Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--39--Give Ye Them to Eat (Read 15269 times)

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #60 on:** December 02, 2020, 07:07:16 AM »

Amen, Sister Dorine!

Remember that God has a plan to save the world--but that includes you! It is not that He simply wants to save you from sin, but He desires to give you the joy of working in His service with a converted heart that manifests all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing so that you may have the joy of bringing others to share the bread of life--the word of God that nourishes the soul unto salvation!

"In our work for God there is danger of relying too largely upon what man with his talents and ability can do. Thus we lose sight of the one Master Worker. Too often the worker for Christ fails to realize his personal responsibility. He is in danger of shifting his burden upon organizations, instead of relying upon Him who is the source of all strength. It is a great mistake to trust in human wisdom or numbers in the work of God. Successful work for Christ depends not so much on numbers or talent as upon pureness of purpose, the true simplicity of earnest, dependent faith. Personal responsibilities must be borne, personal duties must be taken up, personal efforts must be made for those who do not know Christ. In the place of shifting your responsibility upon someone whom you think more richly endowed than you are, work according to your ability." {The Desire of Ages, page 370, paragraph 3}

Jesus knows our infirmities and has Himself shared our experience in all things but in sin, and thankfully He has prepared a path suited to our strength and capacity, for He knows what we can bear and what will be the best use of the unique talents and abilities He has given us to bless others!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #61 on:** December 03, 2020, 06:50:15 AM »

Amen Sister Dorine and Pastor Sean. When we trust in God with all we have and all we are, then His will will be done no matter what the appearance.

The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its accomplishment. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting. In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied. If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life.

It is a amazing to see that God is leading us in the same manner!

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #62 on:** February 27, 2021, 03:34:30 AM »

Happy Sabbath! Do you wonder if what God has given you is enough? He can multiply all that we put into His hands as He has all the resources of heaven at His command! Our great need is to be looking continually to Jesus, to yield the whole heart to Him moment-by-moment, that our hearts may be renewed by divine grace and filled with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Then we can gladly obey the law of God as He providentially leads us into the very place to serve Him and in the way that He has planned for us!

"The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its accomplishment. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting. In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied. If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life." {The Desire of Ages, page 371, paragraph 1}

Jesus is "the bread of life" (John 6:48), and as we uplift Him who died for us on Calvary, others also will be uplifted to know that there is a God in heaven who has the power to convert sinners into saints, has a love for us that is infinite, and will never fail the weakest of His children who trusts Him implicitly! Let us allow God to bring about His will for us today!

Dorine · « **Reply #63 on:** February 27, 2021, 05:34:07 AM »

"The work is God's, and if we would bless others His plans must be followed. Self cannot be made a center; self can receive no honor. If we plan according to our own ideas, the Lord will leave us to our own mistakes. But when, after following His directions, we are brought into strait places, He will deliver us. We are not to give up in discouragement, but in every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command. Often we shall be surrounded with trying circumstances, and then, in the fullest confidence, we must depend upon God. He will keep every soul that is brought into perplexity through trying to keep the way of the Lord."

As we receive from God we are to give to others. It will be a continuous cycle of receiving and giving but the message is clear that self must not be a part of it. Humanity loves recognition but in Christ's kingdom self is to be laid in the dust. It's a tough lesson to learn but it's the only way that God can work with us and for us.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #64 on:** February 27, 2021, 07:10:02 AM »

Amen Sister Dorine! We ought not ever be discouraged when we are following what God has given us to do. We shall not fail if we are surrendered to Christ and walking in the light He has given. We may see the success, but it will be seen to be such in heaven. This brings to mind that Jesus was brought into a hard place when in the garden and on the cross, yet His faith in His Father failed not and because of His faith we may have love, joy, and peace amid the terrible trials in this world. More than that, we can glory in our tribulations knowing that they work for our good and God's glory as we abide in Jesus (Romans 5:3-5).

