The Remnant Online

Study => Bread of Life => Topic started by: JimB on December 05, 2011, 02:59:09 PM

Title: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on December 05, 2011, 02:59:09 PM
I'm normally not one for long posts but I couldn't help myself this time. This is for those who are tempted or are currently being tempted to be discouraged. I pray that you will find hope in this message!  :)


The Substance of Things Hoped For

[Morning talk at South Lancaster, Mass., January 18, 1889.]

The word of the Lord declares that “whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” We desire that everyone should be in a position where he can believe the word of God. How should I feel if my children should be constantly complaining to me, just as though I did not mean well, when my whole life’s efforts have been to forward their interests and to give them comfort? Suppose they should doubt my love; my heart would break. I couldn’t endure it. How would any of you feel to be thus treated by your children? How can our heavenly Father regard us when we doubt his love, that has led him to give his only begotten Son that we might have life? The apostle writes, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” And yet we stand back, distrustful and suspicious, saying, “Well, he doesn’t mean this for me. Perhaps he loves others, but he does not love me.” {ST March 18, 1889, par. 1}

Why is it so difficult for you to believe in God?—It is because you have been educating your soul in doubt and unbelief all your life long. It makes my heart ache to hear your mournful testimonies, stating that your whole life has been a failure. Have there not been some bright spots in your experience? Have you not had some precious seasons when your heart throbbed in response to the Spirit of God? Dear brethren, for Christ’s sake cherish every ray of light, every token of mercy and good, every blessing that God has bestowed upon you. Although you see that you have not given glory to God, that you have not been grateful, let that not be a reason why you should be ungrateful still, and sink down into despondency and discouragement. Have you not praised God in the past when the warm rays of his love fell upon your heart? Have you not sought to do his will as an obedient child? When you look back into the chapters of your experience, do you not find some pleasant pages? Is memory’s hall filled only with pictures of neglect and sorrow? Are there only dark, forbidding, and unhappy representations there? Are there not some pleasant pictures, where you can see the providence of God? Confess your ingratitude of the past; but retain every pleasing memory, and every token of God’s love that he has given to bind your heart to his great heart of infinite love. Oh, praise him! Let us educate ourselves to speak the language of faith. If Satan has cast his dark shadow across your path, look up in faith, and God will let his light shine upon you and dispel the darkness. Satan would like to have you cherish that shadow. He would like to have you view God through a cloud of his own making; but we are to be in a position of faith and confidence in God, where we can cherish every bright beam of light; having seen a token of God’s love, we are to say, “Here is an evidence that God is blessing me. I cherish this as a manifestation of his favor. I will gather up the precious jewels of his truth.” If you do this, you will be full of light. If you have been in the shadow, confess your unbelief, and then claim the promises of God by living faith, and come into the light of your Saviour. {ST March 18, 1889, par. 2}

You are not to trust simply in pleasant emotions. Suppose that after you have been filled with joy, you should rise in the morning under a cloud, with the same train of shadowy thoughts as have troubled you in the past. Would that be an evidence that God had left you during the night? Not at all. It would simply be an evidence that your mind has so long been trained in the line of unbelief, that it is from force of habit running in the doubting channel. Dwell on the faith side of the question. Educate your thoughts in the line of God’s mercy. Educate your tongue to speak of his goodness. Train the whole mind and soul to act in faith. It is praising Satan when you talk so continuously of your doubts and darkness. You are glorifying the prince of darkness when you give up your thoughts and words to follow in the shadow he casts on your pathway. Let your first morning thought be, “How good is the Lord! He is full of goodness and tender mercy.” Praise him. Say, “Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.” When the darkness of the enemy begins to sweep over you, say, “I do love the Lord. I know that I love him, and I know that the Lord loves me, even me.” {ST March 18, 1889, par. 3}

A good way to disperse darkness is to talk faith and courage. We are admonished in the word of God to fight the good fight of faith. Suppose that you take your stand under the banner of faith. If you have repented of your sins, and have confessed them to God, you need no longer go on in doubt and despondency. God does not want you to stand under a cloud. He wants you to come into the light, and to have confidence in him, knowing that you have committed your soul unto his keeping, as unto a faithful Creator. {ST March 18, 1889, par. 4}

Satan will come to you after you have trusted in God, and will try to steal away the victory that faith has gained. He will present your sins to you; but can you not tell him it is written, “The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin”? Can you not tell him that God has promised to remove your transgressions away from you as far as the east is from the west, and that they are to be remembered no more? {ST March 18, 1889, par. 5}

I see the necessity every day and every hour of exercising living faith. What is faith? It is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” There is a wonderful power in faith. It brings eternal things to view, and lays hold of the arm of infinite power. If you have been educating your soul to gather up the dark chapters in your experience, turn over a new leaf and have a new, bright, cheerful experience; put your will wholly on the Lord’s side. We must exercise living faith if we would war successfully against the temptations of the enemy. {ST March 18, 1889, par. 6}

There are on the walls of this house two mottoes, “Praise the Lord,” and, “Thy word is truth.” These are good and pleasant words. Suppose that you hang your memory’s hall all full of the remembrances of God’s goodness, grace, and truth, and let not one dark thought or shadow have a place in that hall. We are not to be so selfish as to simply desire a flight of happy emotions. We are to fix our faith on the promises of God, which are sure and steadfast, and shall endure forever and ever. The joyful feeling will come when we fully trust in God’s promises. Jesus has said, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden.” This invitation is certainly for those who are burdened with unbelief; and his assurance is, “Ye shall find rest unto your souls.” It is not, “May be you shall find rest.” Oh, no; it is positive and certain: “Ye shall find rest.” Why do we misinterpret our heavenly Father when he says “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Take his yoke upon you, and he will bear the heaviest part himself. Is he not good company? do you object to association with him? He says, “I am at thy right hand to help you,” “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” {ST March 18, 1889, par. 7}

Why not make up your mind that you will stand in your God-given manhood and womanhood, and, through Christ, be overcomers? Why not say, “God has promised the power, and I will win back the moral image of my Creator and Redeemer”? Do not allow the mind to hold communion with the enemy. Do not talk of his power to discourage you. Talk of Christ, who is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by him. We have a whole Saviour, and let us have a whole faith in him who has died for the sins of men, and for my sins. When we take this position, we shall find rest and peace in our Saviour. Come with your burdens, and lay them down at the foot of the cross, put off the yoke of self and sin, and wear the yoke of Him who is meek and lowly of heart. Let every soul come to the fountain, and drink of the waters of life, that will be in him like a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. {ST March 18, 1889, par. 8}

When I talk of the subject of faith, my faith grows. I feel as though I could run through the troops of darkness, and rise above all barriers. It seems as though nothing could hinder me. By living faith, I grasp the hand of Jesus, and I am all light in the Lord. I do not look at self, I look to Jesus, my high priest, who presents my case to the Father, offering up the merits of his life and sacrifice. Faith will keep the mind above the low level of earth, and direct the soul to Heaven in contemplation of the spiritual and eternal. Let us lift up Jesus, the Saviour of men. Talk of his love, tell of his power, and the angels of God will be attracted to you. Will you have faith in God, who “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”? {ST March 18, 1889, par. 9}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 22, 2012, 08:47:42 AM
It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,--the great mercy and love of God,--we should have more faith and greater joy. MH 253

Now, brethren, you have educated yourselves so much in doubts and questionings that you have to educate your souls in the line of faith. You have to talk faith, you have to live faith, you have to act faith, that you may have an increase of faith. Exercising that living faith, you will grow to strong men and women in Christ Jesus. God grant that this meeting that we are holding may be a meeting where the Sun of Righteousness may rise upon you and shine in your hearts with its clearest rays, making you all lights in the world.  {FW 78.2} 

Talk unbelief, and you will have unbelief; but talk faith, and you will have faith. According to the seed sown will be the harvest. If you talk of heaven and the eternal reward, you will become lighter and lighter in the Lord, and your faith will grow, because it is exercised. Fasten your eyes upon Jesus, dear friends, and by beholding you will become assimilated to his image. Do not allow your thoughts to dwell continually upon things of the earth, but place them upon things that are heavenly, and then, wherever you are, you will be a light to the world.  {HS 142.2}

The more you talk faith, the more faith you will have. The more you dwell upon discouragement, talking to others about your trials, and enlarging upon them, to enlist the sympathy which you crave, the more discouragements and trials you will have. Why mourn over that which we cannot avoid? God is inviting us to close the windows of the soul earthward and open them heavenward that He may flood our hearts with the glory which is shining across the threshold of heaven.--MS 102, 1901.  {2MCP 579.1} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on January 22, 2012, 09:21:12 AM
Amen!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Dorine on January 22, 2012, 10:47:57 AM
Thank you Jim. I needed this reminder especially right now.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 22, 2012, 11:31:11 AM
I'm glad you've benefited from these references but don't thank me. I'm just sharing some things that have given me some encouragement.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on January 22, 2012, 08:47:10 PM
An important principle that we need to understand and remember.  Our minds are plastic and are being formed by not only what we read and hear, but by what we speak. That ought to slow us down a bit. 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on February 12, 2012, 09:18:35 AM
If you sit in heavenly places with Christ, you cannot refrain from praising God. Begin to educate your tongues to praise him, and train your hearts to make melody to God; and when the evil one begins to settle his gloom about you, sing praise to God. When things go crossways at your homes, strike up a song about the matchless charms of the Son of God, and I tell you, when you touch this strain, Satan will leave you. You can drive out the enemy with his gloom; his dark shadow will be swept from your pathway by praising God, and you can see, O, so much clearer, the love and compassion of your Heavenly Father. It is Satan's studied effort to eclipse the light of the Sun of Righteousness so that you cannot see it. Your mind should be uplifted to God; you should have praise meetings in your family and in the church. Do not tell a dismal story at any time or in any place. Let the whole world look upon you, and say, "These are people who love God; for we can see his image reflected in them."  {RH, August 5, 1890 par. 9} 
     Now, brethren and sisters, may the grace of God and his blessing come into your hearts. God does not want you to gather to your souls every little trial and difficulty, and talk to them until you become discouraged, and changed into a cloud of gloom and discouragement. Uplift your soul into the pure, heavenly atmosphere; get out of the moral miasma of this low earthliness; let the soul open to the love of God.  {RH, August 5, 1890 par. 10} 
     Be of good courage, brethren and sisters; Jesus lives! he is your Saviour; he wants to save every one of you; he wants to place a crown of glory upon every brow. Let us act before the world as God's peculiar people, showing forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.  {RH, August 5, 1890 par. 11} 
     O what a time of rejoicing there will be in heaven when we get out of the perplexities of this life! With gladness we shall cast our crowns at the Saviour's feet. We shall touch the golden harps, and fill all heaven with the richest harmony. Let us touch the harps here, and let our lips glorify God.  {RH, August 5, 1890 par. 12}  
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Dorine on February 12, 2012, 09:26:05 AM
Oh that is beautiful Jim. Thank you for posting that encouraging quote. I'm going to print it off and keep it in plain view to read often.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Vicki on February 12, 2012, 12:58:14 PM
Beautiful indeed!

I don't know that I was tempted to be discouraged this past week, but I was in need of knowing how to deal with a problem. I read Desire of Ages and came across a wonderful promise.

"Who is among you that feareth the Lord . . . that walketh in darkenss, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." Isaiah 50:10

Pray. Trust. Stay. God gave me a piece of the puzzle that night and lead me to an answer the next day. Anyone tempted to discouragement or lacking direction - "trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon God!"
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Dorine on February 12, 2012, 02:26:50 PM
Amen Vicki.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Vicki on February 12, 2012, 09:32:17 PM
Yes, guidance from God is wonderful, but nothing compared to what He does with our heart. That brings deep, earnest thankfulness & rejoicing.

I came back on here to encourage those who might be hoping for a quick answer. This week I received one, it was a blessing I am most thankful for. Years ago I had to wait for years for an answer. Still, our response should be the same. Pray. Trust. Stay. In God's timing it will happen. And while waiting, "strike up a song about the matchless charms of the Son of God!"
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Glen on February 13, 2012, 07:46:33 AM
The church that would prove successful in the Master's service must be an aggressive one. Its members must not allow their interest in the work to lag. Heavenly intelligencies are ready to co-operate with the human agent to press forward the work. At whatever cost press the battle to the gates of the enemy; yea, storm the very citadel. Do not allow yourselves to fail nor be discouraged. Christ's authority is supreme. His power is invincible. Through the Holy Spirit the Lord works with the human agent. "He hath appointed us to preach good tidings unto the meek[; He hath sent us to bind up the broken-hearted; to proclaim liberty to the captives; and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God: to comfort all that mourn, to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion; to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified." The Sun of Righteousness has arisen. Christ is waiting to clothe His people with the garments of salvation. And "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth; and the isles shall wait for His law." His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, the kings to the brightness of thy rising." Bible Training School 06-01-11.01

I long to so identify with Christ that I might enter into close service with Him in His work to save souls; with Him to  see of the travail of his soul, and ...be satisfied Isaiah 53:11 I have so frequently, in the past, found myself at odds with leaders in the church. I've repeated their assertions while questioning their falsehoods, arguing Scripture in my attempts to help them see and hear the truth.

I think I may have found a secret that will help me more successfully share the wonderful Truths I'm discovering about Salvation in Christ. I remember reading, somewhere, that Christians during the time of persecution in the Dark Ages would mix with the unbelievers as Peddlers, and share discerningly only with those they met who were sincerely interested to hear of God. I notice in the above quote that ...the Holy Spirit...hath appointed us to preach good tidings unto the meek.

So; while I will be more careful not to seem judgemental or critical, as that is not my motive or intent, I will humbly, prayerfully seek out those who seem likewise humble, prayerful, and meek. Surely with them I might find true fellowship. (Hebrews 10: 23-25; Malachi 3:16)
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on February 13, 2012, 03:11:29 PM
Years ago I had to wait for years for an answer. Still, our response should be the same. Pray. Trust. Stay. In God's timing it will happen.

This reminds me of a church member a few years ago who had been praying for years for her son to accept Christ. He did and was baptized and not long afterwards he died. What heart ache... but also what joy!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 07, 2012, 03:00:34 PM
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.  {DA 91.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on March 08, 2012, 02:44:31 PM
Amen!!  Remembering what the Lord has done for us will prove a support in every danger. "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" And "if God be for us, who can be against us?" However craftily the plots of Satan and his agents may be laid, God can detect them, and bring to naught all their counsels. Those who, standing in the forefront of the conflict, are impelled by the Holy Spirit to do a special work will frequently feel a reaction when the pressure is removed. Despondency may shake the most heroic faith, and weaken the most steadfast will. But God understands, and He still pities and loves. He reads the motives and the purposes of the heart. To wait patiently, to trust when everything looks dark, is the lesson that the leaders in God's work need to learn. Heaven will not fail them in their day of adversity. Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible,  than the soul that feels its nothingness, and relies wholly on God.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 21, 2012, 06:26:01 PM
Isa 49:24  Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered?
Isa 49:25  But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.

Isa 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on April 04, 2012, 03:11:06 PM
If Thou Canst Believe, All Things are Possible[

"If Thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us." How many a sin-burdened soul has echoed that prayer. And to all, the pitying Saviour's answer is, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." It is faith that connects us with heaven, and brings us strength for coping with the powers of darkness. In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour. Look not to self, but to Christ. He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is the same mighty Redeemer today. Faith comes by the word of God. Then grasp His promise, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." You can never perish while you do this--never.  {DA 429.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on April 05, 2012, 05:42:29 AM
That is beautiful, Jim. Thank you!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on April 05, 2012, 07:43:37 AM
Amen!  For much of my life as a Christian, I have prayed this prayer daily when I bring my devotions: "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief."  There is no greater sin than "unbelief".  It caused Moses to strike the Rock, and it always at the bottom of our sins. The devils believe and tremble because they are filled with "unbelief". It is true that you can never perish while you do this--never.  When in sincerity we go to Jesus for help, He never refuses.

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on April 14, 2012, 03:08:32 PM
Today's Sabbath service was a very good one. The speaker talked about how unbelief is the worst of all sins and challenged us not to be a muck-raker (see to Pilgrim's Progress Part II) but to look up in belief and to dwell on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely. Look up and see all the evidences of God and that He is close. This got me to thinking of Christ's love for us. Sometimes circumstances here on earth can have a dimming affect on our perception of God's love for us and we wonder if God even notices what we are going through. I'm not sure that is where David was mentally when he asked the question/s below but sometimes we've asked the same question for different reasons.

David's Question...

Psa 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psa 144:3  LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Christ's Declaration of the Father's Love for Us

Mat 10:29  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
Mat 10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Mat 10:31  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Luk 12:27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Luk 12:28  If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

Paul Gives Evidence of the Depth of Christ's Love for Us

Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Rom 5:9  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Rom 5:10  For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

John Tells What Our Response is When We Believe

1Jn 3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on April 14, 2012, 08:51:43 PM
Discouraged? Why would a Christian be discouraged?  Yes, "unbelief".  What can happen that is not for our good as we abide in Christ?  "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. When things appear to be going badly, we have this promise also:  "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Vicki on April 22, 2012, 08:01:41 AM
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. - John 16:33

Contemplating "be of good cheer for I have overcome the world" puts all the trials we have into perspective. Our Creator died for us that we might truly live. Without that there is definite reason to be discouraged. With Jesus, with an understanding of His love and the reasons for our trials, there is definite reason for cheer.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on April 22, 2012, 09:07:38 AM
Amen!!   "Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know."

At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of
faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer. DA 669
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on May 06, 2012, 07:10:31 PM
The Lord wills not the death of any sinner, but that all should come to repentance. His mercies are without number, and he will not leave those for whom he has given the ransom of his life to become the sport of Satan's temptations. All heaven is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. No soul can more dishonor God than by professing to believe in Christ, and yet go in mourning and sorrow to present to the world the aspect of orphans. "The Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."  {ST, January 3, 1895 par. 2} 
     The Lord does not leave his wounded and bruised sheep to the power of Satan to be torn to pieces. He is ever strengthening his own in their weakness. He delivers those who are tried and tempted from the power of Satan. The Lord never forsakes the soul that puts his trust in him. Those who claim to be the sons and daughters of God must trust always in Jesus. {ST, January 3, 1895 par. 3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on May 11, 2012, 07:37:08 PM
As the Son of man, Christ would stand loyal to God. Thus it would be shown that Satan had not gained complete control of the human race, and that his claim to the world was false. All who desired deliverance from his power would be set free. {DA 114.3} 

In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a "Thus saith the Lord," was a sign that could not be controverted. {DA 120.1}

Often the tempter comes to us as he came to Christ, arraying before us our weakness and infirmities. He hopes to discourage the soul, and to break our hold on God. Then he is sure of his prey. If we would meet him as Jesus did, we should escape many a defeat. {DA 120.2}

When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God's command? and what His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other.  {DA 121.2} 

He would not have us intimidated and discouraged by the assaults of the serpent. "Be of good cheer," He says; "I have overcome the world." John 16:33.  {DA 122.3}

When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. "Thy word," says the psalmist, "have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." "By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer." Psalm 119:11; 17:4.  {DA 123.4}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on May 12, 2012, 07:30:46 AM
Amen!! There is power in God's grace. It is not just a word, but it is the transforming power that lifts us above the trials and temptations in this world.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on May 25, 2012, 04:46:07 PM
Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children. “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11. His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read; there is no perplexity too difficult for Him to unravel. No calamity can befall the least of His children, no anxiety harass the soul, no joy cheer, no sincere prayer escape the lips, of which our heavenly Father is unobservant, or in which He takes no immediate interest. “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3. The relations between God and each soul are as distinct and full as though there were not another soul upon the earth to share His watchcare, not another soul for whom He gave His beloved Son. {SC 100.1}

------------------------

Then let us educate our hearts and lips to speak the praise of God for His matchless love. Let us educate our souls to be hopeful and to abide in the light shining from the cross of Calvary. Never should we forget that we are children of the heavenly King, sons and daughters of the Lord of hosts. It is our privilege to maintain a calm repose in God. {MH 253.1}
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; ... and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for the glory of His name. Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care. When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven. {MH 253.2}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on May 25, 2012, 04:57:10 PM
Quote
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; ... and be ye thankful.” Colossians 3:15. Forgetting our own difficulties and troubles, let us praise God for an opportunity to live for the glory of His name. Let the fresh blessings of each new day awaken praise in our hearts for these tokens of His loving care. When you open your eyes in the morning, thank God that He has kept you through the night. Thank Him for His peace in your heart. Morning, noon, and night, let gratitude as a sweet perfume ascend to heaven. {MH 253.2}

Amen and amen!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on June 11, 2012, 04:27:52 AM
Of all creatures the sheep is one of the most timid and helpless, and in the East the shepherd's care for his flock is untiring and incessant. Anciently as now there was little security outside of the walled towns. Marauders from the roving border tribes, or beasts of prey from their hiding places in the rocks, lay in wait to plunder the flocks. The shepherd watched his charge, knowing that it was at the peril of his own life. Jacob, who kept the flocks of Laban in the pasture grounds of Haran, describing his own unwearied labor, said, "In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes." Genesis 31:40. And it was while guarding his father's sheep that the boy David, single-handed, encountered the lion and the bear, and rescued from their teeth the stolen lamb.  {DA 478.4} 
     As the shepherd leads his flock over the rocky hills, through forest and wild ravines, to grassy nooks by the riverside; as he watches them on the mountains through the lonely night, shielding from robbers, caring tenderly for the sickly and feeble, his life comes to be one with theirs. A strong and tender attachment unites him to the objects of his care. However large the flock, the shepherd knows every sheep. Every one has its name, and responds to the name at the shepherd's call.  {DA 479.1} 
     As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. "Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." Jesus says, "I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." "I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands." Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16.  {DA 479.2}
     Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.  {DA 479.3} 
     Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.  {DA 480.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on June 11, 2012, 04:57:15 AM
What love to be known by Jesus!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on June 27, 2012, 10:23:57 AM
There are times when I park my eyes upon this topic because the temptation to be discouraged has shown itself. What is written within these pages is so very "encouraging" that when I meditate upon them, the temptation loses its grip until finally, it vanishes.

