Sunday, December 31, 2023
Victorious at Last, December 31
For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:37, 38.
Fellow pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities; but soon our Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us by faith behold the blessed hereafter, as pictured by the hand of God. He who died for the sins of the world, is opening wide the gates of Paradise to all who believe on Him. Soon the battle will have been fought, the victory won. Soon we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence the trials and sufferings of this life will seem as nothingness. The former things “shall not be remembered, nor come into mind” (Isaiah 65:17). “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:35-37)....
Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:7, 8).
The nations of the saved will know no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, and the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.—The Review and Herald, July 1, 1915.
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Friday, December 29, 2023
Heirs of the King, December 30
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Revelation 21:7.
Be not discouraged; be not fainthearted. Although you may have temptations; although you may be beset by the wily foe; yet, if you have the fear of God before you, angels that excel in strength will be sent to your help, and you can be more than a match for the powers of darkness. Jesus lives. He has died to make a way of escape for the fallen race; and He lives today to make intercession for us, that we may be exalted to His own right hand. Have hope in God. The world is traveling the broad way; and as you travel in the narrow way, and have principalities and powers to contend with, and the opposition of foes to meet, remember that there is provision made for you. Help has been laid upon One that is mighty; and through Him you can conquer.
Come out from among them and be separate, says God, and I will receive you, and ye shall be sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. What a promise is this! It is a pledge to you that you shall become members of the royal family, heirs of the heavenly kingdom. If a person is honored by, or becomes connected with, any of the monarchs of earth, how it goes the rounds of the periodicals of the day, and excites the envy of those who do not think themselves so fortunate. But here is One who is king over all, the monarch of the universe, the originator of every good thing; and He says to us, I will make you My sons and daughters; I will unite you to Myself; you shall become members of the royal family, and children of the heavenly King.
And then says Paul, “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). Why should we not do this, when we have such an inducement, the privilege of becoming children of the Most High God, the privilege of calling the God of heaven our Father?—The Review and Herald, May 31, 1870.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We are nearing home. Jesus Christ told us in His Word what would be happening at the end of time. He also informed us of His experiences, and stated that His followers would be treated as He was treated. Matthew 24:4-13 states “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. He also states that those things which have occurred previously, will happen again as well as the fact that He requires past things to re-occur. See Ecclesiastes 1:9. And 3:15.
Ecc 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
Ecc 3:15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
Christ gave many similar warnings, 2Timothy 3:1-7 states “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2Ti 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Christ also states that He tells us of things to come, so that when those things come to pass, or occur, that we might believe. Also He tells us that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every word be established. 2Corinthians 13:1, Matthew 18:16, and Numbers 35:30.
To wrap this message up, Christ tells us in John 14:29 “And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.”
Christ also tells us in 1John 4: 9-13 “ In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
1Jn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (the full payment)
1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1Jn 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1Jn 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
I pray God that we are living in His spirit, and allowing His spirit to live and abide in us. He is coming back soon, to get all those persons who have His spirit, and are obeying His LAWS. John 14:15 states
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” God Bless all those who read and understand!
Thursday, December 28, 2023
The Church Triumphant, December 29
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:7, 8.
God's way is to make the day of small things the beginning of the triumph of truth and righteousness. For this reason none need be elated by a prosperous beginning, nor cast down by apparent feebleness. God is to His people riches, fullness, and power. His purposes for His chosen people are, like the eternal hills, firm and immovable.
Remember that human might did not establish the church of God, neither can human might destroy it. From age to age the Holy Spirit is an overflowing fountain of life.... There is victory for all who strive lawfully, in perfect harmony with the law of God. They will triumph over all opposition. As they carry forward God's work in the face of all foes, they will be given the guardianship of holy angels.
Christ has pledged Himself to help all who join His army, to cooperate with Him in fighting against visible and invisible foes. He has promised that they shall be joint heirs with Him to an immortal inheritance, that they shall reign as kings and priests before God. Those who are willing to share in this life the humiliation of the Saviour will share with Him in His glory. Those who choose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season will be given a place with Christ on His throne.
Hold fast the Word of life. The tempest of opposition will spend itself by its own fury. The clamor will die away. Carry forward the Master's work bravely and cheerfully. The Father above, who watches over His chosen ones with the tenderest solicitude, will bless the efforts made in His name. His work will never cease until its completion amid the triumphant shout, “Grace, grace unto it.”—The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1900.
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Victory Assured, December 28
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33.
While on earth there will be no escape from conflicts and temptations; but in every storm we have a sure refuge. Jesus has told us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The forces of Satan are marshaled against us, and we have to meet a diligent foe; but if we take heed to the admonition of Christ, we shall be safe. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). There are foes to be resisted and overcome, but Jesus is by our side, ready to strengthen us for every attack. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
Faith sees Jesus standing as our mediator at the right hand of God. Faith beholds the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him. Faith sees the robe and the crown all prepared for the overcomer. Faith hears the song of the redeemed, and brings eternal glories near. We must come close to Jesus in loving obedience if we would see the King in His beauty.
There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believe! Believe! My soul cries, Believe! Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him, and will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.
But remember that everyone who shall be found with the wedding garment on will have come out of great tribulation. The mighty surges of temptation will beat upon all. But the long night of watching, of toil, of hardship, is nearly past. Christ is soon to come. Get ready! The angels of God are seeking to attract you from yourself and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain. Faith, living faith, is what you need; the faith that works by love and purifies the soul. Remember Calvary and the awful, the infinite sacrifice there made for man. Jesus now invites you to come to Him, just as you are, and make Him your strength and your everlasting friend.—The Review and Herald, April 17, 1894.
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Following the Pattern, December 27
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 1 Peter 2:21-24.
In all our afflictions Jesus was afflicted, and the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering. In this life we shall be proved to see whether or not we shall be able to bear the test of God. Satan's temptations will come upon us, and we shall be tried, but the question of most importance to us is Shall we be overcome? or shall we be overcomers? ... Like our great Example, we may be able to meet Satan with the weapon of God's Word, saying to him as he tempts us to do evil, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4).
Satan knows better than many professed Christians what is written, for he is a diligent student of the Bible, and he works to pervert the truth, and lead men into the paths of disobedience. He leads men to neglect the searching of the Word of God; for he knows that it testifies against him, that his works are evil. It describes him as the apostate angel who fell from heaven, and drew many of the hosts of heaven after him in a course of rebellion against their Creator.
Satan is seeking continually to draw away the minds of men from God and His Word. He knows that if he can cause men to neglect the Word of God, he can soon cause them to depart from its precepts, and finally to forget their Maker. They will then take the suggestions and instructions of the adversary of God and man, and evil men and evil angels will form a confederacy against the God of heaven.
Those who would be loyal to God will be subject to trials and temptations; but if they are truly alive unto God, and have their life hid with Christ in God, they will also know what it is to have the blessings which God bestows upon the faithful and obedient.—The Signs of the Times, August 28, 1893.
