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Reading Time: 6 minutes

Wherever you go, I’ll give you that land, as I promised Moses. (Joshua 1:3, CEV)

Joshua succeeded Moses as Israel’s leader. What qualifications did he have to become the leader of a nation?

1/ Of the 12 scouts, only he and Caleb showed complete confidence that God would help them conquer the land.

2/ He was one of only two living eyewitnesses to the Egyptian plagues and the Exodus from Egypt.

3/ He was Moses’ personal aide for 40 years.

4/ and most of all GOD APPOINTED HIM (Num 27:18-23).

Heathen nations had reproached the Lord and His people because the Hebrews had failed to take possession of Canaan, as they expected, soon after leaving Egypt. Their enemies had triumphed because Israel had wandered so long in the wilderness, and they had mockingly declared that the God of the Hebrews was not able to bring them into the Promised Land. The Lord had now signally manifested His power and favor in opening the Jordan before His people, and their enemies could no longer reproach them. {PP 486.1}

Jesus invites and enables us to show forth His praises while we enter into the location of our sorest trials.

A friend of mine dying of cancer wrote the following words last night when I asked him how he was doing:

“I am looking for an immediate rescue from my painful circumstances, and yet it is often these pains that are expanding my heart to search and find the presence of the God, who is my closest companion and eternal Savior”

As a caregiver in the past, who lost his wife to cancer, I too felt this kind of painful circumstance, acutely at times.

Right at the most severe, acute moment of my grief, was the moment that The Holy Spirit had been waiting for.

“The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding…”(Psalms 119:130)

Part of a verse I read this morning reads like this:

“Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you” (Joshua 1:3)

As a Christian, I am finding that besides the literal ground, not occupied for Christ, there is also the often unclaimed territory of the un-trodden land of divine promise.

That,s why, I think, God said this to Joshua:

“Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, THAT I have given to you.” And then God drew the outlines of the land of promise, and said it is all yours, on one condition. That you shall measure it off using your own feet, by walking completely through the whole length and breadth of the promised land.

But the people then never did that to more than about one-third of all that property, and as a result they never had more than just one third. They had only what they measured off, and no more.

In Hebrews 11:9 we hear about the “land of promise,” that God always opens up to us. I have come to see it as God’s will that we should, as it were, also measure off THAT territory by the “feet” of trusting faith, and believing obedience (to His call).

Jesus, claiming and appropriating ALL of God’s promises for our very own “territory.” And that is such a vast, beautiful land to explore with our own two feet!

As we search for the presence of God in our suffering, our grief, we can take possession of God’s promises. What a magnificent “territory” for faith to hold on to and then march right on through the length and breadth of, yet in my struggles, my faith has rarely done it yet.

Let us each enter into all of our inheritance. Let us lift up our eyes in all four directions, and start to measure this “land” by our own two feet, and then rejoice as we hear Him say:

“All the land that you see, I will give to you.”

I once read a beautiful Christian quote that goes like this:

“We should NOW acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises.” (GC 622)

And surely, as my late wife was dying, as I roiled in acute grief, I remember finding a special promise for every single need that arose out of our sometimes very dire circumstance.

Friends, we are given a very special assurance about God’s promises in His Word:

God made great and marvelous promises, so that his nature would become part of us. Then we could escape our unhelpful desires and the corrupt influences of this world. [that all in the cancer world would certainly know about]. (2 Pet 1:4)

The power to lead a godly life comes from God. Because we don’t have the resources to be truly godly, God allows us to “share his divine nature” in order to keep us from sin and help us live for him. When we are born again, God by his Spirit empowers us with his own goodness. See John 1:12,John 3:6; John 14:17-23; 2 Cor 5:21; and 1 Pet 1:22-23.

God’s promises gave both my late wife and I a place to rest. A wonderful new land of possibilities to explore together. A new land where we did not have fear or pain. I remember she had been comatose for a week or so, yet when I asked her one day

“if you only had one thing you could say to me “before you go” what would it be sweetie?”

And to my absolute shock and amazement, she sat right up in her bed, she smiled that big cute smile that I loved, and said in a voice too loud for someone ‘as sick as her”

“I WAS LOVED.”

She never spoke another word after that, and she died in my arms shortly after. We still “meet” from time to time as I make periodic forays into that bright, beautiful, verdant “territory” of God’s promise about the resurrection. (1 Thes 4:12-18)

I know that when she was with me that she loved to travel to that place, the promise of the resurrection, and measure it off by talking about how wonderful it will be when the resurrection finally happens. She would “measure the whole territory” off by walking me through all of her thoughts about the amazing things she “saw,” and was so looking forward to.

I have to say in conclusion that whenever I have measured off the territory of God’s promises with my own two feet, I have always come away from the situation at hand exclaiming:

“I was loved.”

In verity, wherever Judah should set his foot, well that should be his! Wherever Benjamin should set his foot, that place should be his!

Each person reading this today can get their personal inheritance by actually setting their own foot upon it. Everyone should take this verse and put their own name into it! Don’t think that when either had set his foot upon a given territory, he did not instantly and instinctively feel, “This is mine”?

During the end times that we are entering now, this is exactly how God’s people will “go in” and each will enter their own promise land of God’s promises. There will be no other way to survive it all. The course of God’s people should be upward and onward to victory.

A greater than Joshua is leading on the armies of today’s Church Militant. One is in our midst, even JESUS, the Captain of our salvation, who has said for our encouragement:

“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” He will lead us on to certain victory. What God promises, He is able at any time to perform. And the work He gives His people to do, He is able to accomplish by them. (2T 122).

I have been asked:

“David, why is it that you seem to have so much peace and joy in “your religion?””

I can only reply

“I just walk into my promised land and measure out with my own two feet, my own two hands. The promise of the resurrection.”

the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will 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. (1 Thes 4:16-17)

Have you discussed this promise with your loved ones? Have you discussed this promise with your friends? Have you discussed this promise with your co workers? Have you discussed this promise with your neighbor?

Oh wow! Praise God! I have ALL that is in THAT promise!

I feel rich, beyond measure!

I have the lived experience that has shown I can “MEASURE OUT” that divine promise by my own two feet across the entire length and breadth of all my trials, my entire life! Knowing that ALL of the riches this “precious promise” brings is mine!”

Today, I continue to explore this Promised Land. MEASURING God’s promises. I am so blessed to know God is leading me once more to that territory where He has promised rest, quietness, confidence, in the gift of someone to love.

Jesus is amazing!

Jesus! Our God is an awesome God!

Thank you Jesus!

I wake up every day thinking:

“I was loved.”

Reading Time: 12 minutes

Naaman the Syrian consulted the prophet of God as to how he could be cured of a nasty disease, leprosy. He was told to go and bathe in Jordan seven times. (2 Kings 5:10).

Why did Naaman not immediately follow the directions of Elisha, the prophet of God? In his mortification and disappointment Naman became very passionate, and in an almost blind rage refused to follow the humble course marked out by the messenger sent by the prophet of God, Elisha. Why would Naaman do such a thing?

Naaman was angry and went away, saying,“Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. (2Kings 5:11)

We may concede, how that Naaman did come up with some clever excuses, in the form of “sincere” questions here. Naaman began to do something that we can still see being done by churches, and individual Christians today. Naaman began to feed on the worldly maxims of an alternative integrity with seemingly very good points he had made concerning why he did not think he needed to do things God’s way, as revealed to him by a messenger of the prophet Elisha:

Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? May I not wash in them, and be clean? So he [Naaman] turned and went away in a rage.” (2 Kings 5:11-12)

The response of Naaman’s servants here on this point is nothing short of amazing. His servants said:

“My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing,would you not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to you, Wash [merely], and be clean?” (2 Kings 5:11-13)

We can recall how that it was following the specific directions of the prophet which would humble Naaman’s proud and lofty spirit. It was willing obedience that would bring the desired result.
When Naaman washed, as instructed, then he was made whole.

