Whose Daughter Art Thou?

All day today, questions brewed and boiled in my head. Mostly Whys and Hows, but also Whos. I prayed to the Lord for answers, and through tonight's devotional I realized that I already knew the answer from a lecture I heard at PYC a couple of weeks ago.

My devotional tonight was about the Old Testament prophecies that pointed to the then-coming Messiah, and how they were all fulfilled in Jesus. Now this wasn't really directly related to my questions. But it reminded me to get to know my Saviour even deeper.

That was it. To know my God.

Just like that I was reminded of Genesis 24, the search for a wife for Isaac.

Among Rebekah's other qualifications, this was what struck me the most:

Genesis 24:23-25
...and said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in?
And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.
She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.

Rebekah knew whose daughter she was. She knew her place in her father's house. She was confident not only of her identity in her father, but also of the kind of provisions her father is able to offer.

Whose daughter art thou? Whose daughter am I?

I have a Father in heaven who loves me. I am precious to Him. He desires my good. He is able and willing to provide for my every need, including the building up of my character. He gave Jesus for me; He gave Jesus to me.

I can only be confident of who I am when I come to truly know my Creator and Father.

And in this-- in this I find my quest and my rest.

How to Solve Problems

Two years ago I was introduced to a "transcribed" class by Elder WD Frazee entitled "How to Solve Problems." It was a really worthwhile read, and was a blessing not only to myself but to those with whom I've had the privilege to share it. The class talked about the ABCD and E, and even F of problem-solving, and provides a more God-centered approach to handling challenges.

Well, today, the devotional that I share with my friend, Anthony, reminded me of those beautiful counsels again. We read Psalm 3 today, and it talked about David's trouble as he was fleeing from his son, Absalom.

In our lives, it's often true that we feel prepared for problems before the problems begin, and that we feel alright about the problems after problems are solved, but that we lose ourselves somewhere when we are right in the middle of the problem. Psalm 3 gives us a view of David fleeing for his life, a very present problem indeed.

So we solve problems like David did in that mountain.

A - Accept the assignment. Acknowledge it. 

LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.  

Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.  Psalm 3:1, 2

B - Believe two things: (1) without God you can do nothing, but (2) with God you can do everything.

But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.  Psalm 3:3

C - Claim the wisdom that God has promised. Claim wisdom through the four channels of guidance: His Word, Providence, Impressions of the Holy Spirit, Counsel of brethren.

I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. Psalm 3:4 

D - Do it. Do according to the wisdom that you have just claimed, but remember that D is not the A nor the B nor the C. It is the D.

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.  Psalm 3:5

That was probably the best thing for him to do - to rest, to find peace within himself from the Lord, to trust in God's sustaining power.

E - Express faith and Thanksgiving.

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.  

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.  

Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.  

In the very end, I realized that through the storms without and within, God gives me peace and rest. He hears me and sustains me. Through stresses and doubts and guilt and fears and whatever, there is always help in the Lord. He is "my shield and my glory and the lifter up of mine head." I've seen Him do it for me over and over again, and He does it for me still. It would be well for each of us to put up ebenezers of God's faithful providence so we can always know that He is our peace amidst every storm, and in every present trouble, He is our very present help.

For more about WDFrazee's "How to Solve Problems," click here or leave a comment.

Rebellion or Rejoicing?

My friend Anthony and I recently began a shared devotional on the book of Psalms. Early in the morning, one would call the other up, read one chapter, share related scriptures and passages from Inspiration, and personal reflections.

The first one we did (on Psalm 1) was very helpful that I was able to share the thoughts in church also for our AY Program. Today, we did Psalm 2, which on the whole talks about the futility of rebelling against God and the blessedness of continually trusting in Him.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],  

Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.  

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.  

Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.  

Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.  

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, 

Thou [art] my Son; this day have I begotten thee.  

Ask of me, and I shall give [thee] the heathen [for] thine inheritance, 

and the uttermost parts of the earth [for] thy possession.  

