From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jan 27 10:35:53 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:35:53 -0500
Subject: The Battlefield
Message-ID: <001101c86113$739fbb20$0501a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Battlefield 

We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. Eph. 6: 12.

The fallen world is the battlefield for the greatest conflict the heavenly
universe and earthly powers have ever witnessed. It was appointed as a
theater on which would be fought out the grand struggle between good and
evil, between heaven and hell. Every human being acts a part in this
conflict. No one can stand on neutral ground. Men must either accept or
reject the world's Redeemer. All are witnesses, either for or against
Christ. Christ calls upon those who stand under His banner to engage in the
conflict with Him as faithful soldiers, that they may inherit the crown of
life. 

Battles are to be fought every day. A great warfare is going on over every
soul, between the prince of darkness and the Prince of life. . . . As God's
agents you are to yield yourselves to Him, that He may plan and direct and
fight the battle for you, with your cooperation. The Prince of life is at
the head of His work. He is to be with you in your daily battle with self,
that you may be true to principle; that passion, when warring for the
mastery, may be subdued by the grace of Christ; that you come off more than
conqueror through Him that hath loved us. Jesus has been over the ground. He
knows the power of every temptation. He knows just how to meet every
emergency, and how to guide you through every path of danger. 

God will have a people zealous of good works, standing firm amid the
pollutions of this degenerate age. There will be a people who hold so fast
to the divine strength that they will be proof against every temptation.
Evil communications in flaming handbills may seek to speak to their senses
and corrupt their minds; yet they will be so united to God and angels that
they will be as those who see not and hear not. They have a work to do which
no one can do for them, which is to fight the good fight of faith, and lay
hold on eternal life. . . . 

The youth may have principles so firm that the most powerful temptations of
Satan will not draw them away from their allegiance. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 35


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jan 28 05:22:18 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:22:18 -0500
Subject: Loyalty a Must
Message-ID: <000001c861b0$d3ab81f0$7b0285d0$@org>

Loyalty a Must

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. 2:
3. 

We are soldiers of Christ; and those who enlist in His army are expected to
do difficult work, work which will tax their energies to the utmost. We must
understand that a soldier's life is one of aggressive warfare, of
perseverance and endurance. For Christ's sake we are to endure trials. We
are not engaged in mimic battles. 

Resolve, not in your own strength, but in the strength and grace given of
God, that you will consecrate to Him now, just now, every power, every
ability. You will then follow Jesus because He bids you, and you will not
ask where, or what reward will be given. . . . 

When you die to self, when you surrender to God, to do His work, to let the
light that He has given you shine forth in good works, you will not labor
alone. God's grace stands forth to cooperate with every effort to enlighten
the ignorant and those who do not know that the end of all things is at
hand. But God will not do your work. Light may shine in abundance, but the
grace given will convert your soul only as it arouses you to cooperate with
divine agencies. You are called upon to put on the Christian armor and enter
the Lord's service as active soldiers. Divine power is to cooperate with
human effort to break the spell of worldly enchantment that the enemy has
cast upon souls. 

The Lord has honored us by choosing us as His soldiers. Let us fight bravely
for Him, maintaining the right in every transaction. Rectitude in all things
is essential to the warfare of the soul. As you strive for the victory over
your own inclinations, He will help you by His Holy Spirit to be circumspect
in every action, that you may give no occasion for the enemy to speak evil
of the truth. 

We are soldiers of Christ. He is the Captain of our salvation, and we are
under His orders and rules. We are to wear His armor; we are to be marshaled
only under His banner. . . . We are to keep on the whole armor of God, and
work as in view of the universe of heaven.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 36


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jan 29 06:00:49 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:00:49 -0500
Subject: Marching Orders
Message-ID: <000a01c8627f$5ba02650$12e072f0$@org>

Marching Orders 

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. Ex. 14: 15. 

The history of the children of Israel is written for the instruction and
admonition of all Christians. When the Israelites were overtaken by dangers
and difficulties, and their way seemed hedged up, their faith forsook them,
and they murmured against the leader whom God had appointed for them. . . .
The divine command was: "Go forward." They were not to wait until the way
was made plain, and they could comprehend the entire plan of their
deliverance. God's cause is onward, and He will open a path before His
people. . . . 

There are times when the Christian life seems beset by dangers, and duty
seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and
bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly above all
discouragements: "Go forward." We should obey this command, let the result
be what it may, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness and
though we feel the cold waves about our feet. . . . 

Those who think it impossible for them to yield to the will of God and have
faith in His promises until all is made clear and plain before them, will
never yield at all. Faith is not certainty of knowledge; it "is the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:
1). To obey the commandments of God is the only way to obtain His favor. "Go
forward" should be the Christian's watchword. 

Continual progress in knowledge and virtue is God's purpose for us. His law
is the echo of His own voice, giving to all the invitation, "Come up higher;
be holy, holier still." Every day we may advance in perfection of Christian
character. 

Putting our trust in God, we are to move steadily forward, doing His work
with unselfishness, in humble dependence upon Him, committing to His
providence ourselves and all that concerns our present and future, holding
the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end, remembering that we
receive the blessings of heaven, not because of our worthiness, but because
of Christ's worthiness and our acceptance, through faith in Him, of God's
abounding grace.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 37


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jan 30 05:23:46 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:23:46 -0500
Subject: The Victory
Message-ID: <1391e9a20801300523y938be88yf095c1676748a682@mail.gmail.com>

The Victory

Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ. 1 Cor. 15: 57.

Victories are not gained by ceremonies or display, but by simple
obedience to  the highest General, the Lord God of heaven. He who
trusts in this Leader will  never know defeat.

The largest share of the annoyances of life, its daily corroding
cares, its  heartaches, its irritation, is the result of a temper
uncontrolled. . . . The  government of self is the best government in
the world. By putting on the  ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
ninety- nine out of a hundred of the  troubles which so terribly
embitter life might be saved. . . . The natural man  must die, and the
new man, Christ Jesus, take possession of the soul, so that  the
follower of Jesus may say in verity and truth: "I live; yet not I, but
 Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2: 20).

Self is difficult to conquer. Human depravity in every form is not
easily  brought into subjection to the Spirit of Christ. But all
should be impressed  with the fact that unless this victory is gained
through Christ, there is no  hope for them. The victory can be gained;
for nothing is impossible with God. By  His assisting grace, all evil
temper, all human depravity, may be overcome. . .  . You may be
overcomers if you will, in the name of Christ, take hold of the  work
decidedly.

The temptations of Satan are greater now than ever before, for he
knows that  his time is short, and that very soon every case will be
decided, either for  life or for death. It is no time now to sink down
beneath discouragement and  trial; we must bear up under all our
afflictions, and trust wholly in the  Almighty God of Jacob. . . . His
grace is sufficient for all our trials; and  although they are greater
than ever before, yet if we trust wholly in God, we  can overcome
every temptation and through His grace come off victorious. . . .

When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God and
agonize  with Him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty, but will
give us grace and  strength to overcome, and to break the power of the
enemy.

>From God's  Amazing Grace - Page 38

From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jan 31 07:25:43 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 10:25:43 -0500
Subject: Adam and Eve-- Rulers in Eden 
Message-ID: <000001c8641d$95968d00$c0c3a700$@org>

Adam and Eve-- Rulers in Eden 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them. And God blessed them and God said unto
them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and
have dominion over . . . every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen.
1: 27, 28. 

Adam was crowned king in Eden. To him was given dominion over every living
thing that God had created. The Lord blessed Adam and Eve with intelligence
such as He had not given to any other creature. He made Adam the rightful
sovereign over all the works of His hands. { AG 40.2} 

Created to be "the image and glory of God," Adam and Eve had received
endowments not unworthy of their high destiny. . . . Every faculty of mind
and soul reflected the Creator's glory. Endowed with high mental and
spiritual gifts, Adam and Eve were made but "little lower than the angels." 

Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were not placed beyond
the possibility of wrongdoing. God made them free moral agents, capable of
appreciating the wisdom and benevolence of His character and the justice of
His requirements, and with full liberty to yield or to withhold obedience.
They were to enjoy communion with God and with holy angels; but before they
could be rendered eternally secure, their loyalty must be tested. At the
very beginning of man's existence a check was placed upon the desire for
self- indulgence, the fatal passion that lay at the foundation of Satan's
fall. The tree of knowledge, which stood near the tree of life in the midst
of the garden, was to be a test of the obedience, faith, and love of our
first parents. . . God placed man under law, as an indispensable condition
of his very existence. He was a subject of the divine government, and there
can be no government without law. . . . 

While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion were to bear rule
over the earth. Unlimited control was given them over every living thing.
The lion and the lamb sported peacefully around them, or lay . . . Together
at their feet. The happy birds flitted about them without fear; and as their
glad songs ascended to the praise of their Creator, Adam and Eve united with
them in thanksgiving to the Father and the Son.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 39



From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Feb  1 06:16:53 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 09:16:53 -0500
Subject: The Rulership Forfeited 
Message-ID: <000701c864dd$262f6750$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Rulership Forfeited 

The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he
will. Dan. 4: 17. 

Among the lower creatures Adam had stood as king . . . ; but when he
transgressed, this dominion was forfeited. The spirit of rebellion, to which
he himself had given entrance, extended throughout the animal creation. Thus
not only the life of man, but the nature of the beasts, the trees of the
forest, the grass of the field, the very air he breathed, all told the sad
lesson of the knowledge of evil. 

Not only man but the earth had by sin come under the power of the wicked
one. . . . At his creation Adam was placed in dominion over the earth. But
by yielding to temptation, he was brought under the power of Satan. "Of whom
a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage" (2 Peter 2: 19).
When man became Satan's captive, the dominion which he held, passed to his
conqueror. Thus Satan became "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4: 4). He had
usurped that dominion over the earth which had been originally given to
Adam. 

When Satan declared to Christ, The kingdom and the glory of the world are
delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will I give it, he stated what was
true only in part, and he declared it to serve his own purpose of deception.
Satan's dominion was that wrested from Adam, but Adam was the vicegerent of
the Creator. His was not an independent rule. The earth is God's, and He has
committed all things to His Son. Adam was to reign subject to Christ. When
Adam betrayed his sovereignty into Satan's hands, Christ still remained the
rightful king. . . .

By the one who had revolted in heaven the kingdoms of this world were
offered Christ, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He would
not be bought. . . . 

Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the
apostle He says to us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the
devil, and he will flee from you . . ." (James 4: 7, 8). We cannot save
ourselves from the tempter's power; he has conquered humanity . . . ; but
"the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and
is safe" (Prov. 18: 10). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 40


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Feb  2 06:54:43 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 09:54:43 -0500
Subject: Christ the Second Adam
Message-ID: <000101c865ab$8d7112f0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Christ the Second Adam 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor.
15: 22. 

The fall of man filled all heaven with sorrow. . . . The Son of God,
heaven's glorious Commander, was touched with pity for the fallen race. His
heart was moved with infinite compassion as the woes of the lost world rose
up before Him. But divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be
redeemed. The broken law of God demanded the life of the sinner. In all the
universe there was but one who could, in behalf of man, satisfy its claims.
Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God
could make atonement for its transgression. None but Christ could redeem
fallen man from the curse of the law, and bring him again into harmony with
Heaven. Christ would take upon Himself the guilt and shame of sin-- sin so
offensive to a holy God that it must separate the Father and His Son. Christ
would reach to the depths of misery to rescue the ruined race. . . . 

The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; . . .
yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His
son to die for the guilty race. . . . Oh, the mystery of redemption! the
love of God for a world that did not love Him! . . . Through endless ages
immortal minds, seeking to comprehend the mystery of that incomprehensible
love, will wonder and adore. 

Christ is called the second Adam. In purity and holiness, connected with God
and beloved by God, He began where the first Adam began. . . . 

Christ was tempted by Satan in a hundredfold severer manner than was Adam,
and under circumstances in every way more trying. The deceiver presented
himself as an angel of light, but Christ withstood his temptations. He
redeemed Adam's disgraceful fall, and saved the world. . . . He lived the
law of God, and honored it in a world of transgression, revealing to the
heavenly universe, to Satan, and to all the fallen sons and daughters of
Adam that through His grace humanity can keep the law of God. . . . 

Christ's victory was as complete as had been Adam's failure. So we may
resist temptation, and force Satan to depart from us. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 41


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Feb  3 08:46:37 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 11:46:37 -0500
Subject: Israel's Invisible King
Message-ID: <000101c86684$588e5be0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Israel's Invisible King 

Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven,
and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and
commandments. Neh. 9: 13. 

All through the pages of sacred history, where the dealings of God with His
chosen people are recorded, there are burning traces of the great I AM.
Never has He given to the sons of men more open manifestations of His power
and glory than when He alone was acknowledged as Israel's ruler, and gave
the law to His people. Here was a scepter swayed by no human hand; and the
stately goings forth of Israel's invisible King were unspeakably grand and
awful. 

In all these revelations of the divine presence, the glory of God was
manifested through Christ. Not alone at the Saviour's advent, but through
all the ages after the Fall and the promise of redemption, "God was in
Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" (2 Cor. 5: 19). Christ was the
foundation and center of the sacrificial system in both the patriarchal and
the Jewish age. Since the sin of our first parents, there has been no direct
communication between God and man. The Father has given the world into the
hands of Christ, that through His mediatorial work He may redeem man and
vindicate the authority and holiness of the law of God. All the communion
between heaven and the fallen race has been through Christ. It was the Son
of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption. It was He
who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. . . . It was He who gave the law to
Israel. Amid the awful glory of Sinai, Christ declared in the hearing of all
the people the ten precepts of His Father's law. It was He who gave to Moses
the law engraved upon the tables of stone. . . . 

Jesus was the light of His people-- the light of the world-- before He came
to earth in the form of humanity. The first gleam of light that pierced the
gloom in which sin had wrapped the world, came from Christ. And from Him has
come every ray of heaven's brightness that has fallen upon the inhabitants
of the earth. In the plan of redemption Christ is the Alpha and the Omega--
the First and the Last.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 42


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Feb  4 04:36:27 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 07:36:27 -0500
Subject: Our Ruler in the Heavens
Message-ID: <000001c8672a$9030be20$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Our Ruler in the Heavens 

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth
over all. Ps. 103: 19. 

The three Hebrews were called upon to confess Christ in the face of the
burning fiery furnace. They had been commanded by the king to fall down and
worship the golden image which he had set up, and threatened that if they
would not, they should be cast alive into the fiery furnace, but they
answered, "We are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so,
our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace,
and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known
unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden
image which thou hast set up" (Dan. 3: 16- 18). 

To bow down when in prayer to God is the proper attitude to occupy. . . .
But such an act was homage to be rendered to God alone . . . , the Ruler of
the universe; and these three Hebrews refused to give such honor to any idol
even though composed of pure gold. In doing so, they would, to all intents
and purposes, be bowing to the king of Babylon. . . . They suffered the
penalty. . . . But Christ came in person and walked with them through the
fire, and they received no harm. 

This miracle produced a striking change in the minds of the people. The
great golden image, set up with such display, was forgotten. The king
published a decree that anyone speaking against the God of these men should
be put to death. . . . 

These faithful Hebrews possessed great natural ability, they had enjoyed the
highest intellectual culture, and now occupied a position of honor; but all
this did not lead them to forget God. Their powers were yielded to the
sanctifying influence of divine grace. . . . In their wonderful deliverance
were displayed, before that vast assembly, the power and majesty of God.
Jesus placed Himself by their side in the fiery furnace, and by the glory of
His presence convinced the proud king of Babylon that it could be no other
than the Son of God. . . . By the deliverance of His faithful servants, the
Lord declares that He will take His stand with the oppressed and overthrow
all earthly powers that would trample upon the authority of the God of
heaven. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 43


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Feb  6 16:38:27 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 19:38:27 -0500
Subject: The Kingdom Threatened
Message-ID: <000001c86921$c2776160$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Kingdom Threatened 

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force,
to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone. John 6:
15. 

Seated upon the grassy plain, in the twilight of the spring evening, the
people ate of the food that Christ had provided. . . . No human power could
create from five barley loaves and two small fishes food sufficient to feed
thousands of hungry people. And they said one to another, "This is of a
truth that Prophet that should come into the world" (John 6: 14). . . . He
can conquer the nations, and give to Israel the long- sought dominion. 

In their enthusiasm the people are ready at once to crown Him king. They see
that He makes no effort to attract attention or secure honor to Himself. . .
. They fear that He will never urge His claim to David's throne. Consulting
together, they agree to take Him by force, and proclaim Him the King of
Israel. . . . Jesus sees what is on foot, and understands, as they cannot,
what would be the result of such a movement. . . . Violence and insurrection
would follow an effort to place Him on the throne, and the work of the
spiritual kingdom would be hindered. Without delay the movement must be
checked. Calling His disciples, Jesus bids them take the boat and return at
once to Capernaum. . . . 

Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse; and His manner is so decisive
that they dare not disobey. . . . The kingly bearing of Jesus, and His few
quiet words of command, quell the tumult, and frustrate their designs. They
recognize in Him a power above all earthly authority, and without a question
they submit. 

When left alone, Jesus "went up into a mountain apart to pray.". . . He
prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, that
Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment. . . .
In travail and conflict of soul He prayed for His disciples. . . . Their
long- cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed
in a most painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to
the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be
indeed His true coronation. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 45


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Feb  7 05:33:54 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 08:33:54 -0500
Subject: A Kingly Procession
Message-ID: <000001c8698e$17d3d410$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Kingly Procession 

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold,
thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation lowly, and
riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zech. 9: 9. 

Five hundred years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Zechariah thus
foretold the coming of the King to Israel. . . . Christ was following the
Jewish custom for a royal entry. . . . No sooner was He seated upon the colt
than a loud shout of triumph rent the air. The multitude hailed Him as
Messiah, their King. . . .They could lead the triumphal procession with no
royal standards, but they cut down the spreading palm boughs, Nature's
emblem of victory, and waved them aloft with loud acclamations and hosannas.
. . . 

Never before in His earthly life had Christ permitted such a demonstration.
He clearly foresaw the result. It would bring Him to the cross. But it was
His purpose thus publicly to present Himself as the Redeemer. He desired to
call attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission. . . . 

Never before had the world seen such a triumphal procession. It was not like
that of the earth's famous conquerors. No train of mourning captives, as
trophies of kingly valor, made a feature of that scene. But about the
Saviour were the glorious trophies of His labors of love for sinful man.
There were the captives whom He had rescued from Satan's power, praising God
for their deliverance. The blind whom He had restored to sight were leading
the way. The dumb whose tongues He had loosed shouted the loudest hosannas.
The cripples whom He had healed bounded with joy. . . . Lazarus, whose body
had seen corruption in the grave, but who now rejoiced in the strength of
glorious manhood, led the beast on which the Saviour rode. . . . 

That scene of triumph was of God's own appointing. It had been foretold by
the prophet, and man was powerless to turn aside God's purpose. 

As well might the priests and rulers attempt to deprive the earth of the
shining face of the sun, as to shut from the world the beams of glory from
the Sun of Righteousness. In spite of all opposition, the kingdom of Christ
was confessed by the people. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 46


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Feb  8 06:00:29 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 09:00:29 -0500
Subject: Jerusalem's King 
Message-ID: <000101c86a5a$f87cd2b0$0c01a8c0@thompsondm90>

Jerusalem's King 

Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the
sides of the north, the city of the great King. Ps. 48: 2. 

>From the crest of Olivet, Jesus looked upon Jerusalem. Fair and peaceful was
the scene spread out before Him. . . . The rays of the setting sun lighted
up the snowy whiteness of its marble walls and gleamed from golden gate and
tower and pinnacle. "The perfection of beauty" it stood, the pride of the
Jewish nation. What child of Israel could gaze upon the scene without a
thrill of joy and admiration! But far other thoughts occupied the mind of
Jesus. "When he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it" (Luke
19: 41). Amid the universal rejoicing of the triumphal entry, while palm
branches waved, while glad hosannas awoke the echoes of the hills, and
thousands of voices declared Him King, the world's Redeemer was overwhelmed
with a sudden and mysterious sorrow. He, the Son of God, the Promised One of
Israel, whose power had conquered death and called its captives from the
grave, was in tears, not of ordinary grief, but of intense, irrepressible
agony. 

His tears were not for Himself.... He wept for the doomed thousands of
Jerusalem-- because of the blindness and impenitence of those whom He came
to bless and to save. . . . 

Though rewarded with evil for good, and hatred for His love, He had
steadfastly pursued His mission of mercy. Never were those repelled that
sought His grace. . . . But Israel had turned from her best Friend and only
Helper. The pleadings of His love had been despised, His counsels spurned,
His warnings ridiculed. . . . 

When Christ should hang upon the cross of Calvary, Israel's day as a nation
favored and blessed of God would be ended.... As Christ looked upon
Jerusalem, the doom of a whole city, a whole nation, was before Him-- that
city, that nation, which had once been the chosen of God, His peculiar
treasure. 

The long- suffering of God toward Jerusalem only confirmed the Jews in their
stubborn impenitence. . . . Her children had spurned the grace of Christ. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 47


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Feb  9 05:55:19 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2008 08:55:19 -0500
Subject: King of Glory
Message-ID: <000001c86b23$68ac5150$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

King of Glory 

Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and
the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong
and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Ps. 24: 7, 8. 

Christ came to earth as God in the guise of humanity. He ascended to heaven
as the King of saints. His ascension was worthy of His exalted character. He
went as One mighty in battle, a conqueror, leading captivity captive. He was
attended by the heavenly host, amid shouts and acclamations of praise and
celestial song. 

The disciples not only saw the Lord ascend, but they had the testimony of
the angels that He had gone to occupy His Father's throne in heaven. . . .
The brightness of the heavenly escort, and the opening of the glorious gates
of God to welcome Him, were not to be discerned by mortal eyes. Had the
track of Christ to heaven been revealed to the disciples in all its
inexpressible glory, they could not have endured the sight. . . . 

Their senses were not to become so infatuated with the glories of heaven
that they would lose sight of the character of Christ on earth, which they
were to copy in themselves. They were to keep distinctly before their minds
the beauty and majesty of His life, the perfect harmony of all His
attributes, and the mysterious union of the divine and human in His nature.
. . . His visible ascent from the world was in harmony with the meekness and
quiet of His life. 

What a source of joy to the disciples, to know that they had such a Friend
in heaven to plead in their behalf! Through the visible ascension of Christ
all their views and contemplation of heaven are changed. . . . They now
looked upon it as their future home, where mansions were being prepared for
them by their loving Redeemer. Prayer was clothed with a new interest, since
it was a communion with their Saviour. . . . 

They had a gospel to preach-- Christ in human form, a Man of sorrows; Christ
in humiliation, taken by wicked hands and crucified; Christ resurrected, and
ascended to heaven, into the presence of God, to be man's Advocate; Christ
to come again with power and great glory in the clouds of heaven. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 48


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Feb 10 11:54:43 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 14:54:43 -0500
Subject: Ruler Over All Nations
Message-ID: <000101c86c1e$c82d2680$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

Ruler Over All Nations 

That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high
over all the earth. Ps. 83: 18. 

In the annals of human history the growth of nations, the rise and fall of
empires, appear as dependent on the will and prowess of man. The shaping of
events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or
caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold,
behind, above, and through all the play and counterplay of human interests
and power and passions, the agencies of the all- merciful One, silently,
patiently working out the counsels of His own will. . . . 

Every nation that has come upon the stage of action has been permitted to
occupy its place on the earth, that it might be seen whether it would
fulfill the purpose of "the Watcher and the Holy One.". . . While the
nations rejected God's principles, and in this rejection wrought their own
ruin, it was still manifest that the divine, overruling purpose was working
through all their movements. 

This lesson is taught in a wonderful symbolic representation given to the
prophet Ezekiel [chapters 1 and 10]. . . . A number of wheels, intersecting
one another, were moved by four living beings. . . . The wheels were so
complicated in arrangement that at first sight they appeared to be in
confusion; but they moved in perfect harmony. Heavenly beings, sustained and
guided by the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, were impelling these
wheels; above them upon the sapphire throne, was the Eternal One; and round
about the throne a rainbow, the emblem of divine mercy. As the wheellike
complications were under the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the
cherubim, so the complicated play of human events is under divine control.
Amidst the strife and tumult of nations, He that sitteth above the cherubim
still guides the affairs of the earth. 

The history of nations that one after another have occupied their allotted
time and place, . . . speaks to us. To every nation and to every individual
of today God has assigned a place in His great plan. . . . All are by their
own choice deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the
accomplishment of His purposes. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 49


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Feb 11 10:19:47 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:19:47 -0500
Subject: Limits to God's Forbearance
Message-ID: <000001c86cda$b12f5a40$63261eac@thompsondm90>

Limits to God's Forbearance 

It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law. Ps.
119: 126. 

During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could see
houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were
falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of
the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of
existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the
terrified. 

The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings, so
thoroughly constructed that men regarded them as secure against every
danger, quickly became heaps of rubbish. There was no assurance of safety in
any place. . . . The awfulness of the scenes that passed before me I cannot
find words to describe. It seemed that the forbearance of God was exhausted
and that the judgment day had come. 

The angel that stood at my side then instructed me that but few have any
conception of the wickedness existing in our world today, and especially the
wickedness in the large cities. He declared that the Lord has appointed a
time when He will visit transgressors in wrath for persistent disregard of
His law. . . . God's supreme rulership and the sacredness of His law must be
revealed to those who persistently refused to render obedience to the King
of kings. Those who choose to remain disloyal must be visited in mercy with
judgments, in order that, if possible, they may be aroused to a realization
of the sinfulness of their course. . . . While the divine Ruler bears long
with perversity, He is not deceived and will not always keep silence. His
supremacy, His authority as Ruler of the universe, must finally be
acknowledged and the just claims of His law vindicated. 

There are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding
these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God
must interfere and vindicate His own honor. . . . 

When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of
all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves
unspotted from the world. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 50


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Feb 12 06:17:32 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:17:32 -0500
Subject: Qualifying for the Kingdom 
Message-ID: <002901c86d82$02b8ca20$082a5e60$@org>

Qualifying for the Kingdom 

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a
little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10: 15. 

Christ does not acknowledge any caste, color, or grade as necessary to
become a subject of His kingdom. Admittance to His kingdom does not depend
upon wealth or a superior heredity. But those who are born of the Spirit are
the subjects of His kingdom. Spiritual character is that which will be
recognized by Christ. His kingdom is not of this world. His subjects are
those who are partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption
that is in the world through lust. And this grace is given them of God.
Christ does not find His subjects fitted for His kingdom, but He qualifies
them by His divine power. Those who have been dead in trespasses and sins
are quickened to spiritual life. The faculties which God has given them for
holy purposes are refined, purified, and exalted, and they are led to form
characters after the divine similitude. . . . 

Christ draws them to Himself by an unseen power. He is the light of life,
and He imbues them with His own Spirit. As they are drawn into the spiritual
atmosphere, they see that they have been made the sport of Satan's
temptations, and that they have been under his dominion; but they break the
yoke of fleshly lusts, and refuse to be the servants of sin. . . . They
realize that they have exchanged captains, and they take their directions
from the lips of Jesus. As a servant looks to his master, and as a maid
looks to her mistress, so these souls, drawn by the cords of love to Christ,
constantly look unto Him who is the Author and Finisher of their faith. By
beholding Jesus, by obeying His requirements, they increase in the knowledge
of God and of Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. Thus they become changed into
His image from character to character until they are distinguished from the
world, and it can be written of them: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth he
praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous
light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God:
which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2: 9,
10). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 51


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Feb 13 10:59:52 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:59:52 -0500
Subject: Sonship 
Message-ID: <000001c86e72$9e37c000$daa74000$@org>

Sonship 

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. 

When Adam's sin plunged the race into hopeless misery, God might have cut
Himself loose from fallen beings. He might have treated them as sinners
deserved to be treated. He might have commanded the angels of heaven to pour
out upon our world the vials of His wrath. He might have removed this dark
blot from His universe. But He did not do this. Instead of banishing them
from His presence, He came still nearer to the fallen race. He gave His Son
to become bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. "The Word was made flesh,
and dwelt among us, . . . full of grace and truth" (John 1: 14). Christ by
His human relationship to men drew them close to God. He clothed His divine
nature with the garb of humanity, and demonstrated before the heavenly
universe, before the unfallen worlds, how much God loves the children of
men. 

The gift of God to man is beyond all computation. Nothing was withheld. God
would not permit it to be said that He could have done more or revealed to
humanity a greater measure of love. In the gift of Christ He gave all
heaven. 

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. . . . 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. 

God was to be manifest in Christ, "reconciling the world unto himself" (2
Cor. 5: 19). 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 God's Amazing Grace - Page 52



From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Feb 14 14:51:38 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:51:38 -0500
Subject: Adopted Sons and Daughters
Message-ID: <001401c86f5c$28eaccd0$7ac06670$@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 God's Amazing Grace - Page 53


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Feb 15 07:02:34 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:02:34 -0500
Subject: The Redemption Price 
Message-ID: <000001c86fe3$d4167500$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Redemption Price 

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in
once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Heb. 9:
12. 

Every soul is precious, because it has been purchased by the precious blood
of Jesus Christ. 

Some speak of the Jewish age as a Christless period, without mercy or grace.
To such are applicable the words of Christ to the Sadducees, "Ye know not
the Scriptures, neither the power of God" (Mark 12: 24). The period of the
Jewish economy was one of wonderful manifestations of divine power. . . . 

The very system of sacrifices was devised by Christ, and given to Adam as
typifying a Saviour to come, who would bear the sins of the world, and die
for its redemption. . . . 

The blood of the Son of God was symbolized by the blood of the slain victim,
and God would have clear and definite ideas preserved between the sacred and
the common. Blood was sacred, inasmuch as through the shedding of the blood
of the Son of God alone could there be atonement for sin. Blood was also
used to cleanse the sanctuary from the sins of the people, thus typifying
the blood of Christ which alone can cleanse from sin. 

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. . . . 

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 God's Amazing Grace - Page 54


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Feb 16 05:18:06 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:18:06 -0500
Subject: Abraham and His Children
Message-ID: <000101c8709e$5ecebd50$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Abraham and His Children 

If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the
promise. Gal. 3: 29. 

Of Abraham it is written that "he was called the friend of God," "the father
of all them that believe." . . . 

It was a high honor to which Abraham was called, that of being the father of
the people who for centuries were the guardians and preservers of the truth
of God for the world-- of that people through whom all the nations of the
earth should be blessed in the advent of the promised Messiah. 

Abraham was honored by the surrounding nations as a mighty prince and a wise
and able chief. He did not shut away his influence from his neighbors. His
life and character, in their marked contrast with those of the worshipers of
idols, exerted a telling influence in favor of the true faith. His
allegiance to God was unswerving, while his affability and benevolence
inspired confidence and friendship, and his unaffected greatness commanded
respect and honor. 

His religion was not held as a precious treasure to be jealously guarded and
enjoyed solely by the possessor. True religion cannot be thus held; for such
a spirit is contrary to the principles of the gospel. While Christ is
dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal the light of His
presence, or for that light to grow dim. On the contrary, it will grow
brighter and brighter as day by day the mists of selfishness and sin that
envelop the soul are dispelled by the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness. 

The people of God are His representatives upon the earth, and He intends
that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world. Scattered all
over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, they are God's
witnesses, the channels through which He will communicate to an unbelieving
world the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace. It is His plan
that all who are partakers of the great salvation shall be missionaries for
Him. The piety of the Christian constitutes the standard by which worldlings
judge the gospel. Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully received,
meekness, kindness, mercy, and love, habitually exhibited, are the lights
that shine forth in the character before the world. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 55


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Feb 17 10:04:44 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:04:44 -0500
Subject: Citizens of Heaven
Message-ID: <000001c8718f$94c80e60$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

Citizens of Heaven 

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow- citizens
with the saints, and of the household of God. Eph. 2: 19. 

The people of God-- the true Israel-- though scattered throughout all
nations, are on earth but sojourners, whose citizenship is in heaven. 

The condition of being received into the Lord's family is coming out from
the world, separating from all its contaminating influences. The people of
God are to have no connection with idolatry in any of its forms. They are to
reach a higher standard. We are to be distinguished from the world, and then
God says, "I will receive you as members of My royal family, children of the
heavenly King." As believers in the truth we are to be distinct in practice
from sin and sinners. Our citizenship is in heaven. 

We should realize more clearly the value of the promises God has made to us,
and appreciate more deeply the honor He has given us. God can bestow no
higher honor upon mortals than to adopt them into His family, giving them
the privilege of calling Him Father. There is no degradation in becoming
children of God. 

We are strangers and pilgrims in this world. We are to wait, watch, pray,
and work. The whole mind, the whole soul, the whole heart, and the whole
strength are purchased by the blood of the Son of God. We are not to feel it
our duty to wear a pilgrim's dress of just such a color, just such a shape,
but neat, modest apparel, that the word of inspiration teaches us we should
wear. If our hearts are united with Christ's heart, we shall have a most
intense desire to be clothed with His righteousness. Nothing will be put
upon the person to attract attention, or to create controversy. 

Christianity-- how many there are who do not know what it is! It is not
something put on the outside. It is a life inwrought with the life of Jesus.
It means that we are wearing the robe of Christ's righteousness. 

Citizens of heaven will make the best citizens of earth. A correct view of
our duty to God leads to clear perceptions of our duty to our fellow men. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 56


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Feb 18 06:42:22 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:42:22 -0500
Subject: The Test of Loyalty
Message-ID: <000001c8723c$7939e260$0601a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Test of Loyalty 

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and
he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will
manifest myself to him. John 14: 21. 

It is essential that every subject of the kingdom of God should be obedient
to the law of Jehovah. . . . The fact that the law is holy, just, and good
is to be testified before all nations, tongues, and peoples, to worlds
unfallen, to angels, seraphim, and cherubim. The principles of the law of
God were wrought out in the character of Jesus Christ, and he who cooperates
with Christ, becoming a partaker of the divine nature, will develop the
divine character, and become an illustration of the divine law. . . . 

The more we study the attributes of the character of God as revealed in
Christ, the more we see that justice has been sustained in the sacrifice
that met the penalty of the law, . . . in order that man might have another
probation. . . . Those who are obedient to the law of the government of God
while in this brief probation, . . . will be pronounced in heaven loyal
children of the Lord of Hosts. . . . 

By both creation and redemption we are the Lord's property. We are
absolutely His subjects, and amenable to the laws of His kingdom. Let no one
foster the delusion that the Lord God of heaven and earth has no law by
which to control and govern His subjects. We are dependent upon God for
everything we enjoy. The food which we eat, the clothing we wear, the
atmosphere we breathe, the life we enjoy from day to day, are received from
God. We are under obligation to be governed by His will, to acknowledge Him
as our supreme ruler. . . . 

We are under a debt of gratitude to God for the revelation of His love in
Christ Jesus; and as intelligent human agents, we are to reveal to the world
the manner of character that will result from obedience to every
specification of the law of God's government. In perfect obedience to His
holy will, we are to manifest adoration, love, cheerfulness, and praise, and
thus honor and glorify God. It is in this way alone that man may reveal the
character of God in Christ to the world, and make manifest to men that
happiness, peace, assurance, and grace come from obedience to the law of
God. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 57


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Feb 19 09:03:12 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:03:12 -0500
Subject: God's Claims are First 
Message-ID: <000101c87319$590ab630$83261eac@thompsondm90>

God's Claims are First 

We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5: 29. 

The message that we have to bear is not one that we need cringe to declare.
Its advocates are not to seek to cover it, to conceal its origin and
purpose. As those who have made solemn vows to God, and who have been
commissioned as the messengers of Christ, as stewards of the mysteries of
grace, we are under obligation to declare faithfully the whole counsel of
God. 

We are not to make less prominent the special truths that have separated us
from the world, and made us what we are; for they are fraught with eternal
interests. God has given us light in regard to the things that are now
taking place, and with pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth to the
world. 

The Sabbath is the Lord's test, and no man, be he king, priest, or ruler, is
authorized to come between God and man. Those who seek to be conscience for
their fellow men, place themselves above God. Those who are under the
influence of a false religion, who observe a spurious rest day, will set
aside the most positive evidence in regard to the true Sabbath. They will
try to compel men to obey the laws of their own creation, laws that are
directly opposed to the law of God. . . . The law for the observance of the
first day of the week is the production of an apostate Christendom. . . . In
no case are God's people to pay it homage. 

The banner of truth and religious liberty held aloft by the founders of the
gospel church and by God's witnesses during the centuries that have passed
since then, has, in this last conflict, been committed to our hands. . . .
We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment,
and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere.
But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather
than men. God's word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A
"Thus saith the Lord" is not to be set aside for a "Thus saith the church"
or a "Thus saith the state." The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the
diadems of earthly potentates. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 58


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Feb 20 07:57:24 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:57:24 -0500
Subject: Above Earthly Kingdoms
Message-ID: <001701c873d9$4ba919d0$e2fb4d70$@org>

Above Earthly Kingdoms 

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall
teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but
whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the
kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5: 19. 

The qualities which shine with greatest luster in the kingdoms of the world,
have no place in Christ's spiritual kingdom. That which is highly exalted
among men, and brings exaltation to its possessor, such as caste, rank,
position, or wealth, is not esteemed in the spiritual kingdom. The Lord
says, "Them that honour me, I will honour" (1 Sam. 2: 30). In Christ's
kingdom men are distinguished according to their piety. . . . 

The kingdom of heaven is of a higher order than any earthly kingdom. Whether
we shall have a higher position or a lower position, will not be determined
by our rank, wealth, or education, but by the character of the obedience
rendered to the word of God. Those who have been actuated by selfishness and
human ambition, who have been striving to be greatest, who have been self-
important, who have felt above confessing mistakes and errors, will have no
place in the kingdom of God. Whether men will be honored as members of the
royal family of God, will be determined by the manner in which they bear the
test and proving of God that is brought to bear upon them in this life.
Those who have not been self- denying, who have not manifested sympathy for
the woes of others, who have not cultivated the precious attributes of love,
who have not manifested forbearance and meekness in this life, will not be
changed when Christ comes. . . . 

The character which we now manifest is deciding our future destiny. The
happiness of heaven will be found by conforming to the will of God, and if
men become members of the royal family in heaven, it will be because heaven
has begun with them on earth. They have cherished the mind of Christ, and
when the call comes, "Child, come up higher," the righteous will take every
grace, every precious, sanctified ability, into the courts above, and
exchange earth for heaven. God knows who are the loyal and true subjects of
His kingdom on earth, and those who do His will upon earth as it is done in
heaven, will be made the members of the royal family above. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 59


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Feb 21 08:05:00 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:05:00 -0500
Subject: Blessings Through Obedience
Message-ID: <001301c874a3$838609b0$8a921d10$@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 the same disposition and mind
that was in Christ Jesus. . . . He longs after God. The history of his
Redeemer, the immeasurable sacrifice that He made, becomes full of meaning
to him. Christ, the Majesty of heaven, became poor, that we through His
poverty might become rich; not rich merely in endowments, but rich in
attainments. 

These are the riches that Christ earnestly longs that His followers shall
possess. As the true seeker after the truth reads the Word and opens his
mind to receive the Word, he longs after truth with his whole heart. The
love, the pity, the tenderness, the courtesy, the Christian politeness,
which will be the elements in the heavenly mansions that Christ has gone to
prepare for those that love Him, take possession of his soul. His purpose is
steadfast. He is determined to stand on the side of righteousness. Truth has
found its way into the heart, and is planted there by the Holy Spirit, who
is the truth. When truth takes hold of the heart, the man gives sure
evidence of this by becoming a steward of the grace of Christ. 

Each steward has his own special work to do for the advancement of God's
kingdom. . . . The talents of speech, memory, influence, property, are to
accumulate for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. He will
bless the right use of His gifts. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 60


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Feb 22 05:15:33 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:15:33 -0500
Subject: Stewards of God's Grace
Message-ID: <000001c87555$030f1850$092d48f0$@org>

Stewards of God's Grace 
	
s every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to
another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4: 10. 

The knowledge of God's grace, the truths of His Word, and temporal gifts as
well-- time and means, talents and influence-- are all a trust from God to
be employed to His glory and the salvation of men. Nothing can be more
offensive to God, who is constantly bestowing His gifts upon man, than to
see him selfishly grasping these gifts and making no returns to the Giver.
Jesus is today in heaven preparing mansions for those who love Him; yes,
more than mansions, a kingdom which is to be ours. But all who shall inherit
these blessings must be partakers of the self- denial and self- sacrifice of
Christ for the good of others. 

Never was there greater need of earnest, self- sacrificing labor in the
cause of Christ than now, when the hours of probation are fast closing and
the last message of mercy is to be given to the world. . . . 

All that men receive of God's bounty still belongs to God. Whatever He has
bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in our
hands to test us, to sound the depths of our love for Him and our
appreciation of His favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of
intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus. .
. . 

Whatever we render to God is, through His mercy and generosity, placed to
our account as faithful stewards. . . . Angels of God, whose perceptions are
unclouded by sin, recognize the endowments of heaven as bestowed with the
intention that they be returned in such a way as to add to the glory of the
great Giver. With the sovereignty of God is bound up the well- being of man.
The glory of God is the joy and the blessing of all created beings. When we
seek to promote His glory we are seeking for ourselves the highest good
which it is possible for us to receive. . . . God calls for the consecration
to His service of every faculty, of every gift, you have received from Him.
He wants you to say, with David: "All things come of thee, and of thine own
have we given thee" (1 Chron. 29: 14). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 61


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Feb 23 11:28:05 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:28:05 -0500
Subject: Stewards of Truth
Message-ID: <000101c87652$387d22e0$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

Stewards of Truth 

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done
for my soul. Ps. 66: 16. 

Wherever there is life, there is increase and growth; in God's kingdom there
is a constant interchange-- taking in, and giving out; receiving, and
returning to the Lord His own. God works with every true believer, and the
light and blessings received are given out again in the work which the
believer does. Thus the capacity for receiving is increased. As one imparts
of the heavenly gifts, he makes room for fresh currents of grace and truth
to flow into the soul from the living fountain. Greater light, increased
knowledge and blessing, are his. In this work, which devolves upon every
church member, is the life and growth of the church. He whose life consists
in ever receiving and never giving, soon loses the blessing. If truth does
not flow forth from him to others, he loses his capacity to receive. We must
impart the goods of heaven if we desire fresh blessings. 