Witness the power of the Holy Spirit in this. We are living in those days just before the coming of the Son of God when the cumulative effect of sin on man, beast and earth is at its apparent height. We think it cannot get worse, yet we are told it will. The land was filled with violence. War, crime, murder, was the order of the day. Just so will it be before Christ's second coming . (MS 24, 1891)

The world is becoming more and more devoted to the service of sin. Each age, as it passes, bequeaths to the one following its accumulation of contamination. Satan is the god of the world. With despotic power he rules in palace and temple, working with intense earnestness to overthrow every plan set in operation to counteract the increasing disregard of God's law. The destructive power of his agencies is dedicated to bringing destruction and death into the world. In his hands temptation has become a science. Under his control, men sin by rule.  {RH, February 11, 1902 par. 18} 

Today “there is an accumulation of misery that it is not possible for language to describe.” Inspiration’s term, “accumulation of contamination,” aptly fits what is swirling around us.  We are living in the time of the end. Thrones and churches have united to oppose God's purposes. The association of man with man, which God designed should be a means of strengthening goodness and happiness, has been a means of strengthening evil and of developing tendencies to rebellion. Men have assumed despotic power, and human laws have been put in the place of the law of God.  {18MR 185.1}

It is discouraging to see and exceedingly discouraging to experience. God never, ever meant that it should be so, yet we live through it every single day. It should be enough, we say, that the whole conscience of man would see it and recognize it; it should be enough, we say, that Christ would consider the earth’s cup full and put an immediate end to it, but it is so that the fullness of sin’s effect has not yet been seen. Can we fathom it and how can we bear it without great despair for His sake and ours? I see so many in my congregation crying and weeping between the porch and the altar for besetting sins in the church, and this is without knowledge of what is happening in the larger world church. To some degree, they are sheltered from it. It is quite possible if they knew the things we have come to know, it would come very close to crushing their fragile hope. Some, He will place in the grave to save them (CH 375), for they cannot endure what is to come upon the earth. It makes perfect sense and is a magnificent display of His mercy toward us.

All of this notwithstanding, here we are “in the accumulation of light and knowledge” in direct contrast to the accumulation of sin and degradation heaped upon us, generation after generation. Is the Spirit any less powerful than it was throughout the history of the world? No, yea, the display of His power will increase well beyond what was witnessed at Pentecost and we will see Him move in ways that will astonish the mind and rejuvenate the soul. Yes, we are the living generation most dwarfed through our physical inheritance; however, we stand light-years ahead of our forefathers “in the accumulation of light and knowledge.” And despite our disadvantaged state, we have unfolding revelations those before us did not have. Is it any wonder? One compensates the other. God is truly merciful. He gives us what we need - when we need it the most.

It is no happenstance that while composing this post, Elder Thurber would request that I enter a new SDA hymnwriters’ song (http://remnant-online.com/smf/index.php?topic=13386.msg147566#msg147566) in Beautiful Hymns. It fits the message to all of us who may be prone to the temptation of discouragement. There is only One solution and this song describes it.

O let me walk with Thee my God,
As Enoch walked in days of old;
Place Thou my trembling hand in Thine,
And sweet communion with Thee hold;
E'en thought the path I may not see,
Yet, Jesus, let me walk with Thee.

I cannot, dare to walk alone;
The tempest rages in the sky,
A thousand snares beset my feet,
A thousand foes are lurking nigh.
Still Thou the raging of the sea,
O Master let me walk with Thee.

If I may rest my hand in Thine,
I'll count the joys of earth but loss,
And firmly bravely journey on;
I'll bear the banner of the cross
Till Zion's glorious gates I see;
Yet, Savior, let me walk with Thee.


Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGGeH3MIPtU
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on June 30, 2012, 09:52:39 AM
Speaking of singing a song I thought this was appropriate for the topic. At first it might not sound encouraging but the hope of singing the song that He wants to teach us is encouraging.

In the full light of day, and in hearing of the music of other voices, the caged bird will not sing the song that his master seeks to teach him. He learns a snatch of this, a trill of that, but never a separate and entire melody. But the master covers the cage, and places it where the bird will listen to the one song he is to sing. In the dark, he tries and tries again to sing that song until it is learned, and he breaks forth in perfect melody. Then the bird is brought forth, and ever after he can sing that song in the light. Thus God deals with His children. He has a song to teach us, and when we have learned it amid the shadows of affliction we can sing it ever afterward.  {MH 472.2} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on June 30, 2012, 01:52:26 PM
That is such a beautiful quote, Jim.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on July 01, 2012, 07:49:14 AM

Psa 73:25  Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
Psa 73:26  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on July 21, 2012, 11:22:30 AM
Psa 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Psa 34:18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psa 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
Psa 34:20  He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Psa 34:21 Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
Psa 34:22  The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on July 21, 2012, 11:32:13 AM
Tremendous, Jim!

... and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 15, 2012, 05:58:30 PM
 Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. See Him in His agony upon the cross, as He exclaimed, "I thirst." He has endured all that it is possible for us to bear. His victory is ours.  {DA 123.1}

Every promise in God's word is ours. "By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. "Thy word," says the psalmist, "have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." "By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer." Ps. 119:11; 17:4.  {DA 123.4}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on August 16, 2012, 06:54:29 AM
 "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 Cor. 10:13  God's promises are precious!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 26, 2012, 04:32:40 PM
Be not discouraged; be not fainthearted. Although you may have temptations, although you may be beset by the wily foe, yet if you have the fear of God before you, angels that excel in strength will be sent to your help, and you can be more than a match for the powers of darkness. Jesus lives. He died to make a way of escape for the fallen race, and He lives today to make intercession for us, that we may be exalted to His own right hand. Hope in God. The world is traveling the broad way; and as you travel in the narrow way, and have to contend with principalities and powers, and to meet the opposition of foes, remember that provision has been made for you. Help has been laid upon One that is mighty, and through Him you can conquer. {2T 591.3}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 14, 2012, 07:53:47 PM
It is a law of nature that our thoughts and feelings are encouraged and strengthened as we give them utterance. While words express thoughts, it is also true that thoughts follow words. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have,--the great mercy and love of God,--we should have more faith and greater joy. MH 253

He was about to tell them of the suffering that awaited Him. But first He went away alone, and prayed that their hearts might be prepared to receive His words. Upon joining them, He did not at once communicate that which He desired to impart. Before doing this, He gave them an opportunity of confessing their faith in Him that they might be strengthened for the coming trial. He asked, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"  {DA 411.2} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on September 14, 2012, 07:58:25 PM
Oh! Those three little lines are so overwhelming to contemplate.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 17, 2012, 06:06:39 PM
The Lord will no more cast off the humblest, lowliest believer in Jesus than he will demolish his throne. We are accepted in the Beloved. We are members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.  {ST, June 6, 1895 par. 4} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on September 17, 2012, 06:08:11 PM
How can we ever forget that?
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 17, 2012, 06:23:03 PM
There are some thoughts that just strike a person when they read things and tonight I found that while looking for something else. I just never thought of Christ's love from that angle before but it does make sense since He was willing to risk Heaven for us.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 01, 2012, 06:40:33 PM
It seems almost too good to believe that the Father can and does love any member of the human family as He loves His Son. But we have the assurance that He does, and this assurance should bring joy to every heart, awakening the highest reverence and calling forth unspeakable gratitude. God's love is not uncertain and unreal, but a living reality.  {HP 58.2} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Marelis on October 05, 2012, 12:27:34 PM
The Lord will no more cast off the humblest, lowliest believer in Jesus than he will demolish his throne. We are accepted in the Beloved. We are members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.  {ST, June 6, 1895 par. 4} 
First time for me to read this, but it is a wonderful thought.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 07, 2012, 09:54:06 AM
At the birth of Jesus the angel announced, Peace on earth, and good will to men. And now at His first appearance to the disciples after His resurrection, the Saviour addressed them with the blessed words, "Peace be unto you." Jesus is ever ready to speak peace to souls that are burdened with doubts and fears. He waits for us to open the door of the heart to Him, and say, Abide with us. He says, "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." Revelation 3:20.  {DA 803.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on December 01, 2012, 05:45:33 AM
Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer. The rest that Christ offers depends upon conditions, but these conditions are plainly specified. They are those with which all can comply. He tells us just how His rest is to be found.  {DA 329.1}

Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us, of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service and honor of God supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.  {DA 330.1}

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on December 01, 2012, 07:58:32 AM
How is it that we could, even for a moment, forget these words? I will tell you this very day, God has pulled me and my own out of the fiery pit more times than I can begin to count. For years, prior to knowing Him, He kept us alive and we knew it not. There was a strange mystery attached to how we survived various circumstances prior to a real knowledge of Him. We did not know how it could be. But God, who knows the end from the beginning, ever so gently arranged events surrounding us so that we could finally plainly see Who it was working in our lives. We gave up on our own frail efforts to steady the course. And the moment that happened (June 2000), terror and fear vanished and at last, we could rest our weary heads upon His steady shoulder and know without a doubt, He was there all along.

A thousand ways to provide for us? Could we increase that to a trillion ways? My testimony is that I have evidence of it and praise His holy name that He should take notice of one such as me, and that He would extend His mercy and grace to those of my household while they are yet unbelievers. He has a plan, and in great anticipation, I am couched in His rest, watching and waiting to see just how He will work in their lives to bring about His purposes for them.     

Quote
The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer.

Matthew 11:28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.   
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Glen on December 15, 2012, 09:00:50 AM
The Lord wills not the death of any sinner, but that all should come to repentance....

Amen!

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is....not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The Saviour died to give we sinners life; however, Genesis 3:3, 4 ....of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it....lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die...  

We sinners, in accepting and believing in the Creator's words of promise, first die to disloyalty toward God, to truly live. There is, as it were, a double innuendo or implication in the Creator's words, Genesis 2:17 ....of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.  -seem to me to parallel with Genesis 3:15 ....I will put enmity between thee and the woman.... -Words addressed to the serpent of enmity toward the woman, include the promises of enmity placed in the woman against the serpent, and his seed; saying, "....between thy seed and her seed". The enmity of the serpent toward God that influenced and prompted Eve to disobey,  which she embraced or accepted in her disobedience of God, die, through her accepting the provision of the promise in Genesis 3:15.

Because of sin, all must die; the Penitent sinner repents, or "dies" to self, and it is God's will (His ideal) that they never "know sin" or "fall" to temptation, ever again, but henceforth LOVE, forever.

Any who refuse to repent of sin, declines letting God's words create His love, or fruit of the Spirit, in their soul, has died spiritually, and will indeed perish; forever, except they repent.

Romans 6:3-7 ....so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Titus 1:1, 2[color=red]....according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;  2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began...

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on December 15, 2012, 01:36:29 PM
Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be open for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden Bearer. 

     Circumstances may separate friends; the restless waters of the wide sea may roll between us and them. But no circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is at our right hand, to support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Christ's love for His redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love, to say, "I will trust Him; for He gave His life for me." 

     Human love may change, but Christ's love knows no change. When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched out to save.

     "The mountains may depart,
      And the hills be removed;
      But My loving-kindness shall not depart from thee,
      Neither shall My covenant of peace be removed,
      Saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee."
                             Isaiah 54:10, A.R.V.  {MH 72.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on December 31, 2012, 01:51:32 PM
Isa 41:9 [Thou] whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou [art] my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Isa 41:10 Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Isa 41:11 Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
Isa 41:12 Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, [even] them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
Isa 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Isa 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith. Circumstances may separate us from every earthly friend; but no circumstance, no distance, can separate us from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever we are, wherever we may go, He is always at our right hand to support, sustain, uphold, and cheer.  {DA 669.4} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on December 31, 2012, 03:41:56 PM
What a powerful promise to abiding Christians! He is OUR God, fear not! Powerful!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on January 01, 2013, 10:09:46 AM
We know, or we ought to know, that we are going to be tried. It has to do with character development. If we understand correctly the plan of salvation, it has to do with restoration of God's image in man. Sadly, great deceptions have come into the church so that this is poorly understood. Either it is put off and is just for the final generation or it is denied completely by those who believe they are saved in sin, even the last generation.

The promises and truths being shared in this topic are of vital importance to us all. If we understand that we shall be tried, it goes a long way in helping us to see our need of Jesus continually that we will not bring reproach upon our Savior and lose our peace.

Christ has said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Will you come? Will you comply with the conditions? If we would go to Christ, we could no longer remain in darkness. Those whose minds are bound about with despondency, who have no will-power to direct them in the right, who are not thoughtful and care-taking, would receive fresh light and vigor by communication with Christ. If you allow another to do your thinking for you, you will have crippled energies and contracted abilities. There are many whose intellects are dwarfed because they confine them to dwell upon commonplace subjects. You should wrestle with problems of thought that require the exercise of the best powers of your mind. God will sanctify your thought and ennoble your powers and talents, when you devote them to his service. You will find your talents increasing by exercise. You will double them by serving the Master as you should,--in putting them out to the exchangers. God desires you to be apt, skillful workers. The man who is able to put up a house in a workmanlike manner should be able to exercise his faculties in doing skillful work in the cause of God. The Lord requires us to use our talent to the very best of our ability. When we render him our best service, he will not fail to give us wisdom to do a still better service. We have dwarfed and weakened our capabilities by depending upon others to do our thinking. We have been leaning upon broken reeds, but God does not want us to depend upon others. We should depend wholly upon him. Why do you not go to your Heavenly Father, and make known your wants to him? Jesus has said, "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Is not this plain reasoning? Our heavenly Master has chosen words that may be understood by the mind of his simplest child. Why not take this precious promise to hang in the hall of memory? Why not impress upon our minds the things that will be a benefit for us to remember? Why not speak of these precious things in the garden of God's word, instead of talking of our doubts and trials? 

Suppose you were in a garden where bloomed beautiful roses, and lilies, and pinks; but instead of gathering the beautiful flowers, you should seek for everything objectionable to take away to show to others as a sample of that garden. Would the objectionable things you had gathered properly represent the garden?--By no means. If Christians gather up gloom and sadness to their souls, and murmur and complain, are they representing God and the Christian life as it really is? Christ tells us that if we abide in him, he will abide in us. Are we doing as he has bidden us? Will we gather the roses and the lilies and the pinks, and present to the world the hopeful, bright side of religion?
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on January 02, 2013, 06:18:40 AM
Quote
Will we gather the roses and the lilies and the pinks, and present to the world the hopeful, bright side of religion?

This question evoked a memory of this little song:

Jesus bids us shine
With a pure, clear light,
Like a little candle
Burning in the night.
In this world of darkness
So let us shine
You in your small corner,
And I in mine.


I had two grandfathers whose views and witness of religion were polar opposites. One, a Primitive Baptist; the other, a Seventh-day Adventist. Even as one among many of their grandchildren, we congregated around the joyful, happy one. We saw the love of Jesus in him.

James 1:26  If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
James 1:27  Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

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Why not impress upon our minds the things that will be a benefit for us to remember? Why not speak of these precious things in the garden of God's word, instead of talking of our doubts and trials? 

This is precisely what the joyful grandfather did and when in 2000 I began reading the Bible, wanting God in my life again, the witness of the joyful grandfather came to mind. What did he have that created in him such confidence, joy and peace? He had a knowledge of Jesus and it was attractive beyond measure.

I do not believe we can calculate the impression upon others a true Christian has. It is unto life eternal when we seek it and take it into our hearts as the genuine article. It proves itself.

Praise be to God!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on January 02, 2013, 09:05:54 AM
Amen!! And that is precisely why this topic is of importance. We all shall be tempted to be discouraged. That is what Satan wants. He does not want the witness of your consecrated grand-father. He wants decoys in the church that when tempted beyond what they can bear, they will bring reproach upon the truth and upon Christ.

But, Jesus has given us a most precious promise. That we shall not be discouraged, we shall not be tempted beyond what we can bear. Then why is it that so many professing to love and serve Jesus are discouraged and tempted beyond what they can bear?  If we can answer this question, then we shall be better prepared to finish the race we have begun. Here is the promise. "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 10:13.  Why does the promise appear to fail when we know that none of God's promises fail? Why are some full of peace and joy when others are tempted beyond what they can bear?
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 18, 2013, 05:50:48 PM
This is more aimed at your 2nd question than your first. It's easy to sink into discouragement and temptation when your eyes are not focused on Christ. Like Peter when he took his eyes off Christ and momentarily lost sight of Him Peter started to sink.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: colporteur on January 18, 2013, 06:14:36 PM
I am very much paraphrasing but we are  told in the SOP that we suffer much because of our willful stubbornness. It's kind of like fighting your Father when He  is pulling the sliver out. While it will necessarily involve some pain we can make it much worse than it needs to be. Our greatest battle  is from within. We are like a fish being caught. We can swim straight to the boat or we can fight all the way and even needlessly die in our efforts to resist the one who seeking to pull us from the lake of sin.

There are so many object lessons relating to fishing. I used to live to fish especially this time of year when we could walk on water.  8)  I still fish but the catch is much larger and the bait much different.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: colporteur on January 18, 2013, 06:15:26 PM
We are  told in the SOP that we suffer much because of our willful stubbornness. It's kind of like fighting your Father when He  is pulling the sliver out. While it will necessarily involve some pain we can make it much worse than it needs to be. Our greatest battle  is from within. We are like a fish being caught. We can swim straight to the boat or we can fight all the way and even needlessly die in our efforts to resist the one who is seeking to pull us from the lake of sin.

There are so many object lessons relating to fishing. I used to live to fish especially this time of year when we could walk on water.  8)  I still fish but the catch is much larger and the bait much different.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 26, 2013, 11:40:59 AM
Isa 50:7  For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

1Co_10:13  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.

Heb 2:18  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

2Pe_2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev 21:7  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
Jud 1:25  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 12, 2013, 06:23:13 PM

It is His will to Cleanse Us from Sin

In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.—(The Desire of Ages, 266.)
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Glen on March 14, 2013, 06:39:32 AM
The Lord will no more cast off the humblest, lowliest believer in Jesus than he will demolish his throne. We are accepted in the Beloved. We are members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.  {ST, June 6, 1895 par. 4} 
First time for me to read this, but it is a wonderful thought.

