devotional – Page 22 – Light In The Clouds

A More Sure Word Of Prophecy

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It is important for you to understand what will happen in the last days. People will laugh at you. They will live following the evil they want to do.They will say, “Jesus promised to come again. Where is he? Our fathers have died, but the world continues the way it has been since it was made.” (2 Pet 3:3-4)

Bible prophecy is much more than just “predictions.” Prophecy takes us through past ages, and reflects upon the progression of sin and righteousness and justice and injustice. And yet, prophecy is not just “history” so called. Bible prophecy is “H.I.S. S.T.O.R.Y.” Prophecy is the story of Jesus. His life, His death, His resurrection, and His intercession for us now, in heaven. (Heb 7:25)

One verse that is somewhat blunt puts it like this when talking about the state of the world today, and how so many are cringing in fear at the slightest whisper of the word virus:

“…as for our iniquities, we know them; In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. (Isa 59:12-14)

Our world today is something akin to a ripe fruit, ready to be harvested. Jesus is coming back to put an end to the long sad history of sin and to build up His kingdom of righteousness. Jesus is coming to take you home. Jesus is coming to tell you that He has never lost hope in seeing you safe with Him for all eternity. And this is the grand purpose of Bible prophecy. In the midst of all the world’s turmoil; God’s people need to say with belief:

You were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, that spotless and innocent lamb. Christ was chosen even before the world was created, but because of you, he did not come until these last days. And when he did come, it was to lead you to have faith in God, who raised him from death and honored him in a glorious way. That’s why you have put your faith and hope in God. (1 Pet 1:19-21)

You were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, that spotless and innocent Lamb. Christ was chosen even before the world was created, (the everlasting gospel, Rev 14:6-7) but because of you, he did not come until these last days. And when he did come, it was to lead you to have faith in God, who raised him from death and honored him in a glorious way. That’s why you have put your faith and hope in God. You obeyed the truth, and your souls were made pure. Now you sincerely love each other. But you must keep on loving with all your heart. Do this because God has given you new birth by his message that lives on forever. The Scriptures say, “Humans wither like grass, and their glory fades like wild flowers. Grass dries up, and flowers fall to the ground. But what the Lord has said will stand forever.” Our good news to you is what the Lord has said. (1 Pet 1:19-25, CEV)

This article does not solve all the problems or riddles of Bible prophecy: it does not profess to know everything. But it will point us in the right direction. Let us continue into study of the vital subject of Bible prophecy of the second coming with open hearts. Prophecy is described in scripture as “the sure word” and as “a light in a dark place.”

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts (2 Pet 1:19)

Students of the Bible realize the vast importance of having correct views about those prophecies which still remain unfulfilled. What will the future be like? Can we know what sort of a world we shall be living in tomorrow? Or is there to be any tomorrow? So discordant are the voices of those who claim to know what the prophecies of the Bible predict, that the average person is tempted to say, with the perplexed and despairing Jewish exiles of the Babylonian captivity:

“We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet neither is there among us any that knows how long.” (Psalm 74:9).

Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (2 Pet 3:3,4)

It is the strongest part of faith to believe that God is still in His heaven, even though all is not right with the world, and to believe that He must have revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures the real truth about the world’s future.

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near. A star shall come forth from [the descendants of] Jacob, A scepter shall rise out of [the descendants of] Israel And shall crush the forehead of Moab And destroy all the sons of Sheth. (Num 24:17).

“Again Isaiah says, “THERE SHALL BE A ROOT OF JESSE, HE WHO ARISES TO RULE [as King] OVER THE GENTILES, IN HIM SHALL THE GENTILES HOPE.” (Rom 15:12). (Mat 2:2)

Sometimes it can be very challenging to sift through all the stuff we keep calling “prophecy,” because there are many voices crying out for recognition and favor; yet the only real Light in the world is Jesus. “When Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12).

All prophecy, being described as “a light in a dark place” has to be about Jesus. And only Jesus. And Jesus told us who believe today that we are also :the light of the world,” (Mat 5:14), so Gods children are also a part of this Light that the world sees. “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; (Mat 5:14). “For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!” (Rom 8:18) As Paul puts it “Christ in you, THE hope in glory.” (Col 1:27)

While many look at prophecy as just a lesson in largely secular history, or cherry-picked Bible tidbits from their denominated religion or church, the Bible simply declares all prophecy, in it’s intended bearings, IS about Jesus. Prophecy is not history; but rather, HIS-Story. There are many places in both Old or New Testaments to tell us this.

We could filter this all down to the lowest common denominator and simply say that when searching the scriptures, we must acknowledge that the most important and timely prophecy must be always centered around “Christ and Him crucified.” (Gal 4:4) ALL other truths are invested with Power and Influence, according to their relation to this theme. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13, etc). All prophecy has to be about Jesus. Bible Prophecy is HIS-STORY as reflected more by Old Testament prophets than New Testament writers at times!

“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King (Messianic King) is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble and unassuming [in submission to the will of the Father] and riding on a donkey, Upon a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zech 9:9).

