The Desire of Ages--9--Days of Conflict

[Ann B]

Pastor Sean you have painted a most beautiful word picture of the experience that comes to the person that spends that special time early in the morning with Jesus. That is where He received His strength to meet the day. If He needed it, we need it much more.

I'm encouraged today as I read how Jesus handled temptations and trials. We can meet them just as He did. 

"But to every temptation He had one answer, "It is written." He rarely rebuked any wrongdoing of His brothers, but He had a word from God to speak to them. Often He was accused of cowardice for refusing to unite with them in some forbidden act; but His answer was, It is written, "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28. 

And then there is this familiar text that I love so much.....

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" Ps. 119:11

[Richard Myers]

Amen, dear Sister Ann. It is such a blessing to have you posting in our little fellowship!   What a difference knowing Jesus makes in our lives!!. Thank you for your thoughts on today's reading.

     Jesus loved His brothers, and treated them with unfailing kindness; but they were jealous of Him, and manifested the most decided unbelief and contempt. They could not understand His conduct. Great contradictions presented themselves in Jesus. He was the divine Son of God, and yet a helpless child. The Creator of the worlds, the earth was His possession, and yet poverty marked His life experience at every step. He possessed a dignity and individuality wholly distinct from earthly pride and assumption; He did not strive for worldly greatness, and in even the lowliest position He was content. This angered His brothers. They could not account for His constant serenity under trial and deprivation. They did not know that for our sake He had become poor, that we "through His poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9. They could understand the mystery of His mission no more than the friends of Job could understand his humiliation and suffering. 

Such love! That the King of Kings would come to our dark spot in the universe a helpless babe!!

[JimB]

There is so much in today's chapter to share but I'm going to stick to just this one simple sentence.

Of the bitterness that falls to the lot of humanity, there was no part which Christ did not taste.

It would be good for us to remember this in that He knows personally what it's like to be in this world. This should encourage us. Christ even experienced what it's like to have a divided home. I had never thought of that until now as I type this out. We can look to Him for strength and as one who personally understands our struggles.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Jim! Jesus understands our weaknesses and infirmities, and He knows just what we need. While He walked this earth some 2,000 years ago, He is still the same tender, merciful Savior today, and He can provide for us in so many ways as we turn our lives over to Him in full surrender. I love the picture of Jesus presented in The Desire of Ages, as it draws my heart to Him!

"Jesus worked to relieve every case of suffering that He saw. He had little money to give, but He often denied Himself of food in order to relieve those who appeared more needy than He. His brothers felt that His influence went far to counteract theirs. He possessed a tact which none of them had, or desired to have. When they spoke harshly to poor, degraded beings, Jesus sought out these very ones, and spoke to them words of encouragement. To those who were in need He would give a cup of cold water, and would quietly place His own meal in their hands. As He relieved their sufferings, the truths He taught were associated with His acts of mercy, and were thus riveted in the memory." {The Desire of Ages, page 87, paragraph 1}

May we speak words of encouragement and seek to relieve the suffering around us in the way Jesus did. He loved others because the love of the Father was in Him. When His love reigns in our hearts, we have peace with God and are enabled to go about doing good like Jesus, for He lives out His life in us by the Holy Spirit. 

[Dorine]

"As the condition of the people began to open to His mind, He saw that the requirements of society and the requirements of God were in constant collision. Men were departing from the word of God, and exalting theories of their own invention. They were observing traditional rites that possessed no virtue. Their service was a mere round of ceremonies; the sacred truths it was designed to teach were hidden from the worshipers. He saw that in their faithless services they found no peace. They did not know the freedom of spirit that would come to them by serving God in truth. Jesus had come to teach the meaning of the worship of God, and He could not sanction the mingling of human requirements with the divine precepts. He did not attack the precepts or practices of the learned teachers; but when reproved for His own simple habits, He presented the word of God in justification of His conduct." 

What a chapter. Like Jim I had a hard time deciding which gem stood out more than the others this morning. This paragraph spoke to me in a specific way. When we don't know the best way to deal with a particular challenge we just only need to watch and listen to Jesus.

