Your love is faithful, LORD, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. Psalms 36:5,6
mountain
In contrast to evil people and their wicked plots that end in failure, God will triumph. He is faithful, righteous, and just. His love is as vast as the heavens; his faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds; his righteousness is as solid as mighty mountains; his judgments are as full of wisdom as the oceans are with water. We need not fear evil people because we know God loves us, judges evil, and will care for us throughout eternity.
From their foundations, by undermining them, Jesus puts forth his hand to cleave even the hardest rock. He cuts out channels among the rocks; and his eye sees every precious thing. (Job 28:9-10)
He cuts channels to drain off the waters, which hinder his mining; and when the waters are gone, he is able to see the precious things in the earth. God’s promises to you in the midst of your trials are sure. One thing we can count on is that God says:
“And I will give them a heart to know Me…” (Jer 24:7)
So too, when Jesus is mining the heart of stone, He always finds something precious. The fact that we are called upon to endure trial proves that the Lord Jesus sees in us something very precious, which He desires to develop. And so He begins the mining process, which can be rough and painful at times.
If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name He would not spend time in refining us whenever he finds something precious during this mining process. We do not take special pains in pruning thorny shrubs. Christ does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He tests.
The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time mining the heart of stone; or in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines.
And so everyone of our trials are opportunities. The very first opportunity being a call to prayer. The following poem will describe prayer for you very well from the personal experience of Jesus Himself:
In The Garden, Alone With Jesus
We live in a world of constant turmoil and trials. But it has been my lived experience that God will give us the strength we need; and He will look after all those things that we are unable to do ourselves:
The Garden Alone Based on Luke 22:39-46
“And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.”
God was with Him in the Garden, dark,alone
Jesus conquered sin by strength of divine
But the separation went deeper than bone
As the battle began our Christ drew the line.
The Father didn’t want to remove bitter cup
The disciples slept in great sorrow and fear
While Gabriel came in light,lifted Jesus up
Christ’s sweat poured out, in blood and tear.
As crises supreme did his heart and soul break
Jesus came alone, to fight by petition in there
The angel assured Him He could make no mistake
For He might answer with love the sinners prayer.
We each have to go to our Garden, stark, alone
We have to bring to Jesus our worries and care
And when we go, we shall see the great throne
For in the Garden; our Lord Jesus He is there.
Jesus conquered by strength surely not his own
We can have this very kind of encounter today
As we go by faith to our special garden alone
Walk securely with Him the blood-stained way.
Christ conquered in divine strength, and so must every tempted soul overcome. God was with Christ in the Garden of Gesthemane and by this experience of Christ, we are to learn to trust our heavenly Father; at all times, and in all places,we are to believe that he is tender, true, and faithful – able to keep that which is committed to His care. In the agonizing struggle of Christ, our Substitute and Surety; the Father was beside His Son, and He is beside every soul that struggles with discouragement and difficulty.
– David Battler, (all rights reserved, world wide)
Just as the revelation of depravity in Psalms 36:1,2,3,4 is awful, the revelation of the Lord’s love, in our opening text, Psalms 36:5,6) is even more wonderful. great mountains … great deep: The contrasts continue with David ranging from the highest mountains to the depths of the sea to describe the perfect character of God.
The height of the great mountains can be compared to how great God’s righteousness is; the depth of the seas can be compared with how mysterious and inaccessible God’s true judgments are. May we know, and love, and uprightly serve the Lord; then no proud enemy, on earth or from hell, shall separate us from his love. Faith calls things that are not, as though they were. It carries us forward to the end of time; it shows us the Lord, on his throne of judgment; the empire of sin fallen to rise no more.
How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! (Psalms 103:11) How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! (Psalms 103:11-12)
They are gone. There is a chasm between us and our sins, which will never be bridged. To an infinite distance has the great Scapegoat carried away all the sins of his people; they shall never return to us.
Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalms 91:1, NKJV)
secret place
“dwelleth in the secret place” denotes someone’s rest in Christ. This text in Psalms 91:1 for example refers to “living under the shadow of The Almighty.” By mentioning this “secret place” and by being in the secret place, it has to refer to a person who trusts in God. The one who lives close to Him. The one who lives “under the shadow.”
The title in Psalms 91:1 of “Most High” emphasizes God’s majesty (Psalms 92:1) and is parallel to the term Almighty, a translation of the divine title Shaddai. Together the terms Most High and Shaddai speak of God as a mountain-like majesty, in whose presence there is a “secret place” or a shadow.
My refuge and my fortress may be rephrased as “my secure fortress,” for one example. And as evidenced by Solomon, when he answers: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in him will I trust,” (Psalms 91:2).
Many Bible versions also say for Psalms 91:1 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will REST in the shadow of the Almighty. “Rest in Christ is “the secret place” Psalms 91:1-2, similar to a soliloquy in which the believer states the blessedness of dwelling under God’s sheltering care, and encourages their heart to exercise personal faith; Psalms 91:3-8.
