Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
peace be still 1
How quick the Master was to observe the meaning of natural symbols! To Him all things were unfoldings of eternal mystery, and the ways of people unconsciously mirrored the unseen. Are there bushels in your life? Use them as lamp stands, not as coverings.
All secrets come out; beware of what you say. All measures come back to us; take care how you mete.
The mysterious co-operation of God in nature, and the gradual process of growth, are analogous to the co-working of the Holy Spirit with all faithful sowers of the Word, and the imperceptible stages through which the soul reaches maturity.
Sadly, whenever people reject the Savior’s invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. Ignoring the express invitation of Jesus.
It had been an eventful day in the life of Jesus. Beside the Sea of Galilee He had spoken His first parables, by familiar illustrations again explaining to the people the nature of His kingdom and the manner in which it was to be established. He had likened His own work to that of the sower; the development of His kingdom to the growth of the mustard seed and the effect of leaven in the measure of meal. The great final separation of the righteous and the wicked He had pictured in the parables of the wheat and tares and the fishing net. The exceeding preciousness of the truths He taught had been illustrated by the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price, while in the parable of the householder He taught His disciples how they were to labor as His representatives. {DA 333.1}
All day He had been teaching and healing; and as evening came on the crowds still pressed upon Him. Day after day He had ministered to them, scarcely pausing for food or rest. The malicious criticism and misrepresentation with which the Pharisees constantly pursued Him made His labors much more severe and harassing; and now the close of the day found Him so utterly wearied that He determined to seek retirement in some solitary place across the lake. {DA 333.2}
The eastern shore of Gennesaret was not uninhabited, for there were towns here and there beside the lake; yet it was a desolate region when compared with the western side. It contained a population more heathen than Jewish, and had little communication with Galilee. Thus it offered Jesus the seclusion He sought, and He now bade His disciples accompany Him thither. {DA 333.3}
After He had dismissed the multitude, they took Him, even “as He was,” into the boat, and hastily set off. But they were not to depart alone. There were other fishing boats lying near the shore, and these were quickly crowded with people who followed Jesus, eager still to see and hear Him. {DA 334.1}
The Savior was at last relieved from the pressure of the multitude, and, overcome with weariness and hunger, He lay down in the stern of the boat, and soon fell asleep. The evening had been calm and pleasant, and quiet rested upon the lake; but suddenly darkness overspread the sky, the wind swept wildly down the mountain gorges along the eastern shore, and a fierce tempest burst upon the lake. {DA 334.2}
The sun had set, and the blackness of night settled down upon the stormy sea. The waves, lashed into fury by the howling winds, dashed fiercely over the disciples’ boat, and threatened to engulf it. Those hardy fishermen had spent their lives upon the lake, and had guided their craft safely through many a storm; but now their strength and skill availed nothing. They were helpless in the grasp of the tempest, and hope failed them as they saw that their boat was filling. {DA 334.3}
Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now, seeing their labor vain and only death before them, they remembered at whose command they had set out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only hope. In their helplessness and despair they cried, “Master, Master!” But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight. Their voices were drowned by the roaring of the tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them. Had Jesus forsaken them? Was He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was He unmindful of them in their distress? {DA 334.4}
Again they call, but there is no answer except the shrieking of the angry blast. Already their boat is sinking. A moment, and apparently they will be swallowed up by the hungry waters. {DA 334.5}
Suddenly a flash of lightning pierces the darkness, and they see Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In amazement and despair they exclaim, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” How can He rest so peacefully, while they are in danger and battling with death? {DA 334.6}
Their cry arouses Jesus. As the lightning’s glare reveals Him, they see the peace of heaven in His face; they read in His glance self-forgetful, tender love, and, their hearts turning to Him, cry, “Lord, save us: we perish.” {DA 335.1}
Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasp their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rises. He stands in the midst of His disciples, while the tempest rages, the waves break over them, and the lightning illuminates His countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in deeds of mercy, and says to the angry sea, “Peace, be still.” {DA 335.2}
The storm ceases. The billows sink to rest. The clouds roll away, and the stars shine forth. The boat rests upon a quiet sea. Then turning to His disciples, Jesus asks sorrowfully, “Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?” Mark 4:40, R.V. {DA 335.3}
A hush fell upon the disciples. Even Peter did not attempt to express the awe that filled his heart. The boats that had set out to accompany Jesus had been in the same peril with that of the disciples. Terror and despair had seized their occupants; but the command of Jesus brought quiet to the scene of tumult. The fury of the storm had driven the boats into close proximity, and all on board beheld the miracle. In the calm that followed, fear was forgotten. The people whispered among themselves, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” {DA 335.4}
When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. There was no trace of fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of almighty power. It was not as the “Master of earth and sea and sky” that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down, and He says, “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. He trusted in the Father’s might. It was in faith–faith in God’s love and care–that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God. {DA 336.1}
As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Savior. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help. {DA 336.2}
How often the disciples’ experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Savior in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best. {DA 336.3}
There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. Every man’s experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture, “The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:20, 21. Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm.
But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, “Lord, save us,” will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven.” Psalm 107:29, 30. “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” “The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever.” Romans 5:1; Isaiah 32:17. {DA 336.4}
In the early morning the Savior and His companions came to shore, and the light of the rising sun touched sea and land as with the benediction of peace. But no sooner had they stepped upon the beach than their eyes were greeted by a sight more terrible than the fury of the tempest. From some hiding place among the tombs, two madmen rushed upon them as if to tear them in pieces. Hanging about these men were parts of chains which they had broken in escaping from confinement. Their flesh was torn and bleeding where they had cut themselves with sharp stones. Their eyes glared out from their long and matted hair, the very likeness of humanity seemed to have been blotted out by the demons that possessed them, and they looked more like wild beasts than like men. {DA 337.1}
The disciples and their companions fled in terror; but presently they noticed that Jesus was not with them, and they turned to look for Him. He was standing where they had left Him. He who had stilled the tempest, who had before met Satan and conquered him, did not flee before these demons. When the men, gnashing their teeth, and foaming at the mouth, approached Him, Jesus raised that hand which had beckoned the waves to rest, and the men could come no nearer. They stood raging but helpless before Him. {DA 337.2}
With authority He bade the unclean spirits come out of them. His words penetrated the darkened minds of the unfortunate men. They realized dimly that One was near who could save them from the tormenting demons. They fell at the Savior’s feet to worship Him; but when their lips were opened to entreat His mercy, the demons spoke through them, crying vehemently, “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Son of God most high? I beseech Thee, torment me not.” {DA 337.3}
Jesus asked, “What is thy name?” And the answer was, “My name is Legion: for we are many.” Using the afflicted men as mediums of communication, they besought Jesus not to send them out of the country. Upon a mountainside not far distant a great herd of swine was feeding. Into these the demons asked to be allowed to enter, and Jesus suffered them. Immediately a panic seized the herd. They rushed madly down the cliff, and, unable to check themselves upon the shore, plunged into the lake, and perished. {DA 338.1}
Meanwhile a marvelous change had come over the demoniacs. Light had shone into their minds. Their eyes beamed with intelligence. The countenances, so long deformed into the image of Satan, became suddenly mild, the bloodstained hands were quiet, and with glad voices the men praised God for their deliverance. {DA 338.2}
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. (John 6:12,13)
gather up fragments
Jesus often tests us to see what we shall say and do in the presence of overwhelming difficulty, but He always knows the way out. We at once begin to calculate our paltry resources, and to confess their inadequacy. We come back to explain that when we have done our utmost, we can provide very little.
Then He steps in, determined that everyone shall be filled, with an ample supply left over. He makes His guests sit down in comfort on the grass, because there is plenty of time, as well as an abundance of food, for a happy and comfortable meal. We must bring Him what we have, however slender; must enter into His great plan and arrange the people for the banquet; must distribute the food and gather up the broken pieces. The world is to be fed by the cooperation of Christ and His Church.
The disciples finally came to Jesus, urging that for their own sake the people should be sent away. Many had come from far, and had eaten nothing since morning. In the surrounding towns and villages they might be able to buy food. But Jesus said, “Give ye them to eat,” and then, turning to Philip, questioned, “Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” This He said to test the faith of the disciple. Philip looked over the sea of heads, and thought how impossible it would be to provide food to satisfy the wants of such a crowd. He answered that two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be nearly enough to divide among them, so that each might have a little.
Jesus inquired how much food could be found among the company. “There is a lad here,” said Andrew, “which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many?” Jesus directed that these be brought to Him. Then He bade the disciples seat the people on the grass in parties of fifty or a hundred, to preserve order, and that all might witness what He was about to do.
When this was accomplished, Jesus took the food, “and looking up to heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” “And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.” {DA 365.3}
He who taught the people the way to secure peace and happiness was just as thoughtful of their temporal necessities as of their spiritual need. The people were weary and faint. There were mothers with babes in their arms, and little children clinging to their skirts. Many had been standing for hours. They had been so intensely interested in Christ’s words that they had not once thought of sitting down, and the crowd was so great that there was danger of their trampling on one another. Jesus would give them a chance to rest, and He bade them sit down. There was much grass in the place, and all could rest in comfort. {DA 365.4}
Christ never worked a miracle except to supply a genuine necessity, and every miracle was of a character to lead the person to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Jesus said there would be miracles manifested for the express purpose of deceiving of “the very elect,” and so we must examine closely Gods Word to see what Jesus, the Judge of all would say about miracles we may witness.
