Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8.
The Lord bears long with men, and when they manifest a determination to follow their own judgments, the Lord allows them to do so. I have been made to see the weakness and ignorance of fallen man, even in his best estate. As man goes deeper and deeper in his studies, improving in learning the will and ways of the Lord, he sees more of his own ignorance, thus revealing that he has made decided progress from the beginning. {TDG 16.1}
The nearer the Christian lives to God, the more he advances in divine illumination of mind. He has more distinct sense of his own littleness, discerns his defects of character, and sees his duty in the light in which God presents it. The more closely he draws to Jesus, the more he has a near and clear sense of his own defects which had before escaped his notice, and he sees the necessity of humbling himself under the mighty hand of God. If lifted up it will not be because he lifts and exalts himself, but because the Lord exalts him. Having his eye fixed upon the purity and perfection of Christ Jesus, and acknowledging and obeying God in all his ways, he is not blinded to his own failures and imperfections. When his deportment in the eyes of men is unblamable and irreprovable, God reads the intents and purposes of the heart. {TDG 16.2}
Christian humility is a wonderful grace--the very antidote to the apostasy of Satan, which has unholy ambition and every delusion that he can frame. The grace of humility through Christ Jesus will make an imperfect man discern his imperfections and make him meet for the inheritance of the saints, where God is all and in all. . . . {TDG 16.3}
Has not the Lord reproved your course? . . . You have entrusted capabilities that may be improved greatly and be made efficacious under the discipline of God. Then His righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rereward. "Without me," says Christ, "ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). If you set at naught His counsel, then you are in danger.--Letter 21c, Jan. 8, 1892. {TDG 16.4}
Monday, September 29, 2008
7. APPRECIATING THE PROMISES
Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Eph. 6:6, 7.
Let us in our lifework strive constantly to answer the prayer of Christ, that we may be united with one another and with Him. Let us always before undertaking anything, ask ourselves the question, "Will this please my Saviour? Is it in harmony with the will of God?" The consciousness that we are bringing the Christ-life into the daily experience will give a sacred dignity to the everyday duties. All that we do will be done with faithfulness, that the Master may be honored. Thus shall we show to the world what Christianity can accomplish for sinful human beings, giving them constantly increasing efficiency for service in this life, preparing them for the higher life in the world to come.--Manuscript 1, Jan. 7, 1903, "An Appeal." {TDG 15.1}
I praise the Lord. This morning I slept until four o'clock. There was not the usual awakening through the night. This is a great blessing to me, for which I am thankful. I have been carrying a heavy burden so long as I consider the spiritual condition of the people of God, moving so far below their privilege. I lie awake pleading with my heavenly Saviour to come to our help and raise up messengers that shall bear a message decidedly to the point. "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). I long for physical strength and power that out of the abundance of the heart moved by the Holy Spirit the mouth may speak. {TDG 15.2}
Oft in the vision of the night I am speaking to large companies and in strong appeals I am repeatedly urging upon the companies before me, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. 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" (Col. 3:1-4). {TDG 15.3}
What a rich promise is this presented to us! Let us then show that we appreciate these promises and work to the point to be fully in earnest and to be thankful for such assurance. It is for our good and the good of all with whom we shall associate in all our public labors that we shall reveal that we are seeking those things that are above.--Manuscript 173, Jan 7, 1905, diary. {TDG 15.4}
Let us in our lifework strive constantly to answer the prayer of Christ, that we may be united with one another and with Him. Let us always before undertaking anything, ask ourselves the question, "Will this please my Saviour? Is it in harmony with the will of God?" The consciousness that we are bringing the Christ-life into the daily experience will give a sacred dignity to the everyday duties. All that we do will be done with faithfulness, that the Master may be honored. Thus shall we show to the world what Christianity can accomplish for sinful human beings, giving them constantly increasing efficiency for service in this life, preparing them for the higher life in the world to come.--Manuscript 1, Jan. 7, 1903, "An Appeal." {TDG 15.1}
I praise the Lord. This morning I slept until four o'clock. There was not the usual awakening through the night. This is a great blessing to me, for which I am thankful. I have been carrying a heavy burden so long as I consider the spiritual condition of the people of God, moving so far below their privilege. I lie awake pleading with my heavenly Saviour to come to our help and raise up messengers that shall bear a message decidedly to the point. "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17). I long for physical strength and power that out of the abundance of the heart moved by the Holy Spirit the mouth may speak. {TDG 15.2}
Oft in the vision of the night I am speaking to large companies and in strong appeals I am repeatedly urging upon the companies before me, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. 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" (Col. 3:1-4). {TDG 15.3}
What a rich promise is this presented to us! Let us then show that we appreciate these promises and work to the point to be fully in earnest and to be thankful for such assurance. It is for our good and the good of all with whom we shall associate in all our public labors that we shall reveal that we are seeking those things that are above.--Manuscript 173, Jan 7, 1905, diary. {TDG 15.4}
6. THE CONFLICT OVER
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matt. 5:18.