Richard Myers · « **Reply #65 on:** February 27, 2021, 07:15:54 AM »

Quote from: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 27, 2021, 03:34:30 AM

Happy Sabbath! Do you wonder if what God has given you is enough? He can multiply all that we put into His hands as He has all the resources of heaven at His command! Our great need is to be looking continually to Jesus, to yield the whole heart to Him moment-by-moment, that our hearts may be renewed by divine grace and filled with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Then we can gladly obey the law of God as He providentially leads us into the very place to serve Him and in the way that He has planned for us!

Amen Pastor Sean!! When walking in the light God has given to us, we shall not fail.

In our work for God there is danger of relying too largely upon what man with his talents and ability can do. Thus we lose sight of the one Master Worker. Too often the worker for Christ fails to realize his personal responsibility. He is in danger of shifting his burden upon organizations, instead of relying upon Him who is the source of all strength. It is a great mistake to trust in human wisdom or numbers in the work of God. Successful work for Christ depends not so much on numbers or talent as upon pureness of purpose, the true simplicity of earnest, dependent faith. Personal responsibilities must be borne, personal duties must be taken up, personal efforts must be made for those who do not know Christ. In the place of shifting your responsibility upon someone whom you think more richly endowed than you are, work according to your ability.

Let us keep our eyes upon Jesus and we shall do all Jesus asks of us!! He will provide for all of our needs!

Beacon · « **Reply #66 on:** February 27, 2021, 11:17:27 AM »

"If men today were simple in their habits, living in harmony with nature's laws, as did Adam and Eve in the beginning, there would be an abundant supply for the needs of the human family. There would be fewer imaginary wants, and more opportunities to work in God's ways. But selfishness and the indulgence of unnatural taste have brought sin and misery into the world, from excess on the one hand, and from want on the other."

"Jesus did not seek to attract the people to Him by gratifying the desire for luxury."

"To that great throng, weary and hungry after the long, exciting day, the simple fare was an assurance not only of His power, but of His tender care for them in the common needs of life. The Saviour has not promised His followers the luxuries of the world; their fare may be plain, and even scanty; their lot may be shut in by poverty; but His word is pledged that their need shall be supplied, and He has promised that which is far better than worldly good,--the abiding comfort of His own presence."

What greater demonstrations could the Good Shepherd, provide for those who are willing to Trust & Obey Him?

Dorine · « **Reply #67 on:** May 25, 2021, 04:21:26 AM »

"The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its accomplishment. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting. In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied. If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life."

More is accomplished with little when we put our faith completely in God to provide for every need than an abundance with those who work from their own plans. God will multiply our money, time, energy and talents small though they may be to accomplish a great work for the benefit of others and to bring glory to Him.

Beacon · « **Reply #68 on:** May 25, 2021, 04:44:31 AM »

"The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting.

"In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied."

"If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life."

"Matthew 19:26 "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Isn't it awesome that the loving compassionate God that we serve is capable and willing to provide if we are willing to "Trust & Obey Him" !! The Big Question is....Are we willing to Trust & Obey His Word?

The hymn "TRUST & OBEY" has it right when the author wrote....

"TRUST & OBEY FOR THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO BE HAPPY IN JESUS BUT TO TRUST & OBEY. "

Additional Recommended Reading" ( 1 Kings 17 ) the whole chapter.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #69 on:** May 25, 2021, 06:51:25 AM »

Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon!

The Passover was the feast that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Bread of Life, and it is so amazing to see how Jesus was even at this season breaking the bread of life to people who were on their way to celebrate the feast, and thus give the people an opportunity to better see His works of mercy and compassion in feeding them by a miracle provided by His Father when there was a genuine need. It is beautiful how needs often create great ministry opportunities for uplifting Jesus! May you realize that wherever God has placed you in His providence is part of His divine plan for uplifting Jesus to those in your sphere of influence!