According to the everlasting gospel, there is hope amongst the fragments. John 6:12. If your heart has been broken by grief, by worry, by fear, by pain, or by suffering, or by someone doing you dirt, or by loved ones dying, or by anything else, God’s desire is that we just make art with all those pieces. Make something beautiful out of all those little pieces of your darkest times. We are born of the anguish we bear, and we are to turn all of our grief, our tears, our clouds, into the love that we want to give. Only then, when we give what we want to receive, are we truly “the children of God.” (Mat 5:9).
“To them that received Him, gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God.” (John 1:12)
And Jesus said “gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost.” (John 6:12)
Many of us have made ship-wreck of our faith, all of us have done wrong and been wronged. (Rom 3:23) But all of us have some fragments of faith that still live in us. (Rom 12:3). And it is our job as Christians to identify with people, in the same ways that Jesus did, for the purpose of gathering up those little shreds and fragments of people’s faith that remain and to come alongside them in the love of Christ, so that NOTHING be lost.”
Scripture tells us that “…they gathered them up, and they filled twelve large baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten…” (John 6:13). Jesus fed huge crowds of people with those tiny fragments He was talking about!
As Christians, we need to find those fragments of faith in others, and use them to build upon Christ, our Solid Rock.
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed and said, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and extends loving kindness toward those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed wrong, and have behaved wickedly and have rebelled, turning away from Your commandments and ordinances. (Dan 9:4,5)
vision
“So we have the prophetic word made more certain. You do well to pay [close] attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and light breaks through the gloom and the morning star arises in your hearts.” 2 Peter 1:19
And the Old Testament also reflects upon the idea of “the Morning Star,” in Numbers 24:17
“”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.”
Christ is here represented as the “Morning Star,” and when He returns, he will shine in his full glory. Until that day we have Scripture and the Holy Spirit to illuminate it [the Morning Star concept] for us and to guide us as we seek the truth about Bible Prophecy. (see also Luke 1:78; Eph 5:14; Rev 2:28; Rev 22:16).
One of the key concepts to derive from Bible prophecy is that it is often nothing to do with dates, history, predictions, or doom and gloom. While Bible prophecy does set before us the motif of “the great controversy,” which is essentially, the war between good and evil, as well as being the main message intended for us to carry forward into the world we live in today.
The best way to think of Bible prophecy, is not by “History,” which by nature is often secular, and activist; but rather, to reflect upon the different ways that prophecy represents “H.I.S. – S.T.O.R.Y.”
We can count on an “everlasting” good story through Bible prophecy. We can count on the triumph of good over evil, through Bible prophecy. For Bible prophecy is in verity, about the cross. The motif of “Christ and Him crucified” is what sets apart true Christianity from everything else. Bible prophecy, in both Old and New Testaments, is an everlasting story. Bible prophecy IS “the everlasting gospel,” as reflected upon in Rev 14:6-12, and many other places.
That precious Morning Star is especially what the Christmas story is about – “HIS – Story” and the moral purpose of Bible prophecy is intended to arise in the hearts of those who are honestly seeking truth about this “everlasting gospel:”
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” (Mat 2:2)
His Story, the everlasting gospel story, is the story of Jesus, which begins for us in a dilapidated manger that no one else wanted to sleep in.
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you and to give you assurance of these things for the churches. I am the Root (the Source, the Life) and the Offspring of David, the radiant and bright Morning Star.” (Rev 22:16)
Jesus is both David’s “source” and “heir.” As the Creator of all, Jesus existed long before David. As a human, however, he was one of David’s direct descendants (see Isa 11:1,2,3,4,5; Mat 1:1-17). As the Messiah, he is the “bright morning star,” the light of salvation to all. Once when Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12)
And so this is why in scripture, prophecy is called a Light that shines in a dark place. Bible prophecy, correctly represented is the Light in your clouds. The Light of the world is Jesus. (There is Light in every cloud).
To illustrate further the moral purpose of Bible prophecy, and how this purpose can fit into our daily lives, and provide us with a foundation to lean upon in all of the really dark times, we can reflect upon the Bible prophecy found in Daniel, chapter nine.
Here in Daniel, chapter nine, we find a series of visions that teach a similar truth to the experiences of the first six chapters. In chapters 1—6, God is portrayed as being in control of the present. In chapters 7—12, God is seen as also controlling the future. Many self-proclaimed prophets and pundits set forth this chapter as very complicated, and mostly about dates, and history, but not usually as His Story.
Although Daniel, as prime minister of the mightiest kingdom, at the time, on the earth, was cumbered with cares and burdens, he did not let this deprive him of the privilege of studying into things of much higher importance. The purposes of God revealed to His prophets is in Scripture, much more important than secular history and its activism for denominated dross.
The book of Daniel says that this prophet understood by books, that is, the writings of Jeremiah, that God would accomplish seventy years in the captivity of His people. This prediction is found in Jer 25:12; Jer 29:10. The knowledge of it, and the use that was made of it, show that Jeremiah was early regarded as a divinely inspired prophet; otherwise his writings would not have been so soon collected, and so extensively copied. Though for a time contemporary with him, Daniel had a copy of his works which he carried with him in his captivity. Though he was so great a prophet himself, he was not above studying carefully what God might reveal to others of His servants.
Daniel had apparently understood that this 70 years were now drawing to their close, and that God had even begun the fulfillment of the prophecy, by overthrowing the kingdom of Babylon, which back then must have been terrifying. And the implications for its meaning to the world today have been denominated until we can barely recognize what to believe anymore, that is, if we can get past all of the fear mongering being proffered by big media, including many church entities.
What did Jesus say about all of the events in the book of Daniel, and in chapter nine?
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),” (Mat 24:14,15)
The book of Daniel gives a demonstration of the principles according to which God’s wisdom, power, and authority operate through the HIS STORY of nations for the eventual accomplishment of God’s divine purpose. Daniel was given a forward vision of this prophecy of The Second Coming of Christ:
“While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the LORD my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer,the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.” (Dan 9::20,21)
I wrote the following poem to reflect a little closer on what was going on, sort of behind the scenes during the times of Daniel, Chapter 9. We may be sure by this wonderful prophecy that the best ways to both prepare and respond to the things we fear may be or will be coming is to dare to be a Daniel. Dare to live Daniel’s life of prayer, in response to all the major world events of this our day, just as Daniel did back in his day:
During the oft-talked about “time of the end,” many, unlike Daniel, will be unprepared because they mistaken “prophecy” as just a series of names, dates, or places, and a few very fearful predictions about these things. But it is obvious that Daniel learned more than just predictions and dates. Daniel learned to pray. This poem reflects what the prophet of old had learned, and what God, through Daniel, is telling us to do today.
During troubled times, we may follow in Daniel’s steps, as we learn to pray in earnest, and with open hearts:
“Understand The Vision” Dan 8:17
(This poem is based on Daniel 8,9)
By the River of Ulai, the prophet “looked up”
As he was seeking
And when he “lifted up his eyes,” Daniel heard
King Jesus speaking
And down the corridors of time to the beast of
This our troubled day
We see the “Little Horn” is speaking peace as he
Forces church his way.
In the “latter times” of his kingdom when
Transgressions marked are “full.”
The time “appointed for the vision” on the
Mind of each will pull
“Dark sentences” embraced the King, when
transgressors all “stood up”
For they only “stand” to destroy; to deceive
We dare not, ever, drink the cup
Daniel fainted at this little bit that he could
See while rapt in vision
Saying how “no one understood” it; as they held
Truth in derision
But the prophet understood the vision as the
Angel swiftly flew
For Daniel prayed and “made confession;” nothing
Less could ever do
In this vision of the end Gabriel spoke to Daniel
Past his praying and his tears
For Jeremiah, wrote before him of the long and
“Desolate years”
And gave Daniel understanding from “the books;” all
The “numbers of the days”
And we can have the understanding too; as we walk
These times in God’s sweet ways.
70 Weeks were “determined” for Jerusalem of old so
That everyone could see
How God will send His mighty angel when we need to
Know the prophecy
Daniel knew the secret of the walk we all must make
With Jesus in our day
He truly understood the “numbers of the years” for
Daniel learned to pray and to
“Consider The Vision” Dan 9:23
Through His chosen agencies God will graciously make known His purposes. The Holy Spirit wants to help us to “consider the vision” today. Then the grand work of redemption will go forward. People will learn of the reconciliation for iniquity and of the everlasting righteousness which the Messiah has brought in through His sacrifice. The cross of Calvary is the great epicenter of the everlasting gospel:
Christ is the foundation of every true church. All who are brought to a new faith are to be established on Him. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13). The plain, simple truths of the gospel are to be kept before minds. Christ crucified as the atonement for sin is the great central truth of the gospel, round which all truths cluster. To this great truth all other truths are tributary and are thus invested with both power and influence according to their relation to this theme.