The assurance of a chorus of voices, which emphasize the safety of those who believe; Psalms 91:9, an exclamation in which the believer again expresses their resolve to exercise said personal faith; Psalms 91:9-13, the second assurance of a chorus of reassuring voices; Psalms 91:14-16, God’s ratification of the whole attitude and expressions of the psalmist and his friends.
Perhaps, this “secret place” is called “secret” simply because non-believers cannot see or understand such a thing unless they have that personal faith experience described as “dwelleth in the secret place” — (Psalms 27:5; Psalms 31:20) “Secret place” simply referring to that which denotes nearness to God. Such as do so abide or lodge secure or rest from assaults, and can well use the terms of trust in Psalms 91:2.
When my late wife died in my arms a little over two years ago now, one of our favorite caregivers texted me Psalms 91 and it was certainly appropriate to the occasion. “Yea, though I went through the “valley of the shadow” of death, I will fear no evil; For Jesus is with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Jesus was with me…I was “in the secret place” I was “under the shadow.” (Psalms 23:4) I was resting in Him.
Living “under the shadow,” dwelling in that “secret place,” that no others could see, I rest in Christ. I trust in Him all the way. Others looking at me then would think “Oh that poor fellow.” Yet, when my loved one drew her last breath while I was holding her in my arms, a great peace washed over me, I was filled with The Holy Spirit, and there were no tears that night. I just knew that everything went the way we had prayed, and that was such a great comfort. To the believer, the shadow is protection, opportunity. To the non believer, the shadow is a tragedy with no hope. And this is what makes it “secret.”
In the secret place of Your presence You hide them from the plots and conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter (pavilion) from the strife of tongues. (Psalms 31:20 AMP)
those that fear the Lord and trust in him; are therefore called his “hidden ones”, Psalms 83:3; these the Lord preserves in times of trouble and danger, and when his indignation is out against others. The Targum reads, “in the time of thine anger;” see Isa 26:20; the presence of God is their protection, he himself is a wall of fire round about them, his favor compasses them as a shield, and they are kept as in a garrison by his power; (see Psalms 91:1); protected “from the pride of man”, which otherwise would at once oppress, bear them down, and destroy them, Psalms 124:1
They concoct crafty schemes against Your people, And conspire together against Your hidden and precious ones. (Psalms 83:3), not hidden from the Lord, and unknown unto him, though. But from their enemies, and being unknown by them, the object of their hatred and persecution; but hidden by him as his jewels and peculiar treasure, which he takes care of; hidden under the shadow of his wings, in the secret of his presence and tabernacle, as in a pavilion; and therefore it was a daring piece of insolence in their enemies to attack them: so the life of saints is said to be hid with Christ in God, which denotes both its secrecy and safety; see Col 3:3
“For you died, and your life is now HIDDEN with Christ in God.”
To “think about the things of heaven” (Col 3:2) means to look at life from God’s perspective and to seek what he desires. This would certainly be the “secret place” where God’s people live “under the shadow.”
It was not on the cross only that Christ sacrificed Himself for humanity. As He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), every day’s experience was an outpouring of His life. In one way only could such a life be sustained. Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion with Him. To the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. {Ed 80.3}
Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion with Him. To the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. {HP 83.3}
Pray with humble hearts. Seek the Lord often in prayer. In the secret place, alone, the eye sees Jesus and the ear is opened to Jesus. You come forth from the secret place of prayer to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Temptations come, but you press closer and still closer to the side of Jesus and place your hand in His hand. Then you gain a rich experience, resting in His love and rejoicing in His mercy. The worries and perplexities and cares are gone, and you rejoice in Jesus Christ. The soul is quick to hear the Father’s voice, and you will commune with God. All criticism is banished, all judging of others has been expelled from the soul.{HP 86.4}
“God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us.” (Eph 3:20, NIrV)
christians badge
The Lord is waiting to manifest through His people, His amazing grace and power. But He desires that people who engage in His service will keep their minds directed to His glory. If we have time to worry every day then every day we should have time for reading the Word of God and for prayer. . . .
Individually we are to walk and talk with God; as did the prophets of old, and then the sacred influence of the gospel of Christ in all its preciousness will appear in our lives.
There is an eloquence far more powerful than the eloquence of words in the quiet, consistent life of a pure, true Christian. What a person is has far more influence than what they say. Some of us Christians so love to polish up our little doctrines, pet beliefs, and mantras whereby we judge others by, but they all fall flat, if we cannot practice what we preach. If we cannot, or will not, live the same way we tell others.
The officers who were sent to Jesus came back with the report that never man spoke as He spoke. (John 7:46) But the reason for this was that there never was any person ever who lived as Jesus lived. Had His life been other than it was, He could not have spoken as He did.
