Are You Tempted to be Discouraged?

[Dorine]

Amen Jim. Satan puts thoughts into our heads that lead to unbelief in God's grace if we do not chase the devil away by submitting to Christ and resisting the temptation to listen to lies. Thank you for sharing this promise.

[JimB]

I try not to post here close together because I don't want the last words of encouragement to be lost on multiple fast posts as I'm not sure how many look back on this thread to see what has been posted in the past. Never-the-less I am posting this one this time.

There are portions I'd like to make standout by making them bold, but with this letter I'd have to bold everything so I'm leaving all as it is.

The Victorious Life

 

REPRINT OF A LITTLE TRACT, THE LAST OF MRS. WHITE'S WRITING BEFORE HER DEATH.

Sanitarium, California, June 14, 1914.

Dear Friend: 

The Lord has given me a message for you, and not for you only, but also for other faithful souls who are troubled by doubts and fears regarding their acceptance by the Lord Jesus Christ. His word to you is, "Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." You desire to please the Lord, and you can do this by believing His promises. He is waiting to take you into a harbor of gracious experience, and He bids you, "Be still, and know that I am God." You have had a time of unrest; but Jesus says to you, "Come unto Me, . . . and I will give you rest." The joy of Christ in the soul is worth everything. "Then are they glad," because they are privileged to rest in the arms of everlasting love. {TM 516.1} 

Put away your distrust of our heavenly Father. Instead of talking of your doubts, break away from them in the strength of Jesus, and let light shine into your soul by letting your voice express confidence and trust in God. I know that the Lord is very nigh to give you victory, and I say to you, Be helped, be strengthened, be lifted out of and away from the dark dungeon of unbelief. Doubts will rush into your mind, because Satan is trying to hold you in captivity to his cruel power; but face him in the strength that Jesus is willing to give you, and conquer the inclination to express unbelief in your Saviour. {TM 516.2}

Do not talk of your inefficiency and your defects. When despair would seem to be sweeping over your soul, look to Jesus, saying, He lives to make intercession for me. Forget the things that are behind, and believe the promise, "I will come to you," and "abide with you." {TM 516.3} 

God is waiting to bestow the blessing of forgiveness, of pardon for iniquity, of the gifts of righteousness, upon all who will believe in His love and accept the salvation He offers. Christ is ready to say to the repenting sinner, "Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." The blood of Jesus Christ is the eloquent plea that speaks in behalf of sinners. This blood "cleanseth us from all sin." {TM 517.1} 

It is your privilege to trust in the love of Jesus for salvation, in the fullest, surest, noblest manner; to say, He loves me, He receives me; I will trust Him, for He gave His life for me. Nothing so dispels doubt as coming in contact with the character of Christ. He declares, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out;" that is, there is no possibility of My casting him out, for I have pledged My word to receive him. Take Christ at His word, and let your lips declare that you have gained the victory. {TM 517.2} 

Is Jesus true? Does He mean what He says? Answer decidedly, Yes, every word. Then if you have settled this, by faith claim every promise that He has made, and receive the blessing; for this acceptance by faith gives life to the soul. You may believe that Jesus is true to you, even though you feel yourself to be the weakest and most unworthy of His children. And as you believe, all your dark, brooding doubts are thrown back upon the archdeceiver who originated them. You can be a great blessing if you will take God at His word. By living faith you are to trust Him, even though the impulse is strong within you to speak words of distrust. {TM 517.3} 

Peace comes with dependence on divine power. As fast as the soul resolves to act in accordance with the light given, the Holy Spirit gives more light and strength. The grace of the Spirit is supplied to cooperate with the soul's resolve, but it is not a substitute for the individual exercise of faith. Success in the Christian life depends upon the appropriation of the light that God has given. It is not an abundance of light and evidence that makes the soul free in Christ; it is the rising of the powers and the will and the energies of the soul to cry out sincerely, "Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." {TM 518.1} 

