Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Mat 6:26, NIV)
look at the birds!
Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people.
Jesus saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness.
Jesus taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature.
The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God. {DA 299.3}
The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isa 57:15. {DA 300.1}
God’s word for the sorrowing is, “I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.” “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” Isa 57:18; Jer 31:13. {DA 301.2}
Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm (Job 40:6)
light of Christ in the storm
Some think that the whirlwind ceased while the Lord spoke the words in Job 40:2; which encouraged Job to give the answer he did; but others are of opinion that it continued, and now increased, and was more boisterous than before.
Our opening text shows, among other things how Job was greatly humbled for what God had already said, but not sufficiently. Job was brought low, but not low enough. God herein proceeded to reason with Job in the same manner and to the same purpose as before. (Job 40:6).
NOW, notice what God said to Job from out of the storm:
“Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his? Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. (Job 40:8-10)
Friend. Its time to believe it. Jesus is there. Right in the center of your storm.
Today. For you. Jesus still speaks peace be still. (Mark 4:39)
This passage from the book of Job teaches us how that the new life of a believer proceeds in the same way of conviction, humbling, and watchfulness against remaining sin, as did Job do here. And likewise, today when convinced of many shortcomings in our conduct, we still need convincing of many more.
Friend, have you received The Holy Spirit since you first believed? (Acts 19:2)
Your unexpected storm has not caught Jesus by surprise. Jesus will carry you. (Isa 46:4) He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Heb 13:5) Jesus is watching over you. Jesus will bring you through. The Garden. The jail. The hammer. The nail. The long night. And then the morning. Jesus is not here. He is risen. (Mat 1:21)
And you will rise again too as His adopted child. (2 Pet 3:18. John 1:12)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Pet 3:18)
The true light that gives light to everyone has come into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right and the power to become children of God (John 1:9-12)
All who welcome Jesus Christ as both Savior and Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually. (John 3:3) Receiving new life from God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents’ family (John 1:13). Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family (John 1:12).
Jesus will take care of you. No matter how horrible you think you are. Jesus will take your case. Jesus knows that your broken heart just needs love. When you give your heart to Jesus, you are literally a new creation. (2 Cor 5:17).
The Holy Educating Spirit of God gives you in verity, a wonderful new life. You will never be the same again. (Eph 2:10) A true Christian is not just reformed, rehabilitated, or re-educated. They are re-created (new creations), living in vital union with Christ (Col 2:6-7).
You accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, so continue to live following him. You must depend on Christ only, drawing life and strength from him. Just as you were taught the truth, continue to grow stronger in your understanding of it. And never stop giving thanks to God. (Col 2:6-7)
At conversion we do not merely turn over a new leaf; we begin a new life under a new Master. Under a Higher Authority.
The old nature, born of blood and the will of the flesh, cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The old ways, the hereditary tendencies, the former habits, must be given up. Grace is not inherited. The new birth consists in having new motives, new tastes, new tendencies. Those who are begotten unto a new life by the Holy Spirit, have become partakers of the divine nature. In all their habits and practices, they will give evidence of their relationship to Christ.
When people who claim to be Christians retain all their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the non-believer? They do not appreciate the truth as a Sanctifier, a refiner.
They have not been born again.
now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13, NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Cor 5:17)
Receiving Christ as Lord of your life is the beginning of life with Christ. But you must continue to follow his leadership by being rooted, built up, and strengthened in the faith. Christ wants to guide you and help you with your daily problems. You can live for Christ by
(1) committing your life and submitting your will to him
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom 12:1-2).
(2) seeking to learn from him, his life, and his teachings
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (Col 3:15-16).
(3) recognizing the Holy Spirit’s power in you
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8.
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Gal 5:22-23).
Have you asked Christ to make you a new person?
Maybe you are already a Christian and your walk with God has gone stale? You don’t feel connected to His heart of infinite love?
Have you received the Holy Spirit since you first believed? (Acts 19:2)
Let the prayer ascend from contrite hearts, “Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” [Psalm 51:6-13.] {CE 230.3}
What a prayer is this! How evident it is that sinners in the household are not to be treated with indifference, but that the Lord looks upon them as the purchase of his blood. (Eph 2:13)
John’s baptism was a sign of repentance from sin only, not really a sign of new life in Christ. Like Job, or Apollos (Job 40:1-9 Acts 18:24-26), many believers today still need further instruction about the message and ministry of Jesus Christ. They believe in Jesus as the Messiah, but so many of us do not understand the significance of the work of the God’s Holy Educating Spirit. For so many of us, our walk with God has grown cold.
God’s holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A light, a new and precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and appropriate for the occasion, as the voice of God speaking to the soul. {COL 132.2}
In his last moments with his disciples, Jesus
(1) warned them about further persecution
(2) told them where, when, and why he was going
(3) assured them that they would not be left alone, but that the Spirit would come.
Jesus knew what lay ahead, Jesus did not want the disciples’ faith shaken or destroyed.
The Spirit produces these character traits that are found in Christ. They are the by-products of Christ’s control—we can’t obtain them by trying to get them without his help. If we want the fruit of the Spirit to grow in us, we must join our life to his Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. (see John 15:4-5).
We must know him, love him, remember him, and imitate him. As a result, we will fulfill the intended purpose of the law—to love God and our neighbors.
Which of these qualities do you want the Spirit to produce in you?
Friends, God wants you to know you are not alone. You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you.
