Daily Devotional

[EastCoastRemnant]

Let God Work His Will In You​

The God of peace ... make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you
that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Hebrews 13:20, 21.​

By studying the Word of God, and carrying out its precepts in all their business transactions,
men may carefully discern the spirit that controls the actions. In the place of following human
impulse and natural inclination, they may learn, by diligent study, the principles that should
control the sons and daughters of Adam.​

The Bible is the guidebook that is to decide the many difficult problems that rise in minds
that are selfishly inclined. It is a reflection of the wisdom of God, and not only furnishes great
and important principles, but supplies practical lessons for the life and conduct of man toward
his fellow man. It gives minute particulars that decide our relation to God and to each other. It is
a complete revelation of the attributes and will of God in the person of Jesus Christ, and in it is
set forth the obligation of the human agent to render wholehearted service to God, and to inquire
at every step of the way, “Is this the way of the Lord?” ...​

A deceiving crookedness is discernible in the minds of those whose eyes are not anointed
with the heavenly eyesalve that they may see all things in the light of God’s Word. The will
becomes enslaved, bound to pursue a course which the Word of God will not justify. The will of
the human agent is not to be given into the control of any other man. When merged into the will
of other men, it is misleading....​

If the human agent consents, God can and will so identify His will with all our thoughts and
aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His Word, that when obeying His will,
we are only carrying out the impulses of our minds. All such will not possess an unsanctified,
selfish disposition, ready to carry out their own wills, but will have a jealous, earnest, determined
zeal for the glory of God. They will not want to do anything in their own strength, and will guard
strictly against the danger of promoting self.​

All who would perfect a Christian character must wear the yoke of Christ. If they would
sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, they must learn of Him while on this earth. Our
natures are in need of discipline. They must be conformed to the nature of Jesus Christ, that He
may accomplish the good He designs to do for all who will submit to be molded by yielding their​

natures to His authority. The great Teacher will yoke up with every soul who will bear His yoke.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Slacking off a bit again... here's three for your spiritual pleasure.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Christ’s Love Cannot Be Measured​

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor
powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other
creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord. Romans 8:38, 39.​

Christ might, because of our guilt, have moved far from us. But instead of moving farther
away from us, He came and dwelt among us, filled with all the fullness of the Godhead, to be one
with us, that through His grace we might attain to perfection. By a death of shame and suffering
He paid man’s ransom. What self-sacrificing love is this! From the highest excellency He came,
His divinity clothed with humanity, descending step by step to the very depths of humiliation.
No line can measure the depth of this love. Christ has shown us how much God can love and our
Redeemer suffer in order to secure our complete restoration. He desires His children to reveal
His character, to exert His influence, that other minds may be drawn into harmony with His mind.

Christ, our Saviour, in whom dwelt absolute perfection, became sin for the fallen race. He
did not know sin by the experience of sinning, but He bore the terrible weight of the guilt of the
whole world. He became our propitiation, that all who receive Him may become sons of God.
The cross was erected to save man. Christ lifted on the cross was the means devised in heaven
for awakening in the repenting soul a sense of the sinfulness of sin. By the cross Christ sought
to draw all to Himself. He died as the only hope of saving those who, because of sin, were in the
gall of bitterness. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit, a new principle of mental and spiritual
power was to be brought to man, who, through association with divinity, was to become one with
God.

To break down the barriers that Satan had erected between God and man, Christ made a
full and complete sacrifice, revealing unexampled self-denial. He revealed to the world the
amazing spectacle of God living in human flesh, and sacrificing Himself to save fallen man.
What wonderful love! As I consider it, I weep to think that so many of those who claim to
believe the truth are encrusted with selfishness....

