Eternity Before Us

They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth
before God. Ps. 84:7.

All heaven has been looking with intense interest upon those who claim
to be God's commandment-keeping people. Here are the people who ought to be
able to claim all the rich promises of God, who ought to be going on from
glory to glory and from strength to strength, who ought to be in a position
to reflect glory to God in the works that they do. . . .


We have received the rich blessing of God, but we must not stop here.
We are to catch more and more the divine rays of light from heaven. We are
to stand just where we can receive the light and reflect it, in its glory,
upon the pathway of others. . . .

We need to drink deeper and deeper of the fountain of life. . . . You
may have a living testimony to bear: "Hear what the Lord has done for my
soul." The Lord is ready to impart still greater blessings. He permitted all
His goodness to pass before Moses. He proclaimed His character to him as a
God full of mercy--long-suffering and gracious, forgiving iniquity,
transgression, and sin. Moses was to represent this character to the people
of Israel, and we are to do the same. We are to go forth to proclaim the
goodness of God and to make plain His real character before the people. We
are to reflect His glory. . . . Let us declare the character of God to the
people as Moses did to Israel, both in spirit and life. We are to catch the
light of His countenance, full of compassion and love, and reflect it to
perishing souls.

I beseech you to keep reaching out after God, to keep drinking of the
fountain of living water. You may be as a tree planted by the rivers of
waters, whose leaf does not wither. You may be full of moisture, and may be
able to refresh others, and to give them grace and comfort. I love Jesus
now, and I want to know more and more of Him. I have only begun to know Him,
but there is an eternity before us in which there will be revealings of His
glory, and we shall become better and better acquainted with our divine
Lord.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 370

Watch! Watch! Watch!

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house
cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:
lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say
unto all, Watch. Mark 13:35-37.

It is a time now when we cannot for a moment take the spiritual eye
from Christ Jesus. His admonition to us is, "What I say unto you I say unto
all, Watch." Is there one professed Christian who needs not the warning, and
whose heart will not bear watching? The heart must be kept with all
diligence, under constant watchfulness. . . .

Watch the stealthy approach of the enemy, watch against old habits and
natural inclinations lest they exert themselves; force them back, and watch;
force them back if need be a hundred times. Watch the thoughts, watch the
plans, lest they become selfish and self-centered. Watch and pray, lest ye
enter into temptation. Watch over the souls whom Christ has purchased with
His own blood. Watch for opportunities to do them good.

Like Mary, we need to sit at the feet of Jesus to learn of Him, having
chosen that better part which will never be taken from us. Like Martha we
need to be ever abounding in the work of the Lord. The higher Christian
attainments can be reached only by being much on our knees in sincere
prayer. . . . One fiber of the root of selfishness remaining in the soul
will spring up when least expected, and thereby will many be defiled.

We are in an enemy's country. He who was cast out of heaven has come
down with great power. With every conceivable artifice and device he is
seeking to take souls captive. Unless we are constantly on guard we shall
fall an easy prey to his unnumbered deceptions.



We are stewards, entrusted by our absent Lord with the care of His
household and His interests, which He came to this world to serve. He has
returned to heaven, leaving us in charge, and He expects us to watch and
wait and prepare for His coming. Let us be faithful to our trust, lest
coming suddenly He find us sleeping.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 351

Robed in His Perfection

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we
may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John
2:28.

Jesus came into the world to save sinners, not in their sins but from
their sins, and to sanctify them through the truth; and in order that He may
become a perfect Saviour to us, we must enter into union with Him by a
personal act of faith. Christ has chosen us, we have chosen Him, and by this
choice we become united to Him and are to live from henceforth, not unto
ourselves, but unto Him who has died for us. But this union can only be
preserved by constant watchfulness, lest we fall into temptation and make a
different choice, for we are free always to take another master if we so
desire. Union with Christ means an unfailing preference for Him in every act
and thought. . . .



We are to consider ourselves as constituting the family of Christ, and
we are to follow Him as dear children. Adopted into the household of God,
shall we not honor our Father and our kindred? . . .

We must establish an unyielding enmity between our souls and our foe,
but we must open our hearts to the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.
We want Satan's darkness to be shut out and the light of Heaven to flow in.
We want to become so sensitive to holy influences that the lightest whisper
of Jesus will move our souls. . . . Then we shall delight to do the will of
God, and Christ can own us before the Father and before the holy angels as
those who abide in Him. . . .