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. (John 16:13-14)
God’s holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A light, a new and precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and appropriate for the occasion, as the voice of God speaking to the soul. {COL 132.2}
The greatest wisdom, and most essential, is the knowledge of God. (John 17:3) Self sinks into insignificance as it contemplates God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. The Bible must be made the foundation for all study. Individually we must learn from this lesson-book that which God has given us, the condition of the salvation of our souls; for it is the only book that tells us what we must do to be saved. Becoming a Christian involves turning from sin (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith).
This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ. And it can come right out of whatever dark cloud you are in now.
As He spoke the words of promise, the dark cloud that seemed to enshroud the cross was pierced by a bright and living light. To the penitent thief came the perfect peace of acceptance with God. Christ in His humiliation was glorified. He who in all other eyes appeared to be conquered was a Conqueror. He was acknowledged as the Sin Bearer. Men may exercise power over His human body. They may pierce the holy temples with the crown of thorns. They may strip from Him His raiment, and quarrel over its division. But they cannot rob Him of His power to forgive sins. In dying He bears testimony to His own divinity and to the glory of the Father. His ear is not heavy that it cannot hear, neither His arm shortened that it cannot save. It is His royal right to save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. {DA 751.2}
All of them made evil plans to come and fight against Jerusalem. They wanted to stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God. We put guards on duty day and night to watch out for danger. (Neh 4:8-9)
prayer is the life
We shall meet with opposition of every description, as did the builders of the walls of Jerusalem; but if we watch and pray, and work as they did, God will fight our battles for us, and give us precious victories.{3BC 1138.2}
It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually; that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this,—to be linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand.
We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart’s desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.
Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good.
JESUS INVITES US TO PRAY
The Lord gives us the privilege of seeking Him individually in earnest prayer, of unburdening our souls to Him, keeping nothing from Him who has invited us, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mat 11:28) Oh, how grateful we should be that Jesus is willing and able to bear all our infirmities and strengthen and heal all our diseases if it will be for our good and for His glory.
“Come unto Me,” is His invitation. Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord.
TELL JESUS ALL YOUR NEEDS
There are few who rightly appreciate or improve the precious privilege of prayer. We should go to Jesus and tell Him all our needs. We may bring Him our little cares and perplexities as well as our greater troubles. Whatever arises to disturb or distress us, we should take it to the Lord in prayer. When we feel that we need the presence of Christ at every step, Satan will have little opportunity to intrude his temptations. It is his studied effort to keep us away from our best and most sympathizing friend. We should make no one our confidant but Jesus. We can safely commune with Him of all that is in our hearts.
OPENING THE HEART TO A FRIEND
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.
When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us
GOD WELCOMES US TO HIS AUDIENCE CHAMBER
We come to God by special invitation, and He waits to welcome us to His audience chamber. The first disciples who followed Jesus were not satisfied with a hurried conversation with Him by the way; they said, “Rabbi, . . . where dwellest Thou? They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day.” John 1:38, 39. So we may be admitted into closest intimacy and communion with God. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1. Let those who desire the blessing of God knock and wait at the door of mercy with firm assurance, saying, For Thou, O Lord, hast said, “Everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
AN EXALTED PRIVILEGE
When in trouble, when assailed by fierce temptations, they [God’s children] have the privilege of prayer. What an exalted privilege! Finite beings, of dust and ashes, admitted through the mediation of Christ, into the audience chamber of the Most High. In such exercises the soul is brought into a sacred nearness with God, and is renewed in knowledge, and true holiness, and fortified against the assaults of the enemy.
PRAYER IS BOTH A SPIRITUAL NECESSITY AND A PRIVILEGE
Those who have professed to love Christ, have not comprehended the relation which exists between them and God, . . . They do not realize what a great privilege and necessity are prayer, repentance, and the doing of the words of Christ.
PRAYER ENABLES US TO LIVE IN THE SUNSHINE OF HIS PRESENCE.
It is our privilege to open our hearts, and let the sunshine of Christ’s presence in. My brother, my sister, face the light. Come into actual, personal contact with Christ, that you may exert an influence that is uplifting and reviving. Let your faith be strong and pure and steadfast. Let gratitude to God fill your hearts. When you rise in the morning, kneel at your bedside, and ask God to give you strength to fulfill the duties of the day, and to meet its temptations. Ask Him to help you to bring into your work Christ’s sweetness of character. Ask Him to help you to speak words that will inspire those around you with hope and courage, and draw you nearer to the Savior.
OUR PRAYERS NEVER BURDEN OR WEARY GOD
There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul.
Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven.
We need to have more distinct views of Jesus and a fuller comprehension of the value of eternal realities. The beauty of holiness is to fill the hearts of God’s children; and that this may be accomplished, we should seek for divine disclosures of heavenly things.
Let the soul be drawn out and upward, that God may grant us a breath of the heavenly atmosphere. We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun.
Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy” (James 5:11). His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds. He rules over all the affairs of the universe. {Pr 11.1}
Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. . . . The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watch care, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son.
A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN.
Rest yourself wholly in the hands of Jesus. Contemplate His great love, and while you meditate upon His self-denial, His infinite sacrifice made in our behalf in order that we should believe in Him, your heart will be filled with holy joy, calm peace, and indescribable love. As we talk of Jesus, as we call upon Him in prayer, our confidence that He is our personal, loving Savior will strengthen and His character will appear more and more lovely. We may enjoy rich feasts of love, and as we fully believe that we are His by adoption, we may have a foretaste of heaven. Wait upon the Lord in faith. The Lord draws out the soul in prayer, and gives us to feel His precious love. We have a nearness to Him, and can hold sweet communion with Him. We obtain distinct views of His tenderness and compassion, and our hearts are broken and melted with contemplation of the love that is given to us. We feel indeed an abiding Christ in the soul. We abide in Him, and feel at home with Jesus. The promises flow into the soul. Our peace is like a river, wave after wave of glory rolls into the heart, and indeed we sup with Jesus and He with us. We have a realizing sense of the love of God, and we rest in His love.