I marvel that professing Christians do not grasp the divine resources; that they do not see the
cross more clearly as the medium of forgiveness and pardon, the means of bringing the proud,
selfish heart of man into direct contact with the Holy Spirit, that the riches of Christ may be
poured into the mind, and the human agent be adorned with the graces of the Spirit, that Christ
may be commended to those who know Him not.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Standing By Principle​

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97.​

Let those who talk of principle as if they would not on any account depart from it be sure that
they understand the principles laid down in the Word of God for our guidance. There are some
who follow false principles. Their idea of principle is misleading. Following right principle
means the faithful doing of the first four and the last six commandments. In obedience to
these divine commands, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ, appropriating all that
is embraced in the atonement made on Calvary. Christ will stand by the side of all who receive
Him as their Saviour. To them He will give power to become the sons of God. "The Word was
made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of
the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

The One here referred to as the Word is the Son of God, who was the Commander in the
heavenly courts, and who came to this world to open heavenly things to fallen human beings.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is the Word that was with God before the world was.
In clothing His divinity with humanity, He became possessed of two natures, the divine and the
human. And because of this, He was fully able to accomplish for the human race their complete
redemption, and their restoration to the privileges of the higher life.
He began His earthly life as human beings begin theirs, coming to this world as a helpless
babe. And while here, He lived the life that every human being may live who will receive the
great gift that the Lord made to our world in sending His Son to work out the plan of salvation.

Christ bore the penalty of sin, the stroke of divine justice, that human beings might not be left
to perish. He bore in His body the sentence pronounced against sinners. This is the science of
salvation, which can safely be searched into, and which it is profitable to strive to understand....

Those who continue in transgression will be judged according to their refusal of light. They
choose to stand on the side of the prince of darkness, to become the helping hand of him who,
if it were possible, would deceive the very elect. They refuse the wonderful gift of heaven, and
though they may profess righteousness, and talk of "adherence to principle," they are at the same
time following principles opposed to the noble principles of heaven, and they teach others to
follow the same corrupting principles.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Our Sanctuary Doctrine​

Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
Daniel 8:14.​

God bids us give our time and strength to the work of preaching to the people the messages
that stirred men and women in 1843 and 1844....

My brethren, take your position where God bids you. Leave alone those who, after light has
been repeatedly given them, have taken a stand on the opposite side.... Take up the work which
has been given us. With the Word of God as your message, stand on the platform of truth and
proclaim the soon coming of Christ. Truth, eternal truth, will prevail.

For more than half a century [i.e., since 1844] the different points of present truth have been
questioned and opposed. New theories have been advanced as truth, which were not truth, and the
Spirit of God revealed their error. As the great pillars of our faith have been presented, the Holy
Spirit has borne witness to them, and especially is this so regarding the truths of the sanctuary
question. Over and over again the Holy Spirit has in a marked manner endorsed the preaching
of this doctrine. But today, as in the past, some will be led to form new theories and to deny the
truths upon which the Spirit of God has placed His approval.

Any man who seeks to present theories which would lead us from the light that has come
to us on the ministration in the heavenly sanctuary should not be accepted as a teacher. A true
understanding of the sanctuary question means much to us as a people. When we were earnestly
seeking the Lord for light on that question, light came. In vision I was given such a view of
the heavenly sanctuary, and the ministration connected with the holy place, that for many days I
could not speak of it.

I know from the light that God has given me that there should be a revival of the messages
that have been given in the past, because men will seek to bring in new theories, and will try to
prove that these theories are scriptural, whereas they are error, which, if allowed a place, will
undermine faith in the truth. We are not to accept these suppositions and pass them along as
truth. No, no; we must not move from the platform of truth on which we have been established.

There will always be those who are seeking for something new, and who stretch and strain
the Word of God to make it support their ideas and theories. Let us, brethren, take the things that
God has given us, and which His Spirit has taught us is truth, and believe them, leaving alone
those theories which His Spirit has not endorsed.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Eating The Leaves Of The Tree Of Life​

In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life,
which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of
the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2.​

Must we wait until we are translated before we eat of the leaves of the tree of life? He who
receives into his heart the words of Christ knows what it means to eat the leaves of the tree of
life....

The knowledge that comes from God is the bread of life. It is the leaves of the tree of life
which are for the healing of the nations. The current of spiritual life thrills the soul as the words
of Christ are believed and practiced. Thus it is that we are made one with Christ. The experience
that was weak and feeble becomes strong. It is eternal life to us if we hold the beginning of our
confidence firm unto the end.

