Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake  (Read 17625 times)

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Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #20 on: August 06, 2017, 06:17:40 AM »
I absolutely love getting to spend a "thoughtful hour" each morning with Jesus--although this morning He gave me more than an hour to spend reflecting on His life, and I am so thankful that the more time we spend with Jesus, the more He will transform our characters. If you have some "spare time" (not that many people have that these days), why not choose to spend "extra time" with Jesus? It is by beholding Him that we are changed into His character. It is His character that we need in our experience to have rest and peace (and all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--for this is the inevitable result of living by faith upon Him). So if we make investments in our families, in our homes, in our finances, why not choose the most important investment with our time--and spend even MORE TIME when possible that you may fall even more deeply in love with Him? I am finding that communion with God in these precious chapters of Desire of Ages and in the gospel accounts of Jesus' life are "investments in the thought life" so to speak. It is in our thoughts that God speaks to us. He wants our thoughts to be stayed upon Him so we can have perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). If we will fix our eyes upon the loveliness of Jesus, the transformation of character will be constant, because we will remain vitally connected to God by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This can only happen when we choose to spend this time with Jesus and surrender our whole heart to Him so He can cleanse it from selfishness and sin! Praise the Lord!!

As you read the statement below from Desire of Ages, think of this promise, "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

 Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, "Lord, save me." Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"       Walking side by side, Peter's hand in that of his Master, they stepped into the boat together. But Peter was now subdued and silent. He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for through unbelief and self-exaltation he had very nearly lost his life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank amid the waves.  {DA 381.6} 


This is such a practical lesson when it comes to walking above the clamors of our fallen nature (that is unregenerate and justly condemned by a holy God). We retain our fallen flesh at conversion, but what is to be our relationship with the flesh? It is to be "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20), and it will only remain so if we have our eyes fixed upon Jesus and do not let our minds wander from Him. Peter was walking by faith above the water--he was walking upon the very word Jesus had earlier said--"Come." But when Peter began to feel that he was "something" and looked at the other disciples in "self-satisfaction," he already had fallen spiritually at that point, and the sinking under the water was simply a physical manifestation of the spiritual fall he had experienced by taking his eyes off Jesus and thinking of self. See how Scripture describes this: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). If we think we are standing on our own, we are self-deceived and have fallen by taking our eyes from Christ. Self is our enemy. We need to look constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, or we WILL FALL. There is NOTHING GOOD in us by nature (Romans 7:18), and the sooner that we learn how much we need Jesus, the sooner we will learn that only He can keep our hearts and minds pure as we behold His loveliness by fully surrendering to Him moment-by moment. Yes, the lesson needs to be learned--because the sooner we have a consistent, abiding experience in Christ, the sooner we can be a part of helping the great controversy between Christ and Satan come to a close, for Jesus is preparing His people to walk with Him through the time of trouble such as never was (a time in which God's people are sealed and do not fall because they have LEARNED THIS LESSON of their CONTINUAL NEED OF JESUS). This is so important for us!! Jesus is SO SO SOON to return!!! We need this lesson for our lives today. We need to have our focus upon Christ and Him crucified, and not look to self. And it is by spending this thoughtful hour (and more time as you want the experience to go deeper and faster) that we learn how to overcome as Christ also overcame. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, Jesus did not forsake him, but neither did Peter have eternal life while he was selfishly thinking of himself as better than the other disciples. In that moment, Christ was knocking for re-etnreace to Peter's heart, as Jesus does to any of us if we sin and separate from God by our own choice to fail to avail ourselves of the blessings given us in His promises. Thank God for this picture of love we see in Jesus: "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne" (Revelation 3:20-21)
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #21 on: August 06, 2017, 09:28:23 PM »
Amen! Why could Peter walk on water? Why did Peter fall? There is no reason to be ignorant of where the power came and why it left Peter. Either he trusted Jesus completely or he did not. We do not believe in once saved always saved, so it is possible that Peter trusted his life with Jesus when he stepped out of the boat, but being ignorant of his dependence upon Christ for his very life, he looked away from Jesus. What happens when I look away from Jesus? The very same thing that happened to Peter. Will we learn the lesson?

