Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--48--Who Is the Greatest? (Read 13703 times)

Dorine · « **Reply #40 on:** July 11, 2019, 06:05:25 AM »

"But it is to the wrongdoer himself that we are to present the wrong. We are not to make it a matter of comment and criticism among ourselves; nor even after it is told to the church, are we at liberty to repeat it to others. A knowledge of the faults of Christians will be only a cause of stumbling to the unbelieving world; and by dwelling upon these things, we ourselves can receive only harm; for it is by beholding that we become changed. While we seek to correct the errors of a brother, the Spirit of Christ will lead us to shield him, as far as possible, from the criticism of even his own brethren, and how much more from the censure of the unbelieving world. We ourselves are erring, and need Christ’s pity and forgiveness, and just as we wish Him to deal with us, He bids us deal with one another."

Oh how much damage is done by disregarding this counsel. What a beautiful, compassionate and loving Saviour we serve. A thought that stood out to me in this reading is the fact that when we dwell upon the faults of others, not only are others harmed but we ourselves are harmed.

".......Trembling souls, who have many objectionable traits of character, are their (angels) special charge. Angels are ever present where they are most needed with those who have the hardest battle with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. And in this ministry Christ's true followers will cooperate."

What a privilege is ours. And what joy it brings when we are working with Christ for the uplifting of souls. Even when they seem to us, hopeless. If angels are always near to those that have the hardest battles, who are we to think we can walk the other way.

Help us O, Lord to be true to you by taking up our responsibility of showing your love to others.

Beacon · « **Reply #41 on:** October 03, 2019, 06:33:38 PM »

"Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); and by beholding, he becomes changed. His fear is turned to joy, his doubts to hope. Gratitude springs up. The stony heart is broken. A tide of love sweeps into the soul. Christ is in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony,—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master. We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake."

Jesus is saying to each of us...."Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts..Hebrews 4:7

Dorine · « **Reply #42 on:** October 04, 2019, 07:29:30 AM »

Amen Beacon. What a powerful quotation. We need to read this every day because our flesh is weak and easily distracted. I especially like where it says, by beholding, he becomes changed. His fear is turned to joy, his doubts to hope. Gratitude springs up. The stony heart is broken. A tide of love sweeps into the soul.

Another quote that caught my attention this morning was this.....

Again Jesus explained to the disciples that His kingdom is not characterized by earthly dignity and display. At the feet of Jesus all these distinctions are forgotten. The rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, meet together, with no thought of caste or worldly preeminence. All meet as blood-bought souls, alike dependent upon One who has redeemed them to God.

That's where I always want to be....At the feet of Jesus. That's where miracles of the heart take place.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #43 on:** October 04, 2019, 12:42:23 PM »

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Miracles of the heart take place in the presence of Jesus, as He supernaturally transforms the evil heart of unbelief to a new heart that is imbued with His Spirit, revealing all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as the law of God is written in mind and heart! What a joy it is when this is not only our personal experience, but we have the privilege of inviting others to behold Jesus and become partakers of His divine nature by receiving His exceedingly great and precious promises that cannot and will not fail to the weakest soul who yields all to Christ!

"Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail." {The Desire of Ages, page 436, paragraph 3}

As we experience true humility by coming into the presence of Jesus and yielding our will to Him, Jesus will send us forth on missions of mercy to bless others by revealing His loveliness of character. While temptations will continue to assail us until Jesus returns in power and glory, each trial through which we pass in which we cleave to Jesus only strengthens the character, and allows us to grow in grace more like Him.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #44 on:** December 29, 2019, 02:20:06 AM »

Jesus loves to use humble instruments to accomplish His will. As we behold His loneliness of character, He clothes is with His own humble, teachable spirit. Let us look to Jesus today continually!

“Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail.” {The Desire of Ages, page 436, paragraph 3}

Dorine · « **Reply #45 on:** December 29, 2019, 10:12:39 AM »

"Jesus says, “My Father which is in heaven,” as reminding His disciples that while by His humanity He is linked with them, a sharer in their trials, and sympathizing with them in their sufferings, by His divinity He is connected with the throne of the Infinite. Wonderful assurance! The heavenly intelligences unite with men in sympathy and labor for the saving of that which was lost. And all the power of heaven is brought to combine with human ability in drawing souls to Christ."

What a beautiful picture of Jesus. When we are connected with Him we have the power of heaven working with our efforts to bring salvation to lost souls. I want that vision nailed to the wall of my heart that I may meditate daily on the loveliness of Jesus and His earnest desire to come along side of each of us as we labour and cooperate with Him.