All truth is to be received as the life of Jesus. Truth cleanses us from all impurity, and prepares
the soul for Christ’s presence. Christ is formed within, the hope of glory....

It is essential that those who pledge themselves to keep God’s commandments have an
intelligent knowledge of the Scriptures. Thus we learn to deny self and to be strictly honest
with God in using His goods. It was in order that we might understand the divine will that God
gave us the Bible. We cannot obey His commandments until we know what these commandments
are.

Parents are without excuse if they fail to obtain a clear understanding of God’s will, that
they may obey the laws of His kingdom. Only thus can they lead their children to heaven. My
brethren and sisters, it is your duty to understand God’s requirements. How can you educate your
children in the things of God unless you first know yourselves what is right and what is wrong,
unless you realize that obedience means eternal life and disobedience eternal death?

We must make it our lifework to understand the will of God. Only as we do this can we train
our children aright. Your every word and action is to be in accordance with the will of God,
irrespective of the opinions and practices of those who refuse to obey God....

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul" (Psalm 19:7). The Lord has kept back
nothing that is necessary for the enlightenment of His children. No one can plead in excuse for
transgression that he was left in ignorance, that the way to heaven was not clearly marked out.
We have not been left to serve God in a vague, uncertain way.
​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Only One Light To Illuminate The Way

But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the
perfect day. Proverbs 4:18.

Christ’s love in the heart, revealing through the life its wondrous power—this is the greatest
miracle that can be performed before a fallen, quarreling world. Let us try to work this miracle,
not in our own power, but in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom we serve.
Let us put on Christ, and the miracle-working power of His grace will be so plainly revealed in
the transformation of character that the world will be convinced that God has sent His Son into
the world to make men as angels in character and life.

Those who truly believe in Christ sit together with Him in heavenly places. Let us accept the
badge of Christianity. This is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it
is something that reveals the union of man with God. Let us “put off the old man with his deeds;
and ... put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created
him” (Colossians 3:9, 10). The beauty of holiness is revealed as Christians draw near together,
blending in Christlike love.

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a
new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full
assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed
with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful
that promised) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not
forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one
another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).

There is only one true religion, only one way to heaven; only one light to illuminate the way
as the pilgrims press on. As we follow on to know the Lord, we shall acknowledge at every step
that Christ is the Light of the world, that He is theWay, the Truth, and the Life; and we shall find
that the path that He bids us follow is “as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the
perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18)....

The Lord is good and greatly to be praised.... How blest, how doubly blest, is the home in
which father, mother, and children are consecrated to the service of Christ.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Christ Has Power For Us

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. Colossians
2:10.

We are to live in the warm, genial rays of the Sun of Righteousness. Nothing but His loving
compassion, His divine grace, His almighty power, can enable us to baffle the relentless foe and
subdue the opposition of the human heart. What is our strength? The joy of the Lord. Let the
melting love of Christ fill the heart, and we are softened and subdued, prepared to receive the
power that He has for us.

Let us thank God every day for the blessings that are ours. If the human agent will
humble himself before God, realizing how inappropriate it is for him to cherish a feeling of
self-sufficiency; realizing his utter inability to do the work that needs to be done in order for
his soul to be purified, casting away, making of no account, his own righteousness, Christ will
engrave His own image upon his soul....

Christ will never neglect the work that has been placed in His hands. He will inspire the
resolute disciple with a sense of the perversity, the sin-stained condition, the depravity, of the
heart upon which He is working. The true penitent has learned the uselessness of self-importance.
Looking to Jesus, comparing his own defective character with the Saviour’s perfect character, he
can say,

In my hand no price I bring;
Simply to Thy cross I cling.

​

With Isaiah he declares, “Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all
our works in us. O Lord our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee
only will we make mention of thy name” (Isaiah 26:12, 13).

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. Hiding his life in the life of Christ, he sees that the holiness of the divine law is
revealed in the character of Christ, and more and more earnestly he strives to be like Him. A
warfare may be expected at any time, for the tempter sees that he is losing one of his subjects. A
battle must be fought with the attributes which Satan has been strengthening for his own use.

