Daily Devotional

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It Takes Time​

I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night
and day. Isaiah 27:3.​

The mind of a man or a woman does not come down in a moment from purity and holiness
to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to transform the human to the divine, or to
degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become
changed. Though formed in the image of his Maker, man can so educate his mind that sin which
he once loathed will become pleasant to him. As he ceases to watch and pray, he ceases to guard
the citadel, the heart....Constant war against the carnal mind must be maintained; and we must
be aided by the refining influence of the grace of God, which will attract the mind upward and
habituate it to meditate upon pure and holy things.

Character does not come by chance. It is not determined by one outburst of temper, one step
in the wrong direction. It is the repetition of the act that causes it to become habit, and molds
the character either for good or for evil. Right characters can be formed only by persevering,
untiring effort, by improving every entrusted talent and capability to the glory of God.

God expects us to build characters in accordance with the pattern set before us. We are to lay
brick by brick, adding grace to grace, finding our weak points and correcting them in accordance
with the directions given.

God gives us strength, reasoning power, time, in order that we may build characters on which
He can place His stamp of approval. He desires each child of His to build a noble character, by
the doing of pure, noble deeds, that in the end he may present a symmetrical structure, a fair
temple, honored by man and God....

He who would grow into a beautiful building for the Lord must cultivate every power of the
being. It is only by the right use of the talents that the character can be developed harmoniously.
Thus we bring to the foundation that which is represented in the Word as gold, silver, precious
stones—material that will stand the test of God’s purifying fires.​

 

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Perfection Now?

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48.

When God gave His Son to the world, He made it possible for men and women to be perfect
by the use of every capability of their beings to the glory of God. In Christ He gave to them the
riches of His grace, and a knowledge of His will. As they would empty themselves of self, and
learn to walk in humility, leaning on God for guidance, men would be enabled to fulfill God’s
high purpose for them.

Perfection of character is based upon that which Christ is to us. If we have constant
dependence on the merits of our Saviour, and walk in His footsteps, we shall be like Him, pure
and undefiled.

Our Saviour does not require impossibilities of any soul. He expects nothing of His disciples
that He is not willing to give them grace and strength to perform. He would not call upon them
to be perfect if He had not at His command every perfection of grace to bestow on the ones upon
whom He would confer so high and holy a privilege....

Our work is to strive to attain in our sphere of action the perfection that Christ in His life on
the earth attained in every phase of character. He is our example. In all things we are to strive to
honor God in character.... We are to be wholly dependent on the power that He has promised to
give us.

Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, that men may not have through faith
in Him. His perfect humanity is that which all His followers may possess, if they will be in
subjection to God as He was.

Our Saviour is a Saviour for the perfection of the whole man. He is not the God of part of
the being only. The grace of Christ works to the disciplining of the whole human fabric. He
made all. He has redeemed all. He has made the mind, the strength, the body as well as the soul,
partaker of the divine nature, and all is His purchased possession. He must be served with the
whole mind, heart, soul, and strength. Then the Lord will be glorified in His saints in even the
common, temporal things with which they are connected. “Holiness unto the Lord” will be in
the inscription placed upon them.

 

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Awaiting Our Demand​

Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24.​

Prayer is heaven’s ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development
of Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the
prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads. For the
pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His
work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, “Ye shall receive.”​

Jesus is our helper; in Him and through Him we must conquer.... The grace of Christ is
waiting your demand upon it. He will give you grace and strength as you need it if you ask
Him.... The religion of Christ will bind and restrain every unholy passion, will stimulate to
energy, to self-discipline, and industry, even in the matters of homely, everyday life, leading us
to learn economy, tact, and self-denial, and to endure even privation without a murmur. The
Spirit of Christ in the heart will be revealed in the character, will develop noble qualities and
powers. “My grace is sufficient” (2 Corinthians 12:9) says Christ.