Apparently, scripture here shows that this great, important man considered it far beneath his dignity to go to the humble river Jordan, and to wash, exactly as God had instructed through the prophet.Evidently, those rivers he mentioned and desired were much nicer looking than the grubby, plain looking old Jordan River; being made beautiful  by surrounding trees and groves, and idols were placed in these groves. (2 Kings 5:12). Many flocked to these rivers to worship their idol gods; therefore it would have cost Naaman no humility, because then he would have just been doing ‘what everybody else was doing.’ It was a very convenient way for him to practice his religion without drawing too much attention or appearing too conspicuous:

But his servants came near and said to him,“My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, ‘Wash, and be clean’?” So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored to being like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. (2 Kings 5:11-14).

We see how Scripture bears with this idea here of “blending in” to “be like everybody else,” and isn’t that what we see in virtually all modernity’s advertising, as they trumpet to the masses:

“everybody is doing it?” and “everybody needs this!”

It is certainly a major mentality still being practiced by the churches at large today. This mentality is the weapon of choice for todays so called media news, and advertising propaganda. The ecclesial discernments of our churches, since even before those days of old with Naaman, has flourished as a very similar idea, helping churches today to quickly become one with the evolving practices of things like Sociology, archeology, and documentary analyses. The theological forms and manifestations here, while complex, do tend to represent one of the more common, one of the greatest “in common” transformations of how to do church, since recorded history began. This leaves many of today’s churches very neatly tucked into the folds of quantifiable signs that are defined by whatever municipality  and culture that church is in.

For example:

“is Western Canada Church better attended by young people, than Eastern Canada?” “Are conservative churches growing slower than liberal churches?” “Do Gen-Xers respond better to things like candles or drums, better than videos?” One does not have to look very far to see such examples in both Catholic and Protestant churches, in their area. Sociological data points or markers, (quite devoid of scripture) have become the new normal for the churches of modernity. (*1).

It can be observed today, for one example, that people in many churches are advocating for everyone to be forced, one way or another, go along without question, with the latest social agenda and mob mentality.  I won’t comment too much on that narrative in this article, but suffice it to say, the churches are dividing now on such issues. It serves as a good example on how  non-biblical data points are what most churches grow and/or divide upon. Alternate “integrity” not actually said by God.

But there is something else that has become ‘the new normal’ for the church today. Its called The Shrinking Church. I would imagine that this is partly why Jesus has given such a stinging rebuke to the Laodicean Church; a church that today is shrinking exponentially due to this blending in of the ways of the world to be “more relevant.” Jesus, The True Witness,states to “Laodicea:”

But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]. So remember the heights from which you have fallen, and repent [change your inner self–your old way of thinking, your sinful behavior–seek God’s will] and do the works you did at first [when you first knew Me]; otherwise, I will visit you and remove your lamp stand (the church, its impact) from its place–unless you repent.” (Rev 2:4,5).

Everything that we have happening to us today IS a clue, and yet many of us have no clue when it comes to church, or Christianity. We mostly like to style ourselves as prophetic or prophets, carelessly dangling our doctrinal carrots before the masses. Almost as if we were competing with each other to promise the clearest path to the open windows and hidden worlds of Bible prophecy. (or who has the best, the tastiest “carrot”).

I once listened to a testimony recently by Justin Beiber, who says he has become a Christian, in the video I watched. And one of the things he said about His life before becoming a Christian, about why he had waited so long to become a Christian was very conspicuously pointed out:

“I didn’t take it very seriously because I didn’t have any really good examples. Jesus was no fly by night religious guy, and Jesus was in my dirt, and Jesus pulled me out of my dirt.”

We can all well imagine what that kind of testimony would sound like in many churches today. It reflects how Jesus has helped and changed a soul for His kingdom. Jesus fed the hunger of his soul.“They that do hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.” “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. [Isa 55:11-12] (Mat 5:6,AMP)

Why then, are many churches, from most denominations shrinking today?

I decided that for purposes of this week’s article I should just ask some people to tell me how they would answer questions about their church experiences. I asked two friends to tell me their thoughts. I told them not to hold back just because we are friends. One of the questions I asked went something like this:

“now…thinking back to when you first started attending your church that you go to now, do you remember a time when someone at church first said something meaningful to you? Something that made a real difference in your Christian walk? How long did you attend that church before that happened?” “Or did you have the misfortune to not have that happen? Was something said to you that really messed you up or discouraged you during those first days at your Church?”

The answers I got were very interesting. Two opposites. Or, at least they seemed opposite. The first person answered like this:

Answer/Person 1:

“I don’t think anyone ever said something meaningful. They mostly said things that made me cry. Other than maybe my Mom. She told me not to believe everything that someone tells me regarding anything Biblical. She always told me to read the Bible for myself, to test whatever they say to me so that I could know for sure if it is the truth, and the answers I need. “All they ever said to me at Church was that ‘I will pray for you.’ And that if my life wasn’t going good, then its because I don’t attend church enough, and that I ‘don’t have enough faith.’ Just so much about Sabbath and all the rules! And my 10% offerings. Seems like that’s the only thing I ever did that made them smile.” “I don’t even feel that I really need church that much. If I can find good people to know. People that don’t judge or criticize me. Just people who are kind and who accept me as is, for me. And that don’t try to change me.”

I want to add that the person who said this to me is likely the nicest, the friendliest person in the church. But they do attend a shrinking Church. There are just 2 or 3 families that control it like an iron hand and it seems that no one else can get into that very tight circle. So it is a shrinking church.

Here is the second answer that I got from the same question:

Answer/Person #2:

I am grateful for the many many grace encounters with people in our church (there were some not-so gracious as well, but by far the positive outweigh the negative.) I’d like to share 2 pivotal memories:

1. I was born into a home with Jesus-loving parents and through their influence was baptized at the age of 11. However, promptly following my baptism I entered into a rebellious and tumultuous time which lasted until my pregnancy at the age of 16. When I was 12 or 13 I accompanied my parents to my Dads small church one Sabbath. To my dismay when we got to church I realized it was communion. I struggled with a lot of guilt
and shame at that time and didn’t want to participate in communion. My parents respected my wishes to not participate and I sat alone at the back of the church (there were no other youth my age in the church) as the foot washing ceremony began. A kind lady named Kathy approached me and asked me if I was ok. For some reason the Holy Spirit must have been working on my heart because her kind ‘ask’ caused me to open up about my feelings of unworthiness. Kathy listened and kindly expressed that Jesus’s grace covered my shame and guilt and encouraged me to participate. She reassured me that nobody is worthy – and our unworthiness is what qualifies us for communion. Kathy and I washed each others feet and I participated in the rest of the service. I never forgot her gracious engagement. It gave me a picture of what Jesus would have been like – in that little church.

2. The second memory was of returning home at the age of 16 (I had left home, quit school and moved out of province to live with my boyfriend). (The biggest spiritual influence in my life occurred when my parents welcomed me home with open arms and not once even hinted about any of my rebellion or the hell I had put them through for 5 years.) My father was pastor of a large church in ******.  The ladies in the church got together and lovingly raised money to purchase items for my baby. ****** is the name of the lady who coordinated. I’ll never forget her love and acceptance. She hand-made a little cloth book with the creation story – and the felts to go along with it – a special book just for church on Sabbath!