His words bore with them a convincing power, because they came from a heart pure and holy, full of love and sympathy, benevolence and truth. The soldiers could have stated that they failed to arrest Christ because of the danger of the crowd but they did not. Instead, they reported that Jesus was not like anyone they had ever heard speak. Because NO ONE had ever lived like Him.
It is our own character and experience that determine our influence upon others. I see this all the time in the little town where I live. In order to convince others of the power of Christ’s grace, we must know its power in our own hearts and lives. The gospel we present for the saving of souls must be the exact same gospel by which our own souls are saved. Only through a living faith in Christ as a personal Savior AND Lord is it possible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world such as we live in today. If we would draw others out of the swift-running current, our own feet must be firmly set upon the Rock, Christ Jesus.
The Badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of a person with God. By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character, the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. No one can be improved, saved, or helped, merely by intellect or argument alone. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.
Take the carefree birds as your example. Do you ever see them worry? They don’t grow their own food or put it in a storehouse for later. Yet God takes care of every one of them, feeding each of them from his love and goodness. Isn’t your life more precious to God than a bird? Be carefree in the care of God! (Luke 12:24, TPT)
singing birds
The Singing Of The Birds To Me
Last night I heard a bird singing in the rain The raindrop’s patter, imparting happy refrain Sending all the sweeter the comforting strain. As I watched the bird I thought when trouble comes Why should I stop singing?
Just beyond steep hill when morning sunshine floods shadowed world still? Birds singing in my tragedy with heart of cheer Making burdens lighter when there falls my tear Yes sweeter is the measure in the song I hold dear
My friend the bird I have learned your lesson today Listening to your music with your song that can say Storm-cloud darkens and now I know how I should pray. Singing sweetly from the branches and evergreen trees
Like the hungry soul who crying loudly on their knees Your song, my comfort, carried on the vexing breeze Singing bird rise in my heart in this clouded event Grant me this song in my fear to way of circumvent
May your peace and trust be the light of heaven sent
If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth” (Eccl 11:3).
I have often looked at birds in cages of the pet store, and thought of the happiness and joviality of heart which they seem to exhibit; and yet, if you were to forget to give them water, or if you were to fail to give them seed, how soon they would die! Perhaps the little creature has not enough to last it more than one day, but it goes on singing its tune, and leaves; all anxiety about the morrow to those whose business it is to care for it.
You would be ashamed to let your bird starve; and will your Heavenly Father let you, who are not his birds, but his children, starve? Oh, no!
“Your Father knows that you have need of these things.”
– by Light In The Clouds (all rights reserved worldwide
True, lasting peace, means so much more than some kind of flat-lining policy that is tooted from the steeples by the church rooster. “Harmony” so called is not peace. The peace that the world cannot give, under any circumstance, is something that needs strength and confidence.
“The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11)
Peace Of Christ
Most people desire both strength and confidence. Throughout history, God has revealed his power through many and various miracles, which I believe the Bible may have alluded to when it said: “Jesus presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”
Jesus promises to continue to reveal his power. True peace is true power. Power is what power does. Paul urged us to understand how great God’s power is (Eph 1:18-23). It takes a special kind of power to have true peace. To have the peace only Jesus can give. (John 14:27) The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to help us with our daily problems. When we feel weak and limited, there is no need to despair. Scripture tells us that God can give you strength. The same power that controls creation and raises the dead is available to you as we can also see in The Apostle’s prayer:
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” (Phil 3:10)
Jesus promised just before He ascended to Heaven, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
We have to concede, this kind of peace would need real power.
Jesus’ words show that the way to eternal life, though unseen in most of our dire circumstances, is totally secure. As secure as your trust in Jesus. Jesus has already prepared the way to eternal life. The only issue that may still be unsettled is your willingness to believe all that He has promised in all of His Word. The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is a confident assurance in any circumstance; with Christ’s peace, we have no need to fear the present or the future.
Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt, and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict. Jesus says he will give us that peace if we are willing to accept it from him. If your life is full of stress, allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace.
Don’t worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks for what you have. And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds. (Phil 4:6-7, ERV)
The consciousness of right-doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. All who are at peace with God have secured the most important requisite to health. The blessing of the Lord is life to the receiver.(S.T., 1882, No. 23).
“The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.” (Prov 10:22)
Imagine never worrying about anything! It seems like an impossibility; we all have worries on the job, in our homes, at school, even at Church and other places that are supposed to be “safe.” But Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray. If you have time to worry, you have time to pray.
“In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.” (Prov 14:26)
“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not,” (Isa 30:15)
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
The emphasis, in both peace and prayer here is on God’s will, not our will.
When we communicate with God, we don’t demand what we want; rather we discuss with him what he wants for us. If we align our prayers to his will, he will listen; and we can be certain that because Jesus listens, he will give us a definite answer. Answers to our prayers may include things such as “yes,” “no,” “maybe,” or “if.” But we all can start praying today with confidence!