As the knowledge of truth is imparted, it will increase. All who receive the
gospel message into the heart will long to proclaim it. The heaven- born
love of Christ must find expression. Those who have put on Christ will
relate their experience, tracing step by step the leadings of the Holy
Spirit-- their hungering and thirsting for the knowledge of God and of Jesus
Christ whom He has sent, the results of their searching of the Scriptures,
their prayers, their soul agony, and the words of Christ to them, "Thy sins
be forgiven thee." 

It is unnatural for any to keep these things secret, and those who are
filled with the love of Christ will not do so. In proportion as the Lord has
made them the depositaries of sacred truth will be their desire that others
shall receive the same blessing. And as they make known the rich treasures
of God's grace, more and still more of the grace of Christ will be imparted
to them. They will have the heart of a little child in its simplicity and
unreserved obedience. Their souls will pant after holiness and more and more
of the treasures of truth and grace will be revealed to them to be given to
the world.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 62


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Feb 24 10:55:37 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:55:37 -0500
Subject: Stewards of Strength
Message-ID: <000101c87716$d84b79b0$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Stewards of Strength 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Mark 12: 30. 

To every man is committed individual gifts, termed talents. Some regard
these talents as being limited to certain men who possess superior mental
endowments and genius. But God has not restricted the bestowal of His
talents to a favored few. To every one is committed some special endowment,
for which he will be held responsible by the Lord. Time, reason, means,
strength, mental powers, tenderness of heart-- all are gifts from God,
entrusted to be used in the great work of blessing humanity. 

In the capital of strength a precious talent has been entrusted to men for
labor. This is of more value than any bank deposit, and should be more
highly prized. . . . It is a blessing that cannot be purchased with gold or
silver, houses or lands; and God requires it to be used wisely. No man has a
right to sacrifice this talent to the corroding influence of inaction. All
are as accountable for the capital of physical strength as for their capital
of means. . . . 

The essential lesson of contented industry in the necessary duties of life
is yet to be learned by many of Christ's followers. It requires more grace,
more stern discipline of character, to work for God in the capacity of
mechanic, merchant, lawyer, or farmer, carrying the precepts of Christianity
into the ordinary business of life, than to labor as an acknowledged
missionary in the open field. It requires a strong spiritual nerve to bring
religion into the workshop and the business office, sanctifying the details
of everyday life, and ordering every transaction according to the standard
of God's word. But this is what the Lord requires. 

Religion and business are not two separate things; they are one. Bible
religion is to be interwoven with all we do or say. Divine and human
agencies are to combine in temporal as well as in spiritual achievements. 

We are to love God, not only with all the heart, mind, and soul, but with
all the strength. This covers the full, intelligent use of the physical
powers. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 63


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Feb 25 08:16:25 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 11:16:25 -0500
Subject: Stewards of Influence
Message-ID: <000101c877c9$c933dbd0$5b9b9370$@org>

Stewards of Influence 

Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight
paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but
let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without
which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the
grace of God. Heb. 12: 12- 15. 

These words should teach us to be very careful how we snap the thread of our
faith by dwelling on our difficulties until they are large in our own eyes,
and in the eyes of others, who cannot read our inner, heart life. All should
remember that the conversation has a great influence for good or for ill. .
. . Do not allow the enemy so to use your tongue. . . . Do not exert an
influence that will break the hold of any trembling soul from God. . . . 

"Ye are God's husbandry" (1 Cor. 3: 9). As one takes pleasure in the
cultivation of a garden, so God takes pleasure in His believing sons and
daughters. A garden demands constant labor. The weeds must be removed; new
plants must be set out; branches that are making too rapid development must
be pruned back. So the Lord works for His garden, so He tends His plants. He
cannot take pleasure in any development that does not reveal the graces of
the character of Christ. The blood of Christ has made men and women God's
precious charge. Then how careful should we be not to manifest too much
freedom in pulling up the plants that God has placed in His garden! Some
plants are so feeble that they have hardly any life, and for these the Lord
has a special care. 

In all your transactions with your fellow men, never forget that you are
dealing with God's property. Be kind; be pitiful; be courteous. Respect
God's purchased possession. Treat one another with tenderness and courtesy.
Exert every God- given faculty to become examples to others. . . . 

Let Him who knows the heart and all its waywardness be able to deal with you
in mercy because you have shown mercy and compassion and love. . . . (Heb.
12: 13).

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 64


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Feb 26 06:22:55 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 09:22:55 -0500
Subject: Your Royal Birth
Message-ID: <000001c87883$1504e3b0$3f0eab10$@org>

Your Royal Birth 

We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not
the grace of God in vain. 2 Cor. 6: 1. 

Many who claim to be Christians are not Christians. . . . God takes none to
heaven but those who are first made saints in this world through the grace
of Christ, those in whom He can see Christ exemplified. . . . 

"The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy" (James 5: 11). . . . He
looks upon His redeemed heritage with pity. He is ready to pardon their sins
if they will surrender and be loyal to Him. In order to be just, and yet the
justifier of the sinner, He laid the punishment of sin upon His only
begotten Son. . . . For Christ's sake He pardons those that fear Him. He
does not see in them the vileness of the sinner; He recognizes in them the
likeness of His Son, in whom they believe. In this way only can God take
pleasure in any of us. "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).


Were it not for Christ's atoning sacrifice, there would be nothing in us in
which God could delight. All the natural goodness of man is worthless in
God's sight. He does not take pleasure in any man who retains his old
nature, and is not so renewed in knowledge and grace that he is a new man in
Christ. Our education, our talents, our means, are gifts entrusted to us by
God, that He may test us. If we use them for self- glorification, God says,
"I cannot delight in them; for Christ has died for them in vain." . . . 

To adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, we must have the mind that was
in Christ. Our likes and dislikes, our desire to be first, to favor self to
the disadvantage of others, must be overcome. The peace of God must rule in
our hearts. Christ must be in us a living, working principle. . . . 

By your obedience to God, respect yourselves as the purchased possession of
His dear Son. Seek to be uplifted in Christ. This work is as lasting as
eternity. . . . Shall we, sons and daughters of God, forget our royal birth?
Shall we not rather honor our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Shall we not
show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His
marvelous light? 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 65


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Feb 27 05:56:37 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:56:37 -0500
Subject: A Share in Christ's Kingdom
Message-ID: <000001c87948$99ca5740$cd5f05c0$@org>

A Share in Christ's Kingdom 

I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; that ye
may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the
twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22: 29, 30. 

What a promise is this! Christ's faithful ones are to be sharers with Him in
the kingdom He has received from His Father. This is a spiritual kingdom, in
which those who are most active in serving their brethren are the greatest.
Christ's servants, under His direction, are to administer the affairs of His
kingdom. They are to eat and drink at His table, that is, be admitted to
near communion with Him. 

Those who search for worldly distinction and glory make a sad mistake. It is
the one who denies self, giving to others the preference, who will sit
nearest to Christ on His throne. He who reads the heart sees the true merit
possessed by His lowly, self- sacrificing disciples, and because they are
worthy He places them in positions of distinction, though they do not
realize their worthiness and do not seek for honor. . . . 

God places no value on outward display or boasting. Many who in this life
are looked upon as superior to others, will one day see that God values men
according to their compassion and self- denial. . . . Those who follow the
example of Him who went about doing good, who help and bless their fellow
men, trying always to lift them up, are in God's sight infinitely higher
than the selfish ones who exalt themselves. 

God does not accept men because of their capabilities, but because they seek
His face, desiring His help. God sees not as man sees. He judges not from
appearances. He searches the heart, and judges righteously. . . .

He accepts and communes with His lowly, unpretentious followers; for in them
He sees the most precious material, which will stand the test of storm and
tempest, heat and pressure. Our object in working for the Master should be
that His name may be glorified in the conversion of sinners. . . . 

Let us rejoice that the Lord does not measure the workers in His vineyard by
their learning or by the educational advantages they have had. The tree is
judged by its fruit. The Lord will cooperate with those who cooperate with
Him. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 66


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Feb 28 10:28:51 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:28:51 -0500
Subject: Heaven's Highest Attraction
Message-ID: <02e701c87a37$c8bf7680$5a3e6380$@org>

Heaven's Highest Attraction 

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. 

After pointing to Christ, the compassionate intercessor who is "touched with
the feeling of our infirmities," the apostle says: "Let us therefore come
boldly unto the throne of grace. . . ." The throne of grace represents the
kingdom of grace; for the existence of a throne implies the existence of a
kingdom. 

God's appointments and grants in our behalf are without limit. The throne of
grace is itself the highest attraction because occupied by One who permits
us to call Him Father. But God did not deem the principle of salvation
complete while invested only with His own love. By His appointment He has
placed at His altar an Advocate clothed with our nature. As our Intercessor,
His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and daughters. Christ
intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. To them He gives power,
by virtue of His own merits, to become members of the royal family, children
of the heavenly King. And the Father demonstrates His infinite love for
Christ, who paid our ransom with His blood, 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. 

No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the
client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal
for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the
supplication before the Father as His own request. 

As Christ intercedes in our behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures
of His grace for our appropriation, to be enjoyed and to be communicated to
others. "Ask in my name," Christ says; "I do not say that I will pray the
Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved
Me. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the
Father will give you the riches of His grace; wherefore, 'ask and ye shall
receive, that your joy may be full' (John 16: 24)." 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 67


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Feb 29 05:58:22 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:58:22 -0500
Subject: Like Mustard Seed
Message-ID: <000001c87adb$2e3bda00$8ab38e00$@org>

Like Mustard Seed 

The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, . . . which indeed
is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among
herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in
the branches thereof. Matt. 13: 31, 32. 

The germ in the seed grows by the unfolding of the life- principle which God
has implanted. Its development depends upon no human power. So it is with
the kingdom of Christ. It is a new creation. Its principles of development
are the opposite to those that rule the kingdoms of this world. Earthly
governments prevail by physical force; they maintain their dominion by war;
but the founder of the new kingdom is the Prince of Peace. . . . Christ
implants a principle. By implanting truth and righteousness, He counterworks
error and sin. . . . 

The kingdom of Christ in its beginning seemed humble and insignificant.
Compared with earthly kingdoms it appeared to be the least of all. By the
rulers of this world Christ's claim to be a king was ridiculed. Yet in the
mighty truths committed to His followers the kingdom of the gospel possessed
a divine life. And how rapid was its growth, how widespread its influence!
When Christ spoke this parable, there were only a few Galilean peasants to
represent the new kingdom. . . . But the mustard seed was to grow and spread
forth its branches throughout the world. When the earthly kingdoms whose
glory then filled the hearts of men should perish, the kingdom of Christ
would remain, a mighty and far-reaching power. 

So the work of grace in the heart is small in its beginning. A word is
spoken, a ray of light is shed into the soul, an influence is exerted that
is the beginning of the new life; and who can measure its results? . . . 

In this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to reach a signal
and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will become a tree. The last
message of warning and mercy is to go to "every nation and kindred and
tongue" (Rev. 14: 6- 14), "to take out of them a people for his name" (Acts
15: 14; Rev. 18: 1). And the earth shall be lightened with His glory. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 17


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Mar  1 07:34:56 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2008 10:34:56 -0500
Subject: Christ is Priest Upon the Throne
Message-ID: <008601c87bb1$ce05bed0$6a113c70$@org>

Christ is Priest Upon the Throne 

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. Heb. 4: 14. 

In the temple in heaven, the dwelling place of God, His throne is
established in righteousness and judgment. In the most holy place is His
law, the great rule of right by which all mankind are tested. The ark that
enshrines the tables of the law is covered with the mercy seat, before which
Christ pleads His blood in the sinner's behalf. Thus is represented the
union of justice and mercy in the plan of human redemption. . . . 

As a priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Upon the
throne with the eternal, self- existent One, is He who "hath borne our
griefs, and carried our sorrows" (Isa. 53: 4), who "was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4: 15).... "If any man sin,
we have an Advocate with the Father" (1 John 2: 1). His intercession is that
of a pierced and broken body, of a spotless life. The wounded hands, the
pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man, whose redemption was
purchased at such infinite cost. 

The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as
essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. . . .
Through defects in the character, Satan works to gain control of the whole
mind, and he knows that if these defects are cherished, he will succeed.
Therefore he is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with
his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. But Jesus
pleads in their behalf His wounded hands, His bruised body; and He declares
to all who would follow Him: "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor. 12:
9). . . . Let none, then, regard their defects as incurable. God will give
faith and grace to overcome them. 

We are now living in the great day of atonement. . . . All who would have
their names retained in the book of life should now, in the few remaining
days of their probation, afflict their souls before God by sorrow for sin
and true repentance. There must be deep, faithful searching of heart. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 68


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Mar  2 12:52:00 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 2 Mar 2008 15:52:00 -0500
Subject: Encircled by a Rainbow
Message-ID: <000101c87ca7$4378c4f0$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Encircled by a Rainbow 

Behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne . . . and
there was a rainbow round about the throne. Rev. 4: 2, 3. 

The rainbow of promise encircling the throne on high is an everlasting
testimony that "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). It testifies to the universe that God will never forsake
His people in their struggle with evil. It is an assurance to us of strength
and protection as long as the throne itself shall endure. 

As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the
shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power
of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for
this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; man
could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty,
there would be no stability to the government of God. 

It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation full and
complete. It is the blending of the two that leads us, as we view the
world's Redeemer and the law of Jehovah, to exclaim, "Thy gentleness hath
made me great" (2 Sam. 22: 36). We know that the gospel is a perfect and
complete system, revealing the immutability of the law of God. . . . Mercy
invites us to enter through the gates into the city of God, and justice is
sacrificed to accord to every obedient soul full privileges as a member of
the royal family, a child of the heavenly King. 

By faith let us look upon the rainbow round about the throne, the cloud of
sins confessed behind it. The rainbow of promise is an assurance to every
humble, contrite, believing soul, that his life is one with Christ, and that
Christ is one with God. The wrath of God will not fall upon one soul that
seeks refuge in Him. God Himself has declared, "When I see the blood, I will
pass over you." "The bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it,
that I may remember the everlasting covenant" (Ex. 12: 13; Gen. 9: 16). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 69


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Mar  3 09:22:17 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 3 Mar 2008 12:22:17 -0500
Subject: In the Most Holy Place
Message-ID: <002901c87d53$21bd49b0$6537dd10$@org>

In the Most Holy Place 

The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.
Hab. 2: 20. 

I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son. I gazed on Jesus'
countenance and admired His lovely person. The Father's person I could not
behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered Him. I asked Jesus if His
Father had a form like Himself. He said He had, but I could not behold it,
for said He, "If you should once behold the glory of His person, you would
cease to exist." . . . 

I saw the Father rise from the throne, and in a flaming chariot go into the
holy of holies within the veil, and sit down. . . . Then a cloudy chariot,
with wheels like flaming fire, surrounded by angels, came to where Jesus
was. He stepped into the chariot and was borne to the holiest, where the
Father sat. There I beheld Jesus, a great High Priest, standing before the
Father. 

Two lovely cherubs, one on each side of the ark, stood with their wings
outstretched above it, and touching each other above the head of Jesus as He
stood before the mercy seat. Their faces were turned toward each other, and
they looked downward to the ark, representing all the angelic host looking
with interest at the law of God. Between the cherubim was a golden censer,
and as the prayers of the saints, offered in faith, came up to Jesus, and He
presented them to His Father, a cloud of fragrance arose from the incense,
looking like smoke of most beautiful colors. Above the place where Jesus
stood, before the ark, was exceedingly bright glory that I could not look
upon; it appeared like the throne of God. 

Our crucified Lord is pleading for us in the presence of the Father at the
throne of grace. His atoning sacrifice we may plead for our pardon, our
justification, and our sanctification. The lamb slain is our only hope. Our
faith looks up to Him, grasps Him as the One who can save to the uttermost,
and the fragrance of the all- sufficient offering is accepted of the Father.
. . . Christ's glory is concerned in our success. He has a common interest
in all humanity. He is our sympathizing Saviour.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 70


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Mar  4 07:33:21 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 10:33:21 -0500
Subject: Guarded by Seraphim
Message-ID: <001201c87e0d$15176af0$3f4640d0$@org>

Guarded by Seraphim 

I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train
filled the temple. Isa. 6: 1. 

When God was about to send Isaiah with a message to His people, He first
permitted the prophet to look in vision into the holy of holies within the
sanctuary. Suddenly the gate and the inner veil of the temple seemed to be
uplifted or withdrawn, and he was permitted to gaze within, upon the holy of
holies, where even the prophet's feet might not enter. There rose before him
a vision of Jehovah sitting upon a throne high and lifted up, while the
train of His glory filled the temple. Around the throne were seraphim, as
guards about the great King, and they reflected the glory that surrounded
them. As their songs of praise resounded in deep notes of adoration, the
pillars of the gate trembled, as if shaken by an earthquake. With lips
unpolluted by sin, these angels poured forth the praises of God. "Holy,
holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts," they cried: "the whole earth is full of
his glory" (Isa. 6: 3). 

The seraphim around the throne are so filled with reverential awe as they
behold the glory of God, that they do not for an instant look upon
themselves with admiration. Their praise is for the Lord of hosts. As they
look into the future, when the whole earth shall be filled with His glory,
the triumphant song is echoed from one to another in melodious chant, "Holy,
holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts." They are fully satisfied to glorify God;
abiding in His presence, beneath His smile of approbation, they wish for
nothing more. 

The world that Satan has claimed and has ruled over with cruel tyranny, the
Son of God has, by one vast achievement, encircled in His love and connected
again with the throne of Jehovah. Cherubim and seraphim, and the unnumbered
hosts of all the unfallen worlds, sang anthems of praise to God and the Lamb
when this triumph was assured. They rejoiced that the way of salvation had
been opened to the fallen race and that the earth would be redeemed from the
curse of sin. How much more should those rejoice who are the objects of such
amazing love! How can we ever be in doubt and uncertainty, and feel that we
are orphans? 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 71



From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Mar  5 10:21:48 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2008 13:21:48 -0500
Subject: Founded on Righteousness
Message-ID: <004e01c87eed$c8899d70$599cd850$@org>

Founded on Righteousness 

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Ps. 97: 2, N. E.
B. 

In all His dealings with His creatures God has maintained the principles of
righteousness by revealing sin in its true character-- by demonstrating that
its sure result is misery and death. The unconditional pardon of sin never
has been, and never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the
principles of righteousness, which are the very foundation of the government
of God. It would fill the unfallen universe with consternation. God has
faithfully pointed out the results of sin, and if these warnings were not
true, how could we be sure that His promises would be fulfilled? That so-
called benevolence which would set aside justice, is not benevolence, but
weakness. 

God is the life- giver. From the beginning, all His laws were ordained to
life. But sin broke in upon the order that God had established, and discord
followed. So long as sin exists, suffering and death are inevitable. It is
only because the Redeemer has borne the curse of sin in our behalf, that man
can hope to escape, in his own person, its dire results. 

We are to accept of Christ as our personal Saviour, and He imputes unto us
the righteousness of God in Christ. . . . "Herein is love, not that we loved
God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our
sins" (1 John 4: 10). 

In the love of God has been opened the most marvelous vein of precious
truth, and the treasures of the grace of Christ are laid open before the
church and the world.... What love is this, what marvelous, unfathomable
love that would lead Christ to die for us while we were yet sinners. What a
loss it is to the soul who understands the strong claims of the law, and who
yet fails to understand the grace of Christ which doth much more abound. . .
. Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless
love, the measureless mercy of the heavenly Father. 

There is a God in Israel, with whom is deliverance for all that are
oppressed. Righteousness is the habitation of His throne. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 72


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Mar  6 14:18:12 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 17:18:12 -0500
Subject: Established in Justice and Judgment
Message-ID: <000001c87fd7$f90f3a00$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Established in Justice and Judgment 

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall
go before thy face. Ps. 89: 14. 

Through Jesus, God's mercy was manifested to men; but mercy does not set
aside justice. The law reveals the attributes of God's character, and not a
jot or tittle of it could be changed to meet man in his fallen condition.
God did not change His law, but He sacrificed Himself, in Christ, for man's
redemption. "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself" (2 Cor.
5: 19). . . . 

God's love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy.
Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love. It had
been Satan's purpose to divorce mercy from truth and justice. He sought to
prove that the righteousness of God's law is an enemy to peace. But Christ
shows that in God's plan they are indissolubly joined together; the one
cannot exist without the other. "Mercy and truth are met together;
righteousness and peace have kissed each other" (Ps. 85: 10). 

By His life and His death, Christ proved that God's justice did not destroy
His mercy, but that sin could be forgiven, and that the law is righteous,
and can be perfectly obeyed. Satan's charges were refuted. 

The grace of Christ and the law of God are inseparable. In Jesus mercy and
truth are met together.... He was the representative of God and the exemplar
of humanity. He presented to the world what humanity might become when
united by faith with divinity. The only- begotten Son of God took upon Him
the nature of man, and established His cross between earth and heaven.
Through the cross, man was drawn to God, and God to man. Justice moved from
its high and awful position, and the heavenly hosts, the armies of holiness,
drew near to the cross, bowing with reverence; for at the cross justice was
satisfied. Through the cross the sinner was drawn from the stronghold of
sin, from the confederacy of evil, and at every approach to the cross his
heart relents and in penitence he cries, "It was my sins that crucified the
Son of God." At the cross he leaves his sins, and through the grace of
Christ his character is transformed. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 73


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Mar  7 04:30:52 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 07:30:52 -0500
Subject: Fountain of Life and Power
Message-ID: <000101c8804f$1e1678a0$0601a8c0@thompsondm90>

Fountain of Life and Power 

Every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth,
and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying,
Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Rev. 5: 13. 

God desires His obedient children to claim His blessing and to come before
Him with praise and thanksgiving. God is the Fountain of life and power. . .
. He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart
with thanksgiving, and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He
desires to have a stronger expression from His people, showing that they
know they have reason for joy and gladness. 

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. . .
. For His people in this generation the Lord has wrought as a wonder-
working God. The past history of the cause of God needs to be often brought
before the people, young and old. We need often to recount God's goodness
and to praise Him for His wonderful works. . . . 

The church of God below is one with the church of God above. Believers on
the earth and the beings in heaven who have never fallen constitute one
church. Every heavenly intelligence is interested in the assemblies of the
saints who on earth meet to worship God. In the inner court of heaven they
listen to the testimony of the witnesses for Christ in the outer court on
earth, and the praise and thanksgiving from the worshipers below is taken up
in the heavenly anthem, and praise and rejoicing sound through the heavenly
courts because Christ has not died in vain for the fallen sons of Adam.
While angels drink from the fountainhead, the saints on earth drink of the
pure streams flowing from the throne, the streams that make glad the city of
our God. Oh, that we could all realize the nearness of heaven to earth! . .
. In every assembly of the saints below are angels of God, listening to the
testimonies, songs, and prayers. Let us remember that our praises are
supplemented by the choirs of the angelic host above.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 74


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Mar  8 05:33:19 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2008 08:33:19 -0500
Subject: Center of Worship 
Message-ID: <000001c88120$fad72740$f08575c0$@org>

Center of Worship 

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-
kindness and for thy truth. Ps. 138: 2. 

The bright and cheerful side of our religion will be represented by all who
are daily consecrated to God. . . . While we review, not the dark chapters
in our experience, but the manifestations of God's great mercy and unfailing
love, we shall praise far more than complain. We shall talk of the loving
faithfulness of God as the true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His
flock, which He has declared that none shall pluck out of His hand. The
language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise,
like clear- flowing streams, will come from God's truly believing ones. . .
. 

The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the threshold is flushed with the
glory of God which is for every church that will love God and keep His
commandments. We need to study, to meditate, and to pray. Then we shall have
spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We
shall catch the themes of song and thanksgiving of the heavenly choir round
about the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most
penetrating, and precious songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in
the assemblies of the saints. Murmuring and complaining over little
disappointments and difficulties will cease. . . . We shall see our Advocate
offering up the incense of His own merits in our behalf. . . . 

God teaches that we should assemble in His house to cultivate the attributes
of perfect love. This will fit the dwellers of earth for the mansions that
Christ has gone to prepare for all who love Him. There they will assemble in
the sanctuary from Sabbath to Sabbath, from one new moon to another, to
unite in loftiest strains of song, in praise and thanksgiving to Him who
sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever. 

Our God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, declares: "Whoso offereth
praise glorifieth me" (Ps. 50: 23). All heaven unite in praising God. Let us
learn the song of the angels now, that we may sing it when we join their
shining ranks. Let us say with the psalmist: "While I live will I praise the
Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being" (Ps. 146: 2). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 75


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Mar  9 07:55:00 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 9 Mar 2008 10:55:00 -0400
Subject: Source of Compassion and Mercy 
Message-ID: <000001c881f5$8f6a2d10$ce0611ac@thompsondm90>

Source of Compassion and Mercy 

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a
right sceptre. Ps. 45: 6. 

Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of
the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today, the
same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today
the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His
people that are in the world. . . . 

Through all our trials we have a never- failing Helper. He does not leave us
alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally
crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight,
the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am
he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore" (Rev. 1:
18). 

Those who put away iniquity from their hearts and stretch out their hands in
earnest supplication unto God will have that help which God alone can give
them. A ransom has been paid for the souls of men, that they may have an
opportunity to escape from the thralldom of sin and obtain pardon, purity,
and heaven. . . . Those who frequent the throne of grace, offering up
sincere, earnest petitions for divine wisdom and power, will not fail to
become active, useful servants of Christ. They may not possess great
talents, but with humility of heart and firm reliance upon Jesus they may do
a good work in bringing souls to Christ. . . . 

Thousands have a false conception of God and His attributes. . . . God is a
God of truth. Justice and mercy are the attributes of His throne. He is a
God of love, of pity and tender compassion. Thus He is represented in His
Son, our Saviour. He is a God of patience and long- suffering. If such is
the being whom we adore and to whose character we are seeking to assimilate,
we are worshiping the true God.

If we are following Christ, His merits, imputed to us, come up before the
Father as sweet odor. And the graces of our Saviour's character, implanted
in our hearts, will shed around us a precious fragrance. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 76


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Mar 10 08:42:04 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:42:04 -0400
Subject: A Sympathizing High Priest 
Message-ID: <000101c882c5$4aa42a20$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

A Sympathizing High Priest 

Thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne
judging right. Ps. 9: 4. 

We do not understand the greatness and majesty of God nor remember the
immeasurable distance between the Creator and the creatures formed by His
hand. He who sitteth in the heavens, swaying the scepter of the universe,
does not judge according to our finite standard, nor reckon according to our
computation. We are in error if we think that that which is great to us must
be great to God, and that that which is small to us must be small to Him. .
. . 

No sin is small in the sight of God. The sins which man is disposed to look
upon as small may be the very ones which God accounts as great crimes. The
drunkard is despised and is told that his sin will exclude him from heaven,
while pride, selfishness, and covetousness go unrebuked. But these are sins
that are especially offensive to God. . . . We need clear discernment, that
we may measure sin by the Lord's standard. 

Now, while probation lingers, it does not become one to pronounce sentence
upon others and look to himself as a model man. Christ is our model; imitate
Him, plant your feet in His steps. You may professedly believe every point
of present truth, but unless you practice these truths it will avail you
nothing. We are not to condemn others; this is not our work; but we should
love one another and pray for one another. When we see one err from the
truth, then we may weep over him as Christ wept over Jerusalem. Let us see
what our heavenly Father in His word says about the erring: "If a man be
overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the
spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:
1). . . . 

Jesus cares for each one as though there were not another individual on the
face of the earth. As Deity He exerts mighty power in our behalf, while as
our Elder Brother He feels for all our woes. The Majesty of heaven held not
Himself aloof from degraded, sinful humanity. We have not a high priest who
is so high, so lifted up, that He cannot notice us or sympathize with us,
but one who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 77


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Mar 11 14:18:05 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 11 Mar 2008 17:18:05 -0400
Subject: Christ Shares His Father's Throne
Message-ID: <004d01c883bd$66aeabc0$340c0340$@org>

Christ Shares His Father's Throne 

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine
enemies thy footstool. Ps. 110: 1. 

The love of the Father toward a fallen race is unfathomable, indescribable,
without a parallel. This love led Him to consent to give His only begotten
Son to die, that rebellious man might be brought into harmony with the
government of Heaven, and be saved from the penalty of his transgression.
The Son of God stepped down from His royal throne, and for our sakes became
poor, that we through His poverty might be rich. He became "a Man of
sorrows," that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. . . . God
permitted His beloved Son, full of grace and truth, to come from a world of
indescribable glory to a world marred and blighted with sin, shadowed with
the shadow of death and the curse. 

Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our
trials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may
understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine
of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction
presented in the Saviour's life on earth, we see "God with us" (Matt. 1:
23). . . . 

By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon
the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as
the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. . . . The Child of Bethlehem, the
meek and lowly Saviour, is God "manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim. 3: 16). . . .
"God with us" is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of
our power to obey the law of heaven. . . . 

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. .
. . "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: . . ." (Isa. 9: 6).
God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the
same into the highest heaven. It is the "Son of man" who shares the throne
of the universe. . . . In Christ the family of earth and the family of
heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is
enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite
Love. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 78




From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Mar 12 10:52:38 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:52:38 -0400
Subject: God's Law is Linked with His Throne
Message-ID: <004101c88469$dcde0730$969a1590$@org>

God's Law is Linked with His Throne 

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Ps.
119: 18. 

God has given His holy law to man as His measure of character. By this law
you may see and overcome every defect in your character. You may sever
yourself from every idol, and link yourself to the throne of God by the
golden chain of grace and truth. 

The moral law was never a type or a shadow. It existed before man's
creation, and will endure as long as God's throne remains. God could not
change nor alter one precept of His law in order to save man; for the law is
the foundation of His government. It is unchangeable, unalterable, infinite,
and eternal. In order for man to be saved, and for the honor of the law to
be maintained, it was necessary for the Son of God to offer Himself as a
sacrifice for sin. He who knew no sin became sin for us, He died for us on
Calvary. His death shows the wonderful love of God for man, and the
immutability of His law. . . . 

The glory of Christ is revealed in the law, which is a transcript of His
character, and His transforming efficacy is felt upon the soul until men
become changed to His likeness. They are made partakers of the divine
nature, and grow more and more like their Saviour, advancing step by step in
conformity to the will of God, till they reach perfection. 

The law of God was not given to the Jews alone. It is of world- wide and
perpetual obligation. . . . Its ten precepts are like a chain of ten links.
If one is broken, the chain becomes worthless. Not a single precept can be
revoked or changed to save the transgressor. 

Christ designs that heaven's order, heaven's plan of government, heaven's
divine harmony, shall be represented in His church on earth. Thus in His
people He is glorified. Through them the Sun of Righteousness will shine in
undimmed luster to the world. . . . The church, endowed with the
righteousness of Christ, is His depositary, in which the riches of His
mercy, His grace, and His love, are to appear in full and final display.
Christ looks upon His people in their purity and perfection, as the reward
of His humiliation, and the supplement of His glory-- Christ, the great
Center, from whom radiates all glory. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 79


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Mar 13 07:50:32 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 10:50:32 -0400
Subject: Help in Resisting Temptation
Message-ID: <003201c88519$9738ae50$c5aa0af0$@org>

Help in Resisting Temptation 

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from
the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them
that dwell upon the earth. Rev. 3: 10. 

All heaven is interested in the work going on in this world, which is to
prepare men and women for the future, immortal life. It is God's plan that
human agencies shall have the high honor of acting as co- workers with Jesus
Christ in the salvation of souls. . . . They should look upon the work of
God as sacred and holy, and should bring to Him, every day, offerings of joy
and gratitude, in return for the power of His grace, by which they are
enabled to make advancement in the divine life. . . . 

It is not necessary that anyone should yield to the temptations of Satan and
thus violate his conscience and grieve the Holy Spirit. Every provision has
been made in the Word of God whereby all may have divine help in their
endeavors to overcome. 

In the religious life of every soul who is finally victorious there will be
scenes of terrible perplexity and trial; but his knowledge of the Scriptures
will enable him to bring to mind the encouraging promises of God, which will
comfort his heart and strengthen his faith in the power of the Mighty One.
He reads: . . . . "that the trial of your faith, being much more precious
than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found
unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. . . "( 1
Peter 1: 7). The trial of faith is more precious than gold. All should learn
that this is a part of the discipline in the school of Christ, which is
essential to purify and refine them from the dross of earthliness. . . . 

Summon all your powers to look up, not down at your difficulties; then you
will never faint by the way. You will soon see Jesus behind the cloud,
reaching out His hand to help you; and all you have to do is to give Him
your hand in simple faith and let Him lead you. . . . A great name among men
is as letters traced in sand, but a spotless character will endure to all
eternity. God gives you intelligence and a reasoning mind, whereby you may
grasp His promises; and Jesus is ready to help you in forming a strong,
symmetrical character. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 80


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Mar 14 07:07:09 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:07:09 -0400
Subject: Where Sins May Be Blotted Out 
Message-ID: <000601c885dc$b2ef84c0$3e0aa8c0@thompsondm90>

Where Sins May Be Blotted Out 

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and
will not remember thy sins. Isa. 43: 25. { AG82.1} 

Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord
that they are reformed, before they can claim His blessing. But they may
claim the blessing of God even now. They must have His grace, the spirit of
Christ, to help their infirmities, or they cannot resist evil. Jesus loves
to have us come to Him just as we are, sinful, helpless, dependent. We may
come with all our weakness, our folly, our sinfulness, and fall at His feet
in penitence. It is His glory to encircle us in the arms of His love and to
bind up our wounds, to cleanse us from all impurity. 

Here is where thousands fail; they do not believe that Jesus pardons them
personally, individually. They do not take God at His word. It is the
privilege of all who comply with the conditions to know for themselves that
pardon is freely extended for every sin. Put away the suspicion that God's
promises are not meant for you. They are for every repentant transgressor.
Strength and grace have been provided through Christ to be brought by
ministering angels to every believing soul. None are so sinful that they
cannot find strength, purity, and righteousness in Jesus, who died for them.
He is waiting to strip them of their garments stained and polluted with sin,
and to put upon them the white robes of righteousness; He bids them live and
not die. . . . 

With the rich promises of the Bible before you, can you give place to doubt?
Can you believe that when the poor sinner longs to return, longs to forsake
his sins, the Lord sternly withholds him from coming to His feet in
repentance? Away with such thoughts! Nothing can hurt your own soul more
than to entertain such a conception of our heavenly Father. He hates sin,
but He loves the sinner. . . . As you read the promises, remember they are
the expression of unutterable love and pity. The great heart of Infinite
Love is drawn toward the sinner with boundless compassion. . . . 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 God's Amazing Grace - Page 81


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Mar 15 11:47:58 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 14:47:58 -0400
Subject: Where We Find Deliverance from Sin 
Message-ID: <000101c886cd$17a1da80$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

Where We Find Deliverance from Sin 

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us
into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his
blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Col. 1: 13, 14. 

The Prince of heaven has placed man in an exalted position. His life has
been valued at the cost of Calvary's cross. . . . From the depths of sin's
degradation, we may be exalted to become heirs with Christ, the sons of God,
and kings and priests unto the Most High. . . . 

When Christ bowed on the banks of Jordan, after His baptism, the heavens,
were opened, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove, like burnished
gold, and encircled Him with its glory; and the voice of God from the
highest heaven was heard, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased" (Matt. 3: 17). The prayer of Christ in man's behalf opened the
gates of heaven, and the Father had responded, accepting the petition for
the fallen race. Jesus prayed as our substitute and surety, and now the
human family may find access to the Father through the merits of His well-
beloved Son. . . . Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14: 6).
The gate of heaven has been left ajar, and the radiance from the throne of
God shines into the hearts of those who love Him. 

The word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan. . . . embraces humanity.
God spoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and weaknesses,
we are not cast aside as worthless. . . . The glory that rested upon Christ
is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer--
how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petition find
acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven,
and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the
sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven.
The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will
fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke
to Jesus says to every believing soul, This is My beloved child, in whom I
am well pleased. . . . Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most
sinful, the most needy, . . . may find access to the Father. All may have a
home in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 82


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Mar 16 12:20:32 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:20:32 -0400
Subject: Accessible to All
Message-ID: <005a01c8879a$ce9e3fd0$6bdabf70$@org>

Accessible to All 

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Eph. 3: 12. 

Many who are sincerely seeking for holiness of heart and purity of life seem
perplexed and discouraged. . . . Darkness and discouragement will sometimes
come upon the soul and threaten to overwhelm us, but we should not cast away
our confidence. We must keep the eye fixed on Jesus, feeling or no feeling.
We should seek to faithfully perform every known duty, and then calmly rest
in the promises of God. 

At times a deep sense of our unworthiness will send a thrill of terror
through the soul, but this is no evidence that God has changed toward us, or
we toward God. No effort should be made to rein the mind up to a certain
intensity of emotion. We may not feel today the peace and joy which we felt
yesterday; but we should by faith grasp the hand of Christ, and trust Him as
fully in the darkness as in the light. 

Satan may whisper, "You are too great a sinner for Christ to save." While
you acknowledge that you are indeed sinful and unworthy, you may meet the
tempter with the cry, "By virtue of the atonement, I claim Christ as my
Saviour. I trust not to my own merits, but to the precious blood of Jesus,
which cleanses me. This moment I hang my helpless soul on Christ." . . . 

Be not discouraged because your heart seems hard. Every obstacle, every
internal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the
heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. Look to Him for special grace
to overcome your peculiar faults. When assailed by temptation, steadfastly
resist the evil promptings. . . . Cry to the dear Saviour for help to
sacrifice every idol and to put away every darling sin. Let the eye of faith
see Jesus standing before the Father's throne, presenting His wounded hands
as He pleads for you. Believe that strength comes to you through your
precious Saviour. . . . 

If we would permit our minds to dwell more upon Christ and the heavenly
world, we should find a powerful stimulus and support in fighting the
battles of the Lord. . . . Beside the loveliness of Christ, all earthly
attractions will seem of little worth. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 83


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Mar 17 06:12:40 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:12:40 -0400
Subject: Christ's Name Our Password
Message-ID: <000001c88830$acc49030$064db090$@org>

Christ's Name Our Password 

Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be
glorified in the Son. John 14: 13. 

Through Christ we may present our petitions at the throne of grace. Through
Him, unworthy as we are, we may obtain all spiritual blessings. 

Make your requests known to your Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes to
Him with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems
of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We
pour out our heart's desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk
by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe.
They may be inaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into
silence, nor can they be lost through the activities of business that are
going on. Nothing can drown the soul's desire. It rises above the din of the
street, above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is
God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard. 

"Ask in my name," Christ says. . . . Christ is the connecting link between
God and man. He has promised His personal intercession. 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. . . . 

Yes, Christ has become the medium of prayer between man and God. He has also
become the medium of blessing between God and man. He has united divinity
with humanity. . . . 

Pray, yes, pray with unshaken faith and trust. The Angel of the covenant,
even our Lord Jesus Christ, is the Mediator who secures the acceptance of
the prayers of His believing ones. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 84


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Mar 18 06:01:19 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:01:19 -0400
Subject: Prayers Like Fragrant Incense 
Message-ID: <000301c888f8$2b5b74a0$82125de0$@org>

Prayers Like Fragrant Incense 

Another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there
was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of
all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Rev. 8: 3.


True prayer takes hold upon Omnipotence and gives us the victory. Upon his
knees the Christian obtains strength to resist temptation. . . . The silent,
fervent prayer of the soul will rise like holy incense to the throne of
grace and will be as acceptable to God as if offered in the sanctuary. To
all who thus seek Him, Christ becomes a present help in time of need. They
will be strong in the day of trial. 

It is a wonderful favor for any man in this life to be commended of God as
was Cornelius. And what was the ground of this approval?--" Thy prayers and
thine alms are come up for a memorial before God" (Acts 10: 4). 

Neither prayer nor almsgiving has any virtue in itself to recommend the
sinner to God; the grace of Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, can alone
renew the heart and make our service acceptable to God. This grace had moved
upon the heart of Cornelius. The Spirit of Christ had spoken to his soul;
Jesus had drawn him, and he had yielded to the drawing. His prayers and alms
were not urged or extorted from him; they were not a price he was seeking to
pay in order to secure heaven; but they were the fruit of love and gratitude
to God. 

Such prayer from a sincere heart ascends as incense before the Lord; and
offerings to His cause and gifts to the needy and suffering are a sacrifice
well pleasing to Him. . . . 

Prayer and almsgiving are closely linked together-- the expression of love
to God and to our fellow men. They are the outworking of the two great
principles of the divine law," Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy
strength"; and, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Mark 12: 30,
31). Thus while our gifts cannot recommend us to God or earn His favor, they
are an evidence that we have received the grace of Christ. They are a test
of the sincerity of our profession of love. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 85


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Mar 19 07:19:31 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:19:31 -0400
Subject: Press Your Case
Message-ID: <000a01c889cc$40b0a030$c211e090$@org>

Press Your Case 

I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely. Hosea 14: 4. 

I hope that none will obtain the idea that they are earning the favor of God
by confession of sins or that there is special virtue in confessing to human
beings. . . . The Lord would have us come to Him daily with all our troubles
and confessions of sin, and He can give us rest. . . . 

Confess your secret sins alone before your God. Acknowledge your heart
wanderings to Him who knows perfectly how to treat your case. If you have
wronged your neighbor, acknowledge to him your sin and show fruit of the
same by making restitution. Then claim the blessing. Come to God just as you
are, and let Him heal all your infirmities. Press your case to the throne of
grace; let the work be thorough. Be sincere in dealing with God and your own
soul. If you come to Him with a heart truly contrite, He will give you the
victory. . . . He will not misapprehend or misjudge you. 

Your fellow men cannot absolve you from sin or cleanse you from iniquity.
Jesus is the only One who can give you peace. He loved you and gave Himself
for you. His great heart of love is "touched with the feeling of our
infirmities" (Heb. 4: 15). What sins are too great for Him to pardon? what
soul too dark and sin- oppressed for Him to save? He is gracious, not
looking for merit in us, but of His own boundless goodness healing our
backslidings and loving us freely, while we are yet sinners. He is "slow to
anger, and of great kindness" (Neh. 9: 17). 