Make every effort to keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul.... We
should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not neglect secret prayer; for this is the
life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected. Family or
public prayer alone is not sufficient. In solitude let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of
God. Secret prayer is to be heard only by the prayer-hearing God. No curious ear is to receive
the burden of such petitions. In secret prayer the soul is free from surrounding influences, free
from excitement.... By calm, simple faith, the soul holds communion with God, and gathers to
itself rays of divine light to strengthen and sustain it in the conflict with Satan....​

Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor, let your heart be often uplifted to
God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense​

before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Angel Reinforcements

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power
of the enemy. Luke 10:19.

Fallen man is Satan’s lawful captive. The mission of Christ was to rescue him from the
power of his great adversary. Man is naturally inclined to follow Satan’s suggestions, and he
cannot successfully resist so terrible a foe unless Christ, the mighty Conqueror, dwells in him,
guiding his desires, and giving him strength. God alone can limit the power of Satan.... Satan
knows better than God’s people the power that they can have over him when their strength is in
Christ. When they humbly entreat the mighty Conqueror for help, the weakest believer in the truth,
relying firmly upon Christ, can successfully repulse Satan and all his host....

Satan will call to his aid legions of his angels to oppose the advance of even one soul, and,
if possible, wrest it from the hand of Christ.... But if the one in danger perseveres, and in his
helplessness casts himself upon the merits of the blood of Christ, our Saviour listens to the
earnest prayer of faith, and sends a reinforcement of those angels that excel in strength to deliver
him. Satan cannot endure to have his powerful rival appealed to, for he fears and trembles before
His strength and majesty. At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles.

Nothing but Christ’s loving compassion, His divine grace, His almighty power, can enable us
to baffle the relentless foe, and subdue the opposition of our own hearts. What is our strength?
The joy of the Lord. Let the love of Christ fill our hearts, and then we shall be prepared to receive
the power that He has for us....

Beholding Christ for the purpose of becoming like Him, the seeker after truth sees the
perfection of the principles of God’s law, and he becomes dissatisfied with everything but
perfection.... A battle must be fought with the attributes that Satan has been strengthening for his
own use.... But he knows that with the Redeemer there is saving power that will gain for him the
victory in the conflict. The Saviour will strengthen and help him as he comes pleading for grace
and efficiency.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The Christian’s Badge

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us. Ephesians 3:20.

The Lord is waiting to manifest through His people His grace and power. But He requires
that those who engage in His service shall keep their minds ever directed to Him. Every day they
should have time for reading the Word of God and for prayer....

Individually we are to walk and talk with God; then the sacred influence of the gospel of
Christ in all its preciousness will appear in our lives.

There is an eloquence far more powerful than the eloquence of words in the quiet, consistent
life of a pure, true Christian. What a man is has more influence than what he says.

The officers who were sent to Jesus came back with the report that never man spoke as He
spoke. But the reason for this was that never man lived as He lived. Had His life been other
than it was, He could not have spoken as He did. His words bore with them a convincing power,
because they came from a heart pure and holy, full of love and sympathy, benevolence and truth.

It is our own character and experience that determine our influence upon others. In order to
convince others of the power of Christ’s grace, we must know its power in our own hearts and
lives. The gospel we present for the saving of souls must be the gospel by which our own souls
are saved. Only through a living faith in Christ as a personal Saviour is it possible to make our
influence felt in a skeptical world. If we would draw sinners out of the swift-running current, our
own feet must be firmly set upon the Rock, Christ Jesus.

The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown,
but it is that which reveals the union of man with God. By the power of His grace manifested
in the transformation of character the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as
its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the
influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and
lovable Christian.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Conditions Of Christian Growth​

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all
judgment; ... being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto
the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11.​

Where there is life, there will be growth and fruit-bearing; but unless we grow in grace, our
spirituality will be dwarfed, sickly, fruitless. It is only by growing, by bearing fruit, that we can
fulfill God’s purpose for us. "Herein is my Father glorified," Christ said, "that ye bear much
fruit" (John 15:8). In order to bear much fruit, we must make the most of our privileges. We
must use every opportunity granted us for obtaining strength.