The human agent sees what he has to contend with—a strange power opposed to the idea of
attaining the perfection that Christ holds out. But with Christ there is saving power that will gain
for him victory in the conflict. The Saviour will strengthen and help him as he comes pleading
for grace and efficiency.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Help For The Conflict Promised

Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear
not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1.

Every obstacle to the redemption of the people of God is to be removed by the opening of
the Word of God and the presentation of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The true light is to shine
forth, for darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. The truth of the living God is
to appear in contrast with error. Proclaim the glad tidings: We have a Saviour who has given His
life that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Obstacles to the advancement of the work of the Lord will appear, but fear not. To the
omnipotence of the King of kings, our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care
of a tender shepherd. Nothing can stand in His way. His power is absolute, and is the pledge
of the sure fulfillment of His promises to His people. He can remove all obstructions to the
advancement of His work....

The church of Christ is God’s agency for the proclamation of truth, empowered by Him to do
a special work, and if she is loyal to God, obedient to all His commandments, there will dwell
within her the excellency of divine power. If she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no
power that can stand against her. If she will be true to her allegiance, the forces of the enemy
will be no more able to overpower her than is the chaff to resist the whirlwind.

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 world. The members of the
church need now to confess their backslidings, and press together. My brethren and sisters, allow
nothing to come in that will separate you from one another and from God. Talk not of 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 Saviour 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.

Turn to the Lord, ye prisoners of hope. Seek strength from God, the living God. Show an
unwavering, humble faith in His power and willingness to save. From Christ is flowing the living
stream of salvation. He is the Fountain of life and the Source of all power.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Service To God Begins On Earth​

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth,
though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the
appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:17.​

Those who work against the natural laws of the being must suffer the penalty of transgression.
But the Saviour pities us, even when we suffer from infirmities caused by our own wrong course
of action. In Him there is a healing power for us. Let us praise God for the tree of life, the leaves
of which are for the healing of the nations....

Everywhere the effects of the curse are seen. Let us praise God that in the earth made new
“there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his
servants shall serve him” (Revelation 22:3). Some little know what true service means. Those
who expect to sing in an entertainment spend time in practicing, to familiarize themselves with
the music and the words. That we may learn how to serve the Lord in heaven, we must enter His
service now, becoming acquainted with Him and learning to be faithful servants....

It is our privilege to understand the blessedWord of God. We have fallen, it is true, but we are
not always to remain in sin. We have been placed on vantage ground. The Lord God of heaven
“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). What a precious hope we have in Christ! ...

Temptations will come. But when Satan throws his hellish shadow before us, we should
reach in faith through the shadow to the light of life—to Him who has not only created man but
who by His own blood has redeemed him. We are Christ’s cherished heritage. In living faith
we must cooperate with Him in working out our own salvation. Amid trials and temptations His
hand upholds and sustains us. Those who rest in Christ Jesus are never restless or uneasy. He
means just what He says when He bids us commit the keeping of our souls unto Him, as to a
faithful Creator.

Those who hold fast their faith unto the end will come forth from the furnace of trial as fine
gold seven times purified. Of this work the prophet Isaiah says, “I will make a man more precious
than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isaiah 13:12). When in trouble,
remember that faith tried in the furnace of affliction is more precious than gold tried with fire.
Remember that there is One watching every movement, to see when the last particle of dross is​

taken away from your character.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The Meaning Of Communion With God

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have
fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus
Christ. 1 John 1:3.​

Communion with God is the life of the soul. It is not something that we cannot interpret,
something that we can clothe with beautiful words but which does not give us the genuine
experience that makes our words of real value. Communion with God gives a daily experience
that does indeed make our joy full.​

Those who have this union with Christ will declare it in spirit and word and work. Profession
is nothing unless in word and work good fruit is manifest. Unity, fellowship with one another
and with Christ—this is the fruit borne on every branch of the living vine. The cleansed soul,
born again, has a clear, distinct testimony to bear....​