Christ has said, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24). “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (John 14:13).
And the beloved John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, speaks with great plainness and assurance:
“If we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” (1 John 5:14, 15).
Then press your petition to the Father in the name of Jesus. God will always honor that name.
There is great peace that comes from doing what we know is right.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (Col 3:14-15)
The LORD God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it. But the LORD told him, “You may eat fruit from any tree in the garden…(Gen 2:15-16)
God’s reasons
When Adam and Eve sinned in The garden Of Eden, it wasnt simply because they doubted God’s Word. At the heart of the problem was the belief that they had enough wisdom in and of themselves, to decide what is good, what is right. They trusted to their own personal judgment, apart from God’s express Word to them personally. Whenever we are thus opposed to God’s Word, trouble will surely ensue. We will always open up ourselves to all sorts of problems
From the outset, people in today,s world can run with one of two choices in life. Interpret our life task as being responsible to society or as being responsible to our own conscience.
A good conscience in work clothes might for example show loving parents who long to protect their children from the pains of being in this world. But wise parents also know the danger of over-protection. They know that the freedom to choose is at the very heart of what it means to be human, and that a world without choice would be by far, worse than a world without pain. Imagine a world populated by people who could make wrong choices without feeling the pain of said choices. No one is more dangerous than the liar, thief, or killer who does not feel the harm or the pain that they are causing.
What is called self-actualization today is not an attainable goal for anyone, no matter what Maslow or anyone else says. For the simple reason that the more one would strive for it, the more they would be sure to miss it. Perhaps, no one can really change some situations that are causing their sufferings. We can still choose our attitude. Our response. For example, I did not choose to get 50% of my body burned, but I did choose to never let those burns and subsequent pain and surgery break me.
In verity, Jesus has always proffered “free choice” to us, just as He did with the first pair in Eden. The Lord has said:
“…choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)
God gave Adam and Eve responsibility and choice for The Garden and told them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Rather than physically preventing them both from eating, God gave them a choice and, thus, the possibility of choosing wrongly. God still gives us choices, and we, too, often choose wrong. These wrong choices may cause us pain, but they can help us learn and grow and make better choices in the future. Living with the consequences of our choices teaches us to think and choose more carefully.
“Look! I have set before you today life and prosperity on the one hand, and death and disaster on the other. (Jer 30:15)
Another Bible story, about Saul, also describes for us the path to self-reliance and the trouble that always follows. Samuel anointed Saul as King (1 Sam 10:1), and then he gave Saul specific instructions, (1 Sam 10:8), but Saul chose to disobey. (1 Sam 13:1-14) outlines what Saul did that led to his own downfall. There were three steps taken that led to his downfall. Each one might seem like a little thing, but because they were all taken independently of God, they led to major trouble.
1) Saul said “I saw.” meaning the scattering of his troops and Samuel’s absence. (1 Sam 13:11). Saul was under pressure and he evaluated with his own eyes and understanding what was happening.
2) Saul moved from “I saw,” to “I said,” that the Phillistines would conquer them. (1 Sam 13:12). What Saul saw with his own eyes shaped what he had said or surmised, about the situation that was then at hand. (1 Sam 13;12)
3) Saul then moved from an “I said” to saying “I felt,” compelled to offer a sacrifice. (1 Sam 13:12) What Saul now was thinking in his own wisdom, was now shaping his feelings and his actions in response to said feelings.
We have all done this. Relied on our own human eyesight. Our own thinking and human wisdom, which will always lead us to rely on our own, very faulty human feelings and judgments. And the trouble begins as we act upon those feelings rather than God’s own, express word.
Decision, Choice to Be Based on Evidence.
It is not the plan of God to compel people to yield their wicked unbelief. Before them are light and darkness, truth and error. It is for them to decide which to accept. The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between right and wrong. God designs that we shall not decide from impulse, but from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture (Redemption: or the Miracles of Christ, pp. 112, 113).
There is no greater deception than for humanity to suppose that in any difficulty we can find a better guide than God, a wiser counselor in any emergency, a stronger defense under any circumstance (MS 66, 1898). {2BC 993.3}
Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. (Mat 8:25,26)
peace be still 2
Before anyone may enter upon His service, Jesus places before them the inevitable trials which they must meet, among which loneliness and homelessness loom in threatening and fear. See that in your heart Christ has a home. Where, however, there is lethargy, the Savior stirs the soul to follow Him. Do not mourn about the grave of the past; leave it and enter the life of resurrection and ascension.
Storms must sweep over all our lives. The Master’s sleep indicates the peace and security of His nature. What a contrast between our impatience and His infinite serenity! Our Lord was sure that the Father was with Him, John 8:29. Near though the enemy may be, the Father is nearer. The everlasting arms are beneath you. You are beset behind and before, but no boat can sink when Christ is on board.