A pure, noble character, with all its grand possibilities, has been provided for every human
being. But there are many who have not an earnest longing for such a character. They are not
willing to part with the evil that they may have the good.... They neglect to grasp the blessings
that would place them in harmony with God.... They cannot grow.

One of the divine plans for growth is impartation. The Christian is to gain strength by
strengthening others. "He that watereth shall be watered also himself" (Proverbs 11:25). This
is not merely a promise; it is a divine law, a law by which God designs that the streams of
benevolence, like the waters of the great deep, shall be kept in constant circulation, continually
flowing back to their source. In the fulfilling of this law is the secret of spiritual growth....

If we come to God in faith, He will receive us and give us strength to climb upward to
perfection. If we watch every word and action, that we may do nothing to dishonor the One who
has trusted us, if we improve every opportunity granted us, we shall grow into the full stature of
men and women in Christ....

Christians, is Christ revealed in us? Are we doing all in our power to gain a body that is not
easily enfeebled, a mind that looks beyond self to the cause and effect of every movement, that
can wrestle with hard problems and conquer them, a will that is firm to resist evil and defend the
right? Are we crucifying self? Are we growing up into the full stature of men and women in
Christ, preparing to endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross?​

 

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In Kindness

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness,
humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering. Colossians 3:12.

Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart. This will produce
wonderful results. You will be tender, sympathetic, courteous. You need all these graces. The
Holy Spirit must be received and brought into your character; then it will be as holy fire, giving
forth incense which will rise up to God, not from lips that condemn, but as a healer of the souls
of men. Your countenance will express the image of the divine.... By beholding the character
of Christ you will become changed into His likeness. The grace of Christ alone can change
your heart and then you will reflect the image of the Lord Jesus. God calls upon us to be like
Him—pure, holy, and undefiled. We are to bear the divine image....

The Lord Jesus is our only helper. Through His grace we shall learn to cultivate love, to
educate ourselves to speak kindly and tenderly. Through His grace our cold, harsh manners
will be transformed. The law of kindness will be upon our lips, and those who are under the
precious influences of the Holy Spirit, will not feel that it is an evidence of weakness to weep
with those who weep, to rejoice with them that rejoice. We are to cultivate heavenly excellences
of character. We are to learn what it means to have good-will toward all men, a sincere desire to
be as sunshine and not as shadow in the lives of others.

Seize every opportunity to contribute to the happiness of those around you, sharing with
them your affection. Words of kindness, looks of sympathy, expressions of appreciation, would
to many a struggling, lonely one be as a cup of cold water to a thirsty soul....

Live in the sunshine of the Saviour’s love. Then your influence will bless the world. Let
the Spirit of Christ control you. Let the law of kindness be ever on your lips. Forbearance and
unselfishness mark the words and actions of those who are born again, to live the new life in
Christ.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

A Divine Prescription

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him,
according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:12.

Many are longing to grow in grace; they pray over the matter, and are surprised that their
prayers are not answered. The Master has given them a work to do whereby they shall grow. Of
what value is it to pray when there is need of work? The question is, Are they seeking to save
souls for whom Christ died? Spiritual growth depends upon giving to others the light that God
has given to you. You are to put forth your best thoughts in active labor to do good, and only
good, in your family, in your church, and in your neighborhood.

In place of growing anxious with the thought that you are not growing in grace, just do every
duty that presents itself, carry the burden of souls on your heart, and by every conceivable means
seek to save the lost. Be kind, be courteous, be pitiful; speak in humility of the blessed hope; talk
of the love of Jesus; tell of His goodness, His mercy, and His righteousness; and cease to worry
as to whether or not you are growing. Plants do not grow through any conscious effort.... The
plant is not in continual worriment about its growth; it just grows under the supervision of God.