When Christ entered upon His campaign, Satan met Him and contested every inch of ground, exerting his utmost powers to conquer Him. Much was involved in this controversy. Intense interests were at stake. The questions to be answered were: "Is God's law imperfect, in need of being amended or abrogated? or is it immutable? Is God's government stable? or is it in need of changes?" Not only before those living in the city of God, but before the inhabitants of all the heavenly universe, were these questions to be answered. . . . {TDG 14.1}
From the manger to the cross Satan followed the Son of God. Temptations beat upon Him like a tempest. But the more fierce the conflict, the more familiar He became with the temptations wherewith man is beset, and the better prepared He was to succor the tempted. {TDG 14.2}
The severity of the trial through which Christ passed was proportionate to the value of the object to be gained or lost by His success or failure. Not merely the interests of one world were involved. This world was the battlefield, but all the worlds that God has created were affected by the result of the conflict. . . .Satan sought to make it appear that he was working for the liberty of the universe. Even while Christ was on the cross, the enemy was determined to make his arguments so varied, so deceptive, so insidious, that all would be convinced that God's law was tyrannical. He himself laid every scheme, planned every evil, inflamed every mind to bring affliction on Christ. He himself instigated the false accusations against One who had done only good. He himself inspired the cruel deeds that added to the suffering of the Son of God--the pure, the holy, the innocent. {TDG 14.3}
By this course of action Satan has forged a chain by which he himself will be bound. The heavenly universe will bear witness to the justice of God in punishing him. Heaven itself saw what heaven would be, if he were in it. . . . {TDG 14.4}
Not merely in the minds of a few finite creatures in this world, but in the minds of all the inhabitants of the heavenly universe, has the immutability of God's law been established. . . . With one voice they extolled God as righteous, merciful, self-denying, just.--Manuscript 1, Jan. 6, 1902, "God's Justice." {TDG 14.5}
When Christ entered upon His campaign, Satan met Him and contested every inch of ground, exerting his utmost powers to conquer Him. Much was involved in this controversy. Intense interests were at stake. The questions to be answered were: "Is God's law imperfect, in need of being amended or abrogated? or is it immutable? Is God's government stable? or is it in need of changes?" Not only before those living in the city of God, but before the inhabitants of all the heavenly universe, were these questions to be answered. . . . {TDG 14.1}
From the manger to the cross Satan followed the Son of God. Temptations beat upon Him like a tempest. But the more fierce the conflict, the more familiar He became with the temptations wherewith man is beset, and the better prepared He was to succor the tempted. {TDG 14.2}
The severity of the trial through which Christ passed was proportionate to the value of the object to be gained or lost by His success or failure. Not merely the interests of one world were involved. This world was the battlefield, but all the worlds that God has created were affected by the result of the conflict. . . .Satan sought to make it appear that he was working for the liberty of the universe. Even while Christ was on the cross, the enemy was determined to make his arguments so varied, so deceptive, so insidious, that all would be convinced that God's law was tyrannical. He himself laid every scheme, planned every evil, inflamed every mind to bring affliction on Christ. He himself instigated the false accusations against One who had done only good. He himself inspired the cruel deeds that added to the suffering of the Son of God--the pure, the holy, the innocent. {TDG 14.3}
By this course of action Satan has forged a chain by which he himself will be bound. The heavenly universe will bear witness to the justice of God in punishing him. Heaven itself saw what heaven would be, if he were in it. . . . {TDG 14.4}
Not merely in the minds of a few finite creatures in this world, but in the minds of all the inhabitants of the heavenly universe, has the immutability of God's law been established. . . . With one voice they extolled God as righteous, merciful, self-denying, just.--Manuscript 1, Jan. 6, 1902, "God's Justice." {TDG 14.5}
5. THOU GOD SEEST ME
Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Heb. 4:13.