To know God is, in the scriptural sense of the term, to be one with Him in heart and mind,
having an experimental knowledge of Him, holding reverential communion with Him as the
Redeemer. Only through sincere obedience can this communion be obtained. Where this
communion is lacking, the heart is not in any sense a temple of God, but is controlled by the
foe, who is working out his own purposes through the human agency. Such a man, whatever his
profession or claims, is not a temple of the Holy Spirit.​

The experience is perfected by fruit bearing. He who does not bear good fruit in words and
deeds, in the strength of elevated, ennobling principle, is a bad tree. The fruit that he bears is
unpalatable to God. His professed knowledge of Christ is a falsehood, a deception....​

In the light of the love of Christ, the gospel is an open book. This is the true light, which
Christ came to bring to the world. The Saviour’s true disciples have received this love....​

From the light that God has given me, I know that men’s great danger is in being
self-deceived. Satan is watching his chance. He will come to men in human form, and will
speak to them most entrancing words. He will bring against them the same temptations that he
brought against Christ. Unless their minds and hearts are filled with the pure, unselfish, sanctified
love that Christ revealed, they will fall under Satan’s power, and will do and say and write strange
things, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect....​

Following Christ’s example of unselfish service, trusting like little children in His merits, and​

obeying His commands, we shall receive the approval of God.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Heaven, The Christian’s Summer​

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our
Saviour Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13.​

Christ is soon to come the second time. Of this we should often talk. It should be the
uppermost thought in our minds. He is coming, with power and great glory, and every eye shall
see Him. All the holy angels will accompany Him. Of this company John writes, "I beheld,
and heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beast and the elders: and the
number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" (Revelation
5:11).

The trumpet has not yet sounded. Those who have gone down into the grave have not yet
cried, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55). The
righteous dead have not yet been caught up with the living saints to meet their Lord in the air.
But the time is near when the words spoken by the apostle Paul will have their fulfillment, "For
the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and
with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain
shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we
ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

In order for us to be like the Saviour, we must be changed (see Philippians 3:20, 21). Now
is the time for us to bring into the daily life the virtues of Christ’s life. We have no time to lose.
Should we fail in our character building, we shall lose eternal life. We must build on the true
foundation.... We must do the work of Christ, and be constantly watching and praying. Then we
shall be ready for His appearing, prepared to receive eternal life.

All who will can be overcomers. Let us strive earnestly to reach the standard set before us.
Christ knows our weakness, and to Him we can go daily for help. It is not necessary for us to
gain strength a month ahead. We are to conquer from day to day.

This earth is the place of preparation for heaven. The time spent here is the Christian’s winter.
Here the chilly winds of affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against us. But in
the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sighing will be forever ended. Then will be the
Christian’s summer. All trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness or death. "God
shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor
crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation
21:4).​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

We Have The Blessed Assurance​

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5.​

We have but one life to live, and through our daily connection with God we have, in and
through the merits of the Lord Jesus Christ, a constant sustenance in doing the things that will
represent Christ to the world. We may not have all the conveniences that some have in ease
and comfort and in earthly goods, but we have the blessed assurance which Christ gave to His
believing disciples.... To them He said, “Let not your heart be troubled: 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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3)....

Blessed words! We may receive Him into our hearts, and He will be unto us hope and courage
and sustaining grace. The Lord would have us trust fully and entirely in Him. Then we will, in
the simplicity of our faith, believe that Christ will do for us all that He has promised. Let all
come to the Saviour in the full assurance that He will do all that He has promised.

We cannot please our Saviour more than by having faith in His promises. His mercies can
come to you, and your prayers can come to Him. Nothing can break this line of communication.
We must learn to bring all perplexities to Jesus Christ, for He will help us. He will listen to our
requests. We may come to Him in full assurance of faith, nothing doubting, for He is the living
Way....

The more we press our petitions to His throne, the more sure we are of constantly receiving
the great grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You do not give strength to the road you are traveling
by [having] faith. But you increase in strength and in assurance because you have a Guide right
by your side, and you can ask Him with perfect faith to guide your steps aright.