...We have sinned against Him and are undeserving of His favor; yet He Himself has put into our lips that most wonderful of pleas: “Do not abhor us, for Thy name’s sake, do not disgrace the throne of Thy glory: remember, break not Thy covenant with us.” Jeremiah 14:21. He has pledged Himself to give heed to our cry when we come to Him confessing our unworthiness and sin. The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word to us. 8T 23.1

Truly, God  "ventures" everything for our individual Salvation, -Yesterday; today; and, forever, in each and every moment of our individual sojourn on this wicked world! What a precious privilege, that He has given us the freedom and power of choice! We may choose; then, with His Power, through His Spirit, keep that LIGHT (John 1:4) of LIFE burning within us, and IN HIM, spoiling principalities and powers, making a shew of them openly, triumphing over them Colossians 2:15, taking up our individual cross (Luke 9:23)!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on July 24, 2013, 07:44:45 PM
In this time of trial we need to be encouraged and comforted by one another. The temptations of Satan are greater now than ever before, for he knows that his time is short and that very soon every case will be decided, either for life or for death. It is no time now to sink down beneath discouragement and trial; we must bear up under all our afflictions and trust wholly in the Almighty God of Jacob. The Lord has shown me that His grace is sufficient for all our trials; and although they are greater than ever before, yet if we trust wholly in God, we can overcome every temptation and through His grace come off victorious.  {EW 46.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on July 25, 2013, 04:01:00 AM
Amen, Jim.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 12, 2013, 06:37:39 PM
I hope the reader will forgive me for the length of this next post. When I read this the other day I knew I wanted to post this here as I believe you'll find it extremely encouraging but I can't just post part of it. So here it goes....

April 22, 1884 Effectual Prayer.
RH April 22, 1884

Effectual Prayer

Many prayers are offered without faith. A set form of words is used, but there is no real importunity. These prayers are doubtful, hesitating; they bring no relief to those who offer them, and no comfort or hope to others. The form of prayer is used, but the spirit is wanting, showing that the petitioner does not feel his need, and is not hungering and thirsting after righteousness. These long, cold prayers are untimely and wearisome; they are too much like preaching the Lord a sermon.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 1}
     Learn to pray short and right to the point, asking for just what you need. Learn to pray aloud where only God can hear you. Do not offer make-believe prayers, but earnest, feeling petitions, expressing the hunger of the soul for the Bread of Life. If we prayed more in secret, we should be able to pray more intelligently in public. These doubtful, hesitating prayers would cease. And when we engaged with our brethren in public worship, we could add to the interest of the meeting; for we should bring with us some of the atmosphere of Heaven, and our worship would be a reality, and not a mere form. Those about us can soon tell whether we are in the habit of praying or not. If the soul is not drawn out in prayer in the closet and while engaged in the business of the day, it will be manifest in the prayer-meeting. The public prayers will be dry and formal, consisting of repetitions and customary phrases, and they will bring darkness rather than light into the meeting.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 2} 
     The life of the soul depends upon habitual communion with God. Its wants are made known, and the heart is open to receive fresh blessings. Gratitude flows from unfeigned lips; and the refreshing that is received from Jesus is manifested in words, in deeds of active benevolence, and in public devotion. There is love to Jesus in the heart; and where love exists, it will not be repressed, but will express itself. Secret prayer sustains this inner life. The heart that loves God will desire to commune with him, and will lean on him in holy confidence.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 3} 
     Let us learn to pray intelligently, expressing our requests with clearness and precision. Let us put away the listless, sluggish habit into which we have fallen, and pray as though we meant it. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Faith takes a firm hold of the promises of God, and urges her petitions with fervor; but when the life of the soul stagnates, the outward devotions become formal and powerless.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 4} 
     I have listened to testimonies like this: "I have not the light that I desire; I have not the assurance of the favor of God." Such testimonies express only unbelief and darkness. Are you expecting that your merit will recommend you to the favor of God, and that you must be free from sin before you trust his power to save? If this is the struggle going on in your mind, I fear you will gain no strength, and will finally become discouraged. As the brazen serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, so was Christ lifted up to draw all men unto him. All who looked upon that serpent, the means that God had provided, were healed; so in our sinfulness, in our great need, we must "look and live." While we realize our helpless condition without Christ, we must not be discouraged; we must rely upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour. Poor sin-sick, discouraged soul, look and live. Jesus has pledged his word; he will save all who come unto him. Then let us come confessing our sins, bringing forth fruits meet for repentance.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 5} 
     Jesus is our Saviour today. He is pleading for us in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, and he will forgive our sins. It makes all the difference in the world with us spiritually whether we rely upon God without doubt, as upon a sure foundation, or whether we are seeking to find some righteousness in ourselves before we come to him. Look away from self to the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. It is a sin to doubt. The least unbelief, if cherished in the heart, involves the soul in guilt, and brings great darkness and discouragement. It is saying that the Lord is false; that he will not do as he has promised; and he is greatly dishonored. Some have cherished doubts, discontent, and a disposition to be on the wrong side, until they love doubts, and seem to think it is praiseworthy to be on the side of the doubting. But when the believing ones shall receive the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls, the doubting ones, who have sowed unbelief, will reap that which they have sown, and a pitiful, undesirable harvest it will be.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 6}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 12, 2013, 06:41:26 PM
Some seem to feel that they must be on probation, and must prove to the Lord that they are reformed before they can claim his blessing. But these dear souls may claim the blessing of God even now. They must have his grace, the spirit of Christ to help their infirmities, or they cannot form Christian characters. Jesus loves to have us come to him just as we are,--sinful, helpless, dependent. We claim to be children of the light, not of the night nor of darkness; what right have we to be unbelieving?  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 7} 
     Some obtain answers to prayer, a little freedom, and they become elated. They do not increase in faith, do not grow in strength and courage, but they depend on feeling. If they happen to feel well, they think they are in favor with God. How many stumble here, how many are overcome! Feeling is no criterion for any of us. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." We are to examine our characters in God's mirror, his holy law, to detect our errors and imperfections, and then to remove them by the precious blood of Christ.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 8} 
     Jesus, who died for us, loves us with a love that is infinite; and we must love one another. We must put away all selfishness, and work together in love and unity. We have loved and petted ourselves, and excused ourselves in our waywardness; but we have been unmerciful toward our brethren, who are not as faulty as ourselves. The Lord loves us, and bears with us, even when we are ungrateful to him, forgetful of his mercies, wickedly unbelieving; but consider, brethren, how relentless we are to one another, how pitiless; how we hurt and wound one another when we should love as Christ has loved us. Let us make a complete change. Let us cultivate the precious plant of love, and delight to help one another. We must be kind, forbearing, patient with one another's errors; we must keep our sharp criticisms for ourselves, but hope all things, believe all things, of our brethren.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 9} 
     When we have cultivated a spirit of charity, we may commit the keeping of our souls to God as unto a faithful Creator, not because we are sinless, but because Jesus died to save just such erring, faulty creatures as we are, thus expressing his estimate of the value of the human soul. We may rest upon God, not because of our own merit, but because the righteousness of Christ will be imputed to us. We must look away from self to the spotless Lamb of God, who did no sin; and by looking to him in living faith, we shall become like him.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 10} 
     There are rich promises for us in the word of God. The plan of salvation is ample. It is no narrow, limited provision that has been made for us. We are not obliged to trust in the evidence that we had a year or a month ago, but we may have the assurance today that Jesus lives, and is making intercession for us. We cannot do good to those around us while our own souls are destitute of spiritual life. Our ministers do not wrestle all night in prayer, as many godly ministers before us have done. They sit up bent over tables, writing lessons, or preparing articles to be read by thousands; they arrange facts in shape to convince the mind in regard to doctrine. All these things are essential; but how much God can do for us in sending light and convicting power to hearts in answer to the prayer of faith! The empty seats in our prayer-meetings testify that Christians do not realize the claims of God upon them; they do not realize their duty to make these meetings interesting and successful. They go over a monotonous, wearisome round, and return to their home unrefreshed, unblessed.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 11}
     If we would refresh others, we must ourselves drink of the Fountain that never becomes dry. It is our privilege to become acquainted with the Source of our strength, to have hold of the arm of God. If we would have spiritual life and energy, we must commune with God. We can speak to him of our real wants; and our earnest petitions will show that we realize our needs, and will do what we can to answer our own prayers. We must obey the injunction of Paul, "Arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 12} 
     Luther was a man of prayer. He worked and prayed as though something must be done, and that at once, and it was done. His prayers were followed up by venturing something on the promises of God; and, through divine aid, he was enabled to shake the vast power of Rome, so that in every country the foundations of the church trembled.  {RH, April 22, 1884 par. 13} 
     The Spirit of God co-operates with the humble worker that abides in Christ and communes with him. Pray when you are faint-hearted. When you are desponding, close the lips firmly to men; keep all the darkness within, lest you shadow the path of another, but tell it to Jesus. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith, that you may see light in his light, and rejoice in his love. Only believe, and you shall surely see the salvation of God.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on August 12, 2013, 09:10:29 PM
Amen!! There is no greater sin than "unbelief". Thanks for sharing, Jim. That is an encouraging message. All who are being tempted, especially those who are despondent, need to prayerfully read this. God loves us, just as we are!!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 18, 2013, 05:45:08 AM
Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. She had heard His strong cries to the Father in her behalf. She knew how offensive is sin to His unsullied purity, and in His strength she had overcome.  {DA 568.1} 
     When to human eyes her case appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary capabilities for good. He saw the better traits of her character. The plan of redemption has invested humanity with great possibilities, and in Mary these possibilities were to be realized. Through His grace she became a partaker of the divine nature. The one who had fallen, and whose mind had been a habitation of demons, was brought very near to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry. It was Mary who sat at His feet and learned of Him. It was Mary who poured upon His head the precious anointing oil, and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary stood beside the cross, and followed Him to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary who first proclaimed a risen Saviour.  {DA 568.2} 
     Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. You may say, I am sinful, very sinful. You may be; but the worse you are, the more you need Jesus. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration.  {DA 568.3} 
     Christ might commission the angels of heaven to pour out the vials of His wrath on our world, to destroy those who are filled with hatred of God. He might wipe this dark spot from His universe. But He does not do this. He is today standing at the altar of incense, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help.  {DA 568.4} 
     The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer, in the light proceeding from the throne of God. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:33, 34.  {DA 568.5} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on August 18, 2013, 06:44:54 AM

     The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand beside the great Sin Bearer, in the light proceeding from the throne of God. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:33, 34.  {DA 568.5} 


This is particularly comforting today. Thank you, Jim.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on November 16, 2013, 03:31:36 PM
Though you Sin, Your Case is Not Hopeless

Of what good would He deprive us? He would deprive us of the privilege of giving up to the natural passions of the carnal heart. We cannot get angry just when we please, and retain a clear conscience and the approval of God. But are we not willing to give this up? Will the indulgence of corrupt passions make us any happier? It is because it will not that restrictions are laid upon us in this respect. It will not add to our enjoyment to get angry and cultivate a perverse temper. It is not for our happiness to follow the leadings of the natural heart. And shall we be made better by indulging them? No; they will cast a shadow in our households and throw a pall over our happiness. Giving way to the natural appetites will only injure the constitution and tear the system to pieces. Therefore God would have us restrict the appetite, control the passions, and hold in subjection the entire man. And He has promised to give us strength if we will engage in this work. {2T 590.1}

The sin of Adam and Eve caused a fearful separation between God and man. And Christ steps in between fallen man and God, and says to man: "You may yet come to the Father; there is a plan devised through which God can be reconciled to man, and man to God; through a mediator you can approach God." And now He stands to mediate for you. He is the great High Priest who is pleading in your behalf; and you are to come and present your case to the Father through Jesus Christ. Thus you can find access to God; and though you sin, your case is not hopeless. "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." {2T 591.1}

I thank God that we have a Saviour. And there is no way whereby we can be exalted, except through Christ. Then let no one think that it is a great humiliation on his part to accept of Christ; for when we take that step we take hold of the golden cord that links finite man with the infinite God; we take the first step toward true exaltation, that we may be fitted for the society of pure and heavenly angels in the kingdom of glory. {2T 591.2}

Be not discouraged; be not fainthearted. Although you may have temptations, although you may be beset by the wily foe, yet if you have the fear of God before you, angels that excel in strength will be sent to your help, and you can be more than a match for the powers of darkness. Jesus lives. He died to make a way of escape for the fallen race, and He lives today to make intercession for us, that we may be exalted to His own right hand. Hope in God. The world is traveling the broad way; and as you travel in the narrow way, and have to contend with principalities and powers, and to meet the opposition of foes, remember that provision has been made for you. Help has been laid upon One that is mighty, and through Him you can conquer. {2T 591.3}

Let none venture into sin as he did, in the hope that they too may recover themselves. Sin can be indulged only at the peril of infinite loss. But none who have fallen need give themselves up to despair. Aged men, once honored of God, may have defiled their souls, sacrificing virtue on the altar of lust; but there is still hope for them if they repent, forsake sin, and turn to God. {CC 197.3}

The misapplication of noble talents in Solomon's case should be a warning to all. Goodness alone is true greatness. {CC 197.4}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on November 17, 2013, 10:44:02 AM
Well....Jim, you have shared a truth that many do not understand and many do not want to hear, yet it is the truth that saves.  It is not popular to tell of what is required to enter heaven, yet it is the only hope we have. Jesus does not stand by without doing anything to save us. He already suffered and died that we might live, but that is not enough. He continues to work on our behalf If He was not drawing us to Himself, we all should be lost. We are dependent upon His active labor for each of us. Monday's Sabbath School lesson deals with this specific subject.  It is so important that I fear to continue past the lesson until we have a consensus on what it means to be our Intercessor. I know that many do not understand. I have seen popular teachers express this in a manner that many are led away from the truth.

Thank you for sharing this important truth, Jim. Hopefully many will receive a blessing from reading it. Jesus loves us and there is no reason to be discouraged when Christ is a living working Savior.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on November 29, 2013, 06:46:21 PM
Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels' song. Humanity is still as much the object of heaven's solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God's command.  {DA 48.4} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on December 12, 2013, 07:19:03 PM
When I read this, this morning I thought about this topic. To be honest I really didn't (don't) want to put this here because I've tried to include uplifting and not things that could be seen as negative. Yet I think it's good for us to understand some things. Here is an explanation as to why there is discouragement.

In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour's presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked. This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ. {DA 83.2} 
     Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received it. Often they feel that God has dealt hardly with them. They do not see that the fault is their own. By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence.  {DA 83.3} 
     It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.  {DA 83.4} 
     As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory." 2 Corinthians 3:18.  {DA 83.5} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on December 17, 2013, 06:02:39 AM
Thanks for sharing this, Jim. It is the truth that sets us free. Where one might see it as negative, others will see it as positive. The Laodicean message is certainly negative, in that it reveals a backslidden church. But, the sinner who is blind will appreciate understanding his true condition if he is seeking Christ. The passage you shared is most important.  It reveals are continual need of Jesus.  When separated from him, we have no peace, no joy, and no life. 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on December 29, 2013, 05:04:18 AM
But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God's dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, "Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." John 1:50.  {DA 148.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on December 29, 2013, 05:15:09 AM
If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. "Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." John 1:50.  {DA 148.3} 

Amen! That is the key.

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 18, 2014, 12:21:46 PM
Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hopeless.  {DA 258.4}
 
The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.  {DA 258.5}

Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isaiah 27:5. The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isaiah 49:24, 25.  {DA 258.6}  
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on January 24, 2014, 01:14:10 PM
Amen!  This is an interesting statement that needs to be explained a little more.  "Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him."  Sounds like we are slaves no  matter what?
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 24, 2014, 05:14:07 PM
Yes... a slave if you choose to serve satan.

And I suppose technically a slave if you choose Christ. But if you count that slavery I'll take it since it was Christ Himself who said that the truth would set you free!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on January 25, 2014, 05:04:23 AM
Yes, yet Paul stated he was a slave of Christ. Some translations use "bondservant," and some simply "servant." Romans 1.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 25, 2014, 09:48:09 AM
I was thinking of that verse as I was typing my last response so I'm glad that you mentioned it.

A servant of Christ.. yes. But a servant who is not in bondage to his or her passions. A servant that is free and able to choose right and actually follow through. If you're abiding in Christ and His desires, thoughts, and impulses are also yours that isn't what we normally think of as servitude. It is freedom to be harmless yourself and to others instead of setting forth a bad example.

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on January 25, 2014, 04:10:38 PM
Amen as it relates to your DA 258 statement.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on January 29, 2014, 08:35:04 PM
Yes, Jim, the difference being that in bondage to Satan is without freedom. Serving Christ leaves the will free to choose another master. We serve our Lord willingly and may leave at any time.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Glen on February 25, 2014, 06:05:46 AM
...technically a slave if you choose Christ. But if you count that slavery I'll take it since it was Christ Himself who said that the truth would set you free!

This prompted me to consider a scenario of a young man using a Grinding Wheel to work some steel; who, feeling too "fettered" and angry at the sign that says he must use a full-face shield while running the Wheel;  is so very surprised and frustrated when he loses an eye because of flying steel slivers.

When the soul surrenders to Christ, a new power takes possession of the heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which he holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept by heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan. 
From Heaven With Love, p. 215.3

But unless we yield ourselves to the control of Christ, we shall be dominated by the wicked one.  From Heaven With Love, p. 215.4

...thus saith the LORD... 11 ...I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:10, 11

God permits trials to assail His people, that by their constancy and obedience they themselves may be spiritually enriched, and that their example may be a source of strength to others. 
“I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil” (Jeremiah 29:11). The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange.  Conflict and Courage, p. 45.5
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 01, 2014, 10:45:57 AM
The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange.  Conflict and Courage, p. 45.5

Thanks for sharing Glen, as I see it when hard and bad times come upon we have to ways of reacting. One will lead away from Christ the other way to seek Christ with all your heart.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 09, 2014, 06:32:52 AM
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.  {DA 480.3} 
     As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.  {DA 480.4} 
     Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.  {DA 480.5} 
     Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.  {DA 483.1} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 09, 2014, 06:41:09 AM
Eze 34:31  And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.

Isa 43:1  But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
Isa 43:2  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.
Isa 43:3  For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
Isa 43:4  Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.

Isa 49:16  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

Jer 31:3  The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Hos 11:4  I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on March 09, 2014, 08:02:13 AM
These promises should be seared upon our minds in these days when temptation knocks upon our door with a singular purpose: to discourage. Thank you for posting them, Jim.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 15, 2014, 06:21:35 PM
Here is some encouragement for the mothers who read here.

     Jesus knows the burden of every mother's heart. He who had a mother that struggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in her labors. He who made a long journey in order to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman will do as much for the mothers of today. He who gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and who in His agony upon the cross remembered His own mother, is touched today by the mother's sorrow. In every grief and every need He will give comfort and help.  {DA 512.2} 
     Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviour's feet. He who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not," still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mother's arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.  {DA 512.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 22, 2014, 12:00:37 PM
While I believe that biggest malady of our church today is the laodecian condition there are some that are fully aware of their sinfulness, defects of character, and weaknesses and are discouraged by these. When they hear a message or sermon aimed at the laodecian it can be like rubbing salt into their wounds. The next couple of posts will be for those. It's also for those who have been beat up and wounded by satan and are tempted to fear that they are beyond hope.


When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan's constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life's cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections--to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices. Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to Him. If you will leave yourself in His hands, He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him that has loved you.  {SC 71.2}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on March 27, 2014, 09:27:07 PM
Amen!!  The Laodicean message does not end with the rebuke, but with the promise!!   :)  It is an encouraging message to those who eyes are no longer blind to their sins.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 30, 2014, 05:14:17 AM
Shall we look at our sins, and begin to mourn, and say, I have done wrong, and I cannot come to God with any degree of confidence? Does not the Bible say, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"? It is a proper thing for us to have a realization of the terrible character of sin. It was sin that caused Christ to suffer an ignominious death on Calvary. But while we should understand that sin is a terrible thing, we should not listen to the voice of our adversary, who says, "You have sinned, and you have no right to claim the promises of God." You should say to the adversary, It is written, "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." I am so glad that God has made a provision whereby we may know that he does pardon our transgressions! We do not believe in God as we should, and I have thought that this unbelief is our greatest sin. The psalmist says, "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin." "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. . . . The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." This is the kind of experience that we should have.  {RH, May 19, 1896 par. 9} 
     We must not think, when we are afflicted, that the anger of the Lord is upon us. God brings us into trials, in order that we may be drawn near to him. The psalmist says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." He does not desire us to be under a cloud. We should pray as did David, "Open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise." The Lord would have us lay hold of these promises for ourselves. He does not desire us to go in anguish of spirit. We are not to look at the thorns and the thistles in our experience. We are to go into the garden of God's word, and pluck the lilies, the roses, and the fragrant pinks of his promises. Those who look upon the difficulties in their experience, will talk doubt and discouragement; for they do not behold Jesus, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. We should keep our minds upon the love, the mercy, the graciousness of our God, in order that we may become changed into his image, by beholding the divine character. Thus joy will be brought into our experience; for by studying the word of God we shall see that we are not left to our weakness, to our doubts, and that there is no occasion for sinking under discouragement. Talk faith; act faith. Cultivate the faith that works by love, and purifies the soul.  {RH, May 19, 1896 par. 10} 
     I have not always dwelt on the good things of God as I should have done; but I do not make it a practice to look on the dark side. This morning my heart was drawn away from the things that are seen and temporal, to the things that are unseen and eternal. I said, O God, I will pluck the roses and the lilies and the pinks! I will call upon the name of the Lord! I will take the cup of salvation!  {RH, May 19, 1896 par. 11}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Glen on April 05, 2014, 08:20:57 AM
As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.  {DA 480.4} 

You've almost certainly heard of the Poem, The Footprints Prayer...