We see here in Scripture that the triumphal entry of Jesus riding into Jerusalem (Mat 21:1-11) was predicted here more than 500 years before it happened. Just as this prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus came to earth, so the prophecies of his second coming are just as certain to come true. We are to be ready for his return, for he is coming!

“BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes (nations) of the earth will mourn over Him [realizing their sin and guilt, and anticipating the coming wrath]. So it is to be. Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].” (Rev 1:7-8, AMP).

“I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, on the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. “And to Him (the Messiah) was given dominion (supreme authority), Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and speakers of every language Should serve and worship Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed. (Dan 7:13-14)

Now, THAT is “the everlasting gospel” of Rev 14:6-12! The “everlasting gospel” is about this everlasting kingdom!

Then I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, with an eternal gospel to preach to the inhabitants of the earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people; (Rev 14:6)

The “warning” part of this message is seen in many places of Scripture; and there is a short passage in Galatians that sums it up very well. Christians today who want to know and make known Bible truth will be able to relate to what Paul stated in Galatians:

I am astonished and extremely irritated that you are so quickly shifting your allegiance and deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different [even contrary] gospel; which is really not another [gospel]; but there are [obviously] some [people masquerading as teachers] who are disturbing and confusing you [with a misleading, counterfeit teaching] and want to distort the gospel of Christ [twisting it into something which it absolutely is not]. (Gal 1:6-7, AMP).

This is obviously the same warning as in the text of Rev 14: “Then another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality [corrupting them with idolatry].” “Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “Whoever worships the beast and his image and receives the mark [of the beast] on his forehead or on his hand,” (Rev 14:8-9). Isaiah prophesies a very similar message: “”Now look! Here comes a troop of riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one said, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon; And all the carved images of her gods are shattered on the ground.” (Isa 21:9).

Prophecies in Daniel also concur with the book of Revelation’s fourteenth chapter: “The king said thoughtfully, ‘Is not this the great Babylon which I myself have built as the royal residence and seat of government by the might of my power and for the honor and glory of my majesty?’ While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came [as if falling] from heaven, saying, ‘O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: “The kingdom has been removed from you, (Dan 4:30-31)

We need to realize that salvation is taught not only in the gospels but also in the prophecies. The author has endeavored to make clear the vitally important truth that the true interpretation of the prophecies illustrates how salvation is accomplished, and also strengthens the soul to resist sin, by spelling out exactly what sin is. As the Word of God is the “seed” which, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, generates the new life (1 Peter 1: 23), that life is revived and strengthened as often as the Word of God is read and received into the soul (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

The “new person” (Colossians 3:10, 2 Cor 5:17, etc.) lives and grows “by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18). In purifying the life (1 Peter 1:22) and building up the soul (Acts 20:32), the Savior emphasizes the necessity of heeding “every word” of the Holy Scriptures (Matthew 4:4).

Our enemy seeks to render ineffective to students of the Bible the life-giving energy contained in certain important prophecies of Holy Writ. He does this by means of erroneous interpretations. Conversely, Jesus not only says “Search the Scriptures” (John 5:39), but He also inquires: “How reads thou?” (Luke 10:26). God wants us to “reason together with Him. (Isa 1:18)

By erroneous interpretations it is possible to “add unto” or “take away from” the Word of God, against which we are explicitly warned (Revelation 22:18,19). But God invites us to reason with Him, to ask Him what he thinks about our ideas and God always answers with Scripture. (Rom 4:3, Mat 4:4)

If you want real-time, real-life Bible prophecy, turn your eyes on Jesus! Not the internet, or fancy sermons by denominated preachers or priests who want to show and tell all of their doctrinal carrots to deceive people. To attract people into their church. The Bible warns us that

“…people shall arise from your own selves, speaking perverse things in order to draw disciples away after them.” (Acts 20:30).

I recall some years ago being approached by a coworker. They wanted to speak to me privately, so we went into the utility room. They said to me “You look like you are a Christian? My Mom is dying of cancer and she is very frightened. Can you please come out and read the Bible to her?”

I was very surprised to hear this person say

“you look like you are a Christian.”

Well, how did they know? I never once mentioned anything Bible at that place because it was a work setting and I knew I had to be sensitive to others who would not appreciate the gospel. But still, Jesus was seen in me somehow, and I did go to read the Bible to that person for several months whenever I could. As some of the family were gathered round the sick bed with me, we would join hands and sing their favorite hymns. Everyone there was decidedly a Christian because Jesus was present in a miraculous way, and that lady did die unafraid. In fact, she told us just before she died: “God just walked in the room.” And the person who originally asked me to come out, not only became a Christian but they ended up going back to school and became a Pastor. (Jer 3:15).

The New Testament shows how Jesus brought fulfillment to the Old Testament prophecies. In the unfolding of the Gospel, the New Testament employs 1500 quotations of sentences and phrases from the Old Testament Scriptures. The first verse of Matthew shows one of the main reasons for the writing of the book of Matthew and the New Testament; namely, to show the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies in Jesus and His work of salvation:

Through Jesus the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies is made certain. (See 2 Corinthians 1:20; Acts 13:27-37) The book of Matthew contains 99 direct references to the Old Testament Scriptures. Nine times he employed the formula, “That it might be fulfilled” (see Matthew 1:22,23; Mat 2:15,17,23,etc.), and at other times he referred to the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, saying: “For thus it is written by the prophet” (Matthew 2:5); “Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by the prophet” (Matthew 27:9); “But all this was done, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled” (Matthew 26:56); “For it is written” (Matthew 26:31, etc.).