I feel incredibly grateful for not only the love and influence of my parents – in helping me know Jesus as my Savior at a young age – but also for many many loving church members who were used by the Holy Spirit to shape my picture of God. Now, this second person who answered my question is also one of the friendliest people in their church.

God’s Church on Earth

You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Pet 2:5).

The Church you attend is not your church.

The church on earth belongs to God.

The Church is to assume divine proportions before the world. People need to see Jesus in the people of The Church, not just a pile of polished doctrines, and fancy statues or wooden crosses that sit around gathering dust,or sometimes used as clubs to wack people into shape. Hitting people over the head with a Bible! The Church, (people, not the building) is to be the light of the world. It is to be composed of living stones laid close together, stone fitting to stone, making a solid building. All these stones are not of the same shape or dimension. Some are large and some are small, but each one has its own place to fill.Including The Chief Cornerstone which is Jesus. In the whole building there is not to be one misshapen stone. Each one is perfect. And each stone is a living stone, a stone that emits light. The value of the stones are determined by the light they reflect to the world.

Now is the time for the stones to be taken from the quarry of the world and brought into God’s workshop, to be hewed, squared, and polished, that they may shine. This is God’s plan, and He desires all who profess to believe the truth to fill their respective places in the great, grand work for this time. The angelic architect has brought his golden measuring rod from heaven, that every stone may be hewed and squared by the divine measurement, and polished to shine as an emblem of heaven, radiating in all directions the bright, clear beams of the Sun of Righteousness.

In this world we are to shine in good works. The Lord requires His people to reflect the light of God’s character, God’s love, as Christ reflected it. As we look unto Jesus, all our lives will be aglow with that wondrous light. Every part of us is to be light; then whichever way we turn, light will be reflected from us to others. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6).

In Him is no darkness at all; therefore, if we are in Christ, there will be no darkness in us. The church on earth is not just a building. The Bible says there are some churches in people’s houses. Christian fellowship does not just happen with “church people.” But it is one of the ways by which God is made known and glorified here on earth.

Many people have asked “do I really need to go to a Church to be saved?” We need to really examine how people get saved, and what the church’s role in our salvation is, according to the Bible. What is happening in our churches? How can a Church be dying, if Jesus is The Head of that church? What makes some of us happy at church and some of us not?

Is “salvation” the same for those who attend, and those who do not attend church?

In the meantime, please, be encouraged, whether you attend a church or not that God has a thousand ways to provide [salvation]for us of which we know nothing.

We can know this one thing that instead of literally “washing in the Jordan” as Naaman was told to do by the prophet, we are told today to “wash in the blood of The Lamb,” (Rev 7:14)

You were living in this world without hope and without God,and you were far from God. But Christ offered his life’s blood as a sacrifice and brought you near God. Christ has made peace between Jews and Gentiles, and he has united us by breaking down the wall of hatred that separated us. Christ gave his own body (Eph 2;12-14)

Christ, Not the Law, Crucified.

The law of the ten commandments lives and will live through the eternal ages. The need for the service of sacrifices and offerings ceased when type met anti-type in the death of Christ. In Him the shadow reached the substance. The Lamb of God was the complete and perfect offering. {6BC 1116.1}

Do we destroy the Law by our faith? Not at all! We make it even more powerful. (Rom 3:31)

The law of God will maintain its exalted character as long as the throne of Jehovah endures. This law is the expression of God’s character. Types and shadows,offerings and sacrifices had no virtue after Christ’s death on the cross; but God’s law was not crucified with Christ. Had it been, Satan would have gained all that he attempted to gain in heaven. For this attempt he was expelled from the heavenly courts. He fell, taking with him the angels he had deceived. And today he is deceiving many people in regard to the law of God {6BC 1116.2}

Everyone who sins breaks God’s law, because sin is the same as breaking God’s law. (1 John 3:4)

An Infamous Lie of Satan.

God did not make the infinite sacrifice of giving His only-begotten Son to our world, to secure for man the privilege of breaking the commandments of God in this life and in the future eternal life. This is an infamous lie originated by Satan, which must be made to appear in its false, deceitful character. This law that Satan so much desires to have regarded null and void, is the great moral standard of righteousness. Any violation of it is an act of transgression against God, and will be visited with the penalty of the divine law. To all the inhabitants of the world who make void the law of Jehovah, and continue to live in transgression, death must surely come {6BC 1116.3}

God doesn’t accept people simply because they obey the Law. No, indeed! All the Law does is to point out our sin. (Rom 3:20)

Welcomed as a Child

The plan of redemption is not merely a way of escape from the penalty of transgression, but through it the sinner is forgiven his sins, and will be finally received into heaven–not as a forgiven culprit pardoned and released from captivity, yet looked upon with suspicion and not admitted to friendship and trust; but welcomed as a child, and taken back into fullest confidence.{7BC 950.6}

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)

Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters;

I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off. “Also the sons of the foreigner Who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, And to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants—Everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, And holds fast My covenant Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar; For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (Isa 56:5-7, NKJV)

Praise God for we have ‘the everlasting gospel” (Rev 14:6-12) throughout both Old and New Testament!

Reading Time: 13 minutes

One of the greatest promises of God can be found in Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28, KJV)

And yet, of the thousands of “precious promises” (2 Pet 1:3-4) this is one promise that can sometimes be the hardest to fully believe. The Christian whose faith truly encompasses this text has learned the greatest truth in life and walks in perfect fellowship with God. Therein is the plain declaration that every detail of our life’s activities is ordered by The One who is all loving, all wise, all powerful. “All things work together for good.” If this text said things like “some things,” “most things,” work together for the good then it would be very easy to understand and to believe. The little word “all” is what makes the BIG difference here. It somehow makes us think of heart aches, disappointments, illness, loss, death, tragedies,slanders, poverty, etc and it makes us want to cry out:

“Surely Lord, these things are not all working together for my good?!”

And the answer is heard: “YES my child. ALL THINGS. The bitter and the sweet are working together for you. For your own best good. Believe that I am permitting only the experiences that I see will enrich your life, or make you a blessing to more of my other children. Trust me to know what is best for you. I love you more than you can understand. (John 13:7) All that concerns you, also concerns me.

“[Anyone] who touches you, touches the apple of my eye.” (Zech 2:8, Isa 43:4)

Therefore, I am seeking to fit and to prepare you to dwell with Me for eternity. I will hedge you about and will permit only what will be for your own, best good. Never doubt my leading. Never question my purposes. You can safely trust in my methods, whether they be pain or health, sunshine of cold, flowers or thorns, uphill or downhill, bitter or sweet, just remember always how that “this thing is from Me…” (1 Kings 12;24) I permit you to be severely tested at times in order for you to realize how that although the enemy of your soul is “as a roaring lion…seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet 5:8) often assails you, yet you may always know the power of my might to deliver, and then you can carry on “from glory to glory.” (2 Cor 3:18) Only those who have seen the enemy come in like a flood can truly know the strength, and the security of the standard that the Lord will raise up against him.

it is in the very hour of your temptation that your weakness is made perfect by My strength. It is only in the struggle where you can see how that I am able to contend with him that contends with you (Isa 49:25)and that I can “save to the uttermost.” (Heb 7:25)

My child, do not measure the strength of the temptation by your weakness, but by the power of The One who spoke worlds into existence.. Never make the fatal mistake of looking at circumstances, or at the power of your adversary. (Num 13;33) Because it is human nature to accept opinion as fact, we must be especially careful when voicing our negative opinions. What we say may heavily influence the actions of those who trust us to give sound advice. Just remember, that I will always go before you. (Exodus 33:14, Mat 28:20) Just keep your eyes, your mind fixed on me. (2 Cor 10:5) Turn not to the right or to the left. (Prov 4:27) Remember that although I am “The Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29) I am also The Lion of The Tribe of Judah who is able to keep you from falling. (Jude 24) No one can promise you a life of ease, but I can promise you a life of uninterrupted victories.