The love of God was to be revealed to the world in the death of his beloved Son, crucified on Calvary for the sins of the world. He was to present to the world the gospel, which was to be the power of God unto salvation. This was not a new truth, but through the traditions of men it had become obscured, and the original truths, by separation from their Author, had lost their meaning to the world. When Christ came, a flood of light was to be shed upon the utterances of patriarchs and prophets. Through this revelation, neglected obligations were to be taken up. Obedience was to take the place of rebellion, and the truth would work a transformation of character in all who should receive it. The great atoning Sacrifice was to be the central and supreme truth, about which all other truths were to cluster. And Christ himself came to the world to bear this truth to his rebellious subjects.
The Church must begin to teach only the great practical truths that must be stamped upon the soul. Teach the saving power of Jesus, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of our sins.” It was at the cross that mercy and truth met together, that righteousness and peace kissed each other. Let every student and every worker study this again and again, that they, “setting forth the Lord crucified among us,” may make it a fresh subject to the people. Show that the life of Christ reveals a perfect character.
The Church needs to teach that, “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) Tell it over and over again. We may become the sons of God, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Let it be known that all who accept Jesus Christ and hold the beginning of their confidence firm to the end, will be heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for you who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Pet 1:5). In future prophecy news letters we will focus on this idea much more in depth. (Gal 6:14).
“Behold, I have set before thee an open door.” (Rev 3:8)
The Fathers Love reflected
Let us thank God with heart and soul and voice; and let us learn to approach unto Him as through an open door, believing that we may come freely with our petitions, and that He will hear and answer. It is by a living faith in His power to help, that we shall receive strength to fight the battles of the Lord with the confdent assurance of victory.
Those who are seeking to be faithful to God may be denied many of the privileges of the world; their way may be hedged up and their work hindered by the enemies of truth; but there is no power that can close the door of communication between God and their souls. The Christian may close this door by indulgence in sin, or by rejection of heaven’s light. They may turn away their ears from hearing the message of truth, and in this way sever the connection between God and their own soul.
Every day we have the precious privilege of connecting ourselves with Christ, who has set before us an open door. All heaven is at our command. If we are obedient children of God, we may draw daily supplies of grace. Whatever temptations, trials, or persecutions may come upon us, we need not be discouraged.
Neither humanity nor Satan can close the door which Christ has opened for us. Jesus said
“no human can shut it…” (Rev 3:8)
Friends, our youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptations which gather over the soul. The true expression of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words and the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christ’s love. If we would show an interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly turn their steps into the upward path.{AH 449.2}
Whenever we are tempted, if we feel we have sunken as low as we can get, when we are in the crowded Church yet feel stark and alone, wherever rejection and disappointment are clouding our way, we have this open door to behold. No power can hide from us the light of the glory which shines from the threshold of heaven along the whole length of the ladder we are to climb; for the Lord has given us strength in His strength, courage in His courage, light in His light.
When the powers of darkness are overcome, when the light of the glory of God floods the world, we shall see and understand more clearly than we do today. If we only realized that the glory of God is round about us, that heaven is nearer earth than we suppose, we should have a heaven in our homes while preparing for the heaven above.
There is before the church the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all alliance with the things that lead them away from God. The members of the church need now to confess their back slidings, and press together. My brethren and sisters, allow nothing to come in that will separate you from one another and from God.
Stop the intense focus on differences of opinion, but unite in the love of the truth as it is in Jesus. Come before God and plead the shed blood of the Savior as a reason that you should receive help in the warfare against evil. I assure you that you will not plead in vain. As you draw near to God, with heartfelt contrition and in full assurance of faith, the enemy who seeks to destroy you will be overcome by the Holy Spirit of The Living God.
But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:13)
Pious Jews considered all non-Jews (Gentiles) ceremonially unclean. They thought of themselves as pure and clean because of their national heritage and religious ceremonies. Paul pointed out that Jews and Gentiles alike were unclean before God and needed to be cleansed by Christ. In order to realize how great a gift salvation is, we need to remember our former natural, unclean condition. Have you ever felt separate, excluded, hopeless? This verse is for you. No one is alienated from Christ’s love or from the body of believers.
Jews and Gentiles alike could be guilty of spiritual pride — Jews for thinking their faith and traditions elevated them above everyone else, Gentiles for trusting in their achievements, power, or position. Spiritual pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others. Be careful not to become proud of your salvation. Instead, humbly thank God for what he has done, and encourage others who might be struggling in their faith.
Before Christ’s coming, Gentiles and Jews kept apart from one another. Jews considered Gentiles beyond God’s saving power and therefore without hope. Gentiles resented Jewish claims. Christ revealed the total sinfulness of both Jews and Gentiles, and then he offered his salvation to both. Only Christ breaks down the walls of prejudice, reconciles all believers to God, and unifies us in one body.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'(Acts 2:21)
Peter quoted this passage (see Acts 2:16-21); the outpouring of the Spirit predicted by Joel occurred on Pentecost. While in the past God’s Spirit seemed available to kings, prophets, and judges, Joel envisioned a time when the Spirit would be available to every believer. Ezekiel also spoke of an outpouring of the Spirit (Ezekiel 39:28-29). God’s Spirit is available today to anyone who calls on the Lord for salvation
“After that, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will have dreams. Your young men will have visions. In those days I will pour out my Spirit on those who serve me, men and women alike. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth. There will be blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will become dark. The moon will turn red like blood. It will happen before the great and terrible day of the LORD comes. Everyone who calls out to me will be saved. On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem some of my people will be left alive. I have chosen them. That is what I have promised. (Joel 2:28-32,NIrV)
And whoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with his holy angels. (Luke 9:26, Murdock)
we have been warned
There are many conspiracy theories, contingency theories, and whacky theories abounding today about what is “really” going on in our world today. To be certain, things are in major upheaval, and many people are becoming scared. In my experience, many of us are frightened because even the churches are buying into the scare tactics and conspiracy theories, leaving people wondering where to find surety of any kind.
There are a couple of things to consider, which I would like to out line in this article. Some have questioned me for constantly writing things about the cross when I talk about end time events, and so I will begin by briefly explaining this concept.
One pastor said to me recently when I questioned his constant obsessive use of articles from so called “alternative news sites.” The articles all contain the latest “news” about the latest, alleged covid plots and capers going on around us. The one article he cited as “must read” and “truth” was actually about modern AI robots that would be sent out to attack and control people who dont want to vax. And there was mention of some kind of electronic chip implant, of course, being claimed as “the mark of the beast.”
The first thing he said in his reply to me was “could it be that such things will be used against God’s people who want to keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus?” That was his paltry reply to my question about why is he constantly sending stuff like this out to the people he is supposed to be pastoring? Could this explain why he has only 40 members that attend his church “on a good sabbath?” My first thought was just “well even if that stuff he cited were true, what on earth does it matter for if we are to have our main focus and foundation on “Christ and Him crucified,” How would this supposed “insider” knowledge of the beast help us to preach the cross or the Man on the cross? We cannot do both!
I have thought about this kind of excuse for citing news as prophecy for some time, and I would concede, ever so slightly, that yes, God wants us to “know whats going on;” but for someone who is supposedly concerned about following “the spirit of prophecy” I found this pastor’s response very strange. Here are some very important thoughts to consider:
God has revealed what is to take place in the last days, that His people may be prepared to stand against the tempest of opposition and wrath. Those who have been warned of the events before them are not to sit in calm expectation of the coming storm, comforting themselves that the Lord will shelter His faithful ones in the day of trouble.{FLB 325.3}
And so yes, there is to be a reasonable, balanced consideration of what is going on. But does this admonition actually refer to all the claimed or supposed events around us as depicted by Big Media? No! And it never will! Almost none of what we hear as “news” is verifiable. And it certainly is not “prophecy.”
Let us consider why the disciples were so unprepared for their “final events” when Jesus was crucified. Let us derive out thoughts from the accounting of scripture:
Before His crucifixion the Savior explained to His disciples that He was to be put to death and to rise again from the tomb, and angels were present to impress His words on minds and hearts. But the disciples were looking for temporal deliverance from the Roman yoke, and they could not tolerate the thought that He in whom all their hopes centered should suffer an ignominious death. The words which they needed to remember were banished from their minds; and when the time of trial came, it found them unprepared. The death of Jesus as fully destroyed their hopes as if He had not forewarned them. So in the prophecies the future is opened before us as plainly as it was opened to the disciples by the words of Christ. The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready. (GC 594.1}
Satan is ever intruding himself between the soul of man and God. This lesson in regard to Peter needs to be studied carefully. {CC 312.2} Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Savior was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips.{CC 312.3}
This is why Light In The Clouds has often reflected in recent weeks, as I have talked about end times and prophecy, and the three angel’s message, how “its about the cross, I have constantly said: “its about the cross.” The three angels’ message (not messages) is always and only about the cross.
And so the true warning message is the same today as in Peter’s day The warning message for God’s people, for the world at large, is about not being willing to see the cross of Christ in the work of Christ, during these end time events we are seeing today around the world. Its amazing to see how some are more willing to see the work of The Pope, or “the news” rather than the work of Christ during the time of the end.