The triumph of the truth is possible only when the workers carry with them an abiding consciousness of the presence of God. They should ever realize that there is a faithful witness to every word, every transaction, in the home life or among the people. In every plan devised, in every effort made, Christ is to direct. In every council the members should speak and act as if the curtain were withdrawn, and they saw themselves transacting business in the presence of the heavenly universe. For this is the fact in the case; all heaven is looking upon the workers. In planning for aggressive warfare, let not self be made prominent; it must be hidden, wholly hidden, in Christ. . . . {TDG 13.1}
Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, and those things that cannot be shaken will remain. {TDG 13.2}
The Lord requires our undivided affections. If men are not wholehearted, they will fail in the day of test and proving and trial. When the enemy shall put his forces in array against him, and the battle seems to go hard, at the very time when all the strength of intellect and capability, and all the tact of wise generalship, is needed to repulse the enemy, those who are half-hearted will turn their weapons against their own soldiers; they weaken the hands that should be strong for warfare. God is testing all who have a knowledge of the truth to see if they can be depended on to fight the battles of the Lord when hard pressed by principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world and wicked spirits in high places. Perilous times are before us, and our only safety is in having the converting power of God every day--yielding ourselves fully to Him to do His will, and walk in the light of His countenance (see 1 Peter 2:9). {TDG 13.3}
Now when we are just on the borders of the promised land, let none repeat the sin of the unfaithful spies. They acknowledged that the land they went up to see was a good land, but they declared that the inhabitants were strong, the giants were there, and that they themselves were in comparison as grasshoppers in the sight of the people and in their own sight. All the difficulties were magnified into insurmountable obstacles. . . . Thus they leavened the whole congregation with their unbelief. --Manuscript 6, Jan. 5, 1892, "Work in Christ's Lines." {TDG 13.4}
The triumph of the truth is possible only when the workers carry with them an abiding consciousness of the presence of God. They should ever realize that there is a faithful witness to every word, every transaction, in the home life or among the people. In every plan devised, in every effort made, Christ is to direct. In every council the members should speak and act as if the curtain were withdrawn, and they saw themselves transacting business in the presence of the heavenly universe. For this is the fact in the case; all heaven is looking upon the workers. In planning for aggressive warfare, let not self be made prominent; it must be hidden, wholly hidden, in Christ. . . . {TDG 13.1}
Everything that can be shaken will be shaken, and those things that cannot be shaken will remain. {TDG 13.2}
The Lord requires our undivided affections. If men are not wholehearted, they will fail in the day of test and proving and trial. When the enemy shall put his forces in array against him, and the battle seems to go hard, at the very time when all the strength of intellect and capability, and all the tact of wise generalship, is needed to repulse the enemy, those who are half-hearted will turn their weapons against their own soldiers; they weaken the hands that should be strong for warfare. God is testing all who have a knowledge of the truth to see if they can be depended on to fight the battles of the Lord when hard pressed by principalities and powers and the rulers of the darkness of this world and wicked spirits in high places. Perilous times are before us, and our only safety is in having the converting power of God every day--yielding ourselves fully to Him to do His will, and walk in the light of His countenance (see 1 Peter 2:9). {TDG 13.3}
Now when we are just on the borders of the promised land, let none repeat the sin of the unfaithful spies. They acknowledged that the land they went up to see was a good land, but they declared that the inhabitants were strong, the giants were there, and that they themselves were in comparison as grasshoppers in the sight of the people and in their own sight. All the difficulties were magnified into insurmountable obstacles. . . . Thus they leavened the whole congregation with their unbelief. --Manuscript 6, Jan. 5, 1892, "Work in Christ's Lines." {TDG 13.4}
4. CULTIVATING THE SOIL
For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all nations. Isa. 61:11.
The living oracles of God, "It is written," are the leaves of the tree of life, which human beings are to eat in order to gain spiritual life. As we eat the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, they become unto us eternal life. "The words that I speak unto you," He said, "they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). The restoring, vital current from Christ heals the wounds that sin has made.