But we shall not boast of our holiness. As we have clearer views of
Christ's spotless and infinite purity we shall feel as did Daniel when he
beheld the glory of the Lord and said, "My comeliness was turned in me into
corruption" (Dan. 10:8). We cannot say, "I am sinless" till this vile body
is changed and fashioned like unto His glorious body. But if we constantly
seek to follow Jesus, the blessed hope is ours of standing before the throne
of God without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, complete in Christ,
robed in His righteousness and perfection.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 361

Are You BUSY?

Even if you are busy, please take time to watch this.



THIS IS FOR REAL!!!!!!!

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church."
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their
Savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is
broken."

"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish
dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a
relationship with Jesus Christ."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:

"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that
vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable
schemes to occupy their minds," he answered.

"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."

"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."

"Keep them from spending time with their children."

"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from
the pressures of work!"

"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small
voice."

"Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive." To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."

"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."

"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."

"Invade their driving moments with billboards."

"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes,
and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products,
services and false hopes."

"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives."

"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."

"Give them headaches too!"

"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to
look elsewhere."

"That will fragment their families quickly!"

"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the
real meaning of Christmas."

"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and
power over sin and death."

"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."

"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation.
Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."

"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and
small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. "

"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek
power from Jesus."

"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health
and family for the good of the cause."

"It will work!"
"It will work!"
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families.
Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean:
B eing U nder S atan's Y oke ?

Please stay near God and don't let and of the things of this world stop you from spending your time with the Lord, spreading the "Three Angels Messages", and receiving your crown in heaven.

Mark of the Beast

In a view given June 27, 1850, my accompanying angel said, "Time is almost finished. Do you reflect the lovely image of Jesus as you should?" Then I was pointed to the earth and saw that there would have to be a getting ready among those who have of late embraced the third angel's message. Said the angel, "Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye will have to die a greater death to the world than ye have ever yet died." I saw that there was a great work to do for them and but little time in which to do it. {EW 64.1}
Then I saw that the seven last plagues were soon to be poured out upon those who have no shelter; yet the world regarded them no more than they would so many drops of water that were about to fall. I was then made capable of enduring the awful sight of the seven last plagues, the wrath of God. I saw that His anger was dreadful and terrible, and if He should stretch forth His hand, or lift it in anger, the inhabitants of the world would be as though they had never been, or would suffer from incurable sores and withering
65
plagues that would come upon them, and they would find no deliverance, but be destroyed by them. Terror seized me, and I fell upon my face before the angel and begged of him to cause the sight to be removed, to hide it from me, for it was too dreadful. Then I realized, as never before, the importance of searching the Word of God carefully, to know how to escape the plagues which that Word declares shall come on all the ungodly who shall worship the beast and his image and receive his mark in their foreheads or in their hands. It was a great wonder for me that any could transgress the law of God and tread down His holy Sabbath, when such awful threatenings and denunciations were against them. {EW 64.2}