If we will consecrate heart and mind to the service of God, doing the work He has for us to
do and walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts will become sacred harps, every chord of
which will send forth praise and thanksgiving to the Lamb sent by God to take away the sins of
the world....

The Lord Jesus is our strength and happiness, the great storehouse from which, on every
occasion, men may draw strength. As we study Him, talk of Him, become more and more able
to behold Him—as we avail ourselves of His grace and receive the blessings He proffers us, we
have something with which to help others. Filled with gratitude, we communicate to others
the blessings that have been freely given us. Thus receiving and imparting, wegrow in grace.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Union With Christ​

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the
lusts thereof. Romans 13:14.​

To effect the salvation of men, God employs various agencies. He speaks to them by His
word and by His ministers, and He sends by the Holy Spirit messages of warning, reproof, and
instruction. These means are designed to enlighten the understanding of the people, to reveal to
them their duty and their sins, and the blessings which they may receive; to awaken in them a
sense of spiritual want, that they may go to Christ and find in Him the grace they need....

Every individual, by his own act, either puts Christ from him by refusing to cherish His spirit
and follow His example, or he enters into a personal union with Christ by self-renunciation, faith,
and obedience. We must, each for himself, choose Christ, because He has first chosen us. This
union with Christ is to be formed by those who are naturally at enmity with Him. It is a relation
of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud heart. This is close work, and many who
profess to be followers of Christ know nothing of it. They nominally accept the Saviour, but not
as the sole ruler of their hearts....

To renounce their own will, perhaps their chosen object of affection or pursuit, requires an
effort, at which many hesitate and falter and turn back. Yet this battle must be fought by every
heart that is truly converted. We must war against temptations without and within. We must gain
the victory over self, crucify the affections and lusts; and then begins the union of the soul with
Christ.... After this union is formed, it can be preserved only by continual, earnest, painstaking
effort. Christ exercises His power to preserve and guard this sacred tie, and the dependent,
helpless sinner must act his part with untiring energy, or Satan by his cruel, cunning power will
separate him from Christ....

Your birth, your reputation, your wealth, your talents, your virtues, your piety, your
philanthropy, . . will not form a bond of union between your soul and Christ. Your connection
with the church ... will be of no avail unless you believe in Christ. It is not enough to believe​

about​

​

​

​

Him. You must believe in Him. You must rely wholly upon His saving grace.​

 

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Praise God!​

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according
to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel.
Isaiah 63:7.​

When a sense of the loving-kindness of God is constantly refreshing the soul, it will be
revealed in the countenance by an expression of peace and joy. It will be manifest in the words
and works. And the generous, holy Spirit of Christ, working upon the heart, will yield in the life
a converting influence upon others....

Have we not reason to talk of God’s goodness and to tell of His power? When friends are
kind to us we esteem it a privilege to thank them for their kindness. How much more should we
count it a joy to return thanks to the Friend who has given us every good and perfect gift. Then
let us, in every church, cultivate thanksgiving to God. Let us educate our lips to praise God in the
family circle.... Let our gifts and offerings declare our gratitude for the favors we daily receive.
In everything we should show forth the joy of the Lord....

David declares, "I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live" (Psalm
116:1, 2). God’s goodness in hearing and answering prayer places us under heavy obligation to
express our thanksgiving for the favors bestowed upon us. We should praise God much more
than we do. The blessings received in answer to prayer should be promptly acknowledged....

We grieve the Spirit of Christ by our complaints and murmurings and repinings. We should
not dishonor God by the mournful relation of trials that appear grievous. All trials that are
received as educators will produce joy. The whole religious life will be uplifting, elevating,
ennobling, fragrant with good words and works.

