From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 1 08:15:23 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 1 Jan 2006 11:15:23 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E333@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> ------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Thought for the Day Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ----------------------------------------------------- As the people looked upon [Jesus], they saw a face where divine compassion was blended with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every feature of the countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of unutterable love. He seemed to be surrounded by an atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners were gentle and unassuming, He impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden, yet could not be wholly concealed. Desire of Ages, pp. 137, 138. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 2 04:40:48 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 2 Jan 2006 07:40:48 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E349@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus came in poverty and humiliation, that He might be our example as well as our Redeemer. If He had appeared with kingly pomp, how could He have taught humility? how could He have presented such cutting truths as in the Sermon on the Mount? Where would have been the hope of the lowly in life had Jesus come to dwell as a king among men? Desire of Ages, p. 138. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 3 06:19:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 3 Jan 2006 09:19:36 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E478@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and everyone that loveth "knoweth God." 1 John 4:7. Desire of Ages, p. 139 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 4 05:59:38 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 4 Jan 2006 08:59:38 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E579@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he became a disciple. ... So in the case of many today... they trust to the guidance of human authority, none will come to a saving knowledge of the truth. Like Nathanael, we need to study God's word for ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Desire of Ages, pp. 140, 141 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 5 06:12:34 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 5 Jan 2006 09:12:34 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E6BD@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. Desire of Ages, p. 141. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 6 04:32:16 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2006 07:32:16 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E7BA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> He who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov. 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption. Desire of Ages, p. 142 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 7 05:59:53 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 7 Jan 2006 08:59:53 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E815@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The angels of God are ever passing from earth to heaven, and from heaven to earth. The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and suffering were wrought by the power of God through the ministration of the angels. And it is through Christ, by the ministration of His heavenly messengers, that every blessing comes from God to us. Desire of Ages p. 143 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 8 07:24:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2006 10:24:02 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E825@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The only hope of redemption for our fallen race is in Christ; Mary could find salvation only through the Lamb of God. In herself she possessed no merit. Her connection with Jesus placed her in no different spiritual relation to Him from that of any other human soul. This is indicated in the Saviour's words. He makes clear the distinction between His relation to her as the Son of man and as the Son of God. The tie of kinship between them in no way placed her on an equality with Him. Desire of Ages, p. 147. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 9 04:18:31 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 9 Jan 2006 07:18:31 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E84D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of humanity should be followed by all who preach His word, and by all who have received the gospel of His grace. We are not to renounce social communion. We should not seclude ourselves from others. In order to reach all classes, we must meet them where they are. Desire of Ages, p. 152 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 10 04:27:07 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 07:27:07 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124E9AF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth. He is withdrawn from the eye of sense, but His parting promise is fulfilled, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt. 28:20. While He delegates His power to inferior ministers, His energizing presence is still with His church. Desire of Ages, p. 166 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 11 04:12:59 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 07:12:59 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124EB03@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. Desire of Ages, p. 173 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 12 04:14:29 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:14:29 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124EC22@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace, they exclaim, "How can these things be?" Desire of Ages, p. 173. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 13 04:01:30 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2006 07:01:30 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124ED3D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. Desire of Ages, pp. 179, 180. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 14 06:28:37 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 09:28:37 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124EDD7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drink only 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. Desire of Ages, p. 187. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 15 06:31:38 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 15 Jan 2006 09:31:38 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124EDDA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Our Redeemer thirsts for recognition. He hungers for the sympathy and love of those whom He has purchased with His own blood. He longs with inexpressible desire that they should come to Him and have life. As the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her little child, which tells of the dawning of intelligence, so does Christ watch for the expression of grateful love, which shows that spiritual life is begun in the soul. Desire of Ages, p. 191 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 16 07:04:14 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 16 Jan 2006 10:04:14 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124EDED@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Ever since the fall of Adam Christ had been committing the seed of the word to His chosen servants, to be sown in human hearts. And an unseen agency, even an omnipotent power, had worked silently but effectually to produce the harvest. The dew and rain and sunshine of God's grace had been given, to refresh and nourish the seed of truth. Christ was about to water the seed with His own blood. Desire of Ages, p. 192 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 17 04:18:16 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 07:18:16 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124EE1E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour is still carrying forward the same work as when He proffered the water of life to the woman of Samaria. Those who call themselves His followers may despise and shun the outcast ones; but no circumstance of birth or nationality, no condition of life, can turn away His love from the children of men. To every soul, however sinful, Jesus says, If thou hadst asked of Me, I would have given thee living water. Desire of Ages, p. 194 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 18 03:57:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 06:57:55 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124EFC4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The worker for Christ should not feel that he cannot speak with the same earnestness to a few hearers as to a larger company. There may be only one to hear the message; but who can tell how far-reaching will be its influence? Desire of Ages, p. 194 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 19 04:15:30 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 07:15:30 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0124F11E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. 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. Desire of Ages, p.195 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 20 12:52:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2006 15:52:45 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B060B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul that clings to Him, pleading its great need. Desire of Ages, p. 198 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 21 05:55:25 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2006 08:55:25 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0612@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love. Desire of Ages, p. 200 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 22 06:50:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2006 09:50:49 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B061C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. Desire of Ages, p. 200 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jan 23 04:22:11 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2006 07:22:11 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B064F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Heaven's work never ceases, and men should never rest from doing good. The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity. The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds. Desire of Ages, p. 207 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 24 06:59:14 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 24 Jan 2006 09:59:14 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0816@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> So long as we surrender the will to God, and trust in His strength and wisdom, we shall be guided in safe paths, to fulfill our appointed part in His great plan. But the one who depends upon his own wisdom and power is separating himself from God. Instead of working in unison with Christ, he is fulfilling the purpose of the enemy of God and man. Desire of Ages, p. 209 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jan 25 04:09:09 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2006 07:09:09 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0958@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> That spirit of life in Christ Jesus, "the power of His resurrection," sets men "free from the law of sin and death." Phil. 3:10; Rom. 8:2. The dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept from sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ becomes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth his body from the grave. Desire of Ages, pp. 209, 210. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jan 26 06:03:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 09:03:00 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0A8F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The world has been committed to Christ, and through Him has come every blessing from God to the fallen race. He was the Redeemer before as after His incarnation. As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. He has given light and life to all, and according to the measure of light given, each is to be judged. Desire of Ages, p. 210 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jan 27 03:25:59 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 06:25:59 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0BA8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The teaching of Christ did not coincide with their ideas. It was spiritual, and demanded the sacrifice of self; therefore they would not receive it.... Is not the same thing repeated in our day? Are there not many, even religious leaders, who are hardening their hearts against the Holy Spirit, making it impossible for them to recognize the voice of God? Are they not rejecting the word of God, that they may keep their own traditions? Desire of Ages, p.213 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jan 28 06:08:25 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2006 09:08:25 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0C43@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. If intellectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor, then our homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most.... Unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man. Desire of Ages, p. 219 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jan 29 10:19:46 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 13:19:46 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0C4E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> How often has the life of the innocent been sacrificed through the intemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice! He who puts the intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all the injustice he may commit under its besotting power. By benumbing his senses he makes it impossible for him to judge calmly or to have a clear perception of right and wrong. He opens the way for Satan to work through him in oppressing and destroying the innocent. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Proverbs 20:1. Desire of Ages, p. 222 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jan 31 11:53:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 14:53:55 -0500 Subject: Thought for January 31 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0F1A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Desire of Ages, pp. 224, 225 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 1 07:10:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2006 10:10:05 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B0FFC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ's withdrawal from Judea has been repeated.... In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Desire of Ages, p. 232 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 2 04:18:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 2 Feb 2006 07:18:55 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B10FD@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> We have reached the period foretold in these scriptures. The time of the end is come, the visions of the prophets are unsealed, and their solemn warnings point us to our Lord's coming in glory as near at hand. Desire of Ages, p. 235 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Feb 3 03:56:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2006 06:56:12 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B1237@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Our standing before God depends, not upon the amount of light we have received, but upon the use we make of what we have. Desire of Ages, p. 239 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 4 04:47:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2006 07:47:36 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B1303@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is Satan's work to discourage the soul; it is Christ's work to inspire with faith and hope. Desire of Ages, p. 249 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 5 13:57:20 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 16:57:20 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B1319@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The first thing to be learned by all who would become workers together with God is the lesson of self-distrust; then they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of Christ. This is not to be gained through education in the most scientific schools. It is the fruit of wisdom that is obtained from the divine Teacher alone. Desire of Ages, p. 250 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 6 04:17:08 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 07:17:08 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B1324@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life. Desire of Ages, p. 250 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 7 04:14:08 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2006 07:14:08 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A012B14B9@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. Desire of Ages, pp. 250, 251. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 8 20:43:31 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2006 23:43:31 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0130498F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God develops harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness. Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciple that the Christian becomes like Him in mind and character. Desire of Ages, p. 251 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 9 04:24:47 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2006 07:24:47 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01304990@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Men of the highest education in the arts and sciences have learned precious lessons from Christians in humble life who were designated by the world as unlearned. But these obscure disciples had obtained an education in the highest of all schools. They had sat at the feet of Him who spoke as "never man spake." Desire of Ages, p. 251 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 11 05:40:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 11 Feb 2006 08:40:02 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01304B3C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. Desire of Ages, p. 253 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 12 07:52:44 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 12 Feb 2006 10:52:44 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01304B50@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family. Desire of Ages, p. 254 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 13 05:28:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 13 Feb 2006 08:28:00 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01304B77@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Tim. 4:1. Desire of Ages, p. 257 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 14 04:15:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 14 Feb 2006 07:15:49 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01304CFB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife. Desire of Ages, p. 258 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 15 04:10:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 07:10:15 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01304EDB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy. Desire of Ages, p. 258 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 16 04:20:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 07:20:35 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01305085@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ.... No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. Desire of Ages, p. 258 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Feb 17 03:58:37 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 06:58:37 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013051B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer? Desire of Ages, p.269 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 18 05:41:21 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 08:41:21 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01305265@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body. Desire of Ages, p. 270 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 19 08:56:26 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 11:56:26 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01305271@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Physical disease, however malignant and deep-seated, was healed by the power of Christ; but the disease of the soul took a firmer hold upon those who closed their eyes against the light. Leprosy and palsy were not so terrible as bigotry and unbelief. Desire of Ages, p. 271 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 20 09:00:17 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:00:17 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01305290@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion.... Our own works can never purchase salvation. Desire of Ages, p.280 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 21 04:24:17 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:24:17 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013052B1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." Revelation 3:17, 18. Faith and love are the gold tried in the fire. But with many the gold has become dim, and the rich treasure has been lost. The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Feb 22 04:12:29 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 22 Feb 2006 07:12:29 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0130544C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest. Desire of Ages, p. 280 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Feb 23 06:20:43 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 23 Feb 2006 09:20:43 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013056AA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Sabbath calls our thoughts to nature, and brings us into communion with the Creator. In the song of the bird, the sighing of the trees, and the music of the sea, we still may hear His voice who talked with Adam in Eden in the cool of the day. Desire of Ages, pp. 281, 282. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Feb 24 09:23:06 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:23:06 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353291@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> As the Jews departed from God, and failed to make the righteousness of Christ their own by faith, the Sabbath lost its significance to them. Satan was seeking to exalt himself and to draw men away from Christ, and he worked to pervert the Sabbath, because it is the sign of the power of Christ. Desire of Ages, pp. 283, 284 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Feb 25 05:29:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2006 08:29:15 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013532DF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath," Jesus said. The institutions that God has established are for the benefit of mankind. "All things are for your sakes." "Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." 2 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Corinthians 3:22, 23. Desire of Ages, p. 288 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Feb 26 09:37:25 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2006 12:37:25 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013532F4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity, that He might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity; for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good. Desire of Ages, p. 296 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Feb 27 07:14:44 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 27 Feb 2006 10:14:44 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353385@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character.... The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God. Desire of Ages, p. 299 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Feb 28 14:51:40 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006 17:51:40 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013536AF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. Desire of Ages, p. 300 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 1 06:45:23 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 1 Mar 2006 09:45:23 -0500 Subject: Thought for February 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353729@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The bitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin. Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. Desire of Ages, p. 301 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 2 08:50:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 2 Mar 2006 11:50:49 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353A11@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> "Blessed are the meek." The difficulties we have to encounter may be very much lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. Desire of Ages, p. 301 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 3 04:03:57 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 07:03:57 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353B08@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Every impure thought defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and tends to obliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual vision, so that men cannot behold God. The Lord may and does forgive the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. Desire of Ages, p. 302 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 3 12:20:57 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 3 Mar 2006 15:20:57 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353B86@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Selfishness prevents us from beholding God. The self-seeking spirit judges of God as altogether such a one as itself. Until we have renounced this, we cannot understand Him who is love. Only the unselfish heart, the humble and trustful spirit, shall see God as "merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Exodus 34:6. Desire of Ages, p. 302 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 5 09:10:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 5 Mar 2006 12:10:58 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353B97@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. Desire of Ages, p. 305 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 5 21:01:28 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2006 00:01:28 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353BAD@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives. Desire of Ages, p. 306 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 7 04:24:50 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2006 07:24:50 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353DD3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which God's blessing flows. Desire of Ages, p. 306 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 8 04:20:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 8 Mar 2006 07:20:41 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01353FD3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Salvation is like the sunshine, it belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business transaction and in all our social relations. Desire of Ages, p. 306 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 9 04:25:29 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2006 07:25:29 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0135414F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. Desire of Ages, p. 307 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 10 04:28:29 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 10 Mar 2006 07:28:29 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01395A6D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,--these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world. Desire of Ages, p. 307 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Mar 11 04:57:28 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 11 Mar 2006 07:57:28 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01395B0C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy. Desire of Ages, p. 307 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 12 06:55:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2006 09:55:58 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01395B19@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> One who becomes a party to the least injustice is breaking the law and degrading his own moral nature. Murder first exists in the mind. He who gives hatred a place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer, and his offerings are abhorrent to God. Desire of Ages, p. 310 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 13 04:10:28 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2006 07:10:28 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01395B4B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Many are zealous in religious services, while between them and their brethren are unhappy differences which they might reconcile. God requires them to do all in their power to restore harmony. Until they do this, He cannot accept their services. The Christian's duty in this matter is clearly pointed out. Desire of Ages, p. 311 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 13 21:44:22 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:44:22 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01395CCE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning. Desire of Ages, p. 311 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 15 03:56:06 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 06:56:06 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01395E26@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Desire of Ages, p. 312. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 16 04:23:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 07:23:41 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01395FDC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Purity and steadfastness of purpose are the conditions of receiving light from God. He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that it reveals. He can make no compromise with error. To be wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose the darkness of error and satanic delusion. Desire of Ages, p. 312. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 17 04:26:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2006 07:26:45 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013960F3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Worldly policy and the undeviating principles of righteousness do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow. Between the two a broad, clear line is drawn by the eternal God. Desire of Ages, p. 313 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Mar 18 06:10:10 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 09:10:10 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013961A2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> All who choose Christ's kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this life is theirs. Desire of Ages, p. 313 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 19 08:38:34 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2006 08:38:34 -0800 Subject: Thought for March 19 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ. Desire of Ages, p. 314 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 20 04:26:54 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 07:26:54 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013961D8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Self is but shifting sand. If you build upon human theories and inventions, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words. Desire of Ages, p. 314 [Christ's concluding statement from his Sermon on the Mount] From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 21 15:01:10 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2006 15:01:10 -0800 Subject: Thought for March 21 In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013961D8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013961D8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: Satan cannot hold the dead in his grasp when the Son of God bids them live. He cannot hold in spiritual death one soul who in faith receives Christ's word of power. God is saying to all who are dead in sin, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead." Ephesians 5:14. That word is eternal life. Desire of Ages, p. 320 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 24 04:08:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 07:08:42 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0139682A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; it is by the rejection of this light that the eyes are blinded and the heart hardened. Often the process is gradual, and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the soul through God's word, through His servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the soul. Desire of Ages, p. 322 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Mar 25 05:33:16 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 25 Mar 2006 08:33:16 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013968D4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The habit of careless and irreverent criticism reacts upon the character, in fostering irreverence and unbelief. Desire of Ages, p. 323 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Mar 26 04:57:39 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 26 Mar 2006 07:57:39 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013968E3@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. Desire of Ages, p. 324 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Mar 27 04:35:11 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2006 07:35:11 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0139694F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, and temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be overcome. Without a personal acquaintance with Christ, and a continual communion, we are at the mercy of the enemy, and shall do his bidding in the end. Desire of Ages, p. 324 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Mar 28 07:08:33 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 28 Mar 2006 10:08:33 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E09D6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> We offer insult to the Prince of life, and put Him to shame before the synagogue of Satan and before the heavenly universe when we refuse to listen to His delegated messengers, and instead listen to the agents of Satan, who would draw the soul away from Christ. So long as one does this, he can find no hope or pardon, and he will finally lose all desire to be reconciled to God. Desire of Ages, p. 325 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Mar 29 04:32:48 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2006 07:32:48 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E0B1C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour are not left as orphans, to bear the trials of life alone. He receives them as members of the heavenly family; He bids them call His Father their Father. They are His "little ones," dear to the heart of God, bound to Him by the most tender and abiding ties. Desire of Ages, p. 327 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Mar 30 04:29:51 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2006 07:29:51 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E0C8C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer. The rest that Christ offers depends upon conditions, but these conditions are plainly specified. They are those with which all can comply. Desire of Ages, p. 329 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Mar 31 09:35:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2006 12:35:41 -0500 Subject: Thought for March 31 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E0E32@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care because they seek to reach the world's standard. They have chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its customs.... The continual worry is wearing out the life forces. Our Lord desires them to lay aside this yoke of bondage. He invites them to accept His yoke; He says, "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light...." Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet. Desire of Ages, p. 330 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 1 05:33:26 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2006 08:33:26 -0500 Subject: Thought for April 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E0E41@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, and we use His gifts to bless others, we shall find life's burden light. He who walks in the way of God's commandments is walking in company with Christ, and in His love the heart is at rest. Desire of Ages, p. 331 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 2 18:13:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 21:13:42 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E0E67@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Desire of Ages, p. 336 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 3 04:22:51 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 07:22:51 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E0E68@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The only safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus. Before men and angels Satan has been revealed as man's enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man's friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. Desire of Ages, p. 341 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 4 04:15:59 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 07:15:59 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E0FD4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are still through the power of Christ transformed into messengers of righteousness, and sent forth by the Son of God to tell what "great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." Desire of Ages, p. 341 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 5 04:23:51 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2006 07:23:51 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E1117@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. Desire of Ages, p. 347 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 6 05:53:59 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2006 08:53:59 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E1307@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Lord works continually to benefit mankind. He is ever imparting His bounties. He raises up the sick from beds of languishing, He delivers men from peril which they do not see, He commissions heavenly angels to save them from calamity, to guard them... but their hearts are unimpressed. He has given all the riches of heaven to redeem them, and yet they are unmindful of His great love. By their ingratitude they close their hearts against the grace of God. Like the heath in the desert they know not when good cometh. Desire of Ages, p. 348 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 7 04:36:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2006 07:36:36 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E1476@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In the training of the disciples the example of the Saviour's life was far more effective than any mere doctrinal instruction. When they were separated from Him, every look and tone and word came back to them. Often when in conflict with the enemies of the gospel, they repeated His words, and as they saw their effect upon the people, they rejoiced greatly. Desire of Ages, p. 350 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 8 05:52:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 8 Apr 2006 08:52:05 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E155F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The servants of Christ are not to act out the dictates of the natural heart. They need to have close communion with God, lest, under provocation, self rise up, and they pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting.... The spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more effectively in favor of the truth than will any argument, however forcible. Desire of Ages, p. 353 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 9 08:13:01 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2006 11:13:01 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E1562@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus continues: As you confess Me before men, so I will confess you before God and the holy angels. You are to be My witnesses upon earth, channels through which My grace can flow for the healing of the world. So I will be your representative in heaven. The Father beholds not your faulty character, but He sees you as clothed in My perfection. I am the medium through which Heaven's blessings shall come to you. And everyone who confesses Me by sharing My sacrifice for the lost shall be confessed as a sharer in the glory and joy of the redeemed. Desire of Ages, p. 357 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 10 04:18:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2006 07:18:41 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E1591@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Everyone needs to have a personal experience in obtaining a knowledge of the will of God. We must individually hear Him speaking to the heart. When every other voice is hushed, and in quietness we wait before Him, the silence of the soul makes more distinct the voice of God. Desire of Ages, p. 363 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 11 04:18:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 11 Apr 2006 07:18:36 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A013E1764@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If men today were simple in their habits, living in harmony with nature's laws, as did Adam and Eve in the beginning, there would be an abundant supply for the needs of the human family. There would be fewer imaginary wants, and more opportunities to work in God's ways. But selfishness and the indulgence of unnatural taste have brought sin and misery into the world, from excess on the one hand, and from want on the other. Desire of Ages, p. 367 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 12 04:20:21 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 12 Apr 2006 07:20:21 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014358D4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour has not promised His followers the luxuries of the world; their fare may be plain, and even scanty; their lot may be shut in by poverty; but His word is pledged that their need shall be supplied, and He has promised that which is far better than worldly good,--the abiding comfort of His own presence. Desire of Ages, p. 367 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 13 04:25:20 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 13 Apr 2006 07:25:20 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01435AB6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ received from the Father; He imparted to the disciples; they imparted to the multitude; and the people to one another. So all who are united to Christ will receive from Him the bread of life, the heavenly food, and impart it to others. Desire of Ages, p. 369 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 14 04:00:04 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2006 07:00:04 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01435C40@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But when, after following His directions, we are brought into strait places, He will deliver us. We are not to give up in discouragement, but in every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command. Often we shall be surrounded with trying circumstances, and then, in the fullest confidence, we must depend upon God. He will keep every soul that is brought into perplexity through trying to keep the way of the Lord. Desire of Ages, p. 369 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 15 05:24:38 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 15 Apr 2006 08:24:38 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01435CAB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ is the great center, the source of all strength. His disciples are to receive their supplies from Him. The most intelligent, the most spiritually minded, can bestow only as they receive. Of themselves they can supply nothing for the needs of the soul. We can impart only that which we receive from Christ; and we can receive only as we impart to others. As we continue imparting, we continue to receive; and the more we impart, the more we shall receive. Thus we may be constantly believing, trusting, receiving, and imparting. Desire of Ages, p. 370 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 16 15:57:53 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Sun, 16 Apr 2006 15:57:53 -0700 Subject: Thought for April 16 In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01435CAB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01435CAB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its accomplishment. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. Desire of Ages, p.371 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 17 06:39:34 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 09:39:34 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01435D4C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life's great crisis. Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation. Desire of Ages, p. 382 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 18 04:22:17 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2006 07:22:17 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01435EFE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ became one flesh with us, in order that we might become one spirit with Him. It is by virtue of this union that we are to come forth from the grave,--not merely as a manifestation of the power of Christ, but because, through faith, His life has become ours. Those who see Christ in His true character, and receive Him into the heart, have everlasting life. It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal. Desire of Ages, p. 388 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 19 04:19:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2006 07:19:36 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014360D6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to receive Him as a personal Saviour, believing that He forgives our sins, and that we are complete in Him. It is by beholding His love, by dwelling upon it, by drinking it in, that we are to become partakers of His nature. What food is to the body, Christ must be to the soul. Desire of Ages, p. 389 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 20 04:25:19 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2006 07:25:19 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01436284@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God's word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the word for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the medium of another's mind. Desire of Ages, p. 390 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 21 09:14:46 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2006 12:14:46 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01436467@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened.... As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter. By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature.... This is what it means to live "by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Desire of Ages, p. 391 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 22 06:22:43 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2006 09:22:43 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0143647C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> By the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. Because they were too vain and self-righteous to receive reproof, too world-loving to accept a life of humility, many turned away from Jesus. Many are still doing the same thing. Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see that their lives are not in accordance with the will of God. They see the need of an entire change in themselves; but they are not willing to take up the self-denying work. Therefore they are angry when their sins are discovered. Desire of Ages, p. 392 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 23 11:57:54 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2006 14:57:54 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01436498@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Caste is hateful to God. He ignores everything of this character. In His sight the souls of all men are of equal value. He "hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us." Without distinction of age, or rank, or nationality, or religious privilege, all are invited to come unto Him and live. Desire of Ages, p. 403 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Apr 24 04:20:14 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 24 Apr 2006 07:20:14 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014364C1@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The change in human hearts, the transformation of human characters, is a miracle that reveals an ever-living Saviour, working to rescue souls. A consistent life in Christ is a great miracle. In the preaching of the word of God, the sign that should be manifest now and always is the presence of the Holy Spirit, to make the word a regenerating power to those that hear. This is God's witness before the world to the divine mission of His Son. Desire of ages, p. 407 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Apr 25 04:15:26 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 07:15:26 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0143661D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The leaven placed in the meal works imperceptibly, changing the whole mass to its own nature. So if hypocrisy is allowed to exist in the heart, it permeates the character and the life. Desire of Ages, p. 408 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Apr 26 04:23:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 07:23:42 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0143678A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The religion of Christ is sincerity itself. Zeal for God's glory is the motive implanted by the Holy Spirit; and only the effectual working of the Spirit can implant this motive. Only the power of God can banish self-seeking and hypocrisy. This change is the sign of His working. When the faith we accept destroys selfishness and pretense, when it leads us to seek God's glory and not our own, we may know that it is of the right order. "Father, glorify Thy name" (John 12:28), was the keynote of Christ's life, and if we follow Him, this will be the keynote of our life. Desire of ages, p. 409 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Apr 27 04:17:24 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 07:17:24 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01483B4D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The church is built upon Christ as its foundation; it is to obey Christ as its head. It is not to depend upon man, or be controlled by man. Desire of Ages p. 414. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Apr 28 04:00:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2006 07:00:55 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01483D02@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God. Desire of Ages, p. 417 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Apr 29 05:18:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 08:18:12 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01483DD0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is the same mighty Redeemer today. Faith comes by the word of God. Then grasp His promise, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." You can never perish while you do this--never. Desire of Ages, p. 429 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Apr 30 16:49:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 30 Apr 2006 19:49:35 -0400 Subject: Thought for April 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01483E24@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When the mustard seed is cast into the ground, the tiny germ lays hold of every element that God has provided for its nutriment, and it speedily develops a sturdy growth. If you have faith like this, you will lay hold upon God's word, and upon all the helpful agencies He has appointed. Thus your faith will strengthen, and will bring to your aid the power of heaven. The obstacles that are piled by Satan across your path, though apparently as insurmountable as the eternal hills, shall disappear before the demand of faith. "Nothing shall be impossible unto you." Desire of Ages, p. 431 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 1 04:19:08 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 1 May 2006 07:19:08 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01483E30@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 2 08:04:48 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 2 May 2006 11:04:48 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01484081@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The sincere, contrite soul is precious in the sight of God. He places His own signet upon men, not by their rank, not by their wealth, not by their intellectual greatness, but by their oneness with Christ. The Lord of glory is satisfied with those who are meek and lowly in heart. "Thou hast also given me," said David, "the shield of Thy salvation: . . . and Thy gentleness"--as an element in the human character--"hath made me great." Psalm 18:35. Desire of Ages, p. 437 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 3 04:19:20 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 3 May 2006 07:19:20 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01484196@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Any habit or practice that would lead into sin, and bring dishonor upon Christ, would better be put away, whatever the sacrifice. That which dishonors God cannot benefit the soul. The blessing of heaven cannot attend any man in violating the eternal principles of right. And one sin cherished is sufficient to work the degradation of the character, and to mislead others. Desire of Ages, p. 439 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 4 14:59:04 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 4 May 2006 17:59:04 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01484602@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In the spirit of meekness, "considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted," (Galatians 6:1), go to the erring one, and "tell him his fault between thee and him alone." Do not put him to shame by exposing his fault to others, nor bring dishonor upon Christ by making public the sin or error of one who bears His name. Desire of Ages, p. 440 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 5 18:40:06 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 5 May 2006 21:40:06 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014846C7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But it is to the wrongdoer himself that we are to present the wrong. We are not to make it a matter of comment and criticism among ourselves; nor even after it is told to the church, are we at liberty to repeat it to others. A knowledge of the faults of Christians will be only a cause of stumbling to the unbelieving world; and by dwelling upon these things, we ourselves can receive only harm; for it is by beholding that we become changed. Desire of Ages, p. 441 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat May 6 05:34:22 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 6 May 2006 08:34:22 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014846C9@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus knew the wants of the soul. Pomp, riches, and honor cannot satisfy the heart. "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me." The rich, the poor, the high, the low, are alike welcome. He promises to relieve the burdened mind, to comfort the sorrowing, and to give hope to the despondent. Desire of Ages, p. 454 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 7 07:14:18 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 7 May 2006 10:14:18 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014846E2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Man's advantages for obtaining a knowledge of the truth, however great these may be, will prove of no benefit to him unless the heart is open to receive the truth, and there is a conscientious surrender of every habit and practice that is opposed to its principles. To those who thus yield themselves to God, having an honest desire to know and to do His will, the truth is revealed as the power of God for their salvation. These will be able to distinguish between him who speaks for God, and him who speaks merely from himself. Desire of Ages, pp. 455, 456. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 8 04:16:31 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 8 May 2006 07:16:31 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01484723@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If truth could be submitted to the reason alone, pride would be no hindrance in the way of its reception. But it is to be received through the work of grace in the heart; and its reception depends upon the renunciation of every sin that the Spirit of God reveals. Man's advantages for obtaining a knowledge of the truth, however great these may be, will prove of no benefit to him unless the heart is open to receive the truth. Desire of Ages, p. 455 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 9 06:46:01 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 9 May 2006 09:46:01 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0148494C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Many are deceived today in the same way as were the Jews. Religious teachers read the Bible in the light of their own understanding and traditions; and the people do not search the Scriptures for themselves, and judge for themselves as to what is truth; but they yield up their judgment, and commit their souls to their leaders. The preaching and teaching of His word is one of the means that God has ordained for diffusing light; but we must bring every man's teaching to the test of Scripture. Whoever will prayerfully study the Bible, desiring to know the truth, that he may obey it, will receive divine enlightenment. He will understand the Scriptures. "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 7:17, R. V. Desire of Ages, p. 459 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 10 04:14:03 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 07:14:03 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014EC475@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In these days we hear much about "higher education." The true "higher education" is that imparted by Him "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." "In Him was life; and the life was the light of men." Colossians 2:3; John 1:4. "He that followeth Me," said Jesus, "shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Desire of Ages, p. 464 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 11 04:11:29 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 07:11:29 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014EC78A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. No external force is employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will serve. In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of freedom. Desire of Ages, p. 466 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 12 04:21:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 12 May 2006 07:21:35 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014EC93B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Desire of Ages, p. 178 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat May 13 05:50:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 13 May 2006 08:50:49 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014EC9E0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast. Desire of Ages, p. 483 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 14 17:59:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 14 May 2006 20:59:42 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ECA24@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper. Desire of Ages, p. 490 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 15 04:21:44 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 07:21:44 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ECA45@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> There are Christians who think and speak altogether too much about the power of Satan. They think of their adversary, they pray about him, they talk about him, and he looms up greater and greater in their imagination. It is true that Satan is a powerful being; but, thank God, we have a mighty Saviour, who cast out the evil one from heaven. Satan is pleased when we magnify his power. Why not talk of Jesus? Why not magnify His power and His love? Desire of Ages, p. 493 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 16 04:24:07 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 07:24:07 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ECC1A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour. Desire of Ages, pp. 494, 495. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 17 04:18:32 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 17 May 2006 07:18:32 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ECDEC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians. Desire of Ages, p. 504 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 18 04:19:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 18 May 2006 07:19:58 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ECFBA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is as true now as in apostolic days, that without the illumination of the divine Spirit, humanity cannot discern the glory of Christ. The truth and the work of God are unappreciated by a world-loving and compromising Christianity. Desire of Ages, p. 508 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 19 04:24:03 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 19 May 2006 07:24:03 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ED1CF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. The gospel of the grace of God, with its spirit of self-abnegation, can never be in harmony with the spirit of the world. The two principles are antagonistic. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Corinthians 2:14. Desire of Ages, p. 509 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat May 20 10:36:31 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 20 May 2006 13:36:31 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ED286@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Now, as in Christ's day, the work of God's kingdom lies not with those who are clamoring for recognition and support by earthly rulers and human laws, but with those who are declaring to the people in His name those spiritual truths that will work in the receivers the experience of Paul: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20. Then they will labor as did Paul for the benefit of men. He said, "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20. Desire of Ages, p. 510 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 21 06:16:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 21 May 2006 09:16:49 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ED28A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviour's feet. He who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not," still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mother's arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. Desire of Ages, p. 512 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 22 04:04:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 07:04:36 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A014ED29F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. They need to be educated in spiritual things, and parents should give them every advantage, that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ. Desire of Ages, p. 515 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 23 04:21:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 23 May 2006 07:21:12 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015354F0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Parents, in the training of your children, study the lessons that God has given in nature. If you would train a pink, or rose, or lily, how would you do it? Ask the gardener by what process he makes every branch and leaf to flourish so beautifully, and to develop in symmetry and loveliness. He will tell you that it was by no rude touch, no violent effort; for this would only break the delicate stems. It was by little attentions, often repeated. He moistened the soil, and protected the growing plants from the fierce blasts and from the scorching sun, and God caused them to flourish and to blossom into loveliness. In dealing with your children, follow the method of the gardener. By gentle touches, by loving ministrations, seek to fashion their characters after the pattern of the character of Christ. Desire of Ages, p. 516 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 24 04:21:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 24 May 2006 07:21:49 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0153569B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Let not your un-Christlike character misrepresent Jesus. Do not keep the little ones away from Him by your coldness and harshness. Never give them cause to feel that heaven will not be a pleasant place to them if you are there. Do not speak of religion as something that children cannot understand, or act as if they were not expected to accept Christ in their childhood. Do not give them the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom, and that in coming to the Saviour they must give up all that makes life joyful. Desire of Ages, p. 517 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu May 25 04:18:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 07:18:35 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01535860@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ. Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being. Desire of Ages, p. 523 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri May 26 04:21:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 07:21:02 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01535A08@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In order to call out an appreciation of God's goodness and benevolence, He called the attention of His hearers to the gently falling dew, to the soft showers of rain and the bright sunshine, given alike to good and evil. He desired men to realize more fully the regard that God bestows on the human instrumentalities He has created. Desire of Ages, p. 524 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat May 27 14:08:07 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 27 May 2006 17:08:07 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01535A79@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The one who stands nearest to Christ will be he who on earth has drunk most deeply of the spirit of His self-sacrificing love,--love that "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, . . . seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil" (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5),--love that moves the disciple, as it moved our Lord, to give all, to live and labor and sacrifice, even unto death, for the saving of humanity. Desire of Ages, p. 549 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun May 28 05:46:20 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 28 May 2006 08:46:20 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01535A7E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The angels of heaven do not come to the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity. Desire of Ages, p. 551 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon May 29 06:45:23 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 09:45:23 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01535AB8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the manner in which our Lord would conduct business enterprises. In every transaction he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher. "Holiness unto the Lord" is to be written upon daybooks and ledgers, on deeds, receipts, and bills of exchange. Desire of Ages, p. 556 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue May 30 05:49:31 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 08:49:31 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01535B2F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction, if we have overreached in trade, or defrauded any man, even though it be within the pale of the law, we should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right and wise use during the time it has been in our possession. Desire of Ages, p. 556 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed May 31 10:44:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 13:44:05 -0400 Subject: Thought for May 31 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01535DDE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Many there are who bring their precious gifts for the dead. As they stand about the cold, silent form, words of love are freely spoken. Tenderness, appreciation, devotion, all are lavished upon one who sees not nor hears. Had these words been spoken when the weary spirit needed them so much, when the ear could hear and the heart could feel, how precious would have been their fragrance! Desire of Ages, p. 560 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 1 20:46:16 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2006 23:46:16 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01536084@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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 does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. Desire of Ages, p. 568 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 2 06:16:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2006 06:16:00 -0700 Subject: Thought for June 2 In-Reply-To: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01536084@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> References: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01536084@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Message-ID: Christ's act in cursing the [fig] tree which His own power had created stands as a warning to all churches and to all Christians. No one can live the law of God without ministering to others. But there are many who do not live out Christ's merciful, unselfish life. Some who think themselves excellent Christians do not understand what constitutes service for God. They plan and study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. Not for others but for themselves do they minister. God created them to live in a world where unselfish service must be performed. He designed them to help their fellow men in every possible way. But self is so large that they cannot see anything else. They are not in touch with humanity. Those who thus live for self are like the fig tree, which made every pretension but was fruitless. They observe the forms of worship, but without repentance or faith. In profession they honor the law of God, but obedience is lacking. They say, but do not. In the sentence pronounced on the fig tree Christ demonstrates how hateful in His eyes is this vain pretense. He declares that the open sinner is less guilty than is he who professes to serve God, but who bears no fruit to His glory. Desire of Ages, p. 584 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 3 05:55:34 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2006 08:55:34 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01536173@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Today the servant of Christ, the reprover of sin, meets with scorn and rebuffs. Bible truth, the religion of Christ, struggles against a strong current of moral impurity. Prejudice is even stronger in the hearts of men now than in Christ's day. Christ did not fulfill men's expectations; His life was a rebuke to their sins, and they rejected Him. So now the truth of God's word does not harmonize with men's practices and their natural inclination, and thousands reject its light. Desire of Ages, p. 587 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 4 06:03:34 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2006 09:03:34 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0153618F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God does not propose to remove every objection which the carnal heart may bring against His truth. To those who refuse the precious rays of light which would illuminate the darkness, the mysteries of God's word remain such forever. From them the truth is hidden. They walk blindly, and know not the ruin before them. Desire of Ages, p. 588 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 5 10:38:54 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2006 13:38:54 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015362E7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In infinite wisdom, God chose the foundation stone, and laid it Himself. He called it "a sure foundation." The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs; it can endure them all. With perfect safety they may build upon it. Christ is a "tried stone." Those who trust in Him, He never disappoints. He has borne every test. He has endured the pressure of Adam's guilt, and the guilt of his posterity, and has come off more than conqueror of the powers of evil. He has borne the burdens cast upon Him by every repenting sinner. In Christ the guilty heart has found relief. He is the sure foundation. All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security. Desire of Ages, pp. 598, 599 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 6 09:10:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2006 12:10:45 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01536494@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation. These are they who fall upon the Rock and are broken. Submission to Christ and faith in Him are here represented. To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up our self-righteousness and to go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our transgressions, and believing in His forgiving love. And so also it is by faith and obedience that we build on Christ as our foundation. Desire of Ages, p. 599 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 7 07:54:54 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2006 10:54:54 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A0A6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The first four of the Ten Commandments are summed up in the one great precept, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart." The last six are included in the other, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Both these commandments are an expression of the principle of love. The first cannot be kept and the second broken, nor can the second be kept while the first is broken. When God has His rightful place on the throne of the heart, the right place will be given to our neighbor. We shall love him as ourselves. And only as we love God supremely is it possible to love our neighbor impartially. Desire of Ages, p. 607 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 8 14:43:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2006 17:43:00 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A336@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is the motive that gives character to our acts, stamping them with ignominy or with high moral worth. Not the great things which every eye sees and every tongue praises does God account most precious. The little duties cheerfully done, the little gifts which make no show, and which to human eyes may appear worthless, often stand highest in His sight. A heart of faith and love is dearer to God than the most costly gift. Desire of Ages, p. 615 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 9 06:35:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2006 09:35:15 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A387@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The gems of truth that fell from Christ's lips on that eventful day were treasured in many hearts. For them new thoughts started into life, new aspirations were awakened, and a new history began. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, these persons came to the front, and fulfilled their divine commission with a wisdom and zeal corresponding to the greatness of the work. They bore a message that appealed to the hearts of men, weakening the old superstitions that had long dwarfed the lives of thousands. Before their testimony human theories and philosophies became as idle fables. Desire of Ages, p. 620 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 10 04:14:56 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2006 07:14:56 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A3DA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The seed buried in the ground produces fruit, and in turn this is planted. Thus the harvest is multiplied. So the death of Christ on the cross of Calvary will bear fruit unto eternal life. The contemplation of this sacrifice will be the glory of those who, as the fruit of it, will live through the eternal ages. Desire of Ages, p. 623 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 11 06:13:37 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 11 Jun 2006 09:13:37 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A3EB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But the work of human redemption is not all that is accomplished by the cross. The love of God is manifested to the universe. The prince of this world is cast out. The accusations which Satan has brought against God are refuted. The reproach which he has cast upon heaven is forever removed. Angels as well as men are drawn to the Redeemer. "I, if I be lifted up from the earth," He said, "will draw all unto Me." Desire of Ages, p. 626 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 12 05:51:38 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2006 08:51:38 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A436@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The life spent on self is like the grain that is eaten. It disappears, but there is no increase. A man may gather all he can for self; he may live and think and plan for self; but his life passes away, and he has nothing. The law of self-serving is the law of self-destruction. Desire of Ages p. 624 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 13 18:32:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 21:32:41 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A797@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But the work of human redemption is not all that is accomplished by the cross. The love of God is manifested to the universe. The prince of this world is cast out. The accusations which Satan has brought against God are refuted. The reproach which he has cast upon heaven is forever removed. Angels as well as men are drawn to the Redeemer. "I, if I be lifted up from the earth," He said, "will draw all unto Me." Desire of Ages, p. 626 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 14 06:39:16 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 14 Jun 2006 09:39:16 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A7BE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ is coming with clouds and with great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He will come to raise the dead, and to change the living saints from glory to glory. He will come to honor those who have loved Him, and kept His commandments, and to take them to Himself. He has not forgotten them nor His promise. There will be a relinking of the family chain. When we look upon our dead, we may think of the morning when the trump of God shall sound, when "the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Corinthians 15:52. Desire of Ages, p. 632 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 15 06:45:07 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 15 Jun 2006 09:45:07 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A867@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> By giving the gospel to the world it is in our power to hasten our Lord's return. We are not only to look for but to hasten the coming of the day of God. Desire of Ages, p. 633 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 16 07:16:56 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 10:16:56 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158A9F7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. Desire of Ages, p. 634 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 17 05:17:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 08:17:02 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158AA57@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Everything in the world is in agitation. The signs of the times are ominous. Coming events cast their shadows before. The Spirit of God is withdrawing from the earth, and calamity follows calamity by sea and by land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires, floods, murders of every grade. Who can read the future? Where is security? There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly. Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen. Restlessly are they waiting and watching the movements of their leaders. There are those who are waiting and watching and working for our Lord's appearing. Another class are falling into line under the generalship of the first great apostate. Few believe with heart and soul that we have a hell to shun and a heaven to win. Desire of Ages, p. 636 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 18 06:52:33 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2006 09:52:33 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158AA6D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God. Men are still eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying, and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling one against another, contending for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse races, gambling hells. The highest excitement prevails, yet probation's hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has set all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied and entranced, until the day of probation shall be ended, and the door of mercy be forever shut. Desire of Ages, p. 636 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 19 05:15:56 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 08:15:56 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158AAAD@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Solemnly there come to us down through the centuries the warning words of our Lord from the Mount of Olives: "Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares." "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Desire of Ages, p. 636 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 20 04:19:18 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2006 07:19:18 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158AC61@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But not to any class is Christ's love restricted. He identifies Himself with every child of humanity. That we might become members of the heavenly family, He became a member of the earthly family. He is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam. His followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of humanity; and Heaven looks upon them as brothers to sinners as well as to saints. The fallen, the erring, and the sinful, Christ's love embraces; and every deed of kindness done to uplift a fallen soul, every act of mercy, is accepted as done to Him. Desire of Ages, p. 638 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 21 04:57:19 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:57:19 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0158ADFA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In order to walk in the steps of Jesus... we shall find His footprints beside the sickbed, in the hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of the great city, and in every place where there are human hearts in need of consolation. Desire of Ages, p. 640 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 22 06:36:23 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:36:23 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E0615@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Desire of Ages, p. 641 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 23 06:28:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 09:28:15 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E0757@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The whole life of Christ had been a life of unselfish service. "Not to be ministered unto, but to minister," (Matthew 20:28), had been the lesson of His every act. Desire of Ages, p. 642 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jun 24 14:22:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 17:22:05 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E07F4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Desire of Ages, p. 649 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jun 25 08:33:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2006 11:33:05 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E07FF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Ordinance is Christ's appointed preparation for the sacramental service. While pride, variance, and strife for supremacy are cherished, the heart cannot enter into fellowship with Christ. We are not prepared to receive the communion of His body and His blood. Therefore it was that Jesus appointed the memorial of His humiliation to be first observed. Desire of Ages, p. 650 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jun 26 17:07:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 20:07:15 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E099A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus, the served of all, came to be the servant of all. And because He ministered to all, He will again be served and honored by all. And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry. Desire of Ages, p. 651 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jun 27 04:20:43 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 07:20:43 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E09C0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> He who beholds the Saviour's matchless love will be elevated in thought, purified in heart, transformed in character. He will go forth to be a light to the world, to reflect in some degree this mysterious love. Desire of Ages, p. 661 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jun 28 07:12:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2006 10:12:55 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E0C80@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Lord is disappointed when His people place a low estimate upon themselves. He desires His chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price He has placed upon them. God wanted them, else He would not have sent His Son on such an expensive errand to redeem them. He has a use for them, and He is well pleased when they make the very highest demands upon Him, that they may glorify His name. They may expect large things if they have faith in His promises. Desire of Ages, p. 668 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jun 29 04:26:18 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006 07:26:18 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E0DFB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> To pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. "If ye love Me," He says, "keep My commandments." He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience. Desire of Ages, p. 668 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jun 30 06:56:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006 09:56:55 -0400 Subject: Thought for June 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E0FF2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ has promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to His church, and the promise belongs to us as much as to the first disciples. But like every other promise, it is given on conditions. There are many who believe and profess to claim the Lord's promise; they talk about Christ and about the Holy Spirit, yet receive no benefit. They do not surrender the soul to be guided and controlled by the divine agencies. We cannot use the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is to use us. Desire of Ages, p. 672 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jul 1 06:02:17 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 1 Jul 2006 09:02:17 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E1066@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained. Christ said, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me." This is no casual touch, no off-and-on connection. The branch becomes a part of the living vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the root to the branches is unobstructed and constant. Separated from the vine, the branch cannot live. No more, said Jesus, can you live apart from Me. The life you have received from Me can be preserved only by continual communion. Without Me you cannot overcome one sin, or resist one temptation. Desire of Ages, p. 676 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 2 11:48:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2006 14:48:02 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E1071@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The command to love one another had a new meaning in the light of His self-sacrifice. 