The pope has changed the day of rest from the seventh to the first day. He has thought to change the very commandment that was given to cause man to remember his Creator. He has thought to change the greatest commandment in the decalogue and thus make himself equal with God, or even exalt himself above God. The Lord is unchangeable, therefore His law is immutable; but the pope has exalted himself above God, in seeking to change His immutable precepts of holiness, justice, and goodness. He has trampled underfoot God's sanctified day, and, on his own authority, put in its place one of the six laboring days. The whole nation has followed after the beast, and every week they rob God of His holy time. The pope has made a breach in the holy law of God, but I saw that the time had fully come for this breach to be made up by the people of God and the waste places built up. {EW 65.1}
I pleaded before the angel for God to save His people who had gone astray, to save them for His mercy's sake. When the plagues begin to fall, those who continue to break the holy Sabbath will not open their mouths to plead those excuses that they now mato get rid of keeping it. Their mouths will be closed while the plagues are falling, and the great Lawgiver is requiring justice of those who have had His holy law in derision and have called it "a curse to man," "miserable," and "rickety." When such feel the iron grasp of this law taking hold of them, these expressions will appear before them in living characters, and they will then realize the sin of having that law in derision which the Word of God calls "holy, just, and good." {EW 65.2}
Then I was pointed to the glory of heaven, to the treasure laid up for the faithful. Everything was lovely and glorious. The angels would sing a lovely song, then they would cease singing and take their crowns from their heads and cast them glittering at the feet of the lovely Jesus, and with melodious voices cry, "Glory, Alleluia!" I joined with them in their songs of praise and honor to the Lamb, and every time I opened my mouth to praise Him, I felt an unutterable sense of the glory that surrounded me. It was a far more, an exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Said the angel, "The little remnant who love God and keep His commandments and are faithful to the end will enjoy this glory and ever be in the presence of Jesus and sing with the holy angels." {EW 66.1}
Then my eyes were taken from the glory, and I was pointed to the remnant on the earth. The angel said to them, "Will ye shun the seven last plagues? Will ye go to glory and enjoy all that God has prepared for those who love Him and are willing to suffer for His sake? If so, ye must die that ye may live. Get ready, get ready, get ready. Ye must have a greater preparation than ye now have, for the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Sacrifice all to God. Lay all upon His altar--self,property, and all, a living sacrifice. It will take all to enter glory. Lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where no thief can approach or rust corrupt. Ye must be partakers of Christ's sufferings here if ye would be partakers with Him of His glory hereafter." {EW 66.2}
Heaven will be cheap enough, if we obtain it through suffering. We must deny self all along the way, die to self daily, let Jesus alone appear, and keep His glory continually in view. I saw that those who of late have embraced the truth would have to know what it is to suffer for Christ's sake, that they would have trials to pass through that would be keen and cutting, in order that they may be purified and fitted through suffering to receive the seal of the living God, pass through the time of trouble, see the King in His beauty, and dwell in the presence of God and of pure, holy angels. {EW 67.1}
As I saw what we must be in order to inherit glory, and then saw how much Jesus had suffered to obtain for us so rich an inheritance, I prayed that we might be baptized into Christ's sufferings, that we might not shrink at trials, but bear them with patience and joy, knowing what Jesus had suffered that we through His poverty and sufferings might be made rich. Said the angel, "Deny self; ye must step fast." Some of us have had time to get the truth and to advance step by step, and every step we have taken has given us strength to take the next. But now time is almost finished, and what we have been years learning, they will have to learn in a few months. They will also have much to unlearn and much to learn again. Those who would not receive the mark of the beast and his image when the decree goes forth, must have decision now to say, Nay, we will not regard the institution of the beast.

Early Writings page 65-67

Father's Love Letter

My Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-30 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalms 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect Father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good for you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek for me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do for you more than you could imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father that comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthian 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4 I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son, Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separated you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is… will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love Your Dad
Almighty God

I will not forget You!

Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.

See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.

Isaiah 49:15,16

Why the Lord Delays

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with
the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is
not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is
longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all
should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8, 9.

As I have labored since 1843 and 1844 I have felt so thankful that the
Lord has permitted time to last to do more fully the missionary work that
was needing to be done to warn our cities. O our wise heavenly Father made
the infinite sacrifice of His only begotten Son! He gave Him to our world
that the world might, through the merciful provisions made, accept the
Word--Bible truth--and prepare for the great event of His coming. That which
caused the believing church so much sorrow in their disappointment in the
time of His coming has been a reason of thanksgiving for the delay. Now the
angels of God are preparing the way for the truth to reach all nations.

There are thousands in the cities, in the byways and the highways, to
hear the warning message. Are we awake? Do we understand there is a world to
have the warning? The cities are all to be worked diligently. We must arouse
and do a great work. There are many more to hear the last warning message to
a perishing world. We have no time to delay, for Satan is doing his best to
destroy souls.

I now praise God for His long and merciful forbearance. The message has
been carried to many countries. It is a worldwide message. There is most
diligent work to do to warn our cities. We have had opportunity to send the
light to many thousands who have rejoiced in the truth and sacrificed their
time and their means to build up the sanitariums and churches in all parts
of America. Schools have been established and new fields are opening, many
in new countries. The work at times has moved slowly. . . . It is for the
need of the Holy Spirit that many more places are not hearing the last
message of warning. . . . Angels are waiting to fit up converted men and
women to do this work if they will consecrate their whole heart, mind, and
soul to the work. We have no time to lose.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 349

He is Coming Again!

And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every
man according as his work shall be. Rev. 22:12.