When God sends people warnings so important that they are represented as proclaimed by holy angels flying in the midst of heaven, He is obviously wanting us to heed the message, and stop trying to mix it all up with alleged, unproven “current events” which are just propaganda, and can never tell us Bible truth. Christians today are just as guilty of spreading fear and lies as Big Media.
Yes, the fearful judgments denounced against the worship of the beast and his image (Revelation 14:9-11), should lead all to a diligent study of the prophecies to learn what the mark of the beast is, and how they are to avoid receiving it. But the masses of the people keep turning away their ears from hearing the truth about the cross and are turned unto fables that are masqueraded as truth. They love to sensationalize the wonder-working Beast powers, (Isa 11:3) and minimize mentions of Jesus until His name is mentioned only once, as a parenthesis, rather than the main message. (Gal 6:14) My friends, do not mistaken what the warning message really is. It is found in your Bible, no matter what version you have:
And whoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father, with his holy angels. (Luke 9;26)
The apostle Paul declared, looking down to the last days: “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:3). That time has fully come. The multitudes do not want Bible truth, because it interferes with the sights and desires of the sinful, world-loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptions which they love. The disciples were slow to appreciate their Master’s interpretation of the Old Testament kingdom prophecies. They, too, were looking for temporal deliverance from the Romanist terror organization, which continues its disgusting legacy today. Think Indigenous people, and what has happened to them, amongst other things. Who can deny the pattern and the horrific legacy this religious entity has cursed our world with?
The disciples were not prepared for their terrible disappointment when they saw their Lord crucified. There was no room for the cross in their current message of that day and age. And, likewise today, are we prepared in the right ways depicted by scripture alone?
Before His crucifixion, the Savior explained to His disciples that He was about to be put to death,and to rise again from the tomb. The disciples were looking for temporal deliverance from the Romanist terror machine, the words of Truth which they needed to remember were banished from their minds by their weakness, their close-mindedness, and their falsehoods. When the time of trial came, it found them grossly unprepared. The death of Jesus on the cross as fully destroyed their hopes as if He had not ever forewarned them. Like us today, had the disciples a correct understanding of the prophecies they could have had a praise service in recognition of the marvelous fulfillment of prophecy in the death and resurrection of their Lord.
Even on the day of the resurrection the disciples did not know the true interpretation of the prophecies concerning Gods people. Before Jesus revealed Himself to the two disciples of Emmaus, He explained the prophecies, for it was necessary for them to understand the witness borne to Him by the types and prophecies of the Old Testament. Upon these their faith must be established. Christ performed no miracle to convince them, but it was His first work to explain the Scriptures. They had looked upon His death as the destruction of all their hopes. Now He showed from the prophets,The Old Testament that the cross was the very strongest evidence for their faith. The miracles of Christ are a strong proof of His divinity; but a stronger proof that He is the world’s Redeemer is found in comparing the prophecies of the Old Testament with the history of the New Testament
For one example of Bible prophecy fulfilled, about how Jesus would be “the seed of a woman” is recorded for us in Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel.”” (AMP) The fulfillment for Gen 3:15 is found, among several places, such as Gal 4:4: “But when [in God’s plan] the proper time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the [regulations of the] Law,” (AMP)
It is a historical fact that Jesus was born. This historical fact is exactly why we must call Bible prophecy, in all of its correct bearings: HIS – Story. Bible prophecy, all Bible prophecy, is about the cross! If its not central to Christ and Him crucified, then its not even a Christian doctrine, no matter how many Bible verses they quote! Conspiracy theories are not HIS _ Story, they are not prophecy, and most times they are not truth and cannot even be definitively proven. Most of them are anecdotal at best.
Jesus was born. Its a fact “and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7, AMP) “And she gave birth to a Son, a male Child, who is destined to rule (shepherd) all the nations with a rod of iron; and her Child was caught up to God and to His throne.” (Rev 12:5)
While the Bible does say there will be a great time of trouble “such as never was since there was a nation,” (Dan 12:1) it never once depends upon so called “news” or conspiracy theories to delineate truth for us, neither yesterday nor today. I am reminded of a time when I had what seemed like a time of trouble such as Daniel described in Dan 12:1. I had massive burns to 50% of my body, For months, I had what is called Debridement surgeries every Friday, and daily, there were painful bandage changes during which nurses would also do some smaller debridement as needed. It was so painful that I cringe, even now just thinking about it, yet those very painful debridement are exactly why I lived to tell you about it now. They were needed for my healing. My healing was slow and very painful, but heal I did. It is the same in Bible prophecy. There is a war between good and evil. The war is going to be painful for everyone, in one way or another. But it will lead us to healing and to at-onement with Jesus, and with one another. (John 14:12, John 17:11)
The words often on Jesus’’ lips in His last days, during the endtimes of His ministry express vividly the idea, “going to the Father.” (John 13:1,John 20:17, Acts 1:2, 1 Tim 3:16)
We, too, who are Christ’s people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life. We are journeying towards fulfillment, completion, “healing of the nations and of our hearts. Eternal Life! We, too, are “going to the Father.”
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them who sleep, will God, by Jesus, bring with him. And this we say to you, by the word of our Lord, that we who may survive and be alive, at the coming of our Lord, shall not precede them who have slept. Because our Lord will himself descend from heaven, with the mandate, and with the voice of the chief angel, and with the trump of God; and the dead who are in the Messiah, will first arise; and then, we who survive and are alive shall be caught up together with them to the clouds, to meet our Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with our Lord. Wherefore, comfort ye one another with these words. (1 Thes 4:14-16, Murdock)
Much is unclear right now concerning whats going on in our world now, but two things are very clear. We are going home. We have a future coming that is wonderful. We are on a pilgrimmage to “the Father’s House.” It is the ultimate presence of the Lord. We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it. We are all travellers, not settlers. Are we going to be like Jesus’ disciples and not have room for the cross in our thinking of end time events today? Is there anyone who doesnt want a better hope than one that is rooted in the lies and propaganda being touted today as “truth?” Friends, the warning message IS about the cross! (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13)
The little birds trust God, for they go singing
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their trackless pathway winging
To summer-lands of song, afar, unknown.
Let us go singing, then, and not go sighing:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
’tis only flitting to a Summer-land.
Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God. (Prov 9:10, CEV)
true knowledge through God
Like our Savior, we are in this world to do service for God. We are here to become like God in character, and by a life of service to reveal Him to the world. In order to be co-workers with God, in order to become like Him and to reveal His character, we must know Him as He really is. We must know Him as He reveals Himself.
A true knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education and of all true service. It is the only real safeguard against going down a wrong path. It is only by knowing God that we can be made like God in character. (see John 17:3, etc) This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting of their fellow human beings. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, adherence to correct principles, all depend upon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential preparation both for this life and for the life to come.
let the one who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God and recognizes without any doubt], that I am the LORD who practices loving kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these things I delight,” says the LORD. [1 Cor 1:31; 2 Cor 10:17] “The knowledge of the Holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.
Through a knowledge of Him are given unto us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” 2 Peter 1:3. Let not the rich person glory in their riches: But let anyone that glory, glory in this, That they understand and know Me, That I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, Judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: For in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23, 24. We need to study the revelations of Himself that God has given. “Acquaint now thyself with Him, And be at peace: Thereby good shall come unto thee.
Receive, I pray thee, the law from His mouth, And lay up His words in your heart. And the Almighty will be thy treasure: “Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Almighty, And shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto Him,And He will hear thee; And thou shalt pay thy vows. Thou shalt also decree a thing, And it shall be established unto you; And light shall shine upon your ways. When they cast you down, you shall say, There is lifting up; And the humble person He will save.” Job 22:21-29, A.R.V.
“The invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and divinity.” Romans 1:20, A.R.V. The things of nature that we now behold give us but a faint conception of Eden’s glory. Sin has marred earth’s beauty; on all things may be seen traces of the work of evil. Yet much that is beautiful remains. Nature testifies that One infinite in power, great in goodness, mercy, and love, created the earth, and filled it with life and gladness. Even in their blighted state, all things reveal the handiwork of the great Master Artist. Wherever we turn, we may hear the voice of God, and see evidences of His goodness.
From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder and old ocean’s ceaseless roar, to the glad songs that make the forests vocal with melody, nature’s ten thousand voices speak His praise. In earth and sea and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, varying in gorgeous contrast or blended in harmony, we behold His glory. The everlasting hills tell us of God’s power. The trees that wave their green banners in the sunlight, and the flowers in their delicate beauty, point to their Creator. The living green that carpets the brown earth tells of God’s care for the humblest of His creatures. The caves of the sea and the depths of the earth reveal His treasures. He who placed the pearls in the ocean and the amethyst and chrysolite among the rocks, is a lover of the beautiful. The sun rising in the heavens is a representative of Him who is the life and light of all that He has made. All the brightness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens, speak of God. “His glory covered the heavens.” “The earth is full of Your riches.”
“Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, Without these their voice is heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world.” Habakkuk 3:3; Psalm 104:24;19:2-4, margin. All things tell of His tender, fatherly care and of His desire to make His children happy. The mighty power that works through all nature and sustains all things is not, as some men of science represent, merely an all-pervading principle, an actuating energy. God is a Spirit; yet He is a personal Being; for so He has revealed Himself: “The Lord is the true God, He is the living God, and an everlasting King: The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, Even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.” “The portion of Jacob is not like them:For He is the former of all things.” “He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, And hath stretched out the heavens by His discretion.” Jeremiah 10:10, 11, 16, 12.