Monday, December 25, 2023
By the Blood of the Lamb, December 26
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11.
Let us consider the life and suffering of our precious Saviour in our behalf, and remember that if we are not willing to endure trial, toil, and conflict, if we are not willing to be partakers with Christ of His sufferings, we shall be found unworthy of a seat upon His throne.
We have everything to gain in the conflict with our mighty foe, and we dare not for a moment yield to his temptations. We know that in our own strength it is not possible for us to succeed; but as Christ humbled Himself, and took upon Himself our nature, He is acquainted with our necessities, and has Himself borne the heaviest temptations that man will have to bear, has conquered the enemy in resisting his suggestions, in order that man may learn how to be conqueror. He was clothed with a body like ours, and in every respect suffered what man will suffer, and very much more. We shall never be called upon to suffer as Christ suffered; for the sins not of one, but the sins of the whole world were laid upon Christ. He endured humiliation, reproach, suffering, and death, that we by following His example might inherit all things.
Christ is our pattern, the perfect and holy example that has been given us to follow. We can never equal the pattern; but we may imitate and resemble it according to our ability. When we fall, all helpless, suffering in consequence of our realization of the sinfulness of sin; when we humble ourselves before God, afflicting our souls by true repentance and contrition; when we offer our fervent prayers to God in the name of Christ, we shall as surely be received by the Father, as we sincerely make a complete surrender of our all to God. We should realize in our inmost soul that all our efforts in and of ourselves will be utterly worthless; for it is only in the name and strength of the Conqueror that we shall be overcomers.—The Review and Herald, February 5, 1895.
Victory Through Christ, December 25
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14, 15.
The fall of man filled all heaven with sorrow, and the heart of Jesus was moved with infinite compassion for the lost world, the ruined race. He beheld man plunged in sin and misery, and knew that he had not moral power to overcome in his own behalf the power of his unsleeping enemy. In divine love and pity He came to earth to fight our battles for us; for He alone could conquer the adversary. He came to unite man with God, to impart divine strength to the repenting soul, and from the manger to Calvary to pass over the path which man would travel, at every step giving man a perfect example of what he should do, presenting in His character what humanity might become when united with divinity.
But many say that Jesus was not like us, that He was not as we are in the world, that He was divine, and therefore we cannot overcome as He overcame. But this is not true; “for verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.... For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:16-18). Christ knows the sinner's trials; He knows his temptations. He took upon Himself our nature; He was tempted in all points like as we are. He has wept, He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
As a man He lived upon earth. As a man He ascended to heaven. As a man He is the substitute of humanity. As a man He liveth to make intercession for us. As a man He will come again with kingly power and glory to receive those who love Him, and for whom He is now preparing a place. We should rejoice and give thanks that God “hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained” (Acts 17:31).—Bible Echo, November 1, 1892, par. 6.
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Friday, December 22, 2023
A Pillar in God's Temple, December 23
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. Revelation 3:12.
It may seem wonderful to us that Christ should reveal Himself to John as He is, strange that He should thus address Himself to the churches. But we should remember that the church, enfeebled and defective though it is, is the object of Christ's supreme regard. Constantly He watches over it with tender solicitude, and strengthens it by His Holy Spirit. Will we, as members of His church, allow Him to impress our minds and to work through us to His glory? Will we heed the messages He addresses to the church? Let us determine to be among the number who shall meet Him with joy at His coming, and not among those who “shall wail because of him” (Revelation 1:7). Let us make certain our redemption by obeying the messages that He gives to His church.
Christ bears to the church the words of consolation: “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” (Revelation 3:10-12).
Let us strive to obtain an abundant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord. Let us diligently study the gospel that Christ came in person to present to John on the Isle of Patmos—the gospel that is termed “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1). Let us remember always that “blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (verse 3).—Signs of the Times, February 4, 1903.
Kept Safe in the Hour of Temptation, December 22
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Revelation 3:10.
A battle is continually going on between the forces for good and the forces for evil, between the angels of God and the fallen angels. We are beset before and behind, on the right hand and on the left. The conflict that we are passing through is the last we shall have in this world. We are now in the midst of it. Two parties are striving for the supremacy. In this conflict we cannot be neutral. We must stand either on one side or on the other. If we take our position on the side of Christ, if we acknowledge Him before the world in word and work, we are bearing a living testimony as to whom we have chosen to serve and honor. In this important period of earth's history, we cannot afford to leave anyone in uncertainty as to whose side we are on....
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” In this scripture is brought to view the hour of temptation that is to try them that dwell upon the earth. We are now living in this trying hour. There is no escape for any from this conflict. If in your life there are defective traits of character that you are not striving to overcome, you may be assured that the enemy will endeavor to take advantage of them; for he is watching vigilantly, seeking to spoil the faith of everyone.
In order to gain the victory over every besetment of the enemy, we must lay hold on a power that is out of and beyond ourselves. We must maintain a constant, living connection with Christ, who has power to give victory to every soul that will maintain an attitude of faith and humility. If we are self-sufficient, and think that we may go on just as we please, and yet hope to come out on the right side finally, we shall find that we have made a terrible mistake. As those who hope to receive the overcomer's reward, we must press forward in the Christian warfare, though at every advance we meet with opposition.—The Review and Herald, July 9, 1908.
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Having Our Names in the Book of Life, December 21
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:5.
The expression “he that overcometh” indicates that there is something for every one of us to overcome. The overcomer is to be clothed in the white raiment of Christ's righteousness, and of Him it is written: “I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Oh, what a privilege it is to be an overcomer, and to have our names presented before the Father by the Saviour Himself! And when, as overcomers, we shall be “clothed in white raiment,” the Lord will acknowledge our faithfulness as verily as in the days of the early Christian church. He acknowledged the “few names even in Sardis” who had “not defiled their garments” (Revelation 3:4); and we shall walk with Him in white, for through His atoning sacrifice we shall be accounted worthy.
My dear friends, in view of these encouraging promises, how earnestly should we strive to perfect a character that will enable us to stand before the Son of God! Only those who are clothed in the garments of His righteousness will be able to endure the glory of His presence when He shall appear with “power and great glory.”
It means much to be an overcomer. The besetments of the enemy and all his evil agencies must be firmly resisted. Every moment we must be on guard. Not for one instant are we to lose sight of Christ, and of His power to save in the hour of trial. Our hand must be placed in His, that we may be upheld by the power of His might....
The True Witness declares: “Behold, I have set before thee an open door” (verse 8). Let us thank God with heart and soul and voice; and let us learn to approach unto Him as through an open door, believing that we may come freely with our petitions, and that He will hear and answer. It is by a living faith in His power to help, that we shall receive strength to fight the battles of the Lord with the confident assurance of victory.—The Review and Herald, July 9, 1908.
Walking With Him in White, December 20
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. Revelation 3:4.
