Daily Devotional

[EastCoastRemnant]

Jesus Provided A Model Of Character​

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life,
shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:3, 4.​

Let your light shine forth in good works. Said Christ, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the
salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be
cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” I fear that there are many who are in this condition.
All have not the same work to do; different circumstances and talents qualify individuals for
different kinds of work in God’s vineyard. There are some who fill more responsible positions
than do others; but to each one is given his work, and if he does his work with fidelity and zeal,
he is a faithful steward of the grace of God.

God does not intend that your light shall so shine that your good words or works shall bring
the praise of men to yourself; but that the Author of all good shall be glorified and exalted. Jesus,
in His life, gave to men a model of character. How little power did the world have over Him to
mold Him according to its standard! All its influence was thrown off. He declared, “My meat is
to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work!” If we had this devotion to the work of
God, doing it with an eye single to His glory, we should be able to say with Christ, “I seek not
mine own glory.” His life was full of good works, and it is our duty to live as our great Example
lived. Our life must be hid with Christ in God, and then the light will be reflected from Jesus
to us, and we shall reflect it upon those around us, not in mere talk and profession, but in good
works, and by manifesting the character of Christ. Those who are reflecting the light of God will
cherish a loving disposition. They will be cheerful, willing, obedient to all the requirements of
God. They will be meek and self-sacrificing, and will work with devoted love for the salvation
of souls....

All who are true lightbearers will reflect light upon the pathway of others. Let those who have
named the name of Christ, depart from all iniquity. If you yield to the claims of God, and become
permeated with His love, and filled with His fullness, children, youth, and young disciples will
look to you for their impressions of what constitutes practical godliness; and you may thus be
the means of leading them in the path of obedience to God. You will then be exerting an influence
which will bear the test of God, and your work will be compared to gold, silver, and
precious stones, for it will be of an imperishable nature.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

True Followers Obey God’s Law​

Sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4.​

The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the
follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what
saith the Word of God? Says the apostle James: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man
say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ... Wilt thou know, O vain man,
that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had
offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works
was faith made perfect?... Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith
only” (James 2:14-24).​

The testimony of the Word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith without works.
It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon which
mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and
provisions of the Scriptures....​

The commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit and separates the
soul from God. “Sin is the transgression of the law.” And “whosoever sinneth [transgresseth the
law] hath not seen him, neither known him” (1 John 3:6). Though John in his Epistles dwells
so fully upon love, yet he does not hesitate to reveal the true character of that class who claim
to be sanctified while living in transgression of the law of God. “He that saith, I know him, and
keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word,
in him verily is the love of God perfected” (chap. 2:4, 5).​

Here is the test of every man’s profession. We cannot accord holiness to any man without
bringing him to the measurement of God’s only standard of holiness in heaven and in earth. If
men feel no weight of the moral law, if they belittle and make light of God’s precepts, if they
break one of the least of these commandments, and teach men so, they shall be of no esteem in
the sight of Heaven, and we may know that their claims are without foundation.​

And the claim to be without sin is, in itself, evidence that he who makes this claim is far from
holy. It is because he has no true conception of the infinite purity and holiness of God
or of what they must become who shall be in harmony with His character; because he has
no true conception of the purity and exalted loveliness of Jesus, and the malignity and
evil of sin, that man can regard himself as holy. ​

It was the righteousness revealed in His [Christ’s] life that distinguished Him from the world.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

How We May Keep God’s Law​

His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. Psalm
111:3.​

One ray of the glory of God, one gleam of the purity of Christ, penetrating the soul, makes
every spot of defilement painfully distinct, and lays bare the deformity and defects of the human
character. How can anyone who is brought before the holy standard of God’s law, which makes
apparent the evil motives, the unhallowed desires, the infidelity of the heart, the impurity of the
lips, and that lays bare the life, make any boast of holiness? His acts of disloyalty in making void
the law of God are exposed to his sight, and his spirit is stricken and afflicted under the searching
influences of the Spirit of God. He loathes himself as he views the greatness, the majesty, the
pure and spotless character of Jesus Christ.​

When the Spirit of Christ stirs the heart with its marvelous awakening power, there is a
sense of deficiency in the soul, that leads to contrition of mind, and humiliation of self, rather
than to proud boasting of what has been acquired. When Daniel beheld the glory and majesty
surrounding the heavenly messenger that was sent unto him, he exclaimed, as he described the
wonderful scene, “Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no
strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.”​

The soul that is thus touched will never wrap itself about with self-righteousness, or a
pretentious garb of holiness; but will hate its selfishness, abhor its self-love, and will seek,
through Christ’s righteousness, for that purity of heart which is in harmony with the law of
God and the character of Christ. He will then reflect the character of Christ, the hope of glory.
It will be the greatest mystery to him that Jesus should have made so great a sacrifice to redeem
him.​