This whole chapter in particular opens a window of understanding into my own life and how I respond to situations that I don't agree with. As I read I hear the Holy Spirit speaking to me (through my thought processes) the areas I am most weak in and need surrendering to Him. It's a most humbling and convicting revelation.  Sometimes it just a small thing to us but it could cost us our eternal life if not dealt with. I thank God for the times He must step on my toes. It hurts but it's for my eternal good.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, dear Sister.  If we want to bed a blessing to others, then we need to be fully surrendered. We have an example of how we are to walk. If we will learn of Him who gave all for us, then we will have power to walk as Jesus did. I was impressed with the truth that Jesus had to walk alone not only when He began His formal ministry, or when He was a youth, but also in His childhood. We do not half understand what Jesus endured for our sake.

And, we are to have the same burden as Jesus had. When His witnesses we are to be the light in this world that is soon to perish. We have been given the light that we might do as Jesus did, lead sinners to physical and spiritual health.

  Jesus was the healer of the body as well as of the soul. He was interested in every phase of suffering that came under His notice, and to every sufferer He brought relief, His kind words having a soothing balm. None could say that He had worked a miracle; but virtue--the healing power of love--went out from Him to the sick and distressed. Thus in an unobtrusive way He worked for the people from His very childhood. And this was why, after His public ministry began, so many heard Him gladly.
     Yet through childhood, youth, and manhood, Jesus walked alone. In His purity and His faithfulness, He trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him. He 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. Filled with intense purpose, He carried out the design of His life that He Himself should be the light of men.

What a blessing it is to have this little fellowship that daily enjoys sharing about our Savior. We pray that our little group will grow quickly as we near the end.

[Dorine]

"He taught all to look upon themselves as endowed with precious talents, which if rightly employed would secure for them eternal riches. He weeded all vanity from life, and by His own example taught that every moment of time is fraught with eternal results; that it is to be cherished as a treasure, and to be employed for holy purposes. He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the saving remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson that was appropriate to the time and the circumstances. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear."

Oh what a beautiful example of what Jesus wants me to be. And He has promised to produce these same attributes in me if I continue to submit to Him and abide in Him. He takes my ugliness and dresses me in His beautiful garments of righteousness which will reveal the fruits of the Spirit without one missing.  Just like Jesus.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Sister Dorine! I also was impressed by the same paragraph today! What blessed unity we see here as we behold Jesus' loveliness of character!

Do we realize our value? It is infinite! We cost the Son of God His very life at the cross of Calvary, and His whole life was a sacrifice to save souls from sin and ruin! We see how Jesus valued souls, and I love how He inspired them with faith and hope to be victorious in overcoming!

"He taught all to look upon themselves as endowed with precious talents, which if rightly employed would secure for them eternal riches. He weeded all vanity from life, and by His own example taught that every moment of time is fraught with eternal results; that it is to be cherished as a treasure, and to be employed for holy purposes. He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the saving remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson that was appropriate to the time and the circumstances. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear." {The Desire of Ages, page 91, paragraph 1}

All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing are revealed in the life of a converted Christian; in practical terms, this looks like living as Jesus did in His sphere. How? By beholding the loveliness of His character, we yield the whole heart and mind to Him, and He transforms us into His image! This experience will widen and deepen, so we will become even more fruitful the more we learn of Him, for it is a joy to obey Him to the extent that He has revealed the light of the path we are to traverse. God is so good to us, and I love being able to look at people like Jesus did--with their infinite potential as they experience His character!   

[Beacon]

"In every gentle and submissive way, Jesus tried to please those with whom He came in contact. Because He was so gentle and unobtrusive, the scribes and elders supposed that He would be easily influenced by their teaching. They urged Him to receive the maxims and traditions that had been handed down from the ancient rabbis, but He asked for their authority in Holy Writ. He would hear every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; but He could not obey the inventions of men.[/color]

Here is given to us an example of the importance of clinging to a " Thus Saith The Lord. " as we share God's wonderful plan of salvation in a gentle loving compassionate way with others.