I rejoice in the bright prospects of the future, and so may you. Be cheerful, and praise the Lord for His lovingkindness. That which you cannot understand, commit to Him. He loves you and pities your every weakness. He "hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." It would not satisfy the heart of the Infinite One to give those who love His Son a lesser blessing than He gives His Son. {TM 518.2} 

Satan seeks to draw our minds away from the mighty Helper, to lead us to ponder over our degeneration of soul. But though Jesus sees the guilt of the past, He speaks pardon; and we should not dishonor Him by doubting His love. The feeling of guiltiness must be laid at the foot of the cross, or it will poison the springs of life. When Satan thrusts his threatenings upon you, turn from them, and comfort your soul with the promises of God. The cloud may be dark in itself, but when filled with the light of heaven, it turns to the brightness of gold; for the glory of God rests upon it. {TM 518.3} 

God's children are not to be subject to feelings and emotions. When they fluctuate between hope and fear, the heart of Christ is hurt; for He has given them unmistakable evidence of His love. He wants them to be established, strengthened, and settled in the most holy faith. He wants them to do the work He has given them; then their hearts will become in His hands as sacred harps, every chord of which will send forth praise and thanksgiving to the One sent by God to take away the sins of the world. {TM 518.4} 

Christ's love for His children is as tender as it is strong. And it is stronger than death; for He died to purchase our salvation, and to make us one with Him, mystically and eternally one. So strong is His love that it controls all His powers, and employs the vast resources of heaven in doing His people good. It is without variableness or shadow of turning--the same yesterday, today, and forever. Although sin has existed for ages, trying to counteract this love and obstruct its flowing earthward, it still flows in rich currents to those for whom Christ died. {TM 519.1} 

God loves the sinless angels, who do His service and are obedient to all His commands; but He does not give them grace; they have never needed it, for they have never sinned. Grace is an attribute shown to undeserving human beings. We did not seek after it; it was sent in search of us. God rejoices to bestow grace upon all who hunger and thirst for it, not because we are worthy, but because we are unworthy. Our need is the qualification which gives us the assurance that we shall receive the gift. {TM 519.2}

It should not be difficult to remember that the Lord desires you to lay your troubles and perplexities at His feet, and leave them there. Go to Him, saying: "Lord, my burdens are too heavy for me to carry. Wilt Thou bear them for me?" And He will answer: "I will take them. 'With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee.' I will take your sins, and will give you peace. Banish no longer your self-respect; for I have bought you with the price of My own blood. You are Mine. Your weakened will I will strengthen. Your remorse for sin I will remove." {TM 519.3} 

"I, even I, am He," the Lord declares, "that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified." "I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye Me in vain: I the Lord speak righteousness, I declare things that are right." "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." Respond to the calls of God's mercy, and say: "I will trust in the Lord and be comforted. I will praise the Lord; for His anger is turned away. I will rejoice in God, who gives the victory." {TM 520.1}

[Dorine]

Jim, thank you for sharing this post today. It brought me to tears for it brings out the tender regard and mercy Jesus has for each of us weak souls. He inspired Ellen White to write these words for the comfort of His people and He inspired you to post it.

[Richard Myers]

Amen! Just what we read today in Desire of Ages! God loves the sinner and we see it in the great sacrifice He and our heavenly Father made!

[JimB]

Dorine, I'm just happy that you've been blessed by it. I just love at the end how she strings a bunch of Bible promises together.

[JimB]

The following quote is in the context of the Syrophoenician woman's story found in Matthew 15 and Mark 7.

It was Christ Himself who put into that mother's heart the persistence which would not be repulsed. It was Christ who gave the pleading widow courage and determination before the judge. It was Christ who, centuries before, in the mysterious conflict by the Jabbok, had inspired Jacob with the same persevering faith. And the confidence which He Himself had implanted, He did not fail to reward. COL 175.3

He who dwells in the heavenly sanctuary judges righteously. His pleasure is more in His people, struggling with temptation in a world of sin, than in the host of angels that surround His throne. COL 176.1 EGW Writings: https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p15.736&index=0

I have read Christ Object Lessons before but the above quote didn't catch my eye then. To me its just amazing that Christ gives us courage, determination, and perseverance and turns around and rewards us when we choose to exercise the gift! He'll give us what we need to succeed. What amazing love He bestows upon us who are made of nothing but dust! I am like David when he said... What is man, that thou art mindful of him?