Was Christ a false prophet when He uttered these words? More than
eighteen hundred years have passed since John heard this great truth, and
the Lord has not yet come to reign. But shall we give up looking for His
appearance? Shall we say, "My lord delayeth his coming"?

"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying,
Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints" (Jude 14). . . .
The doctrine of Christ's coming was made known at this early date to the man
who walked with God in continual communion. The godly character of this
prophet is to represent the state of holiness to which the people of God
must attain who expect to be translated to heaven. . . .

Shall we say we have been deceived in regard to the doctrine of
Christ's near coming? . . . Shall we say that all our work to make ready a
people prepared for His coming has been for nought? Never. . . . "Let us
hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; . . . and let us
consider one another to provoke"--unto doubts and unbelief, and apostasy?
No, but "unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, . . . but exhorting one another: and so much the more,
as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:23-25).

We must have a knowledge of the Scriptures, that we may trace down the
lines of prophecy and . . . see that the day is approaching, so that with
increased zeal and effort we may exhort one another to faithfulness. . . .
Give up our faith? lose our confidence? become impatient? No, no. We will
not think of such a thing. . . . See how the specifications of the
prophecies have been and are fulfilling. Let us lift up our heads and
rejoice, for our redemption draweth nigh. It is nearer than when we first
believed. Shall we not wait patiently, filled with courage and faith? Shall
we not make ready a people to stand in the day of final reckoning?

>From That I May Know Him - Page 348

Now is the Time to Shine

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

We need now to arise and shine, for our light has come, and the glory
of the Lord has risen upon us. We have no time to talk of self, no time to
become like the sensitive plant, that cannot be touched without shrinking.
In Jesus Christ is our sufficiency. Will we talk faith? Will we talk of the
glorious hope, of the full and abundant righteousness of Jesus Christ,
provided for every soul? . . .

The whole heavenly universe is interested, and the love of God is
exercised in behalf of His faithful, commandment-keeping people. It is God
in whom we must trust. . . . God has the world in His hand. We have God on
our side. All heaven is waiting and longing for our cooperation. The Lord is
supreme. Why then should we fear? The Lord is almighty; why should we
tremble? In the past God has delivered His people, and He will be our helper
if we will arise in His strength and go forward.

The Bible and the Bible only is to be our refuge. God is in His Word.
"He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." That is
enough for us. "By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;
for he shall bear their iniquities" (Isa. 53:11). If the great and loving
heart of God is satisfied with the result of His mission in the souls saved,
let us rejoice. Let us work as we have never done before. Let us put self
aside and lay hold of Jesus Christ by faith. Let us reveal Him to the world
as the One altogether lovely and the chiefest among ten thousand.

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could
number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before
the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in
their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which
sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb" (Rev. 7:9, 10).

>From That I May Know Him - Page 342

Sweet Music in Heaven

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the
least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matt. 25:40.

Christ says to His redeemed people, "Come, ye blessed of my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I
was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I
was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and
ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me" (Matt. 25:34-36). . . .


Prayers, exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently
tied on, but fruits that are manifested in good works, in caring for the
needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits, and grow naturally
upon a good tree. . . . When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with
discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the
naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat at your fireside and
to a place in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering
strain is responded to in heaven. Every act, every deed of justice and mercy
and benevolence, makes sweet music ring in heaven. The Father from His
throne beholds and numbers them with His most precious treasures. "And they
shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, when I make up my jewels." ...

Our heavenly Father lays blessings disguised in our pathway, which some
will not touch for fear they will detract from their enjoyment. Angels are
waiting to see if we embrace opportunities within our reach of doing
good--waiting to see if we will bless others, that they in turn may bless
us. The Lord Himself has made us to differ--some poor, some rich, some
afflicted--that all may have an opportunity to develop a character. The poor
are purposely permitted of God to be thus, that we might be tested and
proved, and develop what is in our hearts.

Every merciful act done to the needy, the suffering, is counted as
though it were done to Jesus Himself. When you succor the poor, sympathize
with the afflicted and oppressed, and befriend the orphan, you bring
yourselves into a closer relationship to Jesus.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 335

Christ is Our Message!

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ,
and him crucified. 1 Cor. 2:2.