"Jesus worked to relieve every case of suffering that He saw. He had little money to give, but He often denied Himself of food in order to relieve those who appeared more needy than He. His brothers felt that His influence went far to counteract theirs. He possessed a tact which none of them had, or desired to have. When they spoke harshly to poor, degraded beings, Jesus sought out these very ones, and spoke to them words of encouragement. To those who were in need He would give a cup of cold water, and would quietly place His own meal in their hands. As He relieved their sufferings, the truths He taught were associated with His acts of mercy, and were thus riveted in the memory."

The above paragraph is a basic outline given to us by Jesus for effective outreach when sharing the gospel story with others. There is a saying that goes like this... "IF YOU WERE ON TRIAL FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN --WOULD THERE BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT YOU??"... By God's Grace let us determine to... "Be like Jesus, this my song,,In the Home and in the Throng; Be like Jesus all day long! - I would be like Jesus. 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon! As we dwell upon the life and character of Jesus, we are inspired with faith and hope to have His love brought into our souls, and to let His love flow out in healing streams to others. But where did Jesus get the experience with God that blessed the world?

"From the time when the parents of Jesus found Him in the temple, His course of action was a mystery to them. He would not enter into controversy, yet His example was a constant lesson. He seemed as one who was set apart. His hours of happiness were found when alone with nature and with God. Whenever it was His privilege, He turned aside from the scene of His labor, to go into the fields, to meditate in the green valleys, to hold communion with God on the mountainside or amid the trees of the forest. The early morning often found Him in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in prayer. From these quiet hours He would return to His home to take up His duties again, and to give an example of patient toil." {The Desire of Ages, page 89, paragraph 6}

Jesus loved to be with His Father, and when He could, He went into the quiet places of nature to commune with God. As we have quiet hours with God in which He speaks to us personally and individually, how can we not be happy because we have a God that loves us and wants to spend time with us? Then as we find duty a delight and sacrifice a pleasure in our day-to-day responsibilities because our lives are elevated and transformed by His grace! We can remember that Christ is right by our side, and through a full, continual surrender to Him allow Him to abide on the throne of our hearts! He will be graciously weaving out the pattern of life in our experience that will be to His own glory each moment as we enjoy the union and communion of the soul with Him like Jesus did! Praise God!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean!  If we would be like Jesus, we would spend time with Him as He spent time with His Father. And if we spend time beholding their grace, we would be like them in character and would not make excuses for sin as so many do. Even among ultra conservative Christians we find excuses being made for sin, when there is no excuse for sin. I often hear that God does not account sin to those who do not pre-meditate their sin. Or, that their sin was not "willful." These are not excuses that will keep one in harmony with God and allow one to retain their salvation. Again, there is no excuse for sin, willful or not, pre-meditated or not. When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, he does not sin a known sin. Murder is murder no matter that one did not pre-meditate it.

Of the bitterness that falls to the lot of humanity, there was no part which Christ did not taste. There were those who tried to cast contempt upon Him because of His birth, and even in His childhood He had to meet their scornful looks and evil whisperings. If He had responded by an impatient word or look, if He had conceded to His brothers by even one wrong act, He would have failed of being a perfect example. Thus He would have failed of carrying out the plan for our redemption. Had He even admitted that there could be an excuse for sin, Satan would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost. This is why the tempter worked to make His life as trying as possible, that He might be led to sin.

"IF YOU WERE ON TRIAL FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN --WOULD THERE BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT YOU??"...

Amen, Brother Beacon!

[Beacon]

"As the condition of the people began to open to His mind, He saw that the requirements of society and the requirements of God were in constant collision. Men were departing from the word of God, and exalting theories of their own invention. They were observing traditional rites that possessed no virtue. Their service was a mere round of ceremonies; the sacred truths it was designed to teach were hidden from the worshipers. He saw that in their faithless services they found no peace. They did not know the freedom of spirit that would come to them by serving God in truth.

"Jesus had come to teach the meaning of the worship of God, and He could not sanction the mingling of human requirements with the divine precepts. He did not attack the precepts or practices of the learned teachers; but when reproved for His own simple habits, He presented the word of God in justification of His conduct."