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.  

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  

Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish [from] the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed [are] all they that put their trust in him.  

Psalm 2:1-12

When we look at how things are carrying on in the world around us, we may sometimes wonder how come evil seems to prosper, especially among the most influential and powerful in the world. Yet, there is nothing for us to fear because God has not closed His eyes. He sees and He is still in control of everything.

According to the hymn that Sis. Arlene and I sang for our morning worship today, 

"This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet."

Though, for a season, it may seem like the world is ruled by man and his evil heart, yet just as the vision of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel tells us, Christ is our rightful king and all these other kingdoms will be dashed to pieces.

The Lord takes charge of His work in the world and of His work in our individual hearts. Let us not fear, but trust, for in trusting we find strength to obey. In trusting the Lord's faithfulness, we can live in harmony with His perfect will. And in that perfect will, there is designed for us rejoicing. In choosing our own way, no matter how right or logical or practical that way may appear, we will always meet with disappointment and frustration. It is a vain thing to rebel against God. But the end of obedience to Him is rejoicing. There is joy in serving the Lord. Always.

This is my Father's world; why should my heart be sad?

The Lord is King; let the heavens ring.

God reigns; let the earth be glad!

March to the Water

Does it seem like obeying God is like following a cloud - something uncertain, something you cannot understand, something that might make the situation worse? Does it seem like "against the cloud" is the better, wiser, more practical, maybe even only way to go? Read on; you're not the first one.

It must have been a horror. Right when they thought they were on their way to a freer, better life, they find their enemies after them, an army prepared for battle. There must have been frantic cries, mothers gathering their children, fathers trying to secure a weapon out of the common household items they carried, and a general cry to their leader, "What now?"

"Run, quickly!" Someone must have cried. But where? There was only the Red Sea in front of them, and nowhere else. 

Behind them death by the sword, before them death by drowning. Oh how they must have regretted seeking for freedom, how they must have thought that anything was better than this, anything - even a lifetime of bondage for themselves and all their children after them.

Why had they left in the first place? And why had they come through here in the second? They followed a cloud. A cloud, of all things!

But suddenly, the cloud moves between them and their enemies. And their leader stretched out his hand toward... the sea?! Okay? drowning, then? 

Yet he looked confident, peaceful. Perhaps it's alright. He has received instruction: "Go forward!" 

Alright. To the water!

How terrible it must have felt! And what a wonder it must have been! When as they moved toward the water that under normal circumstances would have swallowed them by the millions, the water parted before them, making a path of dry land for their feet.

And when they all - millions of them - have passed through the parted sea, and their enemies came after them, the water closed right back in. The trouble before has swallowed whole the trouble behind.

A miracle.

When I face the trials of tomorrow, may I be reminded of this:

A miracle's one of two requirements is the impossible. The other one is a God with whom all things are possible. Never be afraid of the impossibility, for it is only God's backdrop for a wonderful miracle. Simply trust, and obey. 

He bids them seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and His promise is that all things needful to them for this life shall be added. Worry is blind, and cannot discern the future; but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief. Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. 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.  {DA 330.1}  

God in His providence brought the Hebrews into the mountain fastnesses before the sea, that He might manifest His power in their deliverance and signally humble the pride of their oppressors. He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method in order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him. The people were weary and terrified, yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, God would never have opened the path for them. It was "by faith" that "they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land." Hebrews 11:29. In marching down to the very water, they showed that they believed the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel divided the sea to make a path for their feet.  {PP 290.1}   

The great lesson here taught is for all time. Often the Christian life is beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, "Go forward." We should obey this command, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness, and we feel the cold waves about our feet. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty disappears and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey at all. Unbelief whispers, "Let us wait till the obstructions are removed, and we can see our way clearly;" but faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things.  {PP 290.2}    

The cloud that was a wall of darkness to the Egyptians was to the Hebrews a great flood of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon the path before them. So the dealings of Providence bring to the unbelieving, darkness and despair, while to the trusting soul they are full of light and peace. The path where God leads the way may lie through the desert or the sea, but it is a safe path.  {PP 290.3}  

Step forward in faith on to the path of obedience. Follow that cloud. March to the water.