Thank God, He can keep His people in a place where they shall not defile their garments. If we submit to Christ, we shall be kept unspotted from the world. “Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning” (Hosea 6:3). We are to follow on. We are not to rest content with the capabilities and the knowledge of today. All the inhabitants of the universe are watching, as in these last days God is preparing a people to stand in the judgment. Let us ask God to clothe us with the robe of Christ's righteousness, that we may be prepared for the coming of the Son of man.
Of those who have not defiled their garments, Christ says, “They shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.” Through infinite sacrifice made in our behalf, we may have an abundance of grace. God has a whole heaven full for us. All He asks is that by living faith we receive His promises, saying: “I do believe. I do accept the blessings which Thou hast for those who love Thee.”
“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not”—oh, how precious is that “not”!—“I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5). When the gates of the city of God swing back on their glittering hinges, and the nations who have kept the truth shall enter in, Christ will be there to welcome us, to call us the blessed of the Father, because we have overcome. He will welcome us before the Father, and before His angels. As we enter the kingdom of God, there to spend eternity, the trials and the difficulties and the perplexities that we have had here will sink into insignificance. Our life will measure with the life of God.—The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903.
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023
Wearing the Victor's Crown, December 19
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Revelation 2:11.
The words, “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” are repeated after these promises, weighty with importance to the children of God. It is for our eternal interest to know and understand what the Spirit saith unto the churches, and we should search carefully for light and knowledge that we may not be in ignorance of what God has commanded and promised in His precious Word. We have souls to be saved or lost, and with the greatest earnestness we should inquire, “What shall I do in order to obtain eternal life?” At the best, life is but short, and it is necessary that we should live this short life in harmony with the law of God, which is the law of the universe. We must have ears to hear, and hearts to understand, what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
The angels of God attain unto no higher knowledge than to know the will of God; and it is their greatest delight to accomplish the perfect will of the heavenly Father. Fallen man has the privilege of becoming intelligent in regard to the will of God. While probationary time is granted us, we should put our faculties to the very highest use, that we may make of ourselves all that it is possible; and while we endeavor to reach a high standard of intelligence, we should feel our dependence upon God, for without His grace, our efforts cannot bring lasting benefit. It is through the grace of Christ that we are to be overcomers; through the merits of His blood we are to be of that number whose names will not be blotted out of the book of life.
Those who are final overcomers will have the life that runs parallel with the life of God, and wear the crown of the victor. When such great and eternal reward awaits us, we should run the race with patience, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.—The Signs of the Times, June 15, 1891.
Eating of the Tree of Life, December 18
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7.
This message concerns all our churches. You can never employ your faculty of hearing better than in hearkening to hear what the voice of God speaks to you in His Word. There is a rich and abundant promise to those who overcome. It is not enough to enter upon this warfare, we must pursue it to the end. We must know nothing of yielding. We must fight the good fight of faith to the very end. To the overcomer is promised the triumphal victory. “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Whatever was lost in the fall of Adam is more than restored in redemption. He that sitteth on the throne saith, “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
Let us look closely and critically to ourselves. Are not the vows we entered into at our baptism violated? Are we dead to the world and alive unto Christ? Are we seeking those things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God? Is the cable cut which anchored us to the eternal Rock? Are we drifting with the current to perdition? Shall we make no effort to press and urge our passage upstream? Let us not hesitate longer, but vigorously apply the oars; and let us do our first works ere we make hopeless shipwreck.
It is our work to know our special failings and sins, which cause darkness and spiritual feebleness, and quenched our first love. Is it worldliness? Is it selfishness? Is it the love of self-esteem? Is it striving to be first? Is it the sin of sensuality that is intensely active? Is it the sin of the Nicolaitans, turning the grace of God into lasciviousness? Is it the misuse and abuse of great light and opportunities and privileges, making boasted claims to wisdom and religious knowledge, while the life and character are inconsistent and immoral? Whatever it is that has been petted and cultivated until it has become strong and overmastering, make determined efforts to overcome, else you will be lost.—The Review and Herald, June 7, 1887.
Victory on the Battlefield, December 17
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. John 17:14, 15.
The Christian has duties to do in the world, and God holds him responsible for their faithful performance. He is not to confine himself in monastic walls, nor to avoid all association with worldlings. It is true that his principles will be put to the severest test, and he will be pained by what his eyes see and his ears hear. But he must not, by becoming familiar with these sights and sounds, learn to love them. By association with the world, we incline to catch the spirit of the world, and to adopt their customs, tastes, and preferences. But we are commanded, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18).
Never let the world say that worldlings and Christ's followers are alike in their tastes and pursuits; for God has drawn a line between His people and the world. This line of demarcation is broad and deep and clear; it is not so blended with the world that it is not discernible. “The Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19). “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).
It is only by watching unto prayer, and the exercise of living faith, that the Christian can preserve his integrity in the midst of the temptations that Satan brings to bear upon him. But “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Talk to your heart constantly the language of faith:“Jesus said He would receive me, and I believe His word. I will praise Him; I will glorify His name.” Satan will be close by your side to suggest that you do not feel any joy. Answer him, “‘This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’ I have everything to be glad of; for I am a child of God. I am trusting in Jesus. The law of God is in my heart; none of my steps shall slide.”—The Signs of the Times, May 15, 1884.
Saturday, December 16, 2023
Saved To Serve || Prophesy Again Pastor Andrew Henriques www.prophesyagain.com 7 Predictive Programming vs 7 Prophetic Programming. 5 Sins of Sodom. 25 Years of Warning. Mission Accomplished or Failed. If You Think You Know Anything, You Know Nothing. The Certainty of Truth
1. ***When Lot entered Sodom he fully intended to keep himself free from iniquity and to command his household
after him. But he signally failed. The corrupting influences about him had an effect upon his own faith, and his
children's connection with the inhabitants of Sodom bound up his interest in a measure with theirs. The result is
before us. {PP 168.3}
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Many are still making a similar mistake. In selecting a home they look more to the temporal advantages they may
gain than to the moral and social influences that will surround themselves and their families. They choose a beautiful
and fertile country, or remove to some flourishing city, in the hope of securing greater prosperity; but their children are
surrounded by temptation, and too often they form associations that are unfavorable to the development of piety and
the formation of a right character. The atmosphere of lax morality, of unbelief, of indifference to religious things, has a
tendency to counteract the influence of the parents. Examples of rebellion against parental and divine authority are
ever before the youth; many form attachments for infidels and unbelievers, and cast in their lot with the enemies of
God. {PP 168.4}
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Lot made his way to the mountains, and abode in a cave, stripped of all for which he had dared to subject his
family to the influences of a wicked city. But the curse of Sodom followed him even here. The sinful conduct of his
daughters was the result of the evil associations of that vile place. Its moral corruption had become so interwoven with
their character that they could not distinguish between good and evil. Lot's only posterity, the Moabites and
Ammonites, were vile, idolatrous tribes, rebels against God and bitter enemies of His people. {PP 167.3}
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There is nothing more desired among men than riches and leisure, and yet these gave birth to the sins that
brought destruction upon the cities of the plain. Their useless, idle life made them a prey to Satan's temptations, and
they defaced the image of God, and became satanic rather than divine. Idleness is the greatest curse that can fall upon
man, for vice and crime follow in its train. It enfeebles the mind, perverts the understanding, and debases the soul.