[rahab]

Excellent!  Of ourselves we can do nothing.

[JimB]

So I've been really thinking about this last post where I quoted from Christ Object Lessons. I have a good boss at work. There are things that he askes for me to accomplish. However, what makes him a good and successful boss is that he make sure that I have the right tools and resources to get it done.

It was Jesus that drew that mother and the widow and Jacob to Himself but He also supplied the tools and resources needed for the task. Surely He enables those He calls. He does not just simply say "be ye warmed and filled" (James 2:16) but gives those things will warm you and feed you. Yes we have to chose to use what He gives us but why wouldn't we?? We love Him because He first loved us!

We have a wonderful God who cares about us personally! That means everyone who reads this.

[rahab]

Amen Jim

[JimB]

For the disheartened there is a sure remedy,—faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands.—Prophets and Kings, 164, 165. ChS 107.1

 There is but one genuine cure for spiritual laziness, and that is work,—working for souls who need your help.—Testimonies for the Church 4:236. ChS 107.2

This is the recipe that Christ has prescribed for the fainthearted, doubting, trembling soul. Let the sorrowful ones, who walk mournfully before the Lord, arise and help some one who needs help.—Testimonies for the Church 6:266. ChS 107.3

 EGW Writings: https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p13.742&index=0

[rahab]

Excellent
exactly what we are doing
But oftentimes it does get weary when dealing with certain characters

[Richard Myers]

Yes, but if we are continually seeking for those who want the truth, the weariness disappears quickly!     I think sometimes we labor more than we should with individuals that  do not respond to the loveliness of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will lead us in knowing how and when we labor.

[rahab]

Good point!  Thank you 🙏🏻

[JimB]

Faith the Christian's Privilege ST June 19,  1884 EGW

 

Many who are sincerely seeking for holiness of heart and purity of life are perplexed and discouraged. They are constantly looking to themselves, and lamenting their lack of faith; and because of this lack, they feel that they cannot claim the blessing of God. These persons mistake feeling for faith. They look away from the simplicity of true faith, and thus bring great darkness upon their souls. Instead of thinking of self, they should train their minds to dwell upon the mercy and goodness of God. They should recount his promises, believing that he will fulfill his word. When we repent of our past transgressions of his law, and resolve to render obedience in the future, we should believe that God for Christ's sake accepts us, and forgives our sins. ST June 19,  1884, par. 1

 At times a deep sense of our unworthiness will send a thrill of terror through the soul; but this is no evidence that God has changed toward us, or we toward him. We may not feel today the peace and joy which we felt yesterday; but by faith we should grasp the hand of Christ, and trust him as fully in the darkness as in the light. No effort should be made to rein the mind up to an intensity of emotion; but we should faithfully perform every duty, and then calmly rest in the promises of God. ST June 19,  1884, par. 2

Satan may whisper, “You are too great a sinner for Christ to save.” But while you acknowledge that you are sinful and unworthy, meet the tempter with the cry, “By virtue of the atonement I claim Jesus as my Saviour. I trust not to my own merits, but to the precious blood of Christ, which cleanses me. This moment I hang my helpless soul on him.” ST June 19,  1884, par. 3

Be not discouraged because your heart seems hard. Every obstacle, every internal foe, only increases your need of Christ. He came to take away the heart of stone, and give you a heart of flesh. Look to him for grace to overcome your special faults, to put away every darling sin. ST June 19,  1884, par. 4