God has not promised skies always blue

Flower strewn pathways all our life through

God has not promised sun without rain

Joy without sorrow. Peace without pain.

But God has promised strength for the day

Rest for your labor, light on the way

Grace for the trial. Help from above

Unfailing sympathy. Undying love

It is very hard for most of us to to see the hand of God working for our best good in the hard things of life. As Christians, fully backed by God’s promises,we can trust where we cannot see. To try to reason why the loss, the pain, the disappointment, the shame, the humiliation, the tears, is to doubt the wisdom, the love, the power of God. It can only lead the troubled soul to cry out “I am full of confusion.” And God is not the author of confusion. (1 Cor 14:33). Faith in God drinks the bitter cup that the Hand of love holds to our lips. Faith complains not at the steepness of Calvary’s hill, or of the heaviness of the cross on our shoulders so long as we can see the footsteps of The One who has gone before us and know that He knows the way. Three men were walking on a wall. Feeling. Faith. And Fact. When Feeling had an awful fall, and Faith was taken aback; Fact remained and brought Faith back, and Faith brought Feeling too.

We Have These Examples:

Moses could not explain the reason for those long, weary, and seemingly wasted years in the desert. But God was getting him ready to answer the prayers of millions for deliverance, to fulfill prophecy, and to dwell by the throne of God. Who would compare those years of loneliness in the desert or the measure of trial and strain endured while leading a rebellious, fault-finding, and ease-loving Israel to The Promised Land with the glories of heaven that it has been theirs to enjoy since that day of Moses’ special resurrection? (Deut 34:6, Jude 1:9) Upon the mount of transfiguration Moses was present with Elijah, who had been translated. (2 Kings 2:11-12){PP 479.3}

When Job tried to reason out the cause of his calamities that fell with lightning speed into the midst of a single day, all he was able to say was “I am full of confusion” (Job 10:15) but Job’s faith could pierce the sorrow, the loss, the humiliation and still breathe the prayer: “though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” (Job 13:15) How the heart of God rejoiced that His servant Job had passed the fiery tests brought on by the challenge and by the insinuations of the evil one. It would have been much easier to have endured, to remain steadfast, had Job known of the conversation between God and Satan, had he heard His Heavenly Father’s expressions of confidence in his loyalty and devotion. But he knew it not. All he saw was ruin. All he had heard were biting words from his friends. Yet still, we have the record how that Job “sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” (Job 1:22)

The Apostle Paul who by Inspiration wrote our opening text “all things work together for good” knew from his own personal experience the proof and the power of the promise. Paul’s life was not always an easy life. His path was not free from stones and thistles, so to speak. Behold Paul, while obeying the call of The Spirit to Macedonia, he was beaten with many stripes, cast into the inner prison,unable to move with his feet in the stocks. (Acts 16:24) And yet Paul still hears the Voice of his new-found Lord saying: “This thing is from Me,” and then thanking God for the ministry of suffering, Paul, with his faithful companion just burst into songs of praise! Not only did all the hard things in Pauls life “work together for good,” as they made Paul more like his Master, but all of his trials had proved to be the means for “the furtherance of the gospel.” (Phil 1:12) What heart has not been stirred by seeing trials patiently endured by others?

There is also Joseph. Steadfast to principles when he was cast into the dungeon, who later testifies that his experience is from God. (Gen 45:8)

And the fiery furnace of the three Hebrew worthies serves to make us love Jesus all the more and to better know of the greatness of His power to save us.

Truly, every disappointment is God’s appointment. Our opportunity to “grow in grace (2 Pet 3:18), and to be like the Divine Pattern. Every trial is but another proof of God’s personal interest. Trials are the tools in the hands of The Divine Architect as He seeks to include us in His eternal plan.

The Blood Of The Lamb. The Word Of Their Testimony

I once heard a story about a Blacksmith who gave his heart to God. Though consistent in his living, still he was not prospering materially. Financially. In fact, it seed that from the time of his conversion, more trouble, affliction, and loss were sustained than ever before. Everything seemed to be going wrong. Well, one day a friend who was not a Christian, stopped at the little forge to talk with the Blacksmith. Sympathizing with him in some of his trials, the friend said:

“It seems strange to me that so much affliction should pass over you just at the very time when you have become an earnest Christian. Of course I don’t want to weaken your faith in God or anything like that; but here you are, trying to do your best, being faithful in every way you know how, praying for God’s help and guidance, and yet things seem to be getting steadily worse. I can’t help wondering why this is happening?”

The Blacksmith did not answer immediately, and it was evident that he too had thought of the same question before. But finally he said: “You see the raw iron I have here to make into horse shoes? You know what I do with it? I take a piece and I heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white with the heat. Then I hammer it unmercifully to shape it the way I know it should be shaped. Then I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it. Then I heat it again and hammer it some more. And I do this until it is finished.

“But sometimes I find a piece of the iron that will not withstand this kind of treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are sometimes just too much for it. I don’t know exactly why some of the pieces fail like that in the process, but I do know that it will never make a good horse shoe.”

He pointed to a heap of scrap iron by the door of the shop. “When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on this scrap heap. It will never be good for anything useful.” He went on: “I KNOW that God has been holding me in the fires of affliction, and I have felt His hammer upon me. But I don’t mind it, if only He can bring me to what I should be. And so in all these hard things, my prayer is simply this: ‘Try me in any way that you see fit Lord, only please don’t throw me on the scrap heap.”

Yes my friends: the very trying of our faith is the work of our Best Friend. Jesus does not grieve us willingly, but He knows that the winds of adversity will cause us who are sincere and honest in seeking Him to become more firmly grounded in the depths of His “everlasting love.” (Jer 31:3, Rev 14:6) so that the hot, scorching, withering, fiery trials will always cause us to seek more often the eternal springs of grace. May you, in your times of loneliness, sickness, sorrow, dismay, look up into the face of Jesus and hear Him say again in love: “This thing is from Me.” (1 Kings 12:24). May your response be: “Lord. Work your special work of grace in my heart, in my personal life. Do as seems best to you, for now I know how that all things work together for good to them that love God.” (Rom 8:28)

Our Troubles Versus Christ’s Peace

Our tired old world has been in serious trouble many times now over the years. But never have we seen such trouble as we are seeing this last two or three years. The prophet Jeremiah wrote an accurate depiction of the times we live in today when he said: “The din resounds to the world’s end, for The Eternal arranges the nations, He indicts everyone on planet Earth, and puts the wicked to the sword. The Lord of Hosts declares: “from race to race calamity extends, a mighty storm is stirring from the earth’s ends” (Jer 25:31,32, Moffatt)

In Jer 30:5 he says: “We have heard a scream of terror, all is alarm and unrest. Ask now, and inquire if a man is ever with child.; for why do I see everyone pressing their hands on their loins, and why is every face turned to a deadly pallor? Ah, this is an awful day. What day is like it?” (Moffatts Translation).