Let the peace of God reign in your soul. Then you will have strength to bear all suffering,
and you will rejoice that you have grace to endure. Praise the Lord; talk of His goodness; tell of
His power. Sweeten the atmosphere that surrounds your soul.... Praise with heart and soul and
voice, Him who is the health of your countenance, your Saviour, and your God.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

While We Wait​

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto
men that wait for their Lord. Luke 12:35, 36.​

Now is the time to prepare for the coming of our Lord. Readiness to meet Him cannot be
attained in a moment’s time. Preparatory to that solemn scene there must be vigilant waiting and
watching, combined with earnest work. So God’s children glorify Him. Amid the busy scenes of
life their voices will be heard speaking words of encouragement, faith, and hope. All they have
and are is consecrated to the Master’s service....

Christ tell us when the day of His kingdom shall be ushered in. He does not say that all the
world will be converted, but that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world
for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). By giving the
gospel to the world, it is in our power to hasten the coming of the day of God. Had the church
of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have
been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to the earth in power and great glory.

Living power must attend the message of Christ’s second appearing. We must not rest until
we see many souls converted to the blessed hope of the Lord’s return. In the days of the apostles
the message that they bore wrought a real work, turning souls from idols to serve the living God.
The work to be done today is just as real, and the truth is just as much truth; only we are to give
the message with as much more earnestness as the coming of the Lord is nearer. The message for
this time is positive, simple, and of the deepest importance. We must act like men and women
who believe it. Waiting, watching, working, praying, warning the world—this is our work.

I have been deeply impressed by scenes that have recently passed before me in the night
season. There seemed to be a great movement—a work of revival—going forward in many
places. Our people were moving into line, responding to God’s call. My brethren, the Lord is
speaking to us. Shall we not heed His call? Shall we not trim our lamps, and act like men who​

look for their Lord to come?

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

What A Reward!​

If any man’s work abide ..., he shall receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:14.​

Glorious will be the reward bestowed when the faithful workers gather
about the throne of God and of the Lamb. When John in his mortal state beheld the glory of
God, he fell as one dead; he was not able to endure the sight. But when the children of God
shall have put on immortality, they will "see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). They will stand before
the throne, accepted in the Beloved. All their sins have been blotted out, all their transgressions
borne away. Now they can look upon the undimmed glory of the throne of God. They have been
partakers with Christ in His sufferings, they have been workers together with Him in the plan of
redemption, and they are partakers with Him in the joy of seeing souls saved in the kingdom of
God, there to praise God through all eternity....

In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son. The angels,
touching their golden harps, will welcome the King and His trophies of victory... A song of
triumph will peal forth, filling all heaven. Christ has conquered. He enters the heavenly courts,
accompanied by His redeemed ones, the witnesses that His mission of suffering and sacrifice has
not been in vain....

There are homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are robes for the righteous, with crowns
of glory and palms of victory. All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the
world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The
mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion
and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that
infinite love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying. As we realize the tender care of
Him who makes all things work together for our good, we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory.

I urge you to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven.... Prepare for the
judgment, that when Christ shall come, to be admired in all them that believe, you may be
among those who will meet Him in peace.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Look Up!

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem,
and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.
Isaiah 40:1, 2.

In the darkest days of her long conflict with evil, the church of God has been given revelations
of the eternal purpose of Jehovah. His people have been permitted to look beyond the trials of the
present to the triumphs of the future, when, the warfare having been accomplished, the redeemed
will enter into possession of the promised land. These visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand
of God, should be dear to His church today, when the controversy of the ages is rapidly closing and the
promised blessings are soon to be realized in all their fullness.

To us who are standing on the very verge of their fulfillment, of what deep moment, what
living interest, are these delineations of the things to come—events for which, since our first
parents turned their steps from Eden, God’s children have watched and waited, longed and
prayed!