No language can describe it, it is beyond knowledge. We are one with Christ, our life is hid with Christ in God. We have the assurance that when He who is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. With strong confidence, we can call God our Father.
PRAYER BRINGS FRESHNESS TO SPIRITUAL LIFE
Our life is to be bound up with the life of Christ; we are to draw constantly from Him, partaking of Him, the living Bread that came down from heaven, drawing from a fountain ever fresh, ever giving forth its abundant treasures. If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus. Often our hearts will burn within us as He draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. When this is in truth the experience of the Christian, there is seen in his life a simplicity, a humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart, that show to all with whom he associates that he has been with Jesus and learned of Him.
A PLACE TO FLEE THAT IS ALWAYS OPEN.
The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God for strength and guidance. When tempted, as you will be, you may flee to the secret place of the Most High. His everlasting arms will be underneath you.
THE SECRET OF SPIRITUAL POWER
Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.
It is a wonderful thing that we can pray effectually, that unworthy, erring mortals possess the power of offering their requests to God. What higher power can man desire than this,—to be linked with the infinite God? Feeble, sinful man has the privilege of speaking to his Maker. We may utter words that reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand.—
SECRET PRAYER THE SOUL OF RELIGION
Do not neglect secret prayer, for it is the soul of religion. With earnest, fervent prayer plead for purity of soul. Plead as earnestly, as eagerly, as you would for your mortal life, were it at stake. Remain before God until unutterable longings are begotten within you for salvation, and the sweet evidence is obtained of pardoned sin.
EVERY SINCERE PRAYER IS HEARD.
As yet the disciples were unacquainted with the Savior’s unlimited resources and power. He said to them, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name.” John 16:24. He explained that the secret of their success would be in asking for strength and grace in His name. He would be present before the Father to make request for them. The prayer of the humble suppliant He presents as His own desire in that soul’s behalf. Every sincere prayer is heard in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed; but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and He will present it to the Father without one awkward, stammering word, beautiful and fragrant with the incense of His own perfection.
The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
“In My name,” Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe.
ANGELS MARK OUR PRAYERS AND INFLUENCE US FOR GOOD
When you rise in the morning, do you feel your helplessness and your need of strength from God? and do you humbly, heartily make known your wants to your heavenly Father? If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously doing wrong and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong, your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course, choosing your words for you, and influencing your actions.
If you feel in no danger, and if you offer no prayer for help and strength to resist temptations, you will be sure to go astray; your neglect of duty will be marked in the book of God in heaven, and you will be found wanting in the trying day.
LIKE MOSES, WE MAY ENJOY INTIMATE COMMUNION WITH GOD
That hand that made the world, that holds the mountains in their places, takes this man of dust,—this man of mighty faith,—and mercifully covers him in a cleft of the rock, while the glory of God and all His goodness pass before him. Can we marvel that the “excellent glory” reflected from Omnipotence shone in the face of Moses with such brightness that the people could not look upon it? The impress of God was upon him, making him appear as one of the shining angels from the throne.
This experience, above all else the assurance that God would hear his prayer, and that the divine presence would attend him, was of more value to Moses as a leader than the learning of Egypt, or all his attainments in military science. No earthly power or skill or learning can supply the place of God’s immediate presence. In the history of Moses we may see what intimate communion with God it is man’s privilege to enjoy. To the transgressor it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But Moses was not afraid to be alone with the Author of that law which had been spoken with such awful grandeur from Mount Sinai; for his soul was in harmony with the will of his Maker.
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him.
PRAY WITH HOLY BOLDNESS
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” When you pray, present this promise. It is our privilege to come to Him with holy boldness. As in sincerity we ask Him to let His light shine upon us, He will hear and answer us. {Pr 15.3} Heaven is open to our petitions, and we are invited to come “boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” We are to come in faith, believing that we shall obtain the very things we ask of him.
ASK FOR OUR NEEDS
Every promise in the word of God furnishes us with subject matter for prayer, presenting the pledged word of Jehovah as our assurance. Whatever spiritual blessing we need, it is our privilege to claim through Jesus. We may tell the Lord, with the simplicity of a child, exactly what we need. We may state to Him our temporal matters, asking Him for bread and raiment as well as for the bread of life and the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things, and you are invited to ask Him concerning them. It is through the name of Jesus that every favor is received. God will honor that name, and will supply your necessities from the riches of His liberality.
ASK AND BELIEVE
As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Savior by believing that you do receive His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command. We have only to ask.
Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible.
GO FORWARD, TRUSTING GOD
We are to encourage in one another that living faith which Christ has made it possible for every believer to have. The work is to be carried forward as the Lord prepares the way. When He brings His people into strait places, then it is their privilege to assemble together for prayer, remembering that all things come of God. Those who have not yet shared in the trying experiences that attend the work in these last days will soon have to pass through scenes that will severely test their confidence in God. It is at the time His people see no way to advance, when the Red Sea is before them and the pursuing army behind, that God bids them: “Go forward.” Thus He is working to test their faith. When such experiences come to you, go forward, trusting in Christ. Walk step by step in the path He marks out. Trials will come, but go forward. This will give you an experience that will strengthen your faith in God and fit you for truest service.
much of this article is taken from the book called Prayer, Chapter One (2002) by EG White
I “looked and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud” (Exodus 16:10).