It does seem a bit strange to talk much about peace where there has been so little peace for the past 2000 years, and the prospects for peace in the future are so hopeless. There has been almost perpetual strife and unceasing wars and calamities since the day when the angels sang “peace on Earth to everyone of goodwill.” (Luke 2:14)

Everywhere we look today there is trouble. Our poor world is rushing on from one crises to the next, sometimes dealing with many multiple, concurrent disasters and troubles. Each new problem seems worse. More frequent. More rapid. Each tragedy is worse than the last. I am reminded of the FEAR and the hatred of the nations today. The piling up of war materials, the stock-piling of nuclear Missiles, the distress of nations, and as the result millions are hungry and dying when it could all be prevented.

Every page of our human history is stained with tears, and yet, even during times like these we are in now, the world continues to rush into it’s darkest moments. Dan 12:1 notes a time of trouble such as there never was since there was a nation. The Bible tells of the seven last plagues that are yet to fall, and it also speaks of Jacob’s trouble through which we must pass. (Rev 3:10) Yet in the midst of that trouble while “[people’s] hearts are failing them from fear and for looking after the things that are coming upon the earth,” (Luke 21:26) God talks to us about peace! God wants us to have peace! Jesus has left us with peace in His will! (John 14:27)

Peace beyond Understanding

Jesus has willed His peace to each of us. Have you ever heard anyone say “I have never been remembered in anyone’s will,” well that’s just not true! The Lord Jesus has remembered YOU in His will. Just before He died, Jesus made a will! He willed to Joseph His body, He willed to John His Mother, He willed to His Father, His Spirit, but Jesus willed to you and me today His peace! John 14:27 tells us:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

Jesus has remembered us in His will. Jesus has willed to us His peace. The question remains now: “have we claimed our inheritance?” Will we as a people, as the church accept our inheritance bequeathed to us in the perfect will of Jesus Christ? ” For it is God which works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil 2:13) In the very midst of international and national troubles swirling around most of us today, we may truly have peace. Before He died, Jesus remembered you, remembered me, in His will. Jesus willed to Joseph His body. () Jesus willed to John His Mother. ()Jesus willed to His Father, His Spirit. But for you and I, Jesus willed His peace. (John 14:27) “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.”

Security And Joy.

These are the cry of human hearts everywhere. And they are bequeathed to us in the will of Jesus as expressed in His Word where Jesus guarantees and assures us of His provision of peace and security to His children. Wealth does not bring peace. It seems that there is more unrest, more suicides among the rich than amongst the poor. Position, education, worldly pleasure, wisdom and environment do not bring peace. At least, not lasting peace. True peace is the gift of God, and “not like the world gives.” Peace is one of God’s gifts to His children. Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (see Gal 5:22)

To accept the peace that Jesus has willed to us we need to accept and believe in our Author of peace. It is impossible to accept His peace, if we do not accept Him personally. Jesus does want to live through you, in you, for He has said:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My Voice, and open the door, I will come in unto them and eat with them, and they with me.” (Rev 3:20)

Friends, when Jesus is on the inside, then there is peace. “Christ in you the hope in glory.” (Col 1:27) Christ’s indwelling presence makes for peace, and for glorifying God. Here are a few more scriptures that help us to understand this special peace that “Christ in you” will bring about:

Psalms 119:165  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” The Psalmist mentions a GREAT peace here.

Phil 4:7  “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Here we see described a special peace that “passes all understanding.”

Isa 26:3  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”  So we find that it is not only a great peace that passes understanding, but it is also called a “perfect peace.” And from another Scripture, Isa 48:18 we read: how that it is a constant peace. If you had obeyed me, then peace would have come to you like a full flowing river. Good things would have come to you again and again, like the waves of the sea. 

Psalms 29:11  The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Isa 9:7  His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David’s kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done. 

Now all these texts and many others describe for us the peace that Jesus has willed to us. But it would seem that it does not take much to destroy our peace. Just a little slight. Some lack of appreciation. A bit of criticism. A betrayal of confidence. Or some misunderstanding. And our peace is gone! So many professed Christians are like the surface of the ocean. They are lashed and tossed about by every wind. It frets and foams and rises and falls but we thank God that there are depths in the sea where there is eternal calm. “My peace,” said Jesus!

With Jesus there is no frailty, no error, no sin, no past to lament, no failure to dread, no mistakes to fear. No death can overcome, no suffering weaken. No ideals unreached, no perfection unattained, nothing disturbs His peace, and that is the peace Jesus has willed to each one of us. What a legacy!

The Loud Cry: When Days Are Dark

“get up and walk” (Acts 14:10)

This past week I encountered an elderly gentleman who was homeless, stuck living in a tiny trailer on the side of the road. No power. No running water. He was lying in his own filth, and living in very squalid conditions. he could not walk. He had given up and just laid down in his bed, surrounded by garbage and rotten food. Myself and another church member started to reach out to him, we fed him, bought him propane to have heat, cleaned his trailer, did his dishes and laundry. While I was helping him to have a bed bath he said to me with a tear in his eye:

“you know, I feel safe when you guys are here. I don’t have to worry about the bullies and the vandalism. I can’t sleep at night because of it. Is it OK if I sleep now?”

He later said to me as I was leaving that day,

“Can you please do another prayer?”

And today, just two days after this, he started to walk again! All he said was “you guys have given me the courage to live again. The courage to go on.”

Can you do another prayer? That about says it all.

My friends, would you like to have that peace? THAT kind of rest in Christ? Jesus left it here! His peace is here to stay. If you are not now enjoying Christ’s peace, why not claim your inheritance now? Just remember, that to accept Christ’s peace you must accept Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. Apart from Jesus there is no real lasting peace. Jesus has willed it to you. Jesus won’t be satisfied until you have accepted it. Why continue as you have been in the past? Why be like the prodigal nephew and fail to claim your inheritance? Why lie down in your bed and give up when Jesus has left such a gift, such wonder-working power to you in His express will? Open the door to your heart. Jesus is knocking.

Accept the Prince Of Peace, just now, and you will always have His peace.

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Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.(Acts 20:28)

I have heard several preachers recently say things like “people are leaving the churches to find God.” In today’s post-Christian era, more than ever, we are to recognize the sobering truth that we are not called to “go to church;” but we are called to “be the church.” One person I heard has called people leaving the church to find God “church refugees.” People who are done with “church” the way we know it today.

As Christians in this world today, we are to do whatever it takes to be close to Jesus and to help others to do the same. The major factor that is causing all of the trouble is that of authority. When we ask someone to describe the great commission, to tell us how it begins, the answer we hear most is “Go!” Jesus does say “go and make disciples” As true as this is, Jesus also says that, we are often missing the whole point of this text in Mathew 28. The great commission starts with Jesus. It starts with and under His authority. And Jesus will never give that to another.

So he came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Mat 28:18-19)

The Bible reveals that the very first thing Jesus mentions in this “great commission” is that of HIS AUTHORITY. When Jesus talks about the church and the great commission, Jesus starts by asserting His own authority as the foundation of the church in all it’s forms today. It is the very authority of Jesus Himself by which His Church is to thrive and prosper as they go out into the world with “the everlasting gospel,” as depicted in Rev 14:6-7. The great commission as depicted in the Bible does not mention human authority of any kind. Not once. There is no place for the church in the “time of the end” (Dan 11:35,Rev 3:10) to assume authority that Jesus did not authorize.