Nature Is Not God
God’s handiwork in nature is not God Himself in nature. The things of nature are an expression of God’s character and power; but we are not to regard nature as God. The artistic skill of human beings produces very beautiful workmanship, things that delight the eye, and these things reveal to us something of the thought of the designer; but the thing made is not the maker. It is not the work, but the workman, that is counted worthy of honor. So while nature is an expression of God’s thought, it is not nature, but the God of nature, that is to be exalted. “Let us worship and bow down:
Let us kneel before the Lord.” “In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the mountains are His also. The sea is His, and He made it; And His hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:6; 95:4, 5, A.R.V. “Seek Him that maketh the Pleiades and Orion, And turneth the shadow of death into the morning, And maketh the day dark with night;”
“He that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, And declareth unto man what is His thought;” “He that buildeth His spheres in the heaven, And hath founded His arch [Noyes’s translation] in the earth;” “He that calleth for the waters of the sea, And poureth them out upon the face of the earth; Jehovah is His name.” Amos 5:8, A.R.V.; 4:13, A.R.V.; 9:6, margin; 9:6, A.R.V.
The Creation of the Earth
The work of creation cannot be explained by science. What science can explain the mystery of life? “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Hebrews 11:3. “I form the light, and create darkness: I the Lord do all these things. I have made the earth, And created man upon it: I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, And all their host have I commanded.” “When I call unto them, they stand up together.” Isaiah 45:7-12; 48:13. In the creation of the earth, God was not indebted to pre-existing matter. “He spake, and it was; He commanded, and it stood fast.” Psalm 33:9. All things, material or spiritual, stood up before the Lord Jehovah at His voice and were created for His own purpose. The heavens and all the host of them, the earth and all things therein, came into existence by the breath of His mouth.
In the creation of man was manifest the agency of a personal God. When God had made man in His image, the human form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it was without life. Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a living, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were set in action. The heart, the arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the faculties of the mind, all began their work, and all were placed under law. Man became a living soul. Through Christ the Word, is personal God created man and endowed him with intelligence and power. Our substance was not hid from Him when we were made in secret; His eyes saw our substance, yet being imperfect, and in His book all our members were written when as yet there were none of them. Above all lower orders of being, God designed that man, the crowning work of His creation, should express His thought and reveal His glory. But man is not to exalt himself as God.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Serve the Lord with gladness: Come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: It is He that hath made us, and His we are; We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise: Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”
“Exalt the Lord our God, And worship at His holy hill; For the Lord our God is holy.” Psalm 100:1-4, margin; 99:9. God is constantly employed in upholding and using as His servants the things that He has made. He works through the laws of nature, using them as His instruments. They are not self-acting. Nature in her work testifies of the intelligent presence and active agency of a Being who moves in all things according to His will.
“Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to Thine ordinances: For all are Thy servants.” “Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He In heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.” “He commanded, and they were created. He hath also established them for ever and ever: He hath made a decree which shall not pass.” Psalm 119:89-91; 135:6; 148:5, 6. It is not by inherent power that year by year the earth yields its bounties and continues its march around the sun. The hand of the Infinite One is perpetually at work guiding this planet. It is God’s power continually exercised that keeps the earth in position in its rotation. It is God who causes the sun to rise in the heavens. He opens the windows of heaven and gives rain.
“He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.” “When He uttereth His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, And He causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He maketh lightnings with rain, And bringeth forth the wind out of His treasures.” Psalm 147:16; Jeremiah 10:13. It is by His power that vegetation is caused to flourish, that every leaf appears, every flower blooms, every fruit develops. The mechanism of the human body cannot be fully understood; it presents mysteries that baffle the most intelligent. It is not as the result of a mechanism, which, once set in motion, continues its work, that the pulse beats and breath follows breath. In God we live and move and have our being. The beating heart, the throbbing pulse, every nerve and muscle in the living organism, is kept in order and activity by the power of an ever-present God.
The Bible shows us God in His high and holy place, not in a state of inactivity, not in silence and solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy beings, all waiting to do His will. Through these messengers He is in active communication with every part of His dominion. By His Spirit He is everywhere present. Through the agency of His Spirit and His angels He ministers to the children of men. Above the distractions of the earth He sits enthroned; all things are open to His divine survey; and from His great and calm eternity He orders that which His providence sees best. “The way of a person s not in themselves: It is not in man that walks to direct his steps.” “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct thy paths.” “The eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him,
Upon them that hope in His mercy; To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.” “How precious is Thy loving-kindness, O God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of Thy wings.” “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the Lord his God.” The Earth, O Jehovah, is full of Thy loving-kindness.” Thou lovest “righteousness and justice.” Thou “art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, And of them that are afar off upon the sea: Who by His strength setteth fast the mountains, Being girded about with might; Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, And the tumult of the peoples.”
“Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.” “Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness; And Thy paths drop fatness.” “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, And raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon Thee; And Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand,And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5, 6; Psalm 33:18, 19; 36:7, A.R.V.; 146:5; 119:64, A.R.V.; 33:5, A.R.V.; 65:5-7, A.R.V.;65:8,11; 145:14-16.
Personality of God Revealed in Christ
As a personal being, God has revealed Himself in His Son. The outshining of the Father’s glory, “and the express image of His person,” Jesus, as a personal Savior, came to the world. As a personal Savior He ascended on high. As a personal Savior He intercedes in the heavenly courts. Before the throne of God in our behalf ministers “One like unto the Son of man.” Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 1:13. Christ, the Light of the world, veiled the dazzling splendor of His divinity and came to live as a man among men, that they might, without being consumed, become acquainted with their Creator. Since sin brought separation between man and his Maker, no man has seen God at any time, except as He is manifested through Christ.
“I and My Father are one,” Christ declared. “No man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” John 10:30; Matthew 11:27. Christ came to teach human beings what God desires them to know. In the heavens above, in the earth, in the broad waters of the ocean, we see the handiwork of God. All created things testify to His power, His wisdom, His love. Yet not from the stars or the ocean or the cataract can we learn of the personality of God as it was revealed in Christ. God saw that a clearer revelation than nature was needed to portray both His personality and His character. He sent His Son into the world to manifest, so far as could be endured by human sight, the nature and the attributes of the invisible God.
Revealed to the Disciples
Let us study the words that Christ spoke in the upper chamber on the night before His crucifixion. He was nearing His hour of trial, and He sought to comfort His disciples, who were to be so severely tempted and tried. “Let not your heart be troubled,” He said. “Ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. “Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. “Lord, show us the Father,” said Philip, “and it sufficeth us.
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works.” John 14:1-10. The disciples did not yet understand Christ’s words concerning His relation to God. Much of His teaching was still dark to them. Christ desired them to have a clearer, more distinct knowledge of God.
“These things have I spoken unto you in parables,” He said; “but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in parables, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.” John 16:25, margin. When, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, they understood more fully the truths that Christ had spoken in parables. Much of the teaching that had been a mystery to them was made clear. But not even then did the disciples receive the complete fulfillment of Christ’s promise. They received all the knowledge of God that they could bear, but the complete fulfillment of the promise that Christ would show them plainly of the Father was yet to come.
Thus it is today. Our knowledge of God is partial and imperfect. When the conflict is ended, and the Man Christ Jesus acknowledges before the Father His faithful workers, who in a world of sin have borne true witness for Him, they will understand clearly what now are mysteries to them. Christ took with Him to the heavenly courts His glorified humanity. To those who receive Him He gives power to become the sons of God, that at last God may receive them as His, to dwell with Him throughout eternity. If during this life they are loyal to God, they will at last “see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4. And what is the happiness of heaven but to see God? What greater joy could come to the sinner saved by the grace of Christ than to look upon the face of God and know Him as Father?
The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son; who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time. “Thou art My Son, This day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son?” Hebrews 1:1-5.
The personality of the Father and the Son, also the unity that exists between Them, are presented in the seventeenth chapter of John, in the prayer of Christ for His disciples: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” John 17:20, 21. The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one.
Character of God Revealed in Christ
Taking humanity upon Him, Christ came to be one with humanity, and at the same time to reveal our heavenly Father to sinful human beings. He who had been in the presence of the Father from the beginning, He who was the express image of the invisible God, was alone able to reveal the character of the Deity to mankind. He was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of men; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was a stranger and sojourner on the earth–in the world, but not of the world; tempted and tried as men and women today are tempted and tried, yet living a life free from sin. Tender, compassionate, sympathetic, ever considerate of others, He represented the character of God, and was constantly engaged in service for God and man. “Jehovah hath anointed Me,” He said, “To preach good tidings unto the poor; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives,”
“And recovering of sight to the blind;” “To proclaim the year of Jehovah’s favor; To comfort all that mourn.” Isaiah 61:1, A.R.V., margin; Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:2, A.R.V.
“Love your enemies,” He bids us; “bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven;” “for He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” “He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Matthew 5:44, 45; Luke 6:35; Matthew 5:45; Luke 6:36. “Through the tender mercy of our God; The Dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78, 79.