The Footprints Prayer-Footprints in the Sand

One night I had a dream...

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, You would walk with me all the way; But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, There is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.


-Whenever I hear this Poem spoken of, I picture in my thoughts the character, Pilgrim, (Pilgrim's Progress: by John Bunyan) on his way to the Celestial City, wearing the armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-13; Colossians 3:9, 10).

Ephesians 6:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Colossians 3:
9 ...put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And... put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

The impartation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ. Gospel Workers 1915, p. 285.2

The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul. Manuscript 41, 1896.

...This refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ... Manuscript Releases Volume Fourteen 179.2

It is essential to live by every word of God, else our old nature will constantly reassert itself. It is the Holy Spirit, the redeeming grace of truth in the soul, that makes the followers of Christ one with one another, and one with God. He alone can expel enmity, envy, and unbelief. He sanctifies the entire affections. He restores the willing, desirous soul from the power of Satan unto God. This is the power of grace. It is a divine power. Under its influence there is a change from the old habits, customs, and practices which, when cherished, separate the soul from God; and the work of sanctification goes on in the soul, constantly progressing and enlarging.
The Review and Herald, October 12, 1897.

Here is an example to all generations who should live upon the earth. Although they may be exposed to temptations, yet they should ever realize that there is a defense at hand, and it will be their own fault if they are not preserved. God will be a present help, and his Spirit a shield. Although surrounded with the severest temptations, there is a source of strength to which they can apply and resist them. How fierce was the assault upon Joseph’s morals. It came from one of influence, the most likely to lead astray. Yet how promptly and firmly was it resisted.  The Spirit of Prophecy Volume 1, p. 132.1

...The natural man must die, and the new man, Christ Jesus, take possession of the soul.... You may show by your life what the power and grace of God can do in transforming the natural man into a spiritual man in Christ Jesus.  God's Amazing Grace, p. 226.

I submit to you that when "the natural man" dies, and the "new man, Christ Jesus" takes possession of the soul, THIS is the Early Rain. When the presence of Christ, through His Spirit, works in the Believer to will and to do of His good pleasure, and the soul always seeks the good of others, THIS is "The Latter Rain" which is prophesied of in Scripture; that:

Colossians 1:
26...mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 4:
12 ...the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 ...the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Glen on April 05, 2014, 08:47:47 AM
In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work. That temple, erected for the abode of the divine Presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God’s purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again His temple. God designed that the temple at Jerusalem should be a continual witness to the high destiny open to every soul. But the Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much pride. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world’s buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin,—from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul. “The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver.” Malachi 3:1-3.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on April 26, 2014, 05:12:35 AM
It was through self-sufficiency that Peter fell; and it was through repentance and humiliation that his feet were again established. In the record of his experience every repenting sinner may find encouragement. Though Peter had grievously sinned, he was not forsaken. The words of Christ were written upon his soul, "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Luke 22:32. In his bitter agony of remorse, this prayer, and the memory of Christ's look of love and pity, gave him hope. Christ after His resurrection remembered Peter, and gave the angel the message for the women, "Go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him." Mark 16:7. Peter's repentance was accepted by the sin-pardoning Saviour.  {COL 155.4} 
     And the same compassion that reached out to rescue Peter is extended to every soul who has fallen under temptation. It is Satan's special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him, helpless and trembling, fearing to seek for pardon. But why should we fear, when God has said, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me?" Isaiah 27:5. Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered us to come to Christ.  {COL 156.1} 

 No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.  {COL 159.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on May 11, 2014, 05:23:46 AM
I know that this a single sentence that might kind-of be pulled out of context but yet how can it be out of context if this is Christ's theme. Has satan beaten you up with your weaknesses and sins? Well then mediate on this thought...

All His life Christ had been publishing to a fallen world the good news of the Father's mercy and pardoning love. Salvation for the chief of sinners was His theme.  {DA 753.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on May 11, 2014, 09:01:29 PM
Amen!!!

Some view God as harsh since the wages of sin is death, but how very wrong is this view of God. He has done all that He can do to save us from ourselves. What a price was paid to redeem the chief of sinners!! What love for the sinner!!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Glen on July 26, 2014, 07:38:56 AM
The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange.  Conflict and Courage, p. 45.5

Thanks for sharing Glen, as I see it when hard and bad times come upon we have to ways of reacting. One will lead away from Christ the other way to seek Christ with all your heart.

Amen, JimB.!

...gospel truth hardens when it does not save. The rejection of light leaves men captives, bound about by chains of darkness and unbelief. The soul that refuses to listen to the invitations of mercy from day to day can soon listen to the most urgent appeals without an emotion stirring his soul... Testimony Treasures Volume 2, p. 291.2

You've perhaps read or heard the poem Footprints in the Sand by Mary Stevenson; telling of when we see only one set of footprints, it is then that Christ carries us. I like to think of this in a different way; following the idea shared by EGW:

Christ taught that His church is a spiritual kingdom. He Himself, “the Prince of peace,” is the head of His church. In His person humanity, inhabited by divinity, was represented to the world.  God's Amazing Grace, p. 14.4

Christ represented what we bay become as His Spirit possesses the inner sanctum of our soul. We become humanity inhabited by Divinity.

...Those whose hearts are filled with spiritual life will not need to be urged to reveal this life. The divine life will flow forth from them in rich currents of grace. As they pray, and as they speak, God is glorified.  Reflecting Christ, p. 197.5

...Christ died to purchase salvation for us. He was raised for our justification, and He ever lives to make intercession for us. His life and death bring salvation to every believing child of God. By His death we are reconciled to God; by His life, as it is wrought out in our life, we shall be saved...  ST June 17, 1903, par. 12


He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life. The Desire of Ages, 195

...if (you have yourself) eaten of the Bread of Life; if (you have) drunk of the Fountain of Life, (you) can feed the hungry souls; (you) can give of the Water of Life to him that is athirst. (Your) defects will be forgiven and forgotten. (Your) hearers will not become weary or disgusted, but will thank God for the message of grace sent them through His servant.  Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 243.1
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 02, 2014, 06:58:09 PM
When I came across this today I immediately thought of this thread. May it encourage some reader out there.

  I want to say, my sister, you need not cast away your confidence. Poor, trembling soul, rest in the promises of God. In so doing, the enemy's fetters will be broken, his suggestions will be powerless. Heed not the whisperings of the enemy. Go free, oppressed soul. Be of good courage. Say to your poor, desponding heart: "Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." I know that God loves you. Put your trust in Him. Think not of those things which bring sadness and distress; turn from every disagreeable thought and think of precious Jesus. Dwell upon His power to save, His undying, matchless love for you, even you. I know that the Lord loves you. If you cannot rely upon your own faith, rely upon the faith of others. We believe and hope for you. God accepts our faith in your behalf.  {2T 319.2} 
     You have tried to do right, and God is pitiful and compassionate to you. Be cheerful, and bid adieu to gloom and doubts. In indulging these doubts, you dishonor God. There is peace in believing, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Believing brings peace, and trusting in God brings joy. Believe, believe! my soul says, believe. Rest in God. He is able to keep that which you have committed to His trust. He will bring you off more than conqueror through Him who hath loved you. May the Lord bless you and strengthen your trembling faith, is our prayer. We commit these few lines to you, trusting they may do you good.  {2T 319.3}

If you read and you believe it applies to you then rely on upon the faith of your friends here at TRO that God loves you!!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 02, 2014, 03:03:12 PM
This is not to encourage the indolent but those who are tempted to think that because of circumstances that their influence doesn't seem to go beyond the home or close friends that they are not fighting the good fight.

There are many who have given themselves to Christ, yet who see no opportunity of doing a large work or making great sacrifices in His service. These may find comfort in the thought that it is not necessarily the martyr's self-surrender which is most acceptable to God; it may not be the missionary who has daily faced danger and death that stands highest in heaven's records. The Christian who is such in his private life, in the daily surrender of self, in sincerity of purpose and purity of thought, in meekness under provocation, in faith and piety, in fidelity in that which is least, the one who in the home life represents the character of Christ--such a one may in the sight of God be more precious than even the world-renowned missionary or martyr.  {COL 403.2} 
     Oh, how different are the standards by which God and men measure character. God sees many temptations resisted of which the world and even near friends never know--temptations in the home, in the heart. He sees the soul's humility in view of its own weakness; the sincere repentance over even a thought that is evil. He sees the wholehearted devotion to His service. He has noted the hours of hard battle with self--battle that won the victory. All this God and angels know. A book of remembrance is written before Him for them that fear the Lord and that think upon His name.  {COL 403.3}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 26, 2014, 05:13:47 PM
Will you review your past life, will you see where your defects and mistakes have been, and when you see that they are many, will you remember that Jesus lives to make intercession for you, and not sink down in discouragement? Jesus pleads his blood before the Father, and says, "I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions as a thick cloud." Let this be the language of your heart: "Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Do not even for a moment distrust your Saviour's power to save you. Fall in your helplessness at the foot of the cross; today believe the promise of God. Jesus loves us with a love that is infinite. Oh, what love, what matchless love, he has shown for the children of men! Jesus does not desire you to wait to make yourself better; he desires you to take him today as your Saviour. This very day say: "He is mine, and I am his. I will give my soul into his keeping, and he will keep that which I have committed to his trust against that day. Through faith he will give me victory over the temptations of the enemy. I shall see of his salvation. I shall triumph in God." Do you not think that such language as this will drive back the enemy from the tempted soul? Satan tries to interpose himself between us and Christ, but we must drive him back by talking faith, and by exalting the power of Jesus to save us. Shall we not take steps in advance without delay? Shall we not show that we are not afraid to trust our Saviour in the darkness as well as in the light? I have been tested on this point. One loved one after another has been torn from me by death, and it has seemed as though it would crush me; but in these hours Jesus has seemed to say to me: "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  {ST, March 17, 1890 par. 4}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on October 21, 2014, 09:11:56 AM
Amen, Jim. Faith, like a photograph is developed in the dark.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 29, 2014, 06:48:05 PM
The words of Christ pointing to His death had brought sadness and doubt. And the selection of the three disciples to accompany Jesus to the mountain had excited the jealousy of the nine. Instead of strengthening their faith by prayer and meditation on the words of Christ, they had been dwelling on their discouragements and personal grievances. In this state of darkness they had undertaken the conflict with Satan.  {DA 431.1} 
     In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must be emptied of self, and be filled with the Spirit and power of God. Earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith--faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work--can alone avail to bring men the Holy Spirit's aid in the battle against principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and wicked spirits in high places.  {DA 431.2} 
     "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed," said Jesus, "ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove." Though the grain of mustard seed is so small, it contains that same mysterious life principle which produces growth in the loftiest tree. When the mustard seed is cast into the ground, the tiny germ lays hold of every element that God has provided for its nutriment, and it speedily develops a sturdy growth. If you have faith like this, you will lay hold upon God's word, and upon all the helpful agencies He has appointed. Thus your faith will strengthen, and will bring to your aid the power of heaven. The obstacles that are piled by Satan across your path, though apparently as insurmountable as the eternal hills, shall disappear before the demand of faith. "Nothing shall be impossible unto you."  {DA 431.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on October 30, 2014, 06:37:01 AM
The words of Christ pointing to His death had brought sadness and doubt. And the selection of the three disciples to accompany Jesus to the mountain had excited the jealousy of the nine. Instead of strengthening their faith by prayer and meditation on the words of Christ, they had been dwelling on their discouragements and personal grievances. In this state of darkness they had undertaken the conflict with Satan.  {DA 431.1}

This paragraph appeared as magnified to me this morning.

Jesus chose three to go with Him to the mountain.

The nine left behind became jealous. "In this state of darkness" they undertook a battle with Satan. Their unbelief, that shut them out from deeper sympathy with Christ, and the carelessness with which they regarded the sacred work committed to them, had caused their failure in the conflict with the powers of darkness.

When our thoughts turn back to ourselves, the varied circumstances we consider all important, power to do His bidding is utterly lost. Failure to remain connected to the Vine results in defeat in ministry to others.

I may want to be called to go to the mountain with Jesus, but if He didn't call me to go with Him on that specific mission, jealousy of another who is called is not my business. There is still a work to do "in the plain."

Consider the application to our stations in life. Do we handle the little things committed to us with carelessness because we are not called to more lofty positions? It is a thing to ponder.

I'll get personal and say this at the outset. The Lord is refining me with a vengeance. He knows my character and although there is much about myself that I do know, He knows me to the core. At present He has me glued to the position of chief maid and bottle washer to a brood of needy individuals who seemed to appear out of nowhere. Only He could have placed them in my path. It is not glamorous work and it is so very tiring, but ... That is my work "in the plain." And although it seems mundane and oh so lackluster, if that work were to be left undone at the most basic level, how could I effectively help these people who so depend on me? I am the only Christian in the house and they closely watch me. When challenges arise, and do they ever, I cannot afford to be left to discouragement, jealousy or careless handling of His job description - the power He affords in sustaining me would be lost and all of this would be for naught, causing reproach upon Him. It is His work. And of this, sometimes the reminders to myself of that fact are frequently required and I must fall on my knees because I am not prone to gracefulness. Only in heaven will we know the true importance of faithfulness in little things like tending to the basic needs necessary to sustain daily living. May God help us as we faithfully work where He places us. It it character refining and that is what we want. It is what we need.   

     
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 30, 2014, 10:44:54 AM
We are all in the refiners fire hopefully and in the process learning some things about ourselves (both good and bad) but most of all learning about our kind Savior who is willing to save to the uttermost. I just pray that the Lord will guide me in His ways.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on October 30, 2014, 10:45:33 AM
Amen.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on November 06, 2014, 06:36:46 PM
Mat 5:3  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.....
Mat 5:6  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Has Satan wounded you and is now whispering dreadful and discouraging thoughts into your ear. Don't despair but rather look and live!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

April 9, 1894 Look not to Self but to Christ.
-
By Mrs. E. G. White.
-

     It is in looking upon our sinful condition, and talking and mourning over our wretchedness, that distress becomes more keen, and pain accumulates. Let the sinner arise in the strength of Jesus, for he has no strength of his own, and let him assert his liberty. Let him believe that the Lord has spoken truth, and trust in him, whatever may be the feelings of the heart. Let the sinner say, I will look away from my own misery, from the wound of the serpent, to the uplifted Saviour, who has said, "Him that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out." Look upon Jesus. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 1} 
     Let no one make his feelings his idol, and bow his soul down to worship and serve his sensations. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." It is your privilege to believe that Christ has borne your sins; for God hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. You are under the shelter of the sure refuge, under the cover of the atoning blood of the acceptable sacrifice.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 2} 
     All legalism, all the sorrow and woe by which you may encompass yourself, will not give you one moment of relief. You cannot rightly estimate sin. You must accept God's estimate, and it is heavy indeed. If you bore the guilt of your sin, it would crush you; but the sinless One has taken your place, and, though, undeserving, he has borne your guilt. By accepting the provision God has made, you may stand free before God in the merit and virtue of your Substitute. You will then have a proper estimate of sin, and the godly sorrow of true repentance will take the place of hopeless discouragement and grief, for you will turn from sin with grief and abhorrence.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 3} 
     Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Do not think for an instant that any human being has a more loving heart, and a more tender compassion for you, than he who died on Calvary to save you. Do not turn from the divine to the human. The human messenger may bid you hope, on the ground that God's word bids you hope. Your Heavenly Father invites you to come to him as a little child to a loving parent, and say, Thou hast said: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 4} 
     Christ is the friend of sinners. When the scribes and the Pharisees accused him of eating with publicans and sinners, Jesus said, "I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." If you feel yourself to be the greatest of sinners, then Christ is just what you need; for he is the greatest of Saviours. Lift up your head, and look away from yourself, away from the poisoned wound of the serpent, to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. What will all your groaning and the torturing of your soul avail? You may entertain thoughts that condemn you, but in them there is no salvation. Put away your thoughts, and receive the thoughts of God, through which your mind may be elevated, your soul purified and uplifted. The Lord says: "For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." Why will you carry your burden of sin, when Christ has come to be your burden bearer? Roll your sins at the foot of the cross. Unload! unload! He takes away the sins of the world. "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 5} 
     You have been pronounced a sinner, and Christ has announced himself a Saviour. Accept the remedy God has provided for you in a sin-pardoning Saviour. How would you have felt had you been in the camp of Israel and seen the people groaning and shrieking in distress because of their swollen and painful wounds, when the brazen serpent was uplifted, and when by one look they might be healed? Would you not have exclaimed: "Why do they not look at the uplifted serpent? How strange it is that they do not perform the one simple act by which they might receive healing!" But is it not as inconsistent for you to refuse to look at the crucified Saviour?--Heed the invitation: "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him: and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 6} 
     Why should the repenting sinner forsake his thoughts? It is because they are not in accordance with truth. He is tempted to believe that because of his sins God has given him up to the will of his enemy, and that there is no pardon for so great a sinner as he. But all these thoughts are dishonoring to God, because man is God's possession, both by creation and redemption. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him [as his personal Saviour, and accepts him as the only provision whereby he can be saved] should not perish, but have everlasting life." You are one of the whosoever may believe. But while you cherish unbelief, and permit feeling to govern you, your case will look hopeless to yourself. Forsake these unbelieving thoughts. God says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 7} 

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on November 06, 2014, 06:37:57 PM
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Poor, doubting, discouraged soul, I would address you as one of that world for whom God gave his Son. He loves you, and will save you if you will but receive the gift of his only-begotten Son. Moses prayed that God would show him his glory, "and the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty." This is the character of the God in whom you are to put your trust. "God is love." Repeat this sentence whenever temptation presses upon you. Remember that he is just and merciful, true and gracious, and will by no means clear the guilty. God can be just, and yet be the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. He will accept you just as you are; for there is no hope of your becoming better until you come to Jesus for pardon and sanctification. Mourning and weeping will not purify you. You may mourn your life away in unbelief, and in bitterness of soul, but the power to cleanse the vilest sinner is vested wholly in him who can save unto the uttermost.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 8} 
     God does not ask you to feel that Jesus is your Saviour, but to believe that he died for you, and that his blood now cleanseth you from all sin. You have been bitten by the serpent, and as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness that the dying might look and live, so Christ was lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Saving faith is simplicity itself. You must cry no more; you must cease to hang down your head as a bulrush. Look to the uplifted Saviour, and, however, grievous may have been your sins, believe he saves you. All the remedies and medicines of the world would have failed to cure one soul who had been bitten by the venomous serpent; but God had provided a remedy that cannot fail. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Be not among the number to whom the Saviour said, "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life." Oh, how he longed to save them; for while we were yet sinners (not waiting for us to make ourselves good), Christ died for us.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 9} 
     Believe now that God loves you; for he hath declared it, and when Satan tries to fasten the burden of sin and horror upon you, take your Bible, and read, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." You cannot repulse the enemy by relating your fearful doubts, by telling him that you are horrified by the thought that you are lost. All this is music in his ears. He wants to make you as miserable as he is himself, but you can answer him by proclaiming the promise that you believe in the Son, and therefore shall not perish. As you turn your eyes away to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, the controversy with the enemy will be ended for that season. You can repulse him by declaring that "Christ was wounded for my transgressions. He was bruised for my iniquities. The chastisement of my peace was upon him, and with his stripes I am healed."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 10} 
     Take the word of Jesus Christ as more sure and valuable than any word that can come from the human agent. Thank God with your whole heart and soul and voice that you are barricaded with the rich promises of his infallible word, so that the wicked one shall not touch you. God will give you the Holy Spirit, even though it may seem to you that it is too good to be true. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"   {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 11} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on December 22, 2014, 02:55:39 AM


    Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Psalm 103:20.  {HP 101.1}

     Today, as in the past, all heaven is watching to see the church develop in the true science of salvation. The Lord Jesus is among men. His angels walk among us unrecognized and unacknowledged. We are saved from many snares and unseen dangers that through the machinations and hostility of our foe are placed in our path to destroy us. O that our eyes might be open to discern the watchful solicitude and tender care of the messengers of light! If those who politely acknowledge the favors which they receive from earthly friends would realize how much they owe to God, their hearts would respond in grateful thanks for precious favors that are now unnoticed.  {HP 101.2} 
     We do not recount God's mercies often enough. . . . By our failure to express gratitude we are dishonoring our Maker. His angels, thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand, are commissioned to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. They guard us against temporal evil and press back the powers of darkness, else we should be destroyed. Why do we not value God's watchcare? If Satan had his way and carried out his designs, destruction would be seen on every hand. Why do we not remember that we are mercifully shielded from peril? Have we not reason to be thankful every moment, thankful even when there are apparent difficulties in our pathway? Cannot we trust our heavenly Father?  {HP 101.3} 
     We shall never know what dangers, seen and unseen, we have been delivered from through the interposition of the angels until we shall see in the light of eternity the providences of God. Then we shall better understand what God has done for us all the days of our life. We shall know then that the whole heavenly family watched to see our course of action from day to day.  {HP 101.4} 
     Every believer who constantly realizes his dependence on God has his appointed angel, sent from heaven to minister to him. The ministry of these angels is especially essential now, for Satan is making his last desperate effort to secure the world.  {HP 101.5}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on December 25, 2014, 02:04:24 PM
"Every believer who constantly realizes his dependence on God has his appointed angel, sent from heaven to minister to him. The ministry of these angels is especially essential now, for Satan is making his last desperate effort to secure the world."