“by the still waters”
I wondered why I felt strange this morning when I first got up. And then I realized that today is the fourth anniversary of my late wife’s death.
I started this post with a verse that tells us God is in the thick dark clouds of our experiences, even today. Now I would like to relate how I saw God in some of our darkest clouds, and share with you a small piece of our amazing story.
I have realized that somehow, no matter how bad things got, I never doubted her love for me, nor did she ever doubt my love for her. Because we always reminded one another of our love for each other. Every day.
I remember one time, in my typical humorous manner, I asked her:
“Hon, do you ever get sick of me saying I love you?”
To which she replied with a smile:
“No. Please tell me again hon.”
Later, when she could no longer respond, it was just me reminding her. I made a point of telling her each time I went into the room to do some aspect of her care. Or sometimes when I was just sitting with her, she would smile when I said it.
Exactly four years ago today she died in my arms, thus helping me to keep my promise to stay with her until the very end. I know many people who have serious regrets now because they did not say certain things to their lost loved ones. I have immense gratitude in my heart for our love story. Our experience. And how that love carried us both through all the way to the end. We wrote our own love story. No one else wrote it for us. Although there are a couple things I am sure we would both do a little differently, there are no regrets. Not one.
Enclosed is a picture of a pond where we used to go and watch the ducks. I even took her there sometimes in a wheel chair. Those were the most loving moments of our relationship. I would have great fun teasing her that she was interfering with my photography because she would always wrap her arms around me when we went there and it was impossible to take photographs of ducks or anything else when that was going on!
This pond was very important to us for it symbolized the kind of true love that is possible if people would choose it. It reminded us of the still mountain lake, where I often hiked, that runs so deep. In fact I called our love “still water love” because unlike the shallow rocky rivers that never stayed the same, the still mountain lake was steady, faithful, always there. Never failing or flowing away from us. We sometimes thought of how there are these two kinds of love. One, the shallow rocky river, undependable, fast moving, shallow, and hard to walk in, and flowing away from us. But, the still water kind of love, that runs so deep, well, nothing could interfere with it. I am guessing this is why the Bible says “God is love” and “Love never fails.” (1 John 4:8, 1 Cor 13:8)
I appreciate very much how the Book Of Heaven describes what I am talking about:
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (Psalms 23:2)
Any disturbance or intruder scares sheep. Especially something like fast moving water. They are very fearful animals and cannot lie down unless all is quiet, and calm. But they are always totally secure by “still waters.” God’s provision of “still waters” has a soothing effect and calms the sheep. According to my experience in being a caregiver for 5 years with my late wife, Still Water Love runs deeper than death itself.
Our still water love ran so deep that even death could not erase it. And this is the “unspeakable gift” (2 Cor 9:15) that God has given to us all,in His Son Jesus Christ. I can imagine that it is called “unspeakable” because very few human words or thoughts could adequately describe this kind of love.
One small part of our love story happened during the last Christmas we had together. She was in hospital and so I made a full Christmas dinner for two with all the trimming and brought it to her in the hospital. Try as she might, she was unable to eat or drink any of it. But we toasted anyways and she seemed happy to watch me enjoy the dinner. I was starving after all that cooking! But at the end of it all, as I was putting things away into the coolers, she held my arm for a minute and said
“Hon, thank you. That was such a good dinner.”
That is how my human words would describe the kind of still water love I am talking about here.
In the 23rd Psalm we are lovingly reminded that God Himself desires to lead us to the still waters that are always available to us all.
“He leads me beside the still waters,” (Psalms 23:2)
As I said earlier, I can think of no regrets. I am happy that I chose God to shepherd my late wife and I to the green pastures, and the still waters where all can find true rest for the soul. The resurrection promise where we would see each other again was our “little light in every cloud.”
In my experiences, I have been finding new ways with each passing year to realize how our great Shepherd leads us to the green meadows and to the still water love where we know we are loved and where we find restoration by going the Shepherds way.
Never before was there such a general knowledge of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross. He was lifted up from the earth, to draw everyone to Him. Into the hearts of many who beheld that crucifixion scene, and who heard Christ’s words, was the light of truth to shine. With John they would proclaim:
“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Present there at the gruesome scene on Calvary were those who never rested until, searching the Scriptures and comparing passage with passage, they saw the meaning of Christ’s mission. They saw that free forgiveness was provided by Him whose tender mercy embraced the whole world. They read the prophecies regarding Christ, and the promises so free and full, pointing to the still water love that runs so deep.
In everyone who seeks for Still Water Love, we may behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we might be called the sons and daughters of God. This love, like the sacred fire on altars of old, burns on the altar of the heart today. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Jesus.
It is on the earth that His children are invited and enabled to choose, then reflect this still water love in their own, personal, lived experience. Thus all can be led to the cross to behold the Lamb of God in all His glory. I saw Him there the day she died in my arms. When I put her down on the bed, she was white, still, quiet. She looked peaceful. After not being opened for weeks before she died, her eyes were wide open, and looking right at me. It seemed as though the very Light from Heaven was in that room then. It was so light that I couldn’t cry or react. I just stood there in amazement. Was this the last thing she did? To look at me? That would definitely be another example of “Still Water Love.”
Today, I can only exclaim:
“Amazing! The height and depth of the love of Christ. The deep mountain lake of His love stronger than death itself!”