If we would permit our minds to dwell more upon Christ and the heavenly world, we should find a powerful stimulus and support in our warfare against sin. By faith we may look upon the crowns laid up for those who shall overcome; we may listen to the exultant song of the redeemed: “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power;” “for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood.” Pride and love of the world will lose their power as we contemplate the infinite love of Christ, and the glories of that better land so soon to be our home. ST June 19,  1884, par. 5

An unyielding trust, a firm reliance upon Christ, will bring peace and joy to the soul. But let none imagine that without earnest effort on their part they can retain the assurance of God's love. When the mind has been long permitted to dwell only on earthly things, it is a difficult matter to change the habits of thought. That which the eye sees and the ear hears, too often attracts the attention and absorbs the interest. But if we would enter the city of God, and look upon Jesus in his glory, we must become accustomed to beholding him with the eye of faith here. The words and character of Christ should be often the subject of our thoughts and our conversation; and each day some time should be especially devoted to prayerful meditation upon these sacred themes. ST June 19,  1884, par. 6

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that God will accept and bless them while they are trampling upon one of his requirements. The willful commission of a known sin silences the witnessing voice of the Spirit, and separates the soul from God. Jesus cannot abide in the heart that disregards the divine law. God will honor those only who honor him. ST June 19,  1884, par. 7

“To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are.” If we indulge anger, lust, covetousness, hatred, selfishness, or any other sin, we become servants of sin. “No man can serve two masters.” If we serve sin, we cannot serve Christ. The Christian will feel the promptings of sin; but he will keep up a constant warfare against it. Here is where Christ's help is needed. Human weakness becomes united to divine strength, and faith exclaims, “Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ST June 19,  1884, par. 8

The Christian life must be a life of constant progression. Peter sets before us the successive steps, in these words: “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus.” “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” ST June 19,  1884, par. 9

Here is a course by which we may be assured that we shall never fall. Those who are thus working upon the plan of addition in obtaining the Christian graces, have the assurance that God will work upon the plan of multiplication in granting them the gifts of his Spirit. Says Peter, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” ST June 19,  1884, par. 10

Our Saviour claims all there is of us; he asks our first and holiest thoughts, our purest and most intense affection. His love is infinitely more tender and self-denying than a mother's love. The price paid for our ransom testifies to his estimation of the value of the human soul. Then what ingratitude do we manifest when we withhold from him our affections and our service. Is it too much to give ourselves, our time and talents, to Him who has sacrificed all for us? Can we choose the friendship of the world before the immortal honors which Christ proffers,—“to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father on his throne”? ST June 19,  1884, par. 11

The apostle Paul was highly honored of God; in holy vision he looked upon scenes whose glories he was not permitted to reveal. Yet this did not lead him to boastfulness or self-confidence. He realized the importance of constant watchfulness and self-denial. “I keep my body under,” he says, “and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” ST June 19,  1884, par. 12

Paul suffered for the truth's sake; and yet we hear no complaint from his lips. As he reviews his life of toil and care and sacrifice, he says, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” The shout of victory from God's faithful servant comes down the line to our time: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ST June 19,  1884, par. 13

Though Paul was at last confined in a Roman prison, shut away from the light and air of heaven, cut off from his active labors in the gospel field, and momentarily expecting to be condemned to death, he did not yield to doubt or despondency. From that gloomy dungeon came his dying testimony, full of a sublime faith and courage that has inspired the hearts of saints and martyrs in all succeeding ages: “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” ST June 19,  1884, par. 14

The glorious reward that awaits this hero of faith,—a crown of righteousness, and eternal life in the presence of God,—may be won by each of us. Jesus and holy angels are waiting to give us the help we need. Every prayer sent up in faith from an honest heart will be heard, and the petitioner will have his request when he needs the blessing most. Sometimes we ask for things that are not for our own good or the glory of God. When this is so, our wise and good Father hears our prayers, but gives us nothing hurtful. He will guide our feet. By divine grace, all who will may climb the shining steps from earth to Heaven, and at last, “with songs and everlasting joy,” enter through the gates into the city of God. ST June 19,  1884, par. 15
 EGW Writings: https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p820.6060&index=0

[JimB]

This is longer than I'd normally like to post but I think it needs everything. There many compassionate letters in her writings and in my opinion this is near the top. I pray that someone is in encouraged and blessed by reading this.