Amen!  He is running out of time and he knows it. Do we know of our dependence upon Christ? Or are we like Peter when walking on water thought he could do it without remaining focused on Jesus? Peter did not know His need even after 3 1/2 years of being taught by God in person! Here we are 2,000 years later thinking we are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, as a people. Are we in this Laodicean condition? Are we blind to our condition and our continual need of Jesus? Many are. :(  No reason to stay that way. Jesus stands at the door of all who are Laodicean knocking, seeking entrance into the heart. Are you tempted to be discouraged because you have not done that which Jesus asks of you? Don't be. Here He speaks to you and me when we are not abiding in Jesus.

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." Ezekiel 36:25-27.

And Jesus has power to cleanse all from even the most degrading sins. "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18.

Before these promises can be ours, we must learn of Him who gave all for us. We must drink His blood and eat His flesh. If we want to trust Him, we must first know Him. Do you know Jesus as a personal Savior from sin? If not, your faith will grow as you study His Words and His life. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word.  "It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross." DA 83.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on February 01, 2015, 05:11:06 PM
An interesting address to an audience of pastors. Much different that I would have imagined since these are men who should know better but yet she demonstrates a very compassionate heart in addressing them. This isn't the whole thing but you can find the rest yourself.

May 27, 1884 God's Willingness to Save.

[REMARKS ADDRESSED TO THE MINISTERS ASSEMBLED IN
GENERAL CONFERENCE AT BATTLE CREEK, MICH.,
IN THEIR MORNING MEETING HELD NOV. 14, 1883.]
-
By Mrs. E. G. White.




God will hear the prayer of the contrite heart; he says he will, and what better assurance can you desire than the word of God? Your weakness and sinfulness are all known to him. While you cannot rejoice over this, you may rejoice that Jesus is your righteousness. Your very weakness may make manifest his grace and power; for your conscious weakness drives you to Him who is willing and mighty to help when you lay hold upon him by prevailing prayer. Will you trust your case in the hands of the dear Saviour, not tomorrow nor next week, but just now? Do not give way to a feeling of reckless unconcern as to your standing before God; but while your conscience is sensitive to sin, and you have the fear of God in your heart, it is your privilege to believe that you are "accepted in the Beloved." Are you sinful? it is for that very reason that you need a Saviour. He can cleanse you from all sin; he invites you to come to him with your burdens and trials, and if you come, he promises you rest.  {RH, May 27, 1884 par. 3}
     But you must believe in Jesus, and act out your faith. At this meeting you may present yourselves before God in all your helplessness and great need; you may give yourself to him without reserve, but obtain no relief because you do not take as well as give. You surrender to Jesus, but do not believe that he receives you. Come to our dear Saviour as a child would come to a parent. Do not talk of your feelings nor preach the Lord a sermon; do not allow your thoughts even to wander; but come right to the point, asking for what you need in the simplicity of faith, and pleading the promises in the word of God. I feel sad that we know so little about faith. Let us put away our wicked unbelief, and this morning venture upon the promises of God, and prove his word. Could our eyes be opened, we should see Jesus and heavenly angels in the room, only too willing to bless us. Our prayers are too cold and lifeless; they lack fervor and earnestness. Let us urge our petitions as did Jacob; and we shall find that importunate prayer will bring us precious victories.  {RH, May 27, 1884 par. 4} 
     Do not choose darkness. Come out of the cold, dark caverns of unbelief into the upper chamber, where you may bask in the sunshine of God's love, and enjoy peace and rest in the presence of Jesus. Said Jesus, "I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." When you constantly complain of darkness, you represent to the world that you are not following Jesus, or else that he has deceived you. But, dear brethren, have you not been in the habit of talking darkness and unbelief? Have you not by so doing greatly shadowed the path of others, and led them to think that there could be nothing attractive in the truth, nothing satisfying in the religion and service of Christ? Your words, your life, and your character have represented your religion; and how many souls have you discouraged, and balanced in the wrong direction?  {RH, May 27, 1884 par. 5} 
     Some are ever looking to themselves instead of to Jesus; but, brethren, you want to be clothed in Christ's righteousness. If you are trusting in your own righteousness, you are weak indeed; for you are exposed to the darts of Satan, and after the privileges you are now enjoying, you will have severe conflicts to meet. You are too cold. The work is hindered by your want of that love which burned in the heart of Jesus. You have too little faith. You expect little, and as the result you receive little; and you are satisfied with very small success. You are liable to self-deception, and to rest satisfied with a form of godliness. This will never do. You must have living faith in your hearts; the truth must be preached with power from above. You can reach the people only when Jesus works through your efforts. The Fountain is open; we may be refreshed, and in our turn refresh others. If your own souls were vitalized by the solemn, pointed truths you preach, cold-heartedness, listlessness, and indolence would disappear, and others would feel the influence of your zeal and earnestness.  {RH, May 27, 1884 par. 6} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on February 06, 2015, 05:41:41 AM
"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." We can overcome, fully, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that by prevailing prayer by his grace, we might overcome every temptation, every subtle snare of the adversary, and at last sit down with him in his kingdom.  {ST, November 18, 1886 par. 16} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 02, 2015, 05:14:08 AM
January 3, 1895
Doubt Not God’s Pardoning Love

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” As our heavenly Father is perfect in his sphere, so also those for whom Christ died are to be perfect in their sphere. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We are to believe in salvation through Christ, and make manifest that faith in our life, not by our own strength, but by trusting in the strength and efficiency of Christ. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.” “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began; but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”{ST January 3, 1895, par. 1}

The Lord wills not the death of any sinner, but that all should come to repentance. His mercies are without number, and he will not leave those for whom he has given the ransom of his life to become the sport of Satan’s temptations. All heaven is given to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. No soul can more dishonor God than by professing to believe in Christ, and yet go in mourning and sorrow to present to the world the aspect of orphans. “The Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”{ST January 3, 1895, par. 2}

The Lord does not leave his wounded and bruised sheep to the power of Satan to be torn to pieces. He is ever strengthening his own in their weakness. He delivers those who are tried and tempted from the power of Satan. The Lord never forsakes the soul that puts his trust in him. Those who claim to be the sons and daughters of God must trust always in Jesus. To do otherwise is to disown the fact that he loves us. When we go mourning and full of depression, covering ourselves with the garments of heaviness, we represent Christ to the world as a hard, tyrannical Master. But this is untrue. This is misrepresenting the One who gave his own life for us, that he might make it possible for us to believe in him, and trust in his interest and love for sinful man. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Speaking of his watchful care over us he says, “I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.”{ST January 3, 1895, par. 3}

What great injustice is done to the Saviour, who gave his life for us, when those who profess to believe in him walk in the shadow of darkness. Jesus has said, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” If you have been walking in darkness, you have been following another leader than Jesus, and it is time for you to turn about and follow Jesus, the Truth, the Life, the Way, and the Light of the world. Is the Lord pleased to have you tossed about as the restless waves of the sea?—No, no. I tell you he wants you to be strengthened, stablished, rooted and grounded in the truth, and built up in the most holy faith. You are not your own; you are bought with a price which cannot be estimated. You belong to God, the mighty God, bought with the price that was paid for you on Calvary’s cross. Then when you keep yourself in a state of fluctuating fear and doubt, you grieve the heart of Christ, who has given you unmistakable evidence of his love, and of his desire to have you with him in his kingdom. He says, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”{ST January 3, 1895, par. 4}

Do not lose sight of Jesus, and separate from his companionship, and keep company with the prince of darkness, entertaining his suggestions, and heeding his directions, and acting out his plans. Cling to him who has promised, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” That you should take up with Satan, the apostate and traitor, and do after his works, after you have a knowledge of Jesus Christ, is a mystery to the universe of heaven.{ST January 3, 1895, par. 5}

Let no Christian seek to excuse himself in sin on the ground that others who have claimed to follow Jesus have committed the same errors. Your sin is none the less heinous because others have been guilty, and your manifest duty is to confess your sin to Jesus Christ, your Intercessor. Take the weight of your woe to no human being. You have one Mediator, Jesus Christ, the righteous. In contrition of soul go to him and tell all your sins. The promise is sure, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” John says: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” “That ye sin not”—here is where you bring yourself into condemnation when you continue to sin. But in the strength of Christ cease to sin. Every provision has been made that grace should abide with you, and that sin may appear to you the hateful thing it is. But if any man sin, he is not to give himself up to despair, and talk like a man who is lost to Christ. “If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only; but also for the sins of the whole world.”{ST January 3, 1895, par. 6}

The temptations of the enemy will come, but shall we give him the advantage to break down all the barriers, by yielding one iota from the strictest principles of integrity? If we yield in the least, he will follow one temptation with another, until we shall go directly contrary to the plainest statements of the word of God, and follow the mind and will of Satan. Satan and his confederacy of evil angels is ever on the alert to see by what means they may ensnare and ruin souls who have enlisted under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel. You did run well for a season, you did taste and see that the Lord is good, but when you fell into sin you walked in darkness. When you yielded to temptation, you must have ceased to look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. But, having confessed your sins, believe that the word of God cannot fail, but that he is faithful that hath promised. It is just as much your duty to believe that God will fulfill his word, and forgive your sins, as it is your duty to confess your sins. You must exercise faith in God as in one who will do exactly as he has promised to do in his word, and pardon all your transgressions.{ST January 3, 1895, par. 7}

How may we know that the Lord is indeed our sin-pardoning Redeemer, and prove what is the blessedness, the grace, the love there is in him for us? O, we must believe his word implicitly, with contrite and submissive spirit. There is no need to go mourning and ever repenting, and under a cloud of continual condemnation. Believe the word of God, keep looking unto Jesus, dwelling upon his virtues and mercies, and there will be created in the heart an utter abhorrence of that which is evil. You will be among those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. But the more closely we discern Jesus, the more clearly we shall see our own defects of character. As we see our failings, let us confess them to Jesus, and, with true contrition of soul, co-operate with the divine power of the Holy Spirit to overcome all evil. If we confess our sins, we must believe that they are pardoned, because the promise is positive: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let us no more dishonor God by doubting his pardoning love.{ST January 3, 1895, par. 8}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on March 02, 2015, 05:41:30 AM
Those are beautiful words of encouragement, Jim. Thank you for the post. This, I especially cherish because once I loved those things I now hate:

Believe the word of God, keep looking unto Jesus, dwelling upon his virtues and mercies, and there will be created in the heart an utter abhorrence of that which is evil.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on April 24, 2015, 04:17:29 PM
Comfort and Assurance for the Afflicted


     My Dear Sister Lizzie Innes: I hear that you are being much afflicted, and I am in deep sympathy with you. Since my acquaintance with you I have felt a tender, loving sympathy toward you. My dear sister, while you are suffering, while infirmities are pressing upon your soul, do not doubt the love of your heavenly Father. Satan will try to cloud your mind with the thought that Jesus does not love you. He will try to make you believe that you are unworthy of being acknowledged before the Father as His child, but do not believe his suggestions for a single moment. I know that the Lord loves you and that there will be souls in the kingdom of God that will be saved as the result of your unselfish labor, your steadfast adherence to the faith.  {10MR 174.1} 

     When Satan comes in with his suggestions, look unto Jesus and say, "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ who died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us" (Romans 8:34). Only think of this, my sister. Christ is the one who has died for you, who has purchased you with His own precious blood. Will He permit those whom He values so highly to walk alone? Nay, He will not. The apostle continues, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation?" (Romans 8:35). Nay. Jesus bore all this in my behalf when He accepted humanity, and He bore it in order that I might not perish, but have everlasting life. Will He who has done all this for you be indifferent to you when it is difficult for you to engage in the warfare and to fight the good fight of faith? You are weak, and the trembling hand of faith can scarcely grasp the promises, but cannot you now say, "Lord, I am now too weak to use the weapons of warfare, but I can repose in Thee as my only hope. In Thee, and in Thee alone, my Redeemer, is my only hope of eternal life. Thou art my refuge."  {10MR 174.2} 

     The message from God to me for you is "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37). If you have nothing else to plead before God but this one promise from your Lord and Saviour, you have the assurance that you will never, never be turned away. It may seem to you that you are hanging upon a single promise, but appropriate that one promise, and it will open to you the whole treasure house of the riches of the grace of Christ. Cling to that promise and you are safe. "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." Present this assurance to Jesus, and you are as safe as though inside the city of God.  {10MR 175.1} 

     You are not to examine your feelings and put any dependence upon your emotions, for they may be as varied as the wind, but take to your heart this one promise and you will find it a passport to all the rich treasures of heaven. You are precious to the heart of Christ and He speaks, saying unto you, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). There is no perhaps or maybe about this promise. The "I will" of Christ is an assurance that cannot be made any stronger. He speaks further, saying, "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:29, 30).  {10MR 175.2}

     Now, my sister, Jesus wants you to believe in Him as your personal Saviour, as One who can save unto the uttermost all who come unto God by Him. Your request made known unto God in the name of Jesus is ever acceptable to your heavenly Father. You have a right to appropriate the promises which you present to God in the name of Jesus, for the Father has committed to His Son the bounties of His grace to be dispensed to those who come unto Him asking in faith. The Lord Jesus is the One who gives to him that overcometh to eat of the tree of life which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. He who took humanity upon Himself knows just how to sympathize with the sufferings of humanity. He had the same nature as the sinner although He knew no sin, in order that He might be able to condemn sin in the flesh and might be able to sympathize with those who were in the difficulties, dangers, and temptations that beset His own path while He walked with men. They are to obtain help as He Himself obtained it, through a vital connection with God.  {10MR 176.1} 

     Look to Jesus, your substitute and surety and righteousness. He became sin for us who knew no sin, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. He gives the crown of life to those who are faithful unto death. He it is who gives to eat of the hidden manna. My dear sister, Jesus will not leave you. He loves you with an everlasting love, and as you trust in Him your faith will grow and increase. The more you trust your Redeemer the more you will love Him. He is your friend in life or in death. He is the crown of your rejoicing. He is worthy of your fullest faith. All the sorrows and afflictions we suffer here only constitutes our discipline for a higher life, for through the appropriated grace of Christ trials will be the means whereby we shall be purified and fitted for heaven. Wait only upon God. Lean upon Him in entire dependence, for His everlasting arms hold you up and sustain you. Will not He who says that not a sparrow falls to the ground without the notice of your heavenly Father care for you who trust and love Him? Jesus knows every throb of pain, every throe of anguish and distress, and He will give you grace to endure your affliction in order that your faith fail not, whatever may be your suffering.  {10MR 176.2} 

     Dear Sister Innes, keep up good courage. Let not your heart be oppressed. You have been called upon to travel a thorny path, but Jesus is at your side to journey the rough road with you. He knows, He understands every woe, every sorrow of those who suffer. His heart beats in sympathy with the hearts of suffering humanity, and those who suffer most have most of His pity and sympathy. He is your best Friend. He is your Mediator. The completeness of His humanity, the perfection of His divinity, form for us a strong ground upon which we may be brought into reconciliation with God. It was when we were yet sinners that Christ died for us. We have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. His nail-pierced hands are outreached toward heaven and earth. With one hand He lays hold of sinners upon earth, and with the other He grasps the throne of the Infinite, and thus He makes reconciliation for us. Christ is today standing as our Advocate before the Father. He is the one Mediator between God and man. Bearing the marks of His crucifixion, He pleads the causes of our souls.  {10MR 177.1} 

     I would point this afflicted family to Jesus. John saw the company of the redeemed, and they were those who had come up through great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [Revelation 7:9-17, quoted.]  {10MR 177.2}

     I would urge upon you, as a family, during the time when affliction is upon this beloved sister, that you all draw closer and closer in faith and confidence to Jesus. Talk cheerfully. Let not one jarring note be heard. Let no touch of sadness or gloom reveal itself on your countenances. Keep Jesus uplifted. Talk faith in Jesus and sing songs of faith. Offer up your supplications in faith. I point you to One who "suffered being tempted." "Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted" (Hebrews 2:17, 18). Let us praise God for this with heart and soul and voice.  {10MR 178.1}

     Be of good courage in order that you may sustain and strengthen poor suffering Lizzie. I would say to the mother of Lizzie, who is a partaker of her sufferings, Remember that Jesus is able to sustain you both, and to sustain all who are in any way participating in the care of the afflicted one. Let us read a few words in Hebrews 2:10: "For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren."  {10MR 178.2} 
     God bless you is and shall be our prayer. In love to all the family.
                              (Signed) Ellen G. White--Letter 35, 1894
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on June 06, 2015, 09:51:48 AM
April 16, 1889 Christ Should Be Our Counselor.

