The Desire of Ages--35--Peace Be Still

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers!! If we will keep our eyes upon Jesus, we will not fear the evil all around us. Our problem is we are a forgetful people and forget that we have nothing to fear if we forget not our Savior.  I love this truth about God turning evil for good.

 In causing the destruction of the swine, it was Satan's purpose to turn the people away from the Saviour, and prevent the preaching of the gospel in that region. But this very occurrence roused the whole country as nothing else could have done, and directed attention to Christ. Though the Saviour Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power. Those who had been mediums of the prince of darkness became channels of light, messengers of the Son of God. Men marveled as they listened to the wondrous news. A door was opened to the gospel throughout that region. When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days, not merely the inhabitants of one town, but thousands from all the surrounding region, heard the message of salvation. Even the power of demons is under the control of our Saviour, and the working of evil is overruled for good.   

When see the overwhelming power of Satan, know that God allows it and will use it for His and our good as long as we abide in Christ.

[Philip T]

     Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasp their oars to make a last effort, Jesus rises. He stands in the midst of His disciples, while the tempest rages, the waves break over them, and the lightning illuminates His countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in deeds of mercy, and says to the angry sea, "Peace, be still."   
     The storm ceases. The billows sink to rest. The clouds roll away, and the stars shine forth. The boat rests upon a quiet sea. Then turning to His disciples, Jesus asks sorrowfully, "Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?" Mark 4:40, R.V.   
     A hush fell upon the disciples. Even Peter did not attempt to express the awe that filled his heart.

  answers us when we cry to him in our distress and troubles, when the disciples finally cried to Jesus for held, he stood in the boat and quietly calmed the storm with the words "Peace be still, he will do the same for us when we cry to Him. I also found it revealing when after the miracle Jesus turned to His disciples and asked them "Have ye not faith." even in this state Jesus answered their plea for help.Jesus

[Beacon]

"Though the Saviour Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power."

"Those who had been mediums of the prince of darkness became channels of light, messengers of the Son of God."

"Men marveled as they listened to the wondrous news."

"A door was opened to the gospel throughout that region." "When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days, not merely the inhabitants of one town, but thousands from all the surrounding region, heard the message of salvation. Even the power of demons is under the control of our Saviour, and the working of evil is overruled for good."

Let "US" Reaffirm "OUR" trust in Jesus  who is saying to all of us ---Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid".

=======================

1
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
  There’s mercy with the Lord;
And He will surely give you rest
  By trusting in His Word.
 
Only trust Him! Only trust Him!
  Only trust Him now!
He will save you! He will save you!
    He will save you now!
2
For Jesus shed His precious blood
  Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
  That washeth white as snow.
3
Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way,
  That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
  And you are fully blest.
4
Come then, and join the holy band,
  And on to glory go;
In Christ’s redemption take your stand,
  And all His goodness know.

Lyrics:John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Music:John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon. What was it that attracted so many to Christ? It was and is the power of God to transform sinners into saints. Even demoniacs.


 The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched beings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction. Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul. Whenever men reject the Saviour's invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worse and worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result. The only safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus. Before men and angels Satan has been revealed as man's enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man's friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. He has called us "to the obtaining of the glory"--character--"of our Lord Jesus Christ;" has called us to be "conformed to the image of His Son." 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 8:29.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard! Happy Sabbath!!

What a blessing it is to realize the power of God's grace to transform sinners into saints and deliver us from Satan's power. No one is "too far gone" if such a soul will come to Jesus and receive His saving grace activated by living faith. As we surrender to Him unreservedly, He imbues us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we abide in Christ in true obedience! Praise God!!

"The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched beings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction. Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul. Whenever men reject the Saviour's invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worse and worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result. The only safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus. Before men and angels Satan has been revealed as man's enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man's friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. 'For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.' 2 Timothy 1:7. He has called us 'to the obtaining of the glory'--character--'of our Lord Jesus Christ;' has called us to be 'conformed to the image of His Son.' 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 8:29." {The Desire of Ages, page 341, paragraph 1}

God loves to give us His character. He knows what is best and leads us to see His infinite goodness. Seeing the loveliness of Jesus moves us to repentance and helps us to walk in the path of life, ministering to others who need the hope that God has brought to our lives!