There is a remedy for the sin- sick soul. That remedy is in Jesus. Precious
Saviour! His grace is sufficient for the weakest; and the strongest must
also have His grace or perish. 

I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet and there alone
plead with God. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit
within me" (Ps. 51: 10). Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth
much. Jacob- like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus in the garden sweat
great drops of blood; you must make an effort. Do not leave your closet
until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and
pray, you can keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can,
and will, appear in you. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 86



From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Mar 20 14:49:40 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:49:40 -0400
Subject: Elijah's Example
Message-ID: <007501c88ad4$4dc70e90$e9552bb0$@org>

Elijah's Example 

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. 

When upon Mount Carmel he [Elijah] offered the prayer for rain (1 Kings 18:
41- 45), his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request
unto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and yet there was no sign that his
petition was granted, but with a strong faith he urged his plea to the
throne of grace. Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his
prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered till the answer came.
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 recognize our dependence
upon Him, and our need of His help. 

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 . . . . As he searched his heart, he
seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of
God. . . . 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." 

Elijah did not wait for the heavens to gather blackness. In that small
cloud, he beheld by faith an abundance of rain; and he acted in harmony with
his faith. . . . Faith such as this is needed in the world today-- faith
that will lay hold on the promises of God's word, and refuse to let go until
Heaven hears. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 87


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Mar 21 04:07:32 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:07:32 -0400
Subject: When Affliction Comes
Message-ID: <000101c88b43$c3bb4980$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

When Affliction Comes 

When he was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself
greatly before the God of his fathers. 2 Chron. 33: 12. 

"In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16: 33), says Christ; but in
Me ye shall have peace. The trials to which Christians are subjected in
sorrow, adversity, and reproach are the means appointed of God to separate
the chaff from the wheat. Our pride, selfishness, evil passions, and love of
worldly pleasure must all be overcome; therefore God sends us afflictions to
test and prove us, and show us that these evils exist in our characters. We
must overcome through His strength and grace, that we may be partakers of
the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
through lust. "For our light affliction," says Paul, "which is but for a
moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are
not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which
are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4: 17, 18). Afflictions, crosses,
temptations, adversity, and our varied trials are God's workmen to refine
us, sanctify us, and fit us for the heavenly garner. 

Many of your afflictions have been visited upon you, in the wisdom of God,
to bring you closer to the throne of grace. He softens and subdues His
children by sorrows and trials. This world is God's workshop, where He
fashions us for the courts of heaven. He uses the planing knife upon our
quivering hearts until the roughness and irregularities are removed and we
are fitted for our proper places in the heavenly building. Through
tribulation and distress the Christian becomes purified and strengthened,
and develops a character after the model that Christ has given. 

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. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 88


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Mar 22 06:51:29 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:51:29 -0400
Subject: Sharing Christ's Suffering 
Message-ID: <000001c88c23$d6baa7c0$842ff740$@org>

Sharing Christ's Suffering 

Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his
glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:
13. 

To have strength we must have exercise. To have strong faith, we must be
placed in circumstances where our faith will be exercised. . . . It is
through much tribulation that we are to enter the kingdom of God. Our
Saviour was tried in every possible way, and yet He triumphed in God
continually. It is our privilege to be strong in the strength of God under
all circumstances and to glory in the cross of Christ. 

In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the
peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self- denial, so
little suffering for Christ's sake, that the cross is almost entirely
forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would
sit down in triumph with Him on His throne. 

Heaven is very near those who suffer for righteousness' sake. Christ
identifies His interests with the interests of His faithful people; He
suffers in the person of His saints, and whoever touches His chosen ones
touches Him. The power that is near to deliver from physical harm or
distress is also near to save from the greater evil, making it possible for
the servant of God to maintain his integrity under all circumstances, and to
triumph through divine grace. 

Persecution should bring joy to the disciples of Christ, for it is an
evidence that they are following in the steps of their Master. 

While the Lord has not promised His people exemption from trials, He has
promised that which is far better. He has said, "As thy days, so shall thy
strength be" (Deut. 33: 25). "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my
strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12: 9). If you are called to
go through the fiery furnace for His sake, Jesus will be by your side even
as He was with the faithful three in Babylon. Those who love their Redeemer
will rejoice at every opportunity of sharing with Him humiliation and
reproach. The love they bear their Lord makes suffering for His sake sweet. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 89


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Mar 23 09:34:00 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2008 12:34:00 -0400
Subject: Come with Reverence 
Message-ID: <000301c88d03$b43b1b90$1cb152b0$@org>

Come with Reverence 

Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and
godly fear. Heb. 12: 28. 

There should be an intelligent knowledge of how to come to God in reverence
and godly fear with devotional love. There is a growing lack of reverence
for our Maker, a growing disregard of His greatness and His majesty. But God
is speaking to us in these last days. We hear His voice in the storm, in the
rolling thunder. We hear of calamities He permits in the earthquakes, the
breaking forth of waters,and the destructive elements sweeping all before
them. 

In these perilous times, those who profess to be God's commandment- keeping
people should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and
godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how to approach their Maker-- with
humility and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator. Let man come on bended
knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. Thus he
is to testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to his
Creator. 

Both in public and in private worship, it is our duty [THERE ARE INSTANCES
WHERE ELLEN WHITE STOOD AT THE DESK WHILE OFFERING PRAYERS OF CONSECRATION
DURING CHURCH SERVICES.] to bow upon our knees before God when we offer our
petitions to Him. Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." And of His
disciples it is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Stephen
"kneeled." Paul declared: "I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ" (Eph. 3: 14). In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra
knelt. Daniel "kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and
gave thanks before his God" (Dan. 6: 10). And the invitation of the psalmist
is: "O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our
Maker" (Ps. 95: 6). 

"What doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God,
to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with
all thy heart and with all thy soul?" (Deut. 10: 12). . . . "The eye of the
Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy" (Ps. 33:
18). "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life"
(Prov. 22: 4). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 90


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Mar 24 06:45:47 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:45:47 -0400
Subject: Come in Humility and Holy Fear
Message-ID: <000101c88db5$64622610$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

Come in Humility and Holy Fear 

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in
reverence of all them that are about him. Ps. 89: 7. 

Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come
into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with
confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption,
as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the
great and all- powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable,
as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who
conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the
audience- chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are
in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces. God
is greatly to be reverenced; all who truly realize His presence will bow in
humility before Him. 

Some think it a mark of humility to pray to God in a common manner, as if
talking with a human being. They profane His name by needlessly and
irreverently mingling with their prayers the words, "God Almighty"-- awful,
sacred words, which should never pass the lips except in subdued tones and
with a feeling of awe. . .

It is the heartfelt prayer of faith that is heard in heaven and answered on
earth. God understands the needs of humanity. He knows what we desire before
we ask Him. He sees the soul's conflict with doubt and temptation. He marks
the sincerity of the suppliant. He will accept the humiliation and
affliction of the soul. "To this man will I look," He declares, "even to him
that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word."

It is our privilege to pray with confidence, the Spirit inditing our
petitions. With simplicity we should state our needs to the Lord, and claim
His promise. . . .

Our prayers should be full of tenderness and love. When we yearn for a
deeper, broader realization of the Saviour's love, we shall cry to God for
more wisdom. If ever there was a need of soul- stirring prayers and sermons,
it is now. The end of all things is at hand. O that we could see as we
should the necessity of seeking the Lord with all the heart! Then we should
find Him. May God teach His people how to pray. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 91


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Mar 25 05:51:50 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:51:50 -0400
Subject: A Sacred Experience 
Message-ID: <000101c88e76$fefc93b0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Sacred Experience 

Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand
in awe of him. Ps. 33: 8. 

Holy angels have been displeased and disgusted with the irreverent manner in
which many have used the name of God, the great Jehovah. Angels mention that
sacred name with the greatest awe, ever veiling their faces when they speak
the name of God; and the name of Christ is so sacred to them that they speak
it with the greatest reverence. 

True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and
a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart
should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because
God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the
feeling that inspires it will be deepened. "Holy and reverend is his name,"
the psalmist declares. Angels, when they speak that name, veil their faces.
With what reverence, then, should we, who are fallen and sinful, take it
upon our lips! 

Well would it be for young and old to study and ponder and often repeat
those words of Holy Writ that show how the place marked by God's special
presence should be regarded. "Put off thy shoes from off thy feet," He
commanded Moses at the burning bush; "for the place whereon thou standest is
holy ground" (Ex. 3: 5). Jacob, after beholding the vision of the angels,
exclaimed, "The Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. . . . This is none
other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven" (Gen. 28: 16,
17). "The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before
him" (Hab. 2: 20). " The Lord is a great God, And a great King above all
gods. . . . O come, let us worship and bow down: Let us kneel before the
Lord our Maker." " It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are
his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with
thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and
bless his name." ( Ps. 95: 3- 6; 100: 3, 4).

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 92


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Mar 26 07:28:42 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:28:42 -0400
Subject: A Hallowed Name
Message-ID: <000101c88f4d$b1d13230$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Hallowed Name 

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matt. 6: 9. 

To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we speak of
the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. "Holy and reverend is his name"
(Ps. 111: 9). We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or
appellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber of the
Most High; and we should come before Him with holy awe. The angels veil
their faces in His presence. The cherubim and the bright and holy seraphim
approach His throne with solemn reverence. How much more should we, finite,
sinful beings, come in a reverent manner before the Lord, our Maker! 

But to hallow the name of the Lord means much more than this. We may, like
the Jews in Christ's day, manifest the greatest outward reverence for God,
and yet profane His name continually. "The name of the Lord" is "merciful
and gracious, long- suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, . . .
forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Ex. 34: 5- 7). Of the church
of Christ it is written, "This is the name wherewith she shall be called,
The Lord our Righteousness" (Jer. 33: 16). This name is put upon every
follower of Christ. It is the heritage of the child of God. The family are
called after the Father. The prophet Jeremiah, in the time of Israel's sore
distress and tribulation, prayed, "We are called by thy name; leave us not"
(Jer. 14: 9). 

This name is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of
unfallen worlds. When you pray, "Hallowed be thy name," you ask that it may
be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you. God has acknowledged you before
men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the "worthy
name by which ye are called" (James 2: 7). God sends you into the world as
His representatives. In every act of life you are to make manifest the name
of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His character. You cannot
hallow His name, you cannot represent Him to the world, unless in life and
character you represent the very life and character of God. This you can do
only through the acceptance of the grace and righteousness of Christ. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 93


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Mar 27 14:44:54 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:44:54 -0400
Subject: Our Continual Dependence
Message-ID: <001301c89053$ccaf3960$660dac20$@org>

Our Continual Dependence 

The Lord sitteth King for ever. The Lord will give strength unto his people.
Ps. 29: 10, 11. 

The throne of grace is to be our continual dependence. . . . There is
strength for us in Christ. He is our Advocate before the Father. He
dispatches His messengers to every part of His dominion to communicate His
will to His people. He walks in the midst of His churches. He desires to
sanctify, elevate, and ennoble His followers. The influence of those who
truly believe in Him will be a savor of life in the world. He holds the
stars in His right hand, and it is His purpose to let His light shine
through these to the world. Thus He desires to prepare His people for higher
service in the church above. He has given us a great work to do. Let us do
it with accuracy and determination. Let us show in our lives what the truth
has done for us. 

"Who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks" (Rev. 2: 1).
This Scripture shows Christ's relation to the churches. He walks in the
midst of His churches throughout the length and breadth of the earth. He
watches them with intense interest to see whether they are in such a
condition spiritually that they can advance His kingdom. Christ is present
in every assembly of the church. He is acquainted with everyone connected
with His service. He knows those whose hearts He can fill with the holy oil,
that they may impart it to others. Those who faithfully carry forward the
work of Christ in our world, representing in word and works the character of
God, fulfilling the Lord's purpose for them, are in His sight very precious.
Christ takes pleasure in them as a man takes pleasure in a well- kept garden
and the fragrance of the flowers he has planted. 

No candlestick, no church, shines of itself. From Christ emanates all its
light. The church in heaven today is only the complement of the church on
earth; but it is higher, grander-- perfect. The same divine illumination is
to continue through eternal ages. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the
light thereof. No church can have light if it fails to diffuse the glory it
receives from the throne of God. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 94


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Mar 28 07:19:31 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 10:19:31 -0400
Subject: A Throne in Every Heart
Message-ID: <001701c890de$bfed0460$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Throne in Every Heart 

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. Eph. 3: 17. 

God has bought us, and He claims a throne in each heart. Our minds and
bodies must be subordinated to Him, and the natural habits and appetites
must be made subservient to the higher wants of the soul. But we can place
no dependence upon ourselves in this work. We cannot with safety follow our
own guidance. The Holy Spirit must renew and sanctify us. In God's service
there must be no halfway work. 

When the heart is cleansed from sin, Christ is placed on the throne that
self- indulgence and love of earthly treasure once occupied. The image of
Christ is seen in the expression of the countenance. The work of
sanctification is carried forward in the soul. Self- righteousness is
banished. There is seen the putting on of the new man, which after Christ is
created in righteousness and true holiness. 

"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). Beholding Christ means studying His life as given
in His Word. We are to dig for truth as for hidden treasure. We are to fix
our eyes upon Christ. When we take Him as our personal Saviour, this gives
us boldness to approach the throne of grace. By beholding we become changed,
morally assimilated to the One who is perfect in character. By receiving His
imputed righteousness, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, we
become like Him. The image of Christ is cherished, and it captivates the
whole being. 

The upward progress of the soul indicates that Jesus bears rule in the
heart. That heart through which He diffuses His peace and joy, and the
blessed fruits of His love, becomes His temple and His throne. "Ye are my
friends," says Christ, "if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15: 14). 

Give to God the most precious offering that it is possible for you to make;
give Him your heart. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 95


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Mar 29 07:39:20 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 10:39:20 -0400
Subject: Undivided Occupancy 
Message-ID: <000101c891aa$ad4be840$6c05a8c0@thompsondm90>

Undivided Occupancy 

They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and
lusts. Gal. 5: 24. 

We are commanded to crucify the flesh, with the affections and lusts. How
shall we do it? Shall we inflict pain on the body? No; but put to death the
temptation to sin. The corrupt thought is to be expelled. Every thought is
to be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. . . . The love of God must
reign supreme; Christ must occupy an undivided throne. Our bodies are to be
regarded as His purchased possession. The members of the body are to become
the instruments of righteousness. 

There are two kingdoms in this world, the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom
of Satan. To one of these kingdoms each one of us belongs. In His wonderful
prayer for His disciples, Christ said, "I pray not that thou shouldest take
them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They
are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through
thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so
have I also sent them into the world" (John 17: 15- 18). 

It is not God's will that we should seclude ourselves from the world. But
while in the world we should sanctify ourselves to God. We should not
pattern after the world. We are to be in the world, as a corrective
influence, as salt that retains its savor. Among an unholy, impure,
idolatrous generation, we are to be pure and holy, showing that the grace of
Christ has power to restore in man the divine likeness. We are to exert a
saving influence upon the world. . . . 

The world has become a lazar house of sin, a mass of corruption. . . . We
are not to practice its ways or follow its customs. Continually we are to
resist its lax principles. . . . 

The blessing of grace is given to men that the heavenly universe and the
fallen world may see as they could not otherwise, the perfection of Christ's
character. The Great Physician came to our world to show men and women that
through His grace they may so live that in the great day of God they can
receive the precious testimony, "Ye are complete in him" (Col. 2: 10). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 96


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Mar 30 16:59:28 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:59:28 -0400
Subject: Even for Ever
Message-ID: <000501c892c2$179f3680$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Even for Ever 

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the
throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with
judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. Isa. 9: 7. 

In this life we can only begin to understand the wonderful theme of
redemption. With our finite comprehension we may consider most earnestly the
shame and the glory, the life and the death, the justice and the mercy, that
meet in the cross; yet with the utmost stretch of our mental powers we fail
to grasp its full significance. The length and the breadth, the depth and
the height, of redeeming love are but dimly comprehended. The plan of
redemption will not be fully understood, even when the ransomed see as they
are seen and know as they are known; but through the eternal ages, new truth
will continually unfold to the wondering and delighted mind. Though the
griefs and pains and temptations of earth are ended, and the cause removed,
the people of God will ever have a distinct, intelligent knowledge of what
their salvation has cost. 

The cross of Christ will be the science and the song of the redeemed through
all eternity. In Christ glorified they will behold Christ crucified. Never
will it be forgotten that He whose power created and upheld the unnumbered
worlds through the vast realms of space-- the Beloved of God, the Majesty of
heaven, He whom cherub and shining seraph delighted to adore-- humbled
Himself to uplift fallen man; that He bore the guilt and shame of sin, and
the hiding of His Father's face, till the woes of a lost world broke His
heart, and crushed out His life on Calvary's cross. That the Maker of all
worlds, the Arbiter of all destinies, should lay aside His glory and
humiliate Himself from love to man will ever excite the wonder and adoration
of the universe. As the nations of the saved look upon their Redeemer and
behold the eternal glory of the Father shining in His countenance; as they
behold His throne, which is from everlasting to everlasting, and know that
His kingdom is to have no end, they break forth in rapturous song: "Worthy,
worthy, is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God, by His own
most precious blood!" 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 97


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Mar 31 06:17:56 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:17:56 -0400
Subject: To Draw Us to God
Message-ID: <000a01c89331$a3036b50$e90a41f0$@org>

To Draw Us to God 

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness
have I drawn thee. Jer. 31: 3. 

The Lord of life and glory clothed His divinity with humanity to demonstrate
to man that God through the gift of Christ would connect us with Him.
Without a connection with God no one can possibly be happy. Fallen man is to
learn that our Heavenly Father cannot be satisfied until His love embraces
the repentant sinner, transformed through the merits of the spotless Lamb of
God. 

The work of all the heavenly intelligences is to this end. Under the command
of their General they are to work for the reclaiming of those who by
transgression have separated themselves from their Heavenly Father. A plan
has been devised whereby the wondrous grace and love of Christ shall stand
revealed to the world. In the infinite price paid by the Son of God to
ransom man, the love of God is revealed. This glorious plan of redemption is
ample in its provisions to save the whole world. Sinful and fallen man may
be made complete in Jesus through the forgiveness of sin and the imputed
righteousness of Christ. 

In all the gracious deeds that Jesus did, He sought to impress upon men the
parental, benevolent attributes of God. . . . Jesus would have us understand
the love of the Father, and He seeks to draw us to Him by presenting His
parental grace. He would have the whole field of our vision filled with the
perfection of God's character. . . . It was only by living among men that He
could reveal the mercy, compassion, and love of His heavenly Father; for it
was only by actions of benevolence that He could set forth the grace of God.


Christ came to manifest the love of God to the world, to draw the hearts of
all men to Himself. . . . The first step toward salvation is to respond to
the drawing of the love of Christ. . . . It is that men may understand the
joy of forgiveness, the peace of God, that Christ draws them through the
manifestation of His love. If they respond to His drawing, yielding their
hearts to His grace, He will lead them on step by step, to a full knowledge
of Himself, and this is life eternal. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 98


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Apr  1 10:15:11 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:15:11 -0400
Subject: To Change the Heart
Message-ID: <000e01c8941b$f1f62f50$d5e28df0$@org>

To Change the Heart 

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you:
and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you
an heart of flesh. Eze. 36: 26. 

When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole
being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the
world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new
mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?-- a
changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride. 

The appetites and passions, clamoring for indulgence, trample reason and
conscience underfoot. This is the cruel work of Satan, and he is constantly
putting forth the most determined efforts to strengthen the chains by which
he has bound his victims. Those who have been all their lives indulging
wrong habits do not always realize the necessity of a change. . . . Let the
conscience be aroused and much is gained. Nothing but the grace of God can
convict and convert the heart; here alone can the slaves of custom obtain
power to break the shackles which bind them. The self- indulgent must be led
to see and feel that a great moral renovation is necessary if they would
meet the claims of the divine law; the soul- temple has been defiled, and
God calls upon them to arouse and strive with all their might to win back
the God- given manhood which has been sacrificed through sinful indulgence. 

Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our
Saviour! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will
be revealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be
surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be
fragrant with perfume from the garden of the Lord. Their faces will reflect
light from His, brightening the path for stumbling and weary feet. 

No man who has the true ideal of what constitutes a perfect character will
fail to manifest the sympathy and tenderness of Christ. The influence of
grace is to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a
heaven- born delicacy and sense of propriety.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 99


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Apr  2 06:51:33 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 09:51:33 -0400
Subject: Brings Peace and Rest
Message-ID: <000301c894c8$aa1063b0$fe312b10$@org>

Brings Peace and Rest 

The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is no
peace, saith my God, to the wicked. Isa. 57: 20, 21. 

Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest.
The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as
helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm [Matt. 8: 23-
27]. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee, has spoken the word
of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus
. . . will find deliverance. His grace . . . quiets the strife of human
passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. 

For every soul struggling to rise from a life of sin to a life of purity,
the great element of power abides in the only "name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4: 12). . . . The only remedy for vice
is the grace and power of Christ. The good resolutions made in one's own
strength avail nothing. 

Every unholy passion must be kept under the control of sanctified reason
through the grace abundantly bestowed of God. We are living in an atmosphere
of satanic witchery. The enemy will weave a spell of licentiousness around
every soul that is not barricaded by the grace of Christ. Temptations will
come; but if we watch against the enemy, and maintain the balance of self-
control and purity, the seducing spirits will have no influence over us.
Those who do nothing to encourage temptation will have strength to withstand
it when it comes; but those who keep themselves in an atmosphere of evil
will have only themselves to blame if they are overcome and fall from their
steadfastness. . . . 

Men and women are to watch themselves; they are to be constantly on guard,
allowing no word or act that would cause their good to be evil spoken of. He
who professes to be a follower of Christ is to watch himself, keeping
himself pure and undefiled in thought, word, and deed. His influence upon
others is to be uplifting. His life is to reflect the bright beams of the
Sun of Righteousness. . . . Eternal vigilance is the price of safety. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 100


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Apr  3 16:54:45 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 19:54:45 -0400
Subject: Exalts God's Law
Message-ID: <2803F1AC29785F45A09A2032579BE78E2059DF@mail.spencerville.org>

Exalts God's Law 

Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in
thine heart. Job 22: 22. 

Everything in nature, from the mote in the sunbeam to the worlds on
high, is under law. And upon obedience to these laws the order and
harmony of the natural world depend. So there are great principles of
righteousness to control the life of all intelligent beings, and upon
conformity to these principles the well- being of the universe depends.
Before this earth was called into being, God's law existed. Angels are
governed by its principles, and in order for earth to be in harmony with
heaven, man also must obey the divine statutes. To man in Eden Christ
made known the precepts of the law "when the morning stars sang
together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38: 7). The
mission of Christ on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace
to bring man back to obedience to its precepts. . . . 

His mission was to "magnify the law, and make it honourable" (Isa. 42:
21). He was to show the spiritual nature of the law, to present its far-
reaching principles, and to make plain its eternal obligation. 

The divine beauty of the character of Christ, of whom the noblest and
most gentle among men are but a faint reflection; . . . Jesus, the
express image of the Father's person, the effulgence of His glory; the
self- denying Redeemer, throughout His pilgrimage of love on earth was a
living representative of the character of the law of God. In His life it
is made manifest that heaven- born love, Christlike principles, underlie
the laws of eternal rectitude. 

The Bible is God's will expressed to man. It is the only perfect
standard of character, and marks out the duty of man in every
circumstance of life. 

We must so conduct our life work that we can go to God in confidence and
open our hearts before Him, telling Him our necessities and believing
that He hears and will give us grace and strength to carry out the
principles of the Word of God. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 101

From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Apr  4 13:04:13 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 16:04:13 -0400
Subject: Gives Power to Obey 
Message-ID: <2803F1AC29785F45A09A2032579BE78E205A26@mail.spencerville.org>

Gives Power to Obey 

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the
obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Rom. 5: 19. 

One honored of all heaven came to this world to stand in human nature at
the head of humanity, testifying to the fallen angels and to the
inhabitants of the unfallen worlds that through the divine help which
has been provided, every one may walk in the path of obedience to God's
commands. . . . 

No one less holy than the Only Begotten of the Father, could have
offered a sacrifice that would be efficacious to cleanse all-- even the
most sinful and degraded-- who accept the Saviour as their atonement and
become obedient to Heaven's law. Nothing less could have reinstated man
in God's favor. 

Christ gave His life to make it possible for man to be restored to the
image of God. It is the power of His grace that draws men together in
obedience to the truth. 

God desires us to reach the standard of perfection made possible for us
by the gift of Christ. He calls upon us to make our choice on the right
side, to connect with heavenly agencies, to adopt principles that will
restore in us the divine image. In His written Word and in the great
book of nature He has revealed the principles of life. It is our work to
obtain a knowledge of these principles, and by obedience to cooperate
with Him in restoring health to the body as well as to the soul. 

Men need to learn that the blessings of obedience, in their fullness,
can be theirs only as they receive the grace of Christ. It is His grace
that gives men power to obey the laws of God. It is this that enables
him to break the bondage of evil habit. This is the only power that can
make him and keep him steadfast in the right path. 

To the heart that has become purified, all is changed. . . . The Spirit
of God produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and
desires into obedience to the will of Christ; and the inward man is
renewed in the image of God. Weak and erring men and women show to the
world that the redeeming power of grace can cause the faulty character
to develop into symmetry and abundant fruitfulness. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 102

From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Apr  5 09:06:07 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 5 Apr 2008 12:06:07 -0400
Subject: Breaks the Hold of Evil
Message-ID: <2803F1AC29785F45A09A2032579BE78E205A2A@mail.spencerville.org>

Breaks the Hold of Evil 

Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Rom. 5: 20. 

The gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. . . . Each new gift increases
the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of
the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply.
If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures
the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. . . . 

The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol [John 2: 1- 11].
The water represented baptism into His death; the wine, the shedding of
His blood for the sins of the world. The water to fill the jars was
brought by human hands, but the word of Christ alone could impart to it
life- giving virtue. . . . 

The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant
is the provision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men, and to
renew and sustain the soul. 

Our condition through sin is unnatural, and the power that restores us
must be supernatural, else it has no value. There is but one power that
can break the hold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power
of God on Jesus Christ. Only through the blood of the Crucified One is
there cleansing from sin. His grace alone can enable us to resist and
subdue the tendencies of our fallen nature. 

Satan is determined that men shall not see the love of God, which led
Him to give His only- begotten Son to save the lost race; for it is the
goodness of God that leads men to repentance. Oh, how shall we succeed
in setting forth before the world the deep, precious love of God? In no
other way can we compass it than by exclaiming, "Behold, what manner of
love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons
of God" (1 John 3: 1)! Let us say to sinners, "Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29)! . . . 

Look at the cross of Calvary. It is a standing pledge of the boundless
love, the measureless mercy, of the heavenly Father. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 103

From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Apr  6 16:28:09 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2008 19:28:09 -0400
Subject: Magnifies the Lord
Message-ID: <2803F1AC29785F45A09A2032579BE78E205A30@mail.spencerville.org>

Magnifies the Lord 

Let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.
Ps. 40: 16. 

As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves
have seen and heard and felt, If we have been following Jesus step by
step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the
way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise,
and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of
the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and
for want of which the world is perishing. 

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. . . . 

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. 

The true Christian will make God first and last and best in everything.
No ambitious motives will chill his love for God; steadily,
perseveringly, will he cause honor to redound to his heavenly Father. It
is when we are faithful in exalting the name of God that our impulses
are under divine supervision, and we are enabled to developed spiritual
and intellectual power. 

Jesus, the divine Master, ever exalted the name of His heavenly Father.
He taught His disciples to pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed
be thy name" (Matt. 6: 9, A. R. V.). and they were not to forget to
acknowledge, "Thine is . . . the glory" (verse 13). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 104

From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Apr  7 08:34:05 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 11:34:05 -0400
Subject: To Uproot Selfishness 
Message-ID: <000101c898c4$d1f2ee70$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

To Uproot Selfishness 

Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Luke 12: 1. 

The hypocrisy of the Pharisees was the product of self- seeking. The
glorification of themselves was the object of their lives. . . . Even the
disciples, though outwardly they had left all for Jesus' sake, had not in
heart ceased to seek great things for themselves. . . . As leaven, if left
to complete its work, will cause corruption and decay, so does the self-
seeking spirit, cherished, work the defilement and ruin of the soul. Among
the followers of our Lord today, as of old, how widespread is this subtle,
deceptive sin! How often our service to Christ, our communion with one
another, is marred by the secret desire to exalt self! . . . To His own
disciples the warning words of Christ are spoken, "Take heed and beware of
the leaven of the Pharisees." . . . Only the power of God can banish self-
seeking and hypocrisy. 

When Judas joined the disciples, he was not insensible to the beauty of the
character of Christ. He felt the influence of that divine power which was
drawing souls to the Saviour. . . . The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He
knew the depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God,
Judas would sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where
he might, day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own
unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would
banish the demon of selfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of
the kingdom of God. 

No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. .
. . Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this
great subject in man's charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that
He Himself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. While
they were contending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow,
He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the
feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer. . . .
His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all.
Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey
it. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 105


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Apr  8 07:02:10 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 8 Apr 2008 10:02:10 -0400
Subject: To Break Bad Habits
Message-ID: <003801c89981$240ecdc0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

To Break Bad Habits 

If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor. 5: 17. 

Through the power of Christ, men and women have broken the chains of sinful
habit. They have renounced selfishness. The profane have become reverent,
the drunken sober, the profligate pure. Souls that have borne the likeness
of Satan have become transformed into the image of God. This change is in
itself the miracle of miracles. A change wrought by the Word, it is one of
the deepest mysteries of the Word. We cannot understand it; we can only
believe, as declared by the Scriptures, it is "Christ in you, the hope of
glory" (Col. 1: 27). . . . 

Renouncing all that would hinder him from making progress in the upward way
or that would turn the feet of another from the narrow path, the believer
will reveal in his daily life mercy, kindness, humility, meekness,
forbearance, and the love of Christ. 

The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need. The world has
too much of our thought, and the kingdom of heaven too little. 

In his efforts to reach God's ideal for him, the Christian is to despair of
nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of
Christ, is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of
life. 

Let us make God's holy word our study, bringing its holy principles into our
lives. Let us walk before God in meekness and humility, daily correcting our
faults. . . . Peace and rest will come to you as you bring your will into
subjection to the will of Christ. Then the love of Christ will rule in the
heart, bringing into captivity to the Saviour the secret springs of action.
The hasty, easily roused temper will be soothed and subdued by the oil of
Christ's grace. . . . 

In humble, grateful dependence he who has been given a new heart relies upon
the help of Christ. He reveals in his life the fruit of righteousness. He
once loved himself. Worldly pleasure was his delight. Now his idol is
dethroned, and God reigns supreme. The sins he once loved he now hates.
Firmly and resolutely he follows in the path of holiness. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 106


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Apr  9 07:32:16 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 10:32:16 -0400
Subject: Creates Hatred for Satan
Message-ID: <002701c89a4e$85720d70$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Creates Hatred for Satan 

Give no opportunity to the devil. Eph. 4: 27, R. S. V. 

Satan's enmity against the human race is kindled because, through Christ,
they are the objects of God's love and mercy. He desires to thwart the
divine plan for man's redemption, to cast dishonor upon God, by defacing and
defiling His handiwork; he would cause grief in heaven and fill the earth
with woe and desolation. And he points to all his evil as the result of
God's work in creating man. 

It is the grace that Christ implants in the soul which creates in man enmity
against Satan. Without this converting grace and renewing power, man would
continue the captive of Satan, a servant ever ready to do his bidding. But
the new principle in the soul creates conflict where hitherto had been
peace. The power which Christ imparts, enables man to resist the tyrant and
usurper. Whoever is seen to abhor sin instead of loving it, whoever resists
and conquers those passions that have held sway within, displays the
operation of a principle wholly from above. 

Like a roaring lion, Satan is seeking for his prey. He tries his wiles upon
every unsuspecting youth; there is safety only in Christ. It is through His
grace alone that Satan can be successfully repulsed. Satan tells the young
that there is time enough yet, that they may indulge in sin and vice this
once and never again; but that one indulgence will poison their whole life.
Do not once venture on forbidden ground. In this perilous day of evil, when
allurements to vice and corruption are on every hand, let the earnest,
heartfelt cry of the young be raised to heaven: "Wherewithal shall a young
man cleanse his way?" And may his ears be open and his heart inclined to
obey the instruction given in the answer: "By taking heed thereto according
to thy word" (Ps. 119: 9). The only safety for the youth in this age of
pollution is to make God their trust. Without divine help they will be
unable to control human passions and appetites. In Christ is the very help
needed. . . . You can say with the apostle: "Nay, in all these things we are
more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom. 8: 37). Again; "But I
keep under my body, and bring it into subjection" (1 Cor. 9: 27). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 107


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Apr 10 05:35:59 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:35:59 -0400
Subject: To Banish Unrest and Doubt
Message-ID: <002401c89b07$6f494bd0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

To Banish Unrest and Doubt 

O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matt. 14: 31. 

Christ came to this world to show that by receiving power from on high, man
can live an unsullied life. With unwearying patience and sympathetic
helpfulness He met men in their necessities. By the gentle touch of grace He
banished from the soul unrest and doubt, changing enmity to love, and
unbelief to confidence. 

It is not wise to look to ourselves and study our emotions. If we do this,
the enemy will present difficulties and temptations that weaken faith and
destroy courage. Closely to study our emotions and give way to our feelings
is to entertain doubt and entangle ourselves in perplexity. We are to look
away from self to Jesus. 

When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to
surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in
Christ's love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the
mastery in the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the
conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ's grace is
sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness. 

He will give you grace to be patient, He will give you grace to be trustful,
He will give you grace to overcome restlessness, He will warm your heart
with His own sweet Spirit, He will revive your soul in its weakness. . . .
Then stay your soul in confidence upon God. Roll all your burdens upon Him. 

The soul that loves God, rises above the fog of doubt; he gains a bright,
broad, deep, living experience, and becomes meek and Christlike. His soul is
committed to God, hid with Christ in God. He will be able to stand the test
of neglect, of abuse and contempt, because his Saviour has suffered all
this. He will not become fretful and discouraged when difficulties press
him, because Jesus did not fail or become discouraged. Every true Christian
will be strong, not in the strength and merit of his good works, but in the
righteousness of Christ, which through faith is imputed unto him. It is a
great thing to be meek and lowly in heart, to be pure and undefiled, as was
the Prince of heaven when He walked among men.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 108


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Apr 11 04:27:29 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:27:29 -0400
Subject: To Unify the Church
Message-ID: <000901c89bc7$0757f060$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

To Unify the Church 

Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good
thing that the heart be established with grace. Heb. 13: 9. 

The Lord in His wisdom has arranged that by means of the close relationship
that should be maintained by all believers, Christian shall be united to
Christian and church to church. Thus the human instrumentality will be
enabled to cooperate with the divine. Every agency will be subordinate to
the Holy Spirit, and all the believers will be united in an organized and
well- directed effort to give to the world the glad tidings of the grace of
God. 

God deals with men as individuals, giving to everyone his work. All are to
be taught of God. Through the grace of Christ every soul must work out his
own righteousness, maintaining a living connection with the Father and the
Son. . . . 

While it is true that the Lord guides individuals, it is also true that He
is leading out a people, not a few separate individuals here and there, one
believing this thing, another that. Angels of God are doing the work
committed to their trust. The third angel is leading out and purifying a
people, and they should move with him unitedly. . . . 

Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every
child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I
have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as
every man's being independent. . . . In order that the Lord's work may
advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together. 

Each member of the church should feel under sacred obligations to guard
strictly the interests of the cause of God. . . . Jesus has opened to
everyone a way by which wisdom, grace, and power may be obtained. He is our
example in all things, and nothing should divert the mind from the main
object in life, which is to have Christ in the soul, melting and subduing
the heart. When this is the case, every member of the church, every
professor of the truth, will be Christlike in character, in words, in
actions. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 109


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Apr 12 12:23:10 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:23:10 -0400
Subject: That We Might be Overcomers 
Message-ID: <000101c89cd2$a59a09a0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

That We Might be Overcomers 

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their
testimony. Rev. 12: 11. 

Christ has made it possible for every member of the human family to resist
temptation. All who would live godly lives may overcome as Christ overcame. 

To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not propose
to perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given to
work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. Our
souls are to be aroused to cooperate. The Holy Spirit works in us, that we
may work out our own salvation. . . . Fine mental qualities and a high tone
of moral character are not the result of accident. God gives opportunities;
success depends upon the use made of them. The openings of Providence must
be quickly discerned and eagerly entered. There are many who might become
mighty men, if, like Daniel, they would depend upon God for grace to be
overcomers, and for strength and efficiency to do their work. 

It is necessary to maintain a living connection with heaven, seeking as
often as did Daniel-- three times a day-- for divine grace to resist
appetite and passion. Wrestling with appetite and passion unaided by divine
power will be unsuccessful; but make Christ your stronghold, and the
language of your soul will be, "In all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom. 8: 37). Said the apostle Paul,
"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). 

Let no one think he can overcome without the help of God. You must have the
energy, the strength, the power, of an inner life developed within you. You
will then bear fruit unto godliness, and will have an intense loathing of
vice. You need to constantly strive to work away from earthliness, from
cheap conversation, from everything sensual, and aim for nobility of soul
and a pure and unspotted character. Your name may be kept so pure that it
cannot justly be connected with anything dishonest or unrighteous, but will
be respected by all the good and pure, and it may be written in the Lamb's
book of life, to be immortalized among the holy angels. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 110


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Apr 13 13:37:27 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:37:27 -0400
Subject: To Build Noble Characters
Message-ID: <000101c89da6$3143ad70$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

To Build Noble Characters 

And from his fulness have we all received, grace upon grace. John 1: 16, R.
S. V. 

God expects us to build characters in accordance with the Pattern set before
us. We are to lay brick by brick, adding grace to grace, finding our weak
points and correcting them in accordance with the directions given. When a
crack is seen in the walls of a mansion, we know that something about the
building is wrong. In our character building, cracks are often seen. Unless
these defects are remedied, the house will fall when the tempest of trial
beats upon it. 

God gives us strength, reasoning power, time, in order that we may build
characters on which He can place His stamp of approval. He desires each
child of His to build a noble character, by the doing of pure, noble deeds,
that in the end He may present a symmetrical structure, a fair temple,
honored by man and God. 

A noble all- round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by
accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the
merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind;
we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self.
Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We
shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable
trait to remain uncorrected. 

By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The
original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the
character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to
shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express
the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For
these souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of
being a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the
Master's use; they are trusted to do His work in His name. 

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. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 111


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Apr 14 05:28:26 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:28:26 -0400
Subject: To Strengthen and Encourage
Message-ID: <000301c89e2b$0ca26210$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

To Strengthen and Encourage 

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil. 4: 13. 

The Lord has in readiness the most precious exhibitions of His grace to
strengthen and encourage the sincere, humble worker. 

The disciples of Christ had a deep sense of their own inefficiency, and with
humiliation and prayer they joined their weakness to His strength, their
ignorance to His wisdom, their unworthiness to His righteousness, their
poverty to His exhaustless wealth. Thus strengthened and equipped, they
hesitated not to press forward in the service of the Master. 

All that man has, God has given him, and he who improves his abilities to
God's glory will be an instrument to do good; but we can no more live a
religious life without constant prayer and the performance of religious
duties than we can have physical strength without partaking of temporal
food. We must daily sit down at God's table. We must receive strength from
the living Vine, if we are nourished. . . . 

I entreat you to move with an eye single to the glory of God. Let His power
be your dependence, His grace your strength. By study of the Scriptures and
earnest prayer seek to obtain clear conceptions of your duty, and then
faithfully perform it. It is essential that you cultivate faithfulness in
little things, and in so doing you will acquire habits of integrity in
greater responsibilities. . . . Every event of life is great for good or for
evil. The mind needs to be trained by daily tests, that it may acquire power
to stand in any difficult position. In the days of trial and of peril you
will need to be fortified to stand firmly for the right, independent of
every opposing influence. 

Jesus consents to bear our burdens only when we trust Him. He is saying:
"Come unto me, all ye weary and heavy laden; give Me your load; trust Me to
do the work that it is impossible for the human agent to do." Let us trust
Him. Worry is blind and cannot discern the future. But Jesus sees the end
from the beginning, and in every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring
relief. Abiding in Christ, we can do all things through Him who strengthens
us.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 112


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Apr 15 04:59:15 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:59:15 -0400
Subject: For Times of Trial
Message-ID: <000101c89ef0$241d78b0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>


For Times of Trial 

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. 

The powers of darkness gather about the soul and shut Jesus from our sight,
and at times we can only wait in sorrow and amazement until the cloud passes
over. These seasons are sometimes terrible. Hope seems to fail, and despair
seizes upon us. In these dreadful hours we must learn to trust, to depend
solely upon the merits of the atonement, and in all our helpless
unworthiness cast ourselves upon the merits of the crucified and risen
Saviour. We shall never perish while we do this-- never! When light shines
on our pathway, it is no great thing to be strong in the strength of grace.
But to wait patiently in hope when clouds envelop us and all is dark,
requires faith and submission which causes our will to be swallowed up in
the will of God. We are too quickly discouraged, and earnestly cry for the
trial to be removed from us, when we should plead for patience to endure and
grace to overcome. 

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 greater nearness to God. 

God in His great love is seeking to develop in us the precious graces of His
Spirit. He permits us to encounter obstacles, persecution, and hardships,
not as a curse, but as the greatest blessing of our lives. Every temptation
resisted, every trial bravely borne, gives us a new experience and advances
us in the work of character building. The soul that through divine power
resists temptation reveals to the world and to the heavenly universe the
efficiency of the grace of Christ. 

Those who surrender their lives to His guidance and to His service will
never be placed in a position for which He has not made provision. Whatever
our situation, if we are doers of His word, we have a Guide to direct our
way; whatever our perplexity, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow,
bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 113


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Apr 16 12:04:03 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:04:03 -0400
Subject: To Establish the Home
Message-ID: <00a401c89ff4$a3947030$eabd5090$@org>

To Establish the Home 

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established.
Prov. 24: 3. 