Jesus did not, nor will He ever give His authority to any human being, no matter how important they say the person assuming Christ’s authority is in “the news.” Our so called news rarely reflects what the Bible says on anything. Jesus makes it all so simple. He just tells us in Mat 28:20 after He asserts His authority over the Church (Mat 28:18) that we are to GO but on HIS authority! And then Jesus says the one thing that today’s churches simply will not do:

“Teach them to obey EVERYTHING that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.” (Mat 28:20)

Jesus did not once give His authority to any human for any reason. In one text God asserts as much by saying:

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (Isa 42:8)

I will not give my glory unto another. (Isa 48:11)

History shows us all too well what happens when finite, fallible humanity tries to wrest away the clearly stated authority of Jesus and to brute “church” into their own ways and standards, completely ignoring that word “EVERYTHING” in Mat 28:20. If Jesus says ALL AUTHORITY has been given Him over the church, then He would be a liar if in fact certain ecclesial authorities have said how they were given His authority to run the church by human maxims that deliberately do not include that EVERYTHING in Mat 28:20 Why would Jesus say that “ALL AUTHORITY” was given Him if He in fact did intend to “transfer” His authority to fallible, pride-filled human beings?

The remedy for this false system of religious deception is found in the “everlasting gospel” of Rev 14:6-7

I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (Rev 14:6-7)

THIS everlasting gospel admonishes us to “give glory to God,” not to human dictates and maxims.

When God commissions His ministers to announce to the world that the hour of his judgment is come, that Babylon has fallen, and that whoever worships the beast and his image must drink of His wrath poured out un-mingled into the cup of His indignation (see Rev 14:8-12), a threat more terrible than any other that can be found in the Scriptures–no human being, except at the peril of their soul, can treat these warnings as nonessential, or pass them by with neglect and disregard. Making little or no difference between the holy or the unholy. Lifting up human authority in all things church at the cost of not being able to glorify God, as it says in Rev 14:6-7

This is why the urgent necessity exists in every age for the most efforts to understand the work of the Lord, the great commission, lest we lose the benefit of the present truth. This is especially true today, when so many evidences indicate the soon coming of earth’s final crisis.(Rev 3:10)

One of the biggest reasons that Jesus begins the great commission by assuring us of His own authority over the church and the great commission is just that. Rev 14: 6-12 asserts that “Babylon” has fallen, and this fall can be traced back as far as you like, and will always show us how human authority has ruined church as we know it, or should know it. This is why the angel says: “come out of her my people.” (Rev 18:4)

Human authority asserted over the church will one day meet its demise. We can be thankful that Jesus tells us in Rev 18:4 and other places that He has His people in every church. “Come out of her My people” is the great moral imperative that our Lord has given us and it means we must relinquish all of the human authority in our churches to the authority of Christ alone.

I recently read a quote from a book about last day events, and it went like this:

“we should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises.” (Great Controversy, pg 622)

Here is the “precious promise” (2 Pet 1:4) that Jesus gives us for His end time church:

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Mat 16:18)

It is obviously impossible that this verse could mean the authority of Jesus was somehow “transferred” to a fallible, sometimes Christ-denying human being! (Mat 26:75) After the scriptures we have covered so far in this article, how could anyone believe that Jesus would now contradict His own Word to cede His authority over His church to human beings so bent on denying His authority in so many ways?

Mathew 16:18 does tell us that Jesus said “on THIS Rock I will build my Church. THAT ROCK was not a human being other than our Savior and Lord Jesus “THE Christ.” And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1 Cor 10:4)

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (Psalms 95:1) see also Deut 32:15, 2 Sam 22:47, 1 Cor 11:24-25

We need to stop seeing the great commission as “going to church” that we might view it as us being the church. We were not created as human doings (as in going to church) but rather, as human beings who are the church because they carry within themselves the assurance of “Christ in you, THE hope of glory” (Col 1:27).

Peter reminds Christians that they are the church built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, meaning amongst other things that the first church was never, nor ever will be a certain denomination that today, by its pretended authority, claims to be the “first church.” The Bible says Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church both yesterday and today (1 Pet 2:4-6). The Bible is clear that the authority of/for the church in all ages and in all of its manifestations rests ONLY  on the authority of Jesus. This is the basis by which our Lord said “THEREFORE Go and make disciples.” The Bible is clear that all believers of all ages must be “mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of the apostles of the Lord AND Savior.” Meaning of course, leaning unto the authority of Christ Alone.

All believers are enjoined to “the church of the living God” (1 Tim 6:17) by faith in Jesus Christ as Savior AND Lord,(Isa 43:11, Luke 2:11), the same faith that Peter expressed. (see also Eph 2:20-21). Jesus praised Peter for his confession of faith. It is faith like Peter’s that is the foundation of Christ’s Kingdom. Today’s Church is called “the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” which means by the authority of Jesus our Savior and Lord. Jesus Himself said “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

When we see how the everlasting gospel of Rev 14:6-7 calls people back to God and to worshipping Him as Creator and Lord, then we begin to realize that we have been lied to regarding Church authority. ANY church policy, rules, legislations or practices that limits or prevents the “job description” that Jesus gives us in HIS great commission of Mat 28 is to be rejected as falsehood and left to those who would reject the authority of Christ in His own Church, in favor of the human dictates of unconverted souls who presume authority that they do not have.

As activity increases and people become successful in doing any work for God, there is danger of trusting to human plans and methods. There is a tendency to pray less, and to have less faith. Like the disciples, we are in danger of losing sight of our dependence on God, and seeking to make a savior of our activity. We need to look constantly to Jesus, realizing that it is His power which does the work. While we are to labor earnestly for the salvation of the lost, we must also take time for meditation, for prayer, and for the study of the word of God. Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good.—(The Desire of Ages, 362.) {Prov 29.4}

The Savior’s commission to the disciples included all the believers. It includes all believers in Christ to the end of time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that the work of saving souls depends alone on the ordained minister. All to whom the heavenly inspiration has come are put in trust with the gospel. All who receive the life of Christ are ordained to work for the salvation of their fellow men. For this work the church was established, and all who take upon themselves its sacred vows are thereby pledged to be co-workers with Christ. {DA 822.2}

United in Christ and all that He has said. This is the message of the three angels in Rev 14. The “church of the living God” is to both carry this truth forward and to present it by the authority of Jesus!”

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And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. Exodus 9:16.

Christian life is more than many take it to be. It does not consist wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness, and kindliness. These graces are essential; but there is need also of courage, force, energy, and perseverance. The path that Christ marks out is a narrow, self-denying path. To enter that path and press on through difficulties and discouragements, requires Christians who are more than weaklings.

People of stamina are wanted, people who will not wait to have their way smoothed, and every obstacle removed, people who will inspire with fresh zeal and flagging efforts to dispirited workers, people whose hearts are warm with Christian love, and whose hands are strong to do their Master’s work. (SD July 15th)

For the scripture says unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. (Rom 9:17)

I will go before you, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, which call you by thy name, am the God of Israel. (Isa 45:2-3)

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; (Luke 3:3-5)

We live in, quite literally, crazy times. Tough times. With no chance of improvement, unless we take a serious look at what Jesus is saying to us now. Today.

“Be Courageous. Be Strong.” (1 Cor 16:13)

Under divine guidance, the author of the book of Hebrews wrote to us about “the removing of those things that are shaken…those things that cannot be shaken may remain.” (Heb 12;27) God is continually examining and sifting His people. From the day He created Adam, till today, our day and age, God has always seen fit to test His people. Those who profess to follow Him. By the express exercise of their free will, God’s people have always shown themselves as genuine or false in their professions of faith. Loyal or disloyal to His cause.