The burden of our message should be the mission and life of Jesus
Christ. Let there be a dwelling upon the humiliation, self-denial, meekness,
and lowliness of Christ, that proud and selfish hearts may see the
difference between themselves and the Pattern, and may be humbled. . . .

Describe, if human language can, the humiliation of the Son of God, and
think not that you have reached the climax when you see Him exchanging the
throne of light and glory which He had with the Father for humanity. He came
forth from heaven to earth, and while on earth, He bore the curse of God as
surety for the fallen race. He was not obliged to do this. He chose to bear
the wrath of God, which man had incurred.... He chose to endure the cruel
mockings, the deridings, the scourging, and the crucifixion. . . . "He . . .
became obedient unto death," but the manner of His death was an astonishment
to the universe, for it was even the death of the cross.

Christ was not insensible to ignominy and disgrace. He felt it all most
bitterly. He felt it as much more deeply and acutely than we can feel
suffering, as His nature was more exalted and pure and holy than that of the
sinful race for whom He suffered. He was the Majesty of heaven, He was equal
with the Father, He was the Commander of the hosts of angels, yet He died
for man the death that was, above all others, clothed with ignominy and
reproach. O that the haughty hearts of men might realize this! O that they
might enter into the meaning of redemption and seek to learn the meekness
and lowliness of Jesus! ...

The gifts of Him who has all power in heaven and in earth are in store
for the children of God. Gifts so precious that they come to us through the
costly sacrifice of the Redeemer's blood, gifts that will satisfy the
deepest craving of the heart, gifts lasting as eternity, will be received
and enjoyed by all who will come to God as little children.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 339

Trading on God's Gifts

And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one;
to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his
journey. Matt. 25:15.

The parable of the talents ... has a personal and individual
application to every man, woman, and child possessed of the powers of
reason. Your obligation and responsibility are in proportion to the talents
God has bestowed upon you. . . .

When the master of the house called his servants, he gave to every man
his work. The whole family of God are included in the responsibility of
using their Lord's goods. Every individual, from the lowliest and most
obscure to the greatest and most exalted, is a moral agent endowed with
abilities for which he is accountable to God. . . . The spiritual, mental,
and physical ability, the influence, station, possessions, affections,
sympathies, all are precious talents to be used in the cause of the
Master....

Let the businessman do his business in a way that will glorify his
Master because of his fidelity. Let him carry his religion into everything
that is done, and reveal to men the Spirit of Christ. Let the mechanic be a
diligent and faithful representative of Him who toiled in the lowly walks of
life in the cities of Judea. Let every one who names the name of Christ so
work, that man by seeing his good works may be led to glorify his Creator
and Redeemer. . . .

Those who have been blessed with superior talents should not depreciate
the value of the services of those who are less gifted than themselves. The
smallest trust is a trust from God. The one talent, through diligent use
with the blessing of God, will be doubled, and the two used in the service
of Christ will be increased to four; and thus the humblest instrument may
grow in power and usefulness. The earnest purpose, the self-denying efforts,
are all seen, appreciated, and accepted by the God of heaven.... God alone
can estimate the worth of their service and see the far-reaching influence
of him who works for the glory of his Maker.

>From That I May Know Him - Page 324

When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most.
SC 96

Treat our Bibles like our Cell Phones

*I wonder what would happened if we treated our Bibles like we treat our cell phones*

-What if we carried it around in our purses or our pockets? -What if we flipped through it several times a day? -What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? -What if we used it to receive messages from the text? -What if we treated it like we could not live without it? -What if we give it to our kids as gifts? -What if we used it in case of emergency? -What if we felt we could'nt drive, work, vacation; or simply put, travel anywhere without it?

Hmmm, something to think about; by the way, where is your bible? Oh, and one more thing; unlike your cell phone, you don't have to worry about your Bible ever being dissconnected, and you'll never have a dropped call.Why, you ask? It's simply, Christ has paid the bill in full!