This post is inspired by the experience of my friend, Lorie, who refused to take an important exam because it was on a Sabbath, at the risk of not being able to take her young career forward, despite her potentials. Yet, God honored her step of faith (sometimes manifested by a stubborn refusal to budge, whatever the cost). With much prayer, she was later granted a privilege of taking a special exam alone. But the results proved that she was not, after all, alone. By God's grace, she passed that career exam. And the beautiful thing? She had passed a much more important "test" just a little earlier. God must be beaming, "Well done!"

Stepping Closer to Christ in Joy (sharing an audio book of Steps to Christ)

Yesterday, as I went about the everyday duties of the home life I have chosen, I was kept from straying too far into the path of discouragement by the words of Inspiration channeled to me through an audio book of Steps to Christ (chapter 13) that I had on as I worked:


         Many, walking along the path of life, dwell upon their mistakes and failures and disappointments, and their hearts are filled with grief and discouragement. While I was in Europe, a sister who had been doing this, and who was in deep distress, wrote to me, asking for some word of encouragement. The night after I had read her letter I dreamed that I was in a garden, and one who seemed to be the owner of the garden was conducting me through its paths. I was gathering the flowers and enjoying their fragrance, when this sister, who had been walking by my side, called my attention to some unsightly briers that were impeding her way. There she was mourning and grieving. She was not walking in the pathway, following the guide, but was walking among the briers and thorns. "Oh," she mourned, "is it not a pity that this beautiful garden is spoiled with thorns?" Then the guide said, "Let the thorns alone, for they will only wound you. Gather the roses, the lilies, and the pinks."  {SC 116.3}

         Have there not been some bright spots in your experience? Have you not had some precious seasons when your heart throbbed with joy in response to the Spirit of God? When you look back into the chapters of your life experience do you not find some pleasant pages? Are not God's promises, like the fragrant flowers, growing beside your path on every hand? Will you not let their beauty and sweetness fill your heart with joy?  {SC 117.1}

         The briers and thorns will only wound and grieve you; and if you gather only these things, and present them to others, are you not, besides slighting the goodness of God yourself, preventing those around you from walking in the path of life?  {SC 117.2}

          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. {SC 117.3}
   
          Thank God for the bright pictures which He has presented to us. Let us group together the blessed assurances of His love, that we may look upon them continually: The Son of God leaving His Father's throne, clothing His divinity with humanity, that He might rescue man from the power of Satan; His triumph in our behalf, opening heaven to men, revealing to human vision the presence chamber where the Deity unveils His glory; the fallen race uplifted from the pit of ruin into which sin had plunged it, and brought again into connection with the infinite God, and having endured the divine test through faith in our Redeemer, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and exalted to His throne--these are the pictures which God would have us contemplate.  {SC 118.1}


Exactly. Christians should be the happiest people in the world. We have Christ! What more can we desire? We only need to trust that His love will never fail us. That reminded me of the quote that I put into a bookmark I made early this year.

Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.  {DA 483.3}

I praise the Lord for speaking to me with the words I most needed to hear at that moment. In gratitude, I would like to share this audio book with those who desire to be blessed with God's word even as they go about the needed earthly work. 

Click here to view/download all 13 chapters of the Steps to Christ audio book.




A couple of years ago, a sister said to me, "Every moment must be a moment of learning." 
Thank God for a way to do just that.


(Written with Great Controversy playing in the background.)

Rebuked. Refreshed. Redirected.

It’s always a blessing and a joy to be with people who inspire and motivate me to do more for the ministry, especially those people with more understanding and experience.

Yesterday was one of those inspiring days as I got to sit with a pastor from another church and share insights about our upreach and outreach.