Thus Matthew illustrates the burden of the writers of the New Testament to show that Jesus’ birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and the development of His church and her work, all fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. The first words we read in Matthew’s Gospel direct our minds back to the prophecies which were given to David and Abraham. While Solomon was the son who sat upon David’s throne in the days immediately following the prediction, the longer and the real fulfillment is to be fulfilled by “a greater than Solomon” (Matthew 12:42). The peacefulness and the wisdom of the earlier part of Solomon’s reign when people came from afar to learn of him, find their larger application in Christ. David was to have a son who would sit upon his throne (2 Samuel 7:12,13,16; Luke 1:32,33).

At Pentecost the disciples of Jesus were united in Peter’s interpretation because he made his declaration “standing up with the eleven” (Acts 2:14). Their present spiritual application of the kingdom prophecies (which the Jews applied only in a strictly literal sense in relation to the future) made the Old Testament a new and a living book for them and their hearers. No longer was it a book containing dry records of the past, and future blessings which were unrelated to the present, but a Book containing a past and a future which lived in the present-a living book vibrant with messages from a living Christ. Not only were “many infallible proofs” (Acts 1:3) afforded by the Old Testament itself, but the living Christ by his ever-present Spirit gave an experience in harmony with the interpretation. “In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world.” (John 1:4, ERV)

The New Testament teaching is clear that, since the rejection of the Jewish nation, the church is now the “temple” in which Christ by His Spirit reigns. “The man of sin”-the counterfeit king-who was to sit “in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3,4) is one of the world’s most popular churches – a professedly Christian church that claims to rule all of the worlds religions.

Futurists-whether Papal or supposedly Protestant apply this prophecy in connection with a literal temple yet to be built in literal Jerusalem by an enemy of the literal Jews. Futurism fails to see the righteous/moral purpose of the prophecies concerning “the temple of God” referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4, and in other temple prophecies such as described in Ezekiel 40-48 and in Revelation 11:1. By applying these prophecies literally in relation to the future and Palestine, they fail to understand the present moral purpose for which they were given. Jesus even said “If you destroy this temple, I will raise it up again on the third day.” (John 2:19)

There is a place in heaven for you (John 14:1-2) and Jesus thinks that Heaven will not be the same without you in it. To Jesus you are precious (Isa 43:4, James 5:7) just as you are. (John 6:37). With all of your joys, sorrows, struggles, conflicts, your good points, your mistakes, yes. You are important to Jesus. So much so that:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever 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 hath 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. (John 3:16-19)

Bible prophecy tells us that Jesus is coming again to take you, to take us, home to be with Him forever

How can we be ready for that amazing day? Stay tuned for next weeks message to find out!

No Condemnation! No Fear!

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Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1)

In this one verse we find the power and virtue of the Gospel scheme; it pardons and sanctifies. By faith in our Lord Jesus Christ the penitent, condemned by the law, is pardoned; the carnal person, laboring under the overpowering influence of the sin of their nature, is sanctified. They are first freely justified; then they feel no condemnation; they are fully sanctified; they walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit.

“The other side, meaning in this case the anti vax side has now become like the pro vax side. Both sides are showing their true colors by representing with ulterior motives, commercial motives, for their party line dramas, using FEAR to convince their targets. Both sides are actively leading us down rabbit trails and crippled mentalities that only serve to get us off the Bible and onto anything else but. Its a clever trick to control the masses, ruin our health and steal our peace. But to find any real truth in it all, well that’s our big challenge.

We must get back to the Bible and stop letting these commercial entities control us. We must get back to the Bible alone, and not just the Bible alone, but what the Bible actually means by what it says to us. Psalms 110:105 tells us that God’s Word “is a Light unto our path,” and we can ill afford to let the anti vax side take the place of God’s everlasting gospel message for this time of the end that we are in now. But this is exactly whats happening in some of our churches now.

Speaking of Psalms 119:105, I had a long conversation recently with someone who loves God with all their heart but as they told it to me, they do not read the Bible at all. That comment surprised me and I couldn’t resist asking why. As we explored why they don’t read a Bible, it came out that my friend was actually afraid of the Bible. They are afraid to pick up a Bible and read it. Afraid of God’s Word because that’s what their church has taught them!

My heart sank for a moment because I know so many people who are so busy with either vax or anti vax that they no longer have time or energy to talk about Jesus or to have any conversation about the Bible anymore. They have no time or energy to seek out people like my friend who was so scared to even pick up a Bible, let alone to read it, and to teach them just how wonderful and how helpful God’s Word really is. These two sides are essentially one and the same now. Too busy with their pet causes now to even know for themselves how God’s Word can comfort, sustain, guide, and cheer. They have absorbed fully the FEAR factor that the devil loves to promote through mainstream media, and there is now no difference between the holy or the unholy with these people who have taken sides and let the issues at hand divide and conquer.