He who gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet performed His first miracle at a
marriage festival. . . . Thus He sanctioned marriage, recognizing it as an
institution that He Himself had established. He ordained that men and women
should be united in holy wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned
with honor, should be recognized as members of the family above. 

Like every other one of God's good gifts . . . , marriage has been perverted
by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and
beauty. . . . 

The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution what God
designed it should be-- an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity.
And thus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may
represent the family of heaven. The condition of society presents a sad
comment upon Heaven's ideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who
have found bitterness and disappointment where they had hoped for
companionship and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a solace. The patience
and gentleness which His Spirit can impart, will sweeten the bitter lot. The
heart in which Christ dwells will be so filled, so satisfied, with His love
that it will not be consumed with longing to attract sympathy and attention
to itself. And through the surrender of the soul to God, His wisdom can
accomplish what human wisdom fails to do. Through the revelation of His
grace, hearts that were once indifferent or estranged may be united. . . . 

Men and women can reach God's ideal for them if they will take Christ as
their helper. What human wisdom cannot do, His grace will accomplish for
those who give themselves to Him in loving trust. His providence can unite
hearts in bonds that are of heavenly origin. Love will not be a mere
exchange of soft and flattering words. The loom of heaven weaves with warp
and woof finer, yet more firm, than can be woven by the looms of earth. The
result is not a tissue fabric, but a texture that will bear wear and test
and trial. Heart will be bound to heart in the golden bonds of a love that
is enduring. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 114




From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Apr 17 13:41:50 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:41:50 -0400
Subject: To Sustain the Burden Bearer
Message-ID: <008b01c8a0cb$7708cd90$651a68b0$@org>

To Sustain the Burden Bearer 

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee. Ps. 55: 22. 

In the humble round of toil, the very weakest, the most obscure, may be
workers together with God and may have the comfort of His presence and
sustaining grace. They are not to weary themselves with busy anxieties and
needless cares. Let them work on from day to day, accomplishing faithfully
the task that God's providence assigns, and He will care for them. . . . 

The Lord's care is over all His creatures. He loves them all, and makes no
difference, except that He has the most tender pity for those who are called
to bear life's heaviest burdens. 

Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears, before
God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs
of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. . . . Take to
Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to
bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe.
Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice.
There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no
perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the
least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere
prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in
which He takes no immediate interest. "He healeth the broken in heart, and
bindeth up their wounds" (Ps. 147: 3). The relations between God and each
soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon
earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved
Son. 

The Lord does not press on anyone burdens too heavy to be borne. He
estimates every weight before He allows it to rest upon the hearts of those
who are laborers together with Him. To every one of His workers our loving
heavenly Father says: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain
thee" (Ps. 55: 22). Let the burden bearers believe that He will carry every
load, great or small. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 115



From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Apr 18 04:34:03 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:34:03 -0400
Subject: For Each Day's Need
Message-ID: <000301c8a148$1b7b93e0$5272bba0$@org>

For Each Day's Need 

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus. Phil. 4: 19. 

All blessings are bestowed upon those who have a vital connection with Jesus
Christ. Jesus calls them 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. . . . Trust in Him continually, and doubt not
His love. He knows all our weakness and that which we need. He will give us
grace sufficient for our day. 

Those only who are constantly receiving fresh supplies of grace, will have
power proportionate to their daily need and their ability to use that power.
Instead of looking forward to some future time when, through a special
endowment of spiritual power, they will receive a miraculous fitting up for
soul- winning, they are yielding themselves daily to God, that He may make
them vessels meet for His use. Daily they are improving the opportunities
for service that lie within their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the
Master wherever they may be, whether in some humble sphere of labor in the
home, or in a public field of usefulness. 

To the consecrated worker there is wonderful consolation in the knowledge
that even Christ during His life on earth sought His Father daily for fresh
supplies of needed grace; and from this communion with God He went forth to
strengthen and bless others. . . . 

Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receive
and use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening of
earth's harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel
before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant
them the presence of His Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As
they go forth to the day's duties, they have the assurance that the unseen
agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be "laborers together with God" (1
Cor. 3: 9). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 116


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Apr 19 05:57:20 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:57:20 -0400
Subject: To Lift the Most Sinful
Message-ID: <000301c8a21c$e84996e0$b8dcc4a0$@org>

To Lift the Most Sinful 

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but
giveth grace unto the humble. James 4: 6. 

Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the
circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every
spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from
despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that
controlled her heart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father
in her behalf. She knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in
His strength she had overcome. 

When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary
capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan
of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary
these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a
partaker of the divine nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had
been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in
fellowship and ministry. It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him.
It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed
His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to
the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was
Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour. 

Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very
sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns
no weeping, contrite one away. . . . He bids every trembling soul take
courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and
restoration. . . . 

The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and
the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ
unites them to His own divine- human nature. 

To those who with steadfast perseverance strive to reveal the attributes of
Christ, angels are commissioned to give enlarged views of His character and
work, His power and grace and love. Thus they become partakers of His
nature. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 117


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Apr 20 06:35:53 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008 09:35:53 -0400
Subject: Gives Life to the Soul
Message-ID: <000101c8a2eb$75568d80$0501a8c0@thompsondm90>

Gives Life to the Soul 

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. 

He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drink
to thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something to
supply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of the
world, "the Desire of all nations," is Christ. The divine grace which He
alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and
invigorating the soul. 

Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draught of the water of life
would suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will
continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches,
honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of
his heart is, More of Thee. And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is
waiting to satisfy its hunger and thirst. Every human resource and
dependence will fail. The cisterns will be emptied, the pools become dry;
but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink
again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christ dwells has within
himself the fountain of blessing. . . . From this source he may draw
strength and grace sufficient for all his needs. 

He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver
becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the
desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish
eager to drink of the water of life. 

The water that Christ referred to was the revelation of His grace in His
Word. . . . Christ's gracious presence in His Word is ever speaking to the
soul, representing Him as the well of living water to refresh the thirsting.
It is our privilege to have a living, abiding Saviour. He is the source of
spiritual power implanted within us, and His influence will flow forth in
words and actions, refreshing all within the sphere of our influence,
begetting in them desires and aspirations for strength and purity, for
holiness and peace, and for that joy which brings with it no sorrow. This is
the result of an indwelling Saviour. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 118


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Apr 21 07:56:26 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:56:26 -0400
Subject: To Make Us Holy
Message-ID: <001001c8a3bf$e354b6c0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

To Make Us Holy 

Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. Lev. 19: 2. 

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. 

Our hearts are evil, and we cannot change them. . . . Education, culture,
the exercise of the will, human effort, all have their proper sphere, but
here they are powerless. They may produce an outward correctness of
behaviour, but they cannot change the heart; they cannot purify the springs
of life. 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. 

No man receives holiness as a birthright, or as a gift from any other human
being. Holiness is the gift of God through Christ. Those who receive the
Saviour become sons of God. They are His spiritual children, born again,
renewed in righteousness and true holiness. Their minds are changed. With
clearer vision they behold eternal realities. They are adopted into God's
family, and they become conformed to His likeness, changed by His Spirit
from glory to glory. From cherishing supreme love for self, they come to
cherish supreme love for God and for Christ. . . . Accepting Christ as a
personal Saviour, and following His example of self- denial-- this is the
secret of holiness. 

Forgetting the things that are behind, let us press forward in the
heavenward way. Let us neglect no opportunity that, if improved, will make
us more useful in God's service. Then like threads of gold, holiness will
run through our lives, and the angels, beholding our consecration, will
repeat the promise, "I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a
man than the golden wedge of Ophir" (Isa. 13: 12). All heaven rejoices when
weak, faulty human beings give themselves to Jesus, to live His life. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 119


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Apr 22 14:03:32 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:03:32 -0400
Subject: To Adorn the Christian
Message-ID: <003901c8a4bc$54015700$fc040500$@org>

To Adorn the Christian 

Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair,
and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the
hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament
of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1
Peter 3: 3, 4. 

God, who created everything lovely and beautiful that the eye rests upon, is
a lover of the beautiful. He shows you how He estimates true beauty. The
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in His sight of great price. 

Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array in comparison with
the loveliness of Christ. Natural loveliness consists in symmetry, or the
harmonious proportion of parts, each with the other; but spiritual
loveliness consists in the harmony or likeness of our souls to Jesus. This
will make its possessor more precious than fine gold, even the golden wedge
of Ophir. The grace of Christ is indeed a priceless adornment. It elevates
and ennobles its possessor and reflects beams of glory upon others,
attracting them also to the Source of light and blessing. 

Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness,
modesty, and purity. But the Word of God gives no sanction to the making of
changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion, that we may appear like
the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or
expensive ornaments. . . . 

All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the
precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel
will express the truth of the gospel. 

It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and
seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward
adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that "meek and quiet
spirit," the "fine linen, white and clean" (Rev. 19: 14), which all the holy
ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved
here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the
King. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 120


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Apr 23 05:34:05 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:34:05 -0400
Subject: To Bring Comfort
Message-ID: <000101c8a53e$52b506d0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

To Bring Comfort 

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort
them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are
comforted. 2 Cor. 1: 4. 

The Lord has special grace for the mourner, and its power is to melt hearts,
to win souls. His love opens a channel into the wounded and bruised soul,
and becomes a healing balsam to those who sorrow. 

Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones who carry
the greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such
ones have been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not
lose confidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to His
protecting love. Such ones are living proof of the tender care of God, who
makes the darkness as well as the light and chastens us for our good. Christ
is the light of the world; in Him is no darkness. Precious light! Let us
live in that light! Bid adieu to sadness and repining. Rejoice in the Lord
always. 

It is your privilege to receive grace from Christ that will enable you to
comfort others with the same comfort wherewith you yourselves are comforted
of God. . . . Let each try to help the next one. Thus you may have a little
heaven here below, and angels of God will work through you to make right
impressions. . . . Seek to help wherever you can. Cultivate the best
dispositions that the grace of God may rest richly upon you. 

Young and old may learn to look to God as the One who will heal, as One who
sympathizes, who understands their necessities and who will never make a
mistake. 

Find time to comfort some other heart, to bless with a kind, cheering word
someone who is battling with temptation and maybe with affliction. In thus
blessing another with cheering, hopeful words, pointing him to the Burden
Bearer, you may unexpectedly find peace, happiness, and consolation
yourself. 

A consecrated Christian life is ever shedding light and comfort and peace.
It is characterized by purity, tact, simplicity, and usefulness. It is
controlled by that unselfish love that sanctifies the influence. It is full
of Christ, and leaves a track of light wherever its possessor may go. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 121


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Apr 24 03:39:49 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:39:49 -0400
Subject: Makes Our Foundation Sure
Message-ID: <000601c8a5f7$8658c990$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Makes Our Foundation Sure 

Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a
stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Isa. 28:
16. 

In the Scriptures the figure of the erection of a temple is frequently used
to illustrate the building of the church. . . . Writing of the building of
this temple, Peter says, "To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed
indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones,
are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood . . ." (1 Peter 2: 4, 5).
. . . 

The apostles built upon a sure foundation, even the Rock of Ages. To this
foundation they brought the stones that they quarried from the world. Not
without hindrance did the builders labor. Their work was made exceedingly
difficult by the opposition of the enemies of Christ. They had to contend
against the bigotry, prejudice, and hatred of those who were building upon a
false foundation. . . . But in the face of imprisonment, torture, and death,
faithful men carried the work forward; and the structure grew, beautiful and
symmetrical. . . . 

Through the ages that have passed since the days of the apostles, the
building of God's temple has never ceased. We may look back through the
centuries and see the living stones of which it is composed gleaming like
jets of light through the darkness of error and superstition. Throughout
eternity these precious jewels will shine with increasing luster. . . . 

But the structure is not yet complete. We who are living in this age have a
work to do, a part to act. We are to bring to the foundation material that
will stand the test of fire-- gold, silver, and precious stones. . . . The
Christian who faithfully presents the word of life, leading men and women
into the way of holiness and peace, is bringing to the foundation material
that will endure, and in the kingdom of God he will be honored as a wise
builder. 

Divine power will unite with our efforts, and as we cling to God with the
hand of faith, Christ will impart to us His wisdom and His righteousness.
Thus, by His grace, we shall be enabled to build upon the sure foundation. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 122


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Apr 25 07:51:37 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:51:37 -0400
Subject: A Preserving Power
Message-ID: <000a01c8a6e3$e0dff5e0$4b01a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Preserving Power 

Ye are the salt of the earth. Matt. 5: 13. 

By these words of Christ we gain some idea of what constitutes the value of
human influence. It is to work with the influence of Christ, to lift where
Christ lifts, to impart correct principles, and stay the progress of the
world's corruption. It is to diffuse that grace which Christ alone can
impart. It is to uplift, to sweeten, the lives and characters of others by
the power of a pure example united with earnest faith and love. God's people
are to exercise a reforming, preserving power in the world. They are to
counterwork the destroying, corrupting influence of evil. . . . 

The work of the people of God in the world is to restrain evil, to elevate,
to purify, and to ennoble mankind. The principles of kindness and love and
benevolence are to uproot every fiber of the selfishness that has permeated
all society and corrupted the church. . . . If men and women will open their
hearts to the heavenly influence of truth and love, these principles will
flow forth again, like streams in the desert, refreshing all, and causing
freshness to appear where now are barrenness and dearth. The influence of
those who keep the way of the Lord will be as far- reaching as eternity.
They will carry with them the cheerfulness of heavenly peace as an abiding,
refreshing, enlightening power. { AG 124.3} Again, there is to be an open
influence. Christ says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." . . . 

The light that shines from those who receive Jesus Christ is not self-
originated. It is all from the Light and Life of the world. . . . Christ is
the light, the life, the holiness, the sanctification, of all who believe,
and His light is to be received and imparted in all good works. In many
different ways His grace is also acting as the salt of the earth;
whithersoever this salt finds its way, to homes or communities, it becomes a
preserving power to save all that is good, and to destroy all that is evil.
True religion is the light of the world, the salt of the earth. . . . 

The fountain of grace and knowledge is ever flowing. It is inexhaustible. It
is from this abundant fulness that we are supplied. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 123


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Apr 26 16:58:40 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2008 19:58:40 -0400
Subject: A Light to Shine
Message-ID: <000101c8a7f9$747159a0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Light to Shine 

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon
thee. Isa. 60: 1. 

Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world.
Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway
of those who know not the Light of life. . . . Social power, sanctified by
the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let
the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but
that we desire others to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see
that our religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who
profess to have found Christ, minister as He did for the benefit of men. 

We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a
gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a
compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever
His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there
is a calm, holy trust in God. 

Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they
are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men and
women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand
to the Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect
upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ. 

The confession of faith made by saints and martyrs was recorded for the
benefit of succeeding generations. Those living examples of holiness and
steadfast integrity have come down to inspire courage in those who are now
called to stand as witnesses for God. They received grace and truth, not for
themselves alone, but that, through them, the knowledge of God might
enlighten the earth. Has God given light to His servants in this generation?
Then they should let it shine forth to the world. 

We are to be channels through which the Lord can send light and grace to the
world. . . . The entire church, acting as one, blending in perfect union, is
to be a living, active missionary agency, moved and controlled by the Holy
Spirit. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 124


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Apr 27 08:36:27 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:36:27 -0400
Subject: Workers with God
Message-ID: <000101c8a87c$76055090$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Workers with God 

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? 

In giving light to His people anciently, God did not work exclusively
through any one class. Daniel was a prince of Judah. Isaiah also was of the
royal line. David was a shepherd boy, Amos a herdsman, Zechariah a captive
from Babylon, Elisha a tiller of the soil. The Lord raised up as His
representatives prophets and princes, the noble and the lowly, and taught
them the truths to be given to the world. To every one who becomes a
partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints a work for others. . . . 

Let all cultivate their physical and mental powers to the utmost of their
ability, that they may work for God where His providence shall call them.
The same grace that came from Christ to Paul and Apollos, that distinguished
them for spiritual excellencies, will today be imparted to devoted Christian
missionaries. God desires His children to have intelligence and knowledge,
that with unmistakable clearness and power His glory may be revealed in our
world. . . . 

Men deficient in school education, lowly in social position, have, through
the grace of Christ, sometimes been wonderfully successful in winning souls
for Him. The secret of their success was their confidence in God. They
learned daily of Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in power. 

Everyone in whose heart Christ abides, everyone who will show forth His love
to the world, is a worker together with God for the blessing of humanity. As
he receives from the Saviour grace to impart to others, from his whole being
flows forth the tide of spiritual life. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 125


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Apr 28 07:04:39 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:04:39 -0400
Subject: Fishers of Men
Message-ID: <000301c8a938$cdc128b0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Fishers of Men 

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matt.
4: 19. 

When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and you attempt to give counsel
or admonition, your words will have only the weight of influence for good
that your own example and spirit have gained for you. You must be good
before you can do good. You cannot exert an influence that will transform
others until your own heart has been humbled and refined and made tender by
the grace of Christ. When this change has been wrought in you, it will be as
natural for you to live to bless others as it is for the rosebush to yield
its fragrant bloom. 

He whose heart is filled with the grace of God and love for his perishing
fellow men will find opportunity, wherever he may be placed, to speak a word
in season to those who are weary. Christians are to work for their Master in
meekness and lowliness, holding fast to their integrity amid the noise and
bustle of life. 

We should strive to understand the weakness of others. We know little of the
heart trials of those who have been bound in chains of darkness and who lack
resolution and moral power. . . . 

We become too easily discouraged over the souls who do not at once respond
to our efforts. Never should we cease to labor for a soul while there is one
gleam of hope. Precious souls cost our self- sacrificing Redeemer too dear a
price to be lightly given up to the tempter's power. . . . Without a helping
hand many would never recover themselves, but by patient, persistent effort
they may be uplifted. Such need tender words, kind consideration, tangible
help. . . . Christ is able to uplift the most sinful and place them where
they will be acknowledged as children of God, joint heirs with Christ to the
immortal inheritance. By the miracle of divine grace many may be fitted for
lives of usefulness. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 126


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Apr 29 08:43:19 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:43:19 -0400
Subject: A Completed Work
Message-ID: <000001c8aa0f$bff3b3b0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

A Completed Work 

He shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace,
grace unto it. Zech. 4: 7. 

Human power did not establish the work of God, neither can human power
destroy it. To those who carry forward His work in face of difficulty and
opposition, God will give the constant guidance and guardianship of His holy
angels. His work on earth will never cease. The building of His spiritual
temple will be carried forward until it shall stand complete, and the
headstone shall be brought forth with shoutings: "Grace, grace unto it." 

Christ has given to the church a sacred charge. Every member should be a
channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His
grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviour
desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and His
character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the
manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. . . . 

The church is God's agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him
to do a special work; and if she is loyal to Him, obedient to all His
commandments, there will dwell within her the excellency of divine grace. If
she will be true to her allegiance, if she will honor the Lord God of
Israel, there is no power that can stand against her. 

Christ desires by the fullness of His power so to strengthen His people that
through them the whole world shall be encircled with an atmosphere of grace.
When His people shall make a whole- hearted surrender of themselves to God,
this purpose will be accomplished. . . . Christ will abide in humanity, and
humanity will abide in Christ. In all the work will appear, not the
character of finite man, but the character of the infinite God. . . . 

The goodly fabric of character wrought out through divine power will receive
light and glory from heaven, and will stand before the world as a witness
pointing to the throne of the living God. Then the work will move forward
with solidity and redoubled strength. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 127


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Apr 30 13:53:27 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:53:27 -0400
Subject: Before Creation 
Message-ID: <000601c8ab04$3da6a750$b8f3f5f0$@org>

Before Creation 

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our
works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Tim. 1: 9. 

The purpose and plan of grace existed from all eternity. Before the
foundation of the world it was according to the determinate counsel of God
that man should be created, endowed with power to do the divine will. But
the defection of man, with all its consequences, was not hidden from the
Omnipotent, and yet it did not deter Him from carrying out His eternal
purpose; for the Lord would establish His throne in righteousness. God knows
the end from the beginning. . . . Therefore redemption was not an
afterthought . . . but an eternal purpose to be wrought out for the blessing
not only of this atom of a world but for the good of all the worlds which
God has created. 

The creation of the worlds, the mystery of the gospel, are for one purpose,
to make manifest to all created intelligences, through nature and through
Christ, the glories of the divine character. By the marvelous display of His
love in giving "his only- begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life," the glory of God is revealed
to lost humanity and to the intelligences of other worlds. 

Jesus encircles the race with His human arm, while with His divine arm He
lays hold upon infinity. He is the "daysman" between a holy God and our
sinful humanity-- one who can "lay his hand on us both" (Job 9: 33). 

The terms of this oneness between God and man in the great covenant of
redemption were arranged with Christ from all eternity. The covenant of
grace was revealed to the patriarchs. The covenant made with Abraham . . .
was a covenant confirmed by God in Christ, the very same gospel which is
preached to us. . . . Paul speaks of the gospel, the preaching of Jesus
Christ, as "the revelation of the mystery, which hath been kept in silence
through times eternal, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the
prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known
unto all the nations unto obedience of faith" (Rom. 16: 25, 26, R. V.). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 128


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu May  1 08:20:05 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 11:20:05 -0400
Subject: Everlasting 
Message-ID: <003f01c8ab9e$d63af670$82b0e350$@org>

Everlasting 

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I
will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Isa. 55: 3. 

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. 

>From the opening of the great controversy it has been Satan's purpose to
misrepresent God's character, and to excite rebellion against His law. . . .
But amid the working of evil, God's purposes move steadily forward to their
accomplishment; to all created intelligences He is making manifest His
justice and benevolence. Through Satan's temptations the whole human race
have become transgressors of God's law, but by the sacrifice of His Son a
way is opened whereby they may return to God. Through the grace of Christ
they may be enabled to render obedience to the Father's law. Thus in every
age, from the midst of apostasy and rebellion, God gathers out a people that
are true to Him-- a people "in whose heart is his law."

God's work is the same in all time, although there are different degrees of
development and different manifestations of His power, to meet the wants of
men in the different ages. Beginning with the first gospel promise, and
coming down through the patriarchal and Jewish ages, and even to the present
time, there has been a gradual unfolding of the purposes of God in the plan
of redemption. . . . He who proclaimed the law from Sinai, and delivered to
Moses the precepts of the ritual law, is the same that spoke the sermon on
the mount. . . . The Teacher is the same in both dispensations. God's claims
are the same. The principles of His government are the same. 

In the closing work of God in the earth, the standard of His law will be
again exalted. . . . God will not break His covenant, nor alter the thing
that has gone out of His lips. His word will stand fast forever as
unalterable as His throne. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 129


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri May  2 17:31:12 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 2 May 2008 20:31:12 -0400
Subject: In Eden
Message-ID: <000701c8acb4$fe486ff0$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

In Eden 

I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her
seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Gen. 3: 15. 

The covenant of grace was first made with man in Eden, when after the fall,
there was given a divine promise that the seed of the woman should bruise
the serpent's head. To all men this covenant offered pardon, and the
assisting grace of God for future obedience through faith in Christ. It also
promised them eternal life on condition of fidelity to God's law. Thus the
patriarchs received the hope of salvation. 

Adam and Eve, at their creation, had a knowledge of the law of God. It was
printed on their hearts, and they understood its claims upon them. 

The law of God existed before man was created. It was adapted to the
condition of holy beings; even angels were governed by it. After the fall,
the principles of righteousness were unchanged. Nothing was taken from the
law; not one of its holy precepts could be improved. And as it has existed
from the beginning, so will it continue to exist throughout the ceaseless
ages of eternity. 

After the transgression of Adam the principles of the law were . . .
definitely arranged and expressed to meet man in his fallen condition.
Christ, in counsel with His Father, instituted the system of sacrificial
offerings; that death, instead of being immediately visited upon the
transgressor, should be transferred to a victim which should prefigure the
great and perfect offering of the Son of God. . . . Through the blood of
this victim, man looked forward by faith to the blood of Christ which would
atone for the sins of the world. 

The mission of Christ on earth was not to destroy the law, but by His grace
to bring man back to obedience to its precepts. . . . By His own obedience
to the law, Christ testified to its immutable character and proved that
through His grace it could be perfectly obeyed by every son and daughter of
Adam. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 130


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat May  3 06:12:08 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 3 May 2008 09:12:08 -0400
Subject: Shared with Noah
Message-ID: <000101c8ad1f$4b447c30$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

Shared with Noah 

And God spake unto Noah, . . . saying, And I, behold, I establish my
covenant with you, and with your seed after you. Gen. 9: 8, 9. 

Wickedness was so widespread that God said, "I will destroy man whom I have
created from the face of the earth. . . . But Noah found grace in the eyes
of the Lord. . . . Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and
Noah walked with God" (Gen. 6: 7- 9). 

Noah was to preach to the people, and also to prepare an ark as God should
direct him for the saving of himself and family. He was not only to preach,
but his example in building the ark was to convince all that he believed
what he preached. 

Noah did not forget God who had so graciously preserved them, but
immediately [on coming out of the ark] erected an altar and. . . offered
burnt offerings on the altar, showing his faith in Christ the great
sacrifice, and manifesting his gratitude to God for their wonderful
preservation. The offering of Noah came up before God like a sweet savor. He
accepted the offering, and blessed Noah and his family. . . . 

And lest man should be terrified with gathering clouds, and falling rains, .
. . God graciously encourages the family of Noah by a promise. "And I will
establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more
by the waters of a flood. . . . And God said, This is the token of the
covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is
with you, for perpetual generations. I do set my bow in the cloud, and it
shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. . . . And the
bow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember
the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh
that is upon the earth" (Gen. 9: 11- 16). 

With the assurance given to Noah concerning the flood, God Himself has
linked one of the most precious promises of His grace; "As I have sworn that
the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I
would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. For the mountains shall
depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from
thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith Jehovah that
hath mercy on thee" (Isa. 54: 9, 10). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 131


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun May  4 03:03:19 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 4 May 2008 06:03:19 -0400
Subject: Renewed to Abraham
Message-ID: <000001c8adce$152873e0$3f795ba0$@org>

Renewed to Abraham 

I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in
their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to
thy seed after thee. Gen. 17: 7. 

After the Flood the people once more increased on the earth, and wickedness
also increased. . . . The Lord finally left the hardened transgressors to
follow their evil ways, while He chose Abraham, of the line of Shem, and
made him the keeper of His law for future generations. 

This same covenant [the covenant of grace] was renewed to Abraham in the
promise "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen.
22: 18). This promise pointed to Christ. So Abraham understood it, and he
trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of sins. It was this faith that was
accounted to him for righteousness. The covenant with Abraham also
maintained the authority of God's law. The Lord appeared unto Abraham, and
said, "I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect" (Gen. 17:
1). The testimony of God concerning His faithful servant was, "Abraham
obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my
laws" (Gen. 26: 5). . . . 

Though this covenant was made with Adam and renewed to Abraham, it could not
be ratified until the death of Christ. It had existed by the promise of God
since the first intimation of redemption had been given; it had been
accepted by faith; yet when ratified by Christ, it is called a new covenant.
The law of God was the basis of this covenant, which was simply an
arrangement for bringing men again into harmony with the divine will,
placing them where they could obey God's law. 

If it were not possible for human beings under the Abrahamic covenant to
keep the commandments of God, every soul of us is lost. The Abrahamic
covenant is the covenant of grace. "By grace are ye saved" (Eph. 2: 8).
Disobedient children? No, obedient to all His commandments. 

Abraham's unquestioning obedience was one of the most striking instances of
faith and reliance upon God to be found in the Sacred Record. . . . Just
such faith and confidence as Abraham had the messengers of God need today. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 132


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon May  5 04:48:03 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 5 May 2008 07:48:03 -0400
Subject: Terms of the Covenant 
Message-ID: <000301c8aea5$e0d5bd40$a28137c0$@org>

Terms of the Covenant 

If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a
peculiar treasure unto me above all people. Ex. 19: 5. 

In the beginning, God gave His law to mankind as a means of attaining
happiness and eternal life. 

The ten commandments, Thou shalt, and Thou shalt not, are ten promises,
assured to us if we render obedience to the law governing the universe. "If
ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14: 15). Here is the sum and
substance of the law of God. The terms of salvation for every son and
daughter of Adam are here outlined. . . . 

That law of ten precepts of the greatest love that can be presented to man
is the voice of God from heaven speaking to the soul in promise, "This do,
and you will not come under the dominion and control of Satan." There is not
a negative in that law, although it may appear thus. It is DO and Live. 

The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been-- just
what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first parents-- perfect
obedience to the law of God, perfect righteousness. If eternal life were
granted on any condition short of this, then the happiness of the whole
universe would be imperiled. The way would be open for sin, with all its
train of woe and misery, to be immortalized. 

Christ does not lessen the claims of the law. In unmistakable language He
presents obedience to it as the condition of eternal life-- the same
condition that was required of Adam before his fall. . . . The requirement
under the covenant of grace is just as broad as the requirement made in
Eden-- harmony with God's law, which is holy, just, and good. 

The standard of character presented in the Old Testament is the same that is
presented in the New Testament. This standard is not one to which we cannot
attain. In every command or injunction that God gives there is a promise,
the most positive, underlying the command. God has made provision that we
may become like unto Him, and He will accomplish this for all who do not
interpose a perverse will and thus frustrate His grace. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 133


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue May  6 16:50:09 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 6 May 2008 19:50:09 -0400
Subject: The Promises of Men
Message-ID: <000001c8afd3$eb634190$c229c4b0$@org>

The Promises of Men 

All the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we
will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord. Ex. 19:
8. 

Another compact [other than the Abrahamic covenant]-- called in Scripture
the "old" covenant-- was formed between God and Israel at Sinai, and was
then ratified by the blood of a sacrifice. The Abrahamic covenant was
ratified by the blood of Christ, and it is called the "second", or "new"
covenant, because the blood by which it was sealed was shed after the blood
of the first covenant. 

Soon after the encampment at Sinai, Moses was called up into the mountain to
meet with God. . . . Israel was now to be taken into a close and peculiar
relation to the Most High-- to be incorporated as a church and a nation
under the government of God. The message to Moses for the people was: ". . .
if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a
peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine. And
ye shall be unto me akingdom of priests, and an holy nation" (Ex. 19: 4- 6).


Moses returned to the camp, and having summoned the elders of Israel, he
repeated to them the divine message. Their answer was, "All that the Lord
hath spoken we will do." Thus they entered into a solemn covenant with God,
pledging themselves to accept Him as their Ruler, by which they became, in a
special sense, the subjects of His authority. 

In their bondage the people had to a great extent lost the knowledge of God
and of the principles of the Abrahamic covenant. . . . Living in the midst
of idolatry and corruption, they had no true conception of the holiness of
God, of the exceeding sinfulness of their own hearts, their utter inability,
in themselves, to render obedience to God's law, and their need of a
Saviour. . . . God brought them to Sinai; He manifested His glory; He gave
them His law, with the promise of great blessings on condition of obedience.
. . . The people did not realize . . . that without Christ it was impossible
for them to keep God's law. . . . Feeling that they were able to establish
their own righteousness, they declared, "All that the Lord hath said will we
do, and be obedient" (Ex. 24: 7). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 134


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed May  7 06:54:24 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 7 May 2008 09:54:24 -0400
Subject: Better Promises
Message-ID: <000301c8b049$de266ae0$9a7340a0$@org>

Better Promises 

He is the mediator of a better covenant which was established upon better
promises. Heb. 8: 6. 

The Israelites had been specially charged not to lose sight of the
commandments of God, in obedience to which they would find strength and
blessing. 

They had witnessed the proclamation of the law in awful majesty, and had
trembled with terror before the mount; and yet only a few weeks passed
before they broke their covenant with God, and bowed down to worship a
graven image. They could not hope for the favor of God through a covenant
which they had broken; and now, seeing their sinfulness and their need of
pardon, they were brought to feel their need of the Saviour revealed in the
Abrahamic covenant and shadowed forth in the sacrificial offerings. Now by
faith and love they were bound to God as their deliverer from the bondage of
sin. Now they were prepared to appreciate the blessings of the new covenant.


The terms of the "old covenant" were, Obey and live: "If a man do, he shall
even live in them" (Eze. 20: 11; Lev. 18: 5); but "cursed be he that
confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them" (Deut. 27: 26). The
"new covenant" was established upon "better promises"-- the promise of
forgiveness of sins and of the grace of God to renew the heart and bring it
into harmony with the principles of God's law. 

The blessings of the new covenant are grounded purely on mercy in forgiving
unrighteousness and sins. . . . All who humble their hearts, confessing
their sins, will find mercy and grace and assurance. Has God, in showing
mercy to the sinner, ceased to be just? Has He dishonored His holy law, and
will He henceforth pass over the violation of it? God is true. He changes
not. The conditions of salvation are ever the same. Life, eternal life, is
for all who will obey God's law. . . . 

Under the new covenant, the conditions by which eternal life may be gained
are the same as under the old-- perfect obedience. . . . In the new and
better covenant, Christ has fulfilled the law for the transgressors of law,
if they receive Him by faith as a personal Saviour. . . . In the better
covenant we are cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 135


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu May  8 06:48:18 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 8 May 2008 09:48:18 -0400
Subject: Written on the Heart
Message-ID: <001b01c8b112$2cab9870$8602c950$@org>

Written on the Heart 

After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts,
and write it in their hearts. . . . I will forgive their iniquity, and I
will remember their sin no more. Jer. 31: 33, 34. 

The same law that was engraved upon the tables of stone, is written by the
Holy Spirit upon the tables of the heart. Instead of going about to
establish our own righteousness we accept the righteousness of Christ. His
blood atones for our sins. His obedience is accepted for us. Then the heart
renewed by the Holy Spirit will bring forth "the fruits of the Spirit."
Through the grace of Christ we shall live in obedience to the law of God
written upon our hearts. Having the Spirit of Christ, we shall walk even as
He walked. 

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. . . . 

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. . . . If the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the
life? . . . 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. . . . 

Where there is not only a belief in God's Word, but a submission of the will
to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him,
there is faith-- faith that works by love, and purifies the soul. Through
this faith the heart is renewed in the image of God. And the heart that in
its unrenewed state is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be,
now delights in its holy precepts, exclaiming with the psalmist, "O how love
I thy law! it is my meditation all the day" (Ps. 119: 97). And the
righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, "who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8: 1). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 136


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri May  9 14:10:22 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 9 May 2008 17:10:22 -0400
Subject: The Gift of Repentance 
Message-ID: <000301c8b219$18d8b140$4a8a13c0$@org>

The Gift of Repentance 

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for
to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5: 31. 

Repentance is one of the first fruits of saving grace. Our great Teacher, in
His lessons to erring, fallen man, presents the life- giving power of His
grace, declaring that through this grace men and women may live the new life
of holiness and purity. He who lives this life works out the principles of
the kingdom of heaven. Taught of God, he leads others in straight paths. He
will not lead the lame into paths of uncertainty. The working of the Holy
Spirit in his life shows that he is a partaker of the divine nature. Every
soul thus worked by the Spirit of Christ receives so abundant a supply of
the rich grace that, beholding his good works, the unbelieving world
acknowledges that he is controlled and sustained by divine power, and is led
to glorify God. . . . 

Read and study the thirty- fourth chapter of Ezekiel. In it we are given
most precious encouragement. "I will save my flock, and they shall be no
more a prey," the Lord declares. ". . . And I will make with them a covenant
of peace. . . ." 

The most striking feature of this covenant of peace is the exceeding
richness of the pardoning mercy expressed to the sinner if he repents and
turns from his sin. The Holy Spirit describes the gospel as salvation
through the tender mercies of our God. "I will be merciful to their
unrighteousness," the Lord declares of those who repent, "and their sins and
their iniquities will I remember no more" (Heb. 8: 12). Does God turn from
justice in showing mercy to the sinner? No; God cannot dishonor His law by
suffering it to be transgressed with impunity. Under the new covenant,
perfect obedience is the condition of life. If the sinner repents and
confesses his sins, he will find pardon. By Christ's sacrifice in his
behalf, forgiveness is secured for him. Christ has satisfied the demands of
the law for every repentant, believing sinner. . . . 

The atonement that has been made for us by Christ is wholly and abundantly
satisfactory to the Father. God can be just, and yet the justifier of those
who believe. 


>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 137


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat May 10 06:03:57 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 10 May 2008 09:03:57 -0400
Subject: The Gift of Pardon
Message-ID: <000301c8b29e$4f5ed110$ee1c7330$@org>

The Gift of Pardon 

Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of
great kindness, and forsookest them not. Neh. 9: 17. 

Justice demands that sin be not merely pardoned, but the death penalty must
be executed. God, in the gift of His only- begotten Son, met both these
requirements. By dying in man's stead, Christ exhausted the penalty and
provided a pardon. 

God requires that we confess our sins, and humble our hearts before Him; but
at the same time we should have confidence in Him as a tender Father, who
will not forsake those who put their trust in Him. . . . God does not give
us up because of our sins. We may make mistakes, and grieve His Spirit; but
when we repent, and come to Him with contrite hearts, He will not turn us
away. There are hindrances to be removed. Wrong feelings have been
cherished, and there have been pride, self- sufficiency, impatience, and
murmurings. All these separate us from God. Sins must be confessed; there
must be a deeper work of grace in the heart. . . . 

We must learn in the school of Christ. Nothing but His righteousness can
entitle us to one of the blessings of the covenant of grace. . . . We look
to self, as though we had power to save ourselves; but Jesus died for us
because we are helpless to do this. In Him is our hope, our justification,
our righteousness. . . . 

Jesus is our only Saviour; and although millions who need to be healed will
reject His offered mercy, not one who trusts in His merits will be left to
perish. . . . 

You may see that you are sinful and undone; but it is just on this account
that you need a Saviour. If you have sins to confess, lose no time. These
moments are golden. "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). Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness will be filled; for
Jesus has promised it. Precious Saviour! His arms are open to receive us,
and His great heart of love is waiting to bless us. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 138


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun May 11 16:25:54 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 11 May 2008 19:25:54 -0400
Subject: Accepted by Faith
Message-ID: <001a01c8b3be$5cee0500$16ca0f00$@org>

Accepted by Faith 

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal. 3: 26. 

To talk of religion in a casual way, to pray without soul hunger and living
faith, avails nothing. A nominal faith in Christ, which accepts Him merely
as the Saviour of the world, can never bring healing to the soul. The faith
that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual assent to the truth. He
who waits for entire knowledge before he will exercise faith cannot receive
blessing from God. It is not enough to believe about Christ; we must believe
in Him. The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him as a
personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to ourselves. Many hold
faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a transaction by which those who
receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith
is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by
which the soul becomes a conquering power. 

True faith is that which receives Christ as a personal Saviour. God gave His
only- begotten Son, that I, by believing in Him, "should not perish, but
have everlasting life" (John 3: 16). When I come to Christ, according to His
word, I am to believe that I receive His saving grace. The life that I now
live, I am to "live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave
himself for me" (Gal. 2: 20). 

The apostle Paul clearly presents the relation between faith and the law
under the new covenant. He says: "Being justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." "Do we then make void the law
through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law." "For what the law
could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh"-- it could not justify
man, because in his sinful nature he could not keep the law --" God sending
his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in
the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who
walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom. 5: 1; 3: 31; 8: 3, 4).


>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 139


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon May 12 12:24:37 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 15:24:37 -0400
Subject: God's Law is its Standard
Message-ID: <003d01c8b465$d1fb19d0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

God's Law is its Standard 

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Eccl. 12: 13. 

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. This covenant, made from eternity,
was given to Abraham hundreds of years before Christ came. With what
interest and what intensity did Christ in humanity study the human race to
see if they would avail themselves of the provision offered. 

In His teachings, Christ showed how far- reaching are the principles of the
law spoken from Sinai. He made a living application of that law whose
principles remain forever the great standard of righteousness-- the standard
by which all shall be judged in that great day when the judgment shall sit,
and the books shall be opened. He came to fulfill all righteousness, and, as
the head of humanity, to show man that he can do the same work, meeting
every specification of the requirements of God. Through the measure of His
grace furnished to the human agent, not one need miss heaven. Perfection of
character is attainable by every one who strives for it. This is made the
very foundation of the new covenant of the gospel. The law of Jehovah is the
tree; the gospel is the fragrant blossoms and fruit which it bears. 

God's law is the transcript of His character. It embodies the principles of
His kingdom. He who refuses to accept these principles is placing himself
outside the channel where God's blessings flow. 

The glorious possibilities set before Israel could be realized only through
obedience to God's commandments. The same elevation of character, the same
fulness of blessing-- blessing on mind and soul and body, blessing on house
and field, blessing for this life and for the life to come-- is possible for
us only through obedience. 

Let us not lower the standard, but keep it lifted high, looking to Him who
is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 140


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue May 13 05:38:31 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 13 May 2008 08:38:31 -0400
Subject: The Pledge of Obedience
Message-ID: <000a01c8b4f6$410d3c00$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

The Pledge of Obedience 

He took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people:
and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient. Ex.
24: 7. 

The covenant that God made with His people at Sinai is to be our refuge and
defense.... This covenant is of just as much force today as it was when the
Lord made it with ancient Israel.... 

This is the pledge that God's people are to make in these last days. Their
acceptance with God depends on a faithful fulfillment of the terms of their
agreement with Him. God includes in His covenant all who will obey Him. To
all who will do justice and judgment, keeping their hand from doing any
evil, the promise is, "Even unto them will I give in mine house and within
my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will
give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off" (Isa. 56: 5). 

The Father sets His love upon His elect people who live in the midst of men.
These are the people whom Christ has redeemed by the price of His own blood;
and because they respond to the drawing of Christ, through the sovereign
mercy of God, they are elected to be saved as His obedient children. Upon
them is manifested the free grace of God, the love wherewith He hath loved
them. Everyone who will humble himself as a little child, who will receive
and obey the Word of God with a child's simplicity will be among the elect
of God. 

To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. The Lord does not propose
to perform for us either the willing or the doing. His grace is given to
work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort. 