Fellow pilgrim, we are still amid the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities; but soon our
Saviour is to appear to bring deliverance and rest. Let us by faith behold the blessed hereafter as
pictured by the hand of God. He who died for the sins of the world is opening wide the gates of
Paradise to all who believe on Him. Soon the battle will have been fought, the victory won. Soon
we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence the trials
and sufferings of this life will seem as nothingness. The former things “shall not be remembered,
nor come into mind.”“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of
reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive
the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”“Israel
shall be saved ... with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world
without end.”

Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the
narrow path that leads through the gates of the city into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded
future of glory that is for the redeemed.

 

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The Conflict Over

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise
pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18.

When Christ entered upon His campaign, Satan met Him and contested every inch of ground,
exerting his utmost powers to conquer Him. Much was involved in this controversy. Intense
interests were at stake. The questions to be answered were: “Is God’s law imperfect, in need of
being amended or abrogated? or is it immutable? Is God’s government stable? or is it in need
of changes?” Not only before those living in the city of God, but before the inhabitants of all the
heavenly universe, were these questions to be answered....

From the manger to the cross Satan followed the Son of God. Temptations beat upon Him
like a tempest. But the more fierce the conflict, the more familiar He became with the temptations
wherewith man is beset, and the better prepared He was to succor the tempted.

The severity of the trial through which Christ passed was proportionate to the value of the
object to be gained or lost by His success or failure. Not merely the interests of one world were
involved. This world was the battlefield, but all the worlds that God has created were affected
by the result of the conflict....Satan sought to make it appear that he was working for the liberty
of the universe. Even while Christ was on the cross, the enemy was determined to make his
arguments so varied, so deceptive, so insidious, that all would be convinced that God’s law was
tyrannical. He himself laid every scheme, planned every evil, inflamed every mind to bring
affliction on Christ. He himself instigated the false accusations against One who had done only
good. He himself inspired the cruel deeds that added to the suffering of the Son of God—the
pure, the holy, the innocent.

By this course of action Satan has forged a chain by which he himself will be bound. The
heavenly universe will bear witness to the justice of God in punishing him. Heaven itself saw
what heaven would be, if he were in it....

Not merely in the minds of a few finite creatures in this world, but in the minds of all the
inhabitants of the heavenly universe, has the immutability of God’s law been established.... With
one voice they extolled God as righteous, merciful, self-denying, just.

 

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Agents For Heaven

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be
pitiful, be courteous. 1 Peter 3:8.

What great need there is of cultivating tenderness and gentleness. None should be ashamed
to manifest a tender, compassionate spirit for those who err; for those who think they make no
mistakes and far from being without fault before God. No one need to think that the manifestation
of compassion is something for which he need be ashamed....

When a crisis comes in the life of any soul, and another attempts to give advice, that advice
and counsel will have only the weight of influence for good that their example and spirit of the
adviser has accumulated for him. It is the consistent life, the revelation of a sincere, Christlike
interest for the soul in peril, that will make counsel effectual to persuade and win into safe paths.
Those who are quick to censure others, who speak words that cut and bruise the already wounded
soul, are doing Satan’s work, and are laborers with the prince of darkness....
Let the tempted and tried souls remember that when chastisement comes upon them, it is the
Lord who would save them from death. Let the souls to whom reproof comes, remember that
“as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19).

The human agent, imbued with the Spirit of Christ, will watch for souls as they that must
give an account. The claims of Christ are upon us, and we must understand our duty, and do it
in the fear of God, with an eye single to His glory, and not prove unfaithful. Let no thought of
self or of natural feelings be cherished to keep the lips silent. Speak, and be not afraid. With the
heart full of tenderness and love for souls, warn, exhort, and entreat.

Never cease to labor for a soul while there is one ray of hope. Your words may cut to the
soul. Oh, then be cautious, and clothe them with the love and tenderness of Jesus. Soften every
accent with love and sympathy.... As you deal with others, as you judge others, so the Lord will
judge and deal with you. Let the agent who claims to be a child of God, practice the lessons of
Christ. If he is compelled to wound, let him feel the duty of healing as compulsory upon him.
The truth is ever to be spoken in love, with the Spirit of Christ abiding in the soul.