In this letter she tells this brother to repeat certain Bible passages. I believe there is something to this as we are told that our own words react upon our souls and Christ asked questions to His disciples so they'd express their belief/s to be encouraged. She tells this brother to present God's word back to God. I've heard of others doing this but never before had I read it from her. The human mind needs repetition and Christ knew this. Some people will not find much value in this letter but for those who have similar struggles this will be like a pool of clean water in the desert. Read and be encouraged!

Another thought: look at all the scripture she includes. If need be go through them and make list for yourself.
 
TLDR Version: Look away from your sins and look unto Christ and believe!

Gisborne, New Zealand 
October 21, 1893 
Portions of this letter are published in 2MCP 452. 
Pastor George T. Vickers
Covington, Louisiana, U. S. A. 
 
Dear Brother, 
I am awakened this morning at three o’clock with deep feelings, and impressed by the Spirit of the Lord to arise and write words to you from the Lord. “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.” John 3:14-16. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 1
 
 “And they journeyed from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom; and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” Numbers 21:4-6. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 2
 
 “And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.” [Verse 4.] The Lord does not remove all difficulties and trials and hardships from the people. He would have them put their trust in Him, the unseen, the invisible God, who is their helper. They had become so accustomed to the pillar of cloud by day to cover them as a canopy, and the pillar of fire by night, that this was treated as a common thing. They did not consider that the only begotten Son of God, One equal with God, was accompanying them, and He had done wondrous things for them in their journeyings, notwithstanding their perversity, and rebellion and murmuring. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 3

“Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in him. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off. ... And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” Exodus 23:20-25. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 4

Here was the promise of God and the one great object of His care and guardianship, which was this church in the wilderness. He had given Egypt for them, laid the land desolate with plagues that it became a wasted land, to deliver them and make them His own heritage. The people did not appreciate the goodness and mercy and love of God toward them. The Lord, their Redeemer, their Guide and Leader, they did not appreciate; and when brought into straight places, they were discouraged because of the way. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 5

 “And the people spake against God, and against Moses, wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.” Numbers 21:5. The Lord had fed them with bread from heaven, even with angels’ food, but they appreciated it not. The Lord had hitherto held in check by His own power the reptiles and beasts, that they had not hurt them; but He removed His restraining hand and let these poisonous serpents do as they would have done all the way if the Lord had not restrained them. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 6 

“And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.” [Verse 6.] This had the influence to call them to their senses, and awaken their paralyzed thoughts to their course of action. “Therefore the people came to Moses and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord said unto Moses, Make me a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.” Numbers 21:7-9. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 7

Who was it that gave the directions to Moses? It was Jesus Christ speaking to them from the pillowy cloud. There were the suffering, dying ones under the deadly sting of the serpent, wounded and bruised, and the promise was that whosoever looked upon that serpent should instantly be healed. And all who did look the promise was verified to them. But if any said, What good will it do for me to look, I shall certainly die under the serpent’s deadly sting and continue to talk of their dreadful wounds and declared their own case hopeless, they would have died. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 8

This simple act of obedience was life and salvation to them, and every one who looked lived. Now Christ says, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:14, 15.] Look upon Jesus who was lifted upon the cross for you and you shall live. Christ is speaking to you as certainly as He spoke to the children of Israel through Moses. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 9

Will you look unto Jesus who is the great healer of soul and body? “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. Just as long as you look at your sins, talk and bemoan your deplorable condition, your wounds and putrefying sores will remain. But take your eyes away from yourself, and fasten them on the uplifted Saviour. This is your only hope. The Lord Jesus speaks to you through His Word, through His humble instrument, and bids you look and live. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 10