Satan lies in ambush, ready to destroy those who are unguarded, whose leisure gives him opportunity to insinuate
himself under some attractive disguise. He is never more successful than when he comes to men in their idle hours.
{PP 156.2}
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Those who secure for their children worldly wealth and honor at the expense of their eternal interests, will find
in the end that these advantages are a terrible loss. Like Lot, many see their children ruined, and barely save their own
souls. Their lifework is lost; their life is a sad failure. Had they exercised true wisdom, their children might have had
less of worldly prosperity, but they would have made sure of a title to the immortal inheritance. {PP 169.2}
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The wife of Lot was a selfish, irreligious woman, and her influence was exerted to separate her husband from
Abraham. But for her, Lot would not have remained in Sodom, deprived of the counsel of the wise, God-fearing
patriarch. The influence of his wife and the associations of that wicked city would have led him to apostatize from God
had it not been for the faithful instruction he had early received from Abraham. The marriage of Lot and his choice of
Sodom for a home were the first links in a chain of events fraught with evil to the world for many generations.
{PP 174.2}
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He repeated the words of the angels, "Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city." But he
seemed to them as one that mocked. They laughed at what they called his superstitious fears. His daughters were
influenced by their husbands. They were well enough off where they were. They could see no evidence of danger.
Everything was just as it had been. They had great possessions, and they could not believe it possible that beautiful
Sodom would be destroyed. {PP 159.3}
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Lot returned sorrowfully to his home and told the story of his failure. Then the angels bade him arise and take
his wife and the two daughters who were yet in his house and leave the city. But Lot delayed. Though daily distressed
at beholding deeds of violence, he had no true conception of the debasing and abominable iniquity practiced in that
vile city. He did not realize the terrible necessity for God's judgments to put a check on sin. Some of his children clung
to Sodom, and his wife refused to depart without them. The thought of leaving those whom he held dearest on earth
seemed more than he could bear. It was hard to forsake his luxurious home and all the wealth acquired by the labors of
his whole life, to go forth a destitute wanderer. Stupefied with sorrow, he lingered, loath to depart. But for the angels of
God, they would all have perished in the ruin of Sodom. The heavenly messengers took him and his wife and
daughters by the hand and led them out of the city. {PP 160.1}
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The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and
delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning. While her body was upon the plain, her heart clung to Sodom,
and she perished with it. She rebelled against God because His judgments involved her possessions and her children
in the ruin. Although so greatly favored in being called out from the wicked city, she felt that she was severely dealt
with, because the wealth that it had taken years to accumulate must be left to destruction. Instead of thankfully
accepting deliverance, she presumptuously looked back to desire the life of those who had rejected the divine
warning. Her sin showed her to be unworthy of life, for the preservation of which she felt so little gratitude. We should
beware of treating lightly God's gracious provisions for our salvation. There are Christians who say, "I do not care to
be saved unless my companion and children are saved with me.” {PP 161.2}
Friday, December 15, 2023
A Brand Plucked Out of the Fire, December 16
And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Zechariah 3:2.
Jesus speaks of His people as a brand plucked out of the fire, and Satan understands what this means. The infinite sufferings of the Son of God in Gethsemane and on Calvary were endured that He might rescue His people from the power of the evil one. The work of Jesus for the salvation of perishing souls is as if He thrust His hand into the fire to save them. Joshua, who represents God's people, is clothed in filthy garments, and stands before the angel; but as the people repent before God for the transgression of His law, and reach up by the hand of faith to lay hold on the righteousness of Christ, Jesus says, “Take away the filthy garments from them, and clothe them with change of raiment” (see Zechariah 3:4).
It is through Christ's righteousness alone that we are enabled to keep the law. Those who worship God in sincerity and truth, and afflict their souls before Him as in the great day of atonement, will wash their robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Satan seeks to bind about the human mind with deception, so that men will not repent and believe, that they may have their filthy garments removed. Why will you cling to your miserable defects of character, and by so doing bar the way, that Jesus may not work in your behalf?
During the time of trouble, the position of God's people will be similar to the position of Joshua. They will not be ignorant of the work going on in heaven in their behalf. They will realize that sin is recorded against their names, but they will also know that the sins of all who repent and lay hold of the merits of Christ will be canceled.... Those who have manifested true repentance for sin, and by living faith in Christ are obedient to God's commandments, will have their names retained in the book of life, and they will be confessed before the Father and before the holy angels. Jesus will say, “They are mine; I have purchased them with my own blood.”—The Signs of the Times, June 2, 1890.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Nothing More Invincible, December 15
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.—The Signs of the Times, October 29, 1902.
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Victory Brings Joy to Heaven, December 14
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:7.
Satanic agencies are always warring for the mastery over the human mind, but the angels of God are constantly at work, strengthening the weak hands and confirming the feeble knees of all who call upon God for help. The promise to every child of God is, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matthew 7:8)....
The Lord has had true-hearted men and women, those who have made a covenant with Him by sacrifice. They have not swerved from their integrity. They have kept themselves unspotted from the world, and they have been led by the Light of life to defeat the purposes of the wily foe. Will human beings now act their part in resisting the devil? If they will do this, he will surely flee from them. Angels, who will do for you what you cannot do for yourselves, are waiting for your cooperation. They are waiting for you to respond to the drawing of Christ. Draw nigh to God and to one another. By desire, by silent prayer, by resistance of satanic agencies, put your will on the side of God's will. While you have one desire to resist the devil, and sincerely pray, Deliver me from temptation, you will have strength for your day.
It is the work of the heavenly angels to come close to the tried, the tempted, the suffering ones. They labor long and untiringly to save the souls for whom Christ has died. And when souls appreciate their advantages, appreciate the heavenly assistance sent them, respond to the Holy Spirit's working on their behalf; when they put their will on the side of Christ's will, angels bear the tidings heavenward. Returning to the heavenly courts, they report their success with the souls for whom they have ministered, and there is rejoicing among the heavenly host.—The Review and Herald, July 4, 1899.
Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Closer to Jesus, December 13
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:7, 8.
When temptation comes upon us, we need spiritual discernment, that we may detect Satan's agency, and draw close to Jesus. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Every moment it is necessary to fight the good fight of faith; for doubt must be resisted, and faith must be encouraged. In temptation, inclination must be overruled by reason. Self will clamor for indulgence, but inclination must be resisted, and temptation overcome.