Is it not true today also.."The Social Gospel of the world is having a horrible effect on our church in many divisions around the world. Have we lost our courage to stand TALL?The requirements of society and the requirements of God were...and ( are ) in constant collision with the requirements of God?? Like Daniel who would rather be thrown to the lions and risk immediate death than to disobey 1 of God's requirements. i.e. John the Revelator who was willing to be thrown into a pot of boiling oil rather than  recant any of his teachings about Jesus. I am praying for myself and for all you, and our church leadership. Remember the words to the little chorus " No Turning Back "? ---Though None Go with Me...Still I will Follow, Though none go with me ...Still I Will Follow. NO TURNING BACK - NO TURNING BACK. May God bless and grant to us, as we seek His forgiveness, a renewed commitment to" STAND LIKE THE BRAVE.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!! The true everlasting gospel is Jesus Christ and Him crucified living out His life in and through us as we are 100% surrendered to Him so He can give us supernaturally pure and new hearts and minds! Thus, in our lives He will manifest through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we obey the law of God from the heart to the degree that we know it as Christ develops our characters by the Holy Spirit!

We can be bold to stand like Jesus did as we know him like He knew His Father! Let us abide in Jesus today and not be afraid to walk alone--knowing though that as in the days of Elijah, there are others who are faithful and we can be encouraged to meet them and help them in their earnest, determined, and fully consecrated heavenward march!

"Yet through childhood, youth, and manhood, Jesus walked alone. In His purity and His faithfulness, He trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him. He 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. Filled with intense purpose, He carried out the design of His life that He Himself should be the light of men." {The Desire of Ages, page 92, paragraph 2}

Let us realize that the world needs more "Jesus" characters walking around, living as He did, singing praises to God as He did, and ministering as He did. Let us embrace the humble path Jesus has for us today and walk by faith, beholding the unseen universe that is LONGING to see the full revelation (fully mature, that is) of Christ's character in us. As we abide in Christ today, all of the fruits of the Spirit will continue to be manifest in our lives and we will gladly obey God's law--but that experience deepens and matures each day to mold us to become more and more like our great Exemplar, Jesus Christ!! And when God sees the character is able to bear the time of trouble, when He knows His people CORPORATELY are united as Christ was one with the Father, then we will manifest such scenes in this world that the universe has never before beheld. Globally, the devil, evil angels, and confederate human beings will do their UTMOST to stamp out God's faithful Seventh-day Adventist people, but we have nothing to fear for the future as we remember how God has led us. We can remember that trials mean benefit because they give us a shared experience with Christ as long as we are abiding in Him by a living faith surrender. Christ is LONGING to FINISH THIS MYSTERY and to be able to say from the completed ministration in the heavenly sanctuary "It is done" (Revelation 16:17). Will you let Christ finish His work in you? Let us grow in grace today even as Jesus did--by looking continually to our heavenly Father and abiding in His love! The Holy Spirit will lead you step by step to heaven!!!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon!  It is Jesus that we need. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us that we might know the character of God. Why? That He can them reproduce that character in us. This was the work of the prophets to explain. It is the Spirit of Prophecy that points us to Jesus and our mission to develop a character more and more in likeness to our Savior! That is only possible when we have the Holy Spirit residing in a heart that loves God supremely before all other things or people. Jesus looks upon the heart. He wants it fully given to Him, then we will be partakers of His divine nature through the indwelling of the Spirit. This we may have today. It happens when we behold His wonderful love, grace. For it by beholding this grace that we are transformed, converted, saved. It must be a daily matter, a continuous longing after Jesus.

[Dorine]

"In every gentle and submissive way, Jesus tried to please those with whom He came in contact. Because He was so gentle and unobtrusive, the scribes and elders supposed that He would be easily influenced by their teaching. They urged Him to receive the maxims and traditions that had been handed down from the ancient rabbis, but He asked for their authority in Holy Writ. He would hear every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; but He could not obey the inventions of men. Jesus seemed to know the Scriptures from beginning to end, and He presented them in their true import. The rabbis were ashamed to be instructed by a child. They claimed that it was their office to explain the Scriptures, and that it was His place to accept their interpretation. They were indignant that He should stand in opposition to their word."

I appreciate the simple life of Jesus. Deep but simple. But most of all the genuine love for others is what appeals to me the most. I want that to be the motive of my life. But first I must know Jesus personally and His love for me before I can have that love that is willing to lay down my own life for another if required or be willing to stand by God's word though the heavens fall.