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By Mrs. E. G. White.
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     Text: "Thus saith the Lord: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord." Jeremiah 17:5.  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 1} 

     There are many who claim that the Lord is their source of strength; and yet as soon as trials come upon them, instead of seeking the Lord in prayer, they go to some poor, fallible mortal like themselves, for sympathy and counsel. But what are they doing when they pursue this course? They are making flesh their arm; and as certainly at they do this, they will become weak. We should go to God with our perplexities. He is the great, unerring Counselor. When you make mortal man your helper, and pour all your troubles into human ears, you only deprive yourself of strength, for you will receive only such help as humanity can give.  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 2} 

     Christ has said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Will you come? Will you comply with the conditions? If we would go to Christ, we could no longer remain in darkness. Those whose minds are bound about with despondency, who have no will-power to direct them in the right, who are not thoughtful and care-taking, would receive fresh light and vigor by communication with Christ. If you allow another to do your thinking for you, you will have crippled energies and contracted abilities. There are many whose intellects are dwarfed because they confine them to dwell upon commonplace subjects. You should wrestle with problems of thought that require the exercise of the best powers of your mind. God will sanctify your thought and ennoble your powers and talents, when you devote them to his service. You will find your talents increasing by exercise. You will double them by serving the Master as you should,--in putting them out to the exchangers. God desires you to be apt, skillful workers. The man who is able to put up a house in a workmanlike manner should be able to exercise his faculties in doing skillful work in the cause of God. The Lord requires us to use our talent to the very best of our ability. When we render him our best service, he will not fail to give us wisdom to do a still better service. We have dwarfed and weakened our capabilities by depending upon others to do our thinking. We have been leaning upon broken reeds, but God does not want us to depend upon others. We should depend wholly upon him. Why do you not go to your Heavenly Father, and make known your wants to him? Jesus has said, "If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" Is not this plain reasoning? Our heavenly Master has chosen words that may be understood by the mind of his simplest child. Why not take this precious promise to hang in the hall of memory? Why not impress upon our minds the things that will be a benefit for us to remember? Why not speak of these precious things in the garden of God's word, instead of talking of our doubts and trials?  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 3} 

     Suppose you were in a garden where bloomed beautiful roses, and lilies, and pinks; but instead of gathering the beautiful flowers, you should seek for everything objectionable to take away to show to others as a sample of that garden. Would the objectionable things you had gathered properly represent the garden?--By no means. If Christians gather up gloom and sadness to their souls, and murmur and complain, are they representing God and the Christian life as it really is? Christ tells us that if we abide in him, he will abide in us. Are we doing as he has bidden us? Will we gather the roses and the lilies and the pinks, and present to the world the hopeful, bright side of religion?  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 4} 

     We have purchased the field of truth because of the treasure that is hidden therein. The rich gems of truth do not lie on the surface. You must dig for them. Take your Bible, and compare passage with passage, and verse with verse, and you will find the precious jewels of truth. You should put the precious gems of light in a beautiful setting, and hang them in memory's hall. Shall we not arise and work diligently in the strength of Jesus for the treasure we have so long neglected? "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee."  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 5} 

     It is time that we understood the high claims that God has upon us. Many of us have had a dyspeptic religion. We have fed our souls on dark forebodings and unbelief, and the most indigestible food. An abundance of wholesome spiritual food has been provided in the word of God. Now let us turn over a new leaf in our experience. Let us confess and forsake our sins, and come to Christ for the bread of life. Do not stop to bemoan yourself, but roll your burden into the open sepulcher. Our blessed Lord is a very present help in every time of trouble. We are required to represent our Lord in life and in character. Satan has misrepresented our Lord, and we have unconsciously aided him in his work. The Lord revealed his true character to Moses. The servant of God was pleading with him in the mount, and he said, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory." And the Lord said, "I will make all my goodness pass before thee; and will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy." Then the Father proclaimed himself as a God who was merciful and gracious; who would pardon iniquity, transgression, and sin; who was abundant in goodness and truth. Will you not venture upon his promise, and claim him as your God? If you talk darkness, you will have plenty of darkness; if you talk light, you will have an abundance of light. "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit." This is the condition of the man who trusts in the Lord; but there is another condition into which we may come that is not of this order. The prophet describes the state of him who trusts in man in these words: "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited."  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 6} 

     When we are not connected with God, we are like the heath of the desert, for the natural heart "is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" We should pray as did the psalmist, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways: and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness." These are words that should be hung in memory's hall.  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 7} 

     We should place the precious promises of God where we may look upon them whenever Satan casts his darkness upon us. The enemy of God and man would be well pleased to have us dwell upon our darkness and discouragement, so that the religion of Christ would appear a grievous yoke. You should gather rays of light from Jesus every day. You do not know how many sad hearts you will meet; and will you talk only of your discouragements?--No; forget them, and talk of the mercies of God; and the magnifying glass of Satan will be thrust before your eyes in vain. But if you continue to look at the discouraging features of your experience, they will grow more and more forbidding, until you are completely overwhelmed with gloom. Talk courage, talk faith and hope, and you will be all light in the Lord. Keep thinking of the open door that Christ has set before you, that no man can shut. God will close the door to all evil, if you will give him a chance. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up for you a standard against him. I want to read you a little poem, entitled, "Count the Mercies," which I cut from a paper.


    "Count the mercies! count the mercies!
       Number all the gifts of love;
     Keep a daily, faithful record
       Of the comforts from above.
     Look at all the lovely green spots
       In life's weary desert way;
     Think how many cooling fountains
       Cheer our fainting hearts each day.
     Count the mercies! count the mercies!
       See them strewn along our way!


    "Count the mercies, though the trials
       Seem to number more each day,
     Count the trials, too, as mercies,
       Add them to the grand array.
     Trials are God's richest blessings,
       Sent to prompt our upward flight
     As the eaglet's nest--all broken,
       Makes them fly to loftier heights.
     Count the mercies! count the mercies!
       That bring heaven within our sight.


    "Let us number all our jewels,
       Let us estimate their worth;
     Let us thank the gracious Giver,
       Strewing blessings o'er the earth;
     Let our hearts o'erflow with gladness.
       Let us tell the wonders o'er,
     Till our multiplying treasures
       Seem a countless, boundless store;
     Then let praises, grateful praises,
       Be our language, evermore."  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 8}

     Shall we count the mercies, brethren? Shall we receive the sunlight of heaven on our pathway? "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" We ought to attain to a richer experience. Take up your neglected work. Take your children with you before the throne of grace, and plead with God that his blessing may rest upon them, until you can present a well-ordered, well-disciplined family before your Heavenly Father, and before the world. Let us cease looking at the failings of others. Let us cease speaking of their evil traits of character. When the Lord told Peter what to do, he turned and asked, "Lord, what shall this man do?" The Lord answered, "What is that to thee? follow thou me." How many are like Peter today? They are interested in the affairs of others, but they neglect their own duty. It is our business to follow Christ and then we can counsel others. What we want is individual religion, personal piety. We want the Holy Spirit of Christ in our families. O that the truths which I have presented to you today may have a lasting influence upon your characters! O that the members of the church may come up to the help of the Lord,--to the help of the Lord against the mighty! If we have wronged one another, if we have wronged our God, we should confess our sins to God and to one another; and we have the promise that "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When we remove the rubbish from the door of the heart, the Lord will come in and make his abode with us, and we shall have daily a precious story to tell of the favor, love, and mercy of our Heavenly Father.  {RH, April 16, 1889 par. 9}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on July 10, 2015, 07:45:54 PM
     My mind goes to you, Martha, in Torre Pellice [Italy], and I believe that yourself and husband should attend the meeting of the conference. We want to see you, and we want to see you trusting fully in the precious Saviour. He loves you; He gave His life for you because He valued your soul. I had a dream not long since. I was going through a garden, and you were by my side. You kept saying, "Look at this unsightly shrub, this deformed tree, that poor stunted rosebush. This makes me feel bad, for they seem to represent my life and the relation I stand in before God."  I thought a stately form walked just before us, and he said, "Gather the roses and the lilies and the pinks, and leave the thistles and unsightly shrubs, and bruise not the soul that Christ has in His choice keeping."{DG 145.4}

     I awoke; I slept again and the same dream was repeated. And I awoke and slept and the third time it was repeated. Now I want you to consider this and put away your distrust, your worrying, your fears. Look away from yourself to Jesus; look away from your husband to Jesus. God has spoken to you words of encouragement; grasp them, act upon them, walk by faith, and not by sight. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:1.{DG 145.5}

     Jesus holds His hand beneath you. Jesus will not suffer the enemy to overcome you. Jesus will give you the victory. He has the virtue; He has the righteousness. You may look to yourself to find it and may well despair in doing this because it is not there. Jesus has it. It is yours by faith because you love God and keep His commandments.{DG 146.1}

     Do not listen to Satan's lies, but recount God's promises. Gather the roses and the lilies and the pinks. Talk of the promises of God. Talk faith. Trust in God, for He is your only hope. He is my only hope. I have tremendous battles with Satan's temptations to discouragements, but I will not yield an inch. I will not give Satan an advantage over my body or my mind.{DG 146.2}

     If you look to yourself, you will see only weakness. There is no Saviour there. You will find Jesus away from yourself. You must look and live; [look] to Him who became sin for us, that we might be cleansed from sin and receive of Christ's righteousness.{DG 146.3}

     Now, Martha, do not look to yourself but away to Jesus. Talk of His love, talk of His goodness, talk of His power, for He will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able to bear. But in Christ is our righteousness. Jesus makes up our deficiencies because He sees we cannot do it ourselves. While praying for you I see a soft light encompassing a hand stretched out to save you. God's words are our credentials. We stand upon them. We love the truth. We love Jesus. Feelings are no evidence of God's displeasure.{DG 146.4}

     Your life is precious in the sight of God. He has a work for you to do. It is not unfolded to you now, but just walk on trustingly without a single word, because this would grieve the dear Jesus and show that you were afraid to trust Him. Lay your hand in His; He is reaching over the battlements of heaven [for it] to be laid confidingly in His. Oh, what love, what tender love has Jesus manifested in our behalf. The Bible promises are the pinks and the roses and the lilies in the garden of the Lord. {DG 146.5}

     Oh, how many walk a dark path, looking to the objectionable, unlovely things on either side of them, when a step higher are the flowers. They think they have no right to say they are children of God and lay hold on the promises set before them in the gospel, because they do not have the evidence of their acceptance with God. They go through painful struggles, afflicting their souls, as did Martin Luther to cast himself upon Christ's righteousness.{DG 147.1}

     There are many who think they can come to Jesus only in the way the child did who was possessed of the demon that threw him down and tore him as he was being led to the Saviour. You are not of the kind that should have any such conflicts and trials. Richard Baxter was distressed because he did not have such agonizing, humiliating views of himself as he thought he ought to have. But this was explained to his satisfaction at last and peace came to his heart.{DG 147.2}

     There is no requirement for you to take on a burden for yourself, for you are Christ's property. He has you in His hand. His everlasting arms are about you. Your life has not been a life of sinfulness in the common acceptance of the term. You have a conscientious fear to do wrong, a principle in your heart to choose the right, and now you want to turn your face away from the briers and thorns to the flowers.{DG 147.3}

     Let the eye be fixed on the Son of Righteousness. Do not make your dear, loving, heavenly Father a tyrant; but see His tenderness, His pity, His large, broad love, and His great compassion. His love exceeds that of a mother for her child. The mother may forget, yet will not I forget thee, saith the Lord. Oh, my dear, Jesus wants you to trust Him. May His blessing rest upon you in a rich measure is my earnest prayer.{DG 147.4}

     You were born with an inheritance of discouragement, and you need constantly to be encouraging a hopeful state of feelings. You received from both father and mother a peculiar conscientiousness and also inherited from your mother a disposition to demerit self rather than to exalt self. A word moves you while a heavy judgment only is sufficient to move another of a different temperament. Were you situated where you knew you were helping others, however hard the load, however taxing the labor, you would do everything with cheerfulness and distress yourself that you did nothing.{DG 147.5}
     
Samuel, who served God from his childhood, needed a very different discipline than one who had a set, stubborn, selfish will. Your childhood was not marked with grossness, although there were the errors of humanity in it. The whole matter has been laid open before me. I know you far better than you know yourself. God will help you to triumph over Satan if you will simply trust Jesus to fight these stern battles that you are wholly unable to fight in your finite strength.{DG 148.1}

     You love Jesus and He loves you. Now just patiently trust in Him, saying over and over, Lord, I am Thine. Cast yourself heartily on Christ. It is not joy that is the evidence that you are a Christian. Your evidence is in a Thus saith the Lord. By faith, I lay you, my dear sister, on the bosom of Jesus Christ.{DG 148.2}

     Read the following lines [from "Jesus Lover of My Soul"] and appropriate the sentiment as your own:

     "Other refuge have I none,
          Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
     Leave, O leave me not alone!
          Still support and comfort me;
     All my trust on Thee is stayed,
          All my help from Thee I bring;
     Cover my defenseless head
          With the shadow of Thy wing.
 
     Plenteous grace with Thee is found--
          Grace to pardon all my sin;
     Let the healing streams abound,
          Make and keep me pure within;
     Thou of life the Fountain art,
          Freely let me take of Thee;
     Spring Thou up within my heart,
          Rise to all eternity."  {DG 148.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on July 12, 2015, 08:09:23 AM
Amen, Jim, grace  is more than a word.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on July 23, 2015, 09:03:59 AM
April 9, 1894 Look not to Self but to Christ.
-
By Mrs. E. G. White.
-

     It is in looking upon our sinful condition, and talking and mourning over our wretchedness, that distress becomes more keen, and pain accumulates. Let the sinner arise in the strength of Jesus, for he has no strength of his own, and let him assert his liberty. Let him believe that the Lord has spoken truth, and trust in him, whatever may be the feelings of the heart. Let the sinner say, I will look away from my own misery, from the wound of the serpent, to the uplifted Saviour, who has said, "Him that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out." Look upon Jesus. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 1} 

     Let no one make his feelings his idol, and bow his soul down to worship and serve his sensations. "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." It is your privilege to believe that Christ has borne your sins; for God hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. You are under the shelter of the sure refuge, under the cover of the atoning blood of the acceptable sacrifice.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 2} 

     All legalism, all the sorrow and woe by which you may encompass yourself, will not give you one moment of relief. You cannot rightly estimate sin. You must accept God's estimate, and it is heavy indeed. If you bore the guilt of your sin, it would crush you; but the sinless One has taken your place, and, though, undeserving, he has borne your guilt. By accepting the provision God has made, you may stand free before God in the merit and virtue of your Substitute. You will then have a proper estimate of sin, and the godly sorrow of true repentance will take the place of hopeless discouragement and grief, for you will turn from sin with grief and abhorrence.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 3} 

     Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Do not think for an instant that any human being has a more loving heart, and a more tender compassion for you, than he who died on Calvary to save you. Do not turn from the divine to the human. The human messenger may bid you hope, on the ground that God's word bids you hope. Your Heavenly Father invites you to come to him as a little child to a loving parent, and say, Thou hast said: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?"  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 4} 

     Christ is the friend of sinners. When the scribes and the Pharisees accused him of eating with publicans and sinners, Jesus said, "I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." If you feel yourself to be the greatest of sinners, then Christ is just what you need; for he is the greatest of Saviours. Lift up your head, and look away from yourself, away from the poisoned wound of the serpent, to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. What will all your groaning and the torturing of your soul avail? You may entertain thoughts that condemn you, but in them there is no salvation. Put away your thoughts, and receive the thoughts of God, through which your mind may be elevated, your soul purified and uplifted. The Lord says: "For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." Why will you carry your burden of sin, when Christ has come to be your burden bearer? Roll your sins at the foot of the cross. Unload! unload! He takes away the sins of the world. "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 5} 

     You have been pronounced a sinner, and Christ has announced himself a Saviour. Accept the remedy God has provided for you in a sin-pardoning Saviour. How would you have felt had you been in the camp of Israel and seen the people groaning and shrieking in distress because of their swollen and painful wounds, when the brazen serpent was uplifted, and when by one look they might be healed? Would you not have exclaimed: "Why do they not look at the uplifted serpent? How strange it is that they do not perform the one simple act by which they might receive healing!" But is it not as inconsistent for you to refuse to look at the crucified Saviour?--Heed the invitation: "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him: and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 6} 

     Why should the repenting sinner forsake his thoughts? It is because they are not in accordance with truth. He is tempted to believe that because of his sins God has given him up to the will of his enemy, and that there is no pardon for so great a sinner as he. But all these thoughts are dishonoring to God, because man is God's possession, both by creation and redemption. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him [as his personal Saviour, and accepts him as the only provision whereby he can be saved] should not perish, but have everlasting life." You are one of the whosoever may believe. But while you cherish unbelief, and permit feeling to govern you, your case will look hopeless to yourself. Forsake these unbelieving thoughts. God says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 7} 

     "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Poor, doubting, discouraged soul, I would address you as one of that world for whom God gave his Son. He loves you, and will save you if you will but receive the gift of his only-begotten Son. Moses prayed that God would show him his glory, "and the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty." This is the character of the God in whom you are to put your trust. "God is love." Repeat this sentence whenever temptation presses upon you. Remember that he is just and merciful, true and gracious, and will by no means clear the guilty. God can be just, and yet be the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus. He will accept you just as you are; for there is no hope of your becoming better until you come to Jesus for pardon and sanctification. Mourning and weeping will not purify you. You may mourn your life away in unbelief, and in bitterness of soul, but the power to cleanse the vilest sinner is vested wholly in him who can save unto the uttermost.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 8} 

     God does not ask you to feel that Jesus is your Saviour, but to believe that he died for you, and that his blood now cleanseth you from all sin. You have been bitten by the serpent, and as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness that the dying might look and live, so Christ was lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Saving faith is simplicity itself. You must cry no more; you must cease to hang down your head as a bulrush. Look to the uplifted Saviour, and, however, grievous may have been your sins, believe he saves you. All the remedies and medicines of the world would have failed to cure one soul who had been bitten by the venomous serpent; but God had provided a remedy that cannot fail. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Be not among the number to whom the Saviour said, "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life." Oh, how he longed to save them; for while we were yet sinners (not waiting for us to make ourselves good), Christ died for us.  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 9} 

     Believe now that God loves you; for he hath declared it, and when Satan tries to fasten the burden of sin and horror upon you, take your Bible, and read, "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." You cannot repulse the enemy by relating your fearful doubts, by telling him that you are horrified by the thought that you are lost. All this is music in his ears. He wants to make you as miserable as he is himself, but you can answer him by proclaiming the promise that you believe in the Son, and therefore shall not perish. As you turn your eyes away to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, the controversy with the enemy will be ended for that season. You can repulse him by declaring that "Christ was wounded for my transgressions. He was bruised for my iniquities. The chastisement of my peace was upon him, and with his stripes I am healed."  {ST, April 9, 1894 par. 10} 

     Take the word of Jesus Christ as more sure and valuable than any word that can come from the human agent. Thank God with your whole heart and soul and voice that you are barricaded with the rich promises of his infallible word, so that the wicked one shall not touch you. God will give you the Holy Spirit, even though it may seem to you that it is too good to be true. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"
{ST, April 9, 1894 par. 11}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 15, 2015, 04:33:50 AM
Bible history stays the fainting heart with the hope of God's mercy. We need not despair when we see that others have struggled through discouragements like our own, have fallen into temptations even as we have done, and yet have recovered their ground and been blessed of God. The words of inspiration comfort and cheer the erring soul. Although the patriarchs and apostles were subject to human frailties, yet through faith they obtained a good report, fought their battles in the strength of the Lord, and conquered gloriously. Thus may we trust in the virtue of the atoning sacrifice and be overcomers in the name of Jesus.  {CC 368.5} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 21, 2015, 04:23:24 AM
Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.  {DA 189.2}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on October 05, 2015, 10:45:58 AM
Amen, Jim!   That  reminds  me of the Apostle Paul before he was converted. He was seeking God, but was very deceived. God continued to seek him. And when Saul was ready to follow God, was willing to do all that God asks, Jesus revealed Himself to Saul on the road to Damascus. What a loving God we serve!!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 09, 2015, 05:46:58 PM
 Let the tenderness and mercy that Jesus has revealed in His own precious life be an example to us of the manner in which we should treat our fellow beings, especially those who are our brethren in Christ. Many have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, whom one word of kindly cheer and courage would have strengthened to overcome. Never, never become heartless, cold, unsympathetic, and censorious. Never lose an opportunity to say a word to encourage and inspire hope. We cannot tell how far-reaching may be our tender words of kindness, our Christlike efforts to lighten some burden. The erring can be restored in no other way than in the spirit of meekness, gentleness, and tender love.

     Wouldst thou an erring soul redeem,
       And lead a lost one back to God?
     Wouldst thou a guardian angel seem
       To one who long in guilt has trod?
     Go kindly to him, take his hand,
       With gentle words, within thine own,
     And by his side a brother stand,
       Till thou the demon sin dethrone.

     Scorn not the guilty then, but plead
       With him in kindest, gentlest mood,
     And back the lost one thou mayst lead
       To God, humanity, and good.
     Thou art thyself but man, and thou
       Art weak, perchance to fall as he;
     Then mercy to the fallen show,
       That mercy may be shown to thee.
                                               -
  {5T 612.3} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on November 13, 2015, 05:15:48 PM
We claim to belong to the people of God; then why not show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvellous light? Never by thought, or word, or action, cast reflection upon God. Tell of His goodness, sing of His matchless love. Never let Satan hear you utter one word of distrust. Never say before him, "My sins are so great the Lord cannot forgive me." Satan delights to have those for whom Christ died, doubt the benefits of Divine grace, and by so doing bring in a testimony of unbelief in the efficacy of the infinite sacrifice made on Calvary. Is God pleased or honoured to have you remain under a cloud, failing to appropriate His rich promises, and saying by your despair that there has not been a sufficient offering made to avail in your case? What a terrible thing it is to bear such a testimony to the world! Away with your unbelief! Begin to work on the faith side of the question.  {PrT, January 30, 1890 par. 9}

Many say, "I am weak and ignorant and sinful. I must be in a different condition before I can come to Jesus." I would say to such, Do not parley with the enemy one moment, but come; for the Spirit of the Lord is drawing you. The Saviour said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." Christ draws the souls of men, and though many refuse and resist, He still continues to woo them by His tender Spirit, and some respond to His love. You may be ignorant, but Christ invites you to unite your ignorance with His wisdom, your weakness with His strength, your frailty with His enduring might. You must come to Jesus just as you are; it is His grace that will remove the defects from your character. Without His Divine grace you can never do the work of cleansing your heart. Yet there are steps necessary for you to take in order that you may receive the heavenly gift; for you are to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, as God works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure.  {PrT, January 30, 1890 par. 12} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on December 09, 2015, 11:50:43 AM
Amen!!

Isaiah
 40:28   Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, [that] the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? [there is] no searching of his understanding. 
 40:29   He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. 
 40:30   Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 
 40:31   But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. 
 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on January 21, 2016, 08:11:10 AM
I love this topic. It is such an encouragement when "tempted to be discouraged."