Jesus was soon to be murdered by the Jewish leadership. How did He feel about the lack of understanding revealed in His disciples?

When left alone, Jesus "went up into a mountain apart to pray." For hours He continued pleading with God. Not for Himself but for men were those prayers. He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, that Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment. The Saviour knew that His days of personal ministry on earth were nearly ended, and that few would receive Him as their Redeemer. In travail and conflict of soul He prayed for His disciples. They were to be grievously tried. Their long-cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed in a most painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be indeed His true coronation. But they did not discern this, and in consequence strong temptations would come to them, which it would be difficult for them to recognize as temptations. Without the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind and enlarge the comprehension the faith of the disciples would fail. It was painful to Jesus that their conceptions of His kingdom were, to so great a degree, limited to worldly aggrandizement and honor. For them the burden was heavy upon His heart, and He poured out His supplications with bitter agony and tears. 


What was the problem? They misunderstood what the kingdom of God was like. They were having a hard time staying connected to Christ. They did not know they needed to be in full submission to His continually in order to do any good thing. They were still interested in "worldly aggrandizement and honor." How very sad. Jesus was in great agony as He prayed for them. What love!!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #22 on: November 01, 2017, 04:23:55 AM »
We need Jesus to be able to walk on water--to walk above the clamors of our fallen nature and to choose to exercise a continual surrender of our will to Christ. I love reading of how Jesus invited Peter to come upon the water--not that he should perish, but that Peter should realize that what Peter saw Jesus doing he also could do as long as he was abiding in Christ, walking by faith. We learn to do what Jesus does by beholding His loveliness of character. How important it is that we take this "thoughtful hour" to commune with Christ, so we may be transformed into His likeness in preparation for heaven.

Matthew 14:28-31:
"And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"


Doubt does not make sense in the presence of Jesus. Doubt is the evidence that we are not steadfastly beholding Jesus and trusting Him. Unbelief is sinful, for it fails to appropriate the strength and grace that Christ is well able to provide for us! It is possible to live by faith and manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--but only as Christ abides in us moment-by-moment!

"Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Saviour. The wind is boisterous. The waves roll high, and come directly between him and the Master; and he is afraid. For a moment Christ is hidden from his view, and his faith gives way. He begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, 'Lord, save me.' Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, 'O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?' Walking side by side, Peter's hand in that of his Master, they stepped into the boat together. But Peter was now subdued and silent. He had no reason to boast over his fellows, for through unbelief and self-exaltation he had very nearly lost his life. When he turned his eyes from Jesus, his footing was lost, and he sank amid the waves."  {The Desire of Ages, page 381, paragraph 6}

Let us choose to keep our eyes of faith fixed upon Christ today moment-by-moment. He will preserve us!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #23 on: November 01, 2017, 07:46:09 AM »
Amen, Pastor Sean. Lord, take away my wicked unbelief. There is no greater sin than unbelief.

     Their long-cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed in a most painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be indeed His true coronation. But they did not discern this, and in consequence strong temptations would come to them, which it would be difficult for them to recognize as temptations. Without the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind and enlarge the comprehension the faith of the disciples would fail. It was painful to Jesus that their conceptions of His kingdom were, to so great a degree, limited to worldly aggrandizement and honor. For them the burden was heavy upon His heart, and He poured out His supplications with bitter agony and tears......

     Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor had blinded them. They knew that Jesus was hated by the Pharisees, and they were eager to see Him exalted as they thought He should be. To be united with a teacher who could work mighty miracles, and yet to be reviled as deceivers, was a trial they could ill endure. Were they always to be accounted followers of a false prophet? Would Christ never assert His authority as king? Why did not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His true character, and make their way less painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a violent death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought upon themselves great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted? 


So much is said here. What does this mean? "Without the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind and enlarge the comprehension the faith of the disciples would fail."

It means that they were not in a converted state. They were not filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, they were filled with unbelief. They did not believe.....enough. What is the result of such unbelief? They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted?
And, when Jesus hung on the cross, they were filled with the same unbelief. After all Jesus had done for them, after all they had seen. How is it today? De we ever manifest "unbelief"? Every time we sin. When will we learn of our continual need of Jesus? What can we do to maintain our connection with Christ?