Here I’m sharing a few of his insights in the hope that you too will be blessed by them.

“You know what really works? As Christians, we should be cheerful and happy. I’ve seen really rich people who are without joy. We should be the happiest. We have Christ.”

“In all my study, I have understood only one thing – that prayer is the answer to everything.”

Nothing is impossible to him that believes, and prayer is the expression of that faith.

“Do not be contented with the good that you are doing now. Seek further education, upgrade your knowledge and your skills… Seek education that will improve your line of ministry.”

Sometimes, it’s easy to fall into the routine of the work, to do what you’ve always done in the same way and for the same people. But there’s more, always more that we can do for God. We only need to submit to Him to be used by Him.

“Time management. You cannot afford leisure time. Every hour must be productive. Every moment must be one of learning.”

And the best lesson I learned yesterday afternoon:

“Fire in the ministry is only a result of fire in devotional life.”

Yes, I was (probably unconsciously on his part) rebuked. My love for the ministry has more often than not manifested itself in activity, in output, in planning, in outreach, in desire for more action. Perhaps in my desire to shepherd others, I have neglected to shepherd my own soul through much prayer and meditation. He suggested that I fix specific times of day for prayer, like every two hours or so. Jesus Himself spent an entire night in prayer before He chose the twelve. A “hello, God” and a “good night, God” just isn’t enough.

It has been a wonderful day for my soul – refreshing in the sense that I am renewed in my desire to serve and given a new direction in the work, a direction that reaches not only out but also, and more importantly, up.

Their Thoughts on Anger

When we are angry we are blind to reality. Anger may bring us a temporary burst of energy, but that energy is blind and it blocks the part of our brain that distinguishes right from wrong. To deal with our problems, we need to be practical and realistic. If we are to be realistic, we need to use our human intelligence properly, which means we need a calm mind. - Dalai Lama

Angry men are blind and foolish, for reason at such time takes flight and, in her absence; wrath plunders all the riches of the intellect, while the judgment remains the prisoner of its own pride.-- Pietro Aretino

No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched. -George Jean Nathan

He is a fool who cannot be angry; but he is a wise man who will not. - English Proverb

Rage can only with difficulty, and never entirely, be brought under the domination of the intelligence, and therefore is not susceptible to any arguments whatsoever. -James Baldwin

If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. -Chinese Proverb

It is the growling man who lives a dog’s life. -Coleman Cox

When anger rises, think of the consequences. -Confucius

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Proverbs 16:32

A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Proverbs 15:18

A man is about as big as the things that make him angry. -Winston Churchill

Bible Sanctification Defined

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17.  {Mar 89.1} 

     Those who are sanctified through the truth are living recommendations of its power, and representatives of their risen Lord. The religion of Christ will refine the taste, sanctify the judgment, elevate, purify, and ennoble the soul, making the Christian more and more fit for the society of the heavenly angels.  {Mar 89.2}
   
     "And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth." John 17:19. "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." 1 Peter 1:22. "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1. . . .  {Mar 89.3}
   
     Here is Bible sanctification. It is not merely a show or outside work. It is sanctification received through the channel of truth. It is truth received in the heart, and practically carried out in the life.  {Mar 89.4}
   
     There is no Bible sanctification for those who cast a part of the truth behind them. There is light enough given in the word of God, so that none need err. . . . Jesus, considered as a man, was perfect, yet He grew in grace. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." Luke 2:52. Even the most perfect Christian may increase continually in the knowledge and love of God. . . .  {Mar 89.5}
   
     Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, or a day. It is a continual growth in grace. . . . Satan lives, and is active, and every day we need to cry earnestly to God for help and strength to resist him. As long as Satan reigns we shall have self to subdue, besetments to overcome, and there is no stopping place, there is no point to which we can come and say we have fully attained. . . .  {Mar 89.6}
   
