Dependence Upon God

[Thompson, Darryl]

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Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for January 10
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
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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.