Then trust in the Lord Jesus to lead you step by step into the right path. You can derive
assurance and strength at every step you advance, for you can be assured that your hand is in His
hand. You can “run and not be weary”; you can “walk and not faint,” for you can realize by faith
that you have your hand in the hand of Christ. You will not sink under discouragement, for as
you follow on to know the Lord, trusting in Him, you will have the assurance that the One who​

never forsakes those who fully trust Him is your constant Helper.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Drop Self Into God’s Hands​

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them
out of my Father’s hand. John 10:29.​

We must rise to a higher standard on the subject of faith. We have too little faith. The Word
of God is our endorsement. We must take it, simply believing every word. With this assurance,
we may claim large things, and according to our faith it will be unto us... If we humble our hearts
before God, if we seek to abide in Christ, we shall have a higher, holier experience....

True faith consists in doing just what God has enjoined, not manufacturing things He has not
enjoined. Justice, truth, mercy, are the fruit of faith. We need to walk in the light of God’s law;
then good works will be the fruit of our faith, the proceeds of a heart renewed every day.

We must not in any way make self our god. God has given Himself to die for us, that He
might purify us from all iniquity. The Lord will carry on this work of perfection for us if we will
allow ourselves to be controlled by Him....

The work of righteousness cannot be carried forward unless we exercise implicit faith. Move
every day under God’s mighty working power. The fruit of righteousness is quietness and
assurance forever. If we had exercised more faith in God and had trusted less to our own ideas
and wisdom, God would have manifested His power in a marked manner on human hearts. By
a union with Him, by living faith, we are privileged to enjoy the virtue and efficacy of His
mediation. Hence we are crucified with Christ, dead with Christ, risen with Christ, to walk in
newness of life with Him.

We are not to hold ourselves in our own hands. We are to drop self into the hands of God....
Our lack of faith is the reason that we have not seen more of the power of God. We exercise more
faith in our own working than in God’s working for us. God designs that everything possible shall
be done to enable us to stand heart to heart, mind to mind, shoulder to shoulder. This lack of love
and confidence in one another weakens our faith in God.

We need to pray as we never have prayed before for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for if
there was ever a time when we needed this baptism, it is now.
There is nothing the Lord has
more frequently told us He would bestow upon us, and nothing by which His name would be
more glorified in bestowing, than the Holy Spirit. When we partake of this Spirit, men and​

women will be born again.... Souls once lost will be found, and brought back.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The Meaning Of Christian Perfection​

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13.​

What does God require? Perfection; nothing less than perfection. But if we would be perfect,
we must put no confidence in self. Daily we must know and understand that self is not to be
trusted. We need to grasp God’s promises with firm faith. We need to ask for the Holy Spirit
with a full realization of our own helplessness. Then when the Holy Spirit works, we shall not
give self the glory. The Holy Spirit will graciously take the heart into His keeping, bringing to it
all the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. We shall be kept by the power of God through
faith.​

When we are daily under the control of God’s Spirit, we shall be commandment-keeping
people. We may show to the world that obedience to God’s commands brings its own reward,
even in this life, and in the future life eternal blessedness. Notwithstanding our profession of
faith, the Lord by whom our actions are weighed sees but an imperfect representation of Christ.
He has declared that such a condition of things cannot glorify Him.​

It means much to commit the keeping of the soul to God. It means that we are to live and
walk by faith, not trusting in or glorifying self, but looking to Jesus our Advocate as the Author
and Finisher of our faith. The Holy Spirit will do its work upon a heart that is contrite, but never
can He work upon a self-important, self-righteous soul. In his own wisdom such a one would
mend himself. He interposes between his soul and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will work if
self will not interpose....​

The Holy Spirit is ready to cooperate with all who will receive Him and be taught by Him.
All who lay hold on the truth and are sanctified through the truth are so united with Christ that
they can represent Him in word and action.... May the Holy Spirit speak to the hearts of God’s
chosen people, that their words may be as choice as gold as they give the bread of life to those in
transgression and sin....​

It is God’s pleasure and will that the blessings bestowed on man shall be given in perfect
completeness. He has made provision that every difficulty may be overcome, every want supplied
through the Holy Spirit. Thus He designs that man shall perfect a Christian character. God
would have us contemplate His love, His promises, given so freely to those who have no merit in
themselves, He would have us depend fully, gratefully, rejoicingly in the righteousness provided
for us in Christ. To all who come to God in His appointed way, He freely listens.
​

​

​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Been slackin again... here's a few more to be blessed by.