He will exclaim, with humble mien and quivering lip, “He loved me. He gave Himself for
me. He became poor that I, through His poverty, might be made rich. The Man of Sorrows did
not spurn me, but poured out His inexhaustible, redeeming love that my heart might be made
clean; and He has brought me back into loyalty and obedience to all His commandments. His
condescension, His humiliation, His crucifixion, are the crowning miracles in the marvelous exhibition of the plan of salvation....All this He has done to make it possible to impart to me His own righteousness, that I may keep the law I have transgressed. For this I adore Him. I will proclaim Him to all sinners.”​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The Repentant Sinner Accepted In Christ​

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of
the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. Hebrews 9:24.​

Christ is our sacrifice, our substitute, our surety, our divine intercessor; He is made unto us
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. “For Christ is not entered into the holy places
made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us.”

The intercession of Christ in our behalf is that of presenting His divine merits in the offering
of Himself to the Father as our substitute and surety; for He ascended up on high to make an
atonement for our transgressions.... “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “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”
(Hebrews 7:25).

From these scriptures it is evident that it is not God’s will that you should be distrustful,
and torture your soul with the fear that God will not accept you because you are sinful and
unworthy.... Present your case before Him, pleading the merits of the blood shed for you upon
Calvary’s cross. Satan will accuse you of being a great sinner, and you must admit this, but you
can say: “I know I am a sinner, and that is the reason I need a Saviour. Jesus came into the world
to save sinners. ‘The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’...I have no merit or
goodness whereby I may claim salvation, but I present before God the all-atoning blood of the
spotless Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is my only plea. The name
of Jesus gives me access to the Father. His ear, His heart, is open to my faintest pleading, and He
supplies my deepest necessities.”

It is the righteousness of Christ that makes the penitent sinner acceptable to God and works
his justification. However sinful has been his life, if he believes in Jesus as his personal Saviour,
he stands before God in the spotless robes of Christ’s imputed righteousness.

The sinner so recently dead in trespasses and sins is quickened by faith in Christ. He sees by
faith that Jesus is his Saviour, and alive forevermore, able to save unto the uttermost all that come
unto God by Him. In the atonement made for him the believer sees such breadth, and length, and
height, and depth of efficiency, sees such completeness of salvation, purchased at such an infinite​

cost, that his soul is filled with praise and thanksgiving.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Justified Souls Walk In The Light​

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ​

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Romans 3:25, 26​

"Being justified freely by his grace," the apostle Paul says, "through the redemption that
is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to
declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him
which believeth in Jesus."​

Here the truth is laid out in plain lines. This mercy and goodness is wholly undeserved. The
grace of Christ is freely to justify the sinner without merit or claim on his part. Justification is
a full, complete pardon of sin. The moment a sinner accepts Christ by faith, that moment he
is pardoned. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him, and he is no more to doubt God’s
forgiving grace.​

There is nothing in faith that makes it our saviour. Faith cannot remove our guilt. Christ is
the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe. The justification comes through the
merits of Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for the sinner’s redemption. Yet it is only through
faith in His blood that Jesus can justify the believer.​

The sinner cannot depend upon his own good works as a means of justification. He must
come to the point where he will renounce all his sin, and embrace one degree of light after
another, as it shines upon his pathway. He simply grasps by faith the free and ample provision
made in the blood of Christ. He believes the promises of God which through Christ are made
unto him sanctification and righteousness and redemption.​

And if he follows Jesus, he will walk humbly in the light, rejoicing in the light, and diffusing
that light to others. Being justified by faith, he carries cheerfulness with him in his obedience in
all his life. Peace with God is the result of what Christ is to him. The souls who are in subordination
to God, who honor Him, and are doers of His Word, will receive divine enlightenment. In the
precious Word of God, there is purity and loftiness as well as beauty that, unless assisted by God,
the highest powers of man cannot attain to....​

We are none of us excusable, under any form of trial, for letting our hold upon God become
loosened. Although the compassion of man may fail, still God loves and pities, and reaches out
His helping hand. God’s everlasting arms encircle the soul that turns to Him for aid.... God loves
to have His children ask Him, and trust Him to do for them those things which they cannot do
for themselves.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Sanctified By Faith And Obedience​

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John
15:8.​

Many shrink from such a life as our Saviour lived. They feel that it requires too great a
sacrifice to imitate the Pattern, to bring forth fruit in good works, and then patiently endure the
pruning of God that they may bring forth more fruit. But when the Christian regards himself as
only a humble instrument in the hands of Christ, and endeavors to faithfully perform every duty,
relying upon the help which God has promised, then he will wear the yoke of Christ and find
it easy; then he will bear burdens for Christ, and pronounce them light. He can look up with
courage and with confidence, and say, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he
is able to keep that which I have committed unto him" (2 Timothy 1:12).