Similarly, when they got out of this boat where Jesus was sleeping during the storm, they encountered another type of storm where two demoniacs were in a great tumult of thoughts and feelings. When Jesus cast out the devils in these men, they were thrown into the herd of swine nearby.
Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. (Mark 5:11,13
From the cliff the keepers of the swine had seen all that had occurred, and they hurried away to publish the news to their employers and to all the people. In fear and amazement the whole population flocked to meet Jesus. The two demoniacs had been the terror of the country. No one had been safe to pass the place where they were; for they would rush upon every traveler with the fury of demons. Now these men were clothed and in their right mind, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to His words, and glorifying the name of Him who had made them whole. But the people who beheld this wonderful scene did not rejoice. The loss of the swine seemed to them of greater moment than the deliverance of these captives of Satan. {DA 338.3}
It was in mercy to the owners of the swine that this loss had been permitted to come upon them. They were absorbed in earthly things, and cared not for the great interests of spiritual life. Jesus desired to break the spell of selfish indifference, that they might accept His grace. But regret and indignation for their temporal loss blinded their eyes to the Savior’s mercy. {DA 338.4}
The manifestation of supernatural power aroused the superstitions of the people, and excited their fears. Further calamities might follow from having this Stranger among them. They apprehended financial ruin, and determined to be freed from His presence. Those who had crossed the lake with Jesus told of all that had happened on the preceding night, of their peril in the tempest, and how the wind and the sea had been stilled. But their words were without effect. In terror the people thronged about Jesus, beseeching Him to depart from them, and He complied, taking ship at once for the opposite shore. {DA 339.1}
The people of Gergesa had before them the living evidence of Christ’s power and mercy. They saw the men who had been restored to reason; but they were so fearful of endangering their earthly interests that He who had vanquished the prince of darkness before their eyes was treated as an intruder, and the Gift of heaven was turned from their doors. We have not the opportunity of turning from the person of Christ as had the Gergesenes; but still there are many who refuse to obey His word, because obedience would involve the sacrifice of some worldly interest. Lest His presence shall cause them pecuniary loss, many reject His grace, and drive His Spirit from them. {DA 339.2}
But far different was the feeling of the restored demoniacs. They desired the company of their deliverer. In His presence they felt secure from the demons that had tormented their lives and wasted their manhood. As Jesus was about to enter the boat, they kept close to His side, knelt at His feet, and begged Him to keep them near Him, where they might ever listen to His words. But Jesus bade them go home and tell what great things the Lord had done for them. {DA 339.3}
Here was a work for them to do,–to go to a heathen home, and tell of the blessing they had received from Jesus. It was hard for them to be separated from the Savior. Great difficulties were sure to beset them in association with their heathen countrymen. And their long isolation from society seemed to have disqualified them for the work He had indicated. But as soon as Jesus pointed out their duty they were ready to obey. Not only did they tell their own households and neighbors about Jesus, but they went throughout Decapolis, everywhere declaring His power to save, and describing how He had freed them from the demons. In doing this work they could receive a greater blessing than if, merely for benefit to themselves, they had remained in His presence. It is in working to spread the good news of salvation that we are brought near to the Savior. {DA 339.4}
The two restored demoniacs were the first missionaries whom Christ sent to preach the gospel in the region of Decapolis. For a few moments only these men had been privileged to hear the teachings of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the power of Christ.
This is what everyone can do whose heart has been touched by the grace of God. John, the beloved disciple, wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.” 1 John 1:1,2,3.
As witnesses for Christ, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt. If we have been following Jesus step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of the grace of Christ. This is the witness for which our Lord calls, and for want of which the world is perishing. {DA 340.1}
Though the people of Gergesa had not received Jesus, He did not leave them to the darkness they had chosen. When they bade Him depart from them, they had not heard His words. They were ignorant of that which they were rejecting. Therefore He again sent the light to them, and by those to whom they would not refuse to listen. {DA 340.2}
In causing the destruction of the swine, it was Satan’s purpose to turn the people away from the Savior, and prevent the preaching of the gospel in that region. But this very occurrence roused the whole country as nothing else could have done, and directed attention to Christ. Though the Savior Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power. Those who had been mediums of the prince of darkness became channels of light, messengers of the Son of God. Men marveled as they listened to the wondrous news. A door was opened to the gospel throughout that region. When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days, not merely the inhabitants of one town, but thousands from all the surrounding region, heard the message of salvation. Even the power of demons is under the control of our Savior, and the working of evil is overruled for good. {DA 340.3}
The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched beings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction. Satan’s influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul.
Whenever men reject the Savior’s invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worse and worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result. The only safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus.