Btw, for those that are new to this thread, these devotionals are from Our Father Cares, a compilation by Ellen G. White...

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Shine With Living Brightness

And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels;
and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:17.​

Christians are Christ’s jewels, bought with an infinite price. They are to shine brightly for
Him, shedding forth the light of His loveliness. And ever they are to remember that all the luster
that Christian character possesses is received from the Sun of Righteousness.​

The luster of Christ’s jewels depends on the polishing that they receive. God does not compel
us to be polished. We are left free to choose to be polished or to remain unpolished. But everyone
who is pronounced worthy of a place in the Lord’s temple must submit to the polishing process.
He must consent to have the sharp edges cut away from his character, that it may be shapely and
beautiful, fitted to represent the perfection of Christ’s character....​

The divineWorker spends little time on worthless material. Only the precious jewels does He
polish after the similitude of a palace. With hammer and chisel He cuts away the rough edges,
preparing us for a place in God’s temple. The process is severe and trying. It hurts human pride.
Christ cuts deep into the experience that man in his self-sufficiency regarded as complete, and
takes away self-uplifting from the character. He cuts away the surplus surface, and putting the
stone to the polishing wheel, presses it close, that all roughness may be worn off. Then holding
the jewel up to the light the Master sees in it a reflection of His own image, and it is pronounced
worthy of a place in His temple.​

Blessed be the experience, however severe, that gives new value to the stone, enabling it to
shine with living brightness! ...​

[The Lord] has workers whom He will call forth from poverty and obscurity. Engaged in the
common duties of life, and clothed with coarse raiment, they are looked upon by men as of little
value. But Christ sees in them infinite possibilities, and in His hands they will become precious
jewels, to shine brightly in the kingdom of God. “They shall be mine, saith the Lord of Host, in
that day when I make up my jewels.” (Malachi 3:17).​

Christ’s perfect knowledge of human character fits Him to deal with minds. God knows just
how to treat each soul. He judges not as man judges. He knows the real value of the material​

upon which He is working in fitting men and women for positions of trust.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

We Are Objects Of Infinite Love​

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we
were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. Ephesians 2:4, 5.​

The heart surrendered to God’s wise discipline will trust every working out of His
providence.... Temptation will come to discourage, but what is gained by yielding to any such
temptations? Is the soul made any better by murmuring and complaining of its only source of
strength? Is the anchor cast within the vail. Will it hold in sickness? Will it be the testimony
borne in the last closing scenes of life when the lips are becoming palsied with death? The anchor
holds! I know that my Redeemer liveth....

O Precious, loving, long-suffering, long-forbearing Jesus, how my soul adores Thee! That a
poor, unworthy, sin-polluted soul can stand before the Holy God, complete in the righteousness
of our Substitute and Surety! Wonder, O Heavens, and be astonished, O earth, that fallen man is
the object of His infinite love and delight. He rejoices over them with celestial songs, and man
defiled with sin, having become cleansed through the righteousness of Christ, is presented to the
Father free from every spot and stain of sin, “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing”
(Ephesians 5:27). “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth”
(Romans 8:33).

Let every weak, tempest-tossed soul find anchorage in Jesus Christ and not become so
self-centered that he can think only of his little disappointments and the interruption of his plans
and hopes. Is not the subject of the plan of salvation all-absorbing? If the infinite God justifies
me, “who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died” (verse 34). He has in His dying for man
revealed how much He loves man—enough to die for Him! The law condemns the sinner and
drives him to Christ. It is God that justifies and pardons.

Satan will accuse and seek permission to destroy, but it is God that opens the door of refuge.
It is God that justifieth him that entereth that door. Then if God be for us, who can be against
us? Oh, the bright glorious truth. Why do not men discern it? Why not walk in its bright beams?
Why do not all who believe talk of Christ’s matchless love? ...