If we meet obstacles in our path, and faithfully overcome them; if we encounter opposition
and reproach, and in Christ’s name gain the victory; if we bear responsibilities and discharge our
duties in the spirit of our Master—then, indeed, we gain a precious knowledge of His faithfulness
and power. We no longer depend upon the experience of others, for we have the witness in
ourselves. Like the Samaritans of old, we can say, "We have heard him ourselves, and know that
this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world" (John 4:42).

The more we contemplate the character of Christ, and the more we experience of His saving
power, the more keenly shall we realize our own weakness and imperfection, and the more
earnestly shall we look to Him as our strength and our Redeemer.... By faith in Christ and
obedience to the law of God we may be sanctified, and thus obtain a fitness for the society of
holy angels and the white-robed redeemed ones in the kingdom of glory.

It is not only the privilege but the duty of every Christian to maintain a close union with
Christ and to have a rich experience in the things of God. Then his life will be fruitful in good
works....

When we read the lives of men who have been eminent for their piety we often regard their
experiences and attainments as far beyond our reach. But this is not the case. Christ died for all;
and we are assured in His Word that He is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask
than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children.

The prophets and apostles did not perfect Christian character by a miracle. They used the
means which God had placed within their reach; and all who will put forth the same effort will
secure the same results.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

A Faith That Works​

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5.​

When we speak of faith, there is a distinction that should be borne in mind. There is a kind of
belief that is wholly distinct from faith. The existence and power of God, the truth of His Word,
are facts that even Satan and his hosts cannot at heart deny. The Bible says that "the devils also
believe, and tremble" (James 2:19); but this is not faith. Where there is not only a belief in God’s
Word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed
upon Him, there is faith—faith that works by love and purifies the soul.

Through this faith the heart is renewed in the image of God. And the heart that in its
unrenewed state is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be, now delights in its
holy precepts, exclaiming with the psalmist, "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the
day" (Psalm 119:97). And the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us, "who walk not after the
flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1).

There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be
children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are
ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say,
Do not draw back in despair. We shall often have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus
because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are
overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God. No; Christ is at
the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Said the beloved John, "These things
write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).

And do not forget the words of Christ, "the Father himself loveth you" (John 16:27). He
desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you
will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the
day of Jesus Christ. Pray more fervently; believe more fully....

The less we see to esteem in ourselves, the more we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity
and loveliness of our Saviour. A view of our sinfulness drives us to Him who can pardon; and
when the soul, realizing its helplessness, reaches out after Christ, He will reveal Himself in
power. The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the Word of God, the more exalted
views we shall have of His character, and the more fully we shall reflect His image.​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

True Religion Promotes Health​

[Wisdom’s] ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:17.​

This world is not all sorrow and misery. "God is love" is written upon every opening bud,
upon the petals of every flower, and upon every spire of grass. Though the curse of sin has caused
the earth to bring forth thorns and thistles, there are flowers upon the thistles and the thorns are
hidden by roses. All things in nature testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His
desire to make His children happy. His prohibitions and injunctions are not intended merely to
display His authority, but in all that He does He has the well-being of His children in view. He
does not require them to give up anything that it would be for their best interest to retain.

The opinion which prevails in some classes of society, that religion is not conducive to health
or to happiness in this life, is one of the most mischievous of errors. The Scripture says: "The
fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied" (Proverbs 19:23). "What
man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from
evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue
it" (Psalm 34:12-14). The words of wisdom "are life unto those that find them, and health to all
their flesh" (Proverbs 4:22).

True religion brings man into harmony with the laws of God, physical, mental, and moral.
It teaches self-control, serenity, temperance. Religion ennobles the mind, refines the taste, and
sanctifies the judgment. It makes the soul a partaker of the purity of heaven. Faith in God’s love
and overruling providence lightens the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with joy and
contentment in the highest or the lowliest lot. Religion tends directly to promote health, to
lengthen life, and to heighten our enjoyment of all its blessings. It opens to the soul a never
failing fountain of happiness. Would that all who have not chosen Christ might realize that
He has something vastly better to offer them than they are seeking for themselves....

There is an intimate relation between the mind and the body, and in order to reach a high
standard of moral and intellectual attainment the laws that control our physical being must be
heeded. To secure a strong, well-balanced character, both the mental and the physical powers
must be exercised and developed. What study can be more important ... than that which treats
of this wonderful organism that God has committed to us, and of the laws by which it may be
preserved in health?​

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Enlightened To Full Radiance​

If we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning. Hosea
6:3.​

We are living amid the perils of the last days, and we are to cleanse ourselves from all
defilement, and put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. The work of God is to be steadily
carried forward. We are to bring ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, into subjection to Christ.
Unless we do this, the health of both body and soul will be endangered.