Before men and angels Satan has been revealed as man’s enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man’s friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. He has called us “to the obtaining of the glory”–character–“of our Lord Jesus Christ;” has called us to be “conformed to the image of His Son.” 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 8:29. {DA 341.1}
And souls that have been degraded into instruments of Satan are still through the power of Christ transformed into messengers of righteousness, and sent forth by the Son of God to tell what “great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” {DA 341.2}
Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
peace be still 1
How quick the Master was to observe the meaning of natural symbols! To Him all things were unfoldings of eternal mystery, and the ways of people unconsciously mirrored the unseen. Are there bushels in your life? Use them as lamp stands, not as coverings.
All secrets come out; beware of what you say. All measures come back to us; take care how you mete.
The mysterious co-operation of God in nature, and the gradual process of growth, are analogous to the co-working of the Holy Spirit with all faithful sowers of the Word, and the imperceptible stages through which the soul reaches maturity.
Sadly, whenever people reject the Savior’s invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. Ignoring the express invitation of Jesus.
It had been an eventful day in the life of Jesus. Beside the Sea of Galilee He had spoken His first parables, by familiar illustrations again explaining to the people the nature of His kingdom and the manner in which it was to be established. He had likened His own work to that of the sower; the development of His kingdom to the growth of the mustard seed and the effect of leaven in the measure of meal. The great final separation of the righteous and the wicked He had pictured in the parables of the wheat and tares and the fishing net. The exceeding preciousness of the truths He taught had been illustrated by the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, while in the parable of the householder He taught His disciples how they were to labor as His representatives. {DA 333.1}
All day He had been teaching and healing; and as evening came on the crowds still pressed upon Him. Day after day He had ministered to them, scarcely pausing for food or rest. The malicious criticism and misrepresentation with which the Pharisees constantly pursued Him made His labors much more severe and harassing; and now the close of the day found Him so utterly wearied that He determined to seek retirement in some solitary place across the lake. {DA 333.2}
The eastern shore of Gennesaret was not uninhabited, for there were towns here and there beside the lake; yet it was a desolate region when compared with the western side. It contained a population more heathen than Jewish, and had little communication with Galilee. Thus it offered Jesus the seclusion He sought, and He now bade His disciples accompany Him thither. {DA 333.3}
After He had dismissed the multitude, they took Him, even “as He was,” into the boat, and hastily set off. But they were not to depart alone. There were other fishing boats lying near the shore, and these were quickly crowded with people who followed Jesus, eager still to see and hear Him. {DA 334.1}
The Savior was at last relieved from the pressure of the multitude, and, overcome with weariness and hunger, He lay down in the stern of the boat, and soon fell asleep. The evening had been calm and pleasant, and quiet rested upon the lake; but suddenly darkness overspread the sky, the wind swept wildly down the mountain gorges along the eastern shore, and a fierce tempest burst upon the lake. {DA 334.2}
The sun had set, and the blackness of night settled down upon the stormy sea. The waves, lashed into fury by the howling winds, dashed fiercely over the disciples’ boat, and threatened to engulf it. Those hardy fishermen had spent their lives upon the lake, and had guided their craft safely through many a storm; but now their strength and skill availed nothing. They were helpless in the grasp of the tempest, and hope failed them as they saw that their boat was filling. {DA 334.3}
Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing their labor vain and only death before them, they remembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only hope. In their helplessness and despair they cried, “Master, Master!” But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight. Their voices were drowned by the roaring of the tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them. Had Jesus forsaken them? Was He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was He unmindful of them in their distress? {DA 334.4}
Again they call, but there is no answer except the shrieking of the angry blast. Already their boat is sinking. A moment, and apparently they will be swallowed up by the hungry waters. {DA 334.5}
Suddenly a flash of lightning pierces the darkness, and they see Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In amazement and despair they exclaim, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” How can He rest so peacefully, while they are in danger and battling with death? {DA 334.6}
Their cry arouses Jesus. As the lightning’s glare reveals Him, they see the peace of heaven in His face; they read in His glance self-forgetful, tender love, and, their hearts turning to Him, cry, “Lord, save us: we perish.” {DA 335.1}
Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasp their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rises. He stands in the midst of His disciples, while the tempest rages, the waves break over them, and the lightning illuminates His countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in deeds of mercy, and says to the angry sea, “Peace, be still.” {DA 335.2}
The storm ceases. The billows sink to rest. The clouds roll away, and the stars shine forth. The boat rests upon a quiet sea. Then turning to His disciples, Jesus asks sorrowfully, “Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?” Mark 4:40, R.V. {DA 335.3}
A hush fell upon the disciples. Even Peter did not attempt to express the awe that filled his heart. The boats that had set out to accompany Jesus had been in the same peril with that of the disciples. Terror and despair had seized their occupants; but the command of Jesus brought quiet to the scene of tumult. The fury of the storm had driven the boats into close proximity, and all on board beheld the miracle. In the calm that followed, fear was forgotten. The people whispered among themselves, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” {DA 335.4}
When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. There was no trace of fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of almighty power. It was not as the “Master of earth and sea and sky” that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down, and He says, “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. He trusted in the Father’s might. It was in faith–faith in God’s love and care–that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God. {DA 336.1}
As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Savior. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help. {DA 336.2}
How often the disciples’ experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Savior in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best. {DA 336.3}
There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. Every man’s experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture, “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21. Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm.