God lives and reigns. All who are saved must fight manfully as soldiers of Jesus Christ; then
they will be registered in heaven’s books as true and faithful. They are to work the works of Jesus​

Christ, fight the good fight of faith.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Christ’s Compassion Knew No Limit​

This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and
bore our diseases.” Matthew 8:17, R.S.V.​

Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man’s necessity. He
“took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses,” that He might minister to every need of humanity.
The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring
to men complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character.​

Varied were the circumstances and needs of those who besought His aid, and none who came
to Him went away unhelped. From Him flowed a stream of healing power, and in body and mind
and soul men were made whole.​

The Saviour’s work was not restricted to any time or place. His compassion knew no limit.
On so large a scale did He conduct His work of healing and teaching that there was no building
in Palestine large enough to receive the multitudes that thronged to Him. On the green hillslopes
of Galilee, in the thoroughfares of travel, by the seashore, in the synagogues, and in every place
where the sick could be brought to Him was to be found His hospital. In every city, every town,
every village through which He passed, He laid His hands upon the afflicted ones, and healed
them. Wherever there were hearts ready to receive His message, He comforted them with the
assurance of their heavenly Father’s love. All day He ministered to those who came to Him;
in the evening He gave attention to such as through the day must toil to earn a pittance for the
support of their families.​

Jesus carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of men. He knew that unless
there was a decided change in the principles and purposes of the human race, all would be lost.
This was the burden of His soul, and none could appreciate the weight that rested upon Him.
Through childhood, youth, and manhood, He walked alone....​

Day by day He met trials and temptations; day by day He was brought into contact with evil,
and witnessed its power upon those whom He was seeking to bless and to save. Yet He did not
fail nor become discouraged....​

He was always patient and cheerful, and the afflicted hailed Him as a messenger of life and
peace. He saw the needs of men and women, children and youth, and to all He gave the invitation,​

“Come unto me.” ...
As He passed through the towns and cities, He was like a vital current, diffusing life and joy.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Christ A Perfect Example For All​

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke
2:52.​

Man has fallen. God’s image in him is defaced. By disobedience he is depraved in inclination
and weakened in power, unable, apparently, to look forward to anything but tribulation and wrath.
But God, through Christ, has wrought out a way of escape, and He says to everyone, “Be ye
therefore perfect.” It is His purpose that man shall stand before Him upright and noble, and He
will not be defeated. He sent His Son to this world to bear the penalty of sin, and to show man
how to live a sinless life.

Christ is our ideal. He has left a perfect example for childhood, youth, and manhood. He
came to this earth, and passed through the different phases of human experience. In His life sin
found no place. From the beginning to the close of His earthly life, He preserved unsullied His
loyalty to God. The Word says of Him, “The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with
wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.” He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in
favour with God and man.”

The Saviour lived not to please Himself.... He had no home in this world, only as the kindness
of His friends provided Him one, yet it was heaven to be in His presence. Day by day He met
trials and temptations, yet He did not fail or become discouraged. He was always patient and
cheerful, and the afflicted hailed Him as a messenger of life and peace and health. His life held
nothing that was not pure and noble....

God’s promise is, “Ye shall be holy; for I am holy.” Holiness is the reflection of God’s glory.
But in order to reflect this glory, we must cooperate with God. Heart and mind must be emptied
of all that leads to wrong. The Word of God must be read and studied with a sincere desire to
gain from it spiritual strength. ThisWord is the Bread of heaven. Those who receive it, and make
it a part of their lives, grow strong in the strength of God. Our sanctification is God’s object in
all His dealing with us. He has chosen us from eternity, that we may be holy. Christ declares,
“This is the will of God, even your sanctification.” Is it your will, also, that your desires and
inclinations shall be brought into conformity to the divine will? ...

Living the life of the Saviour, overcoming every selfish desire, fulfilling bravely and
cheerfully our duty to God and to those around us—this makes us more than conquerors. This
prepares us to stand before the great white throne free from spot or wrinkle, having
washed our robes of character, and made them white in the blood of the lamb.​