God desires His workers to gain daily an understanding of how to reason logically from cause
to effect, arriving at wise, safe conclusions. He desires them to add to the strength of the memory.
We cannot afford to make mistakes. As little children we are to sit at the feet of Christ, learning
of Him how to work successfully. We are to ask God for sound judgment, and for light to impart
to others. There is need of knowledge that is the fruit of experience. We should not allow a day to
pass without gaining an increase of knowledge in temporal and spiritual things. We are to plant
no stakes that we are not willing to take up and plant farther on, nearer the heights we hope to
ascend.

The highest education is to be found in training the mind to advance day to day. The close
of each day should find us a day’s march nearer the overcomer’s reward. Day by day our
understanding is to ripen. Day by day we are to work out conclusions that will bring a rich reward
in this life, and in the life to come. Looking daily to Jesus, instead of to what we ourselves have
done, we shall make decided advancement in temporal as well as spiritual knowledge.

The end of all things is at hand. What we have done must not be allowed to place the period
to our work. The Captain of our salvation says, “Advance. The night cometh, in which no man
can work.” Constantly we are to increase in usefulness. Our lives are always to be under
the power of Christ. Our lamps are to be kept burning brightly.

Prayer is a heaven-ordained means of success. Appeals, petitions, entreaties, between man
and man, move men, and act as a part in controlling the affairs of nations. But prayer moves
heaven. That power alone that comes in answer to prayer will make men wise in the wisdom of
heaven, and enable them to work in the unity of the Spirit, joined together by the bonds of peace.
Prayer, faith, confidence in God, bring a divine power that sets human calculations at their real
worth—nothingness....

He who places himself where God can enlighten him advances, as it were, from the partial​

obscurity of dawn to the full radiance of noonday.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The Temple Of God​

He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto
him which died for them, and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5:15.​

Man is God’s workmanship, His masterpiece, created for a high and holy purpose; and on
every part of the human tabernacle God desires to write His law. Every nerve and muscle, every
mental and physical endowment, is to be kept pure.

God designs that the body shall be a temple for His Spirit. How solemn then is the
responsibility resting on every soul. If we defile our bodies, we are doing harm not only to
ourselves, but to many others....

Christ died that the moral image of God might be restored in humanity, that men and women
might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through
lust. We are to use no power of our being for selfish gratification; for all our powers belong to
Him, and are to be used to His glory....

The human house, God’s building, requires close, watchful guardianship. With David we can
exclaim, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God’s workmanship is to be preserved, that the
heavenly universe and the apostate race may see that men and women are temples of the living
God.

The perfection of character which God requires is the fitting up of the whole being as a temple
for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Lord requires the service of the entire being. He desires
men and women to become all that He has made it possible for them to be. It is not enough for
certain parts of the human machinery to be used. All parts must be brought into action, or the
service is deficient....

The physical life is to be carefully educated, cultivated, and developed, that through men and
women the divine nature may be revealed in its fullness. God expects men to use the intellect
He has given them. He expects them to use every reasoning power for Him. They are to give the
conscience the place of supremacy that has been assigned to it. The mental and physical powers,
with the affections, are to be so cultivated that they can reach the highest efficiency. Thus Christ
is represented to the world....

Is God pleased to see any of the organs or faculties He has given man neglected, misused,
or deprived of the health and efficiency it is possible for them to have? Then cultivate the gift
of faith. Be brave, and overcome every practice which mars the soul temple. We are wholly
dependent on God, and our faith is strengthened be believing, though we cannot see God’s
purpose in His dealing with us, or the consequence of this dealing. Faith points forward and​

upward to things to come, laying hold of the only power that can make us complete in Him.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

An Argument Infidels Cannot Resist​

While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. John 12:36.​

A well-ordered Christian household is an argument that the infidel cannot resist. He finds no
place for his cavils [trivial faultfinding]. And the children of such a household are prepared to
meet the sophistries of infidelity. They have accepted the Bible as the basis of their faith, and
they have a firm foundation that cannot be swept away by the incoming tide of skepticism.

Said Christ, “Ye are the light of the world.” He has committed talents to our keeping. What
are we doing with His entrusted gifts? Are we letting our light shine by using them for His glory
and the benefit of our fellow men, or are we using them to advance our own selfish interests?
Many are using them selfishly. They do not seem to realize that we are all judgment-bound, and
must soon give an account for the use we have made of our God-given opportunities to do good.
But what excuse will they give in that great day for not using in the cause of God their skill, their
education, their tact, and their perseverance and zeal?