The Glory of the Cross
The revelation of God’s love to man centers in the cross. Its full significance tongue cannot utter, pen cannot portray, the mind of man cannot comprehend. Looking upon the cross of Calvary, we can only say, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended on high, is the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach. It Was Christ “Who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:6-8, A.R.V.
“It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God.” “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25. “We have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15, A.R.V.
It is through the gift of Christ that we receive every blessing. Through that gift there comes to us day by day the unfailing flow of Jehovah’s goodness. Every flower, with its delicate tints and its fragrance, is given for our enjoyment through that one Gift. The sun and the moon were made by Him. There is not a star which beautifies the heavens that He did not make. Every drop of rain that falls, every ray of light shed upon our unthankful world, testifies to the love of God in Christ. Everything is supplied to us through the one unspeakable Gift, God’s only-begotten Son. He was nailed to the cross that all these bounties might flow to God’s workmanship. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1. “Men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, Neither hath the eye seen a God besides Thee, Who worketh for him that waiteth for Him.” Isaiah 64:4, A.R.V.
The Knowledge That Works Transformation
The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are saved must have. It is the knowledge that works transformation of character. This knowledge, received, will re-create the soul in the image of God. It will impart to the whole being a spiritual power that is divine. “We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18. Of His own life the Savior said, “I have kept My Father’s commandments.” John 15:10. “The Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” John 8:29.
As Jesus was in human nature, so God means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility which the Savior lived. “For this cause,” Paul says, “I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19.
We “do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness.” Colossians 1:9-11. This is the knowledge which God is inviting us to receive, and beside which all else is vanity and nothingness. (adapted, edited from the book Ministry of Healing, chapter 35)
Why do I need proof of eternity and the essential, creative power of the universe?
Can I not perceive it by holding in my hand just one flower, or by watching the sun disappear behind the horizon, the stars in the night sky, or in my rising to the song of birds?
When walking in the forest, it is obvious. All nature is one. As I watch the setting sun, and anticipate it’s rising in the morning, my thoughts are turned to the principle of unity.
Ubuntu.
“I am, because we are.”
It is no ordinary accomplishment for two people to become one. Nothing on the earth is so delicate and so easily moved as the human heart.
Good people have good things saved in their hearts. That’s why they say good things. But those who are evil have hearts full of evil, and that’s why they say things that are evil. What people say with their mouths comes from what fills their hearts. (Luke 6:45: ERV)
Jesus reminds us that our speech and actions reveal our true underlying beliefs, attitudes, and motivations. The good impressions we try to make cannot last if we are being deceptive. What is in your heart will come out in your speech and behavior, and your dating/marriage partner will see it right away!
If two stringed instruments are to produce a melodious harmony, they must be kept in tune with one another. There must be constant regulation and adjustment.How much more important it is to keep two human hearts, each with a thousand strings, in harmony with each other.
To be in harmony, any couple just needs to strike the same note, at the right time, copying the Pattern given to us. For example, it has been said that it is “better to be kind than to be right.” How important might this be in a dating/marriage relationship? When asked how she had stayed married for 65 years, when her husband had died, the elderly lady said: “Well, if you are wrong, admit it, if you are right, shut up.”
Husbands, in a similar way, live with your wives with understanding since they are weaker than you are. Honor your wives as those who share God’s life-giving kindness so that nothing will interfere with your prayers. (1 Pet 3:7, GW) There is no reason to suppose that this idea of kindness would not apply to both men and women in a dating or marriage relationship.
When Peter says that women may be “weaker” than men, he was not implying moral or intellectual inferiority, but was recognizing women’s limitations back in the day. Women in his day, if unprotected by men, were vulnerable to attack, abuse, and financial disaster. The story of Boaz and Ruth is a wonderful example showing how men, even today, should always seek what is best for their dating/marriage partner. (Ruth 2:11-14)
Would it even be possible for a couple to “be of one mind” without listening to each other? Without allowing each other to be themselves? Like the lady who lost her husband after 65 years of marriage once said:
sometimes, it is better to be kind than to be right.
Is there really a need to “win” the argument every time? Is there any reason why differences or divisions cannot be used as a bridge, rather than a wall to separate and divide?
“Why do you notice the small piece of dust that is in your friend’s eye, but you don’t see the big piece of wood that is in your own eye?” (Luke 6:41, ERV)
Boaz once explained that he favored Ruth because she had shown “loyal love” to her mother-in-law, Naomi. He then gave her a blessing, asking that God would abundantly reward Ruth for her remarkable loyalty. Boaz expressed the idea of God’s protection by saying that Ruth had come under God’s wings.
Ruth’s life exhibited admirable qualities: She was hardworking, loving, kind, faithful, and brave. These qualities gained for her a good reputation, but only because she displayed them consistently in all areas of her life. Wherever Ruth went or whatever she did, her character remained the same. No wonder Boaz noticed Ruth that day, and from then on wanted only what was best for her. Her eye was “single” to God’s glory.
Ruth demonstrated how a person’s reputation is formed by the people who watch us at work, in town, at home, in church, or even on the internet. Ruth shows us today, how a good reputation comes by consistently living out the qualities we believe in—no matter what group of people or surroundings we might now be in. Any man would want a woman like Ruth, beautiful on the inside, no matter what.
Let us rejoice. God made Adam. God’s creative work was not complete until he made woman. He could have made her from the dust of the ground, as he made man. God chose, however, to make her from the the man’s flesh and bone. Even taking a rib from Adam’s side to complete the mix. In so doing, he illustrated for us that in marriage, or even in dating, man and woman symbolically are united into one. This is a mystical union of the couple’s hearts and lives.
Throughout the Bible, God treats this special partnership seriously. If you are married or planning to be married, are you willing to keep the commitment that makes the two of you one? The goal in marriage should be more than friendship; it should be oneness. Seeking your life purpose together.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” (Mat 6:22)
Spiritual vision, in the context of two being as one, is our capacity to see clearly what God wants us to do. To see the relationship and it’s world from God’s point of view. But this spiritual insight can be so easily clouded. Self-serving desires, interests, and goals block that vision. Resulting in just as many divorces as marriages. But there is always a little light. There is light in every cloud. We can expect it.
Serving God is the best way to restore the “one” idea to any relationship. A “good” eye is one that is fixed on God; and that seeks His will in all things.
Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people.” ({DA 299.3} Could there be something here for couples to emulate today? An idea that would promote the oneness that Jesus always promoted?
[Jesus]saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God. {DA 299.3}
I wonder what would happen if dating or married couples did more of this with one another? May God give each of us our Adam or Eve when we are ready to be truly “of one mind.”
To be truly present with one another.
“Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus…”
Living Under The Shadow: Part 1 In: We Are His Witnesses
They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. (Hosea 14:7 KJV)
shadow of the cross
When our will is weak, when our thinking is confused, and when our conscience is burdened with a load of guilt, we must remember that God cares for us continually; His love knows no bounds. When friends and family desert us, when coworkers don’t understand us, and when we are tired of being good, God’s love knows no bounds. When we can’t see the way or seem to hear God’s voice, and when we lack courage to go on, God’s love knows no bounds. When our shortcomings and our awareness of our sins overcome us, God’s love knows no bounds.
Whenever things are going well for us, we feel elated. When hardships come, we sink into depression. Despair. The scriptures tell us that true joy transcends our rolling waves of circumstances. Our shadow becomes our Source of Light.
Our joy comes by way of steady relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with His, Jesus will help us to walk through the clouds of adversity, without sinking into debilitating lows or into deepening despair. “the joy of The Lord will be my strength.” (Neh 8:10)
Sometimes, Jesus will even help us to manage prosperity without entering into the deceptive highs of Big Money. We must recognize that any success or victory in our lives comes from the Hand of God; because we chose Jesus to be in our life, not just as savior, but also as Lord. Jesus said “without Me you can do nothing.” The true joy of living with Jesus daily, will keep us level-headed, and under the shadow of His mercy. Regardless of how high or how low our current circumstances.
The love of God our Father, for God The Son is the true measure of the love of Christ for all of the sons and daughters of God today. The true measure of our love for one another, is to love without measure.
When we know Jesus as he really is, we will just automatically want to love one another. Just as Jesus loved us. Think Calvary. (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13).
Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross for us. “Those who are afar off are made near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13) Now its true, we might not have to die for someone but there are many other ways for us to practice love, one to another; such as the sacrificial love that Jesus showed everyone in His path.
The ministry of Jesus emulated listening, helping, encouraging, giving, praying, and showing acceptance and inclusion to even the weirdest people. People in church or out on the street that we would usually pass on by. As Christians, may we think of someone in particular who really needs this kind of love today. We give all the love that we can, and then we try to give a little more. As we now read in Hosea 14:7, CEV,
“You will rest in my shadow, and your grain will grow. You will blossom like a vineyard and be famous as the wine from Lebanon.”
Here, God foresees a time where He would restore repentant Israel The Father’s renewed blessing is herein compared to the sweet morning dew that arises out of the shadows of our night.