[Beacon]

"Jesus worked to relieve every case of suffering that He saw. He had little money to give, but He often denied Himself of food in order to relieve those who appeared more needy than He. His brothers felt that His influence went far to counteract theirs. He possessed a tact which none of them had, or desired to have. When they spoke harshly to poor, degraded beings, Jesus sought out these very ones, and spoke to them words of encouragement. To those who were in need He would give a cup of cold water, and would quietly place His own meal in their hands. As He relieved their sufferings, the truths He taught were associated with His acts of mercy, and were thus riveted in the memory."

 "Jesus sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood."

Without Jesus being enthroned in our lives, it is impossible for us to " Love the Unlovable ". What a wonderful Role Model Jesus was and is for those who would become Leaders and Members of His church on Earth always pressing forward together, sharing and demonstrating faithfully the Good News until the Second Coming of Jesus. I pray that this will be the goal of everyone who reads these posts. First Jesus says " Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest" -- Then having received that PEACE and NEW PURPOSE, He says...Go Ye into all the world. I want to be that kind of representative for Jesus - How about You? .

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!

How did Jesus live the life He lived? Are we able to have an experience like His of humble, willing and affectionate obedience to God? Absolutely! And the source of strength is offered us in His word and made strong by earnest prayer and the joy of ministering to others. Let us experience Jesus' life by the very sources of strength He sought. His early years were spent in a little mountain village and He constantly studied the Scriptures. He loved to commune with God and lived to bless others. This becomes our experience as we by faith make Christ's life our own. What a joy it is to have Him work out in us personally in connection with His church on earth the pattern of life that will be to His own glory!

 "From its earliest years the Jewish child was surrounded with the requirements of the rabbis. Rigid rules were prescribed for every act, down to the smallest details of life. Under the synagogue teachers the youth were instructed in the countless regulations which as orthodox Israelites they were expected to observe. But Jesus did not interest Himself in these matters. From childhood He acted independently of the rabbinical laws. The Scriptures of the Old Testament were His constant study, and the words, 'Thus saith the Lord,' were ever upon His lips." {The Desire of Ages, page 84, paragraph 1}

I love how Jesus prayed, and gives us His example for us to emulate and experience:

"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed" (Mark 1:35).

My testimony is that as I allow Jesus' love to heal my soul, His experience becomes my own. He woke me up this morning before 2 A.M with energy and desire to commune with Him in prayer and in His word, and the morning is not over! I am realizing how Jesus' lived the life He lived by receiving His experience.

May you find in Jesus that restful experience in His word and in prayer that launches you to minister as He did:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19).

All around us are those who need the tender love of Jesus, a love that sees them for who they can become in Christ. May this statement I recently read be a blessing to you as we manifest the love of Jesus:

"If a man will not exercise his arm, it becomes weak and deficient in muscular strength. Unless the Christian exercises his spiritual powers, he acquires no strength of character, no moral vigor. Love is a very precious plant and must be cultivated if it flourishes. The precious plant of love is to be treated tenderly (practiced), and it will become strong and vigorous and rich in fruit-bearing, giving expression to the whole character. A Christlike nature is not selfish, not unkind, and will not hurt the souls of those who are struggling with Satan’s temptations. It will enter into the feelings of those who are tempted that the trials and temptations shall be so managed as to bring out the gold and consume the dross. This is the practice which God appoints to all. In this, Christ’s school, all may learn their lessons daily, both teachers and pupils, to be patient, humble, generous, noble. You will all have to seek God most earnestly in prayer mingled with living faith, and the molding hand of God will bring out His own image in your character. Temptations will come, but not overcome. But through grace found in opening the heart to the knock and voice of Jesus, Christian character and experience are growing more and more beautiful and heavenly. Let us bear in mind that we are dealing with souls that Christ has purchased with infinite cost to Himself. O tell the erring, God loves you, God died for you. Weep over them, pray with them. Shed tears over them, but do not get angry with them. They are Christ’s purchased possession. Let every one seek a character that will express love in all his actions. 'Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea.' It were better not to live than to exist day by day devoid of that love which Christ has revealed in His character, and has enjoined upon His children. Said Christ, 'Love one another as I have loved you.' We live in a hard, unfeeling, uncharitable world. Satan and his confederacy are plying every art to seduce the souls for whom Christ has given His precious life. Every one who loves God in sincerity and truth, will love the souls for whom Christ has died. If we wish to do good to souls, our success with these souls will be in proportion to their belief in our belief in, and appreciation of, them. Respect shown to the struggling human soul is the sure means through Christ Jesus of the restoration of the self-respect the man has lost. Our advancing ideas of what he may become is a help we cannot ourselves fully appreciate. We have need of the rich grace of God every hour, then we will have a rich, practical experience, for God is love. He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God. Give love to them that need it most. The most unfortunate, those who have the most disagreeable temperaments need our love, our tenderness, our compassion. Those who try our patience need most love. We pass through the world only once; any good thing we can do, we should do most earnestly, untiringly, with the same spirit as is stated of Christ in His work. He will not fail nor be discouraged. The rough, stubborn, sullen dispositions are the ones who need help the most. How can they be helped? Only by that love practiced in dealing with them which Christ revealed to fallen man. Treat them, you may, as they deserve. What if Christ had treated us thus? He, the undeserving, was treated as we deserve. Still we are treated by Christ with grace and love as we did not deserve, but as He deserved. Treat some characters, as you think they richly deserve, and you will cut off from them the last thread of hope, spoil your influence and ruin the soul. Will it pay? No, I say no, a hundred times no. Bind these souls who need all the help it is possible for you to give them close to a loving, sympathizing, pitying heart, overflowing with Christlike love, and you will save a soul from death and hide a multitude of sins. Had we not better try the love process?" {Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 280, paragraph 1}

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean. What a God we serve!  Today's reading ties in with the Sabbath School lesson this week. As we study the covenants, we are to understand it is impossible to do what we are reading in today's reading unless we are filled with God's love. We must be fully surrendered because we have beheld His grace so that we can love the unlovable. We can do no good thing no matter what we promise to do unless we first are wholly surrendered to Christ.

    He taught all to look upon themselves as endowed with precious talents, which if rightly employed would secure for them eternal riches. He weeded all vanity from life, and by His own example taught that every moment of time is fraught with eternal results; that it is to be cherished as a treasure, and to be employed for holy purposes. He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the saving remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson that was appropriate to the time and the circumstances. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear.   

What a blessing we have set before us! But, we first must give the whole heart to Christ that we might have His love within our hearts. We cannot give this love to others unless we first obtain it from Jesus. Grace surrounds us, but we must first see it and then allow it into the heart. Then we can love the unlovable.

[Dorine]

Jesus did not contend for His rights. Often His work was made unnecessarily severe because He was willing and uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged. He lived above these difficulties, as if in the light of God's countenance. He did not retaliate when roughly used, but bore insult patiently.   

O, to be like Jesus is my hearts desire. It''s wonderful to know that that's exactly what He is doing in each surrendered and abiding life in Him.  As we look into the divine mirror and see our sinful reflection we are invited to come and be washed clean. As we stay surrendered and connected to Jesus He will produce all the beautiful fruit of the Spirit that is proof of our connection with Him. And yes, not one of them will be missing.

[Dorine]

"At a very early age, Jesus had begun to act for Himself in the formation of His character, and not even respect and love for His parents could turn Him from obedience to God's word. "It is written" was His reason for every act that varied from the family customs. But the influence of the rabbis made His life a bitter one. Even in His youth He had to learn the hard lesson of silence and patient endurance."

I love how the Holy Spirit reveals eternal issues just at the time you are most open to receive them.

The internet world is a marvelous thing but as I read of the life of young Jesus I've come to realize that I have taken on burdens that God never intended me to carry. Through the internet we are hearing some shocking and unbelievable things that are happening in the world and in God's precious church. I was encouraged with the attitude of Jesus. By beholding we become changed into His image and character. Thank you Jesus.

"He did not attack the precepts or practices of the learned teachers; but when reproved for His own simple habits, He presented the word of God in justification of His conduct."

"At all times and in all places He manifested a loving interest in men, and shed about Him the light of a cheerful piety."

"He hated but one thing in the world, and that was sin."