We need divine help if we would keep our lights burning. But Jesus died to provide that aid.
He extends the invitation: “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me;
and he shall make peace with me.” Cling to the arm of Infinite Power; then you will find Him
precious to your soul, and all heaven will be at your command. “If we walk in the light, as he
is in the light,” we shall have the companionship of holy angels. To “Joshua” it was said, “Thus
saith the Lord of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge,...I will
give thee places to walk among these that stand by.” And who are “these that stand by”? They
are the angels of God. Joshua must have a living, confiding trust in God every day; and then
angels would walk with him, and the power of God would rest upon him in all his labors.

Then, Christian friends, fathers and mothers, let your light grow dim—no, never! Let your
heart grow faint, or your hands weary—no, never! And by and by the portals of the celestial city
will be opened to you; and you may present yourselves and your children before the throne,
saying, “Here am I, and the children whom Thou hast given me.” And what a reward for
faithfulness that will be, to see your children crowned with immortal life in the beautiful city​

of God!

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Family Worship Not To Be Neglected​

Trust...in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17.​

We should be much happier and more useful, if our homelife and social intercourse were
governed by the principles of the Christian religion, and illustrated the meekness and simplicity
of Christ.... Let visitors see that we try to make all around us happy by our cheerfulness,
sympathy, and love.​

While we endeavor to secure the comfort and happiness of our guests, let us not overlook
our obligation to God. The hour of prayer should not be neglected for any consideration.... At
an early hour of the evening, when you can pray unhurriedly and understandingly, present your
supplication, and raise your voices in happy, grateful praise. Let all who visit Christians see that
the hour of prayer is the most sacred, the most precious, and the happiest hour of the day. Such
an example will not be without effect.​

These seasons of devotion exert a refining, elevating influence upon all who participate in
them. Right thoughts and new and better desires will be awakened in the hearts of the most
careless. The hour of prayer brings a peace and rest grateful to the weary spirit; for the very
atmosphere of a Christian home is that of peace and restfulness.​

In every act the Christian should seek to represent his Master, to make His service appear
attractive....​

Nine tenths of the trials and perplexities that so many worry over are
either imaginary, or brought upon themselves by their own wrong course. They should cease to
talk of these trials, and [cease] to magnify them. The Christian may commit every worriment,
every disturbing thing to God. Nothing is too small for our compassionate Saviour to notice;
nothing is too great for Him to carry.​

Then let us set our hearts and homes in order; let us teach our children that the fear of the
Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and let us, by a cheerful, happy, well-ordered life, express our
gratitude and love to Him "who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." But above all things, let us
fix our thoughts and the affections of our hearts on the dear Saviour who suffered for guilty man,
and thus opened heaven for us.​

Love to Jesus cannot be hidden, but will make itself seen and felt. It exerts a wondrous power.
It makes the timid bold, the slothful diligent, the ignorant wise. It makes the stammering tongue
eloquent, and rouses the dormant intellect into new life and vigor. It makes the desponding
hopeful, the gloomy joyous. Love to Christ will lead its possessor to accept responsibilities and
cares for His sake, and to bear them in His strength.​

 

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Families To Reflect The Goodness Of God​

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. Psalm 103:13​

Bring the sunshine of heaven into your conversation. By speaking words that encourage and
cheer, you will reveal that the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness dwells in your soul. Children
need pleasant words. It is essential to their happiness to feel approval resting upon them. Strive
to overcome harshness of expression, and cultivate soft tones. Catch the beauty contained in
the lessons of God’s Word, and cherish this as essential to the happiness and success of your
homelife. In a happy environment the children will develop dispositions that are sweet and
sunshiny.

True beauty of character is not something that shines out only on special occasions; the grace
of Christ dwelling in the soul is revealed under all circumstances. He who cherishes this grace as
an abiding presence in the life will reveal beauty in character under trying as well as under easy
circumstances. In the home, in the world, in the church, we are to live the life of Christ. There
are souls all around in need of conversion. When the law of God is written upon the heart, and is
witnessed to in a holy character, those who know not the power of the grace of Christ will be led
to desire it, and will be converted.

A solemn review is now taking place in the courts above. The thought of the decisions
now being made in heaven should urge parents to diligence in training their children in the
fear and love of God. Not by severe words and punishment for wrongdoing will the most be
accomplished, but by watchfulness and prayer, lest they be taken by the snares of the enemy....

Every family that has a knowledge of the truth for this time, is to make it known to others.
The Lord’s people are to get ready for the doing of a special work. The children as well as the
older members of the family are to act their part in seeking to save those who are perishing. From
His youth Christ was, to all with whom He associated, an influence that drew them toward higher
things. So the youth today may exert a power for good that will draw souls to God.