The devil loves FEAR as it pertains to False Evidence Appearing Real, and he is literally squealing and dancing for joy as he sees more and more of us fall for this trap. As long as they are not reading God’s Word he is happy. Both the vax and anti vax are now in full compliance with this big media FEAR tactic that they call “news.”

I am so happy though to see that my friend is now becoming very interested in God’s Word. After I started explaining Psalms 119: 105 and how God’s Word really does serve as a lamp unto our feet and a Light on our daily path, they were in tears, almost overwhelmed to know that they can read the Bible without being afraid and that they could look forward now to Gods comfort and guidance in their life. As I talked about this text, using my own personal testimony, I could literally see the hope and the conviction being written right across their face, and in their heart as we talked. My friend just said “Wow, I have never heard the Bible like that before.”

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1)

Rev 12:10-11 says that we overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. (about that blood in our own personal life). THAT is of a truth the only “preparation” that any Christian needs for the end times or the end of time when Jesus shall return on the clouds. (Rev 1:7) When will we start to accept that our preparation for the time of the end is ONLY by the blood of Christ and Him crucified. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13)

As I pen these words, I am sitting in the wilderness at night, in the dark, watching the stars for the right moments to photograph them and I keep thinking to myself “why can’t we all just shine like that in the darkness, the moral darkness that is stalking us all with vicious and startling intent? I see one particular star, brighter than all the others, and not even one of the millions of stars up there goes even a hairs width out of their appointed places, around that brightest star.

What a perfect reminder of how Gods people can always shine, as they “stand in their lot” (Dan 12:13) and shine in the ways and means that God has granted each one. “…they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Dan 12:3)

We each in our own sphere, have someone, that we can shine for. At this point I am reminded of how I told my friend who was scared of the Bible about the worlds shortest Adventist sermon. I was the one that preached that sermon at one of our churches down south a few years back. You see, in John 1:12 we are told how that “to them that received Him, gave He POWER to become the sons and daughters of God.” And we need only exercise said power, that is already ours.

Like my old Chrysler. It has enormous power! But that car will not go even an inch if I do not exercise its power! So I press the gas peddle. Now in that shortest sermon, there were only three words. “Love One Another.” My friends, THAT is our “gas peddle.” THAT is our POWER to become the sons and daughters of God! And in these end times, this is exactly what Jesus wants to give us all power to do! I mean what else are we, His adopted children to do but be this kind of example for the world to see Jesus in?

Well, of course there is more to this story. Much more. My friend and I were both in tears as we realized more than ever how simple, how wonderfully simple and simply wonderful the “everlasting gospel” of Rev 14 really is. My friend is asking me to go to their country now so that they can take me around to the different Catholic and Protestant churches there and preach about that shortest sermon.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1)

“Not guilty; let that person go free.”

What would those words mean to you if you were on death row?

The fact is that the whole human race is on death row, justly condemned for repeatedly breaking God’s holy law. Without Jesus we would have no hope at all. But thank God! He has declared us not guilty and has offered us freedom from sin and power to do his will.

Whoever is willing to do what God wants will know whether what I teach comes from God or whether I speak on my own authority. (John 7:17, GNB) This text says that if we are willing to do Gods will and to know the truth, whatever it may turn out to be, we need only be willing to do whatever His Word might reveal to us as we explore what it says.

Truth is imparted only to open hearts. God imparts the truth in accord with our ability, and our desire to receive it.

If we are willing to do as Jesus says; then we stand prepared in our hearts to fulfill whatever is revealed to us and witnessed to by God’s Spirit, through His Word alone. Live with your face toward the dawn, for though it tarry long it will certainly break. (Psalms 30:5)

Those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. (John 3:21)

Many people don’t want their lives exposed to God’s light because they are afraid of what will be revealed. They don’t want to be changed. Don’t be surprised when these same people, maybe pro vaxers, maybe anti vaxers, are threatened by your desire to obey God and do what is right, because they are afraid that the light in you may expose some of the darkness in their lives. They want you to be afraid like them. Rather than giving in to discouragement, keep praying that they will come to see how much better it is to live in light than in darkness.

Faith in the gospel does not come by logic, but as the result of obeying the highest truth that you know. Follow on and your path will lead you out to where Jesus stands, the revealed Son of God and the Savior of men.

Accumulated light has shone upon God’s people, but many have neglected to follow the light, and for this reason they are in a state of great spiritual weakness. It is not for lack of knowledge that God’s people are now perishing. They will not be condemned because they do not know the way, the truth, and the life. The truth that has reached their understanding, the light which has shone on the soul, but which has been neglected or refused, will condemn them. Those who never had the light to reject, will not be in condemnation. What more could have been done for God’s vineyard than has been done? Light, precious light, shines upon God’s people; but it will not save them, unless they consent to be saved by it, fully live up to it, and transmit it to others in darkness. (2T 123)

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:15-18)

When are afraid of the future, eternity, or God’s judgment, we can remind ourselves of God’s love. We know that he loves us perfectly. We can resolve our fears first by focusing on his immeasurable love for us, and then by allowing him to love others through us. His love will quiet your fears and give you confidence.

Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms: persecution, illness, imprisonment, and even death. These sometimes cause them to fear that they have been abandoned by Christ. But Paul exclaims that it is impossible to be separated from Christ. His death for us is proof of his unconquerable love. Nothing can separate us from Christ’s presence. God tells us how great his love is so that we will feel totally secure in him. If we believe these overwhelming assurances, we will not be afraid.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:38-39)

If you would secure the grand object and purpose of life without mistake in your choice or fear of failure, you must make God first and last and best in every plan and work and thought. If you want a path that leads straight into darkness, you have only to cast the light of God behind you, live without God. When God points out your path and says, “This is your way of safety and peace,” you have only to set your face in an opposite direction from the way of the Lord and your feet will take hold on hell. The voice of the Lamb of God is heard speaking to us, “Follow Me, and ye shall not walk in darkness.” {2SM 167.1}

In a vision, Christ told Paul that he had many people in Corinth. Sometimes we can feel alone or isolated, especially when we see wickedness all around us or are persecuted for our faith. Usually, however, there are others in the neighborhood or community who also follow Christ. Ask God to lead you to them. There is no fear in love – The person who feels that they love God with all his heart can never dread him as his Judge. As they are now made a partaker of his Spirit, and carry a sense of the Divine approbation in his conscience, they have nothing of that fear that produces terror or brings torment.

The perfect love – that fullness of love, which they have received, casts out fear – removes all terror relative to this day of judgment, for it is of this that the apostle particularly speaks. And as it is inconsistent with the gracious design of God to have his followers miserable, and as he cannot be unhappy whose heart is full of the love of his God, this love must necessarily exclude this fear or terror; because that brings torment, and hence is inconsistent with that happiness which a man must have who continually enjoys the approbation of his God.

John and Judas are representatives of those who profess to be Christ’s followers. Both these disciples had the same opportunities to study and follow the divine Pattern. Both were closely associated with Jesus and were privileged to listen to His teaching. Each possessed serious defects of character; and each had access to the divine grace that transforms character. But while one in humility was learning of Jesus, the other revealed that he was not a doer of the word, but a hearer only. One, daily dying to self and overcoming sin, was sanctified through the truth; the other, resisting the transforming power of grace and indulging selfish desires, was brought into bondage to Satan. {AA 558.1}

Such transformation of character as is seen in the life of John is ever the result of communion with Christ. There may be marked defects in the character of an individual, yet when he becomes a true disciple of Christ, the power of divine grace transforms and sanctifies him. Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, he is changed from glory to glory, until he is like Him whom he adores. {AA 559.1}

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Cor 5:13-17, NIV)

Now, the important thing is that your way of life should be as the gospel of Christ requires, so that, whether or not I am able to go and see you, I will hear that you are standing firm with one common purpose and that with only one desire you are fighting together for the faith of the gospel. (Phil 1:27)

Living without the FEAR promoted by Big media today means living for Christ now. When we express mature love toward one another and understand God’s love for us, we will experience assurance of salvation.

In this is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, that as He is, so also we are in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He who fears has not been perfected in love. We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:17-19)

If we ever are afraid of the future, eternity, or God’s judgment, we can remind ourselves of God’s love. We know that he loves us perfectly (Rom 8:38-39). We can resolve our fears first by focusing on his immeasurable love for us, and then by allowing him to love others through us. His love will quiet your fears and give you confidence.

God’s love is the source of all human love, and it spreads like fire. In loving his children, God kindles a flame in their hearts. In turn, they always want to love others, who are warmed by God’s love through them. There is that shortest sermon again. There is our “gas pedal.” Love One Another. We exercise our power, because we already have it. To anyone who receives Jesus as Lord and Savior, gave He POWER to become the sons and daughters of God. (John 1:12)

Standing Far Off

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Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?” (Psalms 10:1.)

There are many things on my path unknown
So what if this journey seems hard to me
I don’t think that I travel the way alone
For the steps of Jesus now are all I see

We are promised that “God is a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1) But in my experience,Jesus permits trouble to pursue me, almost as if He were uncaring and indifferent to our problems, and the overwhelming pressure they present along our paths. Its almost like He is in the crucible with us, yet permitting the fiery trials, until I can recognize that I have no way to solve it, and that I finally say:

“OK Lord, I need You to help me with this.”

At the end of my rope, I then take the heavenly Lifeline of prayer from the loving Hands of Him who created me, and is leading me home. Jesus wants us to discover the “treasures of darkness,” the unmeasurable benefits of trials and sorrows, and pain:

I will give you treasures hidden in dark and secret places. Then you will know that I, the LORD God of Israel, have called you by name. (Isa 45:3, CEV)

I am now sure that He who permits the terrible suffering I am embroiled in is right here with me, right her in the middle of it. Just like He was with Daniels friends in the fiery furnace. (Dan 3:21,24)

Sometimes I don’t really notice His steps, His presence, until the trial is almost over, but I am choosing to step out today in faith and dare to believe that Jesus never leaves the fiery furnace as long as I am in it. (Heb 13:5) The fiery troubles may be so severe that my eyes are somehow blinded to the eternal verity of Jesus being that “present help in trouble.” Of Jesus being right here with me now.