 “He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth the Spirit not by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things unto his hand.” John 3:33-35. Now hear these words from the lips of Jesus Christ, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 11

The Word of Jesus Christ is everything to the one who believes it. “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. This is the Word of the Lord, will you accept it? Will you believe His Word? If not, how will you believe any words I may speak to you with my pen, the only medium of communication? 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 12

Here again are the blessed words of one who was oft afflicted with the sting of the serpent, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” Psalm 32:1-2. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 13

Now transgressions are forgiven, sins are covered. “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. 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. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great water they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place, thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:3-7. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 14

“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. ... The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants; and none of them that trust in Him shall be desolate.” Psalm 34:18-22. “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4. You will find only accumulated pain and distress as you look to your condition, talk and mourn over your wretchedness. I will seek the Lord on your behalf. In His name I rebuke the enemy, the adversary of your soul. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 15

Arise in the strength of Jesus, for you have no strength, and be free. Has the Lord Jesus spoken truth to you from the Word, or falsehood? Your feelings have not to do with this matter. Have you faith? Look and live. Where, you may say, shall I look? Away from your miserableness, away from the serpent’s sting, to an uplifted Saviour who declares, They “that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out.” [John 6:37.] Behold Jesus. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. No longer make your feelings your ideal, and bow your soul and entire will and all your powers to serve your feelings, and worship your feelings as God. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 16

 “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:10. Christ has borne your sins, for God laid on Him the iniquity of us all. You are under shelter of the sure refuge, under shelter of the atoning sacrifice. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 17

Said Christ in response to the accusation of the Scribes and Pharisees, “Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” “I am come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:11, 13. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 18

 If you feel yourself to be the greatest sinner, Christ is just what you need, the greatest Saviour. Lift up your head and look way from yourself, away from your sin, to the uplifted Saviour; away from the poisonous venomous bite of the serpent to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. What will it avail all your groaning, shrieking in your agony, torturing your soul. You may study and entertain your ideas, what will condemn, and what will save. Put your thoughts away. God’s thoughts, God’s words, amount to much. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 19

“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 upon thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.” Isaiah 54:7-8. Why will you carry your burden of sins when Christ has become your burdenbearer. Roll your sins at the foot of the cross, unload, unload. “He taketh away the sins of the world.” [John 1:29.] Listen and hear what this voice saith. “I even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember they sins.” Isaiah 43:25. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 20

Your character is pronounced a sinful one, then accept the remedy. God has provided for you a sin-pardoning Saviour. What if the children of Israel kept looking at the poisonous serpent’s sting, exclaiming, “I am undone,” shrieking and groaning in their terror over their inflamed wounds. “How inconsistent,” you would exclaim. “Truly there was the brazen serpent uplifted. Why did they not look at that symbol of Christ, the world’s Saviour and live? How strange that he should not do so simple an act when it would save his life.” I address myself to you, Seek no longer your own feelings. Listen to 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.” Isaiah 55:6-7. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 21

Why should he forsake his thoughts? Because they are not correct and true. He is tempted of the enemy to believe God has, because of his sins, given him up to the will of the enemy, that God will not pardon so great a sinner. All these thoughts are dishonoring to God, whose he is by creation and redemption. “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.” [John 3:16.] 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 22

You are one of the “whosoever,” and your unbelief of God is the cherishing of thoughts that lie at the foundation of feeling that your case is hopeless. God says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher that your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall My word be that goeth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:8-13. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 23

 “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] My poor discouraged, doubting brother, I address you as one of the world for whom God gave His Son. He loves you. He will save you if you will receive His gift, even His only begotten Son. God revealed His glory, which was His character to Moses, in answer to his earnest prayer. “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty,” who continue in sin and defy God by continual transgression of His law. Exodus 34:6-7. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 24