Let the human agent compare his life with the life of Christ. ... Let him
imitate the example of Him who lived out the law of Jehovah, who said, "I
have kept my father's commandments." Those who follow Christ will be
continually looking into the perfect law of liberty, and through the grace
given them by Christ, will fashion the character according to the divine
requirements. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 141


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed May 14 03:58:45 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 14 May 2008 06:58:45 -0400
Subject: The Role of Baptism
Message-ID: <000101c8b5b1$7bcab460$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Role of Baptism 

We are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised
up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in
newness of life. Rom. 6: 4. 

Christ made baptism the entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He made this a
positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as
under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Those who
receive the ordinance of baptism thereby make a public declaration that they
have renounced the world, and have become members of the royal family,
children of the heavenly King. . . . 

Christ enjoins those who receive this ordinance to remember that they are
bound by a solemn covenant to live to the Lord. They are to use for Him all
their entrusted capabilities, never losing the realization that they bear
God's sign of obedience to the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, that they
are subjects of Christ's kingdom, partakers of the divine nature. They are
to surrender all they have and are to God, employing all their gifts to
God's glory. 

Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly
that they have accepted the invitation, "Come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor. 6: 17, 18). "Having therefore
these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness
of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (chapter 7:
1). . . . 

Let those who received the imprint of God by baptism heed these words,
remembering that upon them the Lord has placed His signature, declaring them
to be His sons and daughters. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
powers infinite and omniscient, receive those who truly enter into covenant
relation with God. They are present at every baptism, to receive the
candidates who have renounced the world and have received Christ into the
soul temple. These candidates have entered into the family of God, and their
names are inscribed in the Lamb's book of life. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 142


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu May 15 09:53:49 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 15 May 2008 12:53:49 -0400
Subject: Not a Substitute for the Law
Message-ID: <006501c8b6ac$41a56e50$c4f04af0$@org>

Not a Substitute for the Law 

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace?
God forbid. Rom. 6: 15. 

It is the sophistry of Satan that the death of Christ brought in grace to
take the place of the law. The death of Jesus did not change or annul, or
lessen in the slightest degree, the law of ten commandments. That precious
grace offered to men through a Saviour's blood, establishes the law of God.
Since the fall of man, God's moral government and His grace are inseparable.
They go hand in hand through all dispensations. 

The gospel of the New Testament is not the Old Testament standard lowered to
meet the sinner and save him in his sins. God requires of all His subjects
obedience, entire obedience to all His commandments. 

Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, that He might know how to
succor those who should be tempted. His life is our example. He shows by His
willing obedience that man may keep the law of God and that transgression of
the law, not obedience to it, brings him into bondage. . . . 

Man, who has defaced the image of God in his soul by a corrupt life, cannot,
by mere human effort, effect a radical change in himself. He must accept the
provisions of the gospel; he must be reconciled to God through obedience to
His law and faith in Jesus Christ. His life from thenceforth must be
governed by a new principle. . . . He must face the mirror, God's law,
discern the defects in his moral character, and put away his sins, washing
his robe of character in the blood of the Lamb. . . . 

The influence of a gospel hope will not lead the sinner to look upon the
salvation of Christ as a matter of free grace, while he continues to live in
transgression of the law of God. When the light of truth dawns upon his mind
and he fully understands the requirements of God and realizes the extent of
his transgressions, he will reform his ways, become loyal to God through the
strength obtained from His Saviour, and lead a new and purer life. 

It is not the work of the gospel to weaken the claims of God's holy law, but
to bring men up where they can keep its precepts. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 143


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri May 16 08:43:42 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 16 May 2008 11:43:42 -0400
Subject: Includes Love to God and Man 
Message-ID: <000e01c8b76b$9f51c8e0$ddf55aa0$@org>

Includes Love to God and Man 

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. . . . And . . . thou shalt
love thy neighbour as thyself. Matt. 22: 37- 39. 

The whole work of grace is one continual service of love, of self- denying,
self- sacrificing effort. During every hour of Christ's sojourn upon the
earth, the love of God was flowing from Him in irrepressible streams. All
who are imbued with His Spirit will love as He loved. The very principle
that actuated Christ will actuate them in all their dealing one with
another. 

This love is the evidence of their discipleship. . . . When men are bound
together, not by force or self- interest, but by love, they show the working
of an influence that is above every human influence. Where this oneness
exists, it is evidence that the image of God is being restored in humanity,
that a new principle of life has been implanted. It shows that there is
power in the divine nature to withstand the supernatural agencies of evil,
and that the grace of God subdues the selfishness inherent in the natural
heart. 

When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously. The
completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and
bless others springs constantly from within-- when the sunshine of heaven
fills the heart and is revealed in the countenance. 

It is not possible for the heart in which Christ abides to be destitute of
love. If we love God because He first loved us, we shall love all for whom
Christ died. We cannot come in touch with divinity without coming in touch
with humanity; for in Him who sits upon the throne of the universe, divinity
and humanity are combined. Connected with Christ, we are connected with our
fellow men by the golden links of the chain of love. Then the pity and
compassion of Christ will be manifest in our life. . . . It will be as
natural for us to minister to the needy and suffering as it was for Christ
to go about doing good. 

The law of God requires that man shall love God supremely, and his neighbor
as himself. When through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, this is
perfectly done, we shall be complete in Christ. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 144


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat May 17 06:08:34 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 09:08:34 -0400
Subject: Involves Character Building
Message-ID: <001201c8b81f$1d511850$57f348f0$@org>

Involves Character Building 

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. 

Obedience to the laws of God develops in man a beautiful character that is
in harmony with all that is pure and holy and undefiled. In the life of such
a man the message of the gospel of Christ is made clear. Accepting the mercy
of Christ and His healing from the power of sin, he is brought into right
relation with God. His life, cleansed from vanity and selfishness, is filled
with the love of God. His daily obedience to the law of God obtains for him
a character that assures him eternal life in the kingdom of God. 

But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character
is an easy matter. A noble, all- round character is not inherited. It does
not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort
through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of
the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with
self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies.
We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable
trait to remain uncorrected. 

The truth is no truth to the one who does not reveal, by his elevated
spiritual character, a power beyond that which the world can give, and
influence corresponding in its sacred, peculiar character to the truth
itself. He who is sanctified by the truth will exert a saving, vital
influence upon all with whom he comes in contact. This is Bible religion. 

We need constantly a fresh revelation of Christ, a daily experience that
harmonizes with His teachings. High and holy attainments are within our
reach. Continual progress in knowledge and virtue is God's purpose for us.
His law is the echo of His own voice, giving to all the invitation, "Come up
higher. Be holy, holier still." Every day we may advance in perfection of
Christian character. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 145


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun May 18 18:44:31 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 21:44:31 -0400
Subject: Demands Purity 
Message-ID: <000601c8b951$e2cb4140$a861c3c0$@org>

Demands Purity 

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 1 Thess. 4:
7. 

Life is a gift of God. Our bodies have been given us to use in God's
service, and He desires that we shall care for and appreciate them. We are
possessed of physical as well as mental faculties. Our impulses and passions
have their seat in the body, and therefore we must do nothing that would
defile this entrusted possession. Our bodies must be kept in the best
possible condition physically, and under the most spiritual influences, in
order that we may make the best use of our talents. Read 1 Cor. 6: 13. 

Our bodies belong to God. He paid the price of redemption for the body as
well as the soul. . . . God is the great caretaker of the human machinery.
In the care of our bodies we must cooperate with Him. Love for God is
essential for life and health. In order to have perfect health our hearts
must be filled with hope, and love, and joy. 

The lower passions are to be strictly guarded. The perceptive faculties are
abused, terribly abused, when the passions are allowed to run riot. When the
passions are indulged, the blood, instead of circulating to all parts of the
body, thereby relieving the heart and clearing the mind, is called in undue
amount to the internal organs. Disease comes as the result. The man cannot
be healthy until the evil is seen and remedied. 

"He that is joined unto the Lord"-- bound up with Christ in the covenant of
grace--" is one spirit. Flee fornication" (1 Cor. 6: 17,18). Do not stop for
one moment to reason. Satan would rejoice to see you overthrown by
temptation. Do not stop to argue the case with your weak conscience. Turn
away from the first step of transgression. 

Would that the example of Joseph might be followed by all who claim to be
wise, who feel competent in their own strength to discharge the duties of
life. A wise man will not be governed and controlled by his appetites and
passions, but will control and govern them. He will draw nigh to God,
striving to prepare mind and body to discharge aright the duties of life. .
. . Satan is the destroyer; Christ the restorer. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 146


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon May 19 06:46:24 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 09:46:24 -0400
Subject: Encourages Christlikeness
Message-ID: <000c01c8b9b6$bb2994b0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Encourages Christlikeness 

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he
walked. 1 John 2: 6. 

The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living
force to change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall
be witnesses to its power. . . . He would have His servants bear testimony
to the fact that through His grace men may possess Christlikeness of
character, and may rejoice in the assurance of His great love. He would have
us bear testimony to the fact that He cannot be satisfied until the human
race are reclaimed and reinstated in their holy privileges as His sons and
daughters. 

God's people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him fully,
wholeheartedly, taking no honor to themselves, and remembering that by a
most solemn covenant they have bound themselves to serve the Lord and Him
only. 

God requires perfection of His children. His law is a transcript of His own
character, and it is the standard of all character. This infinite standard
is presented to all that there may be no mistake in regard to the kind of
people whom God will have to compose His kingdom. The life of Christ on
earth was a perfect expression of God's law, and when those who claim to be
children of God become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to
God's commandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of the number who
shall compose the family of heaven. Clothed in the glorious apparel of
Christ's righteousness, they have a place at the King's feast. They have a
right to join the blood- washed throng. 

Everything must be viewed in the light of the example of Christ. He is the
truth. He is the true Light that lighteth every man who cometh into the
world. Listen to His words, copy His example in self- denial and self-
sacrifice, and look to the merits of Christ for the glory in character which
He possesses to be bestowed on you. Those who follow Christ live not to
please themselves. Human standards are like feeble reeds. The Lord's
standard is perfection of character. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 147


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue May 20 05:11:34 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 20 May 2008 08:11:34 -0400
Subject: With All the Heart
Message-ID: <000901c8ba72$a6187d40$f24977c0$@org>

With All the Heart 

This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and
judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and
with all thy soul. Deut. 26: 16. 

In God's covenant with His people in ancient times, directions were given
for the faithful recognition of the gracious and marvelous works which He
had done for them. God delivered His people Israel from bondage in Egypt. He
brought them into their own land, and gave them goodly heritage and sure
dwelling places. And He asked of them a recognition of His marvelous works.
The first fruits of the earth were to be consecrated to God, and given back
to Him as an offering of gratitude, an acknowledgment of His goodness to
them. . . . 

These directions, which the Lord has given to His people, express the
principles of the law of the kingdom of God, and they are made specific, so
that the minds of the people may not be left in ignorance and uncertainty.
These scriptures present the never- ceasing obligation of all whom God has
blessed with life and health and advantages in temporal and spiritual
things. The message has not grown weak because of age. God's claims are just
as binding now, just as fresh in their importance, as God's gifts are fresh
and continual. 

Lest any should forget these important directions, Christ has repeated them
with His own voice. He calls His followers to a life of consecration and
self- denial. He says: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16: 24). This means what it
says. Only by self- denial and self- sacrifice can we show that we are true
disciples of Christ. 

Christ counted it essential to remind His people that obedience to the
commandments of God is for their present and future good. Obedience brings a
blessing, disobedience a curse. Besides, when the Lord in a special manner
favors His people, He exhorts them publicly to acknowledge His goodness. In
this way His name will be glorified; for such an acknowledgment is a
testimony that His words are faithful and true. "Thou shalt rejoice in every
good thing which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee" (Deut. 26: 11).

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 148


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed May 21 06:03:16 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 21 May 2008 09:03:16 -0400
Subject: The Message of the First Advent 
Message-ID: <000301c8bb43$0a520710$1ef61530$@org>

The Message of the First Advent 

     Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent
ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1: 14, 15.   

     As Jesus traveled through Galilee, teaching and healing, multitudes
flocked to Him from the cities and villages. Many came even from Judea and
the adjoining provinces. Often He was obliged to hide Himself from the
people. The enthusiasm ran so high that it was necessary to take precautions
lest the Roman authorities should be aroused to fear an insurrection. Never
before had there been such a period as this for the world. Heaven was
brought down to men. Hungering and thirsting souls that had waited long for
the redemption of Israel now feasted upon the grace of a merciful Saviour. .
. .   

     The gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the
prophecies. The "time" which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made
known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. . . . "Know therefore and understand,
that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build
Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore
and two weeks" (Dan. 9: 25), sixty- nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-
three years. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by
the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6: 14; 7: 1, 9, margin), went
into effect in the autumn of 457 B. C. From this time four hundred and
eighty- three years extend to the autumn of A. D. 27. According to the
prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.
D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and
soon afterward began His ministry. Then the message was proclaimed, "The
time is fulfilled." . . .   

     The time of Christ's coming, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His
death, and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles, were definitely pointed
out. . . . "The Spirit of Christ which was in them" "testified beforehand
the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow" (1 Peter 1: 11).
. . . As the message of Christ's first advent announced the kingdom of His
grace, so the message of His second advent announces the kingdom of His
glory. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 13


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu May 22 05:41:42 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 22 May 2008 08:41:42 -0400
Subject: A Mutual Pact 
Message-ID: <000001c8bc09$3076aab0$91640010$@org>

A Mutual Pact 

You have recognized the Lord this day as your God; you are to conform to his
ways, to keep his statutes, his commandments, and his laws, and to obey him.
The Lord has recognized you this day as his special possession, as he
promised you, and to keep his commandments. Deut. 26: 17, 18, N. E. B. 

There must be no withholding on our part, of our service or our means, if we
would fulfill our covenant with God. . . . The purpose of all God's
commandments is to reveal man's duty not only to God, but to his fellow man.
In this late age of the world's history, we are not, because of the
selfishness of our hearts, to question or dispute the right of God to make
these requirements, or we will deceive ourselves, and rob our souls of the
richest blessings of the grace of God. Heart and mind and soul are to be
merged in the will of God. Then the covenant, framed from the dictates of
infinite wisdom, and made binding by the power and authority of the King of
kings and Lord of lords, will be our pleasure. . . . It is enough that He
has said that obedience to His statutes and laws is the life and prosperity
of His people. 

The blessings of God's covenant are mutual. . . . God accepts those who will
work for His name's glory, to make His name a praise in a world of apostasy
and idolatry. He will be exalted by His commandment- keeping people that He
may make them "high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in
name, and in honour" (Deut. 26: 19). 

By our baptismal pledge we avouched and solemnly confessed the Lord Jehovah
as our Ruler. We virtually took a solemn oath, in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, that henceforth our lives would be
merged into the life of these three great agencies, that the life we should
live in the flesh would be lived in faithful obedience to God's sacred law.
We declared ourselves dead, and our life hid with Christ in God, that
henceforth we should walk with Him in newness of life, as men and women
having experienced the new birth. We acknowledge God's covenant with us, and
pledge ourselves to seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth
on the right hand of God. By our profession of faith we acknowledged the
Lord as our God, and yielded ourselves to obey His commandments. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 150


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri May 23 11:01:27 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 14:01:27 -0400
Subject: Blessings of the Covenant 
Message-ID: <001601c8bcff$076ac7e0$300aa8c0@thompsondm90>

Blessings of the Covenant 

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken
together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the
same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:
38. 

God blesses the work of men's hands, that they may return to Him His
portion. He gives them the sunshine and the rain; He causes vegetation to
flourish; He gives health and ability to acquire means. Every blessing comes
from His bountiful hand, and He desires men and women to show their
gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes and offerings-- in thank
offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings. . . . They are to
reveal an unselfish interest in the building up of His work in all parts of
the world. 

In the great work of warning the world, those who have the truth in the
heart, and are sanctified through the truth, will act their assigned part.
They will be faithful in the payment of tithes and offerings. Every church
member is bound by covenant relation with God to deny himself of every
extravagant outlay of means. Let not the want of economy in the home life
render us unable to act our part in strengthening the work already
established, and in entering new territory. . . .

I entreat my brethren and sisters throughout the world to awaken to the
responsibility that rests upon them to pay a faithful tithe. . . . Keep a
faithful account with your Creator. . . . 

He who gave his only- begotten Son to die for you, has made a covenant with
you. He gives you His blessings, and in return He requires you to bring Him
your tithes and offerings. . . . God calls upon His human agents to be true
to the contract He has made with them. "Bring ye all the tithes into the
storehouse," He says, "that there may be meat in mine house" (Mal. 3: 10). 

How great was the gift of God to man, and how like our God to make it! With
a liberality that can never be exceeded He gave, that He might save the
rebellious sons of men and bring them to see His purpose and discern His
love. Will you, by your gifts and offerings, show that you think nothing too
good for Him who "gave his only begotten Son"? 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 151


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat May 24 07:38:45 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 24 May 2008 10:38:45 -0400
Subject: Ratified by Christ's Blood
Message-ID: <000101c8bdab$df9af1b0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Ratified by Christ's Blood 

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew forth the
Lord's death till come. 1 Cor. 11: 26. 

In instituting the sacramental service to take the place of the Passover,
Christ left for His church a memorial of His great sacrifice for man. "This
do," He said, "in remembrance of me." This was the point of transition
between two economies and their two great festivals. The one was to close
forever; the other, which He had just established, was to take its place,
and to continue through all time as the memorial of His death. . . . 

In this last act of Christ in partaking with His disciples of the bread and
wine, He pledged Himself to them as their Redeemer by a new covenant, in
which it was written and sealed that upon all who will receive Christ by
faith will be bestowed all the blessings that heaven can supply, both in
this life and in the future immortal life. This covenant deed was to be
ratified by Christ's own blood, which it had been the office of the old
sacrificial offerings to keep before the minds of His chosen people. Christ
designed that this supper should be often commemorated in order to bring to
our remembrance His sacrifice in giving His life for the remission of the
sins of all who will believe on Him and receive Him. 

In the Saviour's death the powers of darkness seemed to prevail, and they
exulted in their victory. But from the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Jesus came
forth a conqueror. 

Jesus refused to receive the homage of His people until He had the assurance
that His sacrifice was accepted by the Father. He ascended to the Heavenly
courts, and from God Himself heard the assurance that His atonement for the
sins of men had been ample, that through His blood all might gain eternal
life. The Father ratified the covenant made with Christ, that He would
receive repentant and obedient men, and would love them even as He loves His
Son. Christ was to complete His work, and fulfill His pledge to "make a man
more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir"
(Isa. 13: 12). 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 152


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun May 25 14:40:23 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 17:40:23 -0400
Subject: Sealed by Christ's Atonement
Message-ID: <000101c8beaf$f0965f40$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Sealed by Christ's Atonement 

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace. Eph. 1: 7. 

Christ on the cross not only draws men to repentance toward God for the
transgression of His law-- for whom God pardons He first makes penitent--
but Christ has satisfied Justice; He has proffered Himself as an atonement.
His gushing blood, His broken body, satisfy the claims of the broken law,
and thus He bridges the gulf which sin has made. He suffered in the flesh,
that with His bruised and broken body He might cover the defenseless sinner.
The victory gained at His death on Calvary broke forever the accusing power
of Satan over the universe and silenced his charges that self- denial was
impossible with God and therefore not essential in the human family. 

Christ was without sin, else His life in human flesh and His death on the
cross would have been of no more value in procuring grace for the sinner
than the death of any other man. While He took upon Him humanity, it was a
life taken into union with Deity. He could lay down His life as priest and
also victim. . . . He offered Himself without spot to God. 

The atonement of Christ sealed forever the everlasting covenant of grace. It
was the fulfilling of every condition upon which God suspended the free
communication of grace to the human family. Every barrier was then broken
down which intercepted the freest exercise of grace, mercy, peace, and love
to the most guilty of Adam's race. 

In the courts above, Christ is pleading for His church--- pleading for those
for whom He has paid the redemption price of His blood. Centuries, ages, can
never lessen the efficacy of His atoning sacrifice. Neither life nor death,
height nor depth, can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ
Jesus; not because we hold Him so firmly, but because He holds us so fast.
If our salvation depended on our own efforts, we could not be saved; but it
depends on the One who is behind all the promises. Our grasp on Him may seem
feeble, but His love is that of an elder brother; so long as we maintain our
union with Him, no one can pluck us out of His hand. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 153


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon May 26 05:31:39 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 26 May 2008 08:31:39 -0400
Subject: Christ the Mediator
Message-ID: <002201c8bf2c$75a03900$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Christ the Mediator 

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are
the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us. Heb. 9: 24. 

The sin of Adam and Eve caused a fearful separation between God and man. And
Christ steps in between fallen man and God, and says to man: "You may yet
come to the Father; there is a plan devised through which God can be
reconciled to man, and man to God; through a mediator you can approach God."
And now He stands to mediate for you. He is the great High Priest who is
pleading in your behalf; and you are to come and present your case to the
Father through Jesus Christ. Thus you can find access to God. 

Christ Jesus is represented as continually standing at the altar,
momentarily offering up the sacrifice for the sins of the world. He is a
minister of the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not man. The
typical shadows of the Jewish tabernacle no longer possess any virtue. A
daily and yearly typical atonement is no longer to be made, but the atoning
sacrifice through a mediator is essential because of the constant commission
of sin. Jesus is officiating in the presence of God, offering up His shed
blood, as it had been a lamb slain. . . . 

The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of
sin, ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary: but
passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that
unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. . . . All
incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of
the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own
merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into
this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and
with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the
merits of Christ's propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and
entirely acceptable. . . . 

O, that all may see that everything in obedience, in penitence, in praise
and thanksgiving must be placed upon the glowing fire of the righteousness
of Christ. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 154


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue May 27 20:00:08 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 27 May 2008 23:00:08 -0400
Subject: The Blood of the Covenant
Message-ID: <000301c8c06e$f09a2ab0$d1ce8010$@org>

The Blood of the Covenant 

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that
great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
make you perfect in every good work to do his will. Heb. 13: 20, 21. 

To many it has been a mystery why so many sacrificial offerings were
required in the old dispensation, why so many bleeding victims were led to
the altar. But the great truth that was kept before men, and imprinted upon
mind and heart, was this, "Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Heb.
9: 22). In every bleeding sacrifice was typified "the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29). 

Christ Himself was the originator of the Jewish system of worship, in which,
by types and symbols, were shadowed forth spiritual and heavenly things.
Many forgot the true significance of these offerings; and the great truth
that through Christ alone there is forgiveness of sin, was lost to them. The
multiplying of sacrificial offerings, the blood of bulls and goats, could
not take away sin. . . . 

A lesson was embodied in every sacrifice, impressed in every ceremony,
solemnly preached by the priest in his holy office, and inculcated by God
Himself-- that through the blood of Christ alone is there forgiveness of
sins. 

Anciently believers were saved by the same Saviour as now, but it was a God
veiled. They saw God's mercy in figures. . . . Christ's sacrifice is the
glorious fulfillment of the whole Jewish economy. . . . When as a sinless
offering Christ bowed His head and died, when by the Almighty's unseen hand
the veil of the temple was rent in twain, a new and living way was opened.
All can now approach God through the merits of Christ. It is because the
veil has been rent that men can draw nigh to God. They need not depend on
priest or ceremonial sacrifice. Liberty is given to all to go directly to
God through a personal Saviour. 

The whole mind, the whole soul, the whole heart, and the whole strength are
purchased by the blood of the Son of God. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 155


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed May 28 12:46:42 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 15:46:42 -0400
Subject: The Covenant and the Sabbath
Message-ID: <000101c8c0fb$8e1e8bf0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

The Covenant and the Sabbath 

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the
sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign
between me and the children of Israel for ever. Ex. 31: 16, 17. 

When the Lord delivered His people Israel from Egypt and committed to them
His law, He taught them that by the observance of the Sabbath they were to
be distinguished from idolaters. . . . 

As the Sabbath was the sign that distinguished Israel when they came out of
Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan, so it is the sign that now distinguishes
God's people as they come out from the world to enter the heavenly rest. The
Sabbath is a sign of a relationship existing between God and His people, a
sign that they honor His law. It distinguishes between His loyal subjects
and transgressors. . . . The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God
as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that
created all things is the power that recreates the soul in His own likeness.
To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification.
True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It
is received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of
His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the
heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified
through obedience. 

To us as to Israel the Sabbath is given "for a perpetual covenant." To those
who reverence His holy day the Sabbath is a sign that God recognizes them as
His chosen people. It is a pledge that He will fulfill to them His covenant.
Every soul who accepts the sign of God's government places himself under the
divine, everlasting covenant. He fastens himself to the golden chain of
obedience, every link of which is a promise. 

The fourth commandment alone of all the ten contains the seal of the great
Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Those who obey this
commandment take upon themselves His name, and all the blessings it involves
are theirs. 

The Sabbath has lost none of its meaning. It is still a sign between God and
His people, and it will be so forever. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 156


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu May 29 14:56:44 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 17:56:44 -0400
Subject: God's Eternal Pledge
Message-ID: <000101c8c1d6$e2d4ad10$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

God's Eternal Pledge 

He hath remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a
thousand generations. Ps. 105: 8. 

God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your
hands, say: "I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, 'Ask, and
it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you' (Matt. 7: 7)." . . . 

The rainbow about the throne is an assurance that God is true; that in Him
is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. We have sinned against Him
and are undeserving of His favor; yet He Himself has put into our lips that
most wonderful of pleas: "Do not abhor us, for thy name's sake, do not
disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember, break not thy covenant with us"
(Jer. 14: 21). He has pledged Himself to give heed to our cry when we come
to Him confessing our unworthiness and sin. The honor of His throne is
staked for the fulfillment of His word to us. 

To everyone who offers himself to the Lord for service, withholding nothing,
is given power for the attainment of measureless results. The Lord God is
bound by an eternal pledge to supply power and grace to everyone who is
sanctified through obedience to the truth. 

Nehemiah pressed into the presence of the King of kings and won to his side
a power that can turn hearts as rivers of waters are turned. [See Nehemiah 1
and 2.] 

To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the command
of the Christian under circumstances when other forms of prayer may be
impossible. Toilers in the busy walks of life, crowded and almost
overwhelmed with perplexity, can send up a petition to God for divine
guidance. . . . In times of sudden difficulty or peril the heart may send up
its cry for help to One who has pledged Himself to come to the aid of His
faithful, believing ones whenever they call upon Him. In every circumstance,
under every condition, the soul weighed down with grief and care, or
fiercely assailed by temptation, may find assurance, support, and succor in
the unfailing love and power of a covenant- keeping God. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 157


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri May 30 05:04:51 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 08:04:51 -0400
Subject: Perpetual and Unalterable 
Message-ID: <000601c8c24d$5e524760$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Perpetual and Unalterable 

Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a perpetual covenant that
shall not be forgotten. Jer. 50: 5. 

A covenant is an agreement by which parties bind themselves and each other
to the fulfillment of certain conditions. Thus the human agent enters into
agreement with God to comply with the conditions specified in His Word. His
conduct shows whether or not he respects these conditions. 

Man gains everything by obeying the covenant- keeping God. God's attributes
are imparted to man, enabling him to exercise mercy and compassion. God's
covenant assures us of His unchangeable character. . . . We must know for
ourselves what His requirements and our obligations are. The terms of God's
covenant are, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with
all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy
neighbour as thyself." These are the conditions of life. "This do," Christ
said, "and thou shalt live" (Luke 10: 27, 28). 

The law of God was written with His own finger on tables of stone, thus
showing that it could never be changed or abrogated. It is to be preserved
through the eternal ages, immutable as the principles of His government. . .
. Christ gave His life to make it possible for man to be restored to the
image of God. It is the power of His grace that draws men together in
obedience to the truth. 

My brethren, bind up with the Lord God of hosts. Let Him be your fear, and
let Him be your dread. . . . Troublous times are before us, but if we stand
together in Christian fellowship, none striving for supremacy, God will work
mightily for us. . . . 

He knows our every necessity. He has all power. He can bestow upon His
servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. His infinite
love and compassion never weary. With the majesty of omnipotence He unites
the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. We need have no fear that He
will not fulfill His promises. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the
covenant that He has made with those that love Him. His promises to His
church stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellence, a joy of
many generations. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 158


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat May 31 05:25:28 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 31 May 2008 08:25:28 -0400
Subject: The Symbol of the Covenant
Message-ID: <008b01c8c319$6a65bbf0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Symbol of the Covenant 

And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and
you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I
do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant
between me and the earth. Gen. 9: 12, 13. 

What compassion for erring man, to place the beautiful, variegated rainbow
in the clouds, a token of the covenant of the great God with man! . . . It
was His design that as the children of after generations should see the bow
in the cloud, . . . their parents could explain to them the destruction of
the old world by a flood, because the people gave themselves up to all
manner of wickedness, and that the hands of the Most High had bended the
bow, and placed it in the clouds, as a token that He would never bring again
a flood of waters on the earth. This symbol in the clouds was to confirm the
belief of all, and establish their confidence in God, for it was a token of
divine mercy and goodness to man. . . . 

A rainbow is represented in Heaven round about the throne, also above the
head of Christ, as a symbol of God's mercy encompassing the earth. When man
by his great wickedness provokes the wrath of God, Christ, man's
intercessor, pleads for him, and points to the rainbow in the cloud, as
evidence of God's great mercy and compassion for erring man. 

Angels rejoice as they gaze upon this precious token of God's love to man.
The world's Redeemer looks upon it; for it was through His instrumentality
that this bow was made to appear in the heavens, as a token or covenant of
promise to man. God Himself looks upon the bow in the clouds, and remembers
His everlasting covenant between Himself and man. . . . As we gaze upon the
beautiful sight, we may be joyful in God, assured that He Himself is looking
upon this token of His covenant, and that as He looks upon it He remembers
the children of earth, to whom it was given. Their afflictions, perils, and
trials are not hidden from Him. We may rejoice in hope, for the bow of God's
covenant is over us. He never will forget the children of His care. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 159


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jun  1 05:59:35 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 08:59:35 -0400
Subject: Matchless Condescension
Message-ID: <000101c8c3e7$588df860$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Matchless Condescension 

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also
himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy
him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Heb. 2: 14. 

Satan accomplished the fall of man, and since that time it has been his work
to efface in man the image of God, and to stamp upon human hearts his own
image. . . . He intercepts every ray of light that comes from God to man,
and appropriates the worship that is due to God. . . . 

But the only begotten Son of God has looked upon the scene, has beheld human
suffering and misery. . . . He looked upon the schemes by which Satan works
to blot from the human soul every trace of likeness to God; how he led them
into intemperance so as to destroy the moral powers which God gave to man as
a most precious, priceless endowment. He saw how, through indulgence in
appetite, brain power was destroyed, and the temple of God was in ruins. . .
. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of man, were worked by
supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the grossest, vilest lust. The
very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men, and human
faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were
possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked.
What a horrible spectacle for the eyes of infinite purity to behold! . . . 

The great condescension on the part of God is a mystery beyond our
fathoming. The greatness of the plan cannot be fully comprehended, nor could
infinite wisdom devise a plan that would surpass it. It could be successful
only by . . . Christ becoming man, and suffering the wrath which sin has
made because of the transgression of God's law. Through this plan the great,
the dreadful God can be just, and yet be the justifier of all who believe in
Jesus, and who receive Him as their personal Saviour. This is the heavenly
science of redemption, of saving men from eternal ruin. . . . 

God so loved the world that He gave Himself in Christ to the world to bear
the penalty of man's transgression. God suffered with His Son, as the divine
Being alone could suffer, in order that the world might become reconciled to
Him.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 161


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jun  2 14:18:48 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 17:18:48 -0400
Subject: Matchless Condescension
Message-ID: <000501c8c4f6$40113e90$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Matchless Condescension 

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also
himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy
him that had the power of death, that is, the devil. Heb. 2: 14. 

Satan accomplished the fall of man, and since that time it has been his work
to efface in man the image of God, and to stamp upon human hearts his own
image. . . . He intercepts every ray of light that comes from God to man,
and appropriates the worship that is due to God. . . . 

But the only begotten Son of God has looked upon the scene, has beheld human
suffering and misery. . . . He looked upon the schemes by which Satan works
to blot from the human soul every trace of likeness to God; how he led them
into intemperance so as to destroy the moral powers which God gave to man as
a most precious, priceless endowment. He saw how, through indulgence in
appetite, brain power was destroyed, and the temple of God was in ruins. . .
. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of man, were worked by
supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the grossest, vilest lust. The
very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men, and human
faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were
possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked.
What a horrible spectacle for the eyes of infinite purity to behold! . . . 

The great condescension on the part of God is a mystery beyond our
fathoming. The greatness of the plan cannot be fully comprehended, nor could
infinite wisdom devise a plan that would surpass it. It could be successful
only by . . . Christ becoming man, and suffering the wrath which sin has
made because of the transgression of God's law. Through this plan the great,
the dreadful God can be just, and yet be the justifier of all who believe in
Jesus, and who receive Him as their personal Saviour. This is the heavenly
science of redemption, of saving men from eternal ruin. . . . 

God so loved the world that He gave Himself in Christ to the world to bear
the penalty of man's transgression. God suffered with His Son, as the divine
Being alone could suffer, in order that the world might become reconciled to
Him.

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 161


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jun  3 08:06:19 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 11:06:19 -0400
Subject: Incomparable Temptations 
Message-ID: <000001c8c58b$60f69d40$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Incomparable Temptations 

The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. John 14: 30. { AG
162.1} From the moment that Christ entered the world, the whole confederacy
of Satanic agencies was set at work to deceive and overthrow Him as Adam had
been deceived and overthrown. . . . 

When Christ was born in Bethlehem, the angels of God appeared to the
shepherds, who were watching their flocks by night, and gave divine
credentials of the authority of the newborn babe. Satan knew that One had
come to the earth with a divine commission to dispute his authority. He
heard the angel declare: ". . . Unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. . ." (Luke 2: 10, 11). 

The heavenly heralds aroused all the wrath of the synagogue of Satan. He
followed the steps of those who had charge of the infant Jesus. He heard the
prophecy of Simeon in the temple courts. . . . "Lord, now lettest thou thy
servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy
salvation, . . ." (Luke 2: 29- 32). 

Satan was filled with frenzy as he saw that the aged Simeon recognized the
divinity of Christ 

The Commander of heaven was assailed by the tempter. . . . From the time
that He was a helpless babe in Bethlehem, when the agencies of hell sought
to destroy Him in His infancy through the jealousy of Herod, until He came
to Calvary's cross, He was continually assailed by the evil one. In the
councils of Satan it was determined that He must be overcome. No human being
had come into the world and escaped the power of the deceiver. The whole
forces of the confederacy of evil were set upon His track. . . . Satan knew
that he must either conquer or himself be conquered. Success or failure
involved too much for him to leave the work with any one of his agents of
evil. The prince of evil himself must personally conduct the warfare. . . . 

The life of Christ was a perpetual warfare against Satanic agencies. Satan
rallied the whole energies of apostasy against the Son of God. 

On not one occasion was there a response to his manifold temptations. Not
once did Christ step on Satan's ground, to give him any advantage. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 162


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jun  4 13:06:16 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 16:06:16 -0400
Subject: Unutterable Loneliness
Message-ID: <000101c8c67e$72f22570$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Unutterable Loneliness 

I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with
me. Isa. 63: 3. 

Through childhood, youth, and manhood, Jesus walked alone. In His purity and
His faithfulness, He trod the winepress alone, and of the people there was
none with Him. He carried the awful weight of responsibility for the
salvation of men. He knew that unless there was a decided change in the
principles and purposes of the human race, all would be lost. This was the
burden of His soul, and none could appreciate the weight that rested upon
Him. 

Throughout His life His mother and His brothers did not comprehend His
mission. Even His disciples did not understand Him. He had dwelt in eternal
light, as one with God, but His life on earth must be spent in solitude. As
one with us, He must bear the burden of our guilt and woe. The Sinless One
must feel the shame of sin. The peace lover must dwell with strife, the
truth must abide with falsehood, purity with vileness. Every sin, every
discord, every defiling lust that transgression had brought, was torture to
His spirit. 

Alone He must tread the path; alone He must bear the burden. Upon Him who
had laid off His glory and accepted the weakness of humanity the redemption
of the world must rest. He saw and felt it all, but His purpose remained
steadfast. Upon His arm depended the salvation of the fallen race, and He
reached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent 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. . . . 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. . . . 

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 [Matt. 26: 6- 13]
would be expressed, the anointing would be freely bestowed. . . . 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 God's Amazing Grace - Page 163


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jun  5 07:44:07 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 10:44:07 -0400
Subject: Unequaled Test
Message-ID: <000101c8c71a$9c30f370$0202fea9@thompsondm90>

Unequaled Test 

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of
our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin. Heb. 4: 15. 

After His baptism, the Son of God entered the dreary wilderness, there to be
tempted by the devil. . . . For forty days He ate and drank nothing. . . .
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. . . . 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. . . . 

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. 

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. What amazing love has
Christ manifested in coming into the world to bear our sins and infirmities,
and to tread the path of suffering, that He might show us by His life of
spotless merit how we should walk, and overcome as He had overcome. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 164


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jun  6 07:03:15 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2008 10:03:15 -0400
Subject: Infinite Suffering
Message-ID: <000401c8c7de$124a5e70$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Infinite Suffering 

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour
them that are tempted. Heb. 2: 18. 

Would that we could comprehend the significance of the words, Christ
"suffered being tempted." While He was free from the taint of sin, the
refined sensibilities of His holy nature rendered contact with evil
unspeakably painful to Him. Yet with human nature upon Him, He met the
archapostate face to face, and single- handed withstood the foe of His
throne. Not even by a thought could Christ be brought to yield to the power
of temptation. 

What a sight was this for Heaven to look upon! Christ, who knew not the
least taint of sin or defilement, took our nature in its deteriorated
condition. This was humiliation greater than finite man can comprehend. God
was manifest in the flesh. He humbled Himself. What a subject for thought,
for deep, earnest contemplation! So infinitely great that He was the Majesty
of heaven, and yet He stooped so low, without losing one atom of His dignity
and glory! He stooped to poverty and to the deepest abasement among men. For
our sake He became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. 

The world had lost the original pattern of goodness and had sunk into
universal apostasy and moral corruption; and the life of Jesus was one of
laborious, self- denying effort to bring man back to his first estate by
imbuing him with the spirit of divine benevolence and unselfish love. While
in the world, He was not of the world. It was a continual pain to Him to be
brought in contact with the enmity, depravity, and impurity which Satan had
brought in; but He had a work to do to bring man into harmony with the
divine plan, and earth in connection with heaven, and He counted no
sacrifice too great for the accomplishment of the object. He "was in all
points tempted like as we are" (Heb. 4: 15). Satan stood ready to assail Him
at every step, hurling at Him his fiercest temptations; yet He "did no sin,
neither was guile found in His mouth" (1 Peter 2: 22). "He . . .suffered
being tempted," suffered in proportion to the perfection of His holiness.
But the prince of darkness found nothing in Him; not a single thought or
feeling responded to temptation. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 165


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jun  7 12:26:00 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2008 15:26:00 -0400
Subject: Agonizing Prayer
Message-ID: <000101c8c8d4$51cd4c50$0202fea9@thompsondm90>

Agonizing Prayer 

Who in the days of his flesh ... offered up prayers and supplications with
strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death. Heb.
5: 7. 

While you pray, dear youth, that you may not be led into temptation,
remember that your work does not end with the prayer. You must then answer
your own prayer as far as possible by resisting temptation, and leave that
which you cannot do for yourselves for Jesus to do for you. . . . 

I would remind the youth who ornament their persons . . . that, because of
their sins, the Saviour's head wore the shameful crown of thorns. When you
devote precious time to trimming your apparel, remember that the King of
glory wore a plain, seamless coat. You who weary yourselves in decorating
your persons, please bear in mind that Jesus was often weary from incessant
toil and self- denial and self- sacrifice to bless the suffering and needy.
He spent whole nights in prayer upon the lonely mountains, not because of
His weakness and His necessities, but because He saw, He felt, the weakness
of your natures to resist the temptations of the enemy upon the very points
where you are now overcome. He knew that you would be indifferent in regard
to your dangers and would not feel your need of prayer. It was on our
account that He poured out His prayers to His Father with strong cries and
tears. It was to save us from the very pride and love of vanity and pleasure
which we now indulge, and which crowds out the love of Jesus, that those
tears were shed. . . . 

Will you, young friends, arise and shake off this dreadful indifference and
stupor which has conformed you to the world? Will you heed the voice of
warning which tells you that destruction lies in the path of those who are
at ease in this hour of danger? 


Many of our youth, by their careless disregard of the warnings and reproofs
given them, open the door wide for Satan to enter. With God's word for our
guide and Jesus as our heavenly Teacher we need not be ignorant of His
requirements or of Satan's devices. . . . It will be no unpleasant task to
be obedient to the will of God when we yield ourselves fully to be directed
by His Spirit. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 166


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jun  8 11:49:04 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2008 14:49:04 -0400
Subject: Gethsemane's Anguish
Message-ID: <000601c8c998$53a7d8a0$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Gethsemane's Anguish 

O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not
as I will, but as thou will. Matt. 26: 39. 

In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ suffered in man's stead, and the human
nature of the Son of God staggered under the terrible horror of the guilt of
sin, until from His pale and quivering lips was forced the agonizing cry, "O
my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." . . . Human nature
would then and there have died under the horror of the sense of sin, had not
an angel from heaven strengthened Him to bear the agony. . . . Christ was
suffering the death that was pronounced upon the transgressors of God's law.


It is a fearful thing for the unrepenting sinner to fall into the hands of
the living God. This is proved by the history of the destruction of the old
world by a flood, by the record of the fire which fell from heaven and
destroyed the inhabitants of Sodom. But never was this proved to so great an
extent as in the agony of Christ, the Son of the infinite God, when he bore
the wrath of God for a sinful world. It was in consequence of sin, the
transgression of God's law, that the Garden of Gethsemane has become pre-
eminently the place of suffering to a sinful world. No sorrow, no agony, can
measure with that which was endured by the Son of God. 