Parents need to appreciate more fully the responsibility and honor that God has placed upon
them, in making them, to the child, the representative of Himself. The character revealed in the
contact of daily life will interpret to the child, for good or for evil, those words of God:

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.”“As one whom​

his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you.”

 

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Be One, As Christ And The Father Are One​

Now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy
Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be
one, as we are. John 17:11.​

Where shall we find the purity, goodness, and holiness where we shall be secure? Where is
the fold where no wolves will enter? I tell you ... the Lord has an organized body through whom
He will work. There may be more than a score of Judases among them; there may be a rash
Peter who will under circumstances of trial deny his Lord; there may be persons represented by
John whom Jesus loved, but he may have a zeal that would destroy men’s lives by calling down
fire from heaven upon them to revenge an insult to Christ and to the truth. But the great Teacher
seeks to give lessons of instruction to correct these existing evils. He is doing the same today
with His church. He is pointing out their dangers. He is presenting before them the Laodicean
message.

He shows them that all selfishness, all pride, all self-exaltation, all unbelief and prejudice,
which lead to resistance of the truth and turn away from the true light, are dangerous, and unless
repented of, those who cherish these things will be left in darkness as was the Jewish nation. Let
every soul now seek to answer the prayer of Christ. Let every soul echo that prayer in mind,
in petitions, in exhortations, that they all may be one even as Christ is one with the Father,
and work to this end. In the place of turning the weapons of warfare within our own ranks,
let them be turned against the enemies of God and the truth. Echo the prayer of Christ
with your whole heart: "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given
me, that they may be one, as we are.... I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world,
but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil" (John 17:11-15)....

The door of the heart must be opened to the Holy Spirit, for this is the sanctifier, and the truth
is the medium. There must be an acceptance of the truth as it is in Jesus. This is the only genuine
sanctification: "Thy word is truth." Oh, read the prayer of Christ for unity, "Keep through thine
own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are." The prayer of Christ
is not only for those who are now His disciples, but for all those who shall believe on Christ
through the words of His disciples, even to the end of the world....

The Lord has had a church from that day, through all the changing scenes of time to the
present period.... The Bible sets before us a model church. They are to be in unity with each
other, and with God. When believers are united in Christ the living vine, the result is that they​

are one with Christ, full of sympathy and tenderness and love.

 

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The Route To Greater Spiritual Life In The Church​

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. John 3:7.​

The question is often asked, Why is there not more power in the church? why not more vital
godliness? The reason is, the requirements of God’s Word are not complied with in verity and in
truth; God is not loved supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. This covers the entire ground.
Upon these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Let these two requirements
of God be obeyed explicitly, and there would be no discord in the church, no inharmonious notes
in the family. With many the work is too superficial. Outward forms take the place of the inner
work of grace.... The theory of the truth has converted the head, but the soul temple has not been
cleansed from its idols....

True conviction of sin, real heart sorrow because of wickedness, death to self, the daily
overcoming of defects of character, and the new birth—these, represented as old things, Paul
says had passed away, and all things had become new. Such a work many know nothing of. They
grafted the truth into their natural hearts, and then went on as before, manifestingthe same unhappy
traits of character. What is now needed is the plain testimony borne in love from lips touched with living fire.

Church members do not show that living connection with God that they must have in order
to win souls from darkness to light. Make the tree good, and good fruit will be the result. The
work of the Spirit of God upon the heart is essential to godliness. It must be received into the
hearts of those who accept the truth, and create in them clean hearts, before one of them can
keep His commandments and be doers of the Word. "Marvel not," said the great Teacher unto
the astonished Nicodemus, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."

The Bible is not studied as much as it should be; it is not made the rule of life. Were its
precepts conscientiously followed, and made the basis of character, there would be steadfastness
of purpose that no business speculations or worldly pursuits could seriously influence. A
character thus formed, and supported by the Word of God, will abide the day of trial, of
difficulties, and dangers. The conscience must be enlightened, and the life sanctified by the
love of the truth received into the heart, before the influence will be saving upon the world.

What is needed is men of action for the time, prompt, determined, firm as a rock to principle,
and prepared to meet any emergency. Why we are so weak, why there are so many irresponsible
men among us, is because they do not connect with God; they have not an indwelling Saviour,
and do not feel the love of Christ ever fresh and new.... No earthly relationship is as strong as
this love. Nothing can compare with it.​

 

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Reflecting Light From The Sun Of Righteousness​

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath
given to them that obey him. Acts 5:32.​

God wants every member of the church to stand faithfully at his post of duty, to realize
his responsibility, and create a heavenly atmosphere about his soul by continually gathering the
bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness to shed upon the pathway of those about him....