I Will be a Christian at Home

{Love} doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 1 Cor. 13:5



Much may be gained by self discipline in the home. . . . Let each make life as pleasant as possible for the other. Cultivate respect in the speech. Preserve unity and love. Satan will have no power over those who fully control themselves in the home. {ML 84.2}
We must have the Spirit of God, or we can never have harmony in the home. . . . We cannot cherish home affection with too much care; for the home, if the Spirit of the Lord dwells there, is a type of heaven. . . . Everything that would tend to mar the peace and unity of the family circle must be repressed. Kindness and love, the spirit of tenderness and forbearance, will be cherished. If one errs, the other will exercise Christlike forbearance. {ML 84.3}
He who manifests the spirit of tenderness, forbearance, and love will find that the same spirit will be reflected upon him. . . . If Christ indeed is formed within, the hope of glory, there will be union and love in the home. Christ abiding in the heart of the wife will be at agreement with Christ abiding in the heart of the husband. They will be striving together for the mansions Christ has gone to prepare for those who love Him. . . . Tender affection should ever be cherished between husband and wife, parents and children, brothers and sisters. . . . It is the duty of everyone in the family to be pleasant, to speak kindly. {ML 84.4}
A house with love in it, where love is expressed in words and looks and deeds, is a place where angels love to manifest their presence and hallow the scene by rays of light from glory. . . . Love should be seen in the looks and manners and heard in the tones of the voice.

* * * * *
Self-control on the part of all the members of the family will make home almost a paradise.

{My Life Today 84.6}

The Sanctified Life

Let us make God's holy word our study, bringing its holy principles into our lives. Let us walk before God in meekness and humility, daily correcting our faults. Let us not by selfish pride separate the soul from God. Cherish not a feeling of lofty supremacy, thinking yourself better than others. "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." Peace and rest will come to you as you bring your will into subjection to the will of Christ. Then the love of Christ will rule in the heart, bringing into captivity to the Saviour the secret springs of action. The hasty, easily roused temper will be soothed and subdued by the oil of Christ's grace. The sense of sins forgiven will bring that peace that passeth all understanding. There will be an earnest striving to overcome all that is opposed to Christian perfection. Variance will disappear. He who once found fault with those around him will see that far greater faults exists in his own character. {MYP 73.2}

There are those who listen to the truth, and are convinced that they have been living in opposition to Christ. They are condemned, and they repent of their transgressions. Relying upon the merits of Christ, exercising true faith in Him, they receive pardon for sin. As they cease to do evil and learn to do well, they grow in grace and in the knowledge of God. They see that they must sacrifice in order to separate from the world; and, after counting the cost, they look upon all as loss if they may but win Christ. They have enlisted in Christ's army. The warfare is before them, and they enter it bravely and cheerfully, fighting against their natural inclinations and selfish desires, bringing the will into subjection to the will of Christ. Daily they seek the Lord for grace to obey Him, and they are strengthened and helped. This is true conversion. In humble, grateful dependence he who has been given a new heart relies upon the help of Christ. He reveals in his life the fruit of righteousness. He once loved himself. Worldly pleasure was his delight. Now his idol is dethroned, and God reigns supreme. The sins he once loved he now hates. Firmly and resolutely he follows in the path of holiness.--The Youth's Instructor, September 26, 1901.

{Messages to Young People 73.3} -

Nicodemus

Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission. {DA 171.1}

Nicodemus had heard the preaching of John the Baptist concerning repentance and baptism, and pointing the people to One who should baptize with the Holy Spirit. He himself had felt that there was a lack of spirituality among the Jews, that, to a great degree, they were controlled by bigotry and worldly ambition. He had hoped for a better state of things at the Messiah's coming. Yet the heart-searching message of the Baptist had failed to work in him conviction of sin. He was a strict Pharisee, and prided himself on his good works. He was widely esteemed for his benevolence and his liberality in sustaining the temple service, and he felt secure of the favor of God. He was startled at the thought of a kingdom too pure for him to see in his present state. {DA 171.2}

Raising His hand with solemn, quiet dignity, He pressed the truth home with greater
assurance, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Nicodemus knew that Christ here referred to water baptism and the renewing of the heart by the Spirit of God. He was convinced that he was in the presence of the One whom John the Baptist had foretold. {DA 171.5}



Jesus continued: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." By nature the heart is evil, and "who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one." Job 14:4. No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. "The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Rom. 8:7; Matt. 15:19. The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.

Nicodemus was still perplexed, and Jesus used the wind to illustrate His meaning: "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit." {DA 172.2}



The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,--a patient, protracted process.