     The Christian life is constantly an onward march. Jesus sits as a refiner and purifier of His people; and when His image is perfectly reflected in them, they are perfect and holy, and prepared for translation.  {Mar 89.7}

-Ellen G. White
Maranatha

Walk with God... to Work

The two hours I spent walking to work this morning gave me lots of time to think of reasons why walking to work is good:
   
     1. Saves me money (about PhP800 a month)
     2. Puts my legs to work, thus preparing them for more work (i.e. overnight mission trips to remote areas that cannot be reached by cars or even motorcycles)
     3. Improves my breathing
     4. Allows me time alone with God

How I manage that fourth one is by listening to a sermon that I saved earlier on my smartphone. Today it was "Tools for Perfection" by Pastor Patrick Herbert of the Gilead Institute of America and the International Association of Free Seventh-day Adventists. The message was too wonderful to keep to myself, so I'm sharing the highlights here for you.

The world today has been deluded into believing that humans can't be perfect. This is altogether contrary to Bible teaching which expressly asks us in Matthew 5:48, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." This is Jesus asking us to perfect and we know He would never ask us to do something that is impossible for us to do. All the Lord's biddings are enablings.

He didn't say the road to perfection would be easy, but He promises to be there to give us all the help we need to make it. He gives us tools:

1. Laws. The Ten Commandments. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7. To convert = change = transform. We can be like God, not in power, but in character. The laws have been provided to bring us back into the image and likeness of God.

2. Affliction. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."  1 Peter 4:12. Hardships, trials, temptations, difficulties are tools in the hands of God. Jesus learned obedience and perfection "by the things that He suffered." Hebrews 5:8,9. Afflictions help us realize our need for God and draw us closer to Him.

3. Work. Both our evangelistic effort and the performance of daily duties. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Matthew 16:24. Do your work with all your might as if doing it for God, take it up even if you don't like it. Deny yourself. Jesus was a Prince in heaven, but He worked at Joseph's carpentry shop many years. Adam and Eve were given work after they sinned because it was a way back to God. Work not just for yourself, but for the salvation of others as well.

4. Sanctuary. The church. Jesus wanted His children to be united under one name. "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]." John 17:11. Jesus wants His children to be together, to work together. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:25. The church is to be a means for us to be exhorted and corrected, that we may be edified to perfection.  

5. Study. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15. When you begin to study, you begin to understand the things that God reveals to you on a very personal level. So make time for study. 

6. Obedience. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land." Isaiah 1:19. Canaan on earth and Canaan in heaven requires the same thing: willing obedience. We have to do what we believe to be right. What you know could kill you or save you, depending on what you do with it. Ask the Lord for help to be obedient. Without the Spirit, it is impossible to obey.  

7. Prayer. "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak." Matthew 26:41. Praying is communion with God. By constant beholding we are changed.

There you have them. Seven tools. Seven - the Lord's number for perfection and completeness. And for Seventh-day Adventists, did you notice? the first letters of these seven tools form the acronym LAWS-SOP. Every tool we need God has provided. And when we begin to use and apply them, God will have a people prepared to meet Jesus when He returns.

If you want to hear the entire sermon, just leave a comment below with your email address and I'll get the sermon across to you. :)

Meanwhile, the walk also gave me opportunity to see the wonders of God's creation in the flowers along the way.

have a happy weekend! :-)

Who Shall Abide in the Tabernacle of the Lord?

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David

 LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.  

[He that] backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, 

nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.  

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. 

[He that] sweareth to [his own] hurt, and changeth not.  

[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. 

He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.  

Teaching Reminder #1

You need to learn right methods and acquire tact for the training of your little ones, that they may keep the way of the Lord. You need to seek constantly the highest culture of mind and soul, that you may bring to the education and training of your children a restful spirit, a loving heart; that you may imbue them with pure aspirations, and cultivate in them a love for things honest and pure and holy. As a humble child of God, learn in the school of Christ; seek constantly to improve your powers, that you may do the most perfect, thorough work at home [and school], by both precept and example.