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. Desire of Ages, pp. 677, 678 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 3 14:00:28 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 17:00:28 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E1149@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. Desire of Ages, p. 679 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jul 4 08:09:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 11:09:42 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E1177@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Christ has given to His church ample facilities, that He may receive a large revenue of glory from His redeemed, purchased possession. He has bestowed upon His people capabilities and blessings that they may represent His own sufficiency. 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. Desire of Ages, p. 680 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jul 5 05:59:13 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 08:59:13 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E11D6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> [In] the garden of Gethsemane... God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin. Desire of Ages, p. 693 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jul 6 11:02:44 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2006 14:02:44 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E1454@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Upon Christ as our substitute and surety was laid the iniquity of us all. He was counted a transgressor, that He might redeem us from the condemnation of the law. The guilt of every descendant of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The wrath of God against sin, the terrible manifestation of His displeasure because of iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with consternation. All His life Christ had been publishing to a fallen world the good news of the Father's mercy and pardoning love. Salvation for the chief of sinners was His theme. But now with the terrible weight of guilt He bears, He cannot see the Father's reconciling face. The withdrawal of the divine countenance from the Saviour in this hour of supreme anguish pierced His heart with a sorrow that can never be fully understood by man. So great was this agony that His physical pain was hardly felt. Desire of Ages, p. 753 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 7 05:11:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2006 08:11:41 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A015E1511@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The spotless Son of God hung upon the cross, His flesh lacerated with stripes; those hands so often reached out in blessing, nailed to the wooden bars; those feet so tireless on ministries of love, spiked to the tree; that royal head pierced by the crown of thorns; those quivering lips shaped to the cry of woe. And all that He endured--the blood drops that flowed from His head, His hands, His feet, the agony that racked His frame, and the unutterable anguish that filled His soul at the hiding of His Father's face--speaks to each child of humanity, declaring, It is for thee that the Son of God consents to bear this burden of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of death, and opens the gates of Paradise. He who stilled the angry waves and walked the foam-capped billows, who made devils tremble and disease flee, who opened blind eyes and called forth the dead to life,--offers Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice, and this from love to thee. Desire of Ages, p. 755 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jul 8 05:35:07 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2006 08:35:07 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162DBBE@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Desire of Ages, p. 762 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 9 05:21:46 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2006 08:21:46 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162DBD7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The warfare against God's law, which was begun in heaven, will be continued until the end of time. Every man will be tested. Obedience or disobedience is the question to be decided by the whole world. All will be called to choose between the law of God and the laws of men. Here the dividing line will be drawn. There will be but two classes. Every character will be fully developed; and all will show whether they have chosen the side of loyalty or that of rebellion. Desire of Ages, p. 763 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 10 05:46:03 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 08:46:03 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162DC2C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God is the fountain of life; and when one chooses the service of sin, he separates from God, and thus cuts himself off from life. He is "alienated from the life of God." Christ says, "All they that hate Me love death." God gives them existence for a time that they may develop their character and reveal their principles. This accomplished, they receive the results of their own choice. By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them. Desire of Ages, 764 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jul 11 06:20:32 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 09:20:32 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162DE32@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When Jesus was laid in the grave, Satan triumphed. He dared to hope that the Saviour would not take up His life again. He claimed the Lord's body, and set his guard about the tomb, seeking to hold Christ a prisoner. He was bitterly angry when his angels fled at the approach of the heavenly messenger. When he saw Christ come forth in triumph, he knew that his kingdom would have an end, and that he must finally die. Desire of Ages, p. 782 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jul 13 07:31:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 10:31:35 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162E213@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in triumph, "I am the resurrection, and the life." These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all are replenished from the Source of life. Desire of Ages, p. 785 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 14 10:40:06 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 14 Jul 2006 13:40:06 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162E3FD@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> To the believer, Christ is the resurrection and the life. In our Saviour the life that was lost through sin is restored; for He has life in Himself to quicken whom He will. He is invested with the right to give immortality. The life that He laid down in humanity, He takes up again, and gives to humanity. "I am come," He said, "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." "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." "Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day." John 10:10; 4:14; John 6:54. Desire of Ages, p. 786, 787 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jul 15 06:02:56 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 09:02:56 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162E43C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are burdened with doubts and fears. He waits for us to open the door of the heart to Him, and say, Abide with us. He says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." Revelation 3:20. Desire of Ages, p. 803 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 17 07:25:50 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 10:25:50 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162E50F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> As Jesus arose from the dead, so those who sleep in Him are to rise again. We shall know our friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus. They may have been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise in perfect health and symmetry; yet in the glorified body their identity will be perfectly preserved. Then shall we know even as also we are known. 1 Corinthians 13:12. In the face radiant with the light shining from the face of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments of those we love. Desire of Ages, p. 804 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 17 07:27:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 10:27:02 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162E513@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Holy Spirit is the breath of spiritual life in the soul. The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. It imbues the receiver with the attributes of Christ. Only those who are thus taught of God, those who possess the inward working of the Spirit, and in whose life the Christ-life is manifested, are to stand as representative men, to minister in behalf of the church. Desire of Ages, p. 805 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jul 18 06:23:46 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 09:23:46 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162E701@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Peter had been inclined to act independently. He had tried to plan for the work of God, instead of waiting to follow out God's plan. But he could gain nothing by rushing on before the Lord. Jesus bids him, "Follow Me." Do not run ahead of Me. Then you will not have the hosts of Satan to meet alone. Let Me go before you, and you will not be overcome by the enemy. Desire of Ages, p. 816 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jul 19 05:39:52 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2006 08:39:52 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162E87F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ commissioned His disciples to proclaim a faith and worship that would have in it nothing of caste or country, a faith that would be adapted to all peoples, all nations, all classes of men. Desire of Ages, p. 820 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jul 20 08:10:25 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 20 Jul 2006 11:10:25 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0162EACD@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour's commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ. Desire of Ages, p. 822 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 21 09:26:16 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 21 Jul 2006 12:26:16 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01674F37@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ feels the woes of every sufferer. When evil spirits rend a human frame, Christ feels the curse. When fever is burning up the life current, He feels the agony. And He is just as willing to heal the sick now as when He was personally on earth. Desire of Ages, p. 823 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jul 22 06:14:13 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2006 09:14:13 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01674F8F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> There are conditions to be observed by all who would preserve health. All should learn what these conditions are. The Lord is not pleased with ignorance in regard to His laws, either natural or spiritual. We are to be workers together with God for the restoration of health to the body as well as to the soul. Desire of Ages, p. 824 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 23 12:53:21 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2006 15:53:21 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01674FB0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> We should teach others how to preserve and to recover health. For the sick we should use the remedies which God has provided in nature, and we should point them to Him who alone can restore.... The very essence of the gospel is restoration, and the Saviour would have us the sick, the hopeless, and the afflicted take hold upon His strength. Desire of Ages, p. 824 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 24 07:11:06 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:11:06 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0167501E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The power of love was in all Christ's healing, and only by partaking of that love, through faith, can we be instruments for His work. If we neglect to link ourselves in divine connection with Christ, the current of life-giving energy cannot flow in rich streams from us to the people. Desire of Ages, p. 825 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Jul 25 03:54:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2006 06:54:35 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01675180@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Divine love has been stirred to its unfathomable depths for the sake of men, and angels marvel to behold in the recipients of so great love a mere surface gratitude. Angels marvel at man's shallow appreciation of the love of God. Heaven stands indignant at the neglect shown to the souls of men. Desire of Ages, p. 825 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Jul 26 15:34:28 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2006 18:34:28 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016754F9@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Those whose course has been most offensive to Him He freely accepts; when they repent, He imparts to them His divine Spirit, places them in the highest positions of trust, and sends them forth into the camp of the disloyal to proclaim His boundless mercy. Desire of Ages, p. 826 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Jul 27 15:08:09 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2006 18:08:09 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0167568E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour longs to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the whole world. It is His purchased possession, and He desires to make men free, and pure, and holy. Though Satan works to hinder this purpose, yet through the blood shed for the world there are triumphs to be achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb. Desire of Ages, p. 827 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Jul 28 08:06:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2006 11:06:45 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016756EC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and the Son had united in a covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This pledge Christ has fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, "It is finished," He addressed the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now He declares: Father, it is finished. I have done Thy will, O My God. I have completed the work of redemption. If Thy justice is satisfied, "I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am." John 19:30; 17:24. Desire of Ages, p. 834 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Jul 29 05:44:51 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2006 08:44:51 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01675741@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Children should pray for grace to resist the temptations which will come to them--temptations to have their own way and to do their own selfish pleasure. As they ask Christ to help them in their life service to be truthful, kind, obedient, and to bear their responsibilities in the family circle, He will hear their simple prayer. Adventist Home, p. 299 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Jul 30 06:21:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2006 09:21:35 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0167574A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator's love. It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures. Steps to Christ, p. 9 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Jul 31 08:43:24 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 11:43:24 -0400 Subject: Thought for July 31 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0167585E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> "God is love" is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green -- all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy. Steps to Christ, p. 10 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Aug 1 07:39:17 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2006 10:39:17 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016759FD@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus did not suppress one word of truth, but He uttered it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact and thoughtful, kind attention in His intercourse with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He spoke the truth, but always in love. Steps to Christ, p. 12 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Aug 2 07:01:10 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 2 Aug 2006 10:01:10 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01675B59@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It was to redeem us that Jesus lived and suffered and died. He became "a Man of Sorrows," that we might be made partakers of everlasting joy. Steps to Christ, p. 13 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Aug 3 07:32:18 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2006 10:32:18 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01675D04@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption; for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could declare Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Father's love to lost humanity. Steps to Christ, p. 14 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Aug 5 05:20:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2006 08:20:00 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C073E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The price paid for our redemption, the infinite sacrifice of our heavenly Father in giving His Son to die for us, should give us exalted conceptions of what we may become through Christ. As the inspired apostle John beheld the height, the depth, the breadth of the Father's love toward the perishing race, he was filled with adoration and reverence. Steps to Christ, p. 15 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Aug 5 05:18:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 5 Aug 2006 08:18:58 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0740@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Man was originally endowed with noble powers and a well-balanced mind. He was perfect in his being, and in harmony with God. His thoughts were pure, his aims holy. But through disobedience, his powers were perverted, and selfishness took the place of love. His nature became so weakened through transgression that it was impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil. Steps to Christ, p. 17 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Aug 6 20:00:31 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 6 Aug 2006 23:00:31 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0757@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour said, "Except a man be born from above," unless he shall receive a new heart, new desires, purposes, and motives, leading to a new life, "he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3. Steps to Christ, p. 18 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Aug 7 07:10:47 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2006 10:10:47 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C07A8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But in vain are men's dreams of progress, in vain all efforts for the uplifting of humanity, if they neglect the one Source of hope and help for the fallen race. "Every good gift and every perfect gift" (James 1:17) is from God. There is no true excellence of character apart from Him. Steps to Christ, p. 21 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Aug 8 06:22:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2006 09:22:58 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0892@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life. Steps to Christ p. 23 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Aug 9 16:56:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 