It is interesting to note the situation when Daniel’s three friends were cast into that furnace. Because the furnace was heated to seven times its usual temperature, there was no hope of any kind with anybody that these three would be able to survive such a fiery trial. The King who sentenced them to the flames had this to say about it:

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” (Dan 3:24,25, ESV)

It is dark sometimes, in the midst of the fiery trials, too dark to see Jesus or anything or anyone that will help. But I praise God now that there is light in every cloud. The darkness holds treasures beyond my sight that I can never experience unless I go into the darkness and look for it.Not because of any good feelings, but strictly by faith. I know that Jesus is here. Jesus is deeply touched. His love and fidelity to me are unscathed, no matter what is going on. No, I do not physically see Jesus, as did those who beheld Him on the cross. But I talk to Jesus anyway, and these are the times when I get the clearest answers, the most amazing power, to still be a son of God.

“To them that received Him gave He power to be the sons and daughters of God.” (John 1:12).

It is always best to follow the example of Jesus, on the cross. The Bible says that in those final moments, it was very dark. (Mat 27:45). And Jesus, like me, could not see that God was there, could not see the hidden treasure in His darkness, that The Holy Spirit would soon resurrect Him after He died.There was simply no light to The Man Christ Jesus during that “ninth hour” when He cried out:

Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is, My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? (Mat 27:50)

At this moment in time Jesus, like the Psalmist in Psalms 10:1 was thinking that The Father was “standing afar off.” Jesus saw no hope, and could not detect God’s presence, the darkness was so overwhelming, yet Jesus chose to talk to God anyways; and he simply asked “why have you forsaken me?” And yet, in this eternal example to all of us today, right after Jesus said that, He also gave His heart and life over to God anyways:

“Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.” (Luke 24:46, Message)

Jesus’ final words are from Psalms 31:5, where this is the prayer of trust from a righteous sufferer. Jesus exercised that faith here. His experience is to be ours.

If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness. {SC 96.3}

When we speak to God in prayer, even though the prayer might seem desperate or desolate, we will assuredly realize His actual presence. (Heb 13:5) His presence, as with Jesus while on the cross may now be veiled, yet on the cross, the veil of the temple then was torn in two. It is during heart-felt open prayer to God in the direst circumstances where we experience the answering Voice which shows that Jesus is with us in the shadows, in the clouds, and in the fiery trials of this life.Truly, Jesus is just as close to us when we journey through the dark tunnel, as He seems to be under open sunny skies.

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. {SC 99.2}

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. {SC 94.2}

There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received. Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” And “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32. {SC 95.1,2}

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be “sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7.

Paul directs, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21. Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. {SC 97.2}

Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God. {SC 98.3}

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. {SC 99.1}

Are tears coming down in the dark? Is the shadow too heavy to bear? Does God seem like he is standing afar off today?

Arise and go to your Father. He will meet you a great way off. If you take even one step toward Him in repentance, He will hasten to enfold you in His arms of infinite love. His ear is open to the cry of the contrite soul. The very first reaching out of the heart after God is known to Him. Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul. {COL 206.1}

YOU Will Rise Again

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Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. (John 11:24)

Martha, one of my favorite women in the Bible looked upon the resurrection and the life as things that were to be in some dim and misty future. But as the scripture record reveals, Jesus said: “No,”

“I am [NOW] the resurrection and the life. Not only do I get these things by prayer from God, but I am these things.” And then he goes on to explain it. He says, “I am the resurrection. Anyone that believes in me, though they were dead, yet shall they live. I am the life. Whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die; they will live.” (John 11:25)

I recall once some years ago during my nursing days, standing by the bedside of an elderly man who was dying. It was the night shift, and as I watched his life current slowly ebb from his emaciated body, I saw an old well used Bible on his bedside table. I asked “George, is it OK if I look in your Bible for a few minutes.” He couldnt speak but he nodded a yes.

I opened up George’s Bible and the very first thing I saw was the following text scrawled on the inside front cover in George’s very shaky looking hand writing:

“I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.” (Phil 3:10, Message)

What an amazing text for me to discover just at that exact time & place with old George!

I have never forgotten this experience, that text, over the last 25 years. It has stood silently, steadfastly with me through every dark trial.

Jesus once said “I will rise again,” and His experience is to be our experience. The comfort, the assurance, and the power of this one promise, can help anyone at the very point of whatever felt needs are present in their lives. When I lost a loved one a few years ago, this was the very experience that we both had leaned heavily on:

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thes 4: 14-18, MKJV)

What did Paul mean when he wrote, “We tell you this directly from the Lord”? (vs 15)

Either this was something that the Lord had revealed directly to Paul, or it was a teaching of Jesus that had been passed along orally by the apostles and other Christians.

It was at the bedside of a dying man where this truth was not only passed on to me; but at the point of George’s last breath that night, it became a lived experience, rather than a stale doctrine, or some contested theology.

I have sometimes wondered over the years how my friend could have faced his death with such assurance. He had horrible pain in the end, and his body was marred with the ravages of his disease. And he was alone. No family would come to see him in his last moments. There was no visible sign that he was “happy in the Lord” and trusting in Jesus as he left this life behind. Or was there? Perhaps his yes that he nodded to me when I asked to look in his Bible was the thing that showed He knew Jesus? And that he wanted me to know Him better too?