Revived Israel is in Scripture, compared to a beautiful Lily, or the deep-rooted Cedars of Lebanon, an attractive Olive Tree, or sometimes, a fruitful vine God Himself is shown as the green Cyprus Tree that provides desperately needed shade for protection. Protected living “under the shadow.” (Psalms 91:1)
In the searing heat of the deserts in our lived experience, we have this beautiful affirmation of God’s watchful care, of God’s diligent protection, all of which can at times seem to stand in stark contrast to God’s judgment, which as we also see in Scripture, is compared to a leopard stalking it’s prey. “I took care of you in a thirsty desert. I fed you till you were satisfied, then you became proud and forgot about me. Now I will attack like a lion, ambush you like a leopard, (Hosea 13;5-7, CEV)
The story is told in the gospels, where “Jesus plucked the beautiful lily, and placed it in the hands of children and youth; and as they looked into His own youthful face, fresh with the sunlight of His Father’s countenance, He gave the lesson,
“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow [in the simplicity of natural beauty]; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
Then followed the sweet assurance and the important lesson, “Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”
In the sermon on the mount these words were spoken to others besides children and youth. They were spoken to the multitude, among whom were men and women full of worries and perplexities, and sore with disappointment and sorrow. Jesus continued:
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knows that ye have need of all these things.” Then spreading out His hands to the surrounding multitude, He said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:28-33.
Thus Christ interpreted the message which He Himself had given to the lilies and the grass of the field. He desires us to read it in every lily and every spire of grass. His words are full of assurance, and tend to confirm trust in God. So wide was Christ’s view of truth, so extended His teaching, that every phase of nature was employed in illustrating truth. The scenes upon which the eye daily rests were all connected with some spiritual truth, so that nature is clothed with the parables of the Master.
In the earlier part of His ministry, Christ had spoken to the people in words so plain that all His hearers might have grasped truths which would make them wise unto salvation. But in many hearts the truth had taken no root, and it had been quickly caught away.
“Therefore speak I to them in parables.” He said; “because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. . . . For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed.” Matthew 13:13-15.
Jesus desired to awaken inquiry. He sought to arouse the careless, and impress truth upon the heart. Parable teaching was popular, and commanded the respect and attention, not only of the Jews, but of the people of other nations. No more effective method of instruction could He have employed. If His hearers had desired a knowledge of divine things, they might have understood His words; for He was always willing to explain them to the honest inquirer.
Again, Christ had truths to present which the people were unprepared to accept or even to understand. For this reason also He taught them in parables. By connecting His teaching with the scenes of life, experience, or nature, He secured their attention and impressed their hearts. Afterward, as they looked upon the objects that illustrated His lessons, they recalled the words of the divine Teacher. To minds that were open to the Holy Spirit, the significance of the Savior’s teaching unfolded more and more. Mysteries grew clear, and that which had been hard to grasp became evident.
Jesus sought an avenue to every heart. By using a variety of illustrations, He not only presented truth in its different phases, but appealed to the different hearers. Their interest was aroused by figures drawn from the surroundings of their daily life. None who listened to the Savior could feel that they were neglected or forgotten. The humblest, the most sinful, heard in His teaching a voice that spoke to them in sympathy and tenderness. (Christ’s Object lessons, pg 19-22)
Another time, from which the opening text for this article was taken, “many educated and influential [people] had come to hear the Prophet of Galilee. Some of these looked with curious interest upon the multitude that had gathered about Christ as He taught by the sea. In this great throng all classes of society were represented. There were the poor, the illiterate, the ragged beggar, the robber with the seal of guilt upon his face, the maimed, the dissipated, the merchant and the man of leisure, high and low, rich and poor, all crowding upon one another for a place to stand and hear the words of Christ. As these cultured men gazed upon the strange assembly, they asked themselves, Is the kingdom of God composed of such material as this? Again the Savior replied by a parable:
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.”
Among the Jews leaven was sometimes used as an emblem of sin. At the time of the Passover the people were directed to remove all the leaven from their houses as they were to put away sin from their hearts. Christ warned His disciples,
“Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Luke 12:1.
And the apostle Paul speaks of the
“leaven of malice and wickedness.” 1 Corinthians 5:8.
But in the Savior’s parable, leaven is used to represent the kingdom of heaven. It illustrates the quickening, assimilating power of the grace of God.
The Bible tells us in many different ways how that
“None are so vile, none have fallen so low, as to be beyond the working of this power. [Of this leaven]. In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity. {COL 95-96}
God desires that this restoration become personal. God’s strong promises, are all geared to making your restoration possible.
Often the question arises, Why, then, are there so many, claiming to believe God’s word, in whom there is not seen a reformation in words, in spirit, and in character? Why are there so many who cannot bear opposition to their purposes and plans, who manifest an unholy temper, and whose words are harsh, overbearing, and passionate? There is seen in their lives the same love of self, the same selfish indulgence, the same temper and hasty speech, that is seen in the life of the worldling. There is the same sensitive pride, the same yielding to natural inclination, the same perversity of character, as if the truth were wholly unknown to them.
The reason is that they are not converted. They have not hidden the leaven of truth in the heart. It has not had opportunity to do its work. Their natural and cultivated tendencies to evil have not been submitted to its transforming power. Their lives reveal the absence of the grace of Christ, an unbelief in His power to transform the character.
The truths of the word of God meet everyone’s great practical necessity–the conversion of the soul through faith. These grand principles are not to be thought too pure and holy to be brought into the daily life. They are truths which reach to heaven and compass eternity, yet their vital influence is to be woven into human experience. They are to permeate all the great things and all the little things of life.
Received into the heart, the leaven of truth will regulate the desires, purify the thoughts, and sweeten the disposition. It quickens the faculties of the mind and the energies of the soul. It enlarges the capacity for feeling, for loving.
The world regards as a mystery the person who is imbued with this principle. The selfish, money-loving person lives only to secure for themselves the riches, honors, and pleasures of this world. They lose the eternal world from his reckoning. But with the follower of Christ these things will not be all-absorbing. For Christ’s sake they will labor and deny self, that they may aid in the great work of saving souls who are without Christ and without hope in the world. Such a person the world cannot understand; for they are keeping in view eternal realities. The love of Christ with its redeeming power has come into the heart. This love masters every other motive, and raises its possessor above the corrupting influence of the world.
The word of God is to have a sanctifying effect on our association with every member of the human family. The leaven of truth will not produce the spirit of rivalry, the love of ambition, the desire to be first. True, heaven-born love is not selfish and changeable. It is not dependent on human praise. The heart of him who receives the grace of God overflows with love for God and for those for whom Christ died. Self is not struggling for recognition. He does not love others because they love and please him, because they appreciate his merits, but because they are Christ’s purchased possession. Yes, its about the cross!
If motives, words, or actions are misunderstood or misrepresented, a Christ-follower takes no offense, but pursues the even tenor of The Way. They are kind and thoughtful, humble in their opinion of themselves, yet full of hope, always trusting in the mercy and love of God.
As the seed sown produces a harvest, and this in turn is sown, the harvest is multiplied. In our relation to others, this law holds true. Every act, every word, is a seed that will bear fruit. Every deed of thoughtful kindness, of obedience, or of self-denial, will reproduce itself in others, and through them in still others. So every act of envy, malice, or dissension is a seed that will spring up in a “root of bitterness” (Hebrews 12:15), whereby many shall be defiled. And how much larger number will the “many” poison.
Every association of life calls for the exercise of self-control, forbearance, and sympathy. We differ so widely in disposition, habits, education, that our ways of looking at things vary. We judge differently. Our understanding of truth, our ideas in regard to the conduct of life, are not in all respects the same. There are no two whose experience are alike in every particular. The trials of one are not the trials of another. The duties that one finds light are to another most difficult and perplexing.
We need not keep our own record of trials and difficulties, griefs, and sorrows. All these things are written in the books, and heaven will take care of them. While we are counting up the disagreeable things, many things that are pleasant to reflect upon are passing from memory. The merciful kindness of God surrounding us every moment and the love over which angels marvel. That God gave His Son to die for us.
Some who are Christians feel that they have had greater cares and trials than have fallen to the lot of others. But remember that for you there is a peace unknown to those who shun these burdens.
There is comfort and joy in the service of Christ. Christians can often do a much better job of showing the world that in our personal life with Jesus, there is NO failure possible and this is why Jesus said: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.” (John 13;35, AMP)
Jesus says that our Christ-like love will show we are his disciples. Do people see petty bickering, jealousy, and division in your church? Or do they know you are Jesus’ followers by your love for one another?
So frail, so ignorant, so liable to misconception is human nature, that each should be careful in the estimate he places upon another. We know very little the bearing of our acts upon the experience of others. What we do or say may seem to us of little importance when, could our eyes be opened, we should see that upon it depended the most important results for good or for evil.
Thus the sowing of good and evil goes on for time and for eternity.
We all at times live “under the shadow,” but we all can choose how we are going to respond to it.
Against all odds, when it looked hopeless, Abraham believed the promise and expected God to fulfill it. He took God at his word, and as a result he became the father of many nations. God’s declaration over him came to pass: “Your descendants will be so many that they will be impossible to count!” (Rom 4:18, TPT)
Its not very hard for most of us to look around today and to see a major storm approaching
storm approaching
Clouds of disappointment. Winds of change. Mountains of despair. Ruins of war, hurricanes of pestilence and famines. Death. Disease, suffering. Want and deprivation. Many shocking developments. Everywhere.