The Lord has given warnings, He has presented principles that it is necessary for every Christian to heed, and bring into his practical life. Those who pass on in indifference to the light and warning which God has been pleased to give will grow more and more egotistical and self-sufficient. Those who do not place their dependence upon God will certainly be overthrown by the enemy. Satan is working by every conceivable device to keep in his own ranks those who claim to be on the Lord's side. He can blind their eyes until they will call light darkness, and darkness light....
Though the light of God is shining in more distinct rays than ever before, and will shine more and more clearly as we near the close of earth's history, those who will be able to discern truth from error will be men who are often upon their knees, seeking wisdom from God. The bright beams of the Sun of righteousness can alone reveal the numerous and varied plottings of the enemy. The wicked one is at work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness; and while we are not to keep our eyes upon the powers of darkness, we cannot be ignorant of their devices.
But our faith must center in Jesus Christ. Looking unto Him, clinging to His strength as sufficient for every emergency, our heart joins His heart, our life is knit by hidden links to His life, and because He lives, we shall live also. This is practical religion; for we are to be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. No one of us can be safe save as we join the Lord in a perpetual covenant, that shall not be forgotten by us.—The Review and Herald, March 14, 1893.
Monday, December 11, 2023
Supernatural Strength Promised, December 12
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1.
The Holy Spirit was promised to be with those who were wrestling for victory, demonstrating the power of might by endowing the human agent with supernatural strength, and instructing the ignorant in the mysteries of the kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit is to be our helper. Of what avail would it have been to us that the only-begotten Son of God had humbled Himself, endured the temptations of the wily foe, and wrestled with him during His entire life on earth, and died, the just for the unjust, that humanity might not perish, if the Spirit had not been given as a constant working, regenerating agent to make effectual in our cases what had been wrought by the world's Redeemer?
The Holy Spirit implanted in the disciples enabled them to stand firmly against idolatry, and to exalt the Lord alone.
The Holy Spirit guided the pens of the sacred historians that the record of the precious words and works of Christ might be presented to the world. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work seeking to draw the attention of men to the great sacrifice made upon the cross of Calvary, to unfold to the world the love of God to man, and to open to the convicted soul the precious promises in the Scriptures.
It is the Holy Spirit that brings to the darkened minds the bright beams of the Sun of righteousness. It is the Holy Spirit that makes men's hearts burn within them with an awakened intelligence of the truths of eternity. It is the Holy Spirit that presents before the mind the moral standard of righteousness and convinces of sin. It is the Holy Spirit that produces godly sorrow which worketh repentance that needeth not to be repented of, and inspires faith in Him who alone can save from all sin. It is the Holy Spirit that works to transform character by withdrawing the affections of men from those things which are temporal and perishable, and fixing them upon the immortal inheritance, the eternal substance which is imperishable. The Holy Spirit re-creates, refines, and sanctifies the human agents, that they may become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King.—The Signs of the Times, April 17, 1893.
Saved To Serve || Prophesy Again Pastor Andrew Henriques www.prophesyagain.com Double Jeopardy & Mark of the Be@st: Church Controlling State. Contestants Ignorant of Hallowed Be Thy Name
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Our land is in jeopardy. The time is drawing on when its legislators shall so abjure the principles of
Protestantism as to give countenance to Romish apostasy. The people for whom God has so marvelously
wrought, strengthening them to throw off the galling yoke of popery, will by a national act give vigor to the corrupt
faith of Rome, and thus arouse the tyranny which only waits for a touch to start again into cruelty and despotism.
With rapid steps are we already approaching this period. When Protestant churches shall seek the support of the
secular power, thus following the example of that apostate church, for opposing which their ancestors endured
the fiercest persecution, then will there be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin. {4SP 410.2}
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We as a people have not accomplished the work which God has committed to us. We are not ready for the
issue to which the enforcement of the Sunday law will bring us. It is our duty, as we see the signs of approaching
peril, to arouse to action. Let none sit in calm expectation of the evil, comforting themselves with the belief that
this work must go on because prophecy has foretold it, and that the Lord will shelter His people. We are not doing
the will of God if we sit in quietude, doing nothing to preserve liberty of conscience…It may appear that Satan is
triumphant and that truth is overborne with falsehood and error; the people over whom God has spread His
shield, and the country which has been an asylum for the conscience-oppressed servants of God and defenders
of His truth, may be placed in jeopardy.
{5T 713.4}
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All that God and Christ could do has been done to save sinners. Transgression placed the whole world in
jeopardy, under the death sentence. But in heaven there was heard a voice saying, I have found a ransom. Jesus
Christ, who knew no sin, was made sin for fallen man. Christ gave Himself as a ransom. {7ABC 469.2}
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The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for
the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of
Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His
presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense.
Nothing can touch him except by our Lord's permission, and "all things" that are permitted "work together for
good to them that love God." Romans 8:28. {MB 71.2}
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Satan trembled as he viewed his work. He was alone in meditation upon the past, the present, and his
future plans. His mighty frame shook as with a tempest. An angel from Heaven was passing. He called him, and
entreated an interview with Christ. This was granted him. He then related to the Son of God that he repented of his
rebellion, and wished again the favor of God. He was willing to take the place God had previously assigned him,
and be under his wise command. Christ wept at Satan's woe, but told him, as the mind of God, that he could never
be received into Heaven. Heaven must not be placed in jeopardy. All Heaven would be marred should he be
received back; for sin and rebellion originated with him. The seeds of rebellion were still within him. {1SP 29.2}
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Those who stand as ministers in the sacred desk should be men of blameless reputation; their lives
should be spotless, above everything that savors of impurity. Do not place your reputation in jeopardy by going in
the way of temptation. If a woman lingeringly holds your hand, quickly withdraw it and save her from sin. If she
manifests undue affection and mourns that her husband does not love her and sympathize with her, do not try to
supply this lack. Your only safe and wise course in such a case is to keep your sympathy to yourself. Such cases
are numerous. {5T 597.2}
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Women are too often tempters. On one pretense or another they engage the attention of men, married or
unmarried, and lead them on till they transgress the law of God, till their usefulness is ruined, and their souls are
in jeopardy. The history of Joseph is left on record for the benefit of all who, like him, are tempted. In principle he
was firm as a rock, and he answered the tempter: "How then can I do this
great wickedness, and sin against God?” {5T 596.2}
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When you pray, "Hallowed be Thy name," you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you.
God has acknowledged you before men and angels as His child; pray that you may do no dishonor to the "worthy
name by which ye are called." James 2:7. God sends you into the world as His representative. In every act of life
you are to make manifest the name of God. This petition calls upon you to possess His character. You cannot
hallow His name, you cannot represent Him to the world, unless in life and character you represent the very life
and character of God. This you can do only through the acceptance of the grace and righteousness of Christ.