We are to be representatives of Christ, as Christ was a representative of the Father. We want
to be able to attract souls to Jesus, to point them to the Lamb of Calvary, who taketh away the
sin of the world. Christ does not clothe sin with His righteousness, but He removes the sin, and
in its place He imputes His own righteousness. When your sin is cleansed, the righteousness of
Christ goes before you, and the glory of the Lord is your rearward. Your influence will then be
decidedly on the side of Christ; for instead of making self a center, you will make Christ a center,
and will feel that you are a guardian of sacred trusts.

When you remember that Christ has paid the price of His own blood for your redemption and
for the redemption of others, you will be moved to catch the bright rays of His righteousness,
that you may shed them upon the pathway of those around you. You are not to look to the future,
thinking that at some distant day you are to be made holy; it is now that you are to be sanctified
through the truth.... Jesus says, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come
upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me... unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
We are to receive the Holy Ghost.... The Holy Spirit is the Comforter that Christ promised to His
disciples to bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever He had said unto them.

Then let us cease to look to ourselves, but look to Him from whom all virtue comes. No one
can make himself better, but we are to come to Jesus as we are, earnestly desiring to be cleansed
from every spot and stain of sin, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.... By living faith we must
lay hold of His promise, for He has said, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white
as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

We are to be witnesses for Christ, reflecting upon others the light which the Lord permits to
shine upon us. We are to be as faithful soldiers marching under the bloodstained banner of Prince
Emmanuel.... The Captain of our salvation knows the plan of the battle, and we shall come off
more than conquerors through Him.​

 

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Praise To God Has Irresistible Power​

They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and
heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the
Lord, and that thought upon his name. Malachi 3:16.​

To the Christian is granted the joy of gathering rays of eternal light from the throne of glory,
and of reflecting these rays not only on his own path, but on the paths of those with whom he
associates. By speaking words of hope and encouragement, of grateful praise and kindly cheer,
he may strive to make those around him better, to elevate them, to point them to heaven and glory,
and to lead them to seek, above all earthly things, the eternal substance, the immortal inheritance,
the riches that are imperishable.​

“Rejoice in the Lord alway,” says the apostle, “and again I say, Rejoice.” Wherever we go,
we should carry an atmosphere of Christian hopefulness and cheer; then those who are out of
Christ will see attractiveness in the religion we profess; unbelievers will see the consistency of
our faith. We need to have more distinct glimpses of heaven, the land where all is brightness and
joy. We need to know more of the fullness of the blessed hope. If we are constantly “rejoicing in
hope,” we shall be able to speak words of encouragement to those whom we meet....​

Not alone in daily association with believers and unbelievers are we to glorify God by
speaking often one to another in words of gratitude and rejoicing. As Christians, we are exhorted
not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, for our own refreshing, and to impart the
consolation we have received. In these meetings, held from week to week, we should dwell upon
God’s goodness and manifold mercies, upon His power to save from sin. In features, in temper,
in words, in character, we are to witness that the service of God is good. Thus we proclaim that
“the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.”​

Our prayer and social meetings should be seasons of special help and encouragement.... This
can best be done by having a fresh experience daily in the things of God, and by not hesitating to
speak of His love in the assemblies of His people....​

If we thought and talked more of Jesus, and less of ourselves, we should have much more
of His presence. If we abide in Him, we shall be so filled with peace, faith, and courage, and
shall have so victorious an experience to relate when we come to meeting, that others will be
refreshed by our clear, strong testimony for God. These precious acknowledgments to the praise
of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christ-like life, have an irresistible power, which​

works for the salvation of souls.

 

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JesusWas A Friend To Every Human Being​

Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. Hebrews 10:9.​

Christ’s dignity as a divine teacher was of an order higher than the dignity of priests and
rulers. It was distinct from all worldly pomp; for it was divine. He dispensed with all worldly
display, and showed that He regarded the gradations of society, fixed by opulence and rank, as
of no value. He had ... stepped down from His high command to bring to human beings power
to become the sons of God; and earthly rank was not of the least value with Him. He could have
brought with Him ten thousand angels if they would have helped Him in His work of redeeming
the race.

Christ passed by the homes of the wealthy, the courts of royalty, the renowned seats of
learning, and made His home in obscure and despised Nazareth. His life, from its beginning
to its close, was a life of lowliness and humility. Poverty was made sacred by His life of poverty.
He would not put on a dignity of attitude that would debar men and women, however lowly, from
coming into His presence and listening to His teaching....