Man has not been made a sin- bearer, and he will never know the horror of
the curse of sin which the Saviour bore. No sorrow can bear any comparison
with the sorrow of Him upon whom the wrath of God fell with overwhelming
force. Human nature can endure but a limited amount of test and trial. The
finite can only endure the finite measure, and human nature succumbs; but
the nature of Christ had a greater capacity for suffering. . . . The agony
which Christ endured, broadens, deepens, and gives a more extended
conception of the character of sin, and the character of the retribution
which God will bring upon those who continue in sin. The wages of sin is
death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ to the
repenting, believing sinner. 

The sword of justice was unsheathed, and the wrath of God against iniquity
rested upon man's substitute, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father.

>From God's Amazing Grace, p. 167


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jun  9 08:39:02 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 9 Jun 2008 11:39:02 -0400
Subject: Gethsemane's Anguish
Message-ID: <004801c8ca46$f31091d0$d931b570$@org>

Gethsemane's Anguish 

O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not
as I will, but as thou will. Matt. 26: 39. 

In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ suffered in man's stead, and the human
nature of the Son of God staggered under the terrible horror of the guilt of
sin, until from His pale and quivering lips was forced the agonizing cry, "O
my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." . . . Human nature
would then and there have died under the horror of the sense of sin, had not
an angel from heaven strengthened Him to bear the agony. . . . Christ was
suffering the death that was pronounced upon the transgressors of God's law.


It is a fearful thing for the unrepenting sinner to fall into the hands of
the living God. This is proved by the history of the destruction of the old
world by a flood, by the record of the fire which fell from heaven and
destroyed the inhabitants of Sodom. But never was this proved to so great an
extent as in the agony of Christ, the Son of the infinite God, when he bore
the wrath of God for a sinful world. It was in consequence of sin, the
transgression of God's law, that the Garden of Gethsemane has become pre-
eminently the place of suffering to a sinful world. No sorrow, no agony, can
measure with that which was endured by the Son of God. 

Man has not been made a sin- bearer, and he will never know the horror of
the curse of sin which the Saviour bore. No sorrow can bear any comparison
with the sorrow of Him upon whom the wrath of God fell with overwhelming
force. Human nature can endure but a limited amount of test and trial. The
finite can only endure the finite measure, and human nature succumbs; but
the nature of Christ had a greater capacity for suffering. . . . The agony
which Christ endured, broadens, deepens, and gives a more extended
conception of the character of sin, and the character of the retribution
which God will bring upon those who continue in sin. The wages of sin is
death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ to the
repenting, believing sinner. 

The sword of justice was unsheathed, and the wrath of God against iniquity
rested upon man's substitute, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father.


>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 168


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jun 10 07:44:17 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:44:17 -0400
Subject: The Father's Frown
Message-ID: <001601c8cb08$76baa720$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

The Father's Frown 

This is your hour, and the power of darkness. Luke 22: 53. 

As the Son of God bowed in the attitude of prayer in the Garden of
Gethsemane, the agony of His spirit forced from His pores sweat like great
drops of blood. It was here that the horror of great darkness surrounded
Him. The sins of the world were upon Him. He was suffering in man's stead as
a transgressor of His Father's law. Here was the scene of temptation. The
divine light of God was receding from His vision, and He was passing into
the hands of the powers of darkness. In His soul anguish He lay prostrate on
the cold earth. He was realizing His Father's frown. He had taken the cup of
suffering from the lips of guilty man, and proposed to drink it Himself, and
in its place give to man the cup of blessing. The wrath that would have
fallen upon man was now falling upon Christ. It was here that the mysterious
cup trembled in His hand. 

Jesus had often resorted to Gethsemane with His disciples for meditation and
prayer. . . . Never before had the Saviour visited the spot with a heart so
full of sorrow. It was not bodily suffering from which the Son of God
shrank. . . . The sins of a lost world were upon Him and overwhelming Him.
It was a sense of His Father's frown, in consequence of sin, which rent His
heart with such piercing agony and forced from His brow great drops of
blood. . . . 

We can have but faint conceptions of the inexpressible anguish of God's dear
Son in Gethsemane, as He realized His separation from His Father in
consequence of bearing man's sin. He became sin for the fallen race. The
sense of the withdrawal of His Father's love pressed from His anguished soul
these mournful words: "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death"
(Matt. 26: 38). . . . 

The divine Son of God was fainting, dying. The Father sent a messenger from
His presence to strengthen the divine Sufferer and brace Him to tread the
bloodstained path. Could mortals have viewed the amazement and the sorrow of
the angelic host as they watched in silent grief the Father separating His
beams of light, love, and glory from the beloved Son of His bosom, they
would better understand how offensive sin is in His sight. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 169


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jun 11 06:43:15 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 11 Jun 2008 09:43:15 -0400
Subject: Forsaken by His Father
Message-ID: <000101c8cbc9$1a02b830$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Forsaken by His Father 

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matt. 27: 46. 

He [Jesus] was betrayed by a kiss into the hands of His enemies, and hurried
to the judgment hall of an earthly court. . . . The angelic host beheld with
wonder and with grief Him who had been the Majesty of heaven, and who had
worn the crown of glory, now wearing the crown of thorns, a bleeding victim
to the rage of an infuriated mob, fired to insane madness by the wrath of
Satan. Behold the patient Sufferer! Upon His head is the thorny crown. His
lifeblood flows from every lacerated vein. . . . 

Behold the oppressor and the oppressed! A vast multitude enclose the Saviour
of the world. Mockings and jeerings are mingled with the coarse oaths of
blasphemy. . . . Christ, the precious Son of God, was led forth, and the
cross was laid upon His shoulders. . . . Thronged by an immense crowd of
bitter enemies and unfeeling spectators, He is led away to the crucifixion.
. . . He is nailed to the cross, and hangs suspended between the heavens and
the earth. . . . The glorious Redeemer of a lost world was suffering the
penalty of man's transgression of the Father's law. He was about to ransom
His people with His own blood. . . . 

Oh, was there ever suffering and sorrow like that endured by the dying
Saviour! It was the sense of His Father's displeasure which made His cup so
bitter. It was not bodily suffering which so quickly ended the life of
Christ upon the cross. It was the crushing weight of the sins of the world,
and a sense of His Father's wrath. . . . The fierce temptation that His own
Father had forever left Him caused that piercing cry from the cross: "My
God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" 

In His dying agony, as He yields up His precious life, He has by faith alone
to trust in Him whom it has ever been His joy to obey. . . . Denied even
bright hope and confidence in the triumph which will be His in the future,
He cries with a loud voice: "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit"
(Luke 23: 46). He is acquainted with the character of His Father, with His
justice, His mercy, and His great love, and in submission He drops into His
hands. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 170


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jun 12 15:21:37 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 12 Jun 2008 18:21:37 -0400
Subject: The Sins of the World
Message-ID: <001101c8ccda$af524380$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

The Sins of the World 

He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are
healed. Isa. 53: 5. 

Some have limited views of the atonement. They think that Christ suffered
only a small portion of the penalty of the law of God; they suppose that,
while the wrath of God was felt by His dear Son, He had, through all His
painful sufferings, the evidence of His Father's love and acceptance; that
the portals of the tomb before Him were illuminated with bright hope, and
that He had the abiding evidence of His future glory. Here is a great
mistake. Christ's keenest anguish was a sense of His Father's displeasure.
His mental agony because of this was of such intensity that man can have but
faint conception of it. 

With many the story of the condescension, humiliation, and sacrifice of our
divine Lord awakens no deeper interest . . . than does the history of the
death of the martyrs of Jesus. Many have suffered death by slow tortures;
others have suffered death by crucifixion. In what does the death of God's
dear Son differ from these? . . . If the sufferings of Christ consisted in
physical pain alone, then His death was no more painful than that of some of
the martyrs. But bodily pain was but a small part of the agony of God's dear
Son. The sins of the world were upon Him, also the sense of His Father's
wrath as He suffered the penalty of the law transgressed. It was these that
crushed His divine soul. . . . The separation that sin makes between God and
man was fully realized and keenly felt by the innocent, suffering Man of
Calvary. He was oppressed by the powers of darkness. He had not one ray of
light to brighten the future. . . . It was in this terrible hour of
darkness, the face of His Father hidden, legions of evil angels enshrouding
Him, the sins of the world upon Him, that the words were wrenched from His
lips: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" . . . 

In comparison with the enterprise of everlasting life, every other sinks
into insignificance. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 171


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jun 13 06:34:27 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:34:27 -0400
Subject: What a Price
Message-ID: <000401c8cd5a$33f73990$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

What a Price 

Ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and
gold, ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
blemish and without spot. 1 Peter 1: 18, 19. 

"Ye know," says Peter, "that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,
as silver and gold." Oh, had these been sufficient to purchase the salvation
of man, how easily it might have been accomplished by Him who says: "The
silver is mine, and the gold is mine" (Haggai 2: 8). But the transgressor of
God's holy law could be redeemed only by the precious blood of the Son of
God. 

It was through infinite sacrifice and inexpressible suffering that our
Redeemer placed redemption within our reach. He was in this world unhonored
and unknown, that, through His wonderful condescension and humiliation, He
might exalt man to receive eternal honors and immortal joys in the heavenly
courts. During His thirty years of life on earth His heart was wrung with
inconceivable anguish. The path from the manger to Calvary was shadowed by
grief and sorrow. He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,
enduring 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). Hating sin with a perfect hatred, He yet gathered to His soul the
sins of the whole world. Guiltless, He bore the punishment of the guilty.
Innocent, yet offering Himself as a substitute for the transgressor. The
guilt of every sin pressed its weight upon the divine soul of the world's
Redeemer. The evil thoughts, the evil words, the evil deeds of every son and
daughter of Adam, called for retribution upon Himself; for He had become
man's substitute. Though the guilt of sin was not His, His spirit was torn
and bruised by the transgressions of men, and He who knew no sin became sin
for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 

What a price has been paid for us! Behold the cross, and the Victim uplifted
upon it. Look at those hands, pierced with the cruel nails. Look at His
feet, fastened with spikes to the tree. Christ bore our sins in His own
body. That suffering, that agony, is the price of your redemption. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 172


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jun 14 05:34:40 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:34:40 -0400
Subject: The Worth of One Soul 
Message-ID: <000b01c8ce1b$0478e5d0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Worth of One Soul 

Know ye not that . . . ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price.
1 Cor. 6: 19, 20. 

All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pouring the whole
treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God
has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human
being. Whether believers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord's property. 

We are His by creation and by redemption. Our very bodies are not our own,
to treat as we please, to cripple by habits that lead to decay, making it
impossible to render to God perfect service. Our lives and all our faculties
belong to Him. He is caring for us every moment; He keeps the living
machinery in action; if we were left to run it for one moment, we should
die. We are absolutely dependent upon God. 

A great lesson is to be learned when we understand our relation to God, and
His relation to us. The words, "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with
a price," should be hung in memory's hall, that we may ever recognize God's
right to our talents, our property, our influence, our individual selves. We
are to learn how to treat this gift of God, in mind, in soul, in body, that
as Christ's purchased possession, we may do Him healthful, savory service. 

The wealth of earth dwindles into insignificance when compared with the
worth of a single soul for whom our Lord and Master died. He who weigheth
the hills in scales and the mountains in a balance regards a human soul as
of infinite value. 

Let the youth be impressed with the thought that they are not their own.
They belong to Christ. They are the purchase of His blood, the claim of His
love. They live because He keeps them by His power. Their time, their
strength, their capabilities are His, to be developed, to be trained, to be
used for Him. 

Christ has bought you at a dear price, and offers you grace and glory if you
will receive it. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 173


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jun 15 09:50:55 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2008 12:50:55 -0400
Subject: The Sacrifice of Love 
Message-ID: <000d01c8cf07$fb766460$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Sacrifice of Love 

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: 2.


This is the oblation of a life- gift in our behalf, that we may be all that
He desires us to be-- representatives of Him, expressing the fragrance of
His character, His own pure thoughts, His divine attributes as manifested in
His sanctified human life, in order that others may behold Him in His human
form, and . . . be led to desire to be like Christ-- pure, undefiled, wholly
acceptable to God, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. 

How earnestly Christ prosecuted the work of our salvation! What devotion His
life revealed as He sought to give value to fallen man by imputing to every
repenting, believing sinner the merits of His spotless righteousness! How
untiringly He worked! In the Temple and in the synagogue, in the streets of
the cities, in the market place, in the workshop, by the seaside, among the
hills, He preached the gospel and healed the sick. He gave all there was of
Himself, that He might work out the plan of redeeming grace. 

Christ offered up His broken body to purchase back God's heritage, to give
man another trial. "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: 25). 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. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 174


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jun 16 08:04:23 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:04:23 -0400
Subject: Heaven Itself Imperiled
Message-ID: <001301c8cfc2$44484090$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Heaven Itself Imperiled 

I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden
wedge of Ophir. Isa. 13: 12. 

The value of a soul, who can estimate? Would you know its worth, go to
Gethsemane, and there watch with Christ through those hours of anguish, when
He sweat as it were great drops of blood. Look upon the Saviour uplifted on
the cross. Hear that despairing cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me?" (Mark 15: 34). Look upon the wounded head, the pierced side, the marred
feet. Remember that Christ risked all. For our redemption, heaven itself was
imperiled. At the foot of the cross, remembering that for one sinner Christ
would have laid down His life, you may estimate the value of a soul. 

If you are in communion with Christ you will place His estimate upon every
human being. You will feel for others the same deep love that Christ has
felt for you. Then you will be able to win, not drive, to attract, not
repulse, those for whom He died. . . . The greater their sin and the deeper
their misery, the more earnest and tender will be your efforts for their
recovery. You will discern the need of those who are suffering, who have
been sinning against God, and who are oppressed with a burden of guilt. Your
heart will go out in sympathy for them, and you will reach out to them a
helping hand. 

Christ and Him crucified should become the theme of our thoughts and stir
the deepest emotions of our souls. . . . It is through the cross alone that
we can estimate the worth of the human soul. Such is the value of men for
whom Christ died that the Father is satisfied with the infinite price which
He pays for the salvation of man in yielding up His own Son to die for their
redemption. What wisdom, mercy, and love in its fullness are here
manifested! The worth of man is known only by going to Calvary. In the
mystery of the cross of Christ we can place an estimate upon man. 

How glorious are the possibilities set before the fallen race! Through His
Son, God has revealed the excellency to which man is capable of attaining.
Through the merits of Christ man is lifted from his depraved state,
purified, and made more precious than the golden wedge of Ophir. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 175


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jun 17 08:23:39 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:23:39 -0400
Subject: God's Measurement of My Character
Message-ID: <000101c8d08e$20ce17d0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

God's Measurement of My Character 

     For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with
some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Cor. 10:12.  

     Many measure themselves among themselves, and compare their lives with
the lives of others. This should not be. No one but Christ is given us as an
example. He is our true pattern, and each should strive to excel in
imitating Him. . . .  

     To be a Christian is not merely to take the name of Christ, but to have
the mind of Christ, to submit to the will of God in all things. Many who
profess to be Christians have yet to learn this great lesson. Many know
little of what it is to deny self for Christ's sake. They do not study how
they can best glorify God and advance His cause. But it is self, self, how
can it be gratified? Such religion is worthless. In the day of God those who
possess it will be weighed in the balance and found wanting.  


     What men may say, what their opinion of us may be, amounts to very
little. The question that concerns us is, What is God's measurement of my
character? . . . He who sustains another man in a wrong course of action is
not on God's side, but on the enemy's. "So did not I," Nehemiah says,
"because of the fear of God" (Neh. 5:15). Every soul is to gird himself for
the spiritual conflict before us. The world's plans, the world's customs,
the world's conniving, are not for us. We are to say, "So did not I, because
of the fear of God." Selfishness, dishonesty, craftiness, are trying to
intrude into hearts. Let us not give them room.  

     Nehemiah kept his eye single to the glory of God. . . . By the
stability of his course of action he gave evidence that he was a brave
Christian. His conscience was cleansed, refined, and ennobled by obedience
to God. He refused to depart from Christian principles.  

     Upon all who believe in Christ is laid the obligation of walking worthy
of the vocation wherewith they are called, to reveal the character of
Christ. The cross will honor every Christian who honors it.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 174


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jun 18 11:46:16 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:46:16 -0400
Subject: Holiness a Companion of Humility
Message-ID: <000901c8d173$97c31d50$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Holiness a Companion of Humility 

     Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you
be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth
the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5.  

     How many cling with tenacious grasp to their self-termed dignity, which
is only self-esteem. These seek to honor themselves instead of waiting in
humbleness of heart for Christ to honor them. In conversation more time is
spent in talking of self than in exalting the riches of the grace of Christ.
. . .  

     True holiness and humility are inseparable. The nearer the soul comes
to God, the more completely is it humbled and subdued. When Job heard the
voice of the Lord out of the whirlwind, he exclaimed, "I abhor myself, and
repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:6). It was when Isaiah saw the glory of
the Lord and heard the cherubim crying, "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of
hosts," that he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone" (Isa. 6:3, 5).
Daniel, when visited by the holy messenger, says, "My comeliness was turned
in me into corruption" (Dan. 10:8). Paul, after he was caught up into the
third heaven and heard things that it was not lawful for a man to utter,
speaks of himself as "less than the least of all saints" (Eph. 3:8). It was
the beloved John, who leaned on Jesus' breast and beheld His glory, who fell
as one dead before the angel. The more closely and continuously we behold
our Saviour, the less shall we see to approve in ourselves.  

     He who catches a glimpse of the matchless love of Christ counts all
other things as loss, and looks upon Him as the chiefest among ten thousand
and as the one altogether lovely. As seraphim and cherubim look upon Christ,
they cover their faces with their wings. Their own perfection and beauty are
not displayed in the presence and glory of their Lord. Then how improper it
is for men to exalt themselves! Let them rather be clothed with humility,
cease all strife for supremacy, and learn what it means to be meek and lowly
of heart. He who contemplates God's glory and infinite love, will have
humble views of himself, but by beholding the character of God, he will be
changed into His divine image. 

>From That I May Know Him - Page 175


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jun 19 09:26:05 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:26:05 -0400
Subject: Why Be Lifted Up?
Message-ID: <000101c8d229$2cdb49c0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Why Be Lifted Up? 

     Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his
own things, but every man also on the things of others. Phil. 2:3, 4.  

     There is nothing which will weaken the strength of a church like pride
and passion. . . . Christ has given us an example of love and humility and
has enjoined upon His followers to love one another as He has loved us. We
must in lowliness of mind esteem others better than ourselves. We must be
severe upon our own defects of character, be quick to discern our own errors
and mistakes, and make less of the faults of others than of our own. We must
feel a special interest in looking upon the things of others--not to covet
them, not to find fault with them, not to remark upon them and present them
in a false light, but to do strict justice in all things to our brethren and
all with whom we have any dealings. A spirit to work plans for our own
selfish interest so as to grasp a little gain, or to labor to show a
superiority or rivalry, is an offense to God. The spirit of Christ will lead
His followers to be concerned not only for their success and advantage, but
to be equally interested for the success and advantage of their brethren.
This will be loving our neighbor as ourselves. . . .  

     Jesus alone is to be exalted. Whatever may be the ability or the
success of any one of us, it is not because we have manufactured these
powers ourselves; they are the sacred trust given us of God, to be wisely
employed in His service to His glory. All is the Lord's entrusted capital.
Why, then, should we be lifted up? Why should we call attention to our own
defective selves? What we do possess in talent and wisdom is received from
the Source of wisdom, that we may glorify God. . . .  

     Pride of talent, pride of intellect, cannot exist in hearts that are
hid with Christ in God. . . . Then let us humble ourselves, and adore Jesus,
but never, never, exalt self in the least degree. . . . If the motive of all
our life is to serve and honor Christ and bless humanity in the world, then
the dreariest path of duty will become a bright way-- a path cast up for the
ransomed of the Lord to walk in.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 176


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jun 20 06:09:53 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:09:53 -0400
Subject: "Take Heed Unto Thyself"
Message-ID: <002301c8d2d6$ee5e7060$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

"Take Heed Unto Thyself"

     Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Tim.
4:16.  

     Some seem to think that there is a certain amount of virtue in
expressing their dissatisfaction in whatever is being done by others. . . .


     There was Judas; Christ permitted him to be a member of the church,
notwithstanding his covetous, avaricious character. He had some traits that
might have been used to the glory of God, but he did not try to overcome the
defects in his character. Christ bore with him long and patiently. . . . He
had the same lessons set before him that were given to the other apostles,
which would have set him right had he made a right use of them, but he did
not sustain a right relation to Heaven. Christ knew his true condition, and
gave him an opportunity. He connected John with the church, not because John
was above human frailties, but that He might bind him to His great heart of
love. If John overcame his defects of character, he would stand as a light
to the church. Peter, if he corrected his faults, would inherit the promises
of God. And Jesus said to him, after His resurrection, notwithstanding that
he had but a few days before denied Him, "Feed my sheep," and "Feed my
lambs" (John 21:16, 15). He could trust Peter now, for he had obtained an
experience in the things of God. . . .  

     John was constantly learning to copy the life of Jesus. He was learning
in Christ's school. . . . Lesson after lesson Christ gave to His disciples,
that they might know the will of the Father and shine as lights in the
world. John and Peter were men whom God could trust, but Judas was not. They
had received and heeded the lessons and gained the victory, but Judas had
failed at every trial. He saw his faults, but instead of correcting them
revenged himself by picking flaws in others around him. . . . Paul says to
Timothy, "Take heed unto thyself"; that is, seek God first for thyself. Let
us individually turn our attention to ourselves, diligently guard our own
souls, and set a Christlike example before those whom we would criticise.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 177


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jun 21 13:50:07 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:50:07 -0400
Subject: Revealing Christ in Character
Message-ID: <000d01c8d3e0$640e1a40$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Revealing Christ in Character 

     In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine
shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be
condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no
evil thing to say of you. Titus 2:7, 8.  

     Let not anyone be afraid of going to extremes while he is a close
student of the Word, humbling the soul at every step. Christ must dwell in
him by faith. He, their Exemplar, was self-possessed. He walked in humility.
He had true dignity. He had patience. If we individually possess these
traits. . . there will be no extremists.  

     Christ never erred in His judgment of men and of truth. He was never
deceived by appearances. He never raised a question but what was clearly
appropriate. He never gave an answer but what was fitting and right to the
point. He silenced the voice of the cavilling, shrewd, and cunning priests
by penetrating through the surface and reaching the heart, flashing light
into their consciences, which annoyed them; but they would not yield to
conviction. Christ never went to extremes, never lost self-control or the
balance of mind under any excitement. He never violated the law of good
taste and discernment when to speak and when to keep silent. Then if all who
claim to see the precious golden rays of the light of the Sun of
Righteousness will follow the example of Christ there will be no extremists.
. . .  

     Let calmness and self-possession be cultivated and perseveringly
maintained, for this was the character of Christ. . . . We hear no noisy
protestations of faith, nor do we see tremendous bodily contortions and
exercises in the Author of all truth.  

     Remember, in Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. If
Christ is abiding in our hearts by faith, we shall, by beholding the manner
of His life, seek to be like Jesus--pure, peaceable, and undefiled. We shall
reveal Christ in our character. We will not only receive and absorb light
but will also diffuse it. We will have more clear and distinct views of what
Jesus is to us. The symmetry, loveliness, and benevolence that were in the
life of Jesus Christ will be shining forth in our lives.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 178


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jun 22 08:38:17 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 22 Jun 2008 11:38:17 -0400
Subject: Tares Among the Wheat 
Message-ID: <001b01c8d47d$fea732b0$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Tares Among the Wheat 

     Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I
will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them
in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matt. 13:30.  

     In this world we shall become hopelessly perplexed (as the devil wants
us to be) if we keep looking upon those things that are perplexing, for by
dwelling upon them, and talking of them, we become discouraged. . . . We may
create an unreal world in our own mind or picture an ideal church, where the
temptations of Satan no longer prompt to evil, but perfection exists only in
our imagination. The world is a fallen world, and the church is a place
represented by a field in which grow tares and wheat. They are to grow
together until the harvest. It is not our place to uproot the tares,
according to human wisdom, lest under the suggestions of Satan the wheat may
be rooted up under the supposition that it is tares. The wisdom that is from
above will come to him who is meek and lowly in heart, and that wisdom will
not lead him to destroy, but to build up the people of God. . . .  

     None need to err, none need to lose the golden moments of time in their
short life history through seeking to weigh the imperfections of professed
Christians. Not one of us has time to do this. If we know what is the manner
of character Christians should develop, and yet see in others that which is
inconsistent with this character, let us determine that we will firmly
resist the enemy in his temptations to make us act in an inconsistent way,
and say, "I will not make Christ ashamed of me. I will more earnestly study
the character of Christ in whom there was no imperfection, no selfishness,
no spot, no stain of evil, who lived not to please and glorify Himself, but
to glorify God and save fallen humanity. I will not copy the defective
characters of these inconsistent Christians; the mistakes that they have
made shall not lead me to be like them. I will turn to the precious Saviour,
that I may be like Him, follow the instruction of the Word of God, which
says, 'Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus'" (Phil.
2:5).  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 179


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jun 23 07:32:41 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:32:41 -0400
Subject: As We Are Forgiven
Message-ID: <000001c8d53d$ff2ade60$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

As We Are Forgiven

     And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matt. 6:12.  

     It is most difficult, even for those who claim to be followers of
Jesus, to forgive as Christ forgives us. The true spirit of forgiveness is
so little practiced, and so many interpretations are placed upon Christ's
requirement, that its force and beauty are lost sight of. We have very
uncertain views of the great mercy and loving-kindness of God. He is full of
compassion and forgiveness, and freely pardons when we truly repent and
confess our sins. . . .  

     Peter, when brought to the test, sinned greatly. In denying the Master
he had loved and served, he became a cowardly apostate. But his Lord did not
cast him off; He freely forgave him. . . . Henceforth, remembering his own
weakness and failures, he would be patient with his brethren in their
mistakes and errors. Remembering the patient love of Christ toward him,
affording him another opportunity to bring forth the fruit of good works, he
would be more conciliatory toward erring ones. . . .  

     The Lord requires of us the same treatment toward His followers that we
receive of Him. We are to exercise patience, to be kind even though they do
not meet our expectations in every particular. . . . The last six
commandments specify man's duty to man. Christ did not say, You may tolerate
your neighbor, but, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." . . .  

     The love of Jesus needs to be brought to bear upon our lives. It will
have a softening, subduing influence upon our hearts and characters. It will
prompt us to forgive our brethren even though they have done us injury.
Divine love must flow from our hearts in gentle words and kindly actions to
one another. The fruit of these good works will hang as rich clusters upon
the vine of character. . . .  

     Rejoicing in Christ as your Saviour, pitiful, compassionate, and
touched with the feeling of your infirmities, love and joy will be revealed
in your daily life. If you love Him who died to redeem mankind you will love
those for whom He died.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 180


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jun 24 10:36:50 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:36:50 -0400
Subject: How to Settle Your Troubles
Message-ID: <000101c8d620$e3130070$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

How to Settle Your Troubles 

     Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him
his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast
gained thy brother. Matt. 8:15.  

     We should carefully consider what is our relation to God and to one
another. We are continually sinning against God, but His mercy still follows
us; in love He bears with our perversities, our neglect, our ingratitude,
our disobedience. He never becomes impatient with us. We insult His mercy,
grieve His Holy Spirit, and do Him dishonor before men and angels, and yet
His compassions fail not. The thought of God's long-suffering to us should
make us forbearing to one another. How patiently should we bear with the
faults and errors of our brethren when we remember how great are our own
failings in the sight of God. How can we pray to our heavenly Father,
"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matt. 6:12) if we are . .
. exacting in our treatment of others? . . .  

     If you think your brother has injured you, go to him in kindness and
love, and you may come to an understanding and to reconciliation. . . . If
you succeed in settling the trouble you have gained your brother without
exposing his frailties, and the settlement between you has been the covering
of a multitude of sins from the observation of others. . . .  

     It takes special watchfulness to keep the affections alive and our
hearts in a condition where we shall be sensible of the good that exists in
the hearts of others. If we do not watch on this point, Satan will put his
jealousy into our souls; he will put his glasses before our eyes, that we
may see the actions of our brethren in a distorted light. Instead of looking
critically upon our brethren we should turn our eyes within, and be ready to
discover the objectionable traits of our own character. As we have a proper
realization of our own mistakes and failures, the mistakes of others will
sink into insignificance.  

     Satan is an accuser of the brethren. He is on the watch for every
error, no matter how small, that he may have something on which to found an
accusation. Keep off from Satan's side.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 181


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jun 25 06:37:38 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:37:38 -0400
Subject: Look for the Good
Message-ID: <000101c8d6c8$a3158940$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

Look for the Good 

     Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are
honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever
things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Phil. 4:8.  

     We are a part of the great web of humanity. We become changed into the
image of that upon which we dwell. Then how important to open our hearts to
the things that are true and lovely and of good report. Let into the heart
the light of the Sun of Righteousness. Do not cherish one root of
bitterness.  

     Christ was infinite in wisdom and yet He thought best to accept Judas,
although He knew what were his imperfections of character. John was not
perfect; Peter denied his Lord; and yet it was of men like these that the
early Christian church was organized. Jesus accepted them that they might
learn of Him what constitutes a perfect Christian character. The business of
every Christian is to study the character of Christ. . . .  

     Judas alone did not respond to divine enlightenment. . . . He braced
his soul to resist the influence of the truth; and while he practiced
criticising and condemning others, he neglected his own soul, and cherished
and strengthened his natural evil traits of character until he became so
hardened that he could sell his Lord for thirty pieces of silver.  

     O let us encourage our souls to look to Jesus! . . .  

     It is not an uncommon thing to see imperfection in those who carry on
God's work. . . . Would it not be more pleasing to God to take an impartial
outlook, and see how many souls are serving God and glorifying and honoring
Him with their talents of means and intellect? Would it not be better to
consider the wonderful, miracle-working power of God in the transformation
of poor degraded sinners. . .? The most unfavorable matters . . . should not
cause us to feel perplexed and discouraged. Everything that causes us to see
the weakness of humanity is in the Lord's purpose to help us to look to Him,
and in no case put our trust in man, or make flesh our arm.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 182


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jun 26 06:00:42 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:42 -0400
Subject: Sheep and Wolves
Message-ID: <000701c8d78c$a44e0930$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

Sheep and Wolves 

     But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do
good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you,
and persecute you. Matt: 5:44.  

     In these last days, when iniquity shall abound and the love of many
shall wax cold, God will have a people to glorify His name, and stand as
reprovers of unrighteousness. They are to be a "peculiar people," who will
be true to the law of God when the world shall seek to make void its
precepts, and when the converting power of God works through His servants,
the hosts of darkness will array themselves in bitter and determined
opposition. . . .  

     Satan is at enmity with the truth, and he will instigate against its
advocates every manner of warfare.  

     We must have our lives so hid with Christ in God that when bitter
speeches and scornful words and unkind looks meet us, we shall not permit
our feelings to be stirred up against this class, but shall feel the deepest
sympathy for them, because they know nothing about the precious Saviour whom
we claim to know. We must remember that they are in the service of one who
is the bitterest enemy of Jesus Christ, and that while all heaven is opened
to the sons and daughters of God, they have no such privilege. You ought to
feel that you are the happiest people upon the face of the whole earth.
Notwithstanding, as Christ's representatives, you are as sheep in the midst
of wolves, you have One with you who can help you under all circumstances,
and you will not be devoured by these wolves if you keep close to Jesus. How
careful you should be to represent Jesus in every word and action! You
should feel when you arise in the morning, and when you go out upon the
street, and when you come in, that Jesus loves you, that He is by your side,
and that you must not cherish a thought that will grieve your Saviour. . . .


     The evil angels may be all around you to press their darkness upon you,
but the will of God is greater than their power. And if you do not in word
or action, or in any way, make Christ ashamed of you, the sweet blessing and
peace of God will be in your heart every day you live.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 183


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jun 27 05:53:07 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:53:07 -0400
Subject: A Time to Close the Mind 
Message-ID: <000701c8d854$bfd3f250$0301a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Time to Close the Mind 

     Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his
brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the
law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
James 4:11.  

     If Satan can employ professed believers to act as accusers of the
brethren, he is greatly pleased, for those who do this are just as truly
serving him as was Judas when he betrayed Christ, although they may be doing
it ignorantly. . . .  

     Floating rumors are frequently the destroyers of unity among brethren.
There are some who watch with open mind and ears to catch flying scandal.
They gather up little incidents which may be trifling in themselves, but
which are repeated and exaggerated until a man is made an offender for a
word. Their motto seems to be, "Report, and we will report it."  

     These talebearers are doing the devil's work with surprising fidelity,
little knowing how offensive their course is to God. If they would spend
half the energy and zeal that is given to this unholy work in examining
their own hearts, they would find so much to do to cleanse their souls from
impurity that they would have no time or disposition to criticize their
brethren, and they would not fall under the power of this temptation.  

     The door of the mind should be closed against, "they say" or "I have
heard." Why should we not, instead of allowing jealousy or evil surmising to
come into our hearts, go to our brethren, and, after frankly but kindly
setting before them the things we have heard detrimental to their character
and influence, pray with and for them? . . .  

     Let us diligently cultivate the pure principles of the gospel of
Christ, the religion, not of self-esteem, but of love, meekness, and
lowliness of heart. Then we shall love our brethren and esteem them better
than ourselves. Our minds will not dwell on the dark side of their
character; we shall not feast on scandal and flying reports. But
"whatsoever things are ...of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise," we shall "think on these things" (Phil. 4:8). 

>From That I May Know Him - Page 184


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jun 28 05:32:06 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:32:06 -0400
Subject: Fragrant With Heaven's Blessing
Message-ID: <000101c8d91a$fecb69e0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Fragrant With Heaven's Blessing 

     Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out
of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have
bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the
truth. James 3:13, 14.  

     What is lying against the truth? It is claiming to believe the truth
while the spirit, the words, the deportment, represent not Christ but Satan.
To surmise evil, to be impatient and unforgiving, is lying against the
truth, but love, patience, and long forbearance are in accordance with the
principles of truth. Truth is ever pure, ever kind, breathing a heavenly
fragrance unmingled with selfishness. . . .  

     To be unkind, to denounce others, to give expression to harsh, severe
judgments, to entertain evil thoughts, is not the result of that wisdom
which is from above. . . . The language of the Christian must be mild and
circumspect, for his holy faith requires him to represent Christ to the
world. All those who abide in Christ will manifest the kind, forgiving
courtesy that characterized His life. Their works will be works of piety,
equity, and purity. They will have the meekness of wisdom, and will exercise
the gift of the grace of Jesus.  

     "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, . . . and be ye thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col. 3:15, 16). This was Christ's
practice. He was often assailed by temptation, but in place of yielding or
being provoked, He sang God's praises. With spiritual songs He stopped the
fluent speech of those whom Satan was using to create strife. . . .  


     When those who love God are tempted, let them sing the praises of their
Creator rather than speak words of accusing or faultfinding. The Lord will
bless those who thus try to make peace. Trust in God. Be careful not to give
the enemy any advantage by your unguarded words. Keep looking to Jesus. He
is your strength. . . .  

     Be so considerate, so tender, so compassionate, that the atmosphere
surrounding you will be fragrant with Heaven's blessing.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 185


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jun 29 19:07:03 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:07:03 -0400
Subject: The Greatest Service
Message-ID: <000101c8da55$fdf24ed0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Greatest Service

     Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even
as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Eph. 4:32.  

     The greatest service we can render to the cause of God, and which will
reflect steady beams of light upon the pathway of others, is to be patient,
kind, steadfast as a rock to principle, God-fearing. This will constitute us
the salt of the earth, the light of the world. We shall be often
disappointed, for we shall not find perfection in those who are connected
with us, and they will not see perfection in us. It is only by agonizing
effort on our part that we shall become unselfish, humble, childlike,
teachable, meek and lowly of heart, like our divine Lord. We must bring our
hearts and minds up to a high point of education in spiritual and heavenly
things.  

     This world is not heaven, but it is the workshop of God for the fitting
up of His people for a pure and holy paradise. And while each one of us is
to feel that he is a part of the great web of humanity, he must not expect
that others in that web will be without a flaw any more than himself.
Mistakes will be made, and if the erring are willing to be corrected, a
valuable experience is gained, so that their defeat is turned to victory.
You should consider that many of your own errors are not brought to light,
and be careful not to make the mistakes and imperfection of others appear in
their worst light, either to yourself or to others. No man is perfect, and
unjust criticism indulged towards others is not wise or Christlike. . . .  

     We have a serious, solemn work to do for ourselves to cleanse our own
souls from spot and stain if we will stand before the Son of man when He
shall appear, acquitted of Him. We must be educators as well as reformers.
To cut loose from every one who errs and does not follow our own ideas is
not doing as Christ is doing for us. We are all fallible, and we need pity,
forbearance, kindly consideration, and sympathetic love for those with whom
we are connected. We are all unworthy of the love and confidence of God.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 186


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jun 30 03:39:43 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:39:43 -0400
Subject: Building Up One Another 
Message-ID: <000401c8da9d$9bf42ad0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

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 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 That I May Know Him - Page 187


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jul  1 10:37:21 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2008 13:37:21 -0400
Subject: The Highest Learning 
Message-ID: <000101c8dba1$1e0faae0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

The Highest Learning 

     For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6.  

     This knowledge--the knowledge of the glory of God--is the highest class
of learning that mortals can obtain. And "we have this treasure in earthen
vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (2
Cor. 4:7).  

     Human fallacies are abundant and specious. Unseen agencies are at work
to make falsehood appear as truth; errors are clothed with a deceptive garb
that men may be led to accept them as essential to higher education. And
these fallacies will deceive many of our students unless they are thoroughly
guarded, and unless they are led by the Spirit of God to take the grand and
holy truths of the Word into their hearts and minds, accepting these as the
principles underlying the higher education. No instruction can exceed in
value the pure instruction of God, which comes for the enlightenment of all
who will be enlightened. . . . There can be no education higher than that
which was given by the Great Teacher.  

     There is nothing more detrimental to the soul's interest, its purity,
its true and holy conceptions of God and of sacred and eternal things than
constantly giving heed to and exalting that which is not from God. It
poisons the heart and degrades the understanding. Pure truth can be traced
to its divine Source by its elevating, refining, sanctifying influence upon
the character of the receiver.  

     At this time when every conceivable thing is being brought in to
confuse the people of God, let your spiritual eyesight be strengthened; let
your faith in the Word of God be firm. Know for yourselves that the words
and teachings of Christ, which are the words and teachings of Jehovah,
contain the highest instruction it is possible for men to gain. When any
would seek to confuse your minds, repeat to them the words of Christ, "No
man can serve two masters" (Matt. 6:24). Let the Word of the Lord stand
forth clearly and distinctly.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 188


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jul  2 15:17:33 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 18:17:33 -0400
Subject: Greatest Educator of All Time
Message-ID: <000101c8dc91$6d83c520$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Greatest Educator of All Time 

     The people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one
having authority, and not as the scribes. Matt. 7:28, 29.  

     The world's men of learning are not easily reached by the practical
truths of God's Word. The reason is, they trust to human wisdom and pride
themselves upon their intellectual superiority, and are unwilling to become
humble learners in the school of Christ.  

     Our Saviour did not ignore learning or despise education, yet He chose
unlearned fishermen for the work of the gospel because they had not been
schooled in the false customs and traditions of the world. They were men of
good natural ability and of a humble, teachable spirit, men whom He could
educate for His great work. In the ordinary walks of life there is many a
man patiently treading the round of daily toil, all unconscious that he
possesses power which if called into action would raise him to an equality
with the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is needed to
arouse and develop those dormant faculties. It was such men whom Jesus
connected with Himself, and He gave them the advantages of three years'
training under His own care. No course of study in the schools of the rabbis
or the halls of philosophy could have equaled this in value. The Son of God
was the greatest educator the world ever knew.  

     The learned lawyers, priests, and scribes scorned to be taught by
Christ. They desired to teach Him, and frequently made the attempt, only to
be defeated by the wisdom that laid bare their ignorance and rebuked their
folly. . . . They knew that He had not learned in the schools of the
prophets, and they could not discern the divine excellence of His character
beneath the lowly disguise of the Man of Nazareth. But the words and deeds
of the humble Teacher, recorded by the unlettered companions of His daily
life, have exerted a living power upon the minds of men from that day to the
present. Not merely the ignorant and humble, but men of education,
intellect, and genius reverently exclaim, with the wondering and delighted
listeners of old, "Never man spake like this man" (John 7:46).  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 189


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jul  3 07:00:16 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 3 Jul 2008 10:00:16 -0400
Subject: Facing the Light 
Message-ID: <000101c8dd15$1fa248c0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Facing the Light 

     Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness. If
thy whole body therefore be full of light, having no part dark, the whole
shall be full of light, as when the bright shining of a candle doth give
thee light. Luke 11:35, 36.  

     The moment the eye is turned from Jesus, darkness is seen, darkness is
felt, for Jesus only is light and life and peace and assurance forever. "If
therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light" (Matt.
6:22). . . . What is it to have a single eye? It is to have a disposition to
look upon Christ, for by beholding we become changed from glory to glory,
from character to character.  

     As we keep Christ in view, the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness
shine upon us and flood the chambers of the mind and heart and fill the soul
temple with light. As the Light of the world shines upon us, we diffuse it
to those around "as when the bright shining of a candle doth give . . .
light." The soul that is stayed upon God commits to Christ all that
perplexes, all that annoys, all that gives anxiety. The light of Christ
shines in the soul in all goodness and peace, for in Him dwelleth all the
fullness of the Godhead bodily. . . .  

     Those who behold Christ will never plead that their own will may be
done, or that their old ways and habits may be left undisturbed. As they
behold Jesus, His image becomes engraved on heart and soul, and in all their
practices they reflect His example upon the world. Day by day the hands, the
feet, the tongue, follow the dictates of the spiritual nature, and faith
makes their path a path that grows brighter and brighter unto the perfect
day. Everything that keeps us from attaining unto the likeness of Christ is
working out for us eternal loss. Then let no one plead for a continuance of
his own way. Let no one seek to excuse his deficiencies of character by
saying, It is "my way." Cooperate with Jesus Christ and you will see that
your own way is a way full of deficiency and fault, and that if it is not
corrected it will cause you to put into your character building traits that
will be as rotten timbers. . . . Let nothing of these defects of character
be found in your building. Build on the rock Christ Jesus.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 190


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jul  4 13:31:44 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:31:44 -0400
Subject: Opening the Mysteries of Redemption 
Message-ID: <000101c8de14$fa29ba50$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

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 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 That I May Know Him - Page 191


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jul  5 05:52:59 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 08:52:59 -0400
Subject: Object of the Oracles 
Message-ID: <000a01c8de9e$0e825280$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Object of the Oracles 

     The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto
the simple. Ps. 119:130.  