{Mount of Blessings, 107.1}
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It was possible for Adam, before the fall, to form a righteous character by obedience to God's law. But he
failed to do this, and because of his sin our natures are fallen and we cannot make ourselves righteous. Since we
are sinful, unholy, we cannot perfectly obey the holy law. We have no righteousness of our own with which to
meet the claims of the law of God. But Christ has made a way of escape for us. He lived on earth amid trials and
temptations such as we have to meet. He lived a sinless life. He died for us, and now He offers to take our sins
and give us His righteousness. 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. {SC 62.2}
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When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is
wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element
into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted
world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the
heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. But unless we do yield ourselves to the control of
Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one. We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other
of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately
to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to
ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not co-operate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take
possession of the heart, and will make it his abiding place. 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. {DA
324.1}
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“I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet, and there alone plead with God: "Create in me
a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer availeth much.
Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus in the garden sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort.
Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and just as long as you watch and pray you can
keep these evil besetments under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you. {Messages to Young People,131.3}
Sunday, December 10, 2023
Each Victory Makes the Following Easier, December 11
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Romans 8:37.
The work is before you to improve the remnant of your life in reforming and elevating the character. A new life begins in the renewed soul. Christ is the indwelling Saviour. That which may be regarded as hard to give up must be yielded. The overbearing, dictatorial word must be left unspoken; then a precious victory will be gained.
True happiness will be the result of every self-denial, every crucifixion of self. One victory won, the next is more easily gained. Had Moses neglected the opportunities and privileges granted him of God, he would have neglected the light from heaven and would have been a disappointed, miserable man. Sin is from beneath; and when it is indulged, Satan is enshrined in the soul, there to kindle the very fires of hell. God has not given His law to prevent the salvation of souls, but He wants all to be saved. Man has light and opportunities, and if he will improve them he may overcome. You may show by your life the power of the grace of God in overcoming.
Satan is trying to set up his throne in the soul-temple. When he reigns he makes himself heard and felt in angry passions, in words of bitterness that grieve and wound; but as light has no communion with darkness, and Christ no union with Belial, the man must be wholly for one or the other. In yielding to self-indulgence, avarice, deception, fraud, or sin of any kind, he encourages the principles of Satan in his soul and closes the door of heaven to himself. Because of sin, Satan was thrust out of heaven; and no man indulging and fostering sin can go to heaven, for then Satan would again have a foothold there.
When a man is earnestly engaged day by day in overcoming the defects in his character, he is cherishing Christ in his soul-temple; the light of Christ is in him. Under the bright beams of the light of Christ's countenance his entire being becomes elevated and ennobled.—Testimonies for the Church 4:345, 346.
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Looking for a Daily Victory, December 10
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25.
How many years have we been in the Lord's garden? And what profit have we brought to the Master? How are we meeting the inspecting eye of God? Are we increasing in reverence, love, humility, confidence in God? Do we cherish gratitude for all His mercies? Are we seeking to bless those around us? Do we manifest the spirit of Jesus in our families? Are we teaching His Word to our children, and making known to them the wonderful works of God? The Christian must represent Jesus by both being good and doing good. Then there will be a fragrance about the life, a loveliness of character, which will reveal the fact that he is a child of God, an heir of heaven.
Brethren, be no longer slothful servants. Every soul must battle against inclination. Christ came not to save men in their sins, but from their sins. He has made it possible for us to possess a holy character; do not, then, be content with defects and deformities. But while we are to seek earnestly for perfection of character, we must remember that sanctification is not the work of a moment, but of a lifetime. Said Paul, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). Day by day the work of overcoming must go forward. Every day we are to resist temptation, and gain the victory over selfishness in all its forms.
Day by day we should cherish love and humility, and cultivate in ourselves all those excellencies of character which will please God and fit us for the blessed society of heaven. To all who are seeking to accomplish this work, the promise is very precious, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5).—Historical Sketches, 181.
Pastor Andrew Henriques www.prophesyagain.com Mark of The Beast Fever Is Contagious. Marked In Head & Hand. All Eyes On The Final Event. Prepare For Latter Rain & Loud Cry. Buy White Garment Saved To Serve || Prophesy Again
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Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. . . . Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." Matthew 24:6, 7. The present is a time
of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking
men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the
strained, restless relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every
earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place--that the world is on the
verge of a stupendous crisis. {Ed 179.4}
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It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take
it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great
sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply
imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of
the cross. {DA 83.4}
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It was on the first day of the week that Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Multitudes who had
flocked to see Him at Bethany now accompanied Him, eager to witness His reception. Many people were on their way to
the city to keep the Passover, and these joined the multitude attending Jesus. All nature seemed to rejoice. The trees
were clothed with verdure, and their blossoms shed a delicate fragrance on the air. A new life and joy animated the
people. The hope of the new kingdom was again springing up. {DA 569.3}
4.***************************************************************************************************
There can be only two classes. Each party is distinctly stamped, either with the seal of the living God, or with the
mark of the beast or his image. Each son and daughter of Adam chooses either Christ or Barabbas as his general. And
all who place themselves on the side of the disloyal are standing under Satan's black banner, and are charged with
rejecting and despitefully using Christ. They are charged with deliberately crucifying the Lord of life and glory. {RH,
January 30, 1900 par. 4}
5.**************************************************************************************************
Those who are choosing to honor Satan by exalting the spurious sabbath are making a choice similar to that
which the people made when they rejected Christ, that Barabbas, a robber and murderer, should be given unto them. But
because the great majority of the world have accepted the spurious sabbath, it does not give it importance and sanctity
in the eyes of heaven. The dishonor to God is none the less because great numbers accept the false sabbath and ignore
the Sabbath of the Lord their God. {ST, March 12, 1894 par. 4}
6.****************************************************************************************************
“The Satanic agencies are to combine with, and inspire, the professedly Christian world. Those who have the
form of godliness without the power, will rank under Satan's banner, and will display their zeal in making void the law of
God. The whole world will have the opportunity of choosing between Christ and Barabbas.” {BEcho, January 25, 1897
par. 2}
7.*****************************************************************************************************
“The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exaltation, by merely human authority, of Sunday in
place of the Bible Sabbath, is the last act in the drama.” When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal
Himself. He will arise in His majesty to shake terribly the earth. {7T 141.1}
8.******************************************************************************************************
I was carried back to the time when Christ rode triumphantly into Jerusalem. The joyful disciples believed that
He was then to take the kingdom and reign a temporal prince. They followed their King with high hopes…crying,
"Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." The
prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 must be fulfilled; yet the disciples were doomed to a bitter disappointment. In a few days they
followed Jesus to Calvary, and beheld Him bleeding and mangled upon the cruel cross. They witnessed His agonizing
death and laid Him in the tomb. Their hearts sank with grief; their expectations were not realized in a single particular,
and their hopes died with Jesus. {EW 244.3}
9.******************************************************************************************************
Never before in His earthly life had Jesus permitted such a demonstration. He clearly foresaw the result. It would
bring Him to the cross. But it was His purpose thus publicly to present Himself as the Redeemer. He desired to call
attention to the sacrifice that was to crown His mission to a fallen world. While the people were assembling at Jerusalem
to celebrate the Passover… It was necessary, then, that the eyes of all people should now be directed to Him; the events
which preceded His great sacrifice must be such as to call attention to the sacrifice itself. After such a demonstration as
that attending His entry into Jerusalem, all eyes would follow His rapid progress to the final scene. {DA 571.2}
10.*****************************************************************************************************
The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The
arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications
distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been
prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the
truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections,
church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies
combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side. {GC 612.2}
11.*******************************************************************************************************
No one has yet received the mark of the beast. The testing time has not yet come. There are true Christians in
every church, not excepting the Roman Catholic communion. None are condemned until they have had the light and have
seen the obligation of the fourth commandment. But when the decree shall go forth enforcing the counterfeit sabbath, and
the loud cry of the third angel shall warn men against the worship of the beast and his image, the line will be clearly drawn
between the false and the true. Then those who still continue in transgression will receive the mark of the beast.