My friends: still water love isn’t going anywhere. Unlike the shallow rocky rivers here in the mountains that flow away from us, the still waters of the deep mountain lake are always there, and even for the next relationships that we form later on.
Jesus said once “I, if I be lifted up will draw all people unto Me.” (John 12:32) Jesus, The Good Shepherd wants to lead us through all the dark clouds to the amazing heights and depths of His love. “herein is love, not that we loved God but that He first loved us and sent His Son to be our Still Water place. And I found that that “place” is actually a Person.
Behold what manner of love the father has given unto me and my late wife that we should not only be called but also treated like the children of God.(1 John 4:10, 1 John 3:1)
This concludes my personal story about the “unspeakable gift.” I have never doubted God’s love the whole time that I was her caregiver. Because in many ways similar to the above, God reminded me every day.
JESUS came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (Eph 2:17-20)
Gods mercy everlasting
This Easter, our Canadian Government has created a very bad situation for almost everyone, except of course the rich. There is a lot of anger, fear, frustration across the entire country.
Jesus was born that we might live. Jesus was born that we might be born again. And our life is bound up in the scarlet cords of Calvary where He died for you and me. Some will scoff at this idea but Jesus provides a solution that no government or big business can ever take from us. In His own words, Jesus puts it like this:
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are worked in God. (John 3:14-21)
And the Bible promises that
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32
We can be FREE INDEED (John 8:36) by Him who lived and died for us to have what He calls “Life more abundant,” (John 10:10) and this abundance is not affected by the political or economic climate imposed upon us now. In contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life he gives right now is abundantly rich and full. (John 10:10) It is eternal, yet it begins immediately. Life in Christ is lived on a higher plane because of his overflowing forgiveness, love, and guidance in all things.
Have you taken Christ’s offer of life? This is why Jesus died on the cross and why Jesus was resurrected to the same new life (2 Cor 5:17) that we may NOW have in Him.
Paul says it like this. He is trying to teach us that no matter what is happening, there is a response that will always bring glory to God.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Rom 12:1-2)
The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that they have not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” {DA 667.4}
“In My name,” Christ bade His disciples pray. In Christ’s name His followers are to stand before God. Through the value of the sacrifice made for them, they are of value in the Lord’s sight. Because of the imputed righteousness of Christ they are accounted precious. For Christ’s sake the Lord pardons those that fear Him. He does not see in them the vileness of the sinner. He recognizes in them the likeness of His Son, in whom they believe. {DA 667.5}
Those who desire to preach the gospel even in troublous times like Canadians face today have the best solution available in the following promise:
By this shall all people know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.(Jo.13:35)
What a glorious message to put forth in times like these.
The Holy Spirit through Ezekiel has declared:
“I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them.” “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” “And I will make with them a covenant of peace.” “And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.” Ezekiel 34:23, Ezekiel 34:16, Ezekiel 34:25, Ezekiel 34:28.
{DA 476.3}
Because of the cross, the day will soon be here when we can echo the words from the prophet of old:
“And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen…they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.” (see Ezekiel 34:28, Jer 23:6)
The Promises Of “Easter”
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Heb 13:20-21)
These verses include two significant results of Christ’s death and resurrection. God works in us to make us the kind of people that would please him, and he equips us to do the kind of work that would please him. Let God change you from within and then use you to help others.
By this shall all people know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.(Jo.13:35)
And they all sang a new song to the Lamb: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were killed, and with your blood sacrifice you bought people for God from every tribe, language, race of people, and nation. (Rev 5:9)
rest in Christ reflected by nature
Jesus longs for all to be at rest in Him.
“Every Tribe” means our Indigenous people. Let us pray for them and sincerely try to help them as friends and neighbors and quit telling them what to do and who to be.
In a book called Murder By Decree, which is characterized by the author as “A Counter report To The “Truth And Reconciliation Commission,”” by Kevin Annette, it is stated on pages 6-7
“Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was a rapid,in house response by church and state designed to present their own self-serving narrative of their Indian Residential School Crimes. It was, by any objective standard, an elaborate misrepresentation of a monumental crime. For one thing, the TRC was created by the same institutions of Church and State that were responsible for the residential school crimes being investigated. This fact alone disqualified the TRC from the outset as any neutral or credible body. Indeed, the TRC only commenced its work after both institutions had legally indemnified themselves from any liability for those crimes. A manouvre which created an obstruction of justice under law.”
Another writer puts things in perspective like this, and this was written over 100 years ago:
The Vatican now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christ-like garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of popery that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The popery that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty, and slew the saints of the Most High. {GC88 570.3}
Popery is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. [2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.] It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon, she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. “We are not bound to keep faith and promises to heretics,” She declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of the saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ? {GC88 571.1}
The heart not given entirely to the control of Jesus Christ has a door open for Satan to enter, and the archdeceiver weaves about the soul ingenious apologies in performing its hidden purposes of evil. All these excuses and pretensions are seen of God, and are as spiderwebs in the eyes of Him who never slumbers or sleeps. Oh, how readily will the human soul find poor and wretched excuses to deceive and cover up its own course of evil, which it pursues. There is an exact judge who weigheth actions. He cannot be deceived, neither can He be mocked. He will one day strike off the covering, unveil the conscience, and sweep away these excuses as smoke. {CTr 171.3}
The same writer also states a strict caution against unwarranted bigotry and hate towards Catholics:
It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best light they have. They are not allowed access to his Word, and therefore they do not discern the truth. They have never seen the contrast between a living heart-service and a round of mere forms and ceremonies. God looks with pitying tenderness upon these souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth, as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with his people. {GC88 565.2}
I am happy to know that Jesus will be the one to judge hearts. I have a Roman Catholic Cree Native that I pray with regularly. Anyone who loves Jesus will make for a good friend.