"Christ had retired to a secluded place with His disciples, but this rare season of peaceful quietude was soon broken. The disciples thought they had retired where they would not be disturbed; but as soon as the multitude missed the divine Teacher, they inquired, "Where is He?" Some among them had noticed the direction in which Christ and His disciples had gone. Many went by land to meet them, while others followed in their boats across the water. The Passover was at hand, and, from far and near, bands of pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem gathered to see Jesus. Additions were made to their number, until there were assembled five thousand men besides women and children. Before Christ reached the shore, a multitude were waiting for Him. But He landed unobserved by them, and spent a little time apart with the disciples." {The Desire of Ages, page 364, paragraph 1}

Notice the connection to the Passover with the bread being broken both in the feeding of the five thousand and at the last supper with Jesus' disciples before His death, in which the Passover ceased to have significance since Christ had fulfilled its meaning, and the communion service would take its place thereafter:

"Then He took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude" (Luke 9:16).

"And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19).

May you realize that every morsel of bread you eat today (or whatever food you enjoy in God's loving providence) comes stamped with the cross of Calvary!

Philip T · « **Reply #70 on:** May 25, 2021, 09:06:41 AM »

In Christ's act of supplying the temporal necessities of a hungry multitude is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for all His workers. Christ received from the Father; He imparted to the disciples; they imparted to the multitude; and the people to one another. So all who are united to Christ will receive from Him the bread of life, the heavenly food, and impart it to others.

This spiritual lesson taught is a most vital one we see God's plan of benevolence and love in action, We receive to give, Jesus received from the Father, and the disciples received from Jesus, they passed on to the multitude, and the multitude to each other. We receive to give and all gather a blessing. Oh the wonderful magnitude of God's love and kindness we see here.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #71 on:** May 26, 2021, 01:37:21 AM »

Amen dear friends! The Lord will give us all that we need in order to bless others. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

The Lord says, "Give, and it shall be given unto you." "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth with blessings shall reap also with blessings. . . . And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work; as it is written,--

"He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor:
His righteousness abideth forever.

Dorine · « **Reply #72 on:** August 20, 2021, 05:05:52 AM »

"The work is God's, and if we would bless others His plans must be followed. Self cannot be made a center; self can receive no honor. If we plan according to our own ideas, the Lord will leave us to our own mistakes. But when, after following His directions, we are brought into strait places, He will deliver us. We are not to give up in discouragement, but in every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command. Often we shall be surrounded with trying circumstances, and then, in the fullest confidence, we must depend upon God. He will keep every soul that is brought into perplexity through trying to keep the way of the Lord."

This is one of the most uplifting and encouraging chapters on the love and care of Jesus for every soul. Jesus is the centre of all power and grace and as we receive from Him we in turn pass it on to others who in turn pass it on. God's plans are simple and organized and provides for all our needs both physical and spiritual. What a loving Jesus we serve.

Philip T · « **Reply #73 on:** August 20, 2021, 07:02:13 AM »

Jesus did not seek to attract the people to Him by gratifying the desire for luxury. To that great throng, weary and hungry after the long, exciting day, the simple fare was an assurance not only of His power, but of His tender care for them in the common needs of life. The Saviour has not promised His followers the luxuries of the world; their fare may be plain, and even scanty; their lot may be shut in by poverty; but His word is pledged that their need shall be supplied, and He has promised that which is far better than worldly good,--the abiding comfort of His own presence[/b]

Jesus promises the comfort of His presence, so much better than the things of this world. God's love and care is expressed in this chapter so elegantly. When we surrender self to Jesus and become his disciples no matter how weary or tired He has promised his care and arms around us, could we ask for anything more?

Beacon · « **Reply #74 on:** August 20, 2021, 07:04:58 AM »

"The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting.

"In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied."

"If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life."

"Matthew 19:26 "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Isn't it awesome that the loving compassionate God that we serve is capable and willing to provide if we are willing to "Trust & Obey Him" !! The Big Question is....Are we willing to Trust & Obey His Word?

The hymn "TRUST & OBEY" has it right when the author wrote...

."TRUST & OBEY FOR THERE IS NO OTHER WAY TO BE HAPPY IN JESUS BUT TO TRUST & OBEY. "

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #75 on:** August 20, 2021, 12:24:48 PM »

Praise the Lord for the blessing of receiving from Jesus the blessing of His word, His provision, and His healing. We can be truly converted and allow Him to manifest through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, as we gladly obey the law of love!