{Ev 234.2}
12.********************************************************************************************************
At this time a stranger, Simon a Cyrenian, coming in from the country, meets the throng. He hears the taunts and
ribaldry of the crowd; he hears the words contemptuously repeated, Make way for the King of the Jews! He stops in
astonishment at the scene; and as he expresses his compassion, they seize him and place the cross upon his shoulders.
{DA 742.2} Simon had heard of Jesus. His sons were believers in the Saviour, but he himself was not a disciple. The
bearing of the cross to Calvary was a blessing to Simon, and he was ever after grateful for this providence. It led him to
take upon himself the cross of Christ from choice, and ever cheerfully stand beneath its burden. {DA 742.3}
13.********************************************************************************************************
As Joshua pleaded before the Angel, so the remnant church, with brokenness of heart and unfaltering faith, will
plead for pardon and deliverance through Jesus, their Advocate. They are fully conscious of the sinfulness of their lives,
they see their weakness and unworthiness; and they are ready to despair. {PK 588.1}
The tempter stands by to accuse them, as he stood by to resist Joshua. He points to their filthy garments, their
defective characters. He presents their weakness and folly, their sins of ingratitude, their unlikeness to Christ, which has
dishonored their Redeemer. He endeavors to affright them with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain of
their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations, and
turn from their allegiance to God. {PK 588.2}
Satan has an accurate knowledge of the sins that he has tempted God's people to commit, and he urges his
accusations against them, declaring, that by their sins they have forfeited divine protection, and claiming that he has the
right to destroy them. He pronounces them just as deserving as himself of exclusion from the favor of God. "Are these,"
he says, "the people who are to take my place in heaven, and the place of the angels who united with me? They profess to
obey the law of God; but have they kept its precepts? Have they not been lovers of self more than lovers of God? Have
they not placed their own interests above His service? Have they not loved the things of the world? Look at the sins that
have marked their lives. Behold their selfishness, their malice, their hatred of one another. Will God banish me and my
angels from His presence, and yet reward those who have been guilty of the same sins? Thou canst not do this, O Lord, in
justice. Justice demands that sentence be pronounced against them." {PK 588.3}
But while the followers of Christ have sinned, they have not given themselves up to be controlled by the satanic
agencies. They have repented of their sins and have sought the Lord in humility and contrition, and the divine Advocate
pleads in their behalf. He who has been most abused by their ingratitude, who knows their sin and also their penitence,
declares: "The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan. I gave My life for these souls. They are graven upon the palms of My hands.
They may have imperfections of character; they may have failed in their endeavors; but they have repented, and I have
forgiven and accepted them." {PK 589.1}
There Is Always an Open Door, December 9
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Revelation 3:8.
Those who shall be overcomers are to be highly exalted before God and before His angels. Christ has promised that He will confess their names before His Father and before the holy angels of heaven. He has given us abundant promises to encourage us to be overcomers. The True Witness has given us the assurance that He has set before us an open door, which no man can shut.
Those who are seeking to be faithful to God may be denied many of the privileges of the world; their way may be hedged up and their work hindered by the enemies of truth; but there is no power that can close the door of communication between God and their souls. The Christian himself may close this door by indulgence in sin, or by rejection of heaven's light. He may turn away his ears from hearing the message of truth, and in this way sever the connection between God and his soul.
You may have ears, and not hear. You may have eyes, and not see the light, nor receive the illumination that God has provided for you. You may close the door to light as effectually as the Pharisees closed the door to Christ when He taught among them. They would not receive the light and knowledge He brought, because it did not come in the way they had expected it to come. Christ was the Light of the world, and if they had received the light He graciously brought to them, it would have resulted in their salvation, but they rejected the Holy One of Israel.
Christ said of them that they “loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:19, 20). He said, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). The way was open; but by their own course of action they closed the door, and severed their connection with Christ. We may do the same by rejecting light and truth.—The Review and Herald, March 26, 1889.
Friday, December 8, 2023
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Prayer Brings Strength, December 8
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.
While Jesus, our Intercessor, pleads for us in heaven, the Holy Spirit works in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure. All heaven is interested in the salvation of the soul. Then what reason have we to doubt that the Lord will and does help us? We who teach the people must ourselves have a vital connection with God. In Spirit and Word we should be to the people as a wellspring, because Christ is in us a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. Sorrow and pain may test our patience and our faith; but the brightness of the presence of the Unseen is with us, and we must hide self behind Jesus.
Talk courage to the church; lift them up to God in prayer. Tell them that when they feel that they have sinned, and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Many feel humiliated at their failures, that they have been overcome by the enemy in the place of overcoming. Worldliness, selfishness, and carnality have weakened them, and they think it is no use to approach unto God; but this thought is one of the enemy's suggestions. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but they must pray and believe. As they confess their sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive them their sins, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness (see 1 John 1:9). Though the mind may wander in prayer, be not discouraged, bring it back to the throne, and do not leave the mercy seat until you have the victory.
Are you to think your victory will be testified by strong emotion? No; “this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). The Lord knows your desire; by faith keep close to Him, and expect to receive the Holy Spirit.
The office of the Holy Spirit is to control all our spiritual exercises. The Father has given His Son for us that through the Son the Holy Spirit might come to us, and lead us unto the Father. Through divine agency, we have the spirit of intercession, whereby we may plead with God, as a man pleadeth with his friend.—The Signs of the Times, October 3, 1892.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Not in “My Own Way,” December 7
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15.
The work of sanctification begins in the heart, and we must come into such a relation with God, that Jesus can put His divine mold upon us. We must be emptied of self in order to give room to Jesus, but how many have their hearts so filled with idols that they have no room for the Redeemer of the world. The world holds the hearts of men in captivity. They center their thoughts and affections upon their business, their position, their family. They hold to their opinions and ways, and cherish them as idols in the soul; but we cannot afford to yield ourselves to the service of self, holding to our own ways and ideas, and excluding the truth of God.