But when George said “Yes” to my request to look inside his Bible, that my friends was his moment of greatest power. That “yes” is the very definition of “I will rise again.” And it was my personal moment to rise again unto the “lively hope” of the resurrection power, for both this life, and the life to come.

As believers in Jesus today, we too have the opportunity for our moment of greatest power. There is opportunity, for anyone, no matter how rotten they are, to “rise again.” This is why the Bible calls the resurrection our “lively” or “living hope.” Because Jesus is risen! (Mat 1:21), Because Jesus is “the living God” (Psalms 42:2) of our life today:

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. (1 Pet 1:3, CEV)

Do you need encouragement?

Peter’s words offer such powerful joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We live with the wonderful expectation of eternal life (1 Pet 1:3). Our hope is not only for the future; because eternal life begins when we first trust Christ. Like my Grandmother used to say: Heaven begins on Earth.” Especially when we recognize along with the psalmist:

Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, (Psalms 42:5)

The Psalmist was rising again when he poured out those words! And when we rise again in our experience, we too will express new or renewed confidence in Jesus! When we pour out our hearts to Jesus. After all, “prayer is the opening of the heart to God, as to a friend.”

My greatest moments of power, my personal experiences of rising again out of whatever horrible pit I have been, in are always when I hear that same “yes,” from someone who cares enough to be there, and recognize that that yes, is just how Jesus will help me too.

“By this shall all people know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another…” (John 13:35)

My personal best antidote for spiritual depression is to meditate on the record of God’s goodness to His people. And to myself. (Rev 12:10-11) This will help take your mind off the present situation as you focus your thoughts on God’s ability, on God’s power, to help you rather than trying to count on your own inability to help yourself. This process is called “rise again.” (2 Cor 5:17) Why not take advantage of the Psalmist’s effectual antidepressant? The Bible accounts of God’s goodness, always give us something at least one step higher than where we are currently.

When I have stood watching death invade, my darkest thoughts oppressed me deeply, buried me in darkness. George’s “YES” turned my heart to God and in touching Jesus in such a very affectionate way like that, I started to rise again. I stopped feeling alone in my situation. This kind of Holy Love to Jesus as our main foundation in life, is the very power of Godliness. The very life and soul of all of us.

I didn’t realize for years how wrong I was about God, until I heard His “yes” through my dying friend, and my tortured heart began to rise again. Standing at George’s bedside, was my moment of greatest power. Through a few tears then, Jesus had just taught me very affectionately to know the worth and power of His everlasting mercies. Simply by providing me with the the very acute wanting of them! Of a truth, His mercies are new every morning! (Lam 3;23)

What power on earth can take that away from any one of us? Scripture asserts how that “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.”

And you dont have to be a Christian to “rise again!” You just have to be in need, and acutely feel the need for God’s mercy:

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:21)

Do you want to rise out of your darkest experiences? To know and trust Jesus not inspite of them, but because of them?

God’s yes to each of us today would be in His longing for, and providing for us to live close to Him, and to His people, and in giving up our trust of false teachers and any other dark souls who would try to pull us away from God.

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. YES! (Jude 1:24-25, Message)

My friends, God wants to say “yes” to you now. God has a special plan for you to rise again! Just like He had for Jesus!

NOW can be your moment of greatest power.

“To them that received Him gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God! (John 1:12)

God’s Biggest IF

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if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron 7:14)

Most people who receive this weekly, I am sure, are very painfully aware of the frenetic pace our life has taken on in recent months. There are many issues happening in society, the world in general, and for me, I sometimes feel like I can’t even keep up to it all anymore. I found myself this week wondering:

“What could be a possible solution to all this?”

I did a little praying, some Bible study, I asked a few friends what they thought; and I looked a bit online. As I look at all the things coming upon the world now, I have wondered if there was some trick, well, not really a trick, but I couldn’t help but think: “God doesn’t seem as close to me this week. What am I doing wrong?”

And right in the middle of my searching, I think I have stumbled upon the perfect solution. God’s solution. I started to recall some of the Old and New Testament stories I have been reading these last few weeks, and I realized that no matter where I looked in the Bible, the very first response of all the prophets, in all the ages covered by the Bible was ALWAYS prayer. Whenever something bad was coming down the tubes, the first response of all the Bible Greats was to pray. I think this is why the opening text for this week’s email has resonated so well with me. And once I looked into this text, it did start to appear as the needed solution for our in common difficulties of today:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

The promise here says that if God’s people would do three things, God would respond in three ways. The Lord’s people needed to become humble, that is,to confess; they needed to pray, or repent; and they needed to turn from their obviously wrong ways, and to come back to Him. If they did, God would hear, forgive, and heal them, and their land. Does our land need healing? Are we seeking God’s will in todays pressures and trials?

I find it very interesting that this text is not addressed to society at large. It seems mostly directed to “God’s people,” as He does say in this text:

“If MY PEOPLE…”

Rev 18:4, part of the great prophecies of the last days in the book of Revelation also shows God using this phrase, “My People.” In that verse, God says to Babylon, to His people in Babylon, “Come out of her My people.” During a time of national crises, God will speak directly to His people; God’s stated ideal for His people when there is trouble at the door is prayer and repentance.