"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear;
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer." {TDG 12.1}
Whatever course others pursue, we are individually to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Why?--Because it is God that worketh in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure. Yes, for His own name's glory, He works upon the minds and hearts of human beings, who are of great value in His sight, if they will allow Him to work. {TDG 12.2}
When man fell, God commenced to work to defeat the plans of Satan. God works in man. "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building" (1 Cor. 3:9). In the beginning the Lord enjoined upon man the cultivation of the earth. This work was made much harder because of the transgression of the law of God. By transgressing, man worked against his own present and eternal good. The earth was cursed because through disobedience man gave Satan opportunity to sow in the human heart the seeds of evil. The ground that in the beginning produced only good began to produce tares, and their growth called for continual warfare. {TDG 12.3}
The cultivation of the soil is a school in which man may learn spiritual lessons. As he cultivates the soil, man is to see reflected as in a mirror the work of God upon the human soul. Divine culture brings perfection. If in connection with God the work is carried forward, the human agent, through Christ, will day by day gain victory and honor in the battle. Through the grace given, he will overcome, and will be placed on vantage ground.--Letter 5, Jan. 4, 1900, to Brother Colcord. {TDG 12.4}
The living oracles of God, "It is written," are the leaves of the tree of life, which human beings are to eat in order to gain spiritual life. As we eat the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, they become unto us eternal life. "The words that I speak unto you," He said, "they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63). The restoring, vital current from Christ heals the wounds that sin has made.
"What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear;
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer." {TDG 12.1}
Whatever course others pursue, we are individually to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Why?--Because it is God that worketh in us, to will and to do of His good pleasure. Yes, for His own name's glory, He works upon the minds and hearts of human beings, who are of great value in His sight, if they will allow Him to work. {TDG 12.2}
When man fell, God commenced to work to defeat the plans of Satan. God works in man. "Ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building" (1 Cor. 3:9). In the beginning the Lord enjoined upon man the cultivation of the earth. This work was made much harder because of the transgression of the law of God. By transgressing, man worked against his own present and eternal good. The earth was cursed because through disobedience man gave Satan opportunity to sow in the human heart the seeds of evil. The ground that in the beginning produced only good began to produce tares, and their growth called for continual warfare. {TDG 12.3}
The cultivation of the soil is a school in which man may learn spiritual lessons. As he cultivates the soil, man is to see reflected as in a mirror the work of God upon the human soul. Divine culture brings perfection. If in connection with God the work is carried forward, the human agent, through Christ, will day by day gain victory and honor in the battle. Through the grace given, he will overcome, and will be placed on vantage ground.--Letter 5, Jan. 4, 1900, to Brother Colcord. {TDG 12.4}
Saturday, September 27, 2008
3. NEXT DOOR TO HEAVEN
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matt. 18:20.
Work, and watch, and pray for souls as they that must give an account. This year, try the Lord's prescribed remedy for evil. Let every man do that which the Lord requires him to do, looking unto Jesus, who is the owner of every soul. . . . {TDG 11.1}
Let small companies assemble together in the evening or early morning to study the Bible for themselves. Let them have a season of prayer that they may be strengthened and enlightened and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. . . . {TDG 11.2}
If you will do this, a great blessing will come to you from the One who gave His whole life to service, the One who redeemed you by His own life. You must have the power of the Holy Spirit, else you cannot be an overcomer. What testimonies you should bear of the loving acquaintance you have made with your fellow workers in these precious seasons when seeking the blessing of God. Let each tell his experience in simple words. . . . {TDG 11.3}
The work of every believer is aggressive. It is a daily warfare. Christ is saying . . . "Ye are my witnesses" (Isa. 43:10). Think it; speak it; act it. Heaven is just next door. Open the door heavenward and close the door earthward. . . . Will you hear His voice and open the door of the heart to Jesus? Will you love Him who gave His life for you? {TDG 11.4}
Let little companies meet together to study the Scriptures. You will lose nothing by this, but will gain much. Angels of God will be in your gathering, and as you feed upon the Bread of Life, you will receive spiritual sinew and muscle. You will be feeding, as it were, upon the leaves of the tree of life. By this means only can you maintain your integrity. Fidelity to Jesus Christ will ensure a most precious reward. Let each soul strive for eternal life, acknowledging Christ in word and spirit. He has pledged His word that He will acknowledge you and me, gladly, heartily, joyously, before His heavenly Father. Is not this worth striving for? See what you can do personally to be true to principle, to maintain uncorruptness in every phase of your life; and you will behold His glory.--Letter 2, Jan. 3, 1900, to Brother and Sister Sisley. {TDG 11.5}