These words are addressed to you, “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon His God.” [Isaiah 50:10.] God is love. Repeat it under every temptation. Repeat it. God is also [as] just as He is merciful; as true as He is gracious and will by no means clear the guilty. Just as you are will God accept you, for there is not the least hope of your being better until you come to Jesus for pardon and sanctification. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 25

 You mourn your life away in unbelief and bitterness of soul, but the sin-pardoning, sin-cleansing Redeemer is fully able to save the vilest sinner from his sins. God has given Jesus to you as your Saviour. Will you receive the priceless gift? God does not ask you to feel Him your Saviour, but to believe He died for you, that His blood cleanseth you from all sin. You are bitten by the serpent, and Christ is lifted up as the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness, “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” [John 3:16.] Here is the simplicity of saving faith. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 26

You must cry no more. You must hang down your head no more as a bulrush. You must look to an uplifted Saviour and believe He saves you, be your sins ever so grievous. All the drugs, all the medicine, manufactured in the world could not save one poor soul bitten by the venemous serpent. God has a remedy for the sinner. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” [John 1:29.] Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. Christ the world’s Redeemer said of the scribes and Pharisees: “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” [John 5:40.] 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 27

O, how he longed to save them! Will you now believe? While we were yet sinners, not waiting to make ourselves good, Christ died for us. Will you believe in God? I have authority from God to command you in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to believe He saves you now. Feeling has not to do with the matter. Christ says “Look and Live.” [Numbers 21:8.] Now break with the enemy who has kept you under his hellish shadow so long and so firmly. Whatever you feel is not to control you. Believe God loves you, for He hath declared it. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 28

Come and cast your burden of sin and guilt just where Jesus wants you to place it—at the foot of the cross. Then be free. The Sin-bearer has taken your burden. When Satan tries to fasten the burden upon you again, take your Bible and read, “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.” [John 3:16.] Satan is answered. You would not, could not, repulse him by relating your fearful doubts, your unbelief, your terrible horror that you are lost; all this is music in his ears. He wants to make you as miserable as himself; but when you look away from yourself to the Lamb of God, and proclaim, “Behold the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world” [John 1:29], the controversy for that time is ended. He 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. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 29

Trust not one moment longer to your feelings, but to the immutable word of God. Will you receive the gift of God, which is life, eternal life? All the legacies, all the sorrow and woe you bring with you and compass your soul with, will not give you one moment of relief. What does your estimate of sin avail? You must accept God’s estimate. It is heavy indeed, and the guilt if you bore it would crush you, but a sinless One takes your place, all undeserving bears your guilt, and accepting the provision God has made, you the sinner are free standing before God in the merits and virtue of your substitute. You then have a sense of sin, and godly sorrow takes the place of hopeless discouragement and grief. You turn from in with hatred and grief, and with true scriptural repentance go to God for help. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 30

 Jesus says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. Do not, O, do not think any human being is of more tender compassion, and more loving than He who has died for you. Do not turn from Jesus the divine, to the finite. I cannot remove one stain of sin, but I can bid you hope, for God’s Word bids you hope. I can tell you to tell your heavenly Father all your troubles, as a child would tell his parent. Tell the Lord just what you will do, because He has given you Jesus. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 31

Present to the Lord His word, For God so loved the world, etc., saying, I believe Thy word, I accept that love. Tell Him, O God, thou hast laid all my sins upon thine only begotten Son. Tell Him you cannot take these sins upon yourself, for you have been trying to do this and they are crushing your soul. And now you will believe that your iniquity is laid upon One who can bear them. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 32

Repeat in full confidence, “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. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matthew 7:7-11. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13. 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 33

Now, take the word of Jesus Christ as more sure and valuable than any word that can come from a human agent. Thank God with your whole heart and soul and voice that you are barricaded with the rich promises of His infallible Word, that the wicked one shall not touch you. The Lord is your God. He will reveal Himself unto you for His own name’s sake. It is the very simplicity of the truth in the rich promises of God which is not comprehended. The assurance of the Holy Spirit to every needy soul seems too good to be true. Nothing that God can given you will be withheld, for He has given you all heaven in the richest gift, Jesus Christ. Will you receive Him? 8LtMs, Lt 98, 1893, par. 34