Ellen G. White
Child Guidance

Recount God's Goodness

"[God] desires us to appreciate the great plan of redemption, to realize our high privilege as the people of God, and to walk before Him in obedience, with grateful thanksgiving. He desires us to serve Him in newness of life, with gladness every day. He longs to see gratitude welling up in our hearts because we have access to the mercy seat, the throne of grace; because our names are written in the Lamb's book of life; because we may cast all our care on Him who cares for us. He bids us rejoice because we are the heritage of the Lord, because the righteousness of Christ is the robe of His saints, because we have the blessed hope of the soon coming of our Saviour." 


Ellen G. White
Upward Look

Stagnation

Many who have an intelligent knowledge of the truth, and are able to defend it by arguments, are doing nothing for the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom. We meet them from time to time, but they bear no fresh testimonies of personal experience in the Christian life; they relate no new victories gained in the holy warfare. Instead of this you notice the same old routine, the same expressions in prayer and exhortation. Their prayers have no new note; they express no greater intelligence in the things of God, no more earnest, living faith. Such persons are not living plants in the garden of the Lord, sending forth fresh shoots and new foliage, and the grateful fragrance of a holy life. They are not growing Christians. They have limited views and plans, and there is no expansion of mind, no valuable additions to the treasures of Christian knowledge. Their powers have not been taxed in this direction. They have not learned to view men and things as God views them, and in many cases unsanctified sympathy has injured souls and greatly crippled the cause of God. The spiritual stagnation that prevails is terrible. Many lead a formal Christian life and claim that their sins have been forgiven, when they are as destitute of any real knowledge of Christ as is the sinner. {5T 264.3}

 

what the bible really says about when the world will end

Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and [by] our gathering together unto him,

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

---2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

---Matthew 25:13

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  

Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober.

---1 Thessalonians 5:2-6

Without apology, doubt, or hesitancy

We have the greatest truth and hope that were ever given to our world, and the greatest faith; and we want to represent this in its exalted character to the world. We do not want to assume the attitude as though we were passing through the world begging pardon of the world because we venture to believe this precious, sacred truth; but we want to walk humbly with God, and conduct ourselves as though we were children of the most high God, and, although feeble instruments, as though we were handling most important and interesting subjects, higher and more exalted than any temporal, worldly themes.--Review and Herald, July 26, 1887.

Wholly Thine

I would be, dear Savior, wholly Thine;
Teach me how, teach me how;
I would do Thy will, O Lord, not mine;
Help me, help me now.

Refrain

Wholly Thine, wholly Thine,
Wholly Thine, this is my vow;
Wholly Thine, wholly Thine,
Wholly Thine, O Lord, just now.

What is worldly pleasure, wealth or fame,
Without Thee, without Thee?
I will leave them all for Thy dear Name,
This my wealth shall be.

Refrain

As I cast earth’s transient joys behind,
Come Thou near, come Thou near;
In Thy presence all in all I find,
’Tis my comfort here.

Refrain

words and music by Franklin E. Belden, 1886

listen to a midi of this song and others through here.

Nothing More Invincible

(this was today's morning devotion, and i i love it.)

    But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
1 Corinthians 15:57.

     The Christian life is a life of constant conflict. It is a battle and a march. Every act of obedience, every deed of self-denial, every trial bravely endured, every temptation resisted, every victory gained, is a step forward in the march to eternal triumph.
  
     There is hope for man. Christ says, "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" (Revelation 3:21). But let us never forget that the efforts we make in our own strength are utterly worthless. Our strength is weakness; our judgment foolishness. Only in the name and strength of our Conqueror can we conquer. When we are pressed with temptation, when un-christlike desires clamor for the mastery, let us offer fervent, importunate prayer to the heavenly Father, in the name of Christ. This will bring divine aid. In the Redeemer's name we may gain the victory.