[Beacon]

"Those wretched beings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction."

"Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul." 'Whenever men reject the Saviour's invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan."
 
"Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, "and even in the church,"
 are doing this today."

"It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men."

" I Want MY life to imitate the Life - Love and character  of Jesus !! How about you?? Are "WE" ready to surrender all to Jesus??

=========================

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
 
I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)






 

[Dorine]

How often the disciples' experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best.        

There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. Every man's experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture, "The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." Isaiah 57:20, 21. Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, "Lord, save us," will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven." Psalm 107:29, 30. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." Romans 5:1; Isaiah 32:17.

With each passing day these words become more precious to me. Such peace comes into my heart when in trying times I give it all to Jesus. I know He never will ignore or forsake me.

I relate to this story for many years ago when my husband, myself and the children lived on the ocean. My father in-law had left his expensive Zodiac boat moored just off of our beach for my husband to use for scuba diving. We had a small boat of our own that took him out to the Zodiac.

One night a storm came up and my husband was worried about his father's boat. When he checked on it the back end with engine was under water. He came to get me to help him row it to shore using our little boat. It was pitch dark and the wind and waves were battering us from all directions and our boat was beginning to fill with water. It was a terrifying experience especially for me for I have a fear of water at the best of times let alone in these circumstances.
I worked as hard as I could while my husband held on to the front of the sinking boat. The wind was driving us away from shore and I wasn't strong enough to paddle with anymore strength.

I'm sorry to say that instead of calling out to Jesus for help I started to cry. My husband in desperation yelled to be heard over the roar of the wind and ocean, "this is not the time to cry...ROW!" I do not remember how we got to shore but after about an hour we landed on a beach some distance from our property. After the fact, I realized that God had been with us in spite of me and guided us to shore. I learned a great lesson that night. My angel had to have done most of the paddling because my strength was spent. So this story of Jesus sleeping in the boat has been a lesson I keenly relate to.

[JimB]

For a few moments only these men had been privileged to hear the teachings of Christ. Not one sermon from His lips had ever fallen upon their ears. They could not instruct the people as the disciples who had been daily with Christ were able to do. But they bore in their own persons the evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. They could tell what they knew; what they themselves had seen, and heard, and felt of the power of Christ.

There is not much I can add to this at the moment but because of these men Christ was able in His ministry to come back and have a harvest due to these guys explaining to their fellow country men what Jesus had done for them.

[Richard Myers]

Amen! Jesus allows Satan to stir up trouble for us, even when abiding in Jesus. When tribulation comes it will reveal where the heart is. It is very sad when we spend much time attempting to fix the problem before turning to Jesus for help. I spend a lot of time repairing things. When working in a car, tractor, or mower there are many times when a screw or nut falls onto the ground. Sometimes in gravel sometimes grass. It used to be I would spend a lot of time trying to find it. When I did find it I would thank Jesus for helping me to find it. But, Jesus rebuked me for not asking Him to help me. Now, this sounds nothing like what we read today with the disciples on the edge of death, or what our sister has shared. But it revealed to me that my mind was not fixed upon Jesus. I had allowed my mind to wander away from Him, just as Mary and Joseph allowed their minds to wander away from Jesus when they left Him in Jerusalem at age 12. There are still times when seeking to fix a problem that I do not ask Jesus for help because I have allowed the things of this world to distract me.

     As Jesus rested by faith in the Father's care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help.
     How often the disciples' experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best.   
     There is another spiritual lesson in this miracle of the stilling of the tempest. Every man's experience testifies to the truth of the words of Scripture, "The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest. . . . There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked." Isaiah 57:20, 21. Sin has destroyed our peace. While self is unsubdued, we can find no rest. The masterful passions of the heart no human power can control. We are as helpless here as were the disciples to quiet the raging storm. But He who spoke peace to the billows of Galilee has spoken the word of peace for every soul. However fierce the tempest, those who turn to Jesus with the cry, "Lord, save us," will find deliverance. His grace, that reconciles the soul to God, quiets the strife of human passion, and in His love the heart is at rest. "He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so He bringeth them unto their desired haven." Psalm 107:29, 30. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." Romans 5:1; Isaiah 32:17.