A kind sister called yesterday because of such a blessing she found in this statement from Inspiration. I have watched her go about her duties, the specific tasks to which God called her. Long ago He set her up through education and practical experience to have the wherewithal, expert knowledge, for the care of her precious family at this moment in earth's history. Her responsibilities are as weighty as I've seen, yet she moves forward in faith because she knows our Father in heaven is so profoundly faithful toward her. Sometimes under the 24/7 pressure that comes with such a task, she becomes weary and in need of a sympathetic ear, but then feels guilty for such a feeling. God had a message tailor made for her and others like her just at the time she needed it so very badly.

 As laborers with God we need more fervent piety and less self-exaltation. The more self is exalted, the more will faith in the testimonies of the Spirit of God be lessened. Those who are the most closely connected with God are the ones who know His voice when He speaks to them. Those who are spiritual discern spiritual things. Such will feel grateful that the Lord has pointed out their errors, while those who trust wholly in themselves will see less and less of God in the testimonies of His Spirit. {5T 134.2}

Our work must be accompanied with deep humiliation, fasting, and prayer. We must not expect all peace and joy. There will be sadness; but if we sow in tears we shall reap in joy. Darkness and despondency may at times enter the heart of the self-sacrificing ones; but this is not against them. It may be God's design to cause them to seek Him more earnestly. {5T 134.3} 

... He will uphold them by His strong arm, saying: "Lean on Me."
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 21, 2016, 09:52:44 AM
Thanks for this Mimi!  it is indeed knowledge that we should be aware of. Also I thank you because I think this is what I read a few months back but wasn't smart enough to keep track of it and have often thought about it since. Although I had remembered it differently. I thought it was in context of aged men. Anyway, Thanks!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Ed Sutton on January 21, 2016, 11:25:52 PM
Jesus is no stranger to discouragement.    ( "discouragement left him" = 3 SOP hits ) 
Quote
Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate, overcome by the horror of a great darkness. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come—that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow, and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.”{CSA 33.5}

Three times has He uttered that prayer.  58 {CSA 33.6}

Angels beheld the Saviour’s agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin. {CSA 33.7}
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. . . . {CSA 33.8}

Christ’s agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man. . . . {CSA 33.9}   

Quote
  Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.  {DA 694.1}     

Quote
It was the will of God that none should perish, but that all should have eternal life through faith in the sacrifice of Christ. Him God the Father sealed to become man's Restorer. The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the Sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and an angel who stands in the presence of God, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. What message did he bring? Had he come to tell Christ that the price to be paid was too great, that it would cost too much to save the world, and that man must be left to his doom, to be destroyed by the wrath of an offended God? Did he tell him that he need not drink the bitter cup, that he need not bear the guilt of man?  {ST, June 3, 1897 par. 9} 

     The angel did not come to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human Suppliant. He pointed him to the open heavens, telling him of the souls that would be saved as the result of his sufferings. He assured him that his Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that his death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told him that he would see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied, for he would see a multitude of the redeemed, saved, eternally saved.  {ST, June 3, 1897 par. 10} 

     Christ's agony did not cease, but his depression and discouragement left him. He still carried the load of guilt, and he fulfilled the demands of the divine law, and glorified the Father by drinking the bitter cup.  {ST, June 3, 1897 par. 11}   

In His perfected sealed humanity Jesus made that choice, through the implanted love Father God put into the humanity of Jesus day by day, because as I AM THAT I AM - the self existent God,  He had made that choice long ago way before He came to find Adam & Eve the human sinners.

In the same way Father God and the Holy Spirit, through the obtained promises claimed by the mediation of Jesus before He ceases to intercede, will empower sealed fallen humans, to stand sinlessly through the time Jesus stops interceding all the way to the time they receive holy flesh from Jesus divine miracle upon them at the Second Coming.

That's another reason denying self daily, picking up and carrying my own cross - wearing His yoke - following Him - today, today, today - not just being the way the heart's door is opened to His knocking so He can come in, but practice that ensures empowers victory during the time after Jesus leaves the Sanctuary as High Priest and arrives and recreates us into holy flesh at His Second Coming, and is part of the reservoir vessel that holds the extra oil ( Holy Spirit ) the wise virgins have.   They obeyed Jesus command in this regard and have sold themselves to Him daily to buy Himself as their Pearl of Great Price, and they have become Christ's Pearl of Great Price, for their surrender and obedience have authorized Christ during the I-J to buy them as His possession also.  The building of the house on The Rock Christ Jesus, instead of on the sand, both houses were upheld by their foundation, but one foundation moved and was washed away, one could not be moved.

Matthew 16:18  And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter <4074>, and upon this rock <4073> I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

4074. Pε/τρος Petros pet’-ros; apparently a primary word; a (piece of) rock (larger than 3037); as a name, Petrus, an apostle: —  Peter, rock. Compare 2786.

4073. πε/τρα petra pet’-ra; feminine of the same as 4074; a (mass of) rock (literally or figuratively): —  rock.

4073 πέτρα petra pet’-ra

from the same as 4074; n f; TDNT-6:95,834;  {See TDNT 624}

AV-rock 16; 16

1) a rock, cliff or ledge
1a) a projecting rock, crag, rocky ground
1b) a rock, a large stone
1c) metaph. a man like a rock, by reason of his firmness and strength of soul

Jesus Christ is the petra < 4073 > the eternal unmovable mountain, Peter is the <4074 > the movable small stone
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Mimi on January 22, 2016, 05:42:13 AM
Amen, Ed. Amen.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on January 22, 2016, 08:08:04 AM
Amen!!

     You who are tempted and tried and discouraged, look up. Let no weary, halting, sin-oppressed soul become faint-hearted, and lose hope. The promises of God come sounding down along the lines to us, assuring us that we may reach heaven if we will abide in Christ. Look up; it is fatal to look down. Looking down, the earth reels and sways beneath you, and nothing is sure. A divine hand is reached toward you. The hand of the Infinite is stretched over the battlements of heaven to grasp your hand in its embrace. The mighty Helper is nigh to help the most erring, the most sinful and despairing. Look up by faith, and the light of the glory of God will shine upon you. Do not be discouraged because you see that your character is defective. The closer you come to Jesus, the more faulty you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in distinct contrast with his perfect character. Be not discouraged; this is an evidence that Satan's delusions are losing their power, that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you, and that your indifference and ignorance are passing away.  {BEcho, December 1, 1892 par. 5} 
     Whatever may have been your past experience, however discouraging may be your present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Saviour will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you his arms of love and his robe of righteousness. Do not continue to talk of your weakness; Jesus came to bring moral power to combine with human effort, that we might advance step by step in the heavenward way. Let your faith lay hold of the precious promises of God, and if clouds have encompassed you, the mists will roll back; for the angels of God are ever ready to help in every trial and emergency. We are not left to battle unaided against the prince of darkness. As we realize the attacks of the enemy, we shall feel the need of fleeing to the stronghold, we shall learn to lean upon the Mighty One. He will be to us as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, as a covert from the tempest. Deep and fervent will be the gratitude of him who experiences the help of God in times of temptation and trial.  {BEcho, December 1, 1892 par. 6} 
     The whole army of heaven is enlisted to fight our battles for us, to work out for us a glorious victory, and Jesus is the Captain of our salvation.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 24, 2016, 06:29:11 PM
October 6, 1887 The Light of the World.
-
By Mrs. E. G. White

Now, suppose that you keep your minds dwelling upon self and your darkness; how can you be the light of the world? You keep yourselves in darkness by looking at your own imperfections, instead of the willingness and power of Jesus to save to the uttermost all that come unto him in faith. You hug your darkness so close that there is no chance for the light to get in.  {ST, October 6, 1887 par. 7} 
    I want to say to those who have been desponding, When Satan comes in to tempt you, and you have no evidence that the Lord accepts you, do not look to see how dark you are, but look up to the light. Begin to praise God for the plan of salvation, and hold every victory gained through Christ. As you repeat the confidence you have in Jesus, Satan will flee; for he cannot bear the name of Jesus. Thus, step by step, you can fight the good fight of faith. Remember that Jesus has borne long with you, and he does not want you to be lost. He says, "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." By this he shows that he wants to take possession of your hearts.  {ST, October 6, 1887 par. 8} 
     Satan may tell you that you cannot be blessed; but Jesus says that he will come in, if you will open the door of your hearts. Which will you believe? Here is another precious promise that all may claim. It is not addressed to those who are perfect, but to sinners; to those who have wandered away from Christ. "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Is there one who dares not claim this promise? Is there one who will say, "I am so sinful that this does not mean me"? Put away such thoughts. Christ will accept you, polluted by sin though you may be, if you will come to him with contrition of soul. He invites all to come into the light of his presence. Then why should you remain away? {ST, October 6, 1887 par. 9} 
     The word of God says, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." It will require an effort on your part to walk with God. Jesus said to the man with the withered hand, "Stretch forth thine hand." The afflicted man might have said, "Lord, I have not used it for years; heal it first, and then I will stretch it forth." But instead of this, when Jesus commanded him to stretch it forth, he exercised the power of his will, and  moved it just as if it were well. The very exercise of the will power was evidence to Jesus that the man believed; and his hand was healed in the act of stretching it forth. God would have you put away your darkness, and show that there is a power in the Christian religion that there is not in the world. He wants to make you all light in him; he wants to fill your hearts with love, and peace, and hope. If, then, you continue to cling to your darkness, you dishonor him; for you do not correctly represent to the world a sin-pardoning Saviour. If you are gloomy, desponding, hopeless, you are a poor representative of the Christian religion. Christ died for all. The sacrifice was complete. It is your privilege and duty to show to the world that you have an entire, all- powerful Saviour. It was the Son of the infinite God who died to purchase a full and free salvation for all that would accept it. Then why not take him as your Saviour? He rebukes your unbelief; he honors your faith.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 09, 2016, 06:03:24 PM
Tonight I was looking something else up totally unrelated to this but this caught my eye and I pray that this will help some who are reading here and are struggling. Not long ago I heard I a pastor say that there are no blessings in giving up. Read on and be encouraged my friend!!!

 Pure religion has to do with the will. The will is the governing power in the nature of man, bringing all the other faculties under its sway. The will is not the taste or the inclination, but it is the deciding power which works in the children of men unto obedience to God or unto disobedience.  {5T 513.1} 
     You are a young man of intelligence; you desire to make your life such as will fit you for heaven at last. You are often discouraged at finding yourself weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits and customs of your old life in sin. You find your emotional nature untrue to yourself, to your best resolutions, and to your most solemn pledges. Nothing seems real. Your own instability leads you to doubt the sincerity of those who would do you good. The more you struggle in doubt, the more unreal everything looks to you, until it seems that there is no solid ground for you anywhere. Your promises are like ropes of sand, and you regard in the same unreal light the words and works of those in whom you should trust.  {5T 513.2} 
     You will be in constant peril until you understand the true force of the will. You may believe and promise all things, but your promises or your faith are of no value until you put your will on the side of faith and action. If you fight the fight of faith with all your will power, you will conquer. Your feelings, your impressions, your emotions, are not to be trusted, for they are not reliable, especially with your perverted ideas; and the knowledge of your broken promises and your forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in yourself, and the faith of others in you.  {5T 513.3} 
     But you need not despair. You must be determined to believe, although nothing seems true and real to you. I need not tell you it is you yourself that has brought you into this unenviable position. You must win back your confidence in God and in your brethren. It is for you to yield up your will to the will of Jesus Christ; and as you do this, God will immediately take possession and work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Your whole nature will then be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ, and even your thoughts will be subject to Him. You cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may desire; but you can control the will, and you can make an entire change in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, your life will be hid with Christ in God and allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from God that will hold you fast to His strength; and a new life, even the life of living faith, will be possible to you. But your will must co-operate with God's will, not with the will of associates through whom Satan is constantly working to ensnare and destroy you.  {5T 513.4} 
     Will you not without delay place yourself in right relation to God? Will you not say, "I will give my will to Jesus, and I will do it now," and from this moment be wholly on the Lord's side? Disregard custom and the strong clamoring of appetite and passion. Give Satan no chance to say: "You are a wretched hypocrite." Close the door so that Satan will not thus accuse and dishearten you. Say, "I will believe, I do believe that God is my helper," and you will find that you are triumphant in God. By steadfastly keeping the will on the Lord's side, every emotion will be brought into captivity to the will of Jesus. You will then find your feet on solid rock. It will take, at times, every particle of will power which you possess; but it is God that is working for you, and you will come forth from the molding process a vessel unto honor.  {5T 514.1} 
     Talk faith. Keep on God's side of the line. Set not your foot on the enemy's side, and the Lord will be your helper. He will do for you that which it is not possible for you to do for yourself. The result will be that you will become "like a cedar in Lebanon." Your life will be noble, and your works will be wrought in God. There will be in you a power, an earnestness, and a simplicity that will make you a polished instrument in the hands of God.  {5T 514.2} 
     You need to drink daily at the fountain of truth, that you may understand the secret of pleasure and joy in the Lord. But you must remember that your will is the spring of all your actions. This will, that forms so important a factor in the character of man, was at the Fall given into the control of Satan; and he has ever since been working in man to will and to do of his own pleasure, but to the utter ruin and misery of man. But the infinite sacrifice of God in giving Jesus, His beloved Son, to become a sacrifice for sin, enables Him to say, without violating one principle of His government: "Yield yourself up to Me; give Me that will; take it from the control of Satan, and I will take possession of it; then I can work in you to will and to do of My good pleasure." When He gives you the mind of Christ, your will becomes as His will, and your character is transformed to be like Christ's character. Is it your purpose to do God's will? Do you wish to obey the Scriptures? "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."  {5T 515.1} 
     There is no such thing as following Christ unless you refuse to gratify inclination and determine to obey God. It is not your feelings, your emotions, that make you a child of God, but the doing of God's will. A life of usefulness is before you if your will becomes God's will. Then you may stand in your God-given manhood, an example of good works. You will then help to maintain rules of discipline instead of helping to break them down. You will then help to maintain order instead of despising it and inciting to irregularity of life by your own course of action. I tell you in the fear of God: I know what you may be if your will is placed on the side of God. "We are laborers together with God." You may be doing your work for time and eternity in such a manner that it will stand the test of the judgment. Will you try? Will you now turn square about? You are the object of Christ's love and intercession. Will you now surrender to God and help those who are placed as sentinels to guard the interests of His work, instead of causing them grief and discouragement?
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 19, 2016, 03:48:26 PM
The same power that Christ exercised when He walked visibly among men is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by His word He stilled the sea and raised the dead, and the people bore witness that His word was with power. He spoke the word of God, as He had spoken to all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ.  {MH 122.1} 
     The Scriptures are to be received as God's word to us, not written merely, but spoken. When the afflicted ones came to Christ, He beheld not only those who asked for help, but all who throughout the ages should come to Him in like need and with like faith. When He said to the paralytic, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee;" when He said to the woman of Capernaum, "Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace," He spoke to other afflicted, sin-burdened ones who should seek His help. Matthew 9:2; Luke 8:48.  {MH 122.2} 
     So with all the promises of God's word. In them He is speaking to us individually, speaking as directly as if we could listen to His voice. It is in these promises that Christ communicates to us His grace and power. They are leaves from that tree which is "for the healing of the nations." Revelation 22:2. Received, assimilated, they are to be the strength of the character, the inspiration and sustenance of the life. Nothing else can have such healing power. Nothing besides can impart the courage and faith which give vital energy to the whole being.  {MH 122.3} 
     To one who stands trembling with fear on the brink of the grave, to the soul weary of the burden of suffering and sin, let the physician as he has opportunity repeat the words of the Saviour--for all the words of Holy Writ are His:  {MH 122.4} 
     "Fear not: 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. . . . Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee." "I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins." "Fear not: for I am with thee." Isaiah 43:1-4, 25, 5.  {MH 122.5} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on January 27, 2017, 07:35:50 PM
And have not the servants of God and the church a lack of faith? Have we not been too easily discouraged? too willing to believe that our lot was hard, and too ready to think that God had forsaken us? This is not right. God has so loved us as to give his dearly beloved Son to die for us; all heaven is interested in our salvation, and after all this, shall we consider it hard to trust so good a Father? He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him than parents are to give good gifts to their children. We will not be discouraged, but with faith and confidence ask our Father in heaven for the things we need; and if we do no receive the immediate answer to our prayers, we must not give up our courage and faith, and suffer a murmuring spirit to take possession of us. This only separates us farther from God, for it is displeasing to him.  {RH, June 12, 1855 par. 6} 
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on May 24, 2017, 07:23:43 PM
There is no spiritual strength for us in constantly brooding over our weakness and backslidings, and bemoaning the power of Satan. This great truth must be established as a living principle in our minds and hearts—the efficacy of the offering made for us; that God can and does save to the uttermost all who come unto Him complying with the conditions specified in His word. Our work is to place our will on the side of God's will. Then, through the blood of the atonement, we become partakers of the divine nature; through Christ we are children of God, and we have the assurance that God loves us even as He loved His Son. We are one with Jesus. We walk where Christ leads the way; He has power to dispel the dark shadows which Satan casts across our path; and, in place of darkness and discouragement, the sunlight of His glory shines into our hearts. {CCh 79.4}

Brethren and sisters, it is by beholding that we become changed. By dwelling upon the love of God and our Saviour, by contemplating the perfection of the divine character and claiming the righteousness of Christ as ours by faith, we are to be transformed into the same image.
Then let us not gather together all the unpleasant pictures—the iniquities and corruptions and disappointments, the evidences of Satan's power—to hang in the halls of our memory, to talk over and mourn over until our souls are filled with discouragement. A discouraged soul is a body of darkness, not only failing himself to receive the light of God, but shutting it away from others. Satan loves to see the effect of the pictures of his triumphs, making human beings faithless and disheartened. 89 {CCh 80.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on June 26, 2017, 10:42:00 AM
None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion, “Yours is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable.” But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under, which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free. {MH 249.2}

He who took humanity upon Himself knows how to sympathize with the sufferings of humanity. Not only does Christ know every soul, and the peculiar needs and trials of that soul, but He knows all the circumstances that chafe and perplex the spirit. His hand is outstretched in pitying tenderness to every suffering child. Those who suffer most have most of His sympathy and pity. He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and He desires us to lay our perplexities and troubles at His feet and leave them there. {MH 249.3}

It is not wise to look to ourselves and study our emotions. If we do this, the enemy will present difficulties and temptations that weaken faith and destroy courage. Closely to study our emotions and give way to our feelings is to entertain doubt and entangle ourselves in perplexity. We are to look away from self to Jesus. {MH 249.4}

When temptations assail you, when care, perplexity, and darkness seem to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in Christ’s love and under His protecting care. When sin struggles for the mastery in the heart, when guilt oppresses the soul and burdens the conscience, when unbelief clouds the mind, remember that Christ’s grace is sufficient to subdue sin and banish the darkness. Entering into communion with the Saviour, we enter the region of peace. {MH 250.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 07, 2017, 12:07:49 PM
It may be small but we do have a part to play in our personal salvation. Read and be encouraged.

Talk courage to the church; lift them up to God in prayer. Tell them that when they feel that they have sinned, and cannot pray, it is then the time to pray. Many feel humiliated at their failures, that they have been overcome by the enemy in the place of overcoming. Worldliness, selfishness, and carnality have weakened them, and they think it is no use to approach unto God; but this thought is one of the enemy's suggestions. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but they must pray and believe. As they confess their sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive them their sins, and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Though the mind may wander in prayer, be not discouraged, bring it back to the throne, and do not leave the mercy seat until you have the victory. Are you to think your victory will be testified by strong emotion?--No; "this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." The Lord knows your desire; by faith keep close to him, and expect to receive the Holy Spirit. The office of the Holy Spirit is to control all our spiritual exercises. The Father has given his Son for us that through the Son the Holy Spirit might come to us, and lead us unto the Father. Through divine agency, we have the spirit of intercession, whereby we may plead with God, as a man pleadeth with his friend.  {ST, October 3, 1892 par. 7} 

If Satan seeks to divert the mind to low and sensual things, bring it back again and place it on eternal things; and when the Lord sees the determined effort made to retain only pure thoughts, He will attract the mind, like the magnet, purify the thoughts, and enable them to cleanse themselves from every secret sin. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).  {2MCP 595.2}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on October 16, 2017, 10:48:59 PM
What a promise! We are not alone in or battle with self, Satan, and sin! God is working with us!!!  We need to talk to Him more often!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 17, 2017, 11:05:24 AM
Present the promise of God, and then believe without a doubt. Do not wait to feel special emotions before you think the Lord answers. Do not mark out some particular way that the Lord must work for you before you believe you receive the things you ask of Him; but trust His word, and leave the whole matter in the hands of the Lord, with full faith that your prayer will be honored, and the answer will come at the very time and in the very way your heavenly Father sees is for your good; and then live out your prayers. Walk humbly and keep moving forward. {MYP 123.1}

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11. {MYP 123.2}

“O fear the Lord, ye His saints: for there is no want to them that fear Him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.” Psalm 34:9, 10. {MYP 124.1}
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:13-18. {MYP 124.2}

Here are promises, rich and abundant, upon conditions that you cease to do evil and learn to do well. Then set your aim in life high, as did Joseph and Daniel and Moses; and take into consideration the cost of character-building, and then build for time and for eternity.... {MYP 124.3}

We are weak and without wisdom, but God has said: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. Only learn to be thorough, never to let go your hold upon God, to persevere in His service, and you will be an overcomer through the blood of the Lamb. {MYP 124.4}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on November 18, 2017, 05:32:51 AM
Are you a teacher? Then take heart...