But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, “Lord, save us,” will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Psalm 107:29, 30. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Romans 5:1; Isaiah 32:17. {DA 336.4}
In the early morning the Savior and His companions came to shore, and the light of the rising sun touched sea and land as with the benediction of peace. But no sooner had they stepped upon the beach than their eyes were greeted by a sight more terrible than the fury of the tempest. From some hiding place among the tombs, two madmen rushed upon them as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about these men were parts of chains which they had broken in escaping from confinement. Their flesh was torn and bleeding where they had cut themselves with sharp stones. Their eyes glared out from their long and matted hair, the very likeness of humanity seemed to have been blotted out by the demons that possessed them, and they looked more like wild beasts than like men. {DA 337.1}
The disciples and their companions fled in terror; but presently they noticed that Jesus was not with them, and they turned to look for Him. He was standing where they had left Him. He who had stilled the tempest, who had before met Satan and conquered him, did not flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth, and foaming at the mouth, approached Him, Jesus raised that hand which had beckoned the waves to rest, and the men could come no nearer. They stood raging but helpless before Him. {DA 337.2}
With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them. His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men. They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the tormenting demons. They fell at the Savior’s feet to worship Him; but when their lips were opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying vehemently, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.” {DA 337.3}
Jesus asked, “What is thy name?” And the answer was, “My name is Legion: for we are many.” Using the afflicted men as mediums of communication, they besought Jesus not to send them out of the country. Upon a mountainside not far distant a great herd of swine was feeding. Into these the demons asked to be allowed to enter, and Jesus suffered them. Immediately a panic seized the herd. They rushed madly down the cliff, and, unable to check themselves upon the shore, plunged into the lake, and perished. {DA 338.1}
Meanwhile a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs. Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelligence. The countenances, so long deformed into the image of Satan, became suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands were quiet, and with glad voices the men praised God for their deliverance. {DA 338.2}
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. (John 6:12,13)
gather up fragments
Jesus often tests us to see what we shall say and do in the presence of overwhelming difficulty, but He always knows the way out. We at once begin to calculate our paltry resources, and to confess their inadequacy. We come back to explain that when we have done our utmost, we can provide very little.
Then He steps in, determined that everyone shall be filled, with an ample supply left over. He makes His guests sit down in comfort on the grass, because there is plenty of time, as well as an abundance of food, for a happy and comfortable meal. We must bring Him what we have, however slender; must enter into His great plan and arrange the people for the banquet; must distribute the food and gather up the broken pieces. The world is to be fed by the cooperation of Christ and His Church.
The disciples finally came to Jesus, urging that for their own sake the people should be sent away. Many had come from far, and had eaten nothing since morning. In the surrounding towns and villages they might be able to buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat,” and then, turning to Philip, questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” This He said to test the faith of the disciple. Philip looked over the sea of heads, and thought how impossible it would be to provide food to satisfy the wants of such a crowd. He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be nearly enough to divide among them, so that each might have a little.
Jesus inquired how much food could be found among the company. “There is a lad here,” said Andrew, “which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many?” Jesus directed that these be brought to Him. Then He bade the disciples seat the people on the grass in parties of fifty or a hundred, to preserve order, and that all might witness what He was about to do.
When this was accomplished, Jesus took the food, “and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” “And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.” {DA 365.3}
He who taught the people the way to secure peace and happiness was just as thoughtful of their temporal necessities as of their spiritual need. The people were weary and faint. There were mothers with babes in their arms, and little children clinging to their skirts. Many had been standing for hours. They had been so intensely interested in Christ’s words that they had not once thought of sitting down, and the crowd was so great that there was danger of their trampling on one another. Jesus would give them a chance to rest, and He bade them sit down. There was much grass in the place, and all could rest in comfort. {DA 365.4}
Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine necessity, and every miracle was of a character to lead the person to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Jesus said there would be miracles manifested for the express purpose of deceiving of “the very elect,” and so we must examine closely Gods Word to see what Jesus, the Judge of all would say about miracles we may witness.
According to the everlasting gospel, there is hope amongst the fragments. John 6:12. If your heart has been broken by grief, by worry, by fear, by pain, or by suffering, or by someone doing you dirt, or by loved ones dying, or by anything else, God’s desire is that we just make art with all those pieces. Make something beautiful out of all those little pieces of your darkest times. We are born of the anguish we bear, and we are to turn all of our grief, our tears, our clouds, into the love that we want to give. Only then, when we give what we want to receive, are we truly “the children of God.” (Mat 5:9).
