling in unbelief. They ask, "How can I know that God is reconciled to me? How can I be assured that He loves and pardons me?" It is not for you, dear youth, to make yourselves just with God. Jesus invites you to come to Him with all your burdens and perplexities. . . . Accept the promise and the provision that God has made. . . . Look away from self to Jesus; for in Christ the character of the Father is revealed. The blood of Christ in ever-abiding efficacy is our only hope, for through His merits alone we have pardon and peace. The character of God as revealed by Christ invites our faith and love, for we have a Father whose mercy and compassion fail not. At every step of our journey heavenward He will be with us to guide in every perplexity, to give us help in every temptation. Your reason and imagination should be touched with the life-giving power of Christ, that forms of beauty and truth may be impressed thereon. There are great and precious truths that demand your contemplation, in order that you may have a sound foundation for your faith by having a correct knowledge of God. O that the superficial, vain seeker for truth would learn that the world by wisdom, however much acquired, knew not God. It is proper to seek to learn all that is possible from nature, but do not fail to look from nature to Christ for the complete representation of the character of the living God. By contemplation of Christ, by conformity to the divine likeness, your conceptions of the divine character will expand, and your mind and heart will be elevated, refined, and ennobled. Let the youth aim high, not relying upon human wisdom, but living day by day as seeing Him who is invisible, doing their work as in the sight of the intelligences of heaven. . . . He who constantly depends upon God through simple trust and prayerful confidence, will be surrounded by the angels of heaven. He who lives by faith in Christ, will be strengthened and upheld, able to fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold upon eternal life. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 143, 144. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 3 05:38:52 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 3 Jun 2005 08:38:52 -0400 Subject: The Heavenly Election Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D026@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Heavenly Election Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 2 Peter 1:10. This is the only election regarding which the Bible speaks. Fallen in sin, we may become partakers of the divine nature and attain to a knowledge far in advance of any scientific learning. By partaking of the flesh and the blood of our crucified Lord, we shall gain life eternal. In the sixth of John we read: "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life" (John 6:54). "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (verse 63). None need lose eternal life. Everyone who chooses daily to learn of the heavenly Teacher will make his calling and election sure. Let us humble our hearts before God and follow on to know Him whom to know aright is life eternal. "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:10, 11). Here are your life-insurance papers. This is not an insurance policy the value of which someone else will receive after your death; it is a policy that assures you a life measuring with the life of God-even eternal life. O what an assurance! what a hope! Let us ever reveal to the world that we are seeking for a better country, even a heavenly. Heaven has been made for us, and we want a part in it. We cannot afford to allow anything to separate us from God and heaven. In this life we must be partakers of the divine nature. Brethren and sisters, you have only one life to live. O let it be a life of virtue, a life hid with Christ in God! Unitedly we are to help one another gain perfection of character. To this end, we are to cease all criticism. Onward and still onward we may advance toward perfection, until at last there will be ministered unto us an abundant entrance into the heavenly kingdom. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 144, 145. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 4 06:57:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 4 Jun 2005 09:57:18 -0400 Subject: Our Sure Foundation Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D08D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Our Sure Foundation For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Cor. 3:11-13. As fire reveals the difference between gold, silver, and precious stones, and wood, hay, and stubble, so the day of judgment will test characters, showing the difference between characters formed after Christ's likeness and characters formed after the likeness of the selfish heart. All selfishness, all false religion, will then appear as it is. The worthless material will be consumed; but the gold of true, simple, humble faith will never lose its value. It can never be consumed; for it is imperishable. Character is not obtained by receiving an education. Character is not obtained by amassing wealth or by gaining worldly honor. Character is not obtained by having others fight the battle of life for us. It must be sought, worked for, fought for; and it requires a purpose, a will, a determination. To form a character which God will approve, requires persevering effort. It will take a continual resisting of the powers of darkness to . . . have our names retained in the book of life. Is it not worth more to have our names registered in that book, have them immortalized among the heavenly angels, than to have them sounded in praise throughout the whole earth? In the probationary time granted us here we are each building a structure that is to have the inspection of the Judge of all the earth. This work is the molding of our characters. Every act of our lives is a stone in that building, every faculty is a worker, every blow that is struck is for good or for evil. The words of inspiration warn us to take heed how we build, to see that our foundation is sure. If we build upon the solid rock, pure, noble, upright deeds, the structure will go up beautiful and symmetrical, a fit temple for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 145. ------------------------------------------------- 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 From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 5 09:51:42 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 5 Jun 2005 12:51:42 -0400 Subject: The Happiest People Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D092@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 5 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Happiest People Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Ps. 16:11. Do not think that when you walk with Jesus you must walk in the shadow. The happiest people in the world are those who trust in Jesus and gladly do His bidding. From the lives of those who follow Him, unrest and discontent are banished. . . . They may meet with trial and difficulty, but their lives are full of joy; for Christ walks beside them, and His presence makes the pathway bright. . . . When you arise in the morning, rise with the praise of God on your lips, and when you go out to work, go with a prayer to God for help. . . . Wait for a leaf from the tree of life. This will soothe and refresh you, filling your heart with peace and joy. Fix your thoughts upon the Saviour. Go apart from the bustle of the world and sit under Christ's shadow. Then, amid the din of daily toil and conflict, your strength will be renewed. It is positively necessary for us to sit down sometimes and think of how the Saviour descended from heaven, from the throne of God, to show what human beings may become if they will unite their weakness to His strength. Having gained renewal of strength by communion with God, we may go on our way rejoicing, praising Him for the privilege of bringing the sunshine of Christ's love into the lives of those we meet. . . . Heavenly intelligences are waiting to cooperate with human instrumentalities, that the world may see what human beings may become through a union with the divine. Those who consecrate body, soul, and spirit to God's service will constantly receive a new endowment of physical, mental, and spiritual power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the life of His life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in mind and heart. Through the grace given us we may achieve victories which, because of our defects of character and the smallness of our faith, may have seemed to us impossible. To every one who offers himself to the Lord for service, withholding nothing, is given power for the attainment of measureless results. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 146. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 6 04:03:21 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Mon, 06 Jun 2005 04:03:21 -0700 Subject: Let Us Ask of God In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D092@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D092@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 6 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Let Us Ask of God If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5. It is the privilege of every believer first to talk with God in his closet, and then as God?s mouthpiece to talk with others. In order that we may have something to impart, we must daily receive light and blessing. Men and women who commune with God, who have an abiding Christ, who, because they cooperate with holy angels, are surrounded with holy influences, are needed at this time. The cause needs those who have power to draw with Christ, power to express the love of God in words of encouragement and sympathy. As the believer bows in supplication before God, and in humility and contrition offers his petition from unfeigned lips, he loses all thought of self. His mind is filled with the thought of what he must have in order to build up a Christlike character. He prays, ?Lord, if I am to be a channel through which Thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that Thou hast promised.? He fastens his hold firmly on the promise, ?If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, . . . and it shall be given him.? How this dependence pleases the Master! How He delights to hear the steady, earnest pleading! . . . With wonderful and ennobling grace the Lord sanctifies the humble petitioner, giving him power to perform the most difficult duties. All that is undertaken is done unto the Lord, and this elevates and sanctifies the lowliest calling. It invests with new dignity every word, every act, and links the humblest worker . . . with the highest of the angels in the heavenly courts. . . . The sons and daughters of God have a great work to do in the world. They are to accept the Word of God as the man of their counsel and to impart it to others. They are to diffuse light. All who have received the engrafted word will be faithful in giving that word to others. They will speak the words of Christ. In conversation and in deportment they will give evidence of a daily conversion to the principles of truth. Such believers will be a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men, and God will be glorified in them. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 147. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 7 06:14:29 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 7 Jun 2005 09:14:29 -0400 Subject: Nothing Too Small Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D21B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 7 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Nothing Too Small The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lam. 3:25. There are few who rightly appreciate or improve the precious privilege of prayer. We should go to Jesus and tell Him all our needs. We may bring Him our little cares and perplexities as well as our greater troubles. Whatever arises to disturb or distress us, we should take it to the Lord in prayer.We lose many precious blessings by failing to bring our needs and cares and sorrows to our Saviour. He is the wonderful Counselor. He looks upon His church with intense interest and with a heart full of tender sympathy. He enters into the depth of our necessities. But our ways are not always His ways. He sees the result of every action, and He asks us to trust patiently in His wisdom, not in the supposedly wise plans of our own making.Do not cease to pray. If the answer tarry, wait for it. Lay all your plans at the feet of the Redeemer. Let your importunate prayers ascend to God. If it be for His name's glory, the soothing words will be spoken, "Be it unto thee according to thy word."We can never weary Christ by earnest supplications. We do not depend on God as we should. Let us leave unsaid every word of complaint. Talk faith and courage while waiting for God. . . . Be afraid to doubt, lest this become a habit that will destroy faith. The dealing of the heavenly Father may seem dark and mysterious and unexplainable; nevertheless we are to trust in Him. Oh, how precious is Jesus to the soul who trusts in Him! But many are walking in darkness because they bury their faith in the shadow of Satan. . . . Never for a moment should we allow Satan to think that his power to distress and annoy is greater than the power of Christ to uphold and strengthen. . . . Every sincere prayer that is offered is mingled with the efficacy of Christ's blood. If the answer is deferred, it is because God desires us to show a holy boldness in claiming the pledged word of God. He is faithful who hath promised. He will never forsake the soul who is wholly surrendered to Him. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 148. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 8 05:04:06 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Wed, 08 Jun 2005 05:04:06 -0700 Subject: Our Personal Intercessor In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D21B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D21B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 8 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Our Personal Intercessor Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Rom. 8:34. The Lord Jesus is your personal intercessor. . . . Repeat over and over many times through the day, ?Jesus has died for me. He saw me in peril, exposed to destruction, and poured out His life to save me. He does not behold the soul as a trembling suppliant prostrate at His feet without pity, and He will not fail to raise me up.? He has become the advocate for man. He has lifted up those who believe in Him and placed a treasurehouse of blessing at their demand. Men cannot bestow one blessing upon their fellows, they cannot remove one stain of sin. It is only the merit and righteousness of Christ that will avail anything, but this is placed to our account in rich fullness. We may draw upon God every moment. As we turn to Him, He answers, ?Here I am.? Christ proclaims Himself our Intercessor. He would have us know that He has graciously engaged to be our Substitute. He places His merit in the golden censer to offer up with the prayers of His saints, so that the prayers of His dear children may be mingled with the fragrant merit of Christ as they ascend to the Father in the cloud of incense. The Father hears every prayer of His contrite children. The voice of supplication from the earth unites with the voice of our Intercessor, who pleads in heaven, whose voice the Father always hears. Let our prayers therefore continually ascend to God. Let them not come up in the name of any human being, but in the name of Him who is our Substitute and Surety. Christ has given us His name to use. . . . Jesus receives and welcomes you as His own friend. He loves you; He has pledged Himself to open before you all the treasures of His grace for your appropriation. He says, ?At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God? (John 16:26, 27). He virtually says, Make use of My name, and it will be your passport to the heart of My Father, and to all the riches of His grace. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 149. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 9 05:33:49 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 9 Jun 2005 08:33:49 -0400 Subject: Angels in the Home Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D3D7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 9 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Angels in the Home For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Ps. 91:11, 12. Angels of God are watching over us. Upon this earth there are thousands and tens of thousands of heavenly messengers commissioned by the Father to prevent Satan from obtaining any advantage over those who refuse to walk in the path of evil. And these angels who guard God's children on earth are in communication with the Father in heaven. "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones," Christ said; "for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 18:10). Scarcely any of us realize that angels are about us; and these precious angels, who minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, are saving from us many, many temptations and difficulties. The whole family of heaven is interested in the families here below; and how thankful we should be for this interest manifested for us day and night. Words spoken in our homes which are impatient and unkind, angels hear; and do you want to find in the books of heaven a record of the impatient and passionate words you have uttered in your family? Impatience brings the enemy of God and man into your family and drives out the angels of God. If you are abiding in Christ, and Christ in you, you cannot speak angry words. Fathers and mothers, I beseech you for Christ's sake, to be kind, tender, and patient in your homes. Then light and sunshine will enter your homes, and you will feel that bright beams from the Sun of Righteousness are indeed shining into your hearts. It is the absence of the graces of God's Spirit that leaves the home in a dark, unhappy condition. Your home should be a blessed sanctuary where God can come in, and where His holy angels can minister unto you. If impatience and unkindness are manifested one to another, angels cannot be attracted to your home; but where love and peace abide, these heavenly ones love to come and bring still more of the holy influence of the home above. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 150. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 10 05:59:16 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2005 08:59:16 -0400 Subject: The Act of Faith Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D52D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Act of Faith Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11:1. Faith is not the ground of our salvation, but it is the great blessing-the eye that sees, the ear that hears, the feet that run, the hand that grasps. It is the means, not the end. If Christ gave His life to save sinners, why shall I not take that blessing? My faith grasps it, and thus my faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Thus resting and believing, I have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith, saving faith . . . is the act of the soul by which the whole man is given over to the guardianship and control of Jesus Christ. He abides in Christ and Christ abides in the soul by faith as supreme. The believer commits his soul and body to God, and with assurance may say, Christ is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. All who will do this will be saved unto life eternal. There will be an assurance that the soul is washed in the blood of Christ and clothed with His righteousness and precious in the sight of Jesus. Remember that the exercise of faith is the one means of preserving it. Should you sit always in one position, without moving, your muscles would become strengthless and your limbs would lose the power of motion. The same is true in regard to your religious experience. You must have faith in the promises of God. . . . Faith will perfect itself in exercise and activity. It is of the greatest importance to us that we surround the soul with the atmosphere of faith. Every day we are deciding our own eternal destiny in harmony with the atmosphere that surrounds the soul. We are individually accountable for the influence that we exert, and consequences that we do not see will result from our words and actions. If God would have saved Sodom for the sake of ten righteous persons, what would be the influence for good that might go out as the result of the faithfulness of the people of God if every one who professed the name of Christ were also clothed with His righteousness? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 151. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 11 04:26:22 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 11 Jun 2005 07:26:22 -0400 Subject: A Working Faith Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D5D7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Working Faith And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. Phil. 3:9. 152 It is one thing to read and teach the Bible, and another thing to have by practice its life-giving, sanctifying principles engrafted on the soul. . . . "By grace are ye saved through faith" (Eph. 2:8). The mind should be educated to exercise faith rather than to cherish doubt, suspicion, and jealousy. We are too prone to regard obstacles as impossibilities. To have faith in the promises of God, to go forward by faith, pressing on without being governed by circumstances, is a lesson hard to learn. Yet it is a positive necessity that every child of God should learn this lesson. The grace of God through Christ is ever to be cherished, for it is given us as the only way of approaching God. . . . The faith mentioned in God's Word calls for a life in which faith in Christ is an active, living principle. It is God's will that faith in Christ shall be made perfect by works; He connects the salvation and eternal life of those who believe, with these works, and through them provides for the light of truth to go to all countries and peoples. This is the fruit of the workings of God's Spirit. We show our faith in God by obeying His commands. Faith is always expressed in words and actions. It produces practical results, for it is a vital element in the life. The life that is molded by faith develops a determination to advance, to go forward, following in the footsteps of Christ. We have been taken as rough stones out of the quarry of the world by the cleaver of truth and placed in the workshop of God. He who has genuine faith in Christ as his personal Saviour will find that the truth accomplishes a definite work for him. His faith is a working faith. . . . We cannot create our faith, but we can be colaborers with Christ in promoting the growth and triumph of faith. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul produces the fruit of humility, patience, forbearance, long-suffering, peace, joy, and willing obedience. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 151, 152. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 12 05:51:38 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 12 Jun 2005 08:51:38 -0400 Subject: Our Example in Obedience Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D5DC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 12 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Our Example in Obedience For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. 1 Peter 2:21, 22. Before us is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ-obedient to all the principles of the law of God. But of ourselves we are utterly powerless to attain to this condition. All that is good in man comes to him through Christ. The holiness that God's Word declares we must have before we can be saved is the result of the working of divine grace as we bow in submission to the discipline and restraining influence of the Spirit of truth. Man's obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ's righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of true obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Saviour to heal the disorders of his diseased soul. He has not the wisdom and strength without which he cannot overcome. They belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek Him for help. The work of transformation from unholiness to holiness is a continuous work. Day by day God labors for man's sanctification, and man is to cooperate with Him by putting forth persevering efforts in the cultivation of right habits. . . . God will more than fulfill the highest expectations of those who put their trust in Him. He desires us to remember that when we are humble and contrite, we stand where He can and will manifest Himself to us. He is well pleased when we urge past mercies and blessings as a reason why He should bestow on us higher and greater blessings. He is honored when we love Him and bear testimony to the genuineness of our love by keeping His commandments. He is honored when we set apart the seventh day as sacred and holy. To those who do this, the Sabbath is a sign, . . . God declares, "that I am the Lord that sanctify them" (Eze. 20:12). Sanctification means habitual communion with God. There is nothing so great and powerful as God's love for those who are His children. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 152, 153. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 13 03:51:19 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 13 Jun 2005 06:51:19 -0400 Subject: The Highest Culture Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D5FB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 13 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Highest Culture Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. Prov. 3:13. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the man who consents to be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude is the noblest specimen of the work of God. . . . The experimental knowledge of true godliness, in daily consecration and service to God, ensures the highest culture of the mind, soul, and body. . . . The impartation of divine power honors our sincere striving after wisdom for the conscientious use of our highest faculties to honor God and bless our fellow men. As these faculties are derived from God, and not self-created, they should be appreciated as talents from God to be employed in His service. The Heaven-entrusted faculties of the mind are to be treated as the higher powers, to rule the kingdom of the body. The natural appetites and passions are to be brought under the control of the conscience and the spiritual affections. . . . The religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver; it never makes him coarse or rough, discourteous or self-important, passionate or hardhearted. On the contrary, it refines the taste, sanctifies the judgment, purifies and ennobles the thoughts by bringing them into captivity to Jesus Christ. God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. The living God has given in His holy law a transcript of His character. The greatest Teacher the world has ever known is Jesus Christ. And what is the standard He has given for all who believe in Him to reach? "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48). As God is perfect in His high sphere of action, so man may be perfect in his human sphere. The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. There is opened before us a path of continual advancement. We have an object to reach, a standard to gain which includes everything good and pure and noble and elevated. There should be continual striving and constant progress onward and upward toward perfection of character. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 153, 154. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 14 04:47:22 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2005 07:47:22 -0400 Subject: Christ in All Our Thoughts Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D73D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 14 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Christ in All Our Thoughts Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps. 139:23, 24. Few realize that it is a duty to exercise control over the thoughts and imaginations. It is difficult to keep the undisciplined mind fixed upon profitable subjects. But if the thoughts are not properly employed, religion cannot flourish in the soul. The mind must be preoccupied with sacred and eternal things, or it will cherish trifling and superficial thoughts. Both the intellectual and the moral powers must be disciplined, and they will . . improve by exercise. In order to understand this matter aright, we must remember that our hearts are naturally depraved, and we are unable of ourselves to pursue a right course. It is only by the grace of God, combined with the most earnest effort on our part, that we can gain the victory. The intellect, as well as the heart, must be consecrated to the service of God. He has claims upon all there is of us. Few believe that humanity has sunk so low as it has or that it is so thoroughly bad, so desperately opposed to God, as it is. . . . When the mind is not under the direct influence of the Spirit of God, Satan can mold it as he chooses. All the rational powers which he controls he will carnalize. He is directly opposed to God in his tastes, views, preferences, likes and dislikes, choice of things and pursuits; there is no relish for what God loves or approves, but a delight in those things which He despises. . . . If Christ is abiding in the heart, He will be in all our thoughts. Our deepest thoughts will be of Him, His love, His purity. He will fill all the chambers of the mind. Our affections will center about Jesus. All our hopes and expectations will be associated with Him. To live the life we now live by faith in the Son of God, looking forward to and loving His appearing, will be the soul's highest joy. He will be the crown of our rejoicing. Those who have trained the mind to delight in spiritual exercises are the ones who can be translated and not be overwhelmed with the purity and transcendent glory of heaven. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 154, 155. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 15 04:12:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2005 07:12:18 -0400 Subject: The Gold of Christian Character Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D873@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 15 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Gold of Christian Character A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Prov. 22:1. Men may aspire to renown. They may desire to possess a great name. With some the possession of houses and lands and plenty of money, that which will make them great according to the measure of the world, is the height of their ambition. They desire to reach the place where they can look down with a sense of superiority upon those who are poor. All such are building on the sand, and their house will fall suddenly. Superiority of position is not true greatness. That which does not increase the value of the soul is of no real value in itself. That which alone is worth obtaining is greatness of soul in the sight of Heaven. The true and exalted nature of your work you may never know. The value of your own being you can only measure by the value of that Life given to save all who will receive it. Every man will have some estimate of his own worth when he becomes a laborer together with Christ, doing the work that Christ did, filling the world with Christ's righteousness, bearing a commission from the Most High. . . . The commission given to the disciples is given to all who are connected with Christ. They are to make any and every sacrifice for the joy of seeing souls saved who are perishing out of Christ. . . . The highest honor that can be conferred upon human beings, be they young or old, rich or poor, is to be permitted to lift up the oppressed, to comfort the feeble-minded. The world is full of suffering. Go, and preach the gospel to the poor; heal the sick. This is the work to be connected with the gospel message. "The poor have the gospel preached to them" (Matt. 11:5). Colaborers with God are to fill the space they occupy in the world with the love of Jesus. . . . The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull the love for those for whom Christ died will degenerate. . . . True riches are genuine faith and genuine love. These make the character complete in Christ. If there were more faith, simple, trusting faith in Jesus, there would be love, pure love, which is the gold of Christian character. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 155, 156. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 16 06:10:08 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 09:10:08 -0400 Subject: Kind and Courteous Words Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AE9D9DF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 16 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Kind and Courteous Words The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. Isa. 50:4. What Christ was in His life on this earth, that every Christian is to be. He is our example, not only in His spotless purity, but in His patience, gentleness, and winsomeness of disposition. He was firm as a rock where truth and duty were concerned, but He was invariably kind and courteous. His life was a perfect illustration of true courtesy. . . . His presence brought a purer atmosphere into the home, and His life was as leaven working amid the elements of society. Harmless and undefiled, He walked among the thoughtless, the rude, the uncourteous; amid the unjust publicans, the unrighteous Samaritans, the heathen soldiers, the rough peasants, and the mixed multitude. He spoke a word of sympathy here and a word there as He saw men weary and compelled to bear heavy burdens. He shared their burdens and repeated to them the lessons He had learned from nature, of the love, the kindness, the goodness of God. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as children of God. . . . Jesus sat an honored guest at the table of the publicans, by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty souls His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses were awakened, and the possibility of a new life opened to these outcasts of society. The religion of Jesus softens whatever is hard and rough in the temper and smooths off whatever is rugged and sharp in the manners. It is this religion that makes the words gentle and the demeanor winning. Let us learn from Christ how to combine a high sense of purity and integrity with sunniness of disposition. A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of the gospel. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 156, 157. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 17 06:12:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2005 09:12:31 -0400 Subject: The Test of Appetite Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F01F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 17 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Test of Appetite But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Cor. 9:27. After His baptism the Son of God entered the dreary wilderness, there to be tempted by the devil. For nearly six weeks He endured the agonies of hunger. . . . He realized the power of appetite upon man; and in behalf of sinful man, He bore the closest test possible upon that point. Here a victory was gained which few can appreciate. The controlling power of depraved appetite and the grievous sin of indulging it can only be understood by the length of the fast which our Saviour endured that He might break its power. . . . Intemperance lies at the foundation of all the moral evils known to man. Christ began the work of redemption just where the ruin began. The fall of our first parents was caused by the indulgence of appetite. In redemption, the denial of appetite is the first work of Christ. The Son of God saw that man could not of himself overcome this powerful temptation. . . . He came to earth to unite His divine power with our human efforts, that through the strength and moral power which He imparts, we might overcome in our own behalf. Oh! what matchless condescension for the King of glory to come down to this world to endure the pangs of hunger and the fierce temptations of a wily foe, that He might gain an infinite victory for man. Here is love without a parallel. Yet this great condescension is but dimly comprehended by those for whom it was made. It was not the gnawing pangs of hunger alone which made the sufferings of our Redeemer so inexpressibly severe. It was the sense of guilt which had resulted from the indulgence of appetite that had brought such terrible woe into the world, which pressed so heavily upon His divine soul. . . . With man's nature, and the terrible weight of his sins pressing upon Him, our Redeemer withstood the power of Satan upon this great leading temptation, which imperils the souls of men. If man should overcome this temptation, he could conquer on every other point. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 157. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 18 04:54:32 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 18 Jun 2005 07:54:32 -0400 Subject: Keeping Love Alive Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F0B3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 18 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Keeping Love Alive Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Col. 3:18, 19. How much trouble and what a tide of woe and unhappiness would be saved if men, and women also, would continue to cultivate the regard, attention, and kind words of appreciation and little courtesies of life which kept love alive and which they felt were necessary in gaining the companions of their choice. If the husband and wife would only continue to cultivate these attentions which nourish love, they would be happy in each other's society and would have a sanctifying influence upon their families. They would have in themselves a little world of happiness and would not desire to go outside this world for new attractions and new objects of love. . . . Many women pine for words of love and kindness and the common attentions and courtesies due them from their husbands who have selected them as their life companions. . . . It is these little attentions and courtesies which make up the sum of life's happiness. . . . If the hearts were kept tender in our families, if there were a noble, generous deference to each other's tastes and opinions, if the wife were seeking opportunities to express her love by actions in her courtesies to her husband, and the husband were manifesting the same consideration and kindly regard for the wife, the children would partake of the same spirit. The influence would pervade the household, and what a tide of misery would be saved in the families! . . . Every couple who unite their life interest should seek to make the life of each as happy as possible. That which we prize we seek to preserve and make more valuable if we can. In the marriage contract men and women have made a trade, an investment for life, and they should do their utmost to control their words of impatience and fretfulness, even more carefully than they did before their marriage, for now their destinies are united for life as husband and wife, and each is valued in exact proportion to the amount of painstaking effort put forth to retain and keep fresh the love so eagerly sought for and prized before marriage. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 158. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 19 04:15:13 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 19 Jun 2005 07:15:13 -0400 Subject: The Voice of Duty Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F0B6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 19 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Voice of Duty Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. Eccl. 9:10. The voice of duty is the voice of God-an inborn, heaven-sent guide. Whether it be pleasing or unpleasing, we are to do the duty that lies directly in our pathway. If the Lord would have us bear a message to Nineveh, it will not be pleasing to Him for us to go to Joppa or Capernaum. God has reasons for sending us to the place to which our feet are directed. . . . It is the little foxes that spoil the vines, the little neglects, the little deficiencies, the little dishonesties, the little departures from principle, that blind the soul and separate it from God. It is the little things of life that develop the spirit and determine the character. Those who neglect the little things will not be prepared to endure severe tests when they are brought to bear upon them. Remember that the character building is not finished till life ends. Every day a good or bad brick is placed in the structure. You are either building crookedly or with the exactness and correctness that will make a beautiful temple for God. Therefore, in looking for great things to do, neglect not the little opportunities that come to you day by day. He who neglects the little things, and yet flatters himself that he is ready to do wonderful things for the Master, is in danger of failing altogether, Life is made up, not of great sacrifices and of wonderful achievements, but of little things. Whatever your hands find to do, do it with your might. Make your work pleasant with songs of praise. If you would have a clean record in the books of heaven, never fret or scold. Let your daily prayer be, "Lord, help me to do my best. . . . Give me energy and cheerfulness. Help me to bring into my service the loving ministry of the Saviour." Look upon every duty, however humble, as sacred because it is part of God's service. Do not allow anything to make you forgetful of God. Bring Christ into all that you do. Then your lives will be filled with brightness and thanksgiving. You will do your best, moving forward cheerfully in the service of the Lord, your hearts filled with His joy. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares p. 159. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 20 04:38:28 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 07:38:28 -0400 Subject: Living For Others Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F0D4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 20 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Living For Others Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Matt. 20:28. We are not to live for ourselves. Christ came to this world to live for others-not to be ministered unto, but to minister. If you strive to live as He lived you are saying to the world, "Behold the Man of Calvary." By precept and example you are leading others in the way of righteousness. The sin which is indulged to the greatest extent, and which separates us from God and produces so many contagious spiritual disorders, is selfishness. There can be no returning to the Lord except by self-denial. Of ourselves we can do nothing; but through God strengthening us we can live to do good to others, and in this way shun the evil of selfishness. We need not go to heathen lands to manifest our desire to devote all to God in a useful, unselfish life. We should do this in the home circle, in the church, among those with whom we associate and with whom we do business. Right in the common walks of life is where self is to be denied and kept in subordination. Paul could say: "I die daily" (1 Cor. 15:31). It is the daily dying to self in the little transactions of life that makes us overcomers. We should forget self in the desire to do good to others. With many there is a decided lack of love for others. Instead of faithfully performing their duty, they seek rather their own pleasure. God positively enjoins upon all His followers a duty to bless others with their influence and means. . . . In doing for others, a sweet satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace which will be a sufficient reward. When actuated by a high and noble desire to do others good, they will find true happiness in a faithful discharge of life's manifold duties. This will bring more than an earthly reward; for every faithful, unselfish performance of duty is noticed by the angels and shines in the life record. In heaven none will think of self, nor seek their own pleasure; but all, from pure, genuine love, will seek the happiness of the heavenly beings around them. If we wish to enjoy heavenly society in the earth made new, we must be governed by heavenly principles here. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares pp. 159, 160. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 21 04:43:49 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 21 Jun 2005 07:43:49 -0400 Subject: No One Free From Temptation Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F25B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 21 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- No One Free From Temptation Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. 1 Peter 1:5, 6. Do not think that the Christian life is free from temptation. Temptations will come to every Christian. Both the Christian and the one who does not accept Christ as his leader will have trials. The difference is that the latter is serving a tyrant, doing his mean drudgery, while the Christian is serving the One who died to give him eternal life. Do not look upon trial as something strange, but as the means by which we are to be purified and strengthened. "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations," James admonishes; "knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2, 3). In the future life we shall understand things that here greatly perplex us. We shall realize how strong a helper we had and how angels of God were commissioned to guard us as we followed the counsel of the Word of God. To all who receive Him, Christ will give power to become the sons of God. He is a present help in every time of need. Let us be ashamed of our wavering faith. Those who are overcome have only themselves to blame for their failure to resist the enemy. All who choose can come to Christ and find the help they need. There stands among you the mighty Counselor of the ages, inviting you to place your confidence in Him. Shall we turn away from Him to uncertain human beings, who are as wholly dependent on God as we ourselves are? Have we fallen so far below our privileges? Have we not been guilty of expecting so little that we have not asked for what God is longing to give? "I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel. . . . For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them" (Isa. 63:7-9). >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 160, 161. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 22 06:33:00 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2005 09:33:00 -0400 Subject: Strength for Today Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F3F1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 22 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Strength for Today And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. Zech. 13:9. By trial the Lord proves the strength of His children. Is the heart strong to bear? Is the conscience void of offense? Does the Spirit bear witness with our spirit that we are the children of God? This the Lord ascertains by trying us. In the furnace of affliction He purifies us from all dross. He sends us trials, not to cause needless pain, but to lead us to look to Him, to strengthen our endurance, to teach us that if we do not rebel, but put our trust in Him, we shall see of His salvation. . . . Christ's love for His children is as strong as it is tender. It is a love stronger than death, for He died for us. It is a love more true than that of a mother for her children. The mother's love may change, but Christ's love is changeless. "I am persuaded," Paul says, "that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:38, 39). In every trial we have strong consolation. Is not our Saviour touched with the feeling of our infirmities? Has He not been tempted in all points like as we are? And has He not invited us to take every trial and perplexity to Him? Then let us not make ourselves miserable over tomorrow's burdens. Bravely and cheerfully carry the burdens of today. Today's trust and faith we must have. But we are not asked to live more than a day at a time. He who gives strength for today will give strength for tomorrow. . . . Nothing wounds the soul like the sharp darts of unbelief. When trial comes, as it will, do not worry or complain. Silence in the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. "Then are they glad because they be quiet" (Ps. 107:30). Remember that underneath you are the everlasting arms. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" (Ps. 37:7). He is guiding you into a harbor of gracious experience. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 161, 162. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 23 04:13:03 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 07:13:03 -0400 Subject: Members of God's Household Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F558@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 23 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Members of God's Household Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. Eph. 2:19, 20. The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting transformations so amazing that Satan . . . stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God . . . look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasures of heaven. The Lord has provided His church with capabilities and blessings, that they may present to the world an image of His own sufficiency, and that His church may be complete in Him, a continual representation of another, even the eternal world, of laws that are higher than earthly laws. His church is to be a temple built after the divine similitude. . . . To His church, Christ has given ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. The church, being endowed with the righteousness of Christ, is His depository, in which the wealth of His mercy, His love, His grace, is to appear in full and final display. The declaration in His intercessory prayer, that the Father's love is as great toward us as toward Himself, the only-begotten Son, and that we shall be with Him where He is, forever one with Christ and the Father, is a marvel to the heavenly host, and it is their great joy. The gift of His Holy Spirit, rich, full, and abundant, is to be to His church as an encompassing wall of fire, which the powers of hell shall not prevail against. In their untainted purity and spotless perfection, Christ looks upon His people as the reward of all His suffering, His humiliation, and His love, and the supplement of His glory-Christ, the great center from which radiates all glory. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 162, 163. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 24 03:27:21 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 24 Jun 2005 06:27:21 -0400 Subject: Remember Your High Calling Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F653@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 24 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Remember Your High Calling Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. 2 Peter 1:12. No matter how long we may have been traveling in the way of life eternal we need often to recount the mercies of our heavenly Father toward us and gather hope and courage from the promises of His Word. . . .Peter realized the value of constant vigilance in the Christian life, and he felt impelled by the Holy Spirit to urge upon the believers the importance of exercising great carefulness in the daily life. . . . "Always in remembrance." Oh, if only we were to keep before our minds those things that pertain to our eternal welfare, we should not engage in any foolishness or idle speaking! Our lifework is before us. It is for us to give diligence to make our calling and election sure, by giving heed to the plain instruction contained in God's Holy Word. . . . There are many wrong things which we allow to pass by unnoticed, when by our godly conversation we might set an example of rightdoing that would be a standing rebuke to the evildoers. We cannot afford by our example to seem to sanction wrongdoing. There is a heaven to win and a hell to shun. In large churches of believers. . . there is special danger of lowering the standard. Where many are gathered together some are more liable to grow careless and indifferent than they would be if isolated and made to stand alone. But even under adverse circumstances we may watch unto prayer and set an example in godly conversation that will be a powerful testimony for the right. . . . We cannot afford to speak words that would discourage our fellow pilgrims in the Christian pathway. Christ has given His life in order that we might live with Him in glory. Throughout eternity He will bear in His hands the prints of the cruel nails by which He was transfixed to the cross of Calvary. . . . We are now fitting up for the future, eternal life; and soon, if faithful, we shall see the gates of the city of our God swing back on their glittering hinges that the nations who have kept the truth may enter in to their eternal inheritance. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 163, 164. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 25 06:23:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2005 09:23:31 -0400 Subject: Our Mission to the World Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F6B2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 25 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Our Mission to the World As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. John 17:18. Will separation from the world, in obedience to the divine command, unfit us for the work the Lord has left us? Will it hinder us from doing good to those around us? No; the firmer hold we have on heaven, the greater will be our power of usefulness. We should study the Pattern, that the spirit which dwelt in Christ may dwell in us. The Saviour was not found among the exalted and honorable of the world. He did not spend His time among those who were seeking their ease and pleasure. He worked to help those who needed help, to save the lost and perishing, to lift up the bowed down, to break the yoke of oppression from those in bondage, to heal the afflicted, and to speak words of sympathy and consolation to the distressed and sorrowing. We are required to follow this example. The more we partake of the spirit of Christ, the more we shall seek to do for our fellow men. We shall bless the needy and comfort the distressed. . . . Probation is about to close. . . . Soon the last prayer for sinners will have been offered, the last tear shed, the last warning given, the last entreaty made, and the sweet voice of mercy will be heard no more. This is why Satan is making such mighty efforts to secure men and women in his snare. . . . The enemy is playing the game of life for every soul. He is working to remove from us everything of a spiritual nature, and in the place of the precious graces of Christ to crowd our hearts with the evil traits of the carnal nature-hatred, evil surmising, jealousy, love of the world, love of self, love of pleasure, and the pride of life. We need to be fortified against the incoming foe, . . . for unless we are watchful and prayerful these evils will enter the heart and crowd out all that is good. How great is the responsibility placed upon the disciple of Christ. How imperative the duty to reflect the light of heaven upon a world enshrouded in darkness. The deeper the surrounding gloom, the brighter should shine out the light of Christian faith and Christian example. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 164, 165. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 26 05:44:34 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 26 Jun 2005 08:44:34 -0400 Subject: The Most Powerful Argument Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F6C3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 26 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Most Powerful Argument I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. . . . Therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. Isa. 43:11, 12. Of His true followers the Lord says, "This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise" (verse 21). They are My witnesses, My chosen representatives, in an apostate world. . . . God calls for our cooperation. His requirements are just and reasonable. . . . When we take the name of Christ we pledge ourselves to represent Him. In order for us to be true to our pledge, Christ must be formed within, the hope of glory. The daily life must become more and more like the Christ life. We must be Christians in deed and in truth. Christ will have nothing to do with pretense. He will welcome to the heavenly courts those only whose Christianity is genuine. The lives of professed Christians who do not live the life of Christ are a mockery to religion. God does not ask us to purchase His favor by any costly sacrifice. He asks only for the service of a humble, contrite heart, which has gladly and thankfully accepted His free gift. The one who receives Christ as his personal Saviour has in his possession the salvation provided by Christ. And he is never to forget that as he has freely received, so he is freely to impart. Do you realize your value in the sight of God? He says, Ye are laborers together with Me. Are you letting your light shine in clear rays to a fallen world? Are you seeking to exercise every faculty and every power which God has given you? You may not be a minister, but you can be a witness. You may not be an eloquent speaker, but you can be eloquent in living Christ, you can be eloquent in letting your light shine before men. A true, lovable Christian is the most powerful argument that can be advanced in favor of Bible truth. Such a man is Christ's representative. His life is the most convincing evidence that can be borne to the power of divine grace. When God's people bring the righteousness of Christ into the daily life, sinners will be converted and victories over the enemy will be gained. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 165. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 27 06:47:32 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 09:47:32 -0400 Subject: Our Obligations to the Poor Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F717@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 27 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Our Obligations to the Poor For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Matt. 25:35, 36. While the world needs sympathy, while it needs the prayers and assistance of God's people, while it needs to see Christ in the lives of His followers, the people of God are equally in need of opportunities that draw out their sympathies, give efficiency to their prayers, and develop in them a character like that of the divine pattern. It is to provide these opportunities that God has placed among us the poor, the unfortunate, the sick, and the suffering. They are Christ's legacy to His church, and they are to be cared for as He would care for them. In this way God takes away the dross and purifies the gold, giving us that culture of heart and character which we need. The Lord could carry forward His work without our cooperation. He is not dependent on us for our money, our time, or our labor. But the church is very precious in His sight. It is the case which contains His jewels, the fold which encloses His flock, and He longs to see it without spot or blemish or any such things. He yearns after it with unspeakable love. This is why He has given us opportunities to work for Him, and He accepts our labors as tokens of our love and loyalty. In placing among us the poor and the suffering, the Lord is testing us to reveal to us what is in our hearts. . . . The culture of the mind and heart is more easily accomplished when we feel such tender sympathy for others that we bestow our benefits and privileges to relieve their necessities. . . . Good works cost us a sacrifice, but it is in this very sacrifice that they provide discipline. These obligations bring us into conflict with natural feelings and propensities, and in fulfilling them we gain victory after victory over the objectionable traits of our characters. The world will be convinced not so much by what the pulpit teaches as by what the church lives. The preacher announces the theory of the gospel, but the practical piety of the church demonstrates its power. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 166. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 28 20:46:15 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 23:46:15 -0400 Subject: A Work of Preparation Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F7A6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 28 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Work of Preparation Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. 