19:56:00 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0ABA@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened, and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God's holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. Steps to Christ, p. 24 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Aug 10 08:02:19 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2006 11:02:19 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0B5A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Bible does not teach that the sinner must repent before he can heed the invitation of Christ, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28. It is the virtue that goes forth from Christ, that leads to genuine repentance. Steps to Christ, p. 26 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Aug 11 05:45:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 08:45:45 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0C38@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Through influences seen and unseen, our Saviour is constantly at work to attract the minds of men from the unsatisfying pleasures of sin to the infinite blessings that may be theirs in Him. Steps to Christ, p. 28 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Aug 12 06:29:48 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 12 Aug 2006 09:29:48 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0D1C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> One ray of the glory of God, one gleam of the purity of Christ, penetrating the soul, makes every spot of defilement painfully distinct, and lays bare the deformity and defects of the human character. Steps to Christ, p. 29 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Aug 13 18:21:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2006 21:21:58 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0D4B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God does not regard all sins as of equal magnitude; there are degrees of guilt in His estimation, as well as in that of man; but however trifling this or that wrong act may seem in the eyes of men, no sin is small in the sight of God. Man's judgment is partial, imperfect; but God estimates all things as they really are. Steps to Christ, p. 30 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Aug 14 04:23:39 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 07:23:39 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C0D56@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> There is help for us only in God. We must not wait for stronger persuasions, for better opportunities, or for holier tempers. We can do nothing of ourselves. We must come to Christ just as we are. Steps to Christ, p. 31 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Aug 15 17:49:03 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 15 Aug 2006 20:49:03 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C105A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The impenitent sometimes excuse themselves by saying of professed Christians, "I am as good as they are. They are no more self-denying, sober, or circumspect in their conduct than I am. They love pleasure and self-indulgence as well as I do." Thus they make the faults of others an excuse for their own neglect of duty. But the sins and defects of others do not excuse anyone, for the Lord has not given us an erring human pattern. Steps to Christ, p. 32 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Aug 16 03:37:10 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2006 06:37:10 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C1070@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Beware of procrastination. Do not put off the work of forsaking your sins and seeking purity of heart through Jesus. Here is where thousands upon thousands have erred to their eternal loss. Steps to Christ, p. 32 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Aug 17 14:57:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2006 17:57:12 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C132E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Every act of transgression, every neglect or rejection of the grace of Christ, is reacting upon yourself; it is hardening the heart, depraving the will, benumbing the understanding, and not only making you less inclined to yield, but less capable of yielding, to the tender pleading of God's Holy Spirit. Steps to Christ, p. 33 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Aug 18 03:51:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 18 Aug 2006 06:51:12 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C1366@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Even one wrong trait of character, one sinful desire, persistently cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Every sinful indulgence strengthens the soul's aversion to God. Steps to Christ, p. 34 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Aug 19 12:36:10 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2006 15:36:10 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C140E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> No earthly parent could be as patient with the faults and mistakes of his children, as is God with those He seeks to save. No one could plead more tenderly with the transgressor. No human lips ever poured out more tender entreaties to the wanderer than does He. All His promises, His warnings, are but the breathing of unutterable love. Steps to Christ, p. 35 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Aug 20 04:59:50 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2006 07:59:50 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C1420@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The conditions of obtaining mercy of God are simple and just and reasonable. The Lord does not require us to do some grievous thing in order that we may have the forgiveness of sin. We need not make long and wearisome pilgrimages, or perform painful penances, to commend our souls to the God of heaven or to expiate our transgression; but he that confesseth and forsaketh his sin shall have mercy. Steps to Christ, p. 37 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Aug 21 08:04:09 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2006 11:04:09 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A016C1549@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> True confession is always of a specific character... but all confession should be definite and to the point, acknowledging the very sins of which you are guilty. Steps to Christ, p. 38 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Aug 22 05:43:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2006 08:43:58 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0171116E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When sin has deadened the moral perceptions, the wrongdoer does not discern the defects of his character nor realize the enormity of the evil he has committed; and unless he yields to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit he remains in partial blindness to his sin. Steps to Christ, p. 40 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Aug 23 05:56:20 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2006 08:56:20 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0171134D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The humble and broken heart, subdued by genuine repentance, will appreciate something of the love of God and the cost of Calvary; and as a son confesses to a loving father, so will the truly penitent bring all his sins before God. Steps to Christ, p. 41 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Aug 25 17:20:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2006 20:20:55 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0171186D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God desires to heal us, to set us free. But since this requires an entire transformation, a renewing of our whole nature, we must yield ourselves wholly to Him. Steps to Christ, p. 43 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Aug 26 05:31:01 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 26 Aug 2006 08:31:01 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0171187C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness. Steps to Christ, p. 43 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Aug 27 09:40:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 27 Aug 2006 12:40:42 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01711899@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> There are those who profess to serve God, while they rely upon their own efforts to obey His law, to form a right character, and secure salvation. Their hearts are not moved by any deep sense of the love of Christ, but they seek to perform the duties of the Christian life as that which God requires of them in order to gain heaven. Such religion is worth nothing. Steps to Christ, p. 44 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Aug 28 11:52:01 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2006 14:52:01 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01711A8C@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When Christ dwells in the heart, the soul will be so filled with His love, with the joy of communion with Him, that it will cleave to Him; and in the contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Steps to Christ, pp. 44, 45 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Aug 29 07:48:33 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2006 10:48:33 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01711BDF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Those who feel the constraining love of God, do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard, but aim at perfect conformity to the will of their Redeemer. With earnest desire they yield all and manifest an interest proportionate to the value of the object which they seek. Steps to Christ, p. 45 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Aug 30 09:19:39 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2006 12:19:39 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01711DD9@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our best interest to retain. In all that He does, He has the well-being of His children in view. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves. Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by Him who knows what is best and who plans for the good of His creatures. The path of transgression is the path of misery and destruction. Steps to Christ, p. 46 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Aug 31 07:58:40 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:58:40 -0400 Subject: Thought for August 31 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01711F0A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> But what do we give up, when we give all? A sin-polluted heart, for Jesus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood, and to save by His matchless love. And yet men think it hard to give up all! From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Sep 1 04:33:43 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2006 07:33:43 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01711FFB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The world's Redeemer accepts men as they are, with all their wants, imperfections, and weaknesses; and He will not only cleanse from sin and grant redemption through His blood, but will satisfy the heart-longing of all who consent to wear His yoke, to bear His burden. It is His purpose to impart peace and rest to all who come to Him for the bread of life. Steps to Christ, p. 46, 47 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Sep 2 06:07:01 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 2 Sep 2006 09:07:01 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316AEB45C0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith. Steps to Christ, p. 48 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Sep 3 06:21:19 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2006 09:21:19 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017514DF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> You cannot atone for your past sins; you cannot change your heart and make yourself holy. But God promises to do all this for you through Christ. You believe that promise. You confess your sins and give yourself to God. You will to serve Him. Just as surely as you do this, God will fulfill His word to you. If you believe the promise,--believe that you are forgiven and cleansed. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Sep 4 07:44:14 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2006 10:44:14 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0175151F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Now that you have given yourself to Jesus, do not draw back, do not take yourself away from Him, but day by day say, "I am Christ's; I have given myself to Him;" and ask Him to give you His Spirit and keep you by His grace. As it is by giving yourself to God, and believing Him, that you become His child, so you are to live in Him. Steps to Christ, p. 52 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Sep 5 08:40:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 5 Sep 2006 11:40:41 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01751624@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Steps to Christ, p. 52 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Sep 6 04:03:47 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2006 07:03:47 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01751780@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Steps to Christ, p. 53 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Sep 7 04:12:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2006 07:12:49 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017519A6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Like the wind, which is invisible, yet the effects of which are plainly seen and felt, is the Spirit of God in its work upon the human heart. That regenerating power, which no human eye can see, begets a new life in the soul; it creates a new being in the image of God. Steps to Christ, p. 57 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Sep 8 08:47:39 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2006 11:47:39 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01751C3F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> It is true that there may be an outward correctness of deportment without the renewing power of Christ. The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions. By what means, then, shall we determine whose side we are on? Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. Steps to Christ, p. 58 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Sep 9 05:18:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2006 08:18:36 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01751C89@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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, already dwelt upon, is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. ... 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. Steps to Christ, p. 59, 60 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Sep 10 18:06:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2006 21:06:02 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01751CB4@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If the law is written in the heart, will it not shape the life? Obedience--the service and allegiance of love--is the true sign of discipleship. Steps to Christ, p. 60 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Sep 11 03:57:44 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 06:57:44 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01751CD2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith. Steps to Christ, p. 61 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Sep 12 15:10:14 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 18:10:14 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017520B0@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption. "By grace are ye saved through faith." But "faith, if it hath not works, is dead." Ephesians 2:8; James 2:17. Steps to Christ, p. 61 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Sep 13 15:04:47 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2006 18:04:47 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0175224F@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Steps to Christ, p. 62 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Sep 14 10:02:03 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:02:03 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01752348@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned. Steps to Christ, p. 62 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Sep 15 12:14:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:14:00 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178D7F5@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Christ changes the heart. He abides in your heart by faith. You are to maintain this connection with Christ by faith and the continual surrender of your will to Him; and so long as you do this, He will work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Steps to Christ, p. 62 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Sep 15 12:17:44 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:17:44 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178D7F7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> So you may say, "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20.... Then with Christ working in you, you will manifest the same spirit and do the same good works--works of righteousness, obedience. Steps to Christ, p. 63 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Sep 17 13:55:52 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2006 16:55:52 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178D829@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> 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. Steps to Christ, p. 63 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Sep 18 07:19:25 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 10:19:25 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178D8DB@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. Steps to Christ, p. 64 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Sep 19 07:14:09 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:14:09 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 19 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178DB00@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image. Steps to Christ, p. 65 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Sep 20 06:45:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 09:45:12 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 20 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178DC63@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Not all the wisdom and skill of man can produce life in the smallest object in nature. It is only through the life which God Himself has imparted, that either plant or animal can live. So it is only through the life from God that spiritual life is begotten in the hearts of men. Unless a man is "born from above," he cannot become a partaker of the life which Christ came to give. John 3:3. Steps to Christ, p. 67 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Sep 21 05:36:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 08:36:15 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 21 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178DE0D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The plants and flowers grow not by their own care or anxiety or effort, but by receiving that which God has furnished to minister to their life. The child cannot, by any anxiety or power of its own, add to its stature. No more can you, by anxiety or effort of yourself, secure spiritual growth. Steps to Christ, p. 67 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Sep 22 10:44:23 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:44:23 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 22 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178E07A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> In the matchless gift of His Son, God has encircled the whole world with an atmosphere of grace as real as the air which circulates around the globe. All who choose to breathe this life-giving atmosphere will live and grow up to the stature of men and women in Christ Jesus. Steps to Christ, p. 68 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Sep 23 05:26:39 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2006 08:26:39 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 23 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178E0A8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven's light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ. Steps to Christ, p. 68 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Sep 24 10:58:35 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 24 Sep 2006 13:58:35 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 24 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178E0C8@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> You are just as dependent upon Christ, in order to live a holy life, as is the branch upon the parent stock for growth and fruitfulness. Apart from Him you have no life. You have no power to resist temptation or to grow in grace and holiness. Abiding in Him, you may flourish. Drawing your life from Him, you will not wither nor be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water. Steps to Christ, p. 69 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Sep 25 06:00:13 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 09:00:13 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 25 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178E123@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness,--all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly,--by abiding in Him,--that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. Steps to Christ, p. 69 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Sep 26 06:01:24 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2006 09:01:24 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 