The Holy, educating Spirit of God is now speaking to “every tribe” and as the verse says:
“Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth to every nation, TRIBE, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” (Rev 14:6-7)
Christ is coming the second time, with power unto salvation. To prepare human beings for this event, He has sent the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These angels represent those who receive the truth, and with power open the gospel to the world. {7BC 978.11}
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. (Rev 22:17)
The last message of mercy as it is now going forth, is another and final utterance of divine longsuffering and compassion. Come, is the invitation it give. Come, for all things are ready. The last sound that will fall from Mercy’s lips on the ear of the sinner before the thunders of vengeance burst upon him, will be the heavenly invitation, Come. So great is the loving-kindness of a merciful God to rebellious humanity.
The Great Spirit will direct, counsel, and assist “every tribe” just like He does with all of us. When Jesus says “Come unto Me all ye who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, (Mat 11:28) we can be sure that He is speaking also to “every tribe.”
The “blood Sacrifice of Jesus” (Rev 5:9) is for all who seek truth, peace, reconciliation. (see John 3:16-19)
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)
Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world. He did not send him to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him. People who believe in God’s Son are not judged guilty. But people who do not believe are already judged, because they have not believed in God’s only Son. They are judged by this fact: The light has come into the world. But they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things. Everyone who does evil hates the light. They will not come to the light, because the light will show all the bad things they have done. But anyone who follows the true way comes to the light. Then the light will show that whatever they have done was done through God. (John 3:16-21, ERV)
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. {DA 172.3}
While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. {DA 173.1}
if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Cor 5:17, Murdock)
My friends, when we feel poisoned by stress, pressure, pain, failure, or grief, the best antidote is to pray:
Father In Heaven, please restore in us the song of joy. Renew a right spirit in us, and restore unto us all a right spirit.”
It just so happens that Jesus desires us all to come to Him exactly as we are!
Humble people will get the land God promised, and they will enjoy peace. (Psalms 37:11, ERV)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Pet 1: 1-4)
Promises are estimated by the truth of the one who makes them. Many people make promises only to break them, to mock the heart that trusted in them. Those who lean upon such individuals lean upon broken reeds. But God is behind the promises He makes. He is ever mindful of His covenant, and His truth endureth to all generations {7BC 942.12}
Stand In Your “LOT:” THE MORNING IS COMING
(based on Dan 12:13)
But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. (Dan 12:13, KJV)
stand in your lot Dan 12:13
When Israel was about to enter into the Promised Land, the lot was cast, and the possession of each tribe was assigned. The tribes thus stood in their respective “lots” long before they entered upon the actual possession of the land. Similarly today we now stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, and decisions are being made, assigning to some a place in the eternal kingdom, and barring others forever. In the decision of his case, Daniel’s portion in the celestial inheritance will be made sure to him. With him all the faithful will also stand. When this devoted servant of God, who filled up a long life with the noblest deeds of service to his Maker, though cumbered with the weightiest cares of this life, shall enter upon his reward for well-doing, we too may enter with him into rest by also “standing in our lots.”
The time has come for Daniel to stand in his lot. The time has come for the light given him to go to the world as never before. If those for whom the Lord has done so much will walk in the light, their knowledge of Christ and the prophecies relating to Him will be greatly increased as they near the close of this earth’s history. {4BC 1174.4}
The Bible tells us
“And the evening and the morning were the first day.” — Gen 1:5
SIX TIMES these words, “let there be Light” are repeated, in the first chapter of Genesis. The first lesson that stands out here is that God counts His periods of time, not as we do, going from night to night, but from evening till morning. Not first the light, and after that the dark; but first the dark, and after that the light.” God saw that each night would end in daylight,and that the end of all the nights and all the days would be the eternal day in which there can be no darkness at all. This is what John saw:
“There shall be no night there, for the Lord God gives them light” (Rev 22:5 ).
THIS Heavenly Light, can be the light in our clouds today as we “stand in our lot” in service to Jesus.
“Whatsoever thy hand finds to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither you go.” (Eccl 9:10)
This is the perfect definition of “stand in your lot.” (Dan 12:13)
Jesus will bring a fairer and more just “new earth” (2 Pet 3:13, Rev 21:1). Creation shall participate in the glorious liberty of the sons and daughters of God.
Our planet is now living in the supposed “modern age’ where the oft-claimed sunny light of the foul “merchants” of the Earth who are ruining and terrorizing millions for profit, will end in tears and destruction. It will be their tears.(Rev 18:11). Bible prophecy tells us how their “economy” (not ours) sets in a black ocean, unlit by the star of hope.(Rev 18:23) As long as God is, we believe that He will make a new heaven and new earth; and from out of what seems a disappointing and hopeless life, in the midst of this ruin, degradation and terrorism of “the economy”. It is more accurately called slavery. And it’s brutal. Millions around the world are being terrorized and enslaved by “the economy.”
Out of the darkness comes the “loud cry”
Watchman what of the night? The morning comes ! (Isa 21:11-12).
The darkness will finally pass away before the radiance of the dawn, and this because God is God; He is Love and Light and His Word creates just what it says. As in Eden, when Jesus says “let there be light” today He says to all of God’s children, “let your light shine:”
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.(Mat 5:16) Our Light is already come! (Isa 60:1) Now, in these last days we just have to “let it!”