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #24 on: January 27, 2018, 03:45:32 AM »
Jesus prayed earnestly, and He invites us to follow Him and pray as He did for others. Unbelief was making it so difficult for those whom He was training for His service to see things clearly, and we need to daily pray for the baptism of the Holy Spirit that we would rightly appreciate the life and teachings of Jesus, so we can discern His loveliness and value the sacrifice made for our souls. Let us, by beholding Christ in His earnestness in prayer, be encouraged to know that He can give us this experience with Him, too.

"When left alone, Jesus 'went up into a mountain apart to pray.' For hours He continued pleading with God. Not for Himself but for men were those prayers. He prayed for power to reveal to men the divine character of His mission, that Satan might not blind their understanding and pervert their judgment. The Saviour knew that His days of personal ministry on earth were nearly ended, and that few would receive Him as their Redeemer. In travail and conflict of soul He prayed for His disciples. They were to be grievously tried. Their long-cherished hopes, based on a popular delusion, were to be disappointed in a most painful and humiliating manner. In the place of His exaltation to the throne of David they were to witness His crucifixion. This was to be indeed His true coronation. But they did not discern this, and in consequence strong temptations would come to them, which it would be difficult for them to recognize as temptations. Without the Holy Spirit to enlighten the mind and enlarge the comprehension the faith of the disciples would fail. It was painful to Jesus that their conceptions of His kingdom were, to so great a degree, limited to worldly aggrandizement and honor. For them the burden was heavy upon His heart, and He poured out His supplications with bitter agony and tears."  {The Desire of Ages, page 379, paragraph 1}

Through the Holy Spirit, we can be enabled to pray as did Jesus, and God will hear and answer our prayers!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #25 on: January 27, 2018, 08:00:09 AM »
Amen Pastor Sean. We are wholly dependent upon the holy spirit for our understanding of spiritual things. And, after the Holy Spirit has revealed to us our evil Fallen nature, it is he who reveals the loveliness of Jesus and our great need of him in order to be transformed and saved. Without his spirit indwelling our hearts we are none of His, Romans 8:9. As Jesus told Nicodemus, we must be born again. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. We must be born again of the Spirit. And when we are truly converted, when we are fully surrendered to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will take possession of the heart, and when He does this, He brings with Him all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one is missing. This is what it means to truly be a Christian.

What happens to the Christian who has been converted when he takes his eyes off of Jesus? Unbelief comes into the mind. How could the disciples forget who Jesus is after all they witnessed? "They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted?"

     The disciples had not put off immediately from the land, as Jesus directed them. They waited for a time, hoping that He would come to them. But as they saw that darkness was fast gathering, they "entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum." They had left Jesus with dissatisfied hearts, more impatient with Him than ever before since acknowledging Him as their Lord. They murmured because they had not been permitted to proclaim Him king. They blamed themselves for yielding so readily to His command. They reasoned that if they had been more persistent they might have accomplished their purpose.
     Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor had blinded them. They knew that Jesus was hated by the Pharisees, and they were eager to see Him exalted as they thought He should be. To be united with a teacher who could work mighty miracles, and yet to be reviled as deceivers, was a trial they could ill endure. Were they always to be accounted followers of a false prophet? Would Christ never assert His authority as king? Why did not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His true character, and make their way less painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a violent death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought upon themselves great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted? 
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #26 on: January 27, 2018, 01:15:02 PM »
"Looking unto Jesus, Peter walks securely; but as in self-satisfaction he glances back toward his companions in the boat, his eyes are turned from the Saviour........he begins to sink. But while the billows talk with death, Peter lifts his eyes from the angry waters, and fixing them upon Jesus, cries, "Lord, save me." "Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand, saying, "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"


I am comforted with the words "Immediately Jesus grasps the outstretched hand." And then we see them hand and hand walking to the boat. Jesus is always ready to answer our call for help and grasping our hand He keeps us safe.


"When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour. Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us. "Fear not," He says; "for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou are Mine."