No teacher ever placed such signal honor upon man as did our Lord Jesus Christ. He was
known as the friend of publicans and sinners. He mingled with all classes, and sowed the world
with truth. In the marketplace and the synagogue He proclaimed His message. He relieved every
species of suffering, both physical and spiritual. Beside all waters He sowed the seeds of truth.
His one desire was that all might have spiritual and physical soundness. He was the friend of
every human being. Was He not pledged to bring life and light to all who would receive Him?
Was He not pledged to give them power to become the sons of God? He gave Himself wholly
and entirely to the work of soul-saving....

As He “went about doing good,” every day’s experience was an outpouring of His life. In one
way only could such a life be sustained. Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion
with Him. To the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, men now
and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith
fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life
of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His service for heaven and earth was
without failure or faltering. As a man He supplicated the throne of God, until His humanity was
charged with a heavenly current that connected humanity with divinity. Receiving life from God,​

He imparted life to men.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Encourage A Spirit Of Kindliness​

To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy
toward all men. Titus 3:2, R.S.V.​

How many useful and honored workers in God’s cause have received a training amid the
humble duties of the most lowly positions in life! Moses was the prospective ruler of Egypt, but
God could not take him from the king’s court to do the work appointed him. Only when he had
been for forty years a faithful shepherd was he sent to be the deliverer of his people. Gideon
was taken from the threshing-floor to be the instrument in the hands of God for delivering the
armies of Israel. Elisha was called to leave the plow and do the bidding of God. Amos was a
husbandman, a tiller of the soil, when God gave him a message to proclaim.

All who become coworkers with Christ will have a great deal of hard, uncongenial labor
to perform, and their lessons of instruction should be wisely chosen, and adapted to their
peculiarities of character, and the work which they are to pursue.

The Lord has presented to me, in many ways and at various times, how carefully we should
deal with the young—that it requires the finest discrimination to deal with minds. Everyone who
has to do with the education and training of youth needs to live very close to the great Teacher,
to catch His spirit and manner of work. Lessons are to be given which will affect their character
and lifework.

They should be taught that the gospel of Christ tolerates no spirit of caste, that it gives no
place to unkind judgment of others, which tends directly to self-exaltation. The religion of Jesus
never degrades the receiver, nor makes him coarse and rough; nor does it make him unkind in
thought and feeling toward those for whom Christ died....

Some are in danger of making the externals all-important, of overestimating the value of mere
conventionalities....

Anything that would encourage ungenerous criticism, a disposition to notice and expose
every defect or error, is wrong. It fosters distrust and suspicion, which are contrary to the
character of Christ, and detrimental to the mind thus exercised. Those who are engaged in this
work gradually depart from the true spirit of Christianity.

The most essential, enduring education is that which will develop the nobler qualities, which
will encourage a spirit of universal kindliness, leading the youth to think no evil of anyone, lest
they misjudge motives and misinterpret words and actions. The time devoted to this kind of​

instruction will yield fruit to everlasting life.

 

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The Eternal Reward Of Reaching Out​

When thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou
shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the
resurrection of the just. Luke 14:13, 14.​

It is the reward of Christ’s workers to enter into His joy. That joy, to which Christ Himself
looks forward with eager desire, is presented in His request to His Father, “I will that they also,
whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.”​

The angels were waiting to welcome Jesus, as He ascended after His resurrection. The
heavenly host longed to greet again their loved Commander, returned to them from the prison
house of death. Eagerly they pressed about Him as He entered the gates ofheaven. But He
waved them back. His heart was with the lonely, sorrowing band of disciples whom He
had left upon Olivet. It is still with His struggling children on earth, who have the battle
with the destroyer yet to wage. “Father,” He says, “I will that they also, whom thou hast
given me, be with me where I am.”​

Christ’s redeemed ones are His jewels, His precious and peculiar treasure. “They shall be as
the stones of a crown” “the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” In them “he shall
see the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.”​

And will not His workers rejoice when they, too, behold the fruit of their labors? ...​

Every impulse of the Holy Spirit leading men to goodness and to God is noted in the books
of heaven, and in the day of God everyone who has given himself as an instrument for the Holy
Spirit’s working will be permitted to behold what his life has wrought.​

Wonderful will be the revealing as the lines of holy influence, with their precious results, are
brought to view. What will be the gratitude of souls that will meet us in the heavenly courts,
as they understand the sympathetic, loving interest which has been taken in their salvation! All
praise, honor, and glory will be given to God and to the Lamb for our redemption; but it will not
detract from the glory of God to express gratitude to the instrumentality He has employed in the
salvation of souls ready to perish.​

The redeemed will meet and recognize those whose attention they have directed to the
uplifted Saviour. What blessed converse they have with these souls! “I was a sinner,” it will
be said, ... “and you came to me, and drew my attention to the precious Saviour as my only hope.
And I believed in Him.” ... What rejoicing there will be as these redeemed ones meet and greet​

those who have had a burden in their behalf!