Life may be dark. Sin is darkness. Sorrow is darkness. Ignorance is darkness. These three may be part of your daily “lot” right now. But the night is far spent, the day is at hand. For the Christian, The Bright and Morning Star is in their sky. (Rev 22:16). The education of your soul is similar to that of a child at school. How hard and difficult those first days, but when the rudiments were mastered; when the discipline had played its part,then were reaped the harvests of sowing, and darkness was turned to day. (Psalms 30:5) Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (Dan 12:10)
Have you suffered the death of a loved one? Be of good cheer! Even in death there is nothing to fear:
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. (1 Thes 4:13-14 ).
The dark clouds of your life, are bearing you onward to the heavenly morning upon the golden streets, where you will find that Love has gone before you with its preparations! Because all things work together for good when we love Jesus. (Rom 8:28) It shall be evening and morning and lo! the day without night. And every Christ-follower standing in their “lot.” (Dan 12:13)
STAND IN THY “LOT” (based on Dan 12:13, David T Battler, all rights reserved)
Stand in thy “lot” happy in Jesus and blessed
Lend helping hand stand in your “lot” HIS Glory
the Light of your world being prayer is the test
“Love one another” to proclaim loud His Story.
Stand in thy “lot” when doors are tightly closed
a thousand miles separate you from heavenly rest
For the times of prophecy as we have so supposed
Will bring us everyone to the Rev 3:10 test.
Stand in thy “lot” when they knock you down
Jesus walked by faith in this narrow way too
At the cross is where they give out the crown
and there by faith can be your testimony true.
Stand in thy “lot” for Heaven has promised
the burden of our hearts that we carry today
are the “test” as the weakest saint will tell
we finally put on the “full armor” and pray.
Blessed soul who waits to do all things well
and sets out to the path that Jesus talked
Path to His Glory,a trail of special praise
Calvary; stand in “lot:” that Jesus walked
As the prophecy fulfills we see better days
That “end of days” is coming up soon friend
In unfeigned love our brethren haven’t forgot
Sing His praises until the 2300 days shall end.
Daniel stood fast and was happy in his “lot”
Jesus our Lord has now answered Daniel’s prayer
Not one soul has Jesus given up or turned away
Like Daniel, a Christian know “Jesus is there.”
Sons and daughters of God for that better day!
Daniel IS Standing In His Lot Now
The time has come for Daniel to stand in his lot. The time has come for the light given him to go to the world as never before. If those for whom the Lord has done so much will walk in the light, their knowledge of Christ and the prophecies relating to Him will be greatly increased as they near the close of this earth’s history. NO prophecy is “Biblical” or “Christian” if it is not entirely centered in “Christ; and Him crucified.”
But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(Gal 6:14)
The Guarantee of Success
“…you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, (Eph 2:12-14)
Behold in the cross of Christ the only sure guarantee for individual excellence and success. And the more the heart is wrapped up in Christ, the more secure is the treasure in the eternal world {6BC 1112.8}
Paul a Living Example for Every Christian. (Phil 1:21)
Paul was a living example of what every true Christian should be. He lived for God’s glory. His words come sounding down the line to our time: “For to me to live is Christ.” “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” He who was once a persecutor of Christ in the person of His saints now holds up before the world the cross of Christ. Paul’s heart burned with a love for souls, and he gave all his energies for the conversion of people. There never lived a more self-denying, earnest, persevering worker. His life was Christ; he worked the works of Christ. All the blessings he received were prized as so many advantages to be used in blessing others. {6BC 1112.9}
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)
PRAYER
O God, the darkness and light are both alike to You. The night shines as the day. (Psalms 139:12). Help us, Lord, to follow You even through the valley of the shadow, (Psalms 91:1) and to trust You in whatever is our appointed lot; until the day dawns, and the shadows flee away. But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Dan 12:13 ) Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5) Cause me to hear Your loving kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. (Psalms 143:8) AMEN.
The first lesson to be taught is the lesson of dependence upon God. As a flower of the field has its root in the soil; as it must receive air, dew, showers, and sunshine, so must we receive from God that which ministers to the life of the soul.
The presence of God is guaranteed to the Christian. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalms 46:1)
This Rock of faith is the living presence of God. The weakest may depend upon it. Those who think themselves the strongest may become the weakest unless they depend on Christ as their efficiency, their worthiness.
This is the Rock upon which we may build successfully. God is near in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, in His intercession, His loving, tender ruling power over the church. Seated by the eternal throne, He watches them with intense interest.
As long as the members of the church shall through faith draw nourishment from Jesus Christ, (Mat 4:4) and not from people’s opinions and devising and methods. If having a conviction of the nearness of God in Christ, they put their entire trust in Him, they will have a vital connection with Christ as the branch has connection with the parent stock.
The church is established not on theories of humanity, or on long-drawn-out plans and forms. It depends upon Christ their righteousness. The Church is built on faith in Christ
“and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mat 16:18)
The strength of every soul is in God and not in humanity. Quietness and confidence is to be the strength of all who give their hearts to God. “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Isa 30:15).
God designs that the scenes of nature should influence the children of God to delight in the pure, simple, quiet beauty with which our Father adorns our earthly home. Jesus tells us that the mightiest king that ever swayed a specter could not compare in gorgeous array to the simple flowers that God has clothed with loveliness. We wish to learn God’s lesson out of His book.
The heavens above are pure and lovely, in faint colors presented to our senses here upon the earth, and we may put the imagination to the highest stretch to grasp the glories which these represent in the paradise of God; and yet the eye hath not seen, the ear hath not heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for those who love Him.{5MR 20.2}
Our Savior has purchased us by human suffering and sorrow, by insult, reproach, abuse, mockery, rejection and death. (Isa 53). He is watching over you, trembling child of God. He will make you secure under His protection.