 

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How To Make An Impact​

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were
unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they
had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13.​

When Christ was upon this earth, He did not direct fishermen to leave their nets and boats,
and go to the Jewish teachers to gain a preparation for the gospel ministry. Walking by the Sea
of Galilee, He saw “two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into
the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers
of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him. And going on from thence, he
saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee
their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their
father, and followed him” (Matthew 4:18-22).​

This prompt obedience, without any question, without one promise of wages, seems
remarkable. But the words of Christ were an invitation that implied all that He meant it should.
There was an impelling influence in His words. There was no long explanation, but what He said
had a drawing power....​

Christ would make these humble fishermen, in connection with Himself, the means of taking
men out of the service of Satan, and making them believers in Christ, teaching them in regard
to the kingdom of God. In this work they would become His ministers, fishers of men....​

Christ chose the foolish things of the world—those whom the world pronounced unlearned
and ignorant—to confound the wise men of the world. The disciples were unlearned in the
traditions of the rabbis, but with Christ as their example and teacher, they were gaining an
education of the highest order; for they had before them a divine Example. Christ was presenting
to them truths of the highest character.​

Those whom God employs to do service for Him, He would have fitted in His way for that
service. Those who preach Christ must learn of Christ daily, in order to understand the mystery
of saving and serving the souls for whom He has died.... They must pattern after Him in all​

things, sharing His tender compassion and His sternness against all evil working.

 

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For The Fearful, Faint, And Feeble

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be
fed. Psalm 37:3.

“Trust in the Lord.” Each day has its burdens, its cares, and perplexities; and when we meet,
how ready we are to talk of our difficulties and trials. So many borrowed troubles intrude, so
many fears are indulged, such a weight of anxiety is expressed, that one might almost suppose
that we had no pitying, loving Saviour, ready to hear all our requests, and to be to us a present
help in every time of need.

Some are always fearing and borrowing trouble. Every day they are surrounded by the tokens
of God’s love, every day they are enjoying the bounties of His providence; but they overlook these
present blessings. Their minds are continually dwelling upon something disagreeable which they
fear may come: or some difficulty may really exist, which, though small, blinds their eyes to the
many things which demand gratitude. The difficulties which they encounter, instead of driving
them to God, the only source of help, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and
repining.

Brethren and sisters, do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be ungrateful and
distrustful? Jesus is our friend. All heaven is interested in our welfare; and our anxiety and
fear grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We should not indulge in a solicitude which only frets and
wears us, but does not help us to bear trials. No place should be given to that distrust of God
which leads us to make a preparation against future want the chief pursuit of life, as though our
happiness consisted in these earthly things, and we could gain them while ignoring the fact that
God controls all things.

You may be perplexed in business; your prospects may grow darker and darker, and you
may be threatened with loss. But do not become discouraged; cast your care upon God, and
remain calm and cheerful. Begin every day with earnest prayer, not omitting to offer praise and
thanksgiving. Ask for wisdom to manage your affairs with discretion, and thus prevent loss and
disaster. Do all you can on your part to bring about favorable results. Jesus has promised divine
aid, but not aside from human efforts.

 

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The Only Security

Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your
generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Exodus 31:13.

Let every one seek the Lord for himself. Eternity is before us. You cannot afford to let
another day pass without taking your position on the Lord’s side. Will you not act the part that
God has appointed you to act in the closing scenes of this earth’s history?

It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who will be
alive on the earth when past woes and celestial glory will be blended. They will walk in the
light proceeding from the throne of God. By the means of the angels there will be constant
communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming
to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people
will not find their safety in working miracles; for Satan would counterfeit any miracle that might
be worked. God’s tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus
31:12-18. They are to take their stand on the living Word—“It is written.” This is the only
foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their covenant with God
will in that day be without hope and without God in the world.