The Pearl

The blessings of redeeming love our Savior compared to a precious pearl. He illustrated His lesson by the parable of the merchantman seeking goodly pearls "who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." Christ Himself is the pearl of great price. In Him is gathered all the glory of the Father, the fullness of the Godhead. He is the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person. The glory of the attributes of God is expressed in His character. Every page of the Holy Scriptures shines with His light. The righteousness of Christ, as a pure, white pearl, has no defect, no stain. No work of man can improve the great and precious gift of God. It is without a flaw. In Christ are "hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col. 2:3. He is "made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30. All that can satisfy the needs and longings of the human soul, for this world and for the world to come, is found in Christ. Our Redeemer is the pearl so precious that in comparison all things else may be accounted loss.


Christ "came unto His own, and His own received Him not." John 1:11. The light of God shone into the darkness of the world, and "the darkness comprehended it not." John 1:5. But not all were found indifferent to the gift of heaven. The merchantman in the parable represents a class who were sincerely desiring truth. In different nations there were earnest and thoughtful men who had sought in literature and science and the religions of the heathen world for that which they could receive as the soul's treasure. Among the Jews there were those who were seeking for that which they had not. Dissatisfied with a formal religion, they longed for that which was spiritual and uplifting. Christ's chosen disciples belonged to the latter class, Cornelius and the Ethiopian eunuch to the former. They had been longing and praying for light from heaven; and when Christ was revealed to them, they received Him with gladness.

In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord's, to be consecrated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price.
Salvation is a free gift, and yet it is to be bought and sold. In the market of which divine mercy has the management, the precious pearl is represented as being bought without money and without price. In this market all may obtain the goods of heaven. The treasury of the jewels of truth is open to all. "Behold, I have set before thee an open door," the Lord declares, "and no man can shut it." No sword guards the way through this door. Voices from within and at the door say, Come. The Saviour's voice earnestly and lovingly invites us: "I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich." Rev. 3:8, 18. {Christ Object Lessons chapter 9}

God indeed is Love

....They knelt at the King's feet, saying "yea! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgivg and honor and power and might, be unto our God for ever and ever! Amen!"....

And what makes it all the more noble is that He did it all voluntarily. All on account of the love that He bears for we who walk this dark and dreary planet. Yea, more than willingly, for He loves us with an everlasting love-a love so powerful that it cannot bear to have the object of its affection linger anymore in darkness and pain. Therefore did He exchange His glory for our shame; His riches for our poverty; His throne for our slavery. Yea, He took upon himself the death that we deserve that He might bestow upon us the life that He deserves. Indeed, 'with His stripes we are healed.' All of this He did that He might demonstrate that God is indeed love.



As for we who remain here, Our part is to know Him. To know Him is to love Him. And to love Him is to serve Him. To serve Him is to be filled with His Spirit. and to be filled with Him is to dwell with Him in joy thoughtout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

Pilgrim's Progress Part 2 page 447.

Kneel in Prayer

As I write I have a deep sense of gratitude for the loving watchcare of our Saviour over us all. As I read the Word of God and kneel in prayer, I am so impressed with the goodness and mercy of God that I cannot offer my petition without weeping. My heart is subdued and broken as I think of my heavenly Father's goodness and love. I hunger and thirst for more and still more of Jesus in this life. Christ was crucified for me, and shall I complain if I am crucified with Christ? . . .

We know not what is before us, and our only safety is in walking with Christ, our hand in His, our hearts filled with perfect trust. Has He not said, "Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me"? Let us keep close to the Saviour. Let us walk humbly with Him, filled with His meekness. Let self be hid with Him in God. . . . {1SM 79.2}

The more we see

The more we study the divine character in the light of the cross, the more we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice, and the more clearly we discern innumerable evidences of a love that is infinite and a tender pity surpassing a mother's yearning sympathy for her wayward child (Steps to Christ, pp. 14, 15).

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace

The tombstone of John Newton, the author of this hymn, tells his story: “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy.” Those words were written by John Newton himself, and they are a testimony to God’s transforming power.

After years as a hardened slave trader, Newton met Jesus Christ, and his life was dramatically turned around. Throughout his years of ministry, God’s amazing grace remained central to his thinking. When it was suggested he retire at the age of eighty-two due to poor health and a failing memory, he responded, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”

In 1772 he wrote a hymn called " Faith Review and Expectation." A song you know as Amazing Grace.



"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.



T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.



Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.



The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.



When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.



"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.