I thank God every day for the promises and lessons in His word that show us His love and compassion.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #27 on: April 24, 2018, 05:15:17 AM »
I love the story of the disciples on the boat when they face the great storm. Jesus allowed that trial that they would sense their need of His help. Jesus lovingly allows us to go through trials so that we may realize our need of His constant help. Only by listening continually to His voice, by having an abiding experience with Him through continual surrender to Him, can we enjoy the blessed union and communion of the soul with Christ, which will manifest itself in the effectual working of the Holy Spirit in and through us--evidenced by all of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives without one missing!

"Jesus had not forgotten them. The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He lose sight of His disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the storm-tossed boat with its precious burden; for these men were to be the light of the world. As a mother in tender love watches her child, so the compassionate Master watched His disciples. When their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in humility they prayed for help, it was given them."  {The Desire of Ages, page 381, paragraph 1}
     "At the moment when they believe themselves lost, a gleam of light reveals a mysterious figure approaching them upon the water. But they know not that it is Jesus. The One who has come for their help they count as an enemy. Terror overpowers them. The hands that have grasped the oars with muscles like iron let go their hold. The boat rocks at the will of the waves; all eyes are riveted on this vision of a man walking upon the white-capped billows of the foaming sea."  {The Desire of Ages, page 381, paragraph 2}
     "They think it a phantom that omens their destruction, and they cry out for fear. Jesus advances as if He would pass them; but they recognize Him, and cry out, entreating His help. Their beloved Master turns, His voice silences their fear, 'Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.'"  {The Desire of Ages, page 381, paragraph 3}


What is your storm today? Look to Jesus. He has rest of soul to offer you--a rest that can keep you in "perfect peace" (Isaiah 26:3) no matter how trying the circumstances around you may be. We need Jesus continually. We cannot walk on water or resist even the slightest temptation unless we simply come and behold the Lamb of God, and by beholding Him allow Him to change us as we surrender our will to Him constantly so He can abide in us. Abiding in Him, we may flourish. We will find life's burdens light because we have been with Jesus, who bore our burden of guilt and sin to the cross. The loveliness of Jesus' character is drawing upon each of our hearts even now! Let us look and live today! 
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

JimB

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #28 on: April 24, 2018, 05:17:01 AM »
Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life's great crisis.  Such a good reminder that every choice leads one way or the other. The older I get the more I don't believe in just circumstances or whatever you wish to call it. There are two powers both desiring our allegiance both "interfere" with our daily lives. One for our good, the other for our destruction. If we would be conscious of this more it make help us make good decisions and choices with the aide of the Holy Spirit.
By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.  {DA 291.1}

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #29 on: April 24, 2018, 06:54:09 AM »
This story amazes me in that it shows us that even what we think is our purest motives of standing for Christ and truth can actually be motivated by love of self leading to murmuring and unbelief. We are always in danger of putting our wisdom above Gods wisdom.

"Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor had blinded them. They knew that Jesus was hated by the Pharisees, and they were eager to see Him exalted as they thought He should be. To be united with a teacher who could work mighty miracles, and yet to be reviled as deceivers, was a trial they could ill endure. Were they always to be accounted followers of a false prophet? Would Christ never assert His authority as king? Why did not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His true character, and make their way less painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a violent death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought upon themselves great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted?"

After all they had witnessed of the wonders of Jesus' works they now start to doubt because things were not going the way they thought they should.

We are in the same danger today of running ahead of Christ and trying to 'make' things happen according to our plans. We can not take our eyes off Jesus for a moment for when we do we are doomed to fail just like Peter.

But the good news is that Jesus is waiting and ready to take us by the hand and lift us to safety just as He did for Peter when we cry 'save me'. He is so lovingly patient as He continually teaches us to look to Him and be saved. He is the way, the life and the truth. These stories are revealing to me many of my own weaknesses.

Thank you Lord for not giving up on me and gently leading and guiding each step of my life. Bless our TRO family today as we walk the narrow road with you. In Your loving name Jesus; Amen.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #30 on: April 24, 2018, 09:39:02 PM »
Amen, Sister Dorine.  This paragraph has always reminded me of how much we need Jesus. How easy it is to let a false idea take hold and lead us away from Jesus. We cannot afford to take our eyes off of the One who loves us so. The disciples wandered in and out of Jesus. Here we see the real problem is not keeping there focus upon Christ and allowing "unbelief" to come into their minds.