26 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178E36B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> By faith you became Christ's, and by faith you are to grow up in Him--by giving and taking. You are to give all,--your heart, your will, your service,--give yourself to Him to obey all His requirements; and you must take all,--Christ, the fullness of all blessing, to abide in your heart, to be your strength, your righteousness, your everlasting helper,--to give you power to obey. Steps to Christ, p. 70 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Sep 27 05:23:49 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2006 08:23:49 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 27 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A0178E54A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work. Let your prayer be, "Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee." This is a daily matter. Steps to Christ, p. 70 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Sep 28 06:56:22 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2006 09:56:22 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 28 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017CFD98@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Each morning consecrate yourself to God for that day. Surrender all your plans to Him, to be carried out or given up as His providence shall indicate. Thus day by day you may be giving your life into the hands of God, and thus your life will be molded more and more after the life of Christ. Steps to Christ, p. 70 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Sep 29 15:26:58 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2006 18:26:58 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 29 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D006E@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Steps to Christ, p. 70 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Sep 30 05:19:09 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2006 08:19:09 -0400 Subject: Thought for September 30 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D0079@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Jesus says, "Abide in Me." These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence. ... This rest is not found in inactivity; for in the Saviour's invitation the promise of rest is united with the call to labor. ... The heart that rests most fully upon Christ will be most earnest and active in labor for Him. Steps to Christ, p. 71 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Oct 1 12:35:01 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 1 Oct 2006 15:35:01 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 1 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D00B2@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan's constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections--to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Steps to Christ, p. 71 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Oct 2 04:02:33 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2006 07:02:33 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 2 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D00C6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity to Himself by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself. Satan will constantly present allurements to induce us to break this tie--to choose to separate ourselves from Christ. Steps to Christ, p. 72 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Oct 3 04:04:40 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 3 Oct 2006 07:04:40 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 3 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D02F7@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When Christ abides in the heart, the whole nature is transformed. Christ's Spirit, His love, softens the heart, subdues the soul, and raises the thoughts and desires toward God and heaven. Steps to Christ, p. 73 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Oct 4 04:13:59 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2006 07:13:59 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 4 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D04F6@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If Christ is dwelling in our hearts, He will work in us "both to will and to do of His good pleasure." Philippians 2:13. We shall work as He worked; we shall manifest the same spirit. And thus, loving Him and abiding in Him, we shall "grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ." Ephesians 4:15. Steps to Christ, p. 75 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Oct 5 04:00:25 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2006 07:00:25 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 5 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D06CF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing. Steps to Christ, p. 77 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Oct 6 14:10:21 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 6 Oct 2006 17:10:21 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 6 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D0921@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Our Saviour's joy was in the uplifting and redemption of fallen men. For this He counted not His life dear unto Himself, but endured the cross, despising the shame. Steps to Christ, p. 77 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Oct 7 06:15:41 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 7 Oct 2006 09:15:41 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 7 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D092D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> When the love of Christ is enshrined in the heart, like sweet fragrance it cannot be hidden. Its holy influence will be felt by all with whom we come in contact. The spirit of Christ in the heart is like a spring in the desert, flowing to refresh all and making those who are ready to perish, eager to drink of the water of life. Steps to Christ, p. 77 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Oct 8 17:59:55 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 8 Oct 2006 20:59:55 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 8 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D0997@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The Saviour's life on earth was not a life of ease and devotion to Himself, but He toiled with persistent, earnest, untiring effort for the salvation of lost mankind. Steps to Christ, p. 78 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Oct 9 13:14:09 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 9 Oct 2006 16:14:09 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 9 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D0A9B@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Those who are the partakers of the grace of Christ will be ready to make any sacrifice, that others for whom He died may share the heavenly gift. Steps to Christ, p.78 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Oct 10 07:19:53 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 10 Oct 2006 10:19:53 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 10 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D0B35@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and are filled with the joy of His indwelling Spirit, we shall not be able to hold our peace. Steps to Christ, p. 78 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Oct 11 08:51:53 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 11 Oct 2006 11:51:53 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 11 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A017D0CED@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> God might have committed the message of the gospel, and all the work of loving ministry, to the heavenly angels. He might have employed other means for accomplishing His purpose. But in His infinite love He chose to make us co-workers with Himself, with Christ and the angels, that we might share the blessing, the joy, the spiritual uplifting, which results from this unselfish ministry. Steps to Christ, p. 79 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Oct 12 06:05:37 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 12 Oct 2006 09:05:37 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 12 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A018178BC@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> We are brought into sympathy with Christ through the fellowship of His sufferings. Every act of self-sacrifice for the good of others strengthens the spirit of beneficence in the giver's heart, allying him more closely to the Redeemer of the world. Steps to Christ, p. 79 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Oct 13 05:49:18 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:49:18 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 13 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A018179EF@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character, and brings peace and happiness to its possessor. The aspirations are elevated. There is no room for sloth or selfishness. Those who thus exercise the Christian graces will grow and will become strong to work for God. They will have clear spiritual perceptions, a steady, growing faith, and an increased power in prayer. Steps to Christ. P. 80 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Oct 14 19:41:18 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 22:41:18 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 14 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01817A86@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> The love of Christ, revealed to us, makes us debtors to all who know Him not. God has given us light, not for ourselves alone, but to shed upon them. Steps to Christ, p. 81 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Oct 15 05:55:59 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:55:59 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 15 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01817A9D@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> If the followers of Christ were awake to duty, there would be thousands where there is one today proclaiming the gospel in heathen lands. And all who could not personally engage in the work, would yet sustain it with their means, their sympathy, and their prayers. And there would be far more earnest labor for souls in Christian countries. Steps to Christ, p. 81 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Oct 16 19:50:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 22:50:00 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 16 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01817C55@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> We need not go to heathen lands, or even leave the narrow circle of the home, if it is there that our duty lies, in order to work for Christ. We can do this in the home circle, in the church, among those with whom we associate, and with whom we do business. Steps to Christ, p. 81 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Oct 17 19:47:10 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 22:47:10 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 17 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01817D6A@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Many have excused themselves from rendering their gifts to the service of Christ because others were possessed of superior endowments and advantages. The opinion has prevailed that only those who are especially talented are required to consecrate their abilities to the service of God. Steps to Christ, p. 82 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Oct 18 20:29:57 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2006 23:29:57 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 18 Message-ID: <3372F6BF2D889A488C241FDFD857316A01817E22@gcmail2.gc.sda.org> Many have excused themselves from rendering their gifts to the service of Christ because others were possessed of superior endowments and advantages.... But it is not so represented in the parable. When the master of the house called his servants, he gave to every man his work. Steps to Christ, p. 82 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Oct 19 08:53:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 11:53:42 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 19 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If the love of God is in the heart, it will be manifested in the life. The sweet savor of Christ will surround us, and our influence will elevate and bless. Steps to Christ, p.83 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Oct 20 14:46:37 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2006 17:46:37 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 20 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If the love of God is in the heart, it will be manifested in the life. The sweet savor of Christ will surround us, and our influence will elevate and bless. Steps to Christ, p. 83 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Oct 21 05:16:01 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2006 08:16:01 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 21 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: You are not to wait for great occasions or to expect extraordinary abilities before you go to work for God. You need not have a thought of what the world will think of you. If your daily life is a testimony to the purity and sincerity of your faith, and others are convinced that you desire to benefit them, your efforts will not be wholly lost. Steps to Christ, p. 83 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Oct 22 07:37:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2006 10:37:45 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 22 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If we will but listen, God's created works will teach us precious lessons of obedience and trust. Steps to Christ, p. 85 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Oct 23 04:01:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 07:01:45 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 23 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: No tears are shed that God does not notice. There is no smile that He does not mark. If we would but fully believe this, all undue anxieties would be dismissed. Our lives would not be so filled with disappointment as now; for everything, whether great or small, would be left in the hands of God, who is not perplexed by the multiplicity of cares, or overwhelmed by their weight. We should then enjoy a rest of soul to which many have long been strangers. Steps to Christ, p. 86 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Oct 24 06:56:29 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:56:29 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 24 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: No one can fully appreciate the significance of hill and vale, river and sea, who does not look upon them as an expression of God's love to man. Steps to Christ, p. 87 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Oct 25 05:39:13 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2006 08:39:13 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 25 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: God speaks to us through His providential workings and through the influence of His Spirit upon the heart. In our circumstances and surroundings, in the changes daily taking place around us, we may find precious lessons if our hearts are but open to discern them. Steps to Christ, p. 87 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Oct 26 04:04:08 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 07:04:08 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 26 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: God speaks to us in His word. Here we have in clearer lines the revelation of His character, of His dealings with men, and the great work of redemption. Steps to Christ, p. 87 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Oct 27 04:36:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2006 07:36:36 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 27 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Fill the whole heart with the words of God. They are the living water, quenching your burning thirst. They are the living bread from heaven. Steps to Christ, p. 88 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Oct 28 06:13:16 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 28 Oct 2006 09:13:16 -0400 Subject: Thought for October 28 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The theme of redemption is one that the angels desire to look into; it will be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity. Steps to Christ, p. 88 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Oct 29 17:16:45 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 29 Oct 2006 20:16:45 -0500 Subject: Thought for October 29 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: We should dwell upon the character of our dear Redeemer and Intercessor. We should meditate upon the mission of Him who came to save His people from their sins. As we thus contemplate heavenly themes, our faith and love will grow stronger, and our prayers will be more and more acceptable to God, because they will be more and more mixed with faith and love. Steps to Christ, p. 88 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Oct 30 04:00:22 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 30 Oct 2006 07:00:22 -0500 Subject: Thought for October 30 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: As we meditate upon the perfections of the Saviour, we shall desire to be wholly transformed and renewed in the image of His purity. There will be a hungering and thirsting of soul to become like Him whom we adore. The more our thoughts are upon Christ, the more we shall speak of Him to others and represent Him to the world. Steps to Christ, p. 89 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Oct 31 10:06:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 31 Oct 2006 13:06:00 -0500 Subject: Thought for October 31 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The Bible was not written for the scholar alone; on the contrary, it was designed for the common people. The great truths necessary for salvation are made as clear as noonday; and none will mistake and lose their way except those who follow their own judgment instead of the plainly revealed will of God. Steps to Christ, p. 89 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Nov 1 06:00:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2006 09:00:05 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 1 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: We should not take the testimony of any man as to what the Scriptures teach, but should study the words of God for ourselves. If we allow others to do our thinking, we shall have crippled energies and contracted abilities. Steps to Christ, p. 89 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Nov 2 06:13:57 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2006 09:13:57 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 2 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The mind will enlarge if it is employed in tracing out the relation of the subjects of the Bible, comparing scripture with scripture and spiritual things with spiritual. Steps to Christ, p. 89 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Nov 3 07:45:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2006 10:45:02 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 3 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times. Steps to Christ, p. 90 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Nov 4 05:16:13 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 4 Nov 2006 08:16:13 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 4 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in the mind. Steps to Christ, p. 90 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Nov 5 08:06:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2006 11:06:12 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 5 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: We cannot obtain wisdom without earnest attention and prayerful study. Some portions of Scripture are indeed too plain to be misunderstood, but there are others whose meaning does not lie on the surface to be seen at a glance. Scripture must be compared with scripture. There must be careful research and prayerful reflection. And such study will be richly repaid. Steps to Christ, pp. 90, 91. From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Nov 6 04:03:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2006 07:03:42 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 6 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. Steps to Christ, p. 91 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Nov 7 04:54:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 7 Nov 2006 07:54:36 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 7 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance. Steps to Christ, p. 91 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Nov 8 06:42:07 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 8 Nov 2006 09:42:07 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 8 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The Spirit of truth is the only effectual teacher of divine truth. How must God esteem the human race, since He gave His Son to die for them and appoints His Spirit to be man's teacher and continual guide! Steps to Christ, p. 91 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Nov 9 04:03:28 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 9 Nov 2006 07:03:28 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 9 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. Steps to Christ, p. 93 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Nov 10 04:27:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 07:27:05 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 10 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Steps to Christ, p. 93 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Nov 11 06:15:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2006 09:15:05 