Beacon · « **Reply #46 on:** December 29, 2019, 10:21:09 AM »

"Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail."

I believe the above paragraph hold the " key " on how to be to a successful laborer in the Lord's vinyard.
Our motive should always be: NOT I, BUT CHRIST...BE HONORED, LOVED, EXALTED. This is only possible if we daily surrender to Him.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #47 on:** December 29, 2019, 01:44:53 PM »

Amen Brother Beacon. If we seek to know Jesus, the Holy Spirit will indeed give us glimpses of Him that will transform our nature from sinner to saint. And then, after conversion, it is by continually beholding Jesus that we are empowered to reflect His character.

Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); and by beholding, he becomes changed. His fear is turned to joy, his doubts to hope. Gratitude springs up. The stony heart is broken. A tide of love sweeps into the soul. Christ is in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony,—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master. We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #48 on:** March 25, 2020, 04:32:24 AM »

Let us come before Jesus as little children who are willing to be taught and led by Him. As we surrender completely to Jesus, He recreates us into His image by imputing His perfect righteousness to us and imparting His divine nature in mind and heart by the Holy Spirit. Thus, from the heart and mind renewed by grace through faith flows rich currents of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance--and not one of the fruits of the Spirit will be missing in our lives as we abide in Christ by a living faith surrender to Him! What a joy to let Jesus lead us day by day in His will!

"Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail." {The Desire of Ages, page 436, paragraph 3}

God teaches us day by day and hour by hour as we let Him lead us. Five year old children do not usually have their entire life planned out, and as we get older, we may think we know what is best for us. Let us come to Christ for the moment-by-moment leading of His Spirit to show us how He wants us to live in a way that draws souls to Him in willing service, the fruit of love in the heart!

Dorine · « **Reply #49 on:** March 25, 2020, 06:09:59 AM »

"Angels of glory, that do always behold the face of the Father in heaven, joy in ministering to His little ones. Trembling souls, who have many objectionable traits of character, are their special charge. Angels are ever present where they are most needed, with those who have the hardest battle with self to fight, and whose surroundings are the most discouraging. And in this ministry Christ’s true followers will co-operate."

What a precious thought to know that angels are constantly ministering to us. And those who are most needy they give special attention and help to. What is most amazing is that God has given us the privilege of joining in this ministry for others. As we grow in Christ our faith becomes stronger and we are commissioned to work along side of the unseen angels for the salvation of lost souls.

Beacon · « **Reply #50 on:** March 25, 2020, 08:01:15 AM »

"While we seek to correct the errors of a brother, the Spirit of Christ will lead us to shield him, as far as possible, from the criticism of even his own brethren, and how much more from the censure of the unbelieving world. We ourselves are erring, and need Christ’s pity and forgiveness, and...

Just as we wish Him to deal with us, He bids us deal with one another."[

"Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); and by beholding, he becomes changed. His fear is turned to joy, his doubts to hope. Gratitude springs up. The stony heart is broken. A tide of love sweeps into the soul. Christ is in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony,—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master. We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake."

Today Jesus is saying to each of us in Ezekiel 18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

May God grant us the desire to be more like Jesus everyday - That will we have the same forgiving spirit towards others as we ourselves receive from Jesus.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #51 on:** June 20, 2020, 04:35:24 AM »

May we always look to Christ's method of how to help others follow the pattern of humility and grace! Happy Sabbath!

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me" (Matthew 18:1-5).

"Very tenderly, yet with solemn emphasis, Jesus tried to correct the evil. He showed what is the principle that bears sway in the kingdom of heaven, and in what true greatness consists, as estimated by the standard of the courts above. Those who were actuated by pride and love of distinction were thinking of themselves, and of the rewards they were to have, rather than how they were to render back to God the gifts they had received. They would have no place in the kingdom of heaven, for they were identified with the ranks of Satan." {The Desire of Ages, page 436, paragraph 2}

Christ in the heart and the life--a complete surrender to Him brings all of the fruits of the Spirit in the life without one missing! Let us not seek the highest place, but seek to be ever at the feet of Jesus!

Dorine · « **Reply #52 on:** June 20, 2020, 06:06:03 AM »

"It was not enough for the disciples of Jesus to be instructed as to the nature of His kingdom. What they needed was a change of heart that would bring them into harmony with its principles. Calling a little child to Him, Jesus set him in the midst of them; then tenderly folding the little one in His arms He said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the confiding love of a little child are the attributes that Heaven values. These are the characteristics of real greatness.