     As, seeing the sinfulness of sin, we fall helpless before the cross, asking forgiveness and strength, our prayer is heard and answered. Those who present their petitions to God in Christ's name will never be turned away. The Lord says, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). "He will regard the prayer of the destitute" (Psalm 102:17). Our help comes from Him who holds all things in His hands. The peace that He sends is the assurance of His love to us.


     Nothing can be more helpless and yet more invincible than the soul that feel its nothingness, and relies wholly upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. God would send every angel in heaven to the aid of the one who places his whole dependence on Christ, rather than allow him to be overcome.


     If we accept Christ as our Guide, He will lead us safely along the narrow way. The road may be rough and thorny, and the ascent steep and dangerous; there may be pitfalls on the right hand and on the left. When weary and longing for rest, we may have to toil on; when faint, we may have to fight; but with Christ as our guide, we shall not fail of reaching heaven.--Signs of the Times, Oct. 29, 1902.




Ellen G. White
Ye Shall Receive Power

How to Grow

  It is the privilege of the young, as they grow in Jesus, to grow in spiritual grace and knowledge. We may know more and more of Jesus through an interested searching of the Scriptures, and then following the ways of truth and righteousness therein revealed. Those who are ever growing in grace will be steadfast in the faith, and moving forward.  {AG 284.2}

     There should be an earnest desire in the heart of every youth who has purposed to be a disciple of Jesus Christ to reach the highest Christian standard, to be a worker with Christ. If he makes it his aim to be of that number who shall be presented faultless before the throne of God, he will be continually advancing. The only way to remain steadfast is to progress daily in divine life. Faith will increase if, when brought in contact with doubts and obstacles, it overcomes them. True sanctification is progressive. If you are growing in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ, you will improve every privilege and opportunity to gain more knowledge of the life and character of Christ.  {AG 284.3}

     Faith in Jesus will grow as you become better acquainted with your Redeemer by dwelling upon His spotless life and His infinite love. You cannot dishonor God more than to profess to be His disciple while you keep at a distance from Him, and are not fed and nourished by His Holy Spirit. When you are growing in grace, you will love to attend religious meetings, and you will gladly bear testimony of the love of Christ before the congregation. God, by His grace, can make the young man prudent, and He can give to the children knowledge and experience. They can grow in grace daily.  {AG 284.4}

     As long as we continue to keep our eyes fixed upon the Author and Finisher of our faith, we shall be safe. But our affections must be placed upon things above, not on things of the earth. By faith we must rise higher and still higher in the attainment of the graces of Christ. By daily contemplating His matchless charms, we must grow more and more into His glorious image. While we thus live in communion with Heaven, Satan will lay his nets for us in vain.  {AG 284.5}

Ellen G. White
God's Amazing Grace

Lessons

We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.  {CW 37.1}

Study to Be Approved

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.  

Every one engaging in the work needs these words framed and hung in memory's hall: "We are labourers together with God" (1 Corinthians 3:9). Then there will not be so many decided failures in the efforts made to win souls to Jesus Christ. There is need of bringing them to the foundation, and building them into a firm structure, that will abide the fires of the last great day. The people cannot be reached, and their hearts broken, except by God's divine power (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-15). . . .

Let the men who are engaged in the solemn work of bearing the last message to the world, heed the exhortation of Paul, "Preach the Word." Not the science of phrenology, or the productions from human speculations, but listen to the words of inspiration addressed to Timothy: "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:1-4). . . .  

The minister of the gospel is never exhorted to strive to be a smart preacher, a popular speaker, but is commanded to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness" (chap. 2:15, 16). Will every messenger of God give heed to these words? We are laborers together with God, and if those who accept the responsibility of holding forth the Word of life to others do not daily yoke up with Christ, and lift His burdens, and learn of Jesus day by day; it were better for them to seek some other employment.--Manuscript 29, April 20, 1893, "Laborers to Learn Lessons at the Foot of the Cross."

-Ellen G. White
This Day With God