Calvary was the ultimate, litmus test, if you will for the disciples. So too will we as God’s modern-day professing people of God, face events and circumstances that will try to the uttermost, our Christian faith and personal experience with Jesus. We are blessed to have the assurance in Heb 7:25 and to know that all we need to glory in is the cross which so many reject. But Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13 assure us that the cross is enough. Jesus is enough!

“[JESUS] is able also to save to the uttermost those who come unto God by Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.” (Heb 7:25)

What blessed assurance! When we are tested to the uttermost, Jesus can still “save to the uttermost.” We sons and daughters of God should never pray for an easy life. We should instead pray to be a stronger person. Why should we Christians pray for a task that is equal to our own strength, our own, personal capability or resources? Jesus desires that His people learn and grow in grace (2 Pet 3:18) by praying earnestly for the power and the wisdom that is needed for whatever situation He sees fit to put us in. Especially the situations where we are powerless to do anything about.

It is rarely in any sort of lax or indulgent life that Jesus will lead us, His people to greatness. That kind of easy life will not lead us upward. It only leads people on the downward spiral. Idle hands, easy life leads to trouble. But troublous times and crises is simply opportunity for God.

Many of us church-goers tend to avoid anything that we think costs us too much. Things that require major self denial. Self-restraint. Personal Sacrifice. The Bible makes it very clear, in a variety of ways,that toil and hardship show us the way to a holy life, and to God’s promises which give us everything we need for a Godly life. (2 Pet 1:3,4)

Greatness does not come from having our path made easy. Then there would be little or no need for faith, or for God’s promises. There is no need for having our path made easy through a field of beautiful flowers, but by us being sent out to carve our appointed path with our own hands. Blood. Sweat. Tears. This is how to scale the tallest mountains in our experience! “He has made all His mountains a way.” (Isa 49:11) They are “His mountains.” God gave them to us! So if it comes from God what is there to complain about?

Fellow Christians! be strong! Be courageous! We are not here to play meaningless games. To dream of frivolous desires. To drift along hopelessly or helplessly! My friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, we often have very hard, very difficult things to accomplish when we follow God’s will. But as the sons and daughters of God we do not shun the struggle. We face it head on! For this is exactly what God’s amazing grace is! To be strong! To “be of good courage.” No matter what.(Joshua 1:9)

Don’t sit around moping and complaining all the way to The Father’s House! Stop extrapolating on how terrible and evil the world is. I mean really. Who is actually to blame for that? There is no need for us to fold our hands in surrender to the evil tides that beset us today! Stand up! Speak out! And be courageous in the name of Jesus! Be strong! be courageous! For on the morrow always comes, the song of the morning:

Weeping may endure for the night, but JOY comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)

God’s promise is for you:

“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, NIV)

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Pet 1: 2-4, NIV)

“…You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:13)

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God.

They do not now choose to be Christians.

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

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That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (1 Cor 2:5)

Loneliness. Being isolated, by yourself, alone and lonely. Loneliness. Being with someone, or with a group of people, but feeling alone and lonely. What is it that God is trying to tell us through our loneliness?

Two major points to consider are as follows:

1/ Through Your Loneliness God Is Saying, “I’m Who You Need” (John 14:6)

Just like when I am water my garden, and saw all the plants growing in response to the life-giving water, all of our unmet desires, all of the un-remedied problems such as loneliness can be traced back to one singular act in the past.

Before Adam and Eve sinned, the human heart was completely satisfied by their perfect relationship with God. The longing for something we need we don’t have can be traced back to their sin. Our perfect union with God was broken, thus we feel lonely. This is why Jesus came. He didn’t ultimately come to heal our bodies, to give us great marriages, or desperately need to bring the chaos in our lives back to order. Jesus will do these things one way or the other, and say “peace be still” (Mark 4:39) both now or on the new earth. But ultimately, the gospel is about our hearts being restored in Christ so we can have a right relationship with our Heavenly Father once again. Only when we are satisfied in Jesus will we be satisfied at all. (1 Tim 6:6)

Happiness and belonging do not exist outside of the presence of Jesus. As Psalm 16:2 states, “I have no good apart from you.” (compare also John 14:6)

2/ Through Your Loneliness God Is Saying, “It Won’t Always Be This Way” (Jer 29:11, Jer 31:17)

While Jesus did come to heal the brokenhearted, Luke 4:18)Scripture is also clear that while we live on this broken planet, there will always be some unmet longings in our hearts. Because everything is not yet perfected as it will be one day, there will always be some loneliness and discontentment in our souls. (Psalms 102:7)

Through the “everlasting gospel” (Rev 14:6-7) we have the certainty of redemption and satisfaction that our future is friendly. But there is more than we could ever imagine to come:

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons and daughters of God, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:22-23).

Much of the loneliness we feel now is connected to our longing for the full redemption that is to come (2 Peter 3:9-10). Thus we agree with Revelation 22:20

“Those who testify to these things say, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

A very apparent solution to our being alone and lonely in Scripture is prayer:

“In one single quiet hour of prayer we will often make more progress than in days of company with others. It is in the desert that the dew falls freshest and the air is purest. (Andrew Bonar)”

Many of us have been taught that if we are experiencing dark times,that it “must be” that God is frowning down upon us. But where is the Bible evidence for that? Doesn’t God make it to rain on BOTH the just and the unjust? (see Mat 5:45) The message of this week’s devotional, is that nothing could be further from the truth. As always, the first place to understand this topic is the Bible. I found a text earlier this week that seems to reflect on the topic for this article in a surprising way. Here, in our opening text, the Psalmist is reflecting on how

“darkness is my closest friend.”

But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you. Why, LORD, do you reject me and hide your face from me? From my youth I have suffered and been close to death; I have borne your terrors and am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken from me friend and neighbor—darkness is my closest friend. (Psalms 88:13–18,NIV)

But how can this be, we may ask? Why does the Psalmist say that

“darkness is my closest friend?” (Psalms 88:18)

It is precisely because of the part that “Faith” plays in the Christian’s life that the darkest night of our lives can be termed as “the night of faith.” (1 Thes 3:10)

Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name:(Amos 5:8)

I have had such nights. On the dark night, my extreme sense of dislocation, injustice, and absurdity is prominent;(sometimes called “cognitive dissonance). According to “the everlasting gospel,” (Rev 14:6-7), human reasoning alone cannot cope with, nor explain the infilling of Jesus during the night of faith and darkness. Bible prophecy informs that the whole world is about to experience this terrible “night of faith.”

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Rev 3:10)

In the opening text for today, I think that the Psalmist may have felt that any delight which he used to feel in prayer has been evaporated by the winds of change, strife, disappointments and trials. Perhaps the sweet certainty of God’s Presence that he used to feel in prayer no longer exists, and he is expressing that because no new way of praying has yet happened. Nowadays we vaguely sense the call to prayer, but we can no longer decline or answer the call. We cannot find a credible way to bring about the meeting with Jesus in prayer. Our faith being co-opted by the cares of this world. (Luke 8:14, Luke 21:34)

Our former feelings of closeness to God no longer arise spontaneously to make our praying easy or enjoyable. Many of us have fallen into thinking that we are standing before a God who is hidden and who does not want to communicate with us. Truly, this “night of faith” is but the beginning of serious, heart-felt contemplation, where we seemingly can find no way out of this stifling fog that has arisen in our sphere, to immobilize us; and hide every familiar landmark or sign that we thought was God’s indication of favor when we prayed.