There are many times we ask Jesus for help right away because our minds are stayed upon Him. One such time when I was very sick, I was taking a hot shower for treatment when I was blacking out. I had no thought of what to do except cry out to Jesus for help. In a hundredth of a second without thinking, my hand turned off the hot water and the cold water revived me before I fell in the tiled shower. This was not like taking time to pray for help, it was where my mind was in time of distress.

All who love the Lord our God have experienced such blessings. Sadly we have too often forgotten Jesus. But, fear not, we are learning how much we need to keep our minds stayed upon Him in whom we are safe and have peace that passes understanding.

[Dorine]

Thank you for sharing that experience Richard. It added to my peace today and strengthens my faith in God.

[Beacon]

"How often the disciples' experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us" "We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence."

"He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear"

"WE" must remember that ..it is that Faith gives "US" the Victory

============================
1
Encamped along the hills of light,
  Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night
  Shall veil the glowing skies;
Against the foe in vales below
  Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know,
  That overcomes the world.
 
Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
  That overcomes the world.
2
His banner over us is love,
  Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints before
  With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
  Swept on o’er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death
  Is still our shining shield.
3
On every hand the foe we find
  Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind,
  And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
  With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
  And echo with our shout.
4
To him that overcomes the foe,
  White raiment shall be giv’n;
Before the angels he shall know
  His name confessed in heav’n;
Then onward from the hills of light,
  Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
  In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.

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[Dorine]

In causing the destruction of the swine, it was Satan's purpose to turn the people away from the Saviour, and prevent the preaching of the gospel in that region. But this very occurrence roused the whole country as nothing else could have done, and directed attention to Christ. Though the Saviour Himself departed, the men whom He had healed remained as witnesses to His power. Those who had been mediums of the prince of darkness became channels of light, messengers of the Son of God. Men marveled as they listened to the wondrous news. A door was opened to the gospel throughout that region. When Jesus returned to Decapolis, the people flocked about Him, and for three days, not merely the inhabitants of one town, but thousands from all the surrounding region, heard the message of salvation. Even the power of demons is under the control of our Saviour, and the working of evil is overruled for good. 

It's marvelous to me how God can take such hopeless situations and turn them into glorious results. God is going to accomplish His plan with or without us. Even if the rocks must cry out He will have a harvest of souls. How sad that any should be lost because of unbelief and a lack of cheerful willingness to take up our cross and follow Him.

[JimB]

How often the disciples' experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best. 

Lord I believe! Help thou my unbelief!!

[Richard Myers]

Amen, amen, and amen!!

 Satan's influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul. Whenever men reject the Saviour's invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worse and worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result. The only safeguard against his power is found in the presence of Jesus. Before men and angels Satan has been revealed as man's enemy and destroyer; Christ, as man's friend and deliverer. His Spirit will develop in man all that will ennoble the character and dignify the nature. It will build man up for the glory of God in body and soul and spirit. "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7. He has called us "to the obtaining of the glory"--character--"of our Lord Jesus Christ;" has called us to be "conformed to the image of His Son." 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 8:29.

[Richard Myers]

Love, joy, and peace is ours if we will surrender our will to the will of God. Then we need to not forget God.

      As Jesus rested by faith in the Father's care, so we are to rest in the care of our Saviour. If the disciples had trusted in Him, they would have been kept in peace. Their fear in the time of danger revealed their unbelief. In their efforts to save themselves, they forgot Jesus; and it was only when, in despair of self-dependence, they turned to Him that He could give them help.
     How often the disciples' experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best.


How could the disciples forget Jesus?  We are a forgetful people. We forget that when we let our minds wander away from Jesus, we have no power to resist the smallest temptation. 

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}