     The light and understanding which God's Word imparts is not designed
merely, or chiefly, to promote intellectual culture. For an object higher
than any earthly or temporal good were the holy oracles committed unto men.
We see therein revealed the great plan of human redemption, the means
devised to free mankind from the power of Satan. We see Christ, the Captain
of our salvation, meeting the prince of darkness in open battle, and
single-handed, obtaining the victory in our behalf. We learn too that by
this victory was opened to us a door of hope, a source of strength, and that
we may, as faithful soldiers, fight our own battles with the wily foe, and
conquer in the name of Jesus. The powers of darkness must be met by every
soul. The young as well as the old will be assailed, and all should
understand the nature of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, and
should realize that it concerns themselves. . . .  

     It is not enough to have an intellectual knowledge of the truth. . . .
There must be an entrance of the Word into the heart. It must be set home by
the power of the Holy Spirit. The will must be brought into harmony with its
requirements. Not only the intellect but the heart and conscience must
concur in the acceptance of the truth.  

     The entrance of God's Word gives understanding to the simple-- those
who are untaught in the wisdom of the world. The Holy Spirit brings the
saving truths of the Scriptures within the comprehension of all who desire
to know and do the will of God. Uneducated minds are enabled to grasp the
most sublime and soul-stirring themes that can engage the attention of
men--themes that will be the study and the song of the redeemed through all
eternity.  

     It is the knowledge which God's Word supplies, and which can be found
nowhere else, that we need above every other. We want to know what to do in
this our day to escape the snares of Satan and to win the crown of glory.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 192


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jul  6 12:35:28 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 15:35:28 -0400
Subject: Wisdom From the Father of Light
Message-ID: <001e01c8df9f$72b2e560$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Wisdom From the Father of Light

     For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and
understanding. Prov. 2:6.  

     The great and essential knowledge is the knowledge of God and His Word.
. . . The Christian will grow in grace just in proportion as he depends upon
and appreciates the teaching of the Word of God, and habituates himself to
meditate upon divine things. . . .  

     But let no one imagine that we would discourage education or put a low
estimate upon the value of mental culture and discipline. God would have us
students as long as we remain in this world, ever learning and bearing
responsibility. . . . But no one should set himself as a critic to measure
the usefulness and influence of his brother who has had few advantages in
obtaining book knowledge. He may be rich in a rarer wisdom. He may have a
practical education in the knowledge of the truth. Says the psalmist, "The
entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple"
(Ps. 119:130). . . . The wisdom spoken of by the psalmist is that which is
attained when the truth is opened to the mind and applied to the heart by
the Spirit of God, when its principles are wrought into the character by a
life of practical godliness. . . .  

     It is the Spirit of God that quickens the lifeless faculties of the
soul to appreciate heavenly things, and attracts the affections toward God
and the truth. Without the presence of Jesus in the heart, religious service
is only dead, cold formalism. The longing desire for communion with God soon
ceases when the Spirit of God is grieved from us, but when Christ is in us
the hope of glory, we are constantly directed to think and act in reference
to the glory of God. The questions will arise, "Will this do honor to Jesus?
Will this be approved of by Him? Shall I be able to maintain my integrity if
I enter into this arrangement?" God will be made the counselor of the soul,
and we shall be led into safe paths, and the will of God will be made the
supreme guide of our lives. This is heavenly wisdom, . . . and it makes the
Christian, however humble, the light of the world.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 193


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jul  7 06:18:28 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 09:18:28 -0400
Subject: The Christian's Textbook
Message-ID: <001a01c8e033$f23e4420$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Christian's Textbook 

     Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and
they are they which testify of me. John 5:39.  

     The admonition to "search the Scriptures" was never more appropriate
than at the present time. This is an age of unrest, and the youth drink
deeply of its spirit. Would that they could be made to realize the
importance and the peril of the position they occupy! . . . Never were such
momentous issues before any generation as await the one now coming upon the
stage of action. Never were the youth of any age or country so earnestly
observed by the angels of God as are the youth of today. All heaven is
watching with intense interest for every indication of the characters they
are forming--whether when brought to the test they will stand firmly for God
and the right, or be swayed by worldly influences. . . .  

     God has a great work to be done in a short time. He has committed to
the young, talents of intellect, time, and means, and He holds them
responsible for the use they make of these good gifts. He calls upon them to
come to the front, to resist the corrupting, bewitching influences of this
fast age and to become qualified to labor in His cause. They cannot become
fitted for usefulness without putting heart and energy into the work of
preparation. . . .  

     It is a divine law that blessings come at some cost to the receiver.
Those who would become wise in the sciences must study, and those who would
become wise in regard to Bible truth, that they may impart that knowledge to
others, must be diligent students of God's Holy Word. There is no other way;
they must search the Scriptures diligently, interestedly, prayerfully. . . .
And after all their research, there is beyond an infinity of wisdom, love,
and power.

     The Bible should ever be the Christian's textbook. Of all books it
should be made the most attractive to the young. If they drink deep of its
spirit they will be prepared to withstand the wiles of Satan and to resist
the temptations of this infidel age.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 194


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jul  8 09:46:29 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 12:46:29 -0400
Subject: Exploring the Mine of Truth
Message-ID: <003b01c8e11a$2c821120$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Exploring the Mine of Truth

     For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men
of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21.  

     Some have neglected the Bible under the erroneous impression that the
indwelling of the Spirit was preferable to the study and guidance of the
Scriptures. Such will be exposed to Satan's snares and fatal delusions. The
Holy Spirit and the Word are in perfect harmony. The Holy Spirit inspired
the Scriptures and always leads to the Scriptures. . . .  

     Everything in the religious world is to be tried by the Scriptures. "To
the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it
is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20). The claimed enlightenment
of the Spirit within is to be tested and tried by the Word of God, which is
the detector of the pure wheat. . . .  

     The mine of truth is to be explored interestedly, diligently. How often
we find Christ applying the Old Testament Scriptures, expounding their
truths, showing their spiritual character, clothing them with freshness and
richness and beauty the people had never beheld before. . . . The truths our
Saviour reveals in His exposition are capable of constant expansion and new
and richer developments. While searching the Scriptures, the mind that is
led by the Holy Spirit sees their Author, and by beholding is constantly
brightening while looking at the Word. Thus the intellect aspiring to reach
the standard of perfection becomes elevated to comprehend it. . . .  

     The truth of heavenly origin is represented as "treasure hid in a
field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth
and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field" (Matt. 13:44) that he
may work every part of it. In his persevering efforts he discovers concealed
jewels and precious ore. He who labors wisely sinks the shaft deeper and
deeper and discovers a rich and precious lode. He finds that the field of
revelation is interlaced with golden veins of precious treasures and is
indeed the storehouse of the unsearchable riches of Christ--light, truth,
and life.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 195


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jul 10 06:20:06 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:20:06 -0400
Subject: A Voice From God 
Message-ID: <000101c8e28f$ac08fcd0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

A Voice From God 

     These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so. Acts 17:11.  

     To some the Word of God is uninteresting. The reason is, they have so
long indulged in the bewitching stories to be found in the literature of the
present day that they have no relish for the reading of God's Word or for
religious exercises. This reading disqualifies the mind to receive sound
Bible principles and to work out practical godliness. . . .  

     When reading the Bible with humble, teachable heart, we are holding
intercourse with God Himself. The thoughts expressed, the precepts
specified, the doctrines revealed, are a voice from the God of heaven. The
Bible will bear to be studied, and the mind, if not bewitched by Satan, will
be attracted and charmed. . . . The light which beams through the Scriptures
is light from the eternal throne flashed down to this earth. . . .  

     All who make the Word of God their guide in this life will act from
principle. Those who are vacillating, vain, and extravagant in dress, who
are gratifying the appetite and following the promptings of the natural
heart, will, in obeying the teachings of God's Word, become balanced. They
will devote themselves to duty with an energy that never falters, and they
will rise from one degree of strength to another. Their characters will be
beautiful and fragrant and devoid of selfishness. They will make their way
and be acceptable anywhere among those who love truth and righteousness.  

     The psalmist prayed, "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous
things out of thy law." The Lord heard him, for how full of assurance are
the words, "How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey
to my mouth!" "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine
gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." (Ps. 119:18, 103; 19:10.).
And as the Lord heard and answered David, so He will hear and answer us,
making our hearts full of gladness and rejoicing.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 196


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jul 10 06:23:16 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:23:16 -0400
Subject: Book of the Ages
Message-ID: <000301c8e290$1d8b5e20$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Book of the Ages 

     For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Ps. 119:89.  

     The Word of God covers a period of history reaching from the Creation
to the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven. Yea, more, it
carries the mind forward to the future life, and opens before it the glories
of Paradise restored. Through all these centuries the truth of God has
remained the same. That which was truth in the beginning is truth now.
Although new and important truths appropriate for succeeding generations
have been opened to the understanding, the present revealings do not
contradict those of the past. Every new truth understood only makes more
significant the old.  

     Commencing with the Fall, down through the patriarchal and Jewish ages
even to the present time, there has been a gradual unfolding of the purposes
of God in the plan of redemption. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses
understood the gospel through Christ; they looked for the salvation of the
race through man's substitute and surety. These holy men of old held
communion with the Saviour who was to come to our world in human flesh, and
some of them talked with Christ and heavenly angels face to face, as a man
talks with his friend.  

     As time has rolled on from Creation and the cross of Calvary, as
prophecy has been and is still fulfilling, light and knowledge have greatly
increased. . . . In the life and death of Christ, a light flashes back upon
the past, giving significance to the whole Jewish economy, and making of the
old and the new dispensations a complete whole. Nothing that God has
ordained in the plan of redemption can be dispensed with. It is the working
out of the divine will in the salvation of man.  

     All the truths of revelation are of value to us, and in contemplating
things of eternal interest, we shall gain true perceptions of the character
of God. . . . The entire character will be elevated and transformed. The
soul will be brought into harmony with Heaven.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 197


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jul 11 06:30:41 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 2008 09:30:41 -0400
Subject: True Christian Culture
Message-ID: <000d01c8e35a$50ef21f0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

True Christian Culture 

     But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved
us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
. . . and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:4-6.  

     If you come into close relationship to Jesus Christ you see wondrous
things out of His law that are not now seen. The softening, subduing
influence of the Spirit of God upon human hearts and minds will make the
true children of God to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Christian culture will be carried on in every heart worked by the Holy
Spirit. There will be a soft, subdued spirit in all those who are looking
unto Jesus. The love of Jesus always leads to Christian courtesy, refinement
of language, and purity of expression that testify the company we are
with--that like Enoch we are walking with God. There is no storming, no
harshness, but a sweet fragrance in speech and in spirit.  

     The Word is to be our study. Here is a mine of precious ore. Much of it
has been glimpsed at, but there is the digging to be done to secure much
more precious treasures. There have been many who have just rummaged over
the surface in a most careless, slovenly manner, when others are searching
more carefully and prayerfully and perseveringly, and hidden, inestimable
treasures are found. . . .  

     Let it be seen that your life is hid with Christ in God. Let there be
no hasty speech, no cheap words, no slang phrases. Let it be demonstrated
that you are conscious of a Companion whom you honor, and that you will not
make Him ashamed of you. Only think, we are representatives of Jesus Christ!
Then represent His character in words, in deportment. . . . The converting
power of God is needed every day to sanctify and fit vessels for the
Master's use. O there are precious lessons in the Holy Book that we are yet
to find and practice! Our conscience must recognize and revere a higher
standard of Christianity . . . . You may be all light in the Lord. You may
be increasing in efficiency, in purity, in the knowledge of God, if you keep
meek and lowly of heart.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 198


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jul 12 06:14:33 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:14:33 -0400
Subject: Truths That Transform 
Message-ID: <000101c8e421$3aaa9290$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

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 That I May Know Him - Page 199


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jul 13 10:37:14 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:37:14 -0400
Subject: Truth a Divine Sentinel
Message-ID: <000401c8e50f$16ee1130$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Truth a Divine Sentinel 

     Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Tim.
4:12.  

     I appeal to the youth. Consider your ways. . . . 

     No youth can withstand the temptations of Satan if the truth, with its
purifying, uplifting power, is not abiding in the heart. Truth has a
correcting influence upon the life. It is a divine sentinel, keeping watch
in your souls and rousing to action against Satan's assaults. Under the
divine influence of truth the mind will be strengthened, the intellect
invigorated, and there will be a growing up in the knowledge of the only
true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Do not tarnish the truth by
indulging in habits and practices that are inconsistent with its holy
character, but hold it as a treasure of highest value. . . .  

     The Lord desires you to understand the position you occupy as sons and
daughters of the Most High, children of the Heavenly King. He desires you to
live in close connection with Him. . . . Determine that you will be on the
Lord's side. If you will stand under the blood-stained banner of Prince
Emmanuel, faithfully doing His service, you need never yield to temptation,
for One stands by your side who is able to keep you from falling. Every
youth is granted a probation in which to form a character for the future,
immortal life. Precious, golden moments these will be to you if you improve
them according to the light God is permitting to shine upon you from His
throne. . . .  

     Will the youth turn their faces heavenward? Will they open the chambers
of the mind to the Sun of Righteousness? Will they throw open the door of
the heart and welcome Jesus in? What beauty of character shone forth in the
daily life of Christ! He is to be our pattern. There is a great work to be
done in fashioning the character after the divine similitude. The grace of
Christ must mold the entire being, and its triumph will not be complete
until the heavenly universe shall witness habitual tenderness of feeling,
Christlike love, and holy deeds in the deportment of the children of God.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 200


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jul 14 06:41:03 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:41:03 -0400
Subject: Golden Promises
Message-ID: <000101c8e5b7$42f22340$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Golden Promises 

     Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the
joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of
hosts. Jer. 15:16.  

     In the night season I was before a company, [ELLEN WHITE IS HERE
DESCRIBING A DREAM OR NIGHT VISION.] talking with them upon faith, and
trying to make them understand that they were far behind in this respect. .
. . They had a deficient experience in the knowledge of God and their
Redeemer. I was trying to show them that they must be able intelligently to
voice the words of John, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin
of the world" (John 1:29), that they must behold Him as their sin bearer.  

     Then the Word of God was opened before me in a most beautiful, striking
light. Page after page was turned, and I read the gracious invitations and
words of entreaty to seek God's glory and God's will, and all other things
would be added. These invitations, promises, and assurances stood out as in
golden letters. Why do you not grasp them? I said. Seek first to know God
before any other thing. Search the Scriptures. Feed on the words of Christ,
which are spirit and life, and your knowledge will enlarge and expand. Study
your Bible. Study not the philosophy contained in many books, but study the
philosophy of the Word of the living God. Other literature is of little
consequence when compared with this. Do not crowd into your minds so many
things that are cheap and unsatisfying. In the Word of God is spread before
you the richest banquet. It is the Lord's table, abundantly provided,
whereof you may eat and be satisfied.  

     The promises of God stood out clear and distinct, as though placed in
letters of gold. Why, oh, why are they not appreciated! Why is not the heart
filled with thanksgiving and praise? Why are your tongues so silent? . . .
The talent of speech is misappropriated. Let the talent of choice words be
given to God in thanksgiving and rejoicing, and this will glorify His name.
Surrender self entirely to God. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts .
. . ; and be ye thankful" (Col. 3:15).  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 201


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jul 15 05:23:56 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:23:56 -0400
Subject: Springs of Comfort
Message-ID: <000701c8e675$aac1f860$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Springs of Comfort 

     My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth
shall praise thee with joyful lips. Ps. 63:5.  

     There is marrow and fatness for all who seek for truth as the miner
seeks for gold. Who is it that God will instruct? Isaiah tells us: "Thus
saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I
dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and
humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart
of the contrite ones" (Isa. 57:15)--those who see the evil of their
unconverted characters, and repent, mourning over the life that has so
poorly represented Christ. . . .  

     Gather the precious rays of light shining around you and focus them in
one blaze upon the Word, and truths hidden from the casual reader will stand
forth plainly and distinctly. All over the field of revelation are scattered
grains of gold--the sayings of the wisdom of God. If you are wise you will
gather up these precious grains of truth. Make the promises of God your own.
Then when test and trial come, these promises will be to you glad springs of
heavenly comfort. As you study the Word, it will become to you a wellspring
of wisdom. Thus you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God.  

     Ask God to reveal light and truth to you by His Holy Spirit, that you
may understand what you read in His Word. When, after the resurrection,
Christ walked with the disciples to Emmaus, He opened their understanding
that they might understand the Scriptures. The same divine Teacher will
enlighten our understanding if we keep the windows of the heart opened
heavenward and closed earthward. The office of the Holy Spirit is to bring
all things to our remembrance and to guide us into all truth.  

     The Lord loves us, and we are to love Him with the whole heart. Ask Him
to guide you into all truth. He will do this. He longs to do it. He is
waiting for you to ask Him with true humility and a firm belief that He will
hear and answer you.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 202


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jul 16 14:48:00 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:48:00 -0400
Subject: Loss That Is Gain
Message-ID: <000301c8e78d$9e3a1230$daae3690$@org>

Loss That Is Gain 

     Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of
all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ. Phil. 3:8.  

     What is God's will? What shall I do to glorify God? I am pledged to
serve my Saviour with undivided affection. I count everything but dross that
I may win Christ. Heaven, eternal life, is worth everything to me, and
Christ has died that I might come into possession of the eternal weight of
glory. . . .  

     We cannot afford to make any mistake where eternal interests are
involved. To be indifferent to the claims of God upon us is most ungrateful.
We cannot neglect this great salvation and be guiltless. An eternity of
bliss has been purchased for every son and daughter of Adam, and all may
have a clear title to the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance, if
they will in probationary time prove their obedience to the commandments of
God. All will be tested in this life. If they . . . by faith lay hold on the
merits of Christ and serve God with all their hearts they will have a title
to those mansions that Jesus has prepared for all that love Him. . . .  

     Let us love God supremely, allowing no influence to come between us and
our God. We must give heed to the light which God has permitted to shine
upon our pathway; we must show before all heaven that we appreciate every
ray of light; we must reflect that light upon others. We are responsible to
God for our influence. Even if we are compelled to stand apparently alone,
we are not alone, for Christ is with us to encourage and strengthen and
bless us. He is acquainted with every desire of your heart, with every
purpose of your soul. He says, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will
come to you" (John 14:18). Let us believe that God will do just as He has
promised. . . .  

     We must not allow our minds to drift and come to no point. We know that
the Lord is soon to come, and we must serve God from principle and be firm
as a rock to follow in the path of obedience, because it is the only safe
path.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 203


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jul 17 14:15:16 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:15:16 -0400
Subject: The Peril of Neglect
Message-ID: <002201c8e852$36d35140$a479f3c0$@org>

The Peril of Neglect 

     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.


     The world's Redeemer has said, "Search the scriptures" (John 5:39). In
them is laid open the bounteous provisions for human necessities, and the
strongest motives are set forth to influence to repentance and obedience.
Here the seeker for truth may read, contemplate, and be stirred to the very
depths of his being by that which a good and gracious God has done and is
continually doing for him. He will be amazed that he should ever have
treated with indifference the marvelous love and pardon proffered, for in
redeeming man, God gave the greatest gift that He could offer. And if the
objects of so great a love neglect salvation, there is nothing that Heaven
can do more in their behalf. . . .  

     You need to study, to contemplate these great themes, lest you cherish
indifference and become too hardened to yield to the conditions of the
wonderful plan of salvation, and too proud to be humbled by a realization of
your own fallen condition. . . .  

     The Lord enjoins upon children and youth to search for truth as for
hidden treasure, and to be attracted and fascinated by that which unites the
human with the divine. . . . Well may the apostle ask, "How shall we escape,
if we neglect so great salvation?" (Heb. 2:3). . . .  

     The power of an angel could not make an atonement for our sins. The
angelic nature united to the human could not be as costly, as elevated, as
the law of God. It was the Son of God alone who could present an acceptable
sacrifice. God Himself became man and bore all the wrath that sin had
provoked. This problem--How could God be just and yet the justifier of
sinners?--baffled all finite intelligence. A divine person alone could
mediate between God and man. Human redemption is a theme which may well tax
the faculties of the mind to the utmost. . . .  

     We cannot say to the youth or those of mature age, You have nothing to
do yourself in this great work. We urge to constant effort. You must be
diligent to make your calling and election sure.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 204


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jul 18 13:06:45 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:06:45 -0400
Subject: Rich Depths of Knowledge
Message-ID: <000101c8e911$cf208570$3101a8c0@thompsondm90>

Rich Depths of Knowledge

     If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it
be of God, or whether I speak of myself. John 7:17.  

     The more earnestly we apply our minds to the investigation of truth,
the clearer will the evidences of truth appear, and the more closely we
relate ourselves to the God of all wisdom, coming into communion with Him
who has created all things, the richer will be our knowledge, the more fully
shall we comprehend divine truth. God has graciously endowed men with
intellectual powers, and these powers are to be wisely improved, that men
may have ability to search into and understand rich depths of knowledge in
the character, Word, and works of God. God will open the treasures of His
love to the willing and obedient; he that willeth to do the will of God
shall know of the doctrine.  

     By communion with God we become refined, broadened, and elevated. To
him who desires the knowledge of divine things, God will open hidden wonders
that are beyond the comprehension of those who are unenlightened by the
Spirit of God. . . .  

     The great gift of salvation has been placed within our reach at an
infinite cost to the Father and the Son. To neglect salvation is to neglect
the knowledge of the Father and of the Son whom God hath sent. . . .  

     The greatness, the breadth, of the plan of salvation invests it with
incomparable grandeur, but it can only be spiritually discerned, and it
increases in greatness as we contemplate it. Looking to Jesus dying upon the
cross, and knowing that it was our sin that placed the innocent Sufferer
there, we are bowed down before Him in wonder and love.  

     All who come to Christ for a clearer knowledge of the truth will
receive it. He will unfold to them the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,
and these mysteries will be understood by the heart that longs to know the
truth. A heavenly light will shine into the soul temple and will be revealed
to others as the bright shining of a lamp on a dark path.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 205


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jul 19 05:05:40 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:05:40 -0400
Subject: Human Versus Divine Wisdom 
Message-ID: <000101c8e997$c3db1eb0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Human Versus Divine Wisdom 

     That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power
of God. 1 Cor. 2:5.  

     The prevailing spirit of our times is that of infidelity and apostasy.
The spirit manifested in the world is one of pride and self-exaltation. Men
boast of illumination, which in reality is the blindest presumption, for
they are in opposition to the plain Word of God. Many exalt human reason,
idolize human wisdom, and set the opinions of men above the revealed wisdom
of God. . . . Among the great mass of professed Christians the grievous
character of the transgression of the law of God is not understood. They do
not realize that salvation can be obtained only through the blood of Christ.
. . .  

     In the eyes of men, vain philosophy and science, falsely so-called, are
of more value than the Word of God. The sentiment prevails to a large extent
that the divine Mediator is not essential to the salvation of man. A variety
of theories advanced by the so-called worldly wise men for man's elevation
are believed and trusted in more than is the truth of God as taught by
Christ and His apostles.  

     The Lord would have us individually search the Scriptures that we may
become acquainted with the great plan of redemption and take in the grand
subject as far as it is possible for the human mind, enlightened by the
Spirit of God, to understand the purpose of God. He would have us comprehend
something of His love in giving His Son to die that He might counteract
evil, remove the defiling stains of sin from the workmanship of God, and
reinstate the lost, elevating and ennobling the soul to its original purity
through Christ's imputed righteousness. The only way in which the fallen
race could be restored was through the gift of His Son, equal with Himself,
possessing the attributes of God. . . .  

     God has endowed humanity with attributes whereby we may appreciate God,
and though man has revolted from God and has endeavored to supply the place
of God with other objects of worship, the true God alone can fill the wants
of the soul.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 206


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jul 20 19:50:32 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:50:32 -0400
Subject: Author and Teacher of Truth 
Message-ID: <000401c8eadc$8b89fcc0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Author and Teacher of Truth 

     To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that
I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth
my voice. John 18:37.  

     Christ is the author of all truth. Every brilliant conception, every
thought of wisdom, every capacity and talent of men, is the gift of Christ.
He borrowed no new ideas from humanity, for He originated all. But when He
came to earth He found the bright gems of truth which He had entrusted to
man all buried up in superstition and tradition. Truths of most vital
importance were placed in the framework of error, to serve the purpose of
the arch deceiver. . . . But Christ swept away erroneous theories of every
grade. No one save the world's Redeemer had power to present the truth in
its primitive purity, divested of the error that Satan had accumulated to
hide its heavenly beauty. . . . The work of Christ was to take the truth of
which the people were in want, and separate it from error and present it
free from the superstitions of the world, that the people might accept it on
its own intrinsic and eternal merit. He dispersed the mists of doubt, that
the truth might be revealed and shed distinct rays of light into the
darkness of men's hearts.  

     The truth came from His lips clothed in new and interesting
representations that gave it the freshness of a new revelation. His voice
was never pitched to an unnatural key, and His words came with an
earnestness and assurance appropriate to their importance and the momentous
consequences involved in their reception or rejection.  

     He invited men to learn of Him, for He was a living representation of
the law of God. He was the only one in human garb that could stand among a
nation of witnesses, and looking round upon them, say, "Which of you
convinceth me of sin?" (John 8:46). He knew that no man could point out any
defect in His character or conduct. What power His spotless purity gave to
His instructions, what force to His reproofs, what authority to His
commands! . . . He proved Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 207


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jul 21 08:01:54 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:01:54 -0400
Subject: Central Theme of the Scriptures
Message-ID: <000101c8eb42$b7803220$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Central Theme of the Scriptures 

     And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in
all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27.  

     There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the
searching of the Scriptures--Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is
invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this
theme. It is only in the light of the cross that we can discern the exalted
character of the law of God. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with
life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our
salvation. The love of Christ constrains man to unite with Him in His labors
and sacrifice. The revelation of divine love awakens in them a sense of
their neglected obligation to be light bearers to the world, and inspires
them with a missionary spirit. This truth enlightens the mind and sanctifies
the soul. It will banish unbelief and inspire faith. . . . When Christ in
His work of redemption is seen to be the great central truth of the system
of truth, a new light is shed upon all the events of the past and the
future. They are seen in a new relation, and possess a new and deeper
significance.  

     The Old Testament is as verily the gospel in types and shadows as the
New Testament is in its unfolding power. The New Testament does not present
a new religion; the Old Testament does not present a religion to be
superseded by the New. The New Testament is only the advancement and
unfolding of the Old. Abel was a believer in Christ and was as verily saved
by His power as was Peter or Paul. Enoch was a representative of Christ as
surely as was the beloved disciple John. . . . That God who walked with
Enoch was our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was the light of the world
then, just as He is now.  

     The truth for this time is broad in its outlines, far reaching,
embracing many doctrines, but these doctrines are not detached items which
mean little; they are united by golden threads, forming a complete whole,
with Christ as the living center.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 208


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jul 22 14:22:49 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:22:49 -0400
Subject: A Will of Your Own?
Message-ID: <000301c8ec41$182e3550$488a9ff0$@org>

A Will of Your Own? 

     The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to
pass over a transgression. Prov. 19:11.  

     There are duties to the body and duties to the soul, and these every
human agent must cooperate with God in seeking to perform. . . . Do not
submit to receive a cheap mold. The young need sound common sense, for they
are living for two worlds. . . .  

     Apply the truth to your own individual case. You have a soul to save or
a soul to lose. Have a will of your own, but let it be subject to the will
of God. Be determined that you will not become angry, that you will not
become self-sufficient, that you will not be hasty and overbearing. If this
is your weak point, guard that point as a man would guard a broken limb.
Watch your spirit, and let not a hasty spirit conquer you. Be careful to
examine the weak points in your character, knowing that the evils which
exist may be overcome by steadfastly refusing to yield to your weakness. The
evil of hasty, wicked, indulgence of temper makes any youth a madman. Keep
sane. A soft answer turneth away wrath. Evil can and will grow . . . through
repetition. 

     Do not underrate the importance of little things because they are
little. By action and reaction these little defects accumulate and bind
themselves together like rods of steel. That little action, that unguarded
word, repeated, becomes habit, . . . and habit constitutes character. . . .


     Cultivate a kind, tender, sympathetic heart, and never call these
attributes weakness, for they are the attributes of Christ. Be careful of
your influence. Let it be of so pure and fragrant a character that you will
never be ashamed to have it reproduced in others.  

     As drops of water make the river, so little things make up life. Life
is a river, peaceful, calm, and enjoyable, or it is a troubled river, always
casting up mire and dirt. In this life you may place yourself under the
discipline of the Holy Spirit. Through the sanctification of the Spirit you
will thus grow more and more like Christ.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 209


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jul 23 13:31:56 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:31:56 -0400
Subject: The Platform of Truth
Message-ID: <000901c8ed03$26cd1b40$746751c0$@org>

The Platform of Truth 

     For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is
written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord
knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 1 Cor. 3:19, 20.  

     The Word of God is to be our guide. About the truths that this Word
contains there is no guesswork. Let us not leave this unerring guide in
order to seek for something new and strange. . . . There are many such
doctrines that have not for their foundation, "It is written." They are but
human suppositions. It was with the word "It is written" that Christ met
every temptation of Satan in the wilderness, and armed with this weapon, He
could say to the enemy, "Thus far shalt thou come, and no farther."  

     We cannot with safety accept the opinions of any man, however learned,
unless they are in harmony with the words of the Great Teacher. The opinions
of erring men will be presented for our acceptance, but God's Word is our
authority, and we are never to accept human teaching without the most
conclusive evidence that it agrees with the teaching of God's Word. We are
to know that we do know that we are standing on the platform of eternal
truth--the Word of the living God.  

     Truth, precious truth from the Word of God is to be presented, both in
public and in families. We have a message that is to prepare a people to
stand amid the perils of the last days. . . . Truth will stand every test
that is brought to bear upon it. It cannot be overthrown by the sophistries
of Satan. The more it is assailed the more bright and clear it will shine
out. As we see indications of the active, earnest efforts of the enemy,
shall we not make determined efforts to give the message in clear, decided
lines? Shall we not stand forth in the power and Spirit of God, and receive
and impart lessons from the Great Teacher? . . . "O Lord, thou art my God; I
will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful
things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth" (Isa. 25:1). . . .
Let us anchor ourselves to the words of the Lord God of Israel.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 210


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Jul 24 14:39:31 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:39:31 -0400
Subject: God's Appointed Signature 
Message-ID: <000a01c8edd5$c2762a00$47627e00$@org>

God's Appointed Signature 

     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.  

     How shall we distinguish God's true servants from the false prophets
who Christ said should arise to deceive many? There is only one test of
character--the law of Jehovah.  

     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" (Eze. 20:12). . . . There is no
need for us to be deceived. . . .  

     Satanic agencies have made the earth a stage for horrors which no
language can describe. War and bloodshed are carried on by nations claiming
to be Christian. A disregard for the law of God has brought its sure result.
The great conflict now being waged is not merely a strife of man against
man. On one side stands the Prince of life, acting as man's substitute and
surety; on the other, the prince of darkness, with the fallen angels under
his command. . . .  

     There will be a sharp conflict between those who are loyal to God and
those who cast scorn upon His law. The church has joined hands with the
world. Reverence to God's law has been subverted. The religious leaders are
teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. As it was in the days of
Noah, so it is in this age of the world. But shall the prevalence of
disloyalty and transgression cause those who have reverenced the law of God
to have less respect for it, to unite with the powers of earth to make it
void? The truly loyal will not be carried away by the current of evil. They
will not throw scorn and contempt on that which God has set apart as holy.
The test comes to every one. There are only two sides. On which side are
you?  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 211


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Jul 25 06:47:48 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:47:48 -0400
Subject: Safety in the "Old Paths"
Message-ID: <000101c8ee5d$075aa790$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Safety in the "Old Paths" 

     Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old
paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for
your souls. Jer. 6:16.  

     There is no safety anywhere. Satan has come down with great power and
is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish.
Those who do not follow in Christ's footsteps will find themselves following
another leader. They have listened to strange voices until they cannot
distinguish the voice of the True Shepherd. Little by little they ceased to
heed the warnings, the reproofs, the instructions. Human wisdom came in,
human imaginations were followed. Much reliance is placed upon human
exertion and devices, and they imperceptibly go on until they are fully
satisfied with their own wisdom, their own inventions, and are filled with
their own doings.  

     Drink deep at the fountain of truth, and be a close student of the
Word, for the Lord will take the words of truth and through the Holy Spirit
imprint them on your heart that you may present the precious Word with
simplicity and fervor. "Rejoice in the Lord alway: . . ." that Jesus is glad
to receive you with all your imperfections, with all your weakness, and
acknowledge you as His child. Therefore, trust Him. Adorn the doctrine of
Christ our Saviour by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. "Let
your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for
nothing"--that is, be not overanxious-- "but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
What a privilege is this given to every one to trust in Jesus and tell Him
everything! "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall
keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:4-7).  

     Have faith in God. However stormy may be the times, looking unto Jesus
who is the author and the finisher of your faith, you will be complete in
Him. Abide in the old paths, whoever may turn back. Be rooted and grounded
and built up in the most holy faith, a living epistle known and read of all
men.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 212


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Jul 26 06:34:28 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:34:28 -0400
Subject: The Garden of God 
Message-ID: <000101c8ef24$54cf1de0$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

The Garden of God 

     For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of
grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the
word of the Lord endureth for ever. 1 Peter 1:24, 25.  

     If our minds are open to the impressions of the Spirit of God, we may
learn lessons from the simple and beautiful things of nature. I feel
oppressed in the crowded cities where there is naught for the eyes to look
upon but houses. The flowers are to us constant teachers. The shrubs and
flowers gather to themselves the properties of earth and air which they
appropriate to perfect the beautiful buds and blossoming flowers for our
happiness, but they are God's preachers, and we are to consider the lessons
which they teach us.  

     Just so has God given us the precious promises throughout His Word. The
Scriptures are open to us as the garden of God, and their promises are as
fragrant flowers blooming all over that garden. God especially calls our
attention to the very ones that are appropriate for us. In these promises we
may discern the character of God and read His love to us. They are the
ground upon which our faith rests, the support and strength of our faith and
hope, and through these we are to delight our souls in God and breathe in
the fragrance of heaven. Through the precious promises He withdraws the veil
from the future and gives us glimpses of the things which He has prepared
for those who love Him....  

     We should not regard them with carelessness or indifference. But as we
would examine the precious flowers, . . . delighting our senses with their
loveliness and fragrance, just so we should take the promises of God, one by
one, and examine them closely on every side--take in their richness, and be
soothed, comforted, encouraged, and strengthened by them. God has provided
for all the comforts the soul needs. They are suited to the friendless, the
poverty stricken, the wealthy, the sick, the bereaved--all may have their
appropriate help if they will see and take hold upon these by faith. God
scatters blessings all along our path to brighten the rugged way of life,
and we want to be receiving all the comfort and tokens of God's love with
grateful hearts.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 213


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Jul 27 20:11:21 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:11:21 -0400
Subject: To Which Party Do You Belong?
Message-ID: <000701c8f05f$9cdd5750$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

To Which Party Do You Belong? 

     Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess
also before my Father which is in heaven. Matt. 10:32. 

     The truth, to be genuine in its influence on the human heart, must be
acknowledged before the universe of heaven, before the worlds unfallen, and
before men. Let no one entertain the idea that he may work out his own
salvation or receive the smallest spiritual blessing which the gospel
offers, by stealth. The Lord calls for open, manly confession. "Ye are my
witnesses, saith the Lord" (Isa. 43:10). Nothing can be effectually gained
in advancing in the knowledge of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ until the
unbelieving one, longing after Christian excellence of character, shall
become as God has intended--a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to
men, a city set on a hill that cannot be hid....  

     When one places his feet on the solid rock Christ Jesus as his
foundation, he receives an endowment of power from the Source of all
knowledge, all wisdom, and spiritual efficiency, that all may know to which
party he belongs--commandment keepers or commandment breakers. The banner of
Prince Emmanuel that floats over his head will not fail to clear away all
uncertainty and give all to understand that we keep the commandments of God
and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. The love of Jesus Christ possesses a
constraining power.  

     When Jesus was asked the question, Art thou the Son of God? He knew
that to answer in the affirmative would make His death certain; a denial
would leave a stain upon His humanity. There was a time to be silent, and a
time to speak. He had not spoken until plainly interrogated. In His lessons
to His disciples He had declared: "Whosoever therefore shall confess me
before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."
When challenged, Jesus did not deny His relationship with God. In that
solemn moment His character was at stake and must be vindicated. He left on
that occasion an example for man to follow under similar circumstances. He
would teach him not to apostatize from his faith to escape suffering or even
death.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 214


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Jul 28 09:42:47 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:42:47 -0400
Subject: Noncommittal Christians 
Message-ID: <000101c8f0d0$f7e39490$0201a8c0@thompsondm90>

Noncommittal Christians 

     Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be
hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matt. 5:14,
15.  

     Let no one feel inclined to hide his light. Those who hide their light
so that the world may not distinguish between them and those who walk in
darkness will soon lose all power to diffuse light. They are the ones who
are represented by the five foolish virgins, and when the crisis comes, when
the call is heard "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him"
(Matt. 25:6), they will arouse at last to find that their lamps have gone
out, that they have mixed with the elements of the world and have not
provided themselves with the oil of grace. They were lulled to sleep by the
cry of peace and safety, and did not keep their lamps trimmed and burning.
Aroused to their darkness they plead for oil, but it is impossible for one
Christian to impart character to another soul. Character is not
transferable. Those who are ease-loving, world-loving, fashion-loving
professors of Christianity will not go in to the marriage supper of the Lamb
with those who are represented by the five wise virgins. When they solicit
entrance they are told that the door is shut. Now is the time to impart
light....  

     It is not to be looked upon as a trifling matter to have the light of
present truth, and yet to be noncommittal. It is no trifling thing to say by
attitude and sentiment, even though that sentiment is not expressed in
words, "My Lord delayeth his coming." The spirit and influence of the peace
and safety sentiment is in our very midst, and the very atmosphere that
surrounds the soul of many who profess to be believers in the soon coming of
Christ is of a malarious character, calculated to soothe the very ones who
would be stirred if we showed zeal and determination and stood at our post
of duty to warn men of the speedy advent of our Lord....We must speak forth
the truth, we must let our light shine forth in clear, steady rays, lest
some soul shall stumble and fall because our light is eclipsed.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 215


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Jul 29 15:00:57 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:00:57 -0400
Subject: Passing on the Light 
Message-ID: <003201c8f1c6$955c9370$c015ba50$@org>

Passing on the Light

     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.  

     Those who have an experimental knowledge of the truth are under
obligation to God to communicate the precious light. . . . Some will be
convicted and will heed the words spoken to them in love and tenderness.
They will acknowledge that the truth is the very thing they need to set them
free from the slavery of sin and the bondage of worldly principles. There
are opened before them themes of thought, fields for action, that they had
never comprehended. In Jesus the Redeemer they discern infinite wisdom,
infinite justice, infinite mercy--depths, heights, lengths and breadths of
love which passeth knowledge. Beholding the perfection of Christ's
character, contemplating His mission, His love, His grace, His truth, they
are charmed; the great want of the soul is met, and they will say with the
psalmist, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness" (Ps. 17:
15). The divine object of faith and love they see to be Jesus Christ. With
them the love of the world, the worshiping of earthly treasures, have come
to an end.  

     Such a soul appropriates the Word of God to himself. He sees that the
miracles, the self-denial, the self-sacrifice of Christ, His being lifted up
on the cross, were for him. The language of the heart will be, "He died for
me. He triumphed in death that I should not perish but believe in Him as my
personal Saviour, and have that life which measures with the life of God. In
the riches of His grace I am possessed of treasures that are as enduring as
eternity."  

     The world is no longer his study and his god. He hungers for a
knowledge of the Word which contains for him treasures that are to be
constantly sought and are constantly satisfying--an inexhaustible mine of
precious things to be sought for in faith, to be appropriated and
communicated to others. He has discovered the fountain of living waters, the
wells of salvation, from which he may continually draw, and there will be no
diminishing of the supply.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 216


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jul 30 21:05:31 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:05:31 -0400
Subject: Light for Those Who Love Light 
Message-ID: <029701c8f2c2$ade14ce0$09a3e6a0$@org>

Light for Those Who Love Light 

     Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
Ps. 97:11.  

     Christ has left His Holy Spirit to be His representative in the world,
to give celestial aid to every hungering, thirsting soul. . . . We are
living in a most solemn period of this world's history, but light is shining
for those who will walk in the light. . . .  

     There are many who have not had the light, and they are not judged
guilty. They mourn because of their human ignorance. They find nothing
satisfactory, and thirst for a knowledge of the only true God. They have an
ideal of God in their minds and they desire to find Him. He has entrusted
light to His people to give to all those who are praying for light. He has
sent forth His streams of salvation to refresh those who are athirst for a
knowledge of truth, virtue, and holiness. To such we should speak as did the
apostle Paul to the Athenians, "Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him
declare I unto you" (Acts 17:23). Heavenly inspiration has come to men, and
they have been entrusted with gospel truth, and have thereby been weighted
with a solemn responsibility to devote their God-given powers to making God
known to man. Christ says, "And this is life eternal, that they might know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John
17:3)....  

     Those who have the mind of Christ will "walk even as he walked." They
will live out the law of God, will feed upon Christ, be partakers of the
divine nature, and stand as living sentinels for truth. In integrity of
heart they will voice the cry, "Come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will
receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters . . ." (2 Cor. 6:17, 18)....  

     God gives light to those who love light. He imparts truth to those who
search for truth as for something of most precious value in order that they
may impart light to those who are in the valley and the shadow of death.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 217


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Jul 30 21:06:08 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:06:08 -0400
Subject: For Those Who Seek 
Message-ID: <029a01c8f2c2$c4311f70$4c935e50$@org>

For Those Who Seek 

I am the Lord your God; ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall
be holy; for I am holy. Lev. 11: 44. 