Again Jesus explained to the disciples that His kingdom is not characterized by earthly dignity and display. At the feet of Jesus all these distinctions are forgotten. The rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, meet together, with no thought of caste or worldly preeminence. All meet as blood-bought souls, alike dependent upon One who has redeemed them to God.

When we bow at the feet of Jesus we too become one with Him and each other. He is the perfect equalizer. All cultures come together and the culture of heaven will revealed by the fruit of the Spirit in the life without one missing. All caste and selfish prejudice disappears as we sit at His feet and behold Him. This is the power of God's grace in action.

Beacon · « **Reply #53 on:** June 20, 2020, 07:03:39 AM »

"When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony,—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master. We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake."

We must come to the place where we recognize the true value of what Jesus said in John 15:4-6 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

May God's Blessings be yours as you Honor Him on His HOLY SABBATH DAY[

Dorine · « **Reply #54 on:** September 15, 2020, 05:47:53 AM »

Jesus says, “My Father which is in heaven,” as reminding His disciples that while by His humanity He is linked with them, a sharer in their trials, and sympathizing with them in their sufferings, by His divinity He is connected with the throne of the Infinite. Wonderful assurance! The heavenly intelligences unite with men in sympathy and labor for the saving of that which was lost. And all the power of heaven is brought to combine with human ability in drawing souls to Christ.

As Christ's followers we should have such assurance and confidence in knowing that our brother Jesus has connections with heaven. We have privileges and advantages that those that do not know Him don't have. But we want all to know Him and to share in the blessings that brings.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #55 on:** September 15, 2020, 06:40:40 AM »

Amen dear sister! It is the power of God that not only keeps us, but working through us can lead others to see the loveliness of Jesus. This is what brings about conversion when the heart is cleansed from all sin.

It was not enough for the disciples of Jesus to be instructed as to the nature of His kingdom. What they needed was a change of heart that would bring them into harmony with its principles. Calling a little child to Him, Jesus set him in the midst of them; then tenderly folding the little one in His arms He said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” The simplicity, the self-forgetfulness, and the confiding love of a little child are the attributes that Heaven values. These are the characteristics of real greatness.

Beacon · « **Reply #56 on:** September 15, 2020, 07:01:06 AM »

"But it is to the wrongdoer himself that we are to present the wrong. We are not to make it a matter of comment and criticism among ourselves; nor even after it is told to the church, are we at liberty to repeat it to others. A knowledge of the faults of Christians will be only a cause of stumbling to the unbelieving world; and by dwelling upon these things, we ourselves can receive only harm; for it is by beholding that we become changed. While we seek to correct the errors of a brother, the Spirit of Christ will lead us to shield him, as far as possible, from the criticism of even his own brethren, and how much more from the censure of the unbelieving world...

We ourselves are erring, and need Christ’s pity and forgiveness, and just as we wish Him to deal with us, He bids us deal with one another."

Let us remember the counsel of the Scriptures found in Luke 16:31... " DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU. "

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #57 on:** September 15, 2020, 08:54:23 AM »

If we are humble and teachable from having been with Jesus and surrendered fully to Him, He can use us most efficiently to bless others! Let us keep our eyes on Jesus today!

"Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail." {The Desire of Ages, page 436, paragraph 3}

Beacon · « **Reply #58 on:** December 10, 2020, 03:56:45 PM »

"Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29); and by beholding, he becomes changed. His fear is turned to joy, his doubts to hope. Gratitude springs up. The stony heart is broken.

A tide of love sweeps into the soul. Christ is in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life..

..When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony,—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master..

..We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake.

In Christ, God has provided means for subduing every sinful trait, and resisting every temptation, however strong. But many feel that they lack faith, and therefore they remain away from Christ. Let these souls, in their helpless unworthiness, cast themselves upon the mercy of their compassionate Saviour.

Look not to self, but to Christ.

He who healed the sick and cast out demons when He walked among men is the same mighty Redeemer today. Faith comes by the word of God. Then grasp His promise, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37.,

"Cast yourself at His feet with the cry,Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief..You can never perish while you do this--never."

Hear again we are reminded of the Great Love of Jesus & His " Amazing Grace.". I hope and pray that "ALL of US " will respond with an Honest and Open heart recognizing our great need of His Cleansing Power so that we might be made into True Fishers of mankind for Jesus.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #59 on:** December 11, 2020, 04:22:59 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!

What are you looking at? What we focus on changes us. As we behold the infinite loveliness of Jesus, we will become like Him in mind and character as we yield the whole heart