EGW Writings:  https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p14058.5879001&index=0

[rahab]

Great promises indeed!!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Jim!   This letter to Pastor George T. Vickers is just one of so very many our dear Sister White wrote throughout her life. In a Laodicean church the message which is needed is revealed in the opening words in this letter to Pastor Vickers. The great question as to what must I do is answered. We must look upon Jesus for we are healed by His stripes. We all have been bitten by sin. Our only hope is to behold the Lamb as He hung upon the cross. By beholding His grace we are changed into His image (character). 2 cor. 3:18. We must "look and live!"

I am awakened this morning at three o’clock with deep feelings, and impressed by the Spirit of the Lord to arise and write words to you from the Lord. “Look and live.” [Numbers 21:8.] “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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.” John 3:14-16.

[JimB]

On my phone I keep a section of "notes" that I want to be able to go back over. Its gotten rather large over the years and I'm thinking that I should probably print it out at some point so I have a hard copy. Anyway, I was going through this other day and I ran across such a beautiful statement about the Father's love for us that I wanted to post it here. However, I did a search for it and apparently I've posted it before a few  years ago but its buried a few pages back. I'm not gonna repeat the whole thing but I do want to bring re-post one small section of it.

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}

[rahab]

Nice post

[JimB]

This is a little different than I normally post here. We all would like sympathy and care when we are struggling with life's situations. But lets turn the things around a bit. How do we react when we see others struggling?

Those who love Jesus will have the mind of Christ, and will comfort all who mourn; those who are poor, tempted, and discouraged they will help to walk in the light of the cross, and not in the shadows and in the darkness. They will point out to them the fact that the blood of Christ speaketh in their behalf “better things than that of Abel.” Christians are to minister to all that mourn, to comfort many sorrowful hearts whose memory is filled with pictures of disappointment, of forfeited friendships, and of bitter bereavements, whose history has been one of sorrow and mourning. ST August 8,  1895, par. 4 EGW Writings: https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p820.13028&index=0

How little do we enter into sympathy with Christ on that which should be the strongest bond of union between us and Him,—compassion for depraved, guilty, suffering souls, dead in trespasses and sins! The inhumanity of man toward man is our greatest sin.  Many think that they are representing the justice of God, while they wholly fail of representing His tenderness and His great love. Often the ones whom they meet with sternness and severity are under the stress of temptation. Satan is wrestling with these souls, and harsh, unsympathetic words discourage them, and cause them to fall a prey to the tempter’s power.... GW 140.3

We need more Christlike sympathy; not merely sympathy for those who appear to us to be faultless, but sympathy for poor, suffering, struggling souls, who are often overtaken in fault, sinning and repenting, tempted and discouraged. We are to go to our fellow-men, touched, like our merciful High Priest, with the feeling of their infirmities.—The Ministry of Healing, 163, 164. GW 141.1 EGW Writings: https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p35.707&index=0

How many of the wandering ones have you, reader, sought for and brought back to the fold? When you turn from those who seem unpromising and unattractive, do you realize that you are neglecting the souls for whom Christ is seeking? At the very time when you turn from them, they may be in the greatest need of your compassion. In every assembly for worship, there are souls longing for rest and peace. They may appear to be living careless lives, but they are not insensible to the influence of the Holy Spirit. Many among them might be won for Christ. COL 191.2

 If the lost sheep is not brought back to the fold, it wanders until it perishes. And 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 received the same advantages that others have had, they might have revealed far more nobility of soul, and greater talent for  usefulness. Angels pity these wandering ones. Angels weep, while human eyes are dry and hearts are closed to pity. COL 191.3

O the lack of deep, soul-touching sympathy for the tempted and the erring! O for more of Christ’s spirit, and for less, far less, of self! COL 192.1 EGW Writings: https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p15.800&index=0