It is the glory of God to give His virtue to His children. He desires to see
men and women reaching the highest standard; and when by faith they lay hold
of the power of Christ, when they plead His unfailing promises, and claim
them as their own, when with an importunity that will not be denied they
seek for the power of the Holy Spirit, they will be made complete in Him. .
. . 

Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like
Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is
utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God's Word
declares he must have before he can be saved is the result of the working of
divine grace as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining
influences 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 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 sin- sick soul. He has not the wisdom or the strength to
overcome; these belong to the Lord, and He bestows them on those who in
humiliation and contrition seek Him for help.

The Holy Spirit will be given to those who seek for its power and grace and
will help our infirmities when we would have an audience with God. Heaven is
open to our petitions, and we are invited to come "boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need"
(Heb. 4: 16). We are to come in faith, believing that we shall obtain the
very things we ask of Him. 

If you have a sense of need in your soul, if you hunger and thirst after
righteousness, this is an evidence that Christ has wrought upon your heart,
in order that He may be sought unto to do for you, through the endowment of
the Holy Spirit, those things which it is impossible for you to do for
yourself. 

If we will empty the soul of self, He will supply all our necessities. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 218


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Aug  1 05:44:48 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 08:44:48 -0400
Subject: Subjects of the King!
Message-ID: <000001c8f3d4$6340da30$29c28e90$@org>

Subjects of the King!

     For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our
king; he will save us. Isa. 33:22.  

     This morning [EARLY MORNING DIARY ENTRY, SEPT. 5, 1900.] my soul is
filled with praise and thanksgiving to God from whom come all our mercies
and blessings. The Lord is good, and His mercies endure forever. I will
praise Him who is the light of my countenance and my God. He is the source
of all efficiency and power. Why do we not praise Him by speaking words of
hope and comfort to others? Why are our lips so silent? Speech is a gift of
Heaven, and it should be used in sounding forth the praises of Him who hath
called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. . . .  

     O how much good would be accomplished were God honored by all who
profess to be Christians! . . . The Light of the world is shining upon men
in richest blessing. Every provision has been made for the supplying of our
temporal and spiritual needs. Yet how little thanksgiving the Giver
receives! . . .  

     In receiving Christ as our Captain there must be a complete surrender
of the human will to the divine will. The Lord can work out His will through
those who have made this surrender, for they give prompt and cheerful
obedience to His commands. God expects us to obey without questioning. We
are to ask, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Then, though the command
may be as stern and startling as that given to Abraham, we are to obey.
Abraham's soul was rent asunder by the command, "Take now thy son, thine
only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and offer him for a sacrifice on one of
the mountains which I will tell thee of" (Gen. 22:2). But he did not
hesitate to obey.  

     All our activities, all our business arrangements, should be in perfect
accord with the Lord's commands. The laws of God's kingdom must be obeyed by
the subjects of that kingdom. Our zeal for the advancement of God's kingdom
is to mark us as faithful subjects of the cross of Christ. God can trust as
His representatives those who implicitly obey Him.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 219


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Aug  2 13:58:46 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 16:58:46 -0400
Subject: In the Master's Stead 
Message-ID: <000301c8f4e2$8f808550$ae818ff0$@org>

In the Master's Stead 

     Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1
Cor. 4:2.  

     A steward identifies himself with his master. His master's interests
become his. He has accepted the responsibilities of a steward and he must
act in the master's stead, doing as the master would do if he were presiding
over his own goods. The position is one of dignity, in that his master
trusts him. If a steward in any wise acts selfishly and turns the advantages
gained in trading with his lord's goods to his own advantage, he has
perverted the trust reposed in him. The master can no longer look upon him
as a servant to be trusted, one on whom he can depend.  

     Every Christian is a steward of God, entrusted with His goods. . . .
Let all who claim to be Christians deal wisely with the Lord's goods. God is
making an inventory of the money lent you and the spiritual advantages given
you. Will you as stewards make careful inventory? Will you examine whether
you are using economically all that God has placed in your charge, or
whether you are wasting the Lord's goods by selfish outlay in order to make
a display? Would that all that is spent needlessly were laid up as treasure
in heaven!  

     However large the income or the possessions of any person, any family,
or any institution, let all remember that they are only stewards, holding in
trust the Lord's money. All profit, all pay, our time, our talents, our
opportunities, are to be accounted for to Him who gives them all. . . .  

     God will encourage His faithful stewards who are ready to put all their
energies and God-given endowments to the very best use. As all learn the
lesson of faithfully rendering to God what is His due, He through His
providence will enable some to bring princely offerings. He will enable
others to make smaller offerings, and the small and the large gifts are
acceptable to Him if given with an eye single to His glory.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 220


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Aug  3 12:03:01 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 15:03:01 -0400
Subject: Support of the Lord's Plan
Message-ID: <002f01c8f59b$8e3a71b0$aaaf5510$@org>

Support of the Lord's Plan 

     Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in
mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will
not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there
shall not be room enough to receive it. Mal. 3:10.  

     We are not to look upon the property we are handling as our own, with
which we may do as we please. It is the Lord's, to be administered in
accordance with His prescribed plans.  

     God wants all His stewards to be exact in following divine
arrangements. They are not to offset the Lord's plans with some deed of
charity, some gift, or some offering, done or given when and how they, the
human agents, shall see fit. God has made His plan known, and all who
cooperate with Him will carry out His plan instead of daring to attempt to
improve on it by their own arrangements.... God will honor them and work in
their behalf, for we have His pledged word that He will open the windows of
heaven and pour us out a blessing such as there will not be room enough to
receive.  

     It is a very poor policy for men to seek to improve on God's plan and
invent a makeshift, averaging up their good impulses in this and that
instance and offsetting them against all that is required by God.... We are
to strike true and faithful figures in tithing, and then say to the Lord, I
have done as Thou hast commanded me. If Thou wilt honor me by trusting me
with Thy goods to trade upon, I will, by Thy grace, be a faithful steward,
doing all in my power to bring meat to Thy house. . . .  

     Men who have large responsibilities are to be sure that they are not
robbing God in any jots or tittles, when so much is involved, as is so
plainly stated in Malachi. Here we are told that a blessing is given for a
faithful disposition of the tithes, and a curse for the covetous retention
of the money which should flow into the treasury. Then ought we not to be
sure to work on the safe side, so dealing with God in handling the property
lent us on trust that no shadow of reproach shall fall upon us? . . . I need
not ask, Will not God bless those who are faithful? We have His pledged
word. 

>From That I May Know Him - Page 221


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Aug  4 07:58:43 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 10:58:43 -0400
Subject: Beware of Satan's Snares
Message-ID: <000001c8f642$97b3b330$c71b1990$@org>

Beware of Satan's Snares

     But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into
many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and
perdition. 1 Tim. 6:9.  

     Satan has nets and snares, like the snares of the fowler, all prepared
to entrap souls. It is his studied purpose that men shall employ their
God-given powers for selfish ends rather than yield them to glorify God. God
would have men engage in a work that will bring them peace and joy and will
render them eternal profits, but Satan wants us to concentrate our efforts
for that which profiteth not, for things that perish with the using....  

     The heart of man may be the abode of the Holy Spirit. The peace of
Christ that passeth understanding may rest in your soul, and the
transforming power of His grace may work in your life and fit you for the
courts of glory. But if brain and nerve and muscle are all employed in the
service of self, you are not making God and heaven the first consideration
of your life. It is impossible to be weaving the graces of Christ into your
character while you are putting all your energies on the side of the world.
You may be successful in heaping up treasure on the earth for the glory of
self, but "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt.
6:21). Eternal considerations will be made of secondary importance. You may
take part in the outward forms of worship, but your service will be an
abomination to the God of heaven....  

     If the eye is single, if it is directed heavenward, the light of heaven
will fill the soul, and earthly things will appear insignificant and
uninviting. The purpose of the heart will be changed, and the admonition of
Jesus will be heeded. You will lay up your treasure in heaven. Your thoughts
will be fixed upon the great reward of eternity. All your plans will be made
in reference to the future, immortal life. You will be drawn toward your
treasure. You will not study your worldly interest, but in all your pursuits
the silent inquiry will be, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts
9:6). Bible religion will be woven into your daily life.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 222


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Aug  5 14:42:25 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 17:42:25 -0400
Subject: A Safe Place for Our Treasures
Message-ID: <000001c8f744$2808c7c0$781a5740$@org>

A Safe Place for Our Treasures 

     Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure
is, there will your heart be also. Matt. 6:19-21.  

     Mark these words of the Great Teacher, who spake as never man spake. He
sets before you the course to pursue if you would serve your best interests
in this life, and lay up for yourselves an eternal treasure. "Lay not up for
yourselves treasures upon earth." There is danger of losing all in the
pursuit of worldly gain, for in the feverish eagerness for earthly treasure,
higher interests are forgotten. . . .  

     If your thoughts, your plans, your purposes, are all directed toward
the accumulation of the things of earth, your anxiety, your study, your
interests, will all be centered upon the world. The heavenly attractions
will lose their beauty. The glories of the eternal world will cease to have
the force of reality to you. Your heart will be with your treasure, and
every faculty of your mind will be so concentrated on the work you have
chosen that you will not heed the warnings and entreaties of the Word and
Spirit of God. You will have no time to devote to the study of the
Scriptures and to earnest prayer that you may escape the snares of Satan.  

     This work of transferring your possessions to the world above is worthy
of all your best energies. It is of the highest importance, and involves
your eternal interests. That which you bestow in the cause of God is not
lost. All that is given for the salvation of souls and the glory of God is
invested in the most successful enterprise in this life and in the life to
come. Your talents of gold and silver, if given to the exchangers, are
gaining continually in value, which will be registered to your account in
the kingdom of heaven. You are to be the recipients of the eternal wealth
that has increased in the hands of the exchangers. In giving to the work of
God, you are laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven. All that you lay
up above is secure from disaster and loss and is increasing to an eternal,
and enduring, substance.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 223


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Aug  6 14:27:59 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 17:27:59 -0400
Subject: God's Treasure House of Supplies
Message-ID: <000a01c8f80b$4d2e7c80$e78b7580$@org>

God's Treasure House of Supplies 

     But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory
by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19.  

     The children of God are called upon to be representatives of Christ,
showing forth the goodness and mercy of the Lord. If they but revealed His
goodness from day to day, barriers would be raised around their souls
against the temptations of the evil one. . . .  

     God knows our wants, and has provided for them. The Lord has a treasure
house of supplies for His children, and can give them what they need under
all circumstances. Then why do we not trust Him? He has made precious
promises to His children on condition of faithful obedience to His precepts.
There is not a burden but He can remove, no darkness but He can dispel, no
weakness but He can change to power, no fears but He can calm, no worthy
aspiration but He can guide and justify.  

     We are not to look at ourselves. The more we dwell upon our own
imperfections, the less strength we shall have to overcome them. We are to
render a cheerful service to God. It is the work of Satan to present the
Lord as lacking in compassion and pity.... We fasten our minds upon the
misrepresentations of Satan and dishonor God by mistrusting Him and by
murmuring against Him. When we act like culprits under sentence of death we
bear false witness against God. The Father gave His only begotten and
well-beloved Son to die for us, and in so doing He placed great honor upon
humanity, for in Christ the link that was broken through sin was reunited
and man again connected with Heaven.  

     You who doubt the mercy of God, look at the Lamb of God, look at the
Man of sorrows, who bore your grief and suffered for your sin. He is your
friend. He died on the cross because He loved you. He is touched with the
feeling of your infirmities and bears you up before the throne. In view of
His unspeakable love should not hope, love, and gratitude be cherished in
your heart? Should not gladness fill your service to God?

>From That I May Know Him - Page 224



From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Aug  7 06:26:59 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 09:26:59 -0400
Subject: A Never-failing Refuge
Message-ID: <000c01c8f891$4621b660$07411eac@thompsondm90>

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 That I May Know Him - Page 225


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Aug  8 05:27:22 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 08:27:22 -0400
Subject: A Progressive Faith
Message-ID: <000301c8f952$1c089c60$5419d520$@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 That I May Know Him - Page 226


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Aug  9 19:11:02 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2008 22:11:02 -0400
Subject: A Dangerous Guest
Message-ID: <000301c8fa8e$57228800$05679800$@org>

A Dangerous Guest 

     And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no
faith? Mark 4:40.  

     Why are we so weak in faith? . . . We are so faithless, so unbelieving,
that the Lord cannot do for us those things which He longs to do. There are
doubts in our minds that are very saddening and very difficult to dispel.  

     These doubts that bow down the soul we should each one bravely face,
and tell the soul that we must conquer them at once. Make no delay, for
there can be no peace where faith is lost. We need not express these doubts,
for they may cause some poor soul to stumble. But examine them in the light
of God's Word, then talk them over with Jesus with His Word of promise in
your hand, and pray for their removal. Tell the Lord, "Lord, I believe; help
thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:24). Let not doubt be placed in a comfortable,
easy chair. It is a dangerous guest when it is left to rankle in the mind
and counteract faith. . . .  

     Genuine faith is life, and where there is life there is growth. The
life which Jesus imparts cannot but grow more and more abundantly. A living
faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul
becomes a conquering power. He who drinks of the water of life which Jesus
gives, possesses within himself a well of water springing up into
everlasting life. Though it shall be cut off from all created springs, it is
fed from the hidden fountain. It is a perpetual spring, in immediate
communication with the inexhaustible fountain of life.  

     The Lord is dishonored when any who profess His name have an emptiness.
This misrepresents God. Nothing but Christ manifested in spirit and life and
character can reveal God to a world that knows Him not. The soul renewed in
the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, demonstrates its
divine fullness in a living. growing experience--even the fullness of Him
that filleth all things.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 227


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Aug 10 14:13:10 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:13:10 -0400
Subject: Conquering Our Doubts
Message-ID: <000101c8fb2d$e518ffa0$4101a8c0@thompsondm90>

Conquering Our Doubts 

     O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matt. 14:31.  

     "Wherefore didst thou doubt?" said Christ to the sinking Peter. The
same question may be addressed to us. . . . The Lord has pledged Himself to
give us strength to enable us to stand. As we search the Scriptures we find
ground for confidence, provision for sufficiency. It is our privilege to say
boldly, yet humbly, The Lord is my helper, therefore I shall not be moved
from my steadfastness. My life is hid with Christ in God. Because He lives,
I shall live also. Let us pledge ourselves before God and the angels of
heaven that we will not dishonor God by speaking words of discouragement or
unbelief. . . . Close the door to distrust and open the door wide to faith.
Invite into the soul temple the heavenly Guest.  

     You may have your choice as to who shall rule your heart and control
your mind. If you choose to open the door to the suggestions of the evil
one, your mind will be filled with distrust and rebellious questioning. You
may talk out your feelings, but every doubt you utter is a seed that will
germinate and bear fruit in another's life, and it will be impossible to
counteract the influence of your words. You may be able to recover from your
season of temptation . . . , but others that have been swayed by your
influence may not be able to escape from the unbelief you have suggested.
How important it is that we speak to those around us only those things which
will give spiritual strength and enlightenment!  

     It is our duty to encourage faith, to talk faith that we may have
faith. If we talk doubt and encourage doubt we shall have abundant doubt,
for Satan will help us in this kind of work. We need sanctified hearts and
sanctified lips. We need to breathe in the rich, bracing atmosphere that
comes from the heavenly Canaan. . . . Why should we fill the gallery of the
mind with gloomy scenes of doubt? Why not let the bright beams of the Sun of
Righteousness shine into the chambers of heart and mind, and dispel the
shadows of unbelief? Turn to the Light, to Jesus the precious Saviour.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 228


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Aug 12 15:21:58 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:21:58 -0400
Subject: Cultivating the Plant of Faith 
Message-ID: <000001c8fcc9$d68b0440$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Cultivating the Plant of Faith 

     And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Luke 17:5.  

     Faith should be cultivated. If it has become weak it is like a sickly
plant that should be placed in the sunshine and carefully watered and
tended. The Lord would have every one who has had light and evidence cherish
that light and walk in its brightness. God has blessed us with reasoning
powers so that we may trace from cause to effect. If we would have light we
must come to the light. We must individually lay hold on the hope set before
us in the gospel. . . . How foolish it would be to go into a cellar, and
mourn because we were in the dark. If we want light we must come up into a
higher room. It is our privilege to come into the light, to come into the
presence of God. . . .  

     We should grow daily in faith in order that we may grow up to the full
measure of the spiritual stature in Christ Jesus. We should believe that God
will answer our prayers, and not trust to feeling. We should say, My gloomy
feelings are no evidence that God has not heard me. I do not want to give up
on account of these sad emotions, for "faith is the substance of things
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). The rainbow of
promise encircles the throne of God. I come to the throne, pointing to the
sign of God's faithfulness, and cherish the faith that works by love and
purifies the soul.  

     We are not to believe because we feel or see that God hears us. We are
to trust to the promise of God. We are to go about our business believing
that God will do just what He has said He would do, and that the blessings
we have prayed for will come to us when we most need them. Every petition
enters into the heart of God when we come believing. We have not faith
enough. We should look upon our heavenly Father as more willing to help us
than an earthly parent is to help his child. Why not trust Him?  

     "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how
shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom. 8:32).  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 230


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Aug 13 14:30:35 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:30:35 -0400
Subject: Much Faith, Much Peace
Message-ID: <001101c8fd8b$d3ff3b20$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Much Faith, Much Peace

     Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that
fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the
sons of men! Ps. 31:19.  

     The more our faith fastens to Christ in perfect trust, the more peace
we shall have. Faith will grow by exercise. God's rule is, One day at a
time. Day by day do the work for each day as if you are conscious that you
are working in the sight of the angels, cherubim and seraphim, and God and
Christ. You are "a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men" (1
Cor. 4:9). "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11). "As thy days, so
shall thy strength be" (Deut. 33:25). "Looking unto Jesus the author and
finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). Living thus, the Holy Spirit helps our
memory, sanctifies every faculty, and keeps us reminded of our daily and
hourly dependence upon our heavenly Father's care, . . . and unceasing love.


     This is the childlike spirit Jesus declared His disciples must have in
order to enter into the kingdom of heaven--trusting as a little child in God
their heavenly Father. Then Satan's temptations are discerned and more
easily resisted, for there is in the heart a constant drawing nigh to God.
The feeling of self-sufficiency which works the ruin of so many souls does
not have an atmosphere in which to flourish.  

     "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). Here is a precious promise
from One who means every word He says. Then why are we fearful, distrustful,
and unbelieving? ... Our time is the Lord's. Our talents are the Lord's.
Then how can any individual feel that he can be independent, not subject to
the Spirit of God--independent of God's will, independent of God's
providences and plans? . . .  

     "Who is among you that feareth the Lord. . . ? let him trust in the
name of the Lord, and stay upon his God" (Isa. 50:10). . . . We are not safe
in following the imaginations of our own hearts. We cannot be independent.
Our only safety is in dependence on God our Redeemer.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 231


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Aug 14 19:21:03 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:21:03 -0400
Subject: Faith Sees Beyond the Darkness
Message-ID: <000301c8fe7d$91735140$b459f3c0$@org>

Faith Sees Beyond the Darkness 

     Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and
verily thou shalt be fed. Ps. 37:3.  

     "Trust in the Lord." Each day has its burdens, its cares and
perplexities, and when we meet, how ready we are to talk of our difficulties
and trials. . . . Some are always fearing and borrowing trouble. Every day
they are surrounded by the tokens of God's love, every day they are enjoying
the bounties of His providence, but they overlook these present blessings. .
. .  

     Why should we be ungrateful and distrustful? Jesus is our friend. All
heaven is interested in our welfare, and our anxiety and fear grieve the
Holy Spirit of God. We should not indulge in a solicitude which only frets
and wears us but does not help us to bear trials. No place should be given
to that distrust of God which leads us to make a preparation against future
want the chief pursuit of life, as though our happiness consisted in these
earthly things. . . .  

     You may be perplexed in business; your prospects may grow darker and
darker and you may be threatened with loss. But do not become discouraged;
cast your care upon God and remain calm and cheerful. Begin every day with
earnest prayer, not omitting to offer praise and thanksgiving. Ask for
wisdom to manage your affairs with discretion and thus prevent loss and
disaster. Do all you can on your part to bring about favorable results. . .
. When, relying upon your tried Helper, you have done all you can, accept
the result cheerfully. It will not always be gain from the worldling's
standpoint, but perhaps success might have been the worst thing for you. . .
.  

     We want an eye single to the glory of God in all the affairs of life;
we want a living faith that holds fast the promises of God no matter how
dark the prospect. We are not to look at the things which are seen, and
judge from the world's standpoint, and be ruled by the world's principles,
but we are to look at the things which are unseen, eternal.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 232


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Aug 15 06:28:08 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:28:08 -0400
Subject: Take Time to Think 
Message-ID: <000e01c8feda$c2368e20$46a3aa60$@org>

Take Time to Think 

     Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift
up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. Lam. 3:40, 41.  

     I would appeal to the youth to consider their ways, to take time to
think, to weigh their actions. . . . Compassed with temptation as you are,
nothing will be sufficient as a safeguard against evil except the indwelling
of Christ in your hearts through faith in His righteousness. You must
practice His virtues, making Him your daily pattern. . . .  

     Good character does not come by chance; it is formed by persevering,
untiring effort. The youth should seek to make all that is possible of
themselves, by improving every entrusted talent and capability to the glory
of God. The world's Redeemer says, "Without me ye can do nothing" (John
15:5). Faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour will give strength and
solidity to your character. Those who have faith in Christ will be
sober-minded, ever remembering that God's eye is upon them, that angels of
God are watching to see what manner of characters they will develop. . . .  

     Individually, probation is granted to you in order that you may form
characters for the future, immortal life. Precious, golden moments are given
you that you may improve them according to the light which the Lord has
graciously permitted to shine upon you from the throne of His glory. . . .
Christ is the greatest teacher the world ever knew. Where He abides in the
heart by faith, His spirit will become a vitalizing agent to purify and
vivify the soul. . . .  

     The truth in the heart will surely have a correcting influence on the
character. Hold the truth as from God, as a treasure of the highest value,
that must not be dimmed or tarnished by evil practices that are wholly out
of harmony with its holy character. Under the divine influence of truth the
mind will be strengthened, the intellect invigorated, and that which is
useless will be discarded for that which is pure and beneficial. Under the
influence of truth the Christian character will develop through the
knowledge of the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 233


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Aug 16 19:47:31 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:47:31 -0400
Subject: A Holy Watcher 
Message-ID: <000301c90013$9ae669a0$d0b33ce0$@org>

A Holy Watcher 

     Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to
do. Heb. 4:13.  

     In every place, at every hour in the day, there is a holy Watcher who
balances every account, whose eye takes in the whole situation, whether it
is one of fidelity or one of disloyalty and deception.  

     We are never alone. We have a Companion whether we choose Him or not.
Remember, young men and young women, that wherever you are, whatever you are
doing, God is there. To your every word and action you have a witness--the
holy, sin-hating God. Nothing that is said or done or thought can escape His
infinite eye. Your words may not be heard by human ears, but they are heard
by the Ruler of the universe. He reads the inward anger of the soul when the
will is crossed. He hears the expression of profanity. In the deepest
darkness and solitude He is there. No one can deceive God; none can escape
from their accountability to Him.  

     "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me," writes the psalmist.
"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my
thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art
acquainted with all my ways. . . . If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover
me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not
from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are
both alike to thee" (Ps. 139:1-12).  

     Day by day the record of your words, your actions, and your influence
is being made in the books of heaven. This you must meet.  

     All heaven is interested in our salvation. The angels of God are . . .
marking the deeds of men. They record in the books of God's remembrance the
words of faith, the acts of love, the humility of spirit, and in that day
when every man's work shall be tried of what sort it is, the work of the
humble follower of Christ will stand the test, and will receive the
commendation of Heaven. "Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in
the kingdom of their Father" (Matt. 13:43).  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 234


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Aug 17 08:24:32 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 2008 11:24:32 -0400
Subject: The Mighty Deliverer
Message-ID: <000101c9007d$5b6d6de0$0401a8c0@thompsondm90>

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 That I May Know Him - Page 235


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Aug 18 09:11:10 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:11:10 -0400
Subject: The Sowing Time
Message-ID: <000001c9014d$093927a0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

The Sowing Time 

     Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity,
peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Tim. 2:22.  

     I long to address the young men and women who are so willing to reach
only cheap standards. O that the Lord might influence their minds to see
what perfection of character is! O that they might know the faith that works
by love and purifies the soul! We are living in days of peril. Christ alone
can help us and give us the victory. Christ must be all in all to us; He
must dwell in the heart; His life must circulate through us, as the blood
circulates through the veins. His Spirit must be a vitalizing power.  

     It is anything but wise, my young friends, to seek your own pleasure,
to sow a crop of tares in foolish, sinful actions, which will not only lead
others to do the same but will bring forth a bitter harvest for your own
reaping. The Lord says: ". . . Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also
reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption;
but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting"
(Gal. 6:7, 8). Youth is the sowing time, and the words and deeds of the
early life are like seeds that will germinate and produce a harvest after
their kind. Then why not sow seeds of kindness, of love, of faith, of
patience, of self-denial, and true benevolence, and keep all your passions
under control? Such sowing will produce a harvest after its kind. Let every
word and deed be a seed that will result in good fruit.  

     If you seek the help and grace of God, the Holy Spirit will take
possession of mind and character and work in you that which you can work out
with all safety to yourself, and with all benefit to others. . . . The
atmosphere that surrounds your soul will be of a pure, healthful character.


     The Lord loves the youth. He sees in them great possibilities, and is
ready to help them to reach a high standard if they will only realize the
need of His help and lay a foundation of character that cannot be moved.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 236


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Aug 19 14:03:50 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:03:50 -0400
Subject: Under God's Searching Eye
Message-ID: <000001c9023f$17af00f0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Under God's Searching Eye 

     That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of
your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness. Eph. 4:22-24.  

     Provision has been made whereby every soul that is struggling under
sinful practices may be made free from sin. "Behold the Lamb of God, which
taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). The Christian is not to
retain his sinful habits and cherish his defects of character, but he is to
be renewed in the spirit of his mind after the divine similitude. Whatever
may be the nature of your defects, the Spirit of the Lord will enable you to
discern them, and grace will be given you whereby they may be overcome.
Through the merits of the blood of Christ you may be a conqueror--yes, more
than a conqueror. . . .  

     Ask the Lord to reveal to you yourself; place your life under His
searching eye, and when He lays hold upon your case you will see that you
have made grievous mistakes, and what you supposed was of little importance
was offensive in the sight of Heaven. You will see that there is a decided
need of thorough transformation of character. You will realize that you must
put away the evil of your doings, and cooperate with God and heavenly angels
who are sent to minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation. . . .  

     Self must die. Every practice, every habit, that has a harmful
tendency, however innocent it may be regarded by the world, must be battled
with until overcome, that the human agent may perfect a character after the
divine Pattern. . . .  

     The crooked ways, the perverse doings of those around us, are not to
dim the luster of our piety or to lead us to conform our habits to, and
assimilate our customs and practices with, the world's. Let the prayer go
forth from the lips of those who claim to be the sons and daughters of God,
"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).

>From That I May Know Him - Page 237


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Wed Aug 20 14:40:00 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:40:00 -0400
Subject: Mercy for the Repentant 
Message-ID: <000101c9030d$4c6a8fc0$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Mercy for the Repentant 

     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.  

     All are fallible, all make mistakes and fall into sin; but if the
wrongdoer is willing to see his errors, as they are made plain by the
convicting Spirit of God, and in humility of heart will confess them. . . ,
then he may be restored. . . .  

     The mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for all who love Him will
be peopled by those who are free from sin. But sins that are not confessed
will never be forgiven; the name of him who thus rejects the grace of God
will be blotted out of the book of life. The time is at hand when every
secret thing shall be brought into judgment, and then there will be many
confessions made that will astonish the world. The secrets of all hearts
will be revealed. The confession of sin will be most public. The sad part of
it is that confession then made will be too late to benefit the wrongdoer or
to save others from deception. It only testifies that his condemnation is
just. . . . You may now close the book of your remembrance in order to
escape confessing your sins, but when the judgment shall sit and the books
shall be opened, you cannot close them. The recording angel has testified
that which is true. All that you have tried to conceal and forget is
registered, and will be read to you when it is too late for wrongs to be
righted. . . . Unless your sins are canceled, they will testify against you
at that day.  

     The prophet Daniel was drawing very near to God when he was seeking Him
with confession and humiliation of soul. He did not try to excuse himself or
his people, but acknowledged the full extent of their transgression. In
their behalf he confessed sins of which he himself was not guilty, and
besought the mercy of God, that he might bring his brethren to see their
sins. . . .  

     To all who seek Him with true repentance God gives the assurance: "I
have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy
sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee" (Isa. 44: 22).  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 238


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Aug 21 13:25:30 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:25:30 -0400
Subject: From Defeat to Victory
Message-ID: <000101c903cc$0e983e80$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

>From Defeat to Victory

     Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. James 5:16.  

     All are liable to err, therefore the Word of God tells us plainly how
to correct and heal these mistakes. None can say that he never makes a
mistake, that he never sinned at all, but it is important to consider what
disposition you make of these wrongs. The apostle Paul made grievous
mistakes, all the time thinking that he was doing God service, but when the
Spirit of the Lord set the matter before him in its true light, he confessed
his wrongdoing, and afterward acknowledged the great mercy of God in
forgiving his transgression. You also may have done wrong, thinking you were
perfectly right, but when time reveals your error, then it is your duty to
humble the heart and confess your sin. . . .  

     Whatever the character of your sin, confess it. If it is against God
only, confess only to Him. If you have wronged or offended others, confess
also to them, and the blessing of the Lord will rest upon you. In this way
you die to self, and Christ is formed within. . . .  

     When, under the temptations of Satan, men fall into error, and their
words and deportment are not Christlike, they may not realize their
condition, because sin is deceptive and tends to deaden the moral
perceptions. But through self-examination, searching of the Scriptures, and
humble prayer, they will, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, be enabled to see
their mistake. If they then confess their sins and turn from them, the
tempter will not appear to them as an angel of light, but as a deceiver. . .
.  

     Those who acknowledge reproof and correction as from God, and are thus
enabled to see and correct their errors, are learning precious lessons, even
from their mistakes. Their apparent defeat is turned into victory. They
stand, trusting not to their own strength, but to the strength of God. They
have earnestness, zeal, and affection, united with humility and regulated by
the precepts of God's Word. . . . They walk not stumblingly, but safely, in
a path where the light of heaven shines.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 239


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Aug 22 17:14:11 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:14:11 -0400
Subject: A Strong Defense Against Temptation 
Message-ID: <000101c904b5$2bf29680$0501a8c0@thompsondm90>

A Strong Defense Against Temptation 

     For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted. Heb. 2:18.  

     Our Redeemer perfectly understood the wants of humanity. He who
condescended to take upon Himself man's nature was acquainted with man's
weakness. Christ lived as our example. He was tempted in all points as we
are, that He might know how to succor all who should be tempted. He has
trodden the path of life before us and endured the severest tests in our
behalf. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. . . .  

     Christ took upon Himself our infirmities, and in the weakness of
humanity He needed to seek strength from His Father. He was often to be
found in earnest prayer, in the grove, by the lakeside, and in the
mountains. He has enjoined upon us to watch and pray. . . . Without a deep
sense of our need of help from God there will be but little earnest,
heartfelt prayer for divine aid. Our hearts are deceitful, our foes many and
vigilant. If we neglect to fortify a single weak point in our character,
Satan will assail us at that point with his temptations. He is constantly
plotting the ruin of the soul, and he will take every advantage of our
careless security.  

     Christ came to our world to engage in singlehanded combat with this
enemy of man, and thus to wrest the race from Satan's grasp. In the
accomplishment of this object He withheld not His own life. And now, in the
strength that Christ will give, man must stand for himself, a faithful
sentinel against the wily, plotting foe. Says the great apostle, "Walk
circumspectly"--guard every avenue of the soul, look constantly to Jesus,
the true and perfect Pattern, and seek to imitate His example, not in one or
two points merely, but in all things. We shall then be prepared for any and
every emergency. . . . He whose mind loves to dwell upon God has a strong
defense. He will be quick to perceive the dangers that threaten his
spiritual life, and a sense of danger will lead him to call upon God for
help and protection.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 240


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Aug 23 16:01:15 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:01:15 -0400
Subject: How to Get Rid of Guilt
Message-ID: <000101c90574$25aba180$0501a8c0@thompsondm90>

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 That I May Know Him - Page 241


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sun Aug 24 06:29:14 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:29:14 -0400
Subject: Under the Discipline of God
Message-ID: <000101c905ed$67345240$0501a8c0@thompsondm90>

Under the Discipline of God

     Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Ps.
19:12.  

     We need to study the character of the motives that prompt us to action
in the light of the law of God, in order that we may be made aware of our
deficiencies. But while the human agent may see his sins, he is not to
become discouraged, although he finds himself condemned by the precepts of
righteousness. He is to see and to realize the sinfulness of sin, to repent,
and to have faith in Christ as his personal Saviour.  

     It is never safe for us to feel that we are possessed of virtues, and
that we may congratulate ourselves on our excellences of character and our
present state of purity and piety. David often triumphed in God, and yet he
dwelt much upon his own unworthiness and sinfulness. His conscience was not
asleep or dead. "My sin," he cries, "is ever before me" (Ps. 51:3). . . . As
he saw the depths of deceit in his heart he was deeply disgusted with
himself, and prayed that God would keep him back by His power from the
presumptuous sins, and cleanse him from secret faults.  

     It is not safe for us to close our eyes and harden our conscience so
that we shall not see or realize our sins. We need to cherish the
instruction we have had in regard to the hateful character of sin, in order
that we may truly confess and forsake our sins. "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). Are you willing to be cleansed from all
unrighteousness? . . .  

     If you are pressing forward and upward, seeking to attain new heights
in education and in spiritual things, you will have discernment to
understand that which is required of you. You will have the Holy Spirit to
help all your infirmities. It is natural for the youth to love amusement . .
. , but the natural inclinations must be overcome by putting the soul under
discipline to God. . . . Walk not hesitatingly, but firmly in the strength
and grace of Jesus Christ.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 242


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Mon Aug 25 14:30:33 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 17:30:33 -0400
Subject: The Sin God Cannot Forgive
Message-ID: <000101c906f9$ce7ece50$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

The Sin God Cannot Forgive 

     Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be
forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be
forgiven unto men. Matt. 12:31.  

     "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John
1:7). No matter how sinful a person has been, no matter what his position
may be, if he will repent and believe, coming unto Christ and trusting Him
as his personal Saviour, he may be saved unto the uttermost. . . .  

     I know the danger of those who refuse to walk in the light as God gives
it. They bring upon themselves the terrible crisis of being left to follow
their own ways, to do after their own judgment. The conscience becomes less
and less impressible. The voice of God seems to become more and more
distant, and the wrongdoer is left to his own infatuation. In stubbornness
he resists every appeal, despises all counsel and advice, and turns from
every provision made for his salvation. . . . The Spirit of God no longer
exerts a restraining power over him, and the sentence is passed, "He is
joined to idols; let him alone" (see Hosea 4:17). . . . This is the process
through which the soul passes that rejects the working of the Holy Spirit. .
. .  

     No one need look upon the sin against the Holy Ghost as something
mysterious and indefinable. The sin against the Holy Ghost is the sin of
persistent refusal to respond to the invitation to repent. If you refuse to
believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. . . , you love the
atmosphere that surrounded the first great apostate. You choose this
atmosphere rather than the atmosphere that surrounds the Father and the Son,
and God allows you to have your choice. But let no soul be discouraged by
this presentation of the matter. Let no one who is striving to do the will
of the Master be cast down.  

     Come with your whole heart to Jesus. Repent of your sins, make
confession to God, forsake all iniquity, and you may appropriate to yourself
all His promises. "Look unto me, and be ye saved" (Isa. 45:22) is His
gracious invitation.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 243


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Tue Aug 26 07:52:20 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:52:20 -0400
Subject: Trifling With God's Spirit
Message-ID: <000101c9078b$58473500$f7271eac@thompsondm90>

Trifling With God's Spirit 

     And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the
day of redemption. Eph. 4:30.  

     When the Lord presents evidence upon evidence and gives light upon
light, why is it that souls hesitate to walk in the light? . . . By every
hesitation and delay, we place ourselves where it is more and more difficult
for us to accept the light of heaven, and at last it seems impossible to be
impressed by admonitions and warnings. The sinner says, more and more
easily, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will
call for thee" (Acts 24:25). . . .  

     The person who is drawn again and again by his Redeemer, and who
slights the warnings given, yields not to his convictions to repent, and
heeds not when he is exhorted to seek pardon and grace, is in a perilous
position. Jesus is drawing him, the Spirit is exerting His power upon him,
urging him to surrender his will to the will of God; and when this
invitation is unheeded, the Spirit is grieved away. The sinner chooses to
remain in sin and impenitence, although he has evidence to encourage his
faith, and more evidence would do no good. . . . There is another drawing to
which he is responding, and that is the drawing of Satan. He yields
obedience to the powers of darkness. This course is fatal, and leaves the
soul in obstinate impenitence. This is the blasphemy that is most general
among men, and it works in a most subtle way, until the sinner feels no
remorse of conscience, no repentance, and consequently has no pardon. . . .


     Those who resist the Spirit of God think that they will repent at some
future day when they get ready to take a decided step toward reformation,
but repentance will then be beyond their power. According to the light and
privileges given will be the darkness of those who refuse to walk in the
light while they have the light. . . .  

     Never, never, feel at liberty to trifle with the opportunities granted
to you. Study the will of God; do not study how you can avoid keeping the
commandments of God, but study rather how you may keep them in sincerity and
truth and truly serve Him whose property you are.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 244


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Thu Aug 28 14:13:04 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:13:04 -0400
Subject: Drawing Nigh to God 
Message-ID: <000301c90952$dcd4ed80$967ec880$@org>

Drawing Nigh to God 

     Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8.  

     We should seek to understand what it means to draw nigh to God. We are
to come near to Him, not to stand a great way off, for in that case we shall
not be able to feel the influence of His divine Spirit. Those who came into
the presence of Christ, drawing nigh to Him, could more readily breathe in
the atmosphere that surrounded Him, catch His spirit, and be impressed with
His lessons. We are engaged in a serious, solemn work, and we should seek to
be in that humble position, to have that teachable spirit, that the Lord can
impress our hearts, and that we may feel His drawing power. We never draw
nigh to God but that He is drawing us.  

     God has angels whose whole work is to draw those who shall be heirs of
salvation. Whenever one takes a step toward Jesus, Jesus is taking steps
toward him. The angels' work is to keep back the powers of Satan.  

     Those who are ever pressing a little closer to the world, and becoming
more like them in feelings, in plans, in ideas, have left a space between
them and the Saviour, and Satan has pressed his way into this space, and
low, worldly-tainted, selfish plans become interwoven with their experience.


     If we draw nigh to God, we shall draw nigh to one another. We cannot
draw nigh to the same cross without coming into unity of spirit. Christ
prayed that His disciples should be one as He and the Father are one. We
should seek to be one in spirit and in understanding. We should seek to be
one that God may be glorified in us as He was glorified in the Son, and God
will love us as He loves His Son.  

     God loves you. He does not wish to draw you nigh to Him to hurt you,
oh, no; but to comfort you, to pour in the oil of rejoicing, to heal the
wounds that sin has made, to bind up where Satan has bruised. He wants to
give you the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 246


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Fri Aug 29 16:34:29 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:34:29 -0400
Subject: No Excuse for Failure 
Message-ID: <000301c90a2f$c86eb910$594c2b30$@org>

No Excuse for Failure 

     We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1
John 5:18.  

     Many fail to recognize the claims that God has upon them. They profess
to be sons and daughters of God, but they do not behave as children of God.
They argue that their evil habits and customs which they followed when they
served under the black banner of the prince of darkness must be excused on
the ground of their weakness, while they claim that "it is their way." . . .
Their objectionable hereditary traits of character they choose to retain as
idols.  

     When a soul is truly converted, old habits and natural evil besetments
are done away in Christ Jesus and all things become new. Among those who
profess to be servants of Christ an earnest purpose should be cultivated,
such as Daniel manifested in the courts of Babylon. He knew that God was his
strength and his shield, his front guard and his rear guard. Amid the
corruptions that surrounded him in the courts of Babylon he kept himself
free from those sights and sounds which would allure him and draw him into
temptation. When his duties required that he be present at scenes of
revelry, intemperance, and basest idolatry, he cultivated the habit of
silent prayer, and thus he was kept by the power of God. To have the mind
uplifted to God will be a benefit in all times and in all places....  

     Let the soul cultivate the habit of contemplating the world's Redeemer.
. . . Help has been laid upon One that is mighty. Jesus has given His life,
that every soul might have abundant help in Him. . . .  

     Will you who read these words resolve that you will never again seek to
excuse your defects of character by saying, "It is my way"? Let no one
declare, "I cannot change my natural habits and tendencies." The truth must
be admitted into the soul, and it will work the sanctification of the
character. It will refine and elevate the life, and fit you for an entrance
into the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 247


From devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org  Sat Aug 30 14:27:01 2008
From: devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Daily Devotional)
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:27:01 -0400
Subject: Battlefield of the Soul 
Message-ID: <000301c90ae7$24b67430$6e235c90$@org>

Battlefield of the Soul 

     As for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before
thy face for ever. Ps. 41:12.  

     Some regard sin as altogether so light a matter that they have no
defense against its indulgence or consequence. . . . With some . . . ,
religion is purely a thing of feeling. You will see a fair show of fervor
and devotedness for a time, but soon a change comes. . . . They want a sip
of the pleasure of excitement--the ballroom, the dance, and the show. . . .


     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 for thus doing, it is 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. The favor of God is
gone. Some . . . have tried to supply its place and seek compensation for
the loss of the Holy Spirit's witness that you are a child of God, in
worldly excitement in the society of worldlings. In short, you have plunged
deeper into sin. . . .  

     Remember that temptation is not sin. Remember that however trying the
circumstances in which a man may be placed, nothing can really weak