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 11 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. Steps to Christ, p. 93 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Nov 12 10:09:20 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 13:09:20 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 12 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: [Jesus'] humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. Steps to Christ, p. 94 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Nov 13 04:08:56 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 13 Nov 2006 07:08:56 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 13 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. Steps to Christ, p. 94 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Nov 14 06:19:50 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 14 Nov 2006 09:19:50 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 14 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Steps to Christ, p. 94 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Nov 15 06:34:11 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2006 09:34:11 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 15 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. Steps to Christ, p. 95 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Nov 16 05:48:03 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:48:03 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 16 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If we regard iniquity in our hearts, if we cling to any known sin, the Lord will not hear us; but the prayer of the penitent, contrite soul is always accepted. When all known wrongs are righted, we may believe that God will answer our petitions. Steps to Christ, p. 95 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Nov 17 05:40:43 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2006 08:40:43 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 17 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers. Steps to Christ, p. 96 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Nov 18 06:17:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 18 Nov 2006 09:17:42 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 18 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, "Ask, and it shall be given you." Steps to Christ, p. 96 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Nov 19 16:50:03 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2006 19:50:03 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 19 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Steps to Christ, p. 97 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Nov 20 07:33:22 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 10:33:22 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 20 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. Steps to Christ, p. 97 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Nov 21 11:36:02 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2006 14:36:02 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 21 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. Steps to Christ, p. 97 Regards, Darryl Thompson Project Coordinator Ellen G. White Estate Phone: #301-680-6549 Email: thompsond at gc.adventist.org -----Original Message----- From: Thought of the Day. By: Ellen G. White [mailto:thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org] Sent: Monday, November 20, 2006 10:33 AM To: Thought of the Day. By: Ellen G. White Subject: Thought for November 20 ------------------------------------------------- Ellen G. White Thought for the Day Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org ------------------------------------------------- Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. Steps to Christ, p. 97 ------------------------------------------------- This message is sent to you because you are subscribed to the mailing list thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904. USA Phone #301-680-6540 To unsubscribe, mailto:thought-off at egwlists.whiteestate.org To subscribe, mailto:thought-subscribe at egwlists.whiteestate.org For mailing list help, mailto:egwhelp at whiteestate.org To avoid your Thought for the Day being SPAM blocked, add thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org to your email address book. Or visit: http://egwlists.whiteestate.org/Lists/help/Message/3.html From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Nov 22 12:09:05 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 15:09:05 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 22 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. Steps to Christ, p.98 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Nov 23 07:01:07 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 10:01:07 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 23 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: There is necessity for diligence in prayer; let nothing hinder you. Make every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Steps to Christ, p. 98 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Nov 24 17:17:34 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 20:17:34 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 24 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: By calm, simple faith the soul holds communion with God and gathers to itself rays of divine light to strengthen and sustain it in the conflict with Satan. God is our tower of strength. Steps to Christ, p. 98 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Nov 25 06:29:56 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 09:29:56 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 25 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. Steps to Christ, p. 99 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Nov 29 17:39:37 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 20:39:37 -0500 Subject: Thought for the Day Notice Message-ID: Dear Subscriber to Ellen G. White's "Thought for the Day." During the past week our email list server crashed and had to be rebuilt. I am sorry for the inconvenience this may have caused you and for the disruption to our daily email service. Hopefully all is working again and you will continue to receive a daily blessing from His messenger-Ellen White. God bless, Darryl Thompson Ellen G. White Estate -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://egwlists.whiteestate.org/pipermail/thought/attachments/20061129/61b38cd5/attachment.html From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Nov 29 17:43:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 20:43:00 -0500 Subject: Thought for November 29 Message-ID: There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. Steps to Christ, p. 99 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Nov 30 04:32:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 04:32:12 -0800 Subject: Thought for November 30 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Steps to Christ, p. 99 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Dec 1 04:03:36 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 1 Dec 2006 07:03:36 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 1 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. Steps to Christ, p. 100 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Dec 2 05:46:38 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 2 Dec 2006 08:46:38 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 2 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: 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. Steps to Christ, p. 100 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Dec 3 10:00:30 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2006 13:00:30 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 3 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son. Steps to Christ, p. 100 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Dec 4 05:26:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 4 Dec 2006 08:26:15 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 4 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: To pray in the name of Jesus is something more than a mere mention of that name at the beginning and the ending of a prayer. It is to pray in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works. Steps to Christ, pp. 100, 101 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Dec 5 07:02:19 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2006 10:02:19 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 5 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: God does not mean that any of us should become hermits or monks and retire from the world in order to devote ourselves to acts of worship. The life must be like Christ's life--between the mountain and the multitude. Steps to Christ, p. 101 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Dec 6 05:42:33 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 6 Dec 2006 08:42:33 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 6 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: We sustain a loss when we neglect the privilege of associating together to strengthen and encourage one another in the service of God. The truths of His word lose their vividness and importance in our minds. Our hearts cease to be enlightened and aroused by their sanctifying influence, and we decline in spirituality. Steps to Christ, p. 101 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Dec 7 06:02:48 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 7 Dec 2006 09:02:48 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 7 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If Christians would associate together, speaking to each other of the love of God and of the precious truths of redemption, their own hearts would be refreshed and they would refresh one another. Steps to Christ, pp. 101, 102 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Dec 8 06:10:00 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 8 Dec 2006 09:10:00 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 8 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If we would but think of God as often as we have evidence of His care for us we should keep Him ever in our thoughts and should delight to talk of Him and to praise Him. Steps to Christ, p. 102 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Dec 9 06:00:43 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 9 Dec 2006 09:00:43 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 9 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: We talk of temporal things because we have an interest in them. We talk of our friends because we love them; our joys and our sorrows are bound up with them. Yet we have infinitely greater reason to love God than to love our earthly friends; it should be the most natural thing in the world to make Him first in all our thoughts, to talk of His goodness and tell of His power. Steps to Christ, p. 102 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Dec 10 07:01:52 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 10 Dec 2006 10:01:52 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 10 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Our devotional exercises should not consist wholly in asking and receiving. Let us not be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive. We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. We are the constant recipients of God's mercies, and yet how little gratitude we express, how little we praise Him for what He has done for us. Steps to Christ, pp. 102, 103 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Dec 11 04:07:42 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 11 Dec 2006 07:07:42 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 11 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: That which is done for the glory of God should be done with cheerfulness, with songs of praise and thanksgiving, not with sadness and gloom. Steps to Christ, p. 103 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Dec 12 06:58:06 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 12 Dec 2006 09:58:06 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 12 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Our God is a tender, merciful Father. His service should not be looked upon as a heart-saddening, distressing exercise. It should be a pleasure to worship the Lord and to take part in His work. Steps to Christ, p. 103 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Dec 13 08:04:18 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2006 11:04:18 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 13 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: He desires that those who come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious thoughts of His care and love, that they may be cheered in all the employments of daily life, that they may have grace to deal honestly and faithfully in all things. Steps to Christ, p. 103 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Dec 14 07:15:11 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:15:11 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 14 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: We should keep in our thoughts every blessing we receive from God, and when we realize His great love we should be willing to trust everything to the hand that was nailed to the cross for us. Steps to Christ, p. 104 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Dec 15 04:28:14 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 07:28:14 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 15 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Many, especially those who are young in the Christian life, are at times troubled with the suggestions of skepticism. There are in the Bible many things which they cannot explain, or even understand, and Satan employs these to shake their faith in the Scriptures as a revelation from God. Steps to Christ, p. 105 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Dec 16 05:56:29 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 08:56:29 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 16 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Steps to Christ, p. 105 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Dec 17 06:18:19 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2006 09:18:19 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 17 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: It is impossible for finite minds fully to comprehend the character or the works of the Infinite One. To the keenest intellect, the most highly educated mind, that holy Being must ever remain clothed in mystery. Steps to Christ, p. 105 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Dec 18 06:42:48 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 18 Dec 2006 09:42:48 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 18 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The word of God, like the character of its divine Author, presents mysteries that can never be fully comprehended by finite beings. The entrance of sin into the world, the incarnation of Christ, regeneration, the resurrection, and many other subjects presented in the Bible, are mysteries too deep for the human mind to explain, or even fully to comprehend. But we have no reason to doubt God's word because we cannot understand the mysteries of His providence. Steps to Christ, p. 106 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Dec 19 06:19:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:19:15 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 19 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The Bible unfolds truth with a simplicity and a perfect adaptation to the needs and longings of the human heart, that has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while it enables the humblest and uncultured to discern the way of salvation. Steps to Christ, p. 107 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Dec 20 03:22:43 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Darryl Thompson) Date: Wed, 20 Dec 2006 03:22:43 -0800 Subject: Thought for December 20 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The more he searches the Bible, the deeper is his conviction that it is the word of the living God, and human reason bows before the majesty of divine revelation. Steps to Christ, pp. 107, 108 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Dec 21 14:08:26 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:08:26 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 21 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Because they cannot fathom all its mysteries, the skeptic and the infidel reject God's word; and not all who profess to believe the Bible are free from danger on this point. Steps to Christ, p. 108 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Dec 22 07:02:11 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 22 Dec 2006 10:02:11 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 22 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: It is true that many theories and doctrines popularly supposed to be derived from the Bible have no foundation in its teaching, and indeed are contrary to the whole tenor of inspiration. Steps to Christ, p. 108, 109 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Dec 23 06:23:09 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 23 Dec 2006 09:23:09 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 23 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: God desires man to exercise his reasoning powers; and the study of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can. Steps to Christ, p. 109 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Dec 24 07:04:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 24 Dec 2006 10:04:15 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 24 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Whenever men are not in word and deed seeking to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are liable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations. Steps to Christ, p. 110 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Mon Dec 25 08:38:15 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Mon, 25 Dec 2006 11:38:15 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 25 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Disguise it as they may, the real cause of doubt and skepticism, in most cases, is the love of sin. The teachings and restrictions of God's word are not welcome to the proud, sin-loving heart, and those who are unwilling to obey its requirements are ready to doubt its authority. In order to arrive at truth, we must have a sincere desire to know the truth and a willingness of heart to obey it. And all who come in this spirit to the study of the Bible will find abundant evidence that it is God's word, and they may gain an understanding of its truths that will make them wise unto salvation. Steps to Christ, p. 111 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Tue Dec 26 10:45:21 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 13:45:21 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 26 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: The children of God are called to be representatives of Christ, showing forth the goodness and mercy of the Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the true character of the Father, so we are to reveal Christ to a world that does not know His tender, pitying love. Steps to Christ, p. 115 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Wed Dec 27 07:33:12 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2006 10:33:12 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 27 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: In every one of His children, Jesus sends a letter to the world. If you are Christ's follower, He sends in you a letter to the family, the village, the street, where you live. Jesus, dwelling in you, desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not acquainted with Him. Perhaps they do not read the Bible, or do not hear the voice that speaks to them in its pages; they do not see the love of God through His works. But if you are a true representative of Jesus, it may be that through you they will be led to understand something of His goodness and be won to love and serve Him. Steps to Christ, p. 115 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Thu Dec 28 08:02:52 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2006 11:02:52 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 28 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Christians are set as light bearers on the way to heaven. They are to reflect to the world the light shining upon them from Christ. Their life and character should be such that through them others will get a right conception of Christ and of His service. Steps to Christ, p. 115 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Fri Dec 29 07:28:46 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:28:46 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 29 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: If we do represent Christ, we shall make His service appear attractive, as it really is. Christians who gather up gloom and sadness to their souls, and murmur and complain, are giving to others a false representation of God and the Christian life. Steps to Christ, p. 116 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sat Dec 30 06:07:32 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sat, 30 Dec 2006 09:07:32 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 30 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: It is not wise to gather together all the unpleasant recollections of a past life,--its iniquities and disappointments,--to talk over them and mourn over them until we are overwhelmed with discouragement. A discouraged soul is filled with darkness, shutting out the light of God from his own soul and casting a shadow upon the pathway of others. Steps to Christ, p. 117 From thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org Sun Dec 31 07:28:47 2006 From: thought at egwlists.whiteestate.org (Thompson, Darryl) Date: Sun, 31 Dec 2006 10:28:47 -0500 Subject: Thought for December 31 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us,--the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed,--thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage. Steps to Christ, p. 125