The thick darkness,(Exodus 20:21) seems so impenetrable,claustrophobic, and impossible. We stoically concede that it “must be” unanswered prayer. (so called). If we examine more closely what the Christian must see and believe regarding their night of faith, and ow to navigate the thick darkness, we may find the way around that darkness is to charge right into it as Moses demonstrated:

“And the people stood afar off and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.” (Exodus 20:21).

Here we see that GOD was/and is right inside that “thick darkness.” Moses went charging right into “the thick darkness” to meet God right there! Moses did not wait for God to not be shrouded in darkness! This is another reason why I keep saying:

“there is light in every cloud.”

The Light of Christ is never daunted by darkness, or human failure. (Psalms 139:12) I have trouble understanding why some churches or individuals seem so fixated on the mark of the beast stuff when they yatter about what they call “end time prophecy.” Those very prophecies really only mention such ideas just a few times, almost parenthetically, We have certain preachers gibbering about “the beast” and “666” or the Pope so much that there is no room to talk about what we are really going to need during the time of the final crises, where “no one can buy or sell” unless they have this “mark” of the beast power as described in the book of Revelation.

Today’s most popular preachers, just like modern/secular “news media” so called that broadcasts a fear based message make no difference now between the holy and the unholy. Modern Christian Gurus widely admired for their clever gimmicks and falsehoods are stuck on detailing by the same worldly tactics of F.E.A.R. that a certain denomination is behind all of the beast’s activities. But there is really no need to go there most times when we talk about prophecies. Because BIBLE prophecy is primarily about Jesus. prophecy is about the cross! Prophecy is NOT History, except in the context that it is related to by HIS Story! If the Bible doesn’t have its main emphasis on all the scary stuff then why do we?

All one would need for the fearful part of the message is the last verse of Revelation 17

“And the woman which thou saw is that great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Rev 17:18).

It’s not hard for anyone, Christian or not, to know what/who this one text is talking about. There is only one city in all of the earth that meets this qualification of also being a “country.” But this is certainly not ever intended to be the main emphasis of “the message.”

We could really stand to learn what God’s desire for us is during the “time of Jacob’s trouble,” (Jer 30:7), or any during other times of trouble and folly by closely examining what the Bible prophets did, how they responded,during those times when they wrote out the prophecies the dreadful circumstances they endured. Daniel is one of the best examples that I can think of.

Most, when they read Daniel 8-9 seem to always drift into talking about “the beast” or the “mark” of said beast. Yet Daniel had a response to the death decree of his day that is most enlightening. If you read Dan 9 you will see that Daniel learned to pray (Understand The Visionhttps://lightintheclouds.org/?s=understand+the+vision) during a very dark period when his own and the lives of all believers with him were under threat of death for not obeying the edicts to worship false Gods. The same kinds of things will happen to God’s people during “the time of the end.” Are we ready for that kind of darkness? (Rev 3:10) Do we want to be a Daniel during times like that? (Dan 6:10)

Are You Worried About “The Final Crises?”

Are you worried by personal crises? Or concerned/perplexed about “final events?” Take some lessons from Daniel and other Bible characters and their prayers as recorded in your Bible. Learn to pray. Make prayer your personal first response to the dark cloud that is over you, as did the prophets of old.

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for them.

But why is it that so many prayers are never answered?

Truth is, prayers are always answered. Sometimes, we just don’t like the answer. Here are a few possibilities:

1/ You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. (James 4:3, AMP)

2/ David says, “I cried unto Him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” [Psalm 66:17,18.]

3/ By another prophet the Lord gives us the promise, “Ye shall seek me, and and you shall find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.”
[Jeremiah 29:13]

4/ Again, he speaks of some who “have not cried unto me with their heart.” [Hosea 7:14.]

5/ 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. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received.

6/ Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” (Mark 11:24).

When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers. When our prayers seem not to be answered,we are to cling to the promise anyway; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most.

This is why God’s answer to prayer is sometimes different than what we ask. At times,He may say “no,” or “yes,” or “wait,” or “maybe.” Prayer is always answered. Just not the way that we sometimes expect or demand it in our prayers.

7/ God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly: “For Jehovah God is a sun and shield; Jehovah will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalms 84::11, MKJV).

8/ He who turns his ear away from listening to the law [of God and man], Even his prayer is repulsive [to God] (Pro 28:9, AMP). see also John 7:17

9/ “Surely God will not listen to an empty cry [which lacks trust]. Nor will the Almighty regard it.” (Job 35:13, AMP).

10/ The prayer which Nathanael offered while he was under the figtree,came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered in an expected way by the Master. Christ said of him:

“Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” [John 1:47.]            compare Rev 14:5

Only Jesus reads the hearts of all, and understands their motives and purposes:

“The prayer of the upright is his delight.” [Proverbs 15:18] He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to him, and not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their great weakness, their urgent need, and unworthiness.

11/ Of Christ it is said: “And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly” (Luke 22:44). In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.

12/ The presence of Christ alone can make men and women happy.–AH 28. Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.–SC 93.

Truly, there is nothing more calculated to energize the mind and strengthen the intellect than the study of the Word of God. {PM 292.1}

In God’s will alone is found true peace, and assurance. We can face any trial, any crises, by turning it into an opportunity to pray aright. God says through the prophet Isaiah:

“come let us reason TOGETHER,” (Isa 1:18)

This shows us that God desires to work with us at the point of our felt needs through the power and miracle of prayer. As an example:

It is quite remarkable that the most brilliant colors of plants are to be seen on the highest mountains, in spots that are most exposed to the wildest weather. The brightest lichens and mosses, the loveliest gems of wild flowers, the brightest, most beautiful colors,all abound far up on the bleak, storm-scalped peak. One of the richest displays of structured coloring I ever saw was near the summit of a mountain in Jasper. The whole face of an extensive rock was covered with a most vivid yellow, orange and white lichen which shone in the sunshine like something displayed to bless those aspiring to reach the top. There, in that lofty region, amid the most frightening, isolated desolation, exposed to the fiercest tempest of the sky, the lichen and alpine flowers exhibited a glory of color such as they never showed below in the sumptuous, sheltered valley.

Is it not so with the Christian who is afflicted, tempest-tossed,and not comforted? Till the storms and fluctuations of God’s providence beat upon them again and again, their character and their experience may appear marred and clouded; but the trials clear away the obscurity, perfect the outlines of the believer’s disposition, and give brightness and blessing to their life, and to those around them. And that is “the true witness.” (Rev 3:14) that there is Light in the clouds.

“Christ in you, THE hope in glory.” (Col 11:27) Christ is our Light. (John 8:12)

May your personal prayer life be animated in Christ and direct you into the patient waiting on new paths that bring you closer to Jesus, is my prayer, in Jesus’s name.

Like Jesus, like the Psalmist, darkness can be our friend and ally during the “final crises” (Rev 3:10). Our God is right in there,awaiting your petitions. As Moses showed us, we can rightly and safely walk right into the darkness, because God is there. Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Jesus. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual relationship and two-way communication with our Heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him.

In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life. {SC 93.1} Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. {SC 93.2} When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us.(SC 93:3)

Prayer is communion with God. It is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him. Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among us, was often in prayer. Prayer went before and sanctified every act of His ministry. It was by prayer that He was braced for duty and for trial. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless One,  His nature recoiled from evil

He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.

“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Luke 21::36)