Often it will seem to the teacher that word of God has little effect on the minds and hearts of many students; but if his work has been wrought in God, some lessons of divine truth will linger in the memory of the most careless. The Holy Spirit will water the seed sown, and it will spring up after many days and bear fruit to the glory of God.  {CT 435.2}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 23, 2018, 06:37:37 PM
The shortness of time is frequently urged as an incentive for seeking righteousness and making Christ our friend. This should not be the great motive with us; for it savors of selfishness. Is it necessary that the terrors of the day of God should be held before us, that we may be compelled to right action through fear? It ought not to be so. Jesus is attractive. He is full of love, mercy, and compassion. He proposes to be our friend, to walk with us through all the rough pathways of life. He says to us, I am the Lord thy God; walk with Me, and I will fill thy path with light. Jesus, the Majesty of heaven, proposes to elevate to companionship with Himself those who come to Him with their burdens, their weaknesses, and their cares. He will count them as His children, and finally give them an inheritance of more value than the empires of kings, a crown of glory richer than has ever decked the brow of the most exalted earthly monarch.  {LHU 98.3}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: thx4mercy on March 23, 2018, 07:08:45 PM
The shortness of time is frequently urged as an incentive for seeking righteousness

Yes, what a shame, isn't it?  This quote paints such a nice picture of Jesus and what He can be to us.  I'm going to pass this quote along in an e-mail tonight and in my next letters I send to friends.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on March 23, 2018, 07:13:38 PM
I'm glad that you were blessed by this wonderful (as you'd say) painting of Jesus with words. He is indeed the One altogether lovely. The One who desires to be our Friend. Whispering..... who is also the King of the universe! What a thought!!!!
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on May 04, 2018, 12:23:57 PM
Brethren, the cross speaketh better things than the blood of Abel in behalf of every soul that receives Jesus Christ. When you are deeply shadowed it is because Satan has interposed himself between you and the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness. In times of trouble the brightness is eclipsed, and we do not understand why the assurance seems to be withdrawn. We are led to look at self and the shadow of the cross, and this prevents us from seeing the consolation there is for us. We complain of the way and withdraw the hand from the hand of Christ. But sometimes God’s favor breaks suddenly upon the soul and the gloom is dispelled. Let us live in the sunlight of the cross of Calvary. Let us no longer dwell in the shadow, complaining of our sorrows, for this only deepens our trouble. {10MR 78.3}

Let us never forget, even when we walk in the valley, that Christ is as much with us when we walk trustingly there as when we are on the mountaintop. The voice said to us, “Will you not roll your burden upon the Burden-Bearer, the Lord Jesus Christ? Will you not live on the sunny side of the cross? saying, ‘I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.’ ‘Whom having not seen ye love, in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls’” (2 Timothy 1:12: 1 Peter 1:8, 9). {10MR 79.1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Richard Myers on June 06, 2018, 05:24:34 AM
This last quotes reminds me of the disciples from Emmaus as they walked and talked with Jesus. We may do also.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 01, 2018, 07:44:57 AM
Maybe today it is not you that needs to be encouraged but someone else. There might be somebody in your path this very day that needs encouragement.

If the lost sheep is not brought back to the fold, it wanders until it perishes. There is many a poor soul who is full of distress and agony,—a lost, straying sheep. His mind is beclouded; he can not find God; yet he has an intense, longing desire for pardon and peace. Many souls go down to ruin for want of a hand stretched out to save. These erring ones may appear hard and reckless; but if they had had the advantages that others have had, they might have revealed far more nobility of soul and a greater talent for usefulness. Angels pity these wandering ones. Angels weep, while human eyes are dry, and human hearts are closed to pity. {RH January 19, 1911, par. 7}

There are many who err, and who feel their shame and folly. They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. When one has to swim against the stream, there is all the force of the current driving him back. Let a helping hand be held out to him, as was the Elder Brother’s to the sinking Peter. Speak to him hopeful words, words that inspire him with courage. Tell him of an almighty hand that will hold him up, of an infinite humanity in Christ that pities him. It is not enough for him to believe in law and force, things that have no pity, and never hear the call for help. He needs to clasp a hand that is warm, to trust in a heart full of tenderness. Keep his mind stayed on the thought of the divine Helper ever beside him, ever looking upon him with pitying love. Bid him think of a Father’s heart that ever grieves over sin, of a Father’s hand stretched out still, of a Father’s voice saying, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest.” {RH January 19, 1911, par. 8}

I suppose that some after reading this might automatically assume that this is talking about someone who is not a member of the church or who has been absent for a long while but I can tell you that this  doesn't apply to just those "outside" of the church. Members can be in this situation also. Members can be wounded by satan and led to focus on their sins instead of Christ. They may even come to church week after week and never speak of their burdens. Sometimes you can tell because their countenances give them away but others hide it. We are not to go around prying but a kind word, a big smile and shake of the hand can go a long way and maybe even open up other avenues to help them. Let the Holy Spirit guide you and who knows the end results might be.

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Dorine on August 01, 2018, 08:22:48 AM
Thank you Jim. There are many that are weary and worn, tempted and discouraged. If we are truly concerned for these people the Holy Spirit will alert us. Body language of others reveals much and if we are prayerful and watchful we will find occasions to uplift them and be a caring friend.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on August 02, 2018, 11:15:29 AM
Going on the same theme of encouraging others....

With intense interest angels are watching to see how man deals with his fellow man. When the heavenly messengers see that we show tender sympathy for the erring, they press close to our side, bringing to our remembrance words that will soothe and comfort the soul. “In heaven their angels do always behold the face of their Father which is in heaven.” Beware how you think a contemptuous thought or speak a contemptuous word of the least of Christ’s little ones. Say not a word, do not a deed, that will drive the erring farther from the Saviour. {RH January 26, 1911, par. 8}

Most pitiful is the condition of the one who is suffering from remorse. He is as one stunned, staggering, sinking to the ground. The tired, tempted, confused soul can not see anything clearly. O, then let no word be spoken to cause deeper shame! Help once more to his feet the one who has fallen. With skilled hands bind up the wounds that sin has made. Let not your words, like devastating hail, beat down and destroy the hope springing up in the heart. A soul hurt is often a soul destroyed. Any neglect on your part, any exaltation of self, any hasty, passionate words, may set the soul on the road to destruction, placing him where he will never find the road that leads heavenward. A few words, hastily spoken under provocation, may seem but a little thing,—just what the wrong-doer deserves,—but such words may cut the cords of influence that bind soul to soul. Our work is to restore, not to destroy; to lift up, not to cast down; “to heal the broken-hearted.” We are to remember those that are bound as bound with them. There is a sustaining power in the deed done to benefit and bless humanity. {RH January 26, 1911, par. 9}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on September 18, 2018, 06:09:38 AM
Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise. It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings,—as much a duty as it is to pray. {RH June 2, 1910, par. 1}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 13, 2018, 12:55:11 PM
I apologize for the length. It's long enough that I have to split it into two parts. I pray this will help someone.

We have as a people been singularly led. There have been apostasies, there have been threatened dangers, there have been the deep plots laid by the adversary of souls, but still we are on the move “Forward.” There have been sins among us as among ancient Israel, but thank God we have had an open door which no man can shut. Men may say, “I forgive all the injuries you have done to me,” but their forgiveness would not blot out one sin; but the voice sounding from Calvary—My son, My daughter, thy sins be forgiven thee—is all efficacious. That word alone has power and awakens the gratitude in the grateful heart. We have a Mediator. There is but one channel of forgiveness and that channel is ever open, and through that channel a rich flood of divine mercy and forgiveness come pouring down to us. “The cleansing stream I see, I see,” and the greatest criminal may find pardon. {Lt85-1886.3}

Many have expressed wonder that God demanded so many slain victims in sacrificial offerings of the Jews, but it was to rivet in their minds the great and solemn truth that without shedding of blood there was no remission of sins. A lesson was embodied in every sacrifice, impressed in every ceremony, solemnly preached by their priests in holy office and inculcated by God Himself—this great truth that through the blood of Christ alone there is forgiveness of sins. How little we feel the force of this great truth as a people! How little, by living, acting faith, do we bring this great truth into our lives—that there is forgiveness for the least sin, forgiveness for the greatest sins. {Lt85-1886.4}

I wish I could present this matter before our people just as I view it—the great offering made in behalf of man. Justice asked for the sufferings of a man. Christ, equal with God, gave the sufferings of a God. He needed no atonement Himself. It was for man—all for man. All His sufferings were in our behalf, and accessible to us is His free pardon. The sufferings of Christ corresponded with His spotless purity. His depth of agony was proportionate to the dignity and grandeur of His character. Never shall we see and comprehend the intense anguish of the sufferings of the spotless Lamb of God until we feel how deep is the pit from which we have been delivered, how grievous the sin of which humanity is guilty, and by faith grasp the full and entire pardon. {Lt85-1886.5}

Here is where thousands are failing. They do not really believe that Jesus pardons them individually. They fail to take God at His word. He has assured us that He is faithful that hath promised to forgive us and be just to His own law. His mercy is not wanting in anything. Were there one defective link in the chain, then we are hopelessly ruined in our sins. But I would if I could sound the glad note to earth’s remotest bounds, “If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” [1 John 2:1.] His mercy is full. The chain is perfect in all its parts. There is not one flaw in it, not one missing link. Oh, precious redemption! Why do we not bring this great truth more fully into our lives? How broad it is that God for Christ’s sake forgives us—me, even me—the moment we ask Him to, in living faith, believing that He is fully able to do this. He delights in mercy. Glorious truth: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9.] Just to His own law and yet the Justifier of all them that believe. Well may we exclaim with the prophet, “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy.” [Micah 7:18.] {Lt85-1886.6}

I wish that those who are so often in gloom, gathering the clouds of darkness about their souls, would just make it a business one hour of each day to search the Scriptures and string together the precious promises, as if they were precious pearls. Let them dwell especially upon the mercy and the forgiveness of sins. I think many who have walked under a cloud all their lives would open their eyes with amazement and view the channels of mercies from God rather than the clouds loaded with denunciations and wrath. {Lt85-1886.7}

We need, as a people, greater faith in Jesus Christ. We need to bring Him into our lives. Then we shall have peace. We shall have joy. We shall know by experience the meaning of the words of Jesus, “If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love.” [John 15:10.] Here our faith must come in to claim the promise that we abide in the love of Jesus. “These things I have spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is My commandment, That ye love one another as I have loved you.” [Verses 11, 12.] {Lt85-1886.8}

Precious opportunities and privileges are granted to us to be a light and blessing to others, talking to them, revealing to them that you gather the sunbeams from heaven to your own soul by believing just what the Lord says. These precious rays of cheerful hope and peace and fulness of joy we can bring into our lives and in so doing into the lives of all with whom we associate. We will inspire hope in the place of strengthening unbelief. {Lt85-1886.9}

It is my privilege to feel that I am forgiven. It is the privilege of all who comply with the conditions to have an experimental faith, to know for themselves that Jesus does pardon. When we confess our sins, His word is pledged that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Put away unbelief, put away the suspicion that God does not mean these promises for you. They are for every sinner that repents, and you dishonor God by your unbelief. Let us pick up the precious pearls of promises in God’s Word, and in thus doing eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. “My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.” “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” [John 6:55, 63.] “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” [John 1:14.] {Lt85-1886.10}

Let those who have been in doubt only believe the words of Jesus fully, and henceforth there will be rejoicing in the blessedness of sins forgiven. They will have a practical experience of what it is to rely upon the sure Word of God. Having confidence toward God, relying upon the riches of mercy, we show that we honor God. And He declares, “Them that honor Me I will honor.” [1 Samuel 2:30.] {Lt85-1886.11}
We keep the Saviour too far apart from our lives. We want Him abiding with us as an honored, trusted Friend. We want to consult Him in all things. We want to tell Him all our trials and then let His peace into our souls, and let our joy be full as we contemplate that this Jesus is our Saviour, that He has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Let the peace and joy of heaven into our hearts, and let them be expressed by our lips. Let us make melody to God, and the sunshine of heaven will be reflected to others around us. {Lt85-1886.11}

We keep the Saviour too far apart from our lives. We want Him abiding with us as an honored, trusted Friend. We want to consult Him in all things. We want to tell Him all our trials and then let His peace into our souls, and let our joy be full as we contemplate that this Jesus is our Saviour, that He has said, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] Let the peace and joy of heaven into our hearts, and let them be expressed by our lips. Let us make melody to God, and the sunshine of heaven will be reflected to others around us. {Lt85-1886.12}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on October 13, 2018, 01:21:56 PM
The prophet of old asked, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” [Micah 6:6-8.] {Lt85-1886.14}

In the light of divine revelation, through the atoning sacrifice we may see the glorious plan of redemption whereby my sins are pardoned and I am drawn near to the heart of Infinite Love. We see how God can retain all His justice and yet pardon the transgressor of His law. He can retain all His holiness and reveal it to us in greater glory in cleansing us from all sin. We are not simply forgiven, but accepted of God in the Beloved. {Lt85-1886.15}

The plan of redemption is not merely an escape from the penalty of transgression, that we may be tolerated in heaven as a forgiven culprit, pardoned and released from prison, one who is barely tolerated, but not admitted to friendship and trust. We are not to be thus in heaven—merely admitted. Such a reception would be all that we deserve, but unsatisfying. We want to be taken back to confidence and love, not only to be rescued from the curse, but to be welcomed as accepted children, to be blessed of God. And we shall be amply satisfied. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ has made ample provisions for every repenting, believing soul. We are saved because God loves the purchase of the blood of Christ; and not only will He pardon the repenting, believing sinner, but He will take us back—not only barely permit us to come into heaven, but He, the Father, will wait at the very entrance to welcome us, to give us an abundant entrance to the mansions of the blest. {Lt85-1886.16}

Oh what love, what wondrous love! In the gift of His beloved Son, the Father has shown His love for the fallen race, and through this sacrifice made a channel for the outflow of His infinite love, that all who will believe on Jesus Christ may be restored again to His favor. {Lt85-1886.17}

The parable of the prodigal son represents the way that God will deal with the erring who come back in repentance to Him again. Have we not grand themes for thought and a solid foundation for our faith? What more can we ask of God than that which He has given us? Love, infinite love in Jesus’ being our sacrifice. Believing on Him we will be obedient to all of God’s commandments, and we have life in Jesus Christ. {Lt85-1886.18}

Oh, what joy should fill the heart of the Christian, and what expressions of love should be heard from his lips! Jesus has died for me, making it possible for me to keep the law of God, His filling in the perfection where I cannot supply it. He is making an atonement for me, that I may be one with the Father. Then if I accept by faith this wonderful salvation, I shall never perish as a guilty transgressor of God’s holy, immutable law. Then why should we not have that earnest, living faith, that perfect confidence that in Christ we shall have eternal life? {Lt85-1886.19}

Many fail to act upon this faith, and therefore God is dishonored. They go forth in the world, as if under a weight of woe and condemnation, when they might have peace and comfort, hope, and fulness of joy. Jesus brought into their life would make them happy indeed. Oh, why will we, when we have such expressions of God’s love to us, act as if we were continually suspicious of God? Well may He ask, What more could I do for My vineyard that I have not done in it? {Lt85-1886.20}

Let us honor God by believing His Word implicitly. We have not a Saviour in Joseph’s new tomb and a great stone before the door of the sepulchre. Jesus is not dead. We have a Saviour who has risen from the dead, who is ascended up on high and ever liveth to make intercession for us. Be not weeping, like Mary, because they have taken away our Lord and we know not where they have laid Him. We know where Jesus is—in the presence of the Father to make intercession for us. We have a living Saviour. {Lt85-1886.21}

How can men live in transgression of God’s law and yet think that they can claim the virtues of the atoning sacrifice? Why cannot those who claim to understand the Scriptures see that the requirement God makes in grace is just the requirement that God made in Eden—perfect obedience to His law? In the retributive judgment, God will ask those who professed to be Christians, Why did you claim to believe in Jesus and continue to transgress My law? Who required this at your hands, to trample upon My rules of righteousness? “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” [1 Samuel 15:22.] {Lt85-1886.22}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: JimB on December 20, 2018, 09:11:42 AM
God loved the world to such an extent that he gave full and complete evidence of the fact. He did not leave any chance for the tempter to say that he did not love us, for he gave a gift whose value could not be estimated. Had he done less, Satan and his agencies would have sought to have inspired jealousy against God by intimating that he could have done more than he did. God so loved the world that he determined to give a gift beyond all computation, and make manifest how immeasurable was his love. The gift of God would be a wonder to all worlds, to all created intelligences, ever enlarging their ideas of what God’s love was in its infinity and greatness. Contemplation of this love would uproot from the heart all selfishness, and so transform the soul that men would cherish generosity, practice self-denial, and imitate the example of God. God so loved the world that he gave heaven’s best gift, in order that the most guilty transgressor should not be deferred from coming to Christ, however great his sin, and be enabled to ask for pardon at a throne of mercy. {ST February 5, 1894, par. 6}
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Dorine on December 20, 2018, 09:47:55 AM
I just want to take a moment to thank you once again Jim for these most encouraging posts. If we would just spend time each day reading them we would never allow negative emotions to occupy our thoughts and drive our lives. We would live free in Christ and our countenance would show it. Negativity is an unbearable burden that God did not intend for anyone to carry. It leads to self destruction.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Dorine on March 27, 2021, 06:40:12 AM

I read the most inspiring chapter in Prophets and Kings this morning that I just had to share. This brought such hope and courage to my heart. We must never allow discouragement to be entertained when confronted with obstacles in the Lord's work. What a man of God Nehemiah was and all who persevere as he did will see the progress of God's work go forth.

Satan takes advantage of every unconsecrated element for the accomplishment of his purposes. Among those who profess to be the supporters of God's cause there are those who unite with His enemies and thus lay His cause open to the attacks of His bitterest foes. Even some who desire the work of God to prosper will yet weaken the hands of His servants by hearing, reporting, and half believing the slanders, boasts, and menaces of His adversaries. Satan works with marvelous success through his agents, and all who yield to their influence are subject to a bewitching power that destroys the wisdom of the wise and the understanding of the prudent. But, like Nehemiah, God's people are neither to fear nor to despise their enemies. Putting their trust in God, they are to go steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, and committing to His providence the cause for which they stand.  {PK 645.1} 

Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: rahab on March 28, 2021, 06:57:07 PM
We must direct our eyes upward to Jesus rather than to dwell on the problems of this world.  To dwell on the problems only magnifies their influence in our minds.  Look up think of heaven, look to Jesus and rise above the clouds of discouragement.

There is greater power in love than was ever found in censure. Love will melt its way through barriers, while censure will close up every avenue of the soul.
-94-  vol 3 T.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Dorine on March 29, 2021, 07:02:54 AM
Amen rahab.
Title: Re: Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?
Post by: Marelis on March 30, 2021, 05:12:47 AM

I read the most inspiring chapter in Prophets and Kings this morning that I just had to share. This brought such hope and courage to my heart. We must never allow discouragement to be entertained when confronted with obstacles in the Lord's work. What a man of God Nehemiah was and all who persevere as he did will see the progress of God's work go forth.

  But, like Nehemiah, God's people are neither to fear nor to despise their enemies. Putting their trust in God, they are to go steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, and committing to His providence the cause for which they stand.  {PK 645.1} 
These words spoke to me. Thank you for sharing, Dorine.