1:6. There is an earnest work of preparation to be done by Seventh-day Adventists if they would stand firm in the trying experiences just before them. If they remain true to God in the confusion and temptation of the last days, they must seek the Lord in humility of heart for wisdom to resist the deceptions of the enemy. . . . Ever are we to keep in mind the solemn thought of the Lord's soon return, and in view of this to recognize the individual work to be done. Through the aid of the Holy Spirit we are to resist natural inclinations and tendencies to wrong, and weed out of the life every un-Christlike element. Thus we shall prepare our hearts for the reception of God's blessing, which will impart to us grace and bring us into harmony with the faith of Jesus. For this work of preparation great advantages have been granted to this people in light bestowed, in messages of warning and instruction, sent through the agency of the Spirit of God. Because of the increasing power of Satan's temptations, the times in which we live are full of peril for the children of God, and we need to learn constantly of the Great Teacher, that we may take every step in surety and righteousness. Wonderful scenes are opening before us, and at this time a living testimony is to be borne in the lives of God's professing people, so that the world may see that in this age when evil reigns on every side, there is yet a people who are laying aside their will and are seeking to do God's will-a people in whose hearts and lives the law of God is written. There are strong temptations before us, sharp tests. The commandment-keeping people of God are to prepare for this time of trial by obtaining a deeper experience in the things of God and a practical knowledge of the righteousness of Christ. . . . Not to unbelievers only, but to church members the words are spoken, "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near" (Isa. 55:6). . . . Let your daily lives witness to the faith you profess. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares p. 167. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 28 20:47:51 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 23:47:51 -0400 Subject: If Christ Should Come Today Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F7A7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 29 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- If Christ Should Come Today Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36. Christ bids us watch, that we may be accounted worthy to escape the things that are coming on the earth. It is of the greatest importance that we heed this warning. The enemy of all righteousness is on our track, seeking to lead us to forget God. We should be filled with joy at the thought of Christ's soon appearing. To those that love His appearing He will come without sin unto salvation. But if our minds are filled with thoughts of earthly things, we cannot look forward with joy to His appearing. "If I knew that Christ were coming in a few years," one says, "I should live very differently." But if we believe that He is coming at all, we should live just as faithfully as if we knew that He would appear in a few years. We cannot see the end from the beginning, but Christ has provided sufficient help for every day in the year. All we have to do with is this one day. Today we must be faithful to our trust. Today we must love God with all the heart and our neighbor as ourselves. Today we must resist the temptations of the enemy, and through the grace of Christ gain the victory. Thus we shall watch and wait for Christ's coming. Each day we should live as if we knew that this would be our last day on this earth. If we knew that Christ would come tomorrow, would we not crowd into today all the kind words, all the unselfish deeds, that we could? We should be patient and gentle, and intensely in earnest, doing all in our power to win souls to Christ. . . . I urge you to turn your thoughts from worldly things and center them on the things of eternity. Christ has placed everlasting life within your reach, and He has promised to give you help in every time of need. . . . We should never rest satisfied with present attainments. If we put mind and heart into the work of reaching God's ideal for us, if we go to Christ, the mighty helper, for aid, He will give us the very assistance that we need. He will bestow on us the very power that will enable us to be victorious in the struggle against evil. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 168. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 30 20:57:52 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 23:57:52 -0400 Subject: By The Tree Of Life Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F835@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for June 30 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- By The Tree Of Life And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. Rev. 5:9. Do we expect to get to heaven at last and join the heavenly choir? Just as we go into the grave we will come up, as far as the character is concerned....Now is the time for washing and ironing.... John saw the throne of God and around that throne a company, and he inquired, Who are these? The answer came, "These are they which . . . have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14). Christ leads them to the fountains of living waters, and there is the tree of life and there is the precious Saviour. Here is presented to us a life that measures with the life of God. There is no pain, sorrow, sickness, or death there. All is peace and harmony and love. . . . Now is the time to receive grace and strength and power to combine with our human efforts that we can form characters for everlasting life. When we do this we will find that the angels of God will minister unto us, and we shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. And when the last trump shall sound, and the dead shall be called from their prison house and changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the crowns of immortal glory shall be placed upon the heads of the overcomers. The pearly gates will swing back for the nations that have kept the truth and they will enter in. The conflict is ended. "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:34). Do we want this benediction? I do, and I believe you do. May God help you that you may fight the battles of this life and gain a victory day by day and at last be among the number that shall cast their crowns at Jesus' feet and touch the golden harps and fill all heaven with sweetest music. I want you to love my Jesus....Do not reject my Saviour, for He has paid an infinite price for you. I see in Jesus matchless charms, and I want you to see these charms. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 169. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 1 16:15:56 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 19:15:56 -0400 Subject: One Expensive Mistake Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F85D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- One Expensive Mistake God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Eccl. 7:29. The book of Genesis gives quite a definite account of social and individual life, and yet we have no record of an infant's being born blind, deaf, crippled, deformed, or imbecile. There is not an instance upon record of a natural death in infancy, childhood, or early manhood. There is no account of men and women dying of disease. Obituary notices in the book of Genesis run thus: "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died." "And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died." . . . God endowed man with so great vital force that he has withstood the accumulation of disease brought upon the race in consequence of perverted habits, and has continued for six thousand years. This fact of itself is enough to evidence to us the strength and electrical energy that God gave to man at his creation. . . . If Adam, at his creation, had not been endowed with twenty times as much vital force as men now have, the race, with their present habits of living in violation of natural law, would have become extinct. . . . God did not create the race in its present feeble condition. This state of things is not the work of Providence, but the work of man; it has been brought about by wrong habits and abuses, by violating the laws that God has made to govern man's existence. God created man for His own glory, that after test and trial the human family might become one with the heavenly family, if they would show themselves obedient to His every word. To Eve it seemed a small thing to disobey God by tasting the fruit of the forbidden tree, and to tempt her husband also to transgress; but their sin opened the floodgates of woe upon the world. Who can know, in the moment of temptation, the terrible consequences that will result from one wrong step? >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 169, 170. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 3 10:55:04 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2005 13:55:04 -0400 Subject: Adam Home Again! Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F888@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Adam Home Again! For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 1 Cor. 15:22, 23. Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. . . . The dead shall hear that voice, and they that hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ring with the tread of the exceeding great army of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. . . . All come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they entered the tomb. Adam, who stands among the risen throng, is of lofty height and majestic form, in stature but little below the Son of God. He presents a marked contrast to the people of later generations; in this one respect is shown the great degeneracy of the race. But all arise with the freshness and vigor of eternal youth. . . . All blemishes and deformities are left in the grave. Restored to the tree of life in the long-lost Eden, the redeemed will "grow up" to the full stature of the race in its primeval glory. . . . As the ransomed ones are welcomed to the City of God, there rings out upon the air an exultant cry of adoration. The two Adams are about to meet. The Son of God is standing with outstretched arms to receive the father of our race-the being whom He created, who sinned against his Maker, and for whose sin the marks of the crucifixion are borne upon the Saviour's form. As Adam discerns the prints of the cruel nails, he does not fall upon the bosom of his Lord, but in humiliation casts himself at His feet, crying: "Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain!" Tenderly the Saviour lifts him up and bids him look once more upon the Eden home from which he has so long been exiled. . . . This reunion is witnessed by the angels who wept at the fall of Adam and rejoiced when Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to heaven, having opened the grave for all who should believe on His name. Now they behold the work of redemption accomplished, and they unite their voices in the song of praise. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 170, 171. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 3 10:57:19 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2005 13:57:19 -0400 Subject: An Open Door Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F889@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- An Open Door By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Heb. 11:5. When we learn to walk by faith and not by feeling, we shall have help from God just when we need it, and His peace will come into our hearts. It was this simple life of obedience and trust that Enoch lived. If we learn this lesson of simple trust, ours may be the testimony that he received, that he pleased God. In every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do; for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And there are Enochs in this our day. For three hundred years Enoch had been seeking purity of heart, that he might be in harmony with heaven. For three centuries he had walked with God. Day by day he had longed for a closer union; nearer and nearer had grown the communion, until God took him to Himself. He had stood at the threshold of the eternal world, only a step between him and the land of the blest; and now the portals opened, the walk with God, so long pursued on earth, continued, and he passed through the gates of the holy city,-the first from among men to enter there. With the word of God in his hands, every human being, wherever his lot in life may be cast, may have such companionship as he shall choose. In its pages he may hold converse with the noblest and best of the human race, and may listen to the voice of the Eternal as He speaks with men. . . . He may dwell in this world in the atmosphere of heaven, imparting to earth's sorrowing and tempted ones thoughts of hope and longings for holiness; . . . like him of old who walked with God, drawing nearer and nearer the threshold of the eternal world, until the portals shall open, and he shall enter there. He will find himself no stranger. The voices that will greet him are the voices of the holy ones, who, unseen, were on earth his companions-voices that here he learned to distinguish and to love. He who through the word of God has lived in fellowship with heaven, will find himself at home in heaven's companionship. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 171, 172. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 4 11:05:07 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 14:05:07 -0400 Subject: Safe Inside Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F8B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Safe Inside And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Gen. 7:1. Noah had faithfully followed the instructions which he had received from God. The ark was finished in every part as the Lord had directed, and was stored with food for man and beast. And now the servant of God made his last solemn appeal to the people. With an agony of desire that words cannot express, he entreated them to seek a refuge while it might be found. Again they rejected his words, and raised their voices in jest and scoffing. Suddenly a silence fell upon the mocking throng. Beasts of every description, the fiercest as well as the most gentle, were seen coming from mountain and forest and quietly making their way toward the ark. A noise as of a rushing wind was heard, and lo, birds were flocking from all directions, their numbers darkening the heavens, and in perfect order they passed to the ark. Animals obeyed the command of God, while men were disobedient. When they saw the beasts come from the forests to the door of the ark, and Noah take them in, they had so long resisted, so long denied the message that God had given them, that . . . conscience had become unimpressible. Mercy had ceased its pleadings for the guilty race. The beasts of the field and the birds of the air had entered the place of refuge. Noah and his household were within the ark, "and the Lord shut him in." . . . The massive door, which it was impossible for those within to close, was slowly swung to its place by unseen hands. Noah was shut in, and the rejecters of God's mercy were shut out. The seal of Heaven was on that door; God had shut it, and God alone could open it. So when Christ shall cease His intercession for guilty men, before His coming in the clouds of heaven, the door of mercy will be shut. Then divine grace will no longer restrain the wicked, and Satan will have full control of those who have rejected mercy. They will endeavor to destroy God's people; but as Noah was shut into the ark, so the righteous will be shielded by divine power. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 172, 173. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jul 5 19:48:11 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 19:48:11 -0700 Subject: A Home God Can Bless In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F8B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F8B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 5 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Home God Can Bless For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Gen. 18:19. In God?s sight, a man is just what he is in his family. The life of Abraham, the friend of God, was signalized by a strict regard for the word of the Lord. He cultivated home religion. The fear of God pervaded his household. He was the priest of his home. He looked upon his family as a sacred trust. His household numbered more than a thousand souls, and he directed them all, parents and children, to the divine Sovereign. He suffered no parental oppression on the one hand or filial disobedience on the other. By the combined influence of love and justice, he ruled his household in the fear of God, and the Lord bore witness to his faithfulness. He ?will command . . . his household.? There would be no sinful neglect to restrain the evil propensities of his children, no weak, unwise, indulgent favoritism, no yielding of his conviction of duty to the claims of mistaken affection. Abraham would not only give right instruction, but he would maintain the authority of just and righteous laws. How few there are in our day who follow this example. On the part of too many parents there is a blind and selfish sentimentalism, which is manifested in leaving children with their unformed judgment and undisciplined passions, to the control of their own will. This is the worst cruelty to the youth and a great wrong to the world. Parental indulgence causes disorder in families and in society. It confirms in the young the desire to follow inclination, instead of submitting to the divine requirements. Parents and children alike belong to God to be ruled by Him. By affection and authority combined, Abraham ruled his house. God?s word has given us rules for our guidance. These rules form the standard from which we cannot swerve if we would keep the way of the Lord. God?s will must be paramount. The question for us to ask is not: What have others done? What will my relatives think? or, What will they say of me if I pursue this course? but, What has God said? Neither parent nor child can truly prosper in any course excepting in the way of the Lord. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 173, 174. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 8 20:28:19 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Fri, 08 Jul 2005 20:28:19 -0700 Subject: Seeing The Invisible In-Reply-To: References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F8B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 8 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Seeing The Invisible By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Heb. 11:27. Moses had a deep sense of the personal presence of God. He was not only looking down through the ages for Christ to be made manifest in the flesh, but he saw Christ in a special manner accompanying the children of Israel in all their travels. God was real to him, ever present in his thoughts. When misunderstood, when called upon to face danger and to bear insult for Christ?s sake, he endured without retaliation. Moses believed in God as one whom he needed and who would help him because of his need. God was to him a present help. Much of the faith which we see is merely nominal; the real, trusting, persevering faith is rare. Moses realized in his own experience the promise that God will be a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him. He had respect unto the recompense of the reward. Here is another point in regard to faith which we wish to study; God will reward the man of faith and obedience. If this faith is brought into the life experience, it will enable everyone who fears and loves God to endure trials. Moses was full of confidence in God because he had appropriating faith. He needed help, and he prayed for it, grasped it by faith, and wove into his experience the belief that God cared for him. He believed that God ruled his life in particular. He saw and acknowledged God in every detail of his life and felt that he was under the eye of the All-seeing One, who weighs motives, who tries the heart. He looked to God and trusted in Him for strength to carry him uncorrupted through every form of temptation. . . . The presence of God was sufficient to carry him through the most trying situations in which a man could be placed. Moses did not merely think of God; he saw Him. God was the constant vision before him; he never lost sight of His face. He saw Jesus as his Saviour, and he believed that the Saviour?s merits would be imputed to him. This faith was to Moses no guesswork; it was a reality. This is the kind of faith we need, faith that will endure the test. Oh, how often we yield to temptation because we do not keep our eye upon Jesus! >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 176. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 10 16:38:45 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Sun, 10 Jul 2005 16:38:45 -0700 Subject: Why Wait? In-Reply-To: References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F8B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 10 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Why Wait? Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. Num. 13:30. It was Caleb?s faith in God that gave him courage; that . . . enabled him to stand boldly and unflinchingly in defense of the right. From the same exalted source, the mighty General of the armies of heaven, every true soldier of the cross of Christ must receive strength and courage to overcome obstacles that often seem insurmountable. . . . Those who would do their duty must be ever ready to speak the words that God gives them, and not the words of doubt, discouragement, and despair. . . . While the doubting ones talk of impossibilities, while they tremble at the thought of high walls and strong giants, let the faithful Calebs, who have ?another spirit,? come to the front. The truth of God, which bringeth salvation, will go forth to the people if ministers and professed believers will not hedge up its way, as did the unfaithful spies. . . Human agencies are to be employed in this work. Zeal and energy must be intensified; talents that are rusting from inaction must be pressed into service. The voice that would say, ?Wait; do not allow yourself to have burdens imposed upon you,? is the voice of the cowardly spies. We want Calebs now who will press to the front?chieftains in Israel who with courageous words will make a strong report in favor of immediate action. When the selfish, ease-loving, panic-stricken people, fearing tall giants and inaccessible walls, clamor for retreat, let the voice of the Calebs be heard, even though the cowardly ones stand with stones in their hands, ready to beat them down for their faithful testimony. It is when the unbelieving cast contempt upon the Word of God that the faithful Calebs are called for. It is then that they will stand firm at the post of duty, without parade, and without swerving because of reproach. The unbelieving spies stood ready to destroy Caleb. He saw the stones in the hands of those who had brought a false report, but this did not deter him; he had a message, and he would bear it. The same spirit will be manifested today by those who are true to God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 177, 178. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 11 07:37:48 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2005 07:37:48 -0700 Subject: The Only Way To Win In-Reply-To: References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F8B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Only Way To Win This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8. If men will walk in the path that God has marked out for them, they will have a counselor whose wisdom is far above any human wisdom. Joshua was a wise general because God was his guide. The first sword that Joshua used was the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. . . . It was because the strongest influences were to be brought to bear against his principles of righteousness that the Lord in mercy charged him not to turn to the right hand or to the left. He was to follow a course of strictest integrity. . . . If there had been no peril before Joshua, God would not over and over again have charged him to be of good courage. But amid all his cares, Joshua had his God to guide Him. There is no greater deception than for man to suppose that in any difficulty he can find a better guide than God, a wiser counselor in any emergency, a stronger defense under any circumstance. . . . The Lord has a great work to be done in our world. To every man He has given His work for man to do. But man is not to make man his guide, lest he be led astray; this is always unsafe. While Bible religion embodies the principles of activity in service, at the same time there is the necessity of asking for wisdom daily from the Source of all wisdom. What was Joshua?s victory? Thou shalt meditate upon the Word of God day and night. The word of the Lord came to Joshua just before he passed over Jordan. . . . This was the secret of Joshua?s victory. He made God his Guide. Those holding the positions of counselors should be unselfish men, men of faith, men of prayer, men that will not dare to rely upon their own human wisdom, but will seek earnestly for light and intelligence as to what is the best manner of conducting their business. Joshua, the commander of Israel, searched the books diligently in which Moses had faithfully chronicled the directions given by God,?His requirements, reproofs, and restrictions,?lest he should move unadvisedly. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 178, 179. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jul 12 07:51:01 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 07:51:01 -0700 Subject: Too Many Soldiers In-Reply-To: References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2F8B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 11 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Too Many Soldiers And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me. Judges 7:2. It had been made a law in Israel that before they went to battle the following proclamation should be made throughout the army: ?What man is there that hath built a new house, and hath not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it. And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man eat of it. And what man is there that hath betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her.? And the officers were to speak further to the people, saying, ?What man is there that is fearful and fainthearted? let him go and return unto his house, lest his brethren?s heart faint as well as his heart? (Deut. 20:5-8). Because his numbers were so few compared with those of the enemy, Gideon had refrained from making the usual proclamation. He was filled with astonishment at the declaration that his army was too large. But the Lord saw the pride and unbelief existing in the hearts of His people. Aroused by the stirring appeals of Gideon, they had readily enlisted; but many were filled with fear when they saw the multitudes of the Midianites. Yet, had Israel triumphed, those very ones would have taken the glory to themselves instead of ascribing the victory to God. Gideon obeyed the Lord?s direction, and with a heavy heart he saw twenty-two thousand, or more than two thirds of his entire force, depart for their homes. The Lord is willing to do great things for us. We shall not gain the victory through numbers, but through the full surrender of the soul to Jesus. We are to go forward in His strength, trusting in the mighty God of Israel. There is a lesson for us in the story of Gideon?s army. . . . The Lord is just as willing to work through human efforts now, and to accomplish great things through weak instrumentalities. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 179, 180. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jul 13 13:48:58 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 16:48:58 -0400 Subject: No Generation Gap Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2FAF9@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 13 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- No Generation Gap And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. 1 Sam. 3:1. Young as he was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service of God, according to his capacity. These were at first very humble, and not always pleasant; but they were performed to the best of his ability, and with a willing heart. . . . If children were taught to regard the humble round of everyday duties as the course marked out for them by the Lord, as a school in which they were to be trained to render faithful and efficient service, how much more pleasant and honorable would their work appear. To perform every duty as unto the Lord, throws a charm around the humblest employment and links the workers on earth with the holy beings who do God's will in heaven. The life of Samuel from early childhood had been a life of piety and devotion. He had been placed under the care of Eli in his youth, and the loveliness of his character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous, diligent, obedient, and respectful. The contrast between the course of the youth Samuel and that of the priest's own sons was very marked, and Eli found rest and comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. It was a singular thing that between Eli, the chief magistrate of the nation, and the simple child so warm a friendship should exist. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. As the infirmities of age came upon Eli, he felt more keenly the disheartening, reckless, profligate course of his own sons, and he turned to Samuel for comfort and support. How touching to see youth and old age relying one upon the other, the youth looking up to the aged for counsel and wisdom, the aged looking to the youth for help and sympathy. This is as it should be. God would have the young possess such qualifications of character that they shall find delight in the friendship of the old, that they may be united in the endearing bonds of affection to those who are approaching the borders of the grave. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 180, 181. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jul 14 14:06:43 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 17:06:43 -0400 Subject: Preparing To Lead Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2FBAB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> --------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 14 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Preparing To Lead When there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 1 Sam. 17:34, 35, R.V. David was growing in favor with God and man. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he now set his heart more fully to do the will of God than ever before. He had new themes for thought. He had been in the court of the king and had seen the responsibilities of royalty. He had discovered some of the temptations that beset the soul of Saul and had penetrated some of the mysteries in the character and dealings of Israel's first king. He had seen the glory of royalty shadowed with a dark cloud of sorrow, and he knew that the household of Saul, in their private life, were far from happy. All these things served to bring troubled thoughts to him who had been anointed to be king over Israel. But while he was absorbed in deep meditation, and harassed by thoughts of anxiety, he turned to his harp, and called forth strains that elevated his mind to the Author of every good, and the dark clouds that seemed to shadow the horizon of the future were dispelled. God was teaching David lessons of trust. As Moses was trained for his work, so the Lord was fitting the son of Jesse to become the guide of His chosen people. In his watchcare for his flocks, he was gaining an appreciation of the care that the Great Shepherd has for the sheep of His pasture. The lonely hills and the wild ravines where David wandered with his flocks were the lurking place of beasts of prey. Not infrequently the lion from the thickets by the Jordan, or the bear from his lair among the hills, came, fierce with hunger, to attack the flocks. According to the custom of his time, David was armed only with his sling and shepherd's staff; yet he early gave proof of his strength and courage in protecting his charge. . . . His experience in these matters proved the heart of David and developed in him courage and fortitude and faith. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 181. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 15 10:25:31 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Fri, 15 Jul 2005 10:25:31 -0700 Subject: =?ISO-8859-1?Q?Satan=92s?= Stealthy Work In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2FBAB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2FBAB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 15 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Satan?s Stealthy Work For our fight is not against any physical enemy: it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We are up against the unseen power that controls this dark world, and spiritual agents from the very headquarters of evil. Eph. 6:12, Phillips. The Bible has little to say in praise of men. Little space is given to recounting the virtues of even the best men who have ever lived. This silence is not without purpose; it is not without a lesson. All the good qualities that men possess are the gift of God; their good deeds are performed by the grace of God through Christ. Since they owe all to God the glory of whatever they are or do belongs to Him alone; they are but instruments in His hands. More than this?as all the lessons of Bible history teach?it is a perilous thing to praise or exalt men; for if one comes to lose sight of his entire dependence on God, and to trust to his own strength, he is sure to fall. . . . It is impossible for us in our own strength to maintain the conflict; and whatever diverts the mind from God, whatever leads to self-exaltation or to self-dependence, is surely preparing the way for our overthrow. The tenor of the Bible is to inculcate distrust of human power and to encourage trust in divine power. It was the spirit of self-confidence and self-exaltation that prepared the way for David?s fall. Flattery and the subtle allurements of power and luxury were not without effect upon him. Intercourse with surrounding nations also exerted an influence for evil. According to the customs prevailing among Eastern rulers, crimes not to be tolerated in subjects were uncondemned in the king; the monarch was not under obligation to exercise the same self-restraint as the subject. All this tended to lessen David?s sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. And instead of relying in humility upon the power of Jehovah, he began to trust to his own wisdom and might. As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only Source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man?s carnal nature. The work of the enemy is not abrupt; it is not, at the outset, sudden and startling; it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 182. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jul 16 06:27:56 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2005 06:27:56 -0700 Subject: A Late Awakening In-Reply-To: References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2FBAB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 16 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- A Late Awakening Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. Eccl. 2:11. By his own bitter experience, Solomon learned the emptiness of a life that seeks in earthly things its highest good. He erected altars to heathen gods, only to learn how vain is their promise of rest to the spirit. Gloomy and soul-harassing thoughts troubled him night and day. For him there was no longer any joy of life or peace of mind, and the future was dark with despair. Yet the Lord forsook him not. By messages of reproof and by severe judgments, He sought to arouse the king to a realization of the sinfulness of his course. . . . At last the Lord, through a prophet, delivered to Solomon the startling message: . . . ?I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it for David thy father?s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son.? Awakened as from a dream by this sentence of judgment pronounced against him and his house, Solomon with quickened conscience began to see his folly in its true light. Chastened in spirit, with mind and body enfeebled, he turned wearied and thirsting from earth?s broken cisterns, to drink once more at the fountain of life. . . . He could never hope to escape the blasting results of sin; he could never free his mind from all remembrance of the self-indulgent course he had been pursuing; but he would endeavor earnestly to dissuade others from following after folly. . . . The true penitent does not put his past sins from his remembrance. He does not, as soon as he has obtained peace, grow unconcerned in regard to the mistakes he has made. He thinks of those who have been led into evil by his course, and tries in every possible way to lead them back into the true path. The clearer the light that he has entered into, the stronger is his desire to set the feet of others in the right way. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 183. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 18 06:27:36 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2005 09:27:36 -0400 Subject: The Battle Song Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AF2FC60@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 18 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Battle Song And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Chron. 20:21. It was a singular way of going to battle against the enemy's army-praising the Lord with singing, and exalting the God of Israel. This was their battle song. They possessed the beauty of holiness. If more praising of God were engaged in now, hope and courage and faith would steadily increase. And would not this strengthen the hands of the valiant soldiers who today are standing in defense of truth? They praised God for the victory, and four days thereafter the army returned to Jerusalem, laden with the spoils of their enemies, singing praise for the victory won. When we have a deeper appreciation of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, we shall praise Him, instead of complaining. We shall talk of the loving watchcare of the Lord, of the tender compassion of the Good Shepherd. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like a clear, flowing stream, will come from God's truly believing ones. . . . Why not awake the voice of spiritual song in the days of our pilgrimage? . . . We need to study God's Word, to meditate and pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the notes of thanksgiving sung by the heavenly choir around the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assembly of the saints. Little disappointments and difficulties will be lost sight of. The Lord is our helper. . . . No one ever trusted God in vain. He never disappoints those who put their dependence on Him. If we would only do the work that the Lord would have us do, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts would become sacred harps, every chord of which would send forth praise and thanksgiving to the One sent by God to take away the sin of the world. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 184, 185. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jul 27 05:42:41 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 08:42:41 -0400 Subject: Nothing Too Costly Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD070@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 27 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Nothing Too Costly For the love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Cor. 5:14 Christ delighted in the earnest desire of Mary to do the will of her Lord. He accepted the wealth of pure affection which His disciples did not, would not, understand. The desire that Mary had to do this service for her Lord was of more value to Christ than all the precious ointment in the world, because it expressed her appreciation of the world's Redeemer. It was the love of Christ that constrained her. The matchless excellence of the character of Christ filled her soul. That ointment was a symbol of the heart of the giver. It was the outward demonstration of a love fed by heavenly streams until it overflowed. The work of Mary was just the lesson the disciples needed to show them that the expression of their love for Him would be pleasing to Christ. He had been everything to them, and they did not realize that soon they would be deprived of His presence, that soon they could offer Him no token of their gratitude for His great love. The loneliness of Christ, separated from the heavenly courts, living the life of humanity, was never understood or appreciated by the disciples as it should have been. . . . Their afterknowledge gave them a true sense of the many things they might have done for Jesus expressive of the love and gratitude of their hearts. . . . When Jesus was no longer with them, . . . they began to see how they might have shown Him attentions that would have brought gladness to His heart. They no longer cast blame upon Mary, but upon themselves. Oh, if they could have taken back their censuring, their presenting the poor as more worthy of the gift than was Christ! They felt the reproof keenly as they took from the cross the bruised body of their Lord. The same want is evident in our world today. But few appreciate all that Christ is to them. If they did, the great love of Mary would be expressed, the anointing would be freely bestowed. The expensive ointment would not be called a waste. Nothing would be thought too costly to give for Christ, no self-denial or self-sacrifice too great to be endured for His sake. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 192, 193. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jul 28 07:05:47 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 10:05:47 -0400 Subject: Just For One Man Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD1A4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 28 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Just For One Man And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went. Acts 8:26, 27. Notice how much effort was put forth for just one man, an Ethiopian. This Ethiopian was a man of good standing and of wide influence. God saw that when converted he would give others the light he had received and would exert a strong influence in favor of the gospel. Angels of God were attending this seeker for light, and he was being drawn to the Saviour. By the ministration of the Holy Spirit the Lord brought him into touch with one who could lead him to the light. Philip was directed to go to the Ethiopian and explain to him the prophecy that he was reading. "Go near," the Spirit said, "and join thyself to this chariot." . . . The man's heart thrilled with interest as the Scriptures were explained to him; and when the disciple had finished, he was ready to accept the light given. He did not make his high worldly position an excuse for refusing the gospel. . . . This Ethiopian represented a large class who need to be taught by such missionaries as Philip-men who will hear the voice of God and go where He sends them. There are many who are reading the Scriptures who cannot understand their true import. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in. An angel guided Philip to the one who was seeking for light and who was ready to receive the gospel, and today angels will guide the footsteps of those workers who will allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify their tongues and refine and ennoble their hearts. He who sent Philip to the Ethiopian councilor, Peter to the Roman centurion, and the little Israelitish maiden to the help of Naaman, the Syrian captain, sends men and women and youth today as His representatives to those in need of divine help and guidance. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 193, 194. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 29 05:31:55 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 08:31:55 -0400 Subject: Saul to Paul Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD242@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 29 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Saul to Paul And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:6. In the wonderful conversion of Paul we see the miraculous power of God. . . . Jesus, whose name of all others he most hated and despised, revealed Himself to Paul for the purpose of arresting his mad yet honest career, that He might make this most unpromising instrument a chosen vessel to bear the gospel to the Gentiles. . . . The light of heavenly illumination had taken away Paul's eyesight; but Jesus, the Great Healer of the blind, does not restore it. He answers the question of Paul in these words: "Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do." Jesus could not only have healed Paul of his blindness, but He could have forgiven his sins and told him his duty by marking out his future course. From Christ all power and mercies were to flow; but He did not give Paul an experience, in his conversion to truth, independent of His church recently organized upon the earth. The marvelous light given Paul upon that occasion astonished and confounded him. He was wholly subdued. This part of the work man could not do for Paul, but there was a work still to be accomplished which the servants of Christ could do. Jesus directs him to His agents in the church for a further knowledge of duty. Thus He gives authority and sanction to His organized church. Christ had done the work of revelation and conviction, and now Paul was in a condition to learn of those whom God had ordained to teach the truth. Christ directs Paul to His chosen servants, thus placing him in connection with His church. The very men whom Paul was purposing to destroy were to be his instructors in the very religion that he had despised and persecuted. . . . An angel is sent to Ananias, directing him to go to a certain house where Saul is praying to be instructed in what he is to do next. . . . In Christ's stead Ananias touches his eyes that they may receive sight; in Christ's stead he lays his hands upon him, prays in Christ's name, and Saul receives the Holy Ghost. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 194, 195. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jul 30 17:44:59 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 30 Jul 2005 20:44:59 -0400 Subject: Toward The Mark Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD26F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 30 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Toward The Mark This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:13, 14. Paul did many things. He was a wise teacher. His many letters are full of instructive lessons setting forth correct principles. He worked with his hands, for he was a tent-maker, and in this way earned his daily bread. . . . He carried a heavy burden for the churches. He strove most earnestly to present their errors before them, that they might correct them, and not be deceived and led away from God. He was always seeking to help them in their difficulties; and yet he declares, "One thing I do." . . . The responsibilities of his life were many, yet he kept always before him this "one thing." The constant sense of the presence of God constrained him to keep his eye ever looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of his faith. The great purpose that constrained Paul to press forward in the face of hardship and difficulty should lead every Christian worker to consecrate himself wholly to God's service. Worldly attractions will be presented to draw his attention from the Saviour, but he is to press on toward the goal, showing to the world, to angels, and to men that the hope of seeing the face of God is worth all the effort and sacrifice that the attainment of this hope demands. The lowliest disciple of Christ may become an inhabitant of heaven, an heir of God to an inheritance incorruptible, and that fadeth not away. O that every one might make choice of the heavenly gift, become an heir of God to that inheritance whose title is secure from any destroyer, world without end! O, choose not the world, but choose the better inheritance! Press, urge your way toward the mark for the prize of your high calling in Christ Jesus. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer's glory in the kingdom of God. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 195. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 31 07:15:10 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 31 Jul 2005 10:15:10 -0400 Subject: Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD272@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for July 31 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Hitherto Hath the Lord Helped Us O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Ps. 105:1, 2. The dealings of God with His people should be often repeated. How frequently were the waymarks set up by the Lord in His dealings with ancient Israel! Lest they should forget the history of the past, He commanded Moses to frame these events into song, that parents might teach them to their children. They were to gather up memorials and to lay them up in sight. Special pains were taken to preserve them, that when the children should inquire concerning these things, the whole story might be repeated. Thus the providential dealings and the marked goodness and mercy of God in His care and deliverance of His people were kept in mind. We are exhorted to "call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions" (Heb. 10:32). For His people in this generation the Lord has wrought as a wonder-working God. . . . We need often to recount God's goodness and to praise Him for His wonderful works. Let us not cast away our confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before. "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us," and He will help us to the end (1 Sam. 7:12). Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us-the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed-thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage. We cannot but look forward to new perplexities in the coming conflict, but we may look on what is past as well as on what is to come, and say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." "As thy days, so shall thy strength be" (Deut. 33:25). The trial will not exceed the strength that shall be given us to bear it. Then let us take up our work just where we find it, believing that whatever may come, strength proportionate to the trial will be given. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 196. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Aug 1 04:08:15 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 1 Aug 2005 07:08:15 -0400 Subject: God's Kingdom in the Heart Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD285@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 1 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- God's Kingdom in the Heart Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21. The government under which Jesus lived was corrupt and oppressive; on every hand were crying abuses-extortion, intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet the Saviour attempted no civil reforms. He attacked no national abuses, nor condemned the national enemies. He did not interfere with the authority or administration of those in power. He who was our example kept aloof from earthly governments. Not because He was indifferent to the woes of men, but because the remedy did not lie in merely human and external measures. To be efficient, the cure must reach men individually, and must regenerate the heart. Some of the Pharisees had come to Jesus demanding "when the kingdom of God should come" (Luke 17:20). More than three years had passed since John the Baptist gave the message that like a trumpet call had sounded through the land, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). And as yet these Pharisees saw no indication of the establishment of the kingdom. . . . Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with outward show [margin]: neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." The kingdom of God begins at the heart. Look not here or there for manifestations of earthly power to mark its coming. The works of Christ not only declared Him to be the Messiah, but showed in what manner His kingdom was to be established. . . . It comes through the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, through the inward working of His Spirit, the fellowship of the soul with Him who is its life. The greatest manifestation of its power is seen in human nature brought to the perfection of the character of Christ. . . . When God gave His Son to our world, He endowed human beings with imperishable riches-riches compared with which the treasured wealth of men since the world began is nothingness. 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. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 198. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Aug 2 06:09:36 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 2 Aug 2005 09:09:36 -0400 Subject: Like Yeast Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD372@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 2 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Like Yeast The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. Matt. 13:33. In the Saviour's parable, leaven is used to represent the kingdom of heaven. It illustrates the quickening, assimilating power of the grace of God. . . . The grace of God must be received by the sinner before he can be fitted for the kingdom of glory. All the culture and education which the world can give will fail of making a degraded child of sin a child of heaven. The renewing energy must come from God. . . . As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the grace of God works to transform the life. . . . The leaven hidden in the flour works invisibly to bring the whole mass under its leavening process; so the leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set up-the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. . . . The conscience is awakened. . . . The heart of him who receives the grace of God overflows with love for God and for those for whom Christ died. Self is not struggling for recognition. . . . He is kind and thoughtful, humble in his opinion of himself, yet full of hope, always trusting in the mercy and love of God. . . . The grace of Christ is to control the temper and the voice. Its working will be seen in politeness and tender regard shown by brother for brother, in kind, encouraging words. An angel presence is in the home. The life breathes a sweet perfume, which ascends to God as holy incense. Love is manifested in kindness, gentleness, forbearance, and long-suffering. The countenance is changed. Christ abiding in the heart shines out in the faces of those who love Him and keep His commandments. . . . As these changes are effected, angels break forth in rapturous song, and God and Christ rejoice over souls fashioned after the divine similitude. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 198. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Aug 3 06:25:28 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 3 Aug 2005 09:25:28 -0400 Subject: The Royal Robe Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD45A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 3 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- The Royal Robe And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Rev. 19:8. The parable of the wedding garment [Matt. 22:1-14] opens before us a lesson of the highest consequence. . . . By the wedding garment in the parable is represented the pure, spotless character which Christ's true followers will possess. . . . The fine linen, says the Scripture, "is the righteousness of saints." It is the righteousness of Christ, His own unblemished character, that through faith is imparted to all who receive Him as their personal Saviour. The white robe of innocence was worn by our first parents when they were placed by God in holy Eden. They lived in perfect conformity to the will of God. . . . A beautiful soft light, the light of God, enshrouded the holy pair. . . . But when sin entered, they severed their connection with God, and the light that had encircled them departed. Naked and ashamed, they tried to supply the place of the heavenly garments by sewing together fig leaves for a covering. We cannot provide a robe of righteousness for ourselves, for the prophet says, "All our righteousness are as filthy rags" (Isa. 64:6). There is nothing in us from which we can clothe the soul so that its nakedness shall not appear. We are to receive the robe of righteousness woven in the loom of heaven, even the spotless robe of Christ's righteousness. God has made ample provision that we may stand perfect in His grace, wanting in nothing, waiting for the appearing of our Lord. Are you ready? Have you the wedding garment on? That garment will never cover deceit, impurity, corruption, or hypocrisy. The eye of God is upon you. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. We may conceal our sins from the eyes of men, but we can hide nothing from our Maker. Let the youth and the little children be taught to choose for themselves that royal robe woven in heaven's loom-the "fine linen, clean and white," which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This robe, Christ's own spotless character, is freely offered to every human being. But all who receive it will receive and wear it here. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 199. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Aug 4 05:50:55 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2005 08:50:55 -0400 Subject: God with Us Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD572@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 4 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- God with Us They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matt. 1:23. >From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshining of his glory." It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God's love-to be "God with us.". . . Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which "angels desire to look", and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God. . . . Jesus might have remained at the Father's side. He might have retained the glory of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give back the scepter into the Father's hands, and to step down from the throne of the universe, that He might bring light to the benighted, and life to the perishing. . . . This great purpose had been shadowed forth in types and symbols. The burning bush, in which Christ appeared to Moses, revealed God. . . . The all-merciful God shrouded His glory in a most humble type, that Moses could look upon it and live. So in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, God communicated with Israel, revealing to men His will, and imparting to them His grace. God's glory was subdued, and His majesty veiled, that the weak vision of finite men might behold it. So Christ was to come in "the body of our humiliation" (Phil. 3:21, R.V.), "in the likeness of men.". . . His glory was veiled, His greatness and majesty were hidden, that He might draw near to sorrowful, tempted men. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, p. 200. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Aug 5 05:40:01 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2005 08:40:01 -0400 Subject: Adopted Sons and Daughters Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD687@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ----------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 5 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Adopted Sons and Daughters Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Eph. 1:5, 6. Before the foundations of the earth were laid the covenant was made that all who were obedient, all who should through the abundant grace provided become holy in character and without blame before God by appropriating that grace, should be children of God. We owe everything to grace, free grace, sovereign grace. Grace in the covenant ordained our adoption. Grace in the Saviour effected our redemption, our regeneration, and our adoption to heirship with Christ. As we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of heaven. . . . 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. We abide in Him, and feel at home with Jesus. . . . 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. All who have been born into the heavenly family are in a special sense the brethren of our Lord. The love of Christ binds together the members of His family, and wherever that love is manifest there the divine relationship is revealed. . . . Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts. >From Devotional: Our Father Cares, pp. 200, 201. From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Aug 6 06:23:18 2005 From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 6 Aug 2005 09:23:18 -0400 Subject: Blessings Through Obedience Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AFAD6EA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ---------------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for August 6 Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------------- Blessings Through Obedience I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. Ps. 40:8. What a God is our God! He rules over His kingdom with diligence and care, and He has built a hedge-the Ten Commandments-about His subjects to preserve them from the results of transgression. In requiring obedience to the laws of His kingdom, God gives His people health and happiness, peace and joy. He teaches them that the perfection of character He requires can be attained only by becoming familiar with His Word. The true seeker, who is striving to be like Jesus in word, life, and character, will contemplate his Redeemer and, by beholding, become changed into His image, because he longs and prays for th