We must be emptied of self. But this is not all that is required; for when we have renounced our idols, the vacuum must be supplied. If the heart is left desolate, and the vacuum not supplied, it will be in the condition of him whose house was “empty, swept, and garnished” (Matthew 12:44), but without a guest to occupy it. The evil spirit took unto himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they entered in and dwelt there; and the last state of that man was worse than the first....
You may feel that you cannot meet the approval of heaven. You may say, “I was born with a natural tendency toward this evil, and I cannot overcome.” But every provision has been made by our heavenly Father whereby you may be able to overcome every unholy tendency. You are to overcome even as Christ overcame in your behalf. He 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). It was sin that imperiled the human family; and before man was created the provision was made that if man failed to bear the test, Jesus would become his sacrifice and surety, that through faith in Him, man might be reconciled to God, for Christ was the Lamb “slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8). Christ died on Calvary that man might have power to overcome his natural tendencies to sin.
But one says, “Can I not have my own way, and act myself?” No, you cannot have your way, and enter the kingdom of heaven. No “my way” will be there. No human ways will find place in the kingdom of heaven. Our ways must be lost in God's ways.—The Review and Herald, February 23, 1892.
Uncovering the Enemy's Devices, December 6
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10.
As a people, we are looking for the coming of the Lord in the clouds of heaven; and how carefully should we examine our hearts that we may know whether or not we are in the faith. There seems to be a mist before the eyes of many, for they fail to discern spiritual things, and do not recognize the workings of Satan to entrap their souls. Christians are not to be the slaves of passion; they are to be controlled by the Spirit of God. But many become the sport of the enemy, because when temptation come, they do not rest in Jesus, but worry themselves out of His arms, and in perplexity lose all their faith and courage. They do not remember that Jesus has helped them out of difficulties in the past, that His grace is sufficient for the daily trials, and that He can help in the present trouble.
We make failures in our little, daily difficulties, and allow them to irritate and vex us; we fall under them, and so make stumbling blocks for ourselves and others. But blessings of the greatest importance are to result from the patient endurance of these daily vexations; for we are to gain strength to bear greater difficulties. Satan will press upon us the most severe temptations, and we must learn to come to God in any and every emergency....
We profess to be Bible Christians, and we are not left in the dark to take step after step in uncertainty. We are to know where we are going. We cannot be in darkness if we are following Christ as our leader; for He says, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). When the way seems beset with difficulty, and clouded with darkness, we must believe that there is light ahead, and not turn to the right or left, but press forward, notwithstanding all our trials and temptations.—The Review and Herald, May 19, 1891.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
The Enemy Does Not Give Up Easily, December 5
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:12.
Those who consecrate their all to God will not be left unmolested by the enemy of souls. Satan will come to them with his specious temptations, designing to allure them from their loyalty to God. He will present to them his bribe, as he did to Christ in the wilderness of temptation, saying, “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me” (Matthew 4:9).
But what should be the answer of the Christian to all the temptations of the evil one? He should say, “I will not lend my influence in any way to the advancement of anything save the cause of Christ. I am not my own; I have been bought with a price. I am not to live to please myself; for I have been purchased, ransomed by the blood of Christ. It is not possible for me to give to Christ more than that which belongs to Him; for every moment of my life belongs to Him. I am His possession, a servant employed to do the will of my Master.”
This is the only position that is safe for us to occupy; and if the individual members of the church felt in this way, what a power would the church exert to draw and win souls to Christ. It is this halfhearted work, the effort to serve God and the devil at the same time, that leaves the church so destitute of the Spirit of God.
Were the members of the church consecrated to God, were they in the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace, were they organized for the purpose of imparting to others an influence of good, the church would be indeed the light of the world. Should the individual members seek to represent Christ to the world in character and life, thousands would be attracted to the Saviour, who now have reason to criticize the words and works of those who profess the name of Christ.
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:6, 7).—Home Missionary, October 1, 1892, par. 3.
Monday, December 4, 2023
Sunday, December 3, 2023
Trials and Opposition Bring Benefit, December 4
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, 13.
The opposition we meet may prove a benefit to us in many ways. If it is well borne, it will develop virtues which would never have appeared if the Christian had nothing to endure. And faith, patience, forbearance, heavenly mindedness, trust in Providence, and genuine sympathy with the erring, are the results of trial well borne. These are the graces of the Spirit, which bud, blossom, and bear fruit amid trials and adversity. Meekness, humility, and love always grow on the Christian tree. If the word is received into good and honest hearts, the obdurate soul will be subdued, and faith, grasping the promises, and relying upon Jesus, will prove triumphant. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
He who opens the Scriptures, and feeds upon the heavenly manna, becomes a partaker of the divine nature. He has no life or experience apart from Christ. He hears the voice of God speaking from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). That voice is assurance to him that he is accepted in the Beloved. And he knows that in character he must be like Him with whom God is well pleased. God has fully accepted Christ as our substitute, our surety; then let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from all iniquity, and be one with Christ in character, that Jesus may not be ashamed to call us brethren.
He in whom we trust has proved Himself a present help in every time of need; and as we dwell with Him, we grow more and more into His image. “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory [which means from character to character] even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).—The Review and Herald, June 28, 1892.
Happiness in Serving Our Captain, December 3
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12.
In earnest, determined exercise as faithful soldiers, obeying the orders of the Captain of our salvation, there is genuine enjoyment such as can be obtained in no other employment. The peace of Christ will be in the heart of the faithful soldier. There is rest for the soul in wearing Christ's yoke, in lifting Christ's burdens. It seems a contradiction to say that there is no rest for the soul except that which is found in continuous and devoted service. But this is true. Happiness comes in willing, obedient service, where all the powers of our being are moving in happy, healthy, harmonious action in obeying our Captain's orders. The more responsible the task assigned to Christ's soldiers, the more the soul exults in the Saviour's love and approval. The soul realizes a freedom in the performance of the weightiest and most taxing duties.
But this doing the duty of a soldier means work. It is not always just such work as we would choose. Outward inconveniences, difficulties, and trials have to be borne by the soldiers of Jesus. There is a constant warfare to be maintained against the evils and inclinations of our own natural hearts. We must not pick and choose the work most agreeable to us; for we are Christ's soldiers, under His discipline, and we are not to study our own pleasure. We must fight the battles of the Lord manfully. We have enemies to conquer that would gain the control of all our powers.
Self-will in us must die; Christ's will alone must be obeyed. The soldier in Christ's army must learn to endure hardness, deny self, take up the cross, and follow where his Captain leads the way. There are many things to do which are trying to human nature, and painful to flesh and blood. This work of self-subduing requires determined, continuous effort. In fighting the good fight of faith, obtaining precious victories, we are laying hold of eternal life.—The Youth's Instructor, December 22, 1886.
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