And yet, there is something else. I first noticed this “something else” in the Bible recently when I was reading in Romans, chapter four. Romans 4:18, in the Weymouth Version reads like this:
Under utterly hopeless circumstances he hopefully believed, so that he might become the forefather of many nations, in agreement with the words “EQUALLY NUMEROUS SHALL YOUR POSTERITY BE.”
In other words, “in agreement with God’s promise!” Verse 18 in this chapter is talking about Abraham who was by this point in time very elderly. Over 100 years old. Sarah his wife’s womb was no longer functioning. The Bible tells us her womb was “dead.” (see Rom 4:19). In verse 20 we are told that “Abraham staggered not at the promise.”
Apparently, Abraham was “fully persuaded that what God had promised; he was able also to perform.” Rom 4:18 is the promise that Abraham would be “the Father of many nations.” Here, we are shown both Abraham and his wife, who appeared by all human standards, to be way too old to have kids. In human terms it would be quite impossible. Verse 19 says “he considered not his own body dead,” when he was about 100 years old, and even, at the idea of Sarah’s “dead” womb, Abraham dared to “hope against hope.” “Under hopeless circumstances, he hopefully believed.
Abraham’s faith seemed to be in perfect sync with the power, and with the constant faithfulness of God. The outward circumstances in which he was placed, and from the human perspective, Abraham did not really have the greatest reasons to expect the literal fulfillment of this amazing promise of God. That he would be “the father of many nations.” Abraham did believe The Word of God, and had looked forward to the time when his seed, (offspring) would be as numerous as the stars in the sky above him.
The Bible says that we are “compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses;” that all of us can “run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Heb 12:1). And so, this witness is our “light in the clouds,” for “this is the day that The Lord has made.” (Psalms 118:24). Today we have so many promises, far more than the one promise Abraham had. Such a great cloud of witnesses. We can rely with confidence in all of God’s Word. Many times it may seem that God delays His help. The evil seems to wax worse. We don’t have to be weak. We may be strong. We may rejoice in our Lord. The most glorious of God’s promises are often fulfilled in such a wondrous manner.
Our Savior steps forth to save us at a time when there is to our human eyes and our human understanding, the least appearance that He is in fact able to do what He has promised. Jesus most often chooses to give us the help we need during our greatest trials that His Hand might more plainly appear in our deliverance. In our experience. This is the method that Christ chooses to give us that we might not trust to our own sight, sound, feelings, etc, but only upon His bare Word, just as it reads, and by which we may depend upon, no matter what state we are in.
When our sight ceases for any reason, then that is the very moment when our faith works the best. “faith is evidence of things not seen.” (Heb 11:1) How can such evidence be anything other than the promises of God? The greater the difficulty, then the easier for faith.”
“His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and Godliness through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and to virtue; whereby are given unto us great and precious promises that by these you may be partakers of the divine nature.” (2 Pet 1;3-4)
Jesus once said “blessed are they who are not offended in me.” (Luke 7:23). As we all know, after these last two years or so, it is sometimes very difficult to NOT be offended in Jesus Christ. The “offense” may be just circumstancial. Finding ourselves in some sort of prison house, a very narrow sphere, a sick room, a very unpopular position; and all of this happening when we had been expecting much wider opportunities.
Does Jesus know whats best for me? of course he does. My current environment, my state of affairs, no matter what is happening to me, is rooted in His very specific determination and His will. Jesus means all things happening to me for the intensification of my faith. To draw me in nearer communion with Himself. To increase my power. (Rom 8:28, Isa 40:29) Jesus means all things for my own best good. Jesus gives power to the faint. Jesus increases strength to those who have no might.
My offense may be mental, Psychological. Haunted by my perplexities. Fearful of the questions I cannot solve. I remember hoping that when I gave my heart to Christ, some years ago, thinking that now my skies would always be clear. But today I see clouds in my sky. Yet Jesus helps me believe how that should those clouds remain, there would still be light in every one of them. That I might learn to trust Jesus more implicitly. To trust Jesus. To not be afraid. That by my own inner conflicts, by my outward troubles, I am trained to tutor other storm-driven people. (2 Cor 7:5-6, 2 Cor 1;3-4). We can thank Jesus today for the Light in our clouds. I praise Jesus for my storms. That the Light might be made more manifest.
Our offense might be more spiritual in nature. We might think that in His faith, as a member of The Church, that we should never again feel the biting winds of temptation, the stinging coldness of not forgiving someone. But all things are best as they are. We are just where we are supposed to be. Always. Like Daniel, “standing in his lot,” we are standing in the right place. At the right time.Our heaven is sweeter at the closing of the darkest day. In the midst of our storm. We will look back at the trials of The Way, and shall sing the heavenly praises of The One who said “peace, be still.” (Mark 4:39) JESUS, the light in our clouds. (Rev 1:7). Let all God’s people say: “Let come whatever will come. His will shall be welcome. We will refuse to be offended in our loving Lord.”
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger–a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God–how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. {GC 621.2}
Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement. {GC 622.1}
We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. {GC 622.2}
Under utterly hopeless circumstances, our pioneers hopefully believed. That is the light in our clouds. Their experience must be ours. Under hopeless circumstances, hopefully believe.
Don’t destroy yourself by getting drunk, but let the Spirit fill your life. (Eph 5:18)
whose empty bed this year?
I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless. “Laughter,” I said, “is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?” I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives. (Eccl 2:1-3, NIV)
Whenever the subject of to drink, or not to drink comes up, especially during the holidays, I share the following story in poem form. It is a true story, from my life when I was a young child. I have changed the name, and a few other details for privacy reasons.
My First Girlfriend “Mary”
A true story by David T Battler
Be sober when you have the steering wheel in your hand
You’ll be sure to save lives across the land
You’ll do no good if you drive and drink..
You can’t be fast enough, you cannot think
Oh yes, you’re happy. You’re at the party
Time to go home, you feel so hearty
Who do you love when you drive and drink?
When you drink and drive – what do you think?
It could be over in a hard, fast minute!
Then, tomorrow, without you in it!
Be sober when you have the steering wheel in your hand
You’ll be sure to save life across the land.
Now one man said: “I’m quite sober enough!”
Why, I can drive, and drink this stuff!”
Who does he love when he drives with a drink?
When he drinks and drives; what does he think?
As he risks a life that’s not his to take:
He drinks and cannot stop the mistake!
Now the party is over; he’s on his way
Barreling down the town’s main highway
Where a 10 year old girl walked with a happy sway
She just bought a present for Daddy’s birthday
The little girl near danced – so happy did she feel
When along came a car, with a drunk behind the wheel!
Well, the drunk man saw her pretty soon
And he let out a drunkard sound
Yelling “Get out of my way you little goon!”
And he hit her with a pound…
The bumper struck the little girl…taking her breath away
Her broken body, in a pool of blood, by the ditch lay.
The drunk tore out of his car to see the damage and slaughter
And let out a wail as he recognized his own, dying daughter!
And the little girl whispered: “Daddy…w…w…why???”
Daddy yelled: “O Mary…don’t die!”
But, her eyes were fixed with fright;
as she clutched her little parcel tight;
and she breathed no more.
The tears continue to pour.
Be sober when you have the steering wheel in your hand
You’ll be sure to save lives across the land
The tears are still pouring
The parties still roaring.
It was so hard for me to forgive God for this.
I really loved that girl, even though I was only 10.
Little Mary is one of a very long, and fast growing list;
Now, what if your life had such a twist?
It could be over in a hard, fast minute,
Then tomorrow, without you in it!
Or without someone else you love.
Grape Juice Only Isa 5:11 Isa 65:8-9 Prov 20:1 Prov 23:29-35 Eph 5:18 Rev 21:7-8
By David T Battler (permission given to copy and use freely for non-profit only).
“Beverage-loving, liquor-drinking people may be seen everywhere. Their intellect is enfeebled, their moral powers are weakened, their sensibilities are benumbed, and the claims of God and heaven are not realized, eternal things are not appreciated. The Bible declares that no drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 4T.030.003
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”(1 Cor 6:9-10)
It isn’t smart to get drunk! Drinking makes a fool of you and leads to fights. (Prov 20:1)
THE EVILS THAT BESET OUR PATH
(words by John Newton, 1725–1807)
The evils that beset our path
Who can prevent or cure?
We stand upon the brink of death
When most we seem secure.
If we today sweet peace possess,
It soon may be withdrawn;
Some change may plunge us in distress,
Before tomorrow’s dawn.
Disease and pain invade our health
And find an easy prey;
And oft, when least expected, wealth
Takes wings and flies away.
A fever or a blow can shake
Our wisdom’s boasted rule;
And of the brightest genius make
A madman or a fool.
The gourds, from which we look for fruit,
Produce us only pain;
A worm unseen attacks the root,
And all our hopes are vain.
I pity those who seek no more
Than such a world can give;
Wretched they are, and blind, and poor,
And dying while they live.
Since sin has filled the earth with woe,
And creatures fade and die;
Lord wean our hearts from things below,
And fix our hopes on high.