    Unbelief was taking possession of their minds and hearts. Love of honor had blinded them. They knew that Jesus was hated by the Pharisees, and they were eager to see Him exalted as they thought He should be. To be united with a teacher who could work mighty miracles, and yet to be reviled as deceivers, was a trial they could ill endure. Were they always to be accounted followers of a false prophet? Would Christ never assert His authority as king? Why did not He who possessed such power reveal Himself in His true character, and make their way less painful? Why had He not saved John the Baptist from a violent death? Thus the disciples reasoned until they brought upon themselves great spiritual darkness. They questioned, Could Jesus be an impostor, as the Pharisees asserted? 


There is no greater sin than unbelief. "Could Jesus be an imposter?" Unbelievable!! After so long with Jesus they could allow such a thought!!!!  We see the results as Jesus hung upon the cross. They thought if He was the Son of God, He would not be dying upon the cross. False doctrine is just as dangerous today as it was then.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #31 on: July 20, 2018, 12:03:04 PM »
There are trials in the Christian life. Greater trials are coming. Have we learned yet our dependence upon Christ? Do we understand that we can do no thing apart from Christ? How many times have I fallen because I did not turn to Christ! Peter did not learn the lesson from falling into the water.

Let us learn it now.

  When trouble comes upon us, how often we are like Peter! We look upon the waves, instead of keeping our eyes fixed upon the Saviour. Our footsteps slide, and the proud waters go over our souls. Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us. "Fear not," He says; "for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour." Isaiah 43:1-3.   
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #32 on: July 20, 2018, 03:42:48 PM »
    "Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life's great crisis." {The Desire of Ages, page 382, paragraph 3}

I am so happy God teaches me each day as I look to Him for guidance. Jesus knows what is best, and He knows what He is preparing you and me for--higher than we can even ask or think!   
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #33 on: October 15, 2018, 04:55:32 AM »
"Often our plans fail that God's plans for us may succeed." {The Ministry of Healing, page 473, paragraph 3} This is clearly seen in the way Jesus has the crowd disperse after the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus does not tell them that their hope of crowning Him king is a false hope, but He does not allow what they are sure is a great plan. Sometimes God lets our plans fail so we can have His plans. And if we are struggling to accept His will, He often lets us pass through trial to teach us our great dependence on Him (as the disciples would keenly learn out on the lake in the great storm). Jesus knows how to reach our hearts--and all things work together for good to them that love God!

  "Jesus now commands the multitude to disperse; and His manner is so decisive that they dare not disobey. The words of praise and exaltation die on their lips. In the very act of advancing to seize Him their steps are stayed, and the glad, eager look fades from their countenances. In that throng are men of strong mind and firm determination; but the kingly bearing of Jesus, and His few quiet words of command, quell the tumult, and frustrate their designs. They recognize in Him a power above all earthly authority, and without a question they submit."  {The Desire of Ages, page 378, paragraph 4} 

When a decisive command came from Jesus, there was obedience. And this is the same Jesus who spoke gentle words of healing to the sinner. Christ's authority and firmness are no less an outflow of His love, for God's love is a perfect blend of mercy and justice. Submission to God is the best course--even when it crosses our own plans and ideas. After all, God is preparing us for heaven, and He desires first to have heaven in our hearts where reign all of the fruits of His Spirit without one missing, as we gladly follow in His way of obedience!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #34 on: October 15, 2018, 08:41:13 PM »
Amen Pastor Sean.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #35 on: January 09, 2019, 08:05:59 PM »
 "Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life's great crisis."  DA Chapter 40

The devil knows how important the issues of the daily life are, and no doubt you along with many others, have discovered just how hard he tries to make sure we don't have " Time " for our daily prayers and devotional study.  He does his best to cause family challenges. Stress at work. Yes, and sometimes even with our church attendance and participation in Sabbath School and the Divine worship Service. Also in the out reach programs to share the "Good News" with others.

"Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with confidence, "I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His word." But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects. Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely." DA Chapter 40

I love the promise of Jesus found in Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."  But it can't happen without our willingness to spend time with Him everyday. After all He has done for us will you join with me and make a strong commitment to meet with Him on a daily basis as we journey on in 2019.
Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #36 on: January 10, 2019, 06:21:00 AM »
"Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life's great crisis.       

Those who fail to realize their constant dependence upon God will be overcome by temptation. We may now suppose that our feet stand secure, and that we shall never be moved. We may say with confidence, "I know in whom I have believed; nothing can shake my faith in God and in His word." But Satan is planning to take advantage of our hereditary and cultivated traits of character, and to blind our eyes to our own necessities and defects. Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely." 

So often when the waters of life seem calm we are sometimes tempted to believe that we are well grounded and secure against temptation. Pride always comes before a fall and this counsel in today's chapter clearly reveals our true condition. "Only through realizing our own weakness and looking steadfastly unto Jesus can we walk securely."
I am truly thankful that Jesus does not give up on me when I fall. What a patient teacher He is and with such gentleness. May we learn from the lessons of the past so that by God's grace and trusting in Him we will not repeat them.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #37 on: January 10, 2019, 06:52:07 AM »
Amen, Dorine! God has precious lessons to teach us so we can realize our continual need of Jesus! May we abide in Christ, so that His presence can be manifest in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in the most trying circumstances of life! We have no power to resist temptation except Christ remain upon the throne of our hearts!

"Day by day God instructs His children. By the circumstances of the daily life He is preparing them to act their part upon that wider stage to which His providence has appointed them. It is the issue of the daily test that determines their victory or defeat in life's great crisis." {The Desire of Ages, page 382, paragraph 3}

Our circumstances are God's means of teaching us, so we can prayerfully look at where God has us right now and discern His plan! This reminds me of this incredible promise: "The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. Whatever comes to him comes from the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Nothing can touch him except by the Lord's permission. All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, all our sadness and griefs, all our persecutions and privations, in short, all things work together for our good. All experiences and circumstances are God's workmen whereby good is brought to us." {The Ministry of Healing, page 488, paragraph 4}

I choose to appreciate what God is doing each moment in my life--and may each of us let every experience bring us much closer to Christ!
 
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #38 on: April 07, 2019, 06:56:34 AM »
If Jesus is leading your life, then anything He calls you to do is really also His promise to be with you and make the experience possible. Crossing the lake in the great storm seemed impossible for the disciples, but with Jesus, all things are possible! Let us keep our eyes upon Him as He shows us our weak points of character and allows us to rely completely upon Him for strength, grace, and power to live the life of faith--a life that reveals all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"Jesus did not bid Peter come to Him that he should perish; He does not call us to follow Him, and then forsake us." {The Desire of Ages, page 382, paragraph 1}

He calls us that He may walk with us, and we may walk with Him--hand in hand through the great storms of life that only build our faith in Him as One who is able to carry us through the greater trials ahead as Jesus is soon to return!!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--40--A Night on the Lake
« Reply #39 on: April 07, 2019, 07:20:43 AM »
"Seated upon the grassy plain, in the twilight of the spring evening, the people ate of the food that Christ had provided. The words they had heard that day had come to them as the voice of God. The works of healing they had witnessed were such as only divine power could perform. But the miracle of the loaves appealed to everyone in that vast multitude. All were sharers in its benefit. In the days of Moses, God had fed Israel with manna in the desert; and who was this that had fed them that day but He whom Moses had foretold? No human power could create from five barley loaves and two small fishes food sufficient to feed thousands of hungry people. And they said one to another, "This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world." 

Jesus said... In Matthew 11:28 -- Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. In every circumstance of our lives Jesus is the answer to all our longings and needs. In the hymn " What a Friend we have in Jesus"  we find these words..." Oh what peace we often forfeit - Oh what needless pain we bare - All because we do not carry - Everything to God in Pray. We may find ourselves to be passing through a storm like the disciples did on the lake when it appeared that all would be lost. But we must not forget that whatever storms we are passing through Jesus is there. He said..." I will never leave you nor forsake you " Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus and by faith trust Him to bring us safely through all the experiences, trails and tests on our earthly journey to the kingdom above.
Look up and listen for the shout.