"When the question comes home to your heart, 'Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?' let not your answer be the response of unbelief. When the disciples heard the Saviour's direction, 'Give ye them to eat,' all the difficulties arose in their minds. They questioned, Shall we go away into the villages to buy food? So now, when the people are destitute of the bread of life, the Lord's children question, Shall we send for someone from afar, to come and feed them? But what said Christ? 'Make the men sit down,' and He fed them there. So when you are surrounded by souls in need, know that Christ is there. Commune with Him. Bring your barley loaves to Jesus." {The Desire of Ages, page 371, paragraph 1}

As we surrender all to Jesus there is no limit to what God can do in and through our lives!

Dorine · « **Reply #76 on:** November 15, 2021, 05:18:22 AM »

"Jesus did not seek to attract the people to Him by gratifying the desire for luxury. To that great throng, weary and hungry after the long, exciting day, the simple fare was an assurance not only of His power, but of His tender care for them in the common needs of life. The Saviour has not promised His followers the luxuries of the world; their fare may be plain, and even scanty; their lot may be shut in by poverty; but His word is pledged that their need shall be supplied, and He has promised that which is far better than worldly good,--the abiding comfort of His own presence."

What greater blessing could anyone desire than being in the presence of Jesus. I can't imagine children not crying for water or food but they too were quieted by the presence of Jesus. I love this story. So many lessons for us all.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #77 on:** November 15, 2021, 05:43:26 AM »

Amen, Sister Dorine! Jesus' presence is the best gift of all!!

What do you have? What has God given you? As you surrender your whole heart, mind and soul to Jesus for Him to recreate in true conversion in the image of His loveliness, He will open amazing ways for His glorious character to be manifest in your life to bless others! All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will spontaneously flow from a life in constant union and communion with Jesus! Gladly, affectionately, and willingly obedience to God results from knowing and loving Him! Let all you have and are be "ALL IN" for Jesus!!

"The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He Himself will provide the means for its accomplishment. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting. In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied. If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life." {The Desire of Ages, page 371, paragraph 1}

As we contemplate how God invites us to share the good news of salvation with others in the context of the three angels' messages of Revelation 14, what a joy it is to know that His grace is sufficient to empower us to live consistently for His glory in the blessing of others!

Beacon · « **Reply #78 on:** November 15, 2021, 07:32:42 AM »

"The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting."

"In the hand of Christ the small supply of food remained undiminished until the famished multitude were satisfied."

"If we go to the Source of all strength, with our hands of faith outstretched to receive, we shall be sustained in our work, even under the most forbidding circumstances, and shall be enabled to give to others the bread of life."

Let us remember that with Jesus at our side in our daily walk " Nothing Is Impossible " Let read and re-read these wonderful stories of how Jesus provides for all our daily needs IF we keep our eyes fixed upon Him.

Psalm 23 says...The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #79 on:** November 15, 2021, 09:53:28 PM »

Amen!! Let us remember that Jesus is either in the heart or standing right beside us. He does not desert us until we have passed the point of no return and He cannot help us any longer. Do we really trust in God, especially when we end up in a very difficult situation? What do we do?

And when we are brought into strait places, we are to depend on God. We are to exercise wisdom and judgment in every action of life, that we may not, by reckless movements, place ourselves in trial. We are not to plunge into difficulties, neglecting the means God has provided, and misusing the faculties He has given us. Christ's workers are to obey His instructions implicitly. The work is God's, and if we would bless others His plans must be followed. Self cannot be made a center; self can receive no honor. If we plan according to our own ideas, the Lord will leave us to our own mistakes. But when, after following His directions, we are brought into strait places, He will deliver us. We are not to give up in discouragement, but in every emergency we are to seek help from Him who has infinite resources at His command. Often we shall be surrounded with trying circumstances, and then, in the fullest confidence, we must depend upon God. He will keep every soul that is brought into perplexity through trying to keep the way of the Lord.