The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth
commandment—since this is the sign of His creative power, and the witness to His claim upon
man’s reverence and homage. The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the
Creator’s memorial, to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the contest, all Christendom
will be divided into two great classes—those who keep the commandments of God and the faith
of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark....

Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one
end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming—a time of
trouble such as has not been since there was a nation—God’s chosen people will stand unmoved.
Satan and his angels cannot destroy them; for angels that excel in strength will protect them.

 

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Open The TopWindows!​

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11.​

Now just now is our opportunity to open the windows of the soul heavenward and to close
the windows earthward. Now is the time for every church member to say, I will close my heart
to everything that would hinder my communion with Christ; I will open the windows of my soul
heavenward that I may understand spiritual things.

Believers need to talk with God in regard to their individual need of the Holy Spirit. The
Word of God must be their assurance. All heaven is inviting us to receive the bright beams of the
Sun of Righteousness into our lives. If we will talk faith and hope and courage, our souls will be
strengthened, and our hope and courage and faith will increase. Let us seek this great gift of the
Sun of Righteousness, that it may shine forth in our lives to others. Let us seek the Lord that we
may learn how to work His works in the world. This will make us successful missionaries, able
to help others to a hopeful, courageous experience.

In our service for the Master, let not the little things be overlooked. Every human being has a
life web to weave, and if the pattern is complete and perfected at last, every thread of the pattern
must be carefully and faithfully worked. The grace of Christ will enable us to weave skillfully
and well. Day by day we are to put forth personal diligent effort to improve. Every day we
are to use our Christian intelligence in the work of strengthening the weak, and encouraging the
desponding. A great test is coming to every soul. Shall we not then work and watch and pray
and praise the Lord? This will give us a most precious experience. Very much has been lost to
many believers because they have neglected to seek the Lord with earnestness and with a faith
that will not be denied.

Words spoken and works performed in a simple, humble, encouraging way will inspire faith
in other hearts. The Lord is soon to come, and the natural heart must be daily converted. We
must learn to speak words in the meekness of Christ; our works and our spirit must testify that​

we are serving the Lord.

 

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Assurance Of Victory

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world,
according to the will of God and our Father. Galatians 1:4.

By giving His life for the life of the world, Christ bridged the gulf that sin had made, joining
this sin-cursed earth to the universe of heaven as a province. God chose this world to be the
theater of His mighty works of grace. While the sentence of condemnation was suspended over
it because of the rebellion of its inhabitants, while the clouds of wrath were accumulating because
of the transgression of the law of God, a mysterious voice was heard in heaven, “Lo, I come...
to do thy will, O God” (Psalm 40:7, 8). Our substitute and surety came from heaven declaring
that He had brought with Him the vast and inestimable donation of eternal life. Pardon is offered
to all who will return their allegiance to the law of God. But there are those who refuse to
accept a “thus saith the Lord.” They will not reverence and respect His law. They make rigorous
human enactments in opposition to a “thus saith the Lord,” and by precept and example lead
men, women, and children into sin. They exalt human enactments above the divine law. But the
condemnation and wrath of God are suspended over the disobedient. The clouds of God’s justice
are gathering. The material of destruction has been piled up for ages; and still apostasy, rebellion,
and disloyalty against God is continually increasing. The remnant people of God, who keep His
commandments, will understand the word spoken by Daniel, “Many shall be purified, and made
white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but
the wise shall understand” (Daniel 12:10).

Satan has called this world his territory. Here his seat is, and he holds in allegiance to himself
all who refuse to keep God’s commandments, who reject a plain, “thus saith the Lord.” They
stand under the enemy’s banner; for there are but two parties in the world. All rank either under
the banner of the obedient or under the banner of the disobedient.

Jesus is now sending His message to a fallen world. He delights to take apparently hopeless
material, those through whom Satan has worked, and make them the subjects of His grace. He
rejoices to deliver them from the wrath which is to fall upon the disobedient.