Work, and watch, and pray for souls as they that must give an account. This year, try the Lord's prescribed remedy for evil. Let every man do that which the Lord requires him to do, looking unto Jesus, who is the owner of every soul. . . . {TDG 11.1}
Let small companies assemble together in the evening or early morning to study the Bible for themselves. Let them have a season of prayer that they may be strengthened and enlightened and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. . . . {TDG 11.2}
If you will do this, a great blessing will come to you from the One who gave His whole life to service, the One who redeemed you by His own life. You must have the power of the Holy Spirit, else you cannot be an overcomer. What testimonies you should bear of the loving acquaintance you have made with your fellow workers in these precious seasons when seeking the blessing of God. Let each tell his experience in simple words. . . . {TDG 11.3}
The work of every believer is aggressive. It is a daily warfare. Christ is saying . . . "Ye are my witnesses" (Isa. 43:10). Think it; speak it; act it. Heaven is just next door. Open the door heavenward and close the door earthward. . . . Will you hear His voice and open the door of the heart to Jesus? Will you love Him who gave His life for you? {TDG 11.4}
Let little companies meet together to study the Scriptures. You will lose nothing by this, but will gain much. Angels of God will be in your gathering, and as you feed upon the Bread of Life, you will receive spiritual sinew and muscle. You will be feeding, as it were, upon the leaves of the tree of life. By this means only can you maintain your integrity. Fidelity to Jesus Christ will ensure a most precious reward. Let each soul strive for eternal life, acknowledging Christ in word and spirit. He has pledged His word that He will acknowledge you and me, gladly, heartily, joyously, before His heavenly Father. Is not this worth striving for? See what you can do personally to be true to principle, to maintain uncorruptness in every phase of your life; and you will behold His glory.--Letter 2, Jan. 3, 1900, to Brother and Sister Sisley. {TDG 11.5}
Thursday, September 25, 2008
2. WITH ONE ACCORD
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6.
Many are on the enchanted ground of the enemy. Things of the least importance--foolish social parties, singing, jesting, joking--engross their minds and they serve God with a divided heart. In these things you have one unseen in your midst, helping you--Satan is present, full of hellish exultation. The declaration of Christ, "No man can serve two masters" (Matt. 6:24), is unheeded. {TDG 10.1}
After the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit did not immediately descend. There were ten days after His ascension before the Holy Spirit was given. This time was devoted by the disciples to most earnest preparation for receiving so precious an endowment. The rich treasures of heaven were poured out to them after they had searched their own hearts diligently and had sacrificed every idol. They were before God, humbling their souls, strengthening their faith, confessing their sins. And their hearts were in harmony with one another. "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting" (Acts 2:1, 2). The church needs a similar experience right here at the great heart of the work. [BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, DENOMINATIONAL HEADQUARTERS FROM 1855 TO 1903.] Are we searching our hearts, preparing for the heavenly grace to be received? The Lord is waiting to be gracious. {TDG 10.2}
The Lord will reveal Himself to His people, but they must be unitedly engaged in the work of seeking the Lord. . . . The work which is to be carried forward at this time is a most important one. It is a life and death question. . . . {TDG 10.3}
Shall the enemy [be allowed], right at this solemn time, to bring in a condition of things--of diversion and pleasure--to absorb the mind and fill it with vain, trifling thoughts that have no place for God, eternity, or heaven?--Manuscript 38, 1890, diary, Battle Creek, Michigan, Jan. 2, 1890. {TDG 10.4}
Many are on the enchanted ground of the enemy. Things of the least importance--foolish social parties, singing, jesting, joking--engross their minds and they serve God with a divided heart. In these things you have one unseen in your midst, helping you--Satan is present, full of hellish exultation. The declaration of Christ, "No man can serve two masters" (Matt. 6:24), is unheeded. {TDG 10.1}
After the ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit did not immediately descend. There were ten days after His ascension before the Holy Spirit was given. This time was devoted by the disciples to most earnest preparation for receiving so precious an endowment. The rich treasures of heaven were poured out to them after they had searched their own hearts diligently and had sacrificed every idol. They were before God, humbling their souls, strengthening their faith, confessing their sins. And their hearts were in harmony with one another. "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting" (Acts 2:1, 2). The church needs a similar experience right here at the great heart of the work. [BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, DENOMINATIONAL HEADQUARTERS FROM 1855 TO 1903.] Are we searching our hearts, preparing for the heavenly grace to be received? The Lord is waiting to be gracious. {TDG 10.2}
The Lord will reveal Himself to His people, but they must be unitedly engaged in the work of seeking the Lord. . . . The work which is to be carried forward at this time is a most important one. It is a life and death question. . . . {TDG 10.3}
Shall the enemy [be allowed], right at this solemn time, to bring in a condition of things--of diversion and pleasure--to absorb the mind and fill it with vain, trifling thoughts that have no place for God, eternity, or heaven?--Manuscript 38, 1890, diary, Battle Creek, Michigan, Jan. 2, 1890. {TDG 10.4}
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