Our weakness in human nature will not bar our access to the heavenly Father, for He [Christ] died to make intercession for us.
[JESUS] is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. (Heb 7:25)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor 12:9)
Nature is filled with spiritual lessons for mankind. The flowers die only to spring forth into new life; and in this we are taught the lesson of the resurrection. All who love God will bloom again in the Eden above. But nature can not teach the lesson of the great and marvelous love of God.
Therefore, after the fall, nature was not the only teacher of man. In order that the world might not remain in darkness, in eternal spiritual night, the God of nature met us in Jesus Christ. The Son of God came to the world as the revelation of the Father. He was that “true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.” We are to behold “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” {RH, November 8, 1898 par. 5}
Christ pointed His disciples to the flowers of the field, growing in rich profusion and glowing in the simple beauty which the heavenly Father had given them, as an expression of His love to man. He said, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.” The beauty and simplicity of these natural flowers far out rival the splendor of Solomon. The most gorgeous attire produced by the skill of art cannot bear comparison with the natural grace and radiant beauty of the flowers of God’s creation. Jesus asks, “If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:28,30.
If God, the divine Artist, gives to the simple flowers that perish in a day their delicate and varied colors, how much greater care will He have for those who are created in His own image? This lesson of Christ’s is a rebuke to the anxious thought, the perplexity and doubt, of the faithless heart. {SC 123.2}
The Lord would have all His sons and daughters happy, peaceful, and obedient. Jesus says, “My peace I give unto you: not as the world gives give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 14:27; 15:11. {SC 124.1}
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mat 11:30.
yoke is easy with Jesus
Jesus Teaches Us His Yoke is Easy, His Burden, Light
We are to bear the yoke of Christ that we may be placed in complete union with Him.
“Take my yoke upon you,” (Mat 11:28)
Jesus says…. Wearing the yoke unites finite people in companionship with the dearly beloved Son of God. Lifting the cross cuts away self from the soul, and places us where we learn how to bear Christ’s burdens. We cannot follow Christ without wearing His yoke, without lifting the cross and bearing it after Him.
If our will is not in accord with the divine requirements, we are to deny our inclinations, give up our darling desires, and step in Christ’s footsteps.
People frame around their own necks yokes that seem light and pleasant to wear, but they prove galling to the extreme. Christ sees this, and He says:
Take My yoke upon you. The yoke you would place upon your own neck, thinking it a precise fit, will not fit at all. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me the lessons essential for you to learn; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. (Mat 11:30)
The Lord never makes a false estimate concerning His heritage. He measures the people with whom He is working. When they submit to His yoke, when they give up the struggle that has been unprofitable for themselves and for the cause of God, they will find peace and rest. When they become sensible of their own weakness, their own deficiencies, they will delight to do God’s will. They will submit to the yoke of Christ.
Then God can work in them to will and to do of His good pleasure, which is often entirely contrary to the plans of the human mind. When the heavenly anointing comes to us, we shall learn the lesson of meekness and lowliness, which always brings rest to the soul.
Although you will have trials, yet these trials, well borne, only make the way more precious.
In what sense was Jesus’ yoke “easy?”
The yoke emphasizes the challenges, work, and difficulties of partnering with Christ in life. Responsibilities weigh us down, even the effort of staying true to God. But Jesus’ yoke remains easy compared to the crushing alternative.
Jesus doesn’t usually offer a life of luxurious ease—the yoke is still an oxen’s tool for working hard. But it’s a shared yoke, with much of the weight falling on bigger shoulders than yours. Someone with more pulling power is up front helping. (Psalms 46:1, Heb 13:5)
Suddenly you are participating in life’s responsibilities with a great Partner—and now that frown can turn into a smile, and that gripe into a song.
In accepting Christ’s yoke of restraint and obedience, you will find that it is of the greatest help to you. Wearing this yoke keeps you near the side of Christ, and He bears the heaviest part of the load. {5BC 1090.4}
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light
This paradox is matchless! Even among the paradoxically couched maxims in which our Lord delights! That rest which the soul experiences when once safe under Christ’s wing makes all yokes easy, all burdens light.
Peter said, “Master, are you telling this story just for us? Or is it for everybody?” The Master said, “Let me ask you: Who is the dependable manager, full of common sense, that the master puts in charge of his staff to feed them well and on time? He is a blessed man if when the master shows up he’s doing his job. (Luke 12:41-43, MSG)
Jesus promises a reward for those who have been faithful to the Him. While we sometimes experience immediate and material rewards for our obedience to God, this is not always the case. If so, we would be tempted to boast about our achievements and only do good for what we get.
Jesus said that if we look for rewards now, we will lose them later (see Mark 8:36).
Self-help is no help at all. its usually a bunch of self-serving. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self.What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for? (Mark 8:35-37, paraphrased from MSG)
Our heavenly rewards will be the most accurate reflection of what we have done on earth, and they will be far greater than we can imagine.
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Isa 64:4)
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him— these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. (1 Cor 2:9-10)
We need to dwell upon the assurances of God’s Word, to hold them before the mind’s eye. Point by point, day by day, repeat the lessons there given, over and over, until you learn the bearing and import of them. We see a little today, and by meditation and prayer, more tomorrow. And thus little by little we take in the gracious promises until we can almost comprehend their full significance. {6BC 1085.2}
For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. (Rom 8:22-25, NKJV)