“To them that received Him, gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God.” (John 1:12)
And Jesus said “gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost.” (John 6:12)
Many of us have made ship-wreck of our faith, all of us have done wrong and been wronged. (Rom 3:23) But all of us have some fragments of faith that still live in us. (Rom 12:3). And it is our job as Christians to identify with people, in the same ways that Jesus did, for the purpose of gathering up those little shreds and fragments of people’s faith that remain and to come alongside them in the love of Christ, so that NOTHING be lost.”
Scripture tells us that “…they gathered them up, and they filled twelve large baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten…” (John 6:13). Jesus fed huge crowds of people with those tiny fragments He was talking about!
As Christians, we need to find those fragments of faith in others, and use them to build upon Christ, our Solid Rock.
“Behold, I have set before thee an open door.” (Rev 3:8)
The Fathers Love reflected
Let us thank God with heart and soul and voice; and let us learn to approach unto Him as through an open door, believing that we may come freely with our petitions, and that He will hear and answer. It is by a living faith in His power to help, that we shall receive strength to fight the battles of the Lord with the confdent assurance of victory.
Those who are seeking to be faithful to God may be denied many of the privileges of the world; their way may be hedged up and their work hindered by the enemies of truth; but there is no power that can close the door of communication between God and their souls. The Christian may close this door by indulgence in sin, or by rejection of heaven’s light. They may turn away their ears from hearing the message of truth, and in this way sever the connection between God and their own soul.
Every day we have the precious privilege of connecting ourselves with Christ, who has set before us an open door. All heaven is at our command. If we are obedient children of God, we may draw daily supplies of grace. Whatever temptations, trials, or persecutions may come upon us, we need not be discouraged.
Neither humanity nor Satan can close the door which Christ has opened for us. Jesus said
“no human can shut it…” (Rev 3:8)
Friends, our youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptations which gather over the soul. The true expression of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words and the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ’s love. If we would show an interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly turn their steps into the upward path.{AH 449.2}
Whenever we are tempted, if we feel we have sunken as low as we can get, when we are in the crowded Church yet feel stark and alone, wherever rejection and disappointment are clouding our way, we have this open door to behold. No power can hide from us the light of the glory which shines from the threshold of heaven along the whole length of the ladder we are to climb; for the Lord has given us strength in His strength, courage in His courage, light in His light.
When the powers of darkness are overcome, when the light of the glory of God floods the world, we shall see and understand more clearly than we do today. If we only realized that the glory of God is round about us, that heaven is nearer earth than we suppose, we should have a heaven in our homes while preparing for the heaven above.
There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all alliance with the things that lead them away from God. The members of the church need now to confess their back slidings, and press together. My brethren and sisters, allow nothing to come in that will separate you from one another and from God.
Stop the intense focus on differences of opinion, but unite in the love of the truth as it is in Jesus. Come before God and plead the shed blood of the Savior as a reason that you should receive help in the warfare against evil. I assure you that you will not plead in vain. As you draw near to God, with heartfelt contrition and in full assurance of faith, the enemy who seeks to destroy you will be overcome by the Holy Spirit of The Living God.
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)
Pious Jews considered all non-Jews (Gentiles) ceremonially unclean. They thought of themselves as pure and clean because of their national heritage and religious ceremonies. Paul pointed out that Jews and Gentiles alike were unclean before God and needed to be cleansed by Christ. In order to realize how great a gift salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition. Have you ever felt separate, excluded, hopeless? This verse is for you. No one is alienated from Christ’s love or from the body of believers.
Jews and Gentiles alike could be guilty of spiritual pride — Jews for thinking their faith and traditions elevated them above everyone else, Gentiles for trusting in their achievements, power, or position. Spiritual pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others. Be careful not to become proud of your salvation. Instead, humbly thank God for what he has done, and encourage others who might be struggling in their faith.
Before Christ’s coming, Gentiles and Jews kept apart from one another. Jews considered Gentiles beyond God’s saving power and therefore without hope. Gentiles resented Jewish claims. Christ revealed the total sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles, and then he offered his salvation to both. Only Christ breaks down the walls of prejudice, reconciles all believers to God, and unifies us in one body.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'(Acts 2:21)
Peter quoted this passage (see Acts 2:16-21); the outpouring of the Spirit predicted by Joel occurred on Pentecost. While in the past God’s Spirit seemed available to kings, prophets, and judges, Joel envisioned a time when the Spirit would be available to every believer. Ezekiel also spoke of an outpouring of the Spirit (Ezekiel 39:28-29). God’s Spirit is available today to anyone who calls on the Lord for salvation
“After that, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will have dreams. Your young men will have visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit on those who serve me, men and women alike. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth. There will be blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark. The moon will turn red like blood. It will happen before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. Everyone who calls out to me will be saved. On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem some of my people will be left alive. I have chosen them. That is what I have promised. (Joel 2:28-32,NIrV)