True repentance is more than just talk. Repentance is ALWAYS a situation of “changed behavior.” (2 Cor 5:17) The Bible often calls this change “”turned from” as does our opening text for today. Whether we sin individually, as a group,or as a nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness. God will ALWAYS hear the sincere, honest prayer of anyone who comes to Him, “just as they are.” (see John 6:37)

Scripture tells us that is is one thing to “just pray,” because His MO for prayer here is apparently, also being humble. What does this being “humble” look like in work clothes? It is very interesting that this kind of humility is something God is only asking of “His people.” The text says “if MY PEOPLE.” This clarion call to prayer is very similar to Rev 18:4 where God says “Come out of her MY PEOPLE.”

Jesus is always calling His people to a better way of life. To THE life. In fact Scripture says that “In Jesus was life, and THE life was/is the Light of everyone in the world. (see John 1:4). If we were to go to to the shores of an ocean, we would recognize how the incoming tide lifts all boats. What might be the effects of an incoming tide of prayer for “His people?” The incoming “tide” would lift all people. Jesus has promised:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10).

Jesus is telling His Church to

1) pray,

2) humble themselves, and

3) turn away from their lifestyle of sin.

In our human realms, we still like to think that we know the right steps to take; but as for me, I am starting to wonder if thats even half-true. God does say:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Prov 16:25)

I found a really good example of the Prov 16:25 principle. A story I read about the first President of the USA, from 1789 to 1797), George Washington, who thought he knew what was best for him and his situation. Washington actually asked for “blood-letting” to be performed on himself for a health-condition he was recovering from, (throat infection). They ended up taking around 4 litres of blood (nearly 40% of his blood) from him, and sadly, Washington died from complications shortly after.

The Bible is correct when it states that there is a way that seems right to a person, but it’s way is the way of death. In accordance with 2 Chron 7:14, Scripture assures us of that very point in The New Testament:

“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).

“According To His Will,” appears to be the key ingredient that if practiced by we, God’s people, would be the incoming tide that would lift “all boats.” Not just a few of them. But are we, as a people doing this? Do we really want to “be humble” when we pray,or are we just satisfied with rotely saying the prayers, something like an incantation? In our text for today, we are asked by God to not just pray, but to “humble ourselves when we pray, with the intention of obeying (turning from sin) whatever it pleases our Lord
to reveal to us. As Jesus stated in John 7:17

“If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know whether the teaching is of God or whether I speak on My own accord and by My own authority.” (John 7:17)

IF one is willing to do whatever God reveals to them, they will know what is truth and what way Jesus would have them proceed, even during the stormy times we live in now. I think that Jesus want us to live with power. The power of His Word. I was studying some things out of the 23rd Psalms earlier this week and learned something very intriguing about how to live
with power. I had always known that phrase “He restoreth my soul,” (Psalms 23:3), but what I didn’t know until this week was that one of the key elements to recovering our physical health, which many people of course want to do these days, is that of our spiritual health. The tidal wave of power that will lift all the “boats” (people) is 2 Chron 7:14.

Everywhere, in many ways, the Bible says that in restoring our soul, the physical body will be positively affected. 2 Chron 7:14 says when we do this “the land will be healed.” The Psalmist once mourned: “all day I am wearied with my groaning…” (Psalms 6:6). But Jesus informs us today that we are only forgiven, when we are ready to be HUMBLE and forgive all hurt and resentments that we hold against other people. The Lord’s prayer tells believers today that we are forgiven “as we forgive others.”

God’s people are being asked to pray and humble themselves. As my prayer partner said when I was writing this:

“When we let go and let God take care of everything, we stop trying to do it on our own. We surrender to Jesus. Because on our own we can do nothing. And the measure we use in judging others will simply condemn us, by our very own standards. We need to stop being so foolish . “Love one another, and forgive as we have been forgiven by Jesus.

Be kind and help, and respect each other, without expecting anything in return. God will reward us according to our own standards. His standards are often not our’s, because it is love that Jesus wants us all to give to each other; and to stop competing with everyone else. We all, ultimately have the same goal. Lets “lift all the boats” and sent the tidal wave of prayer, of being humble, and of turning from everything we know is wrong.

For stricken Israel there was but one remedy–a turning away from the sins that had brought upon them the chastening hand of the Almighty, and a turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart. To them had been given the assurance, “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people; if My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13,14. It was to bring to pass this blessed result that God continued to withhold from them the dew and the rain until a decided reformation should take place. {PK 128.1)

If God’s people will do three things, God will always respond in three ways. The Lord’s people need to become humble, that is, confess they have sinned; they need to pray, or repent; and they needed to turn, or come back to Him. If they do this even today, God would hear, forgive, and heal us in miraculous ways.

“IF My People pray”

Sometimes It takes A Mountain!

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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

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.

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.

Under The Shadow: Part 2

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Where Is The Secret Place?

Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalms 91:1, NKJV)

“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}

The Christian’s Badge

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“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)

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.

Singing Of The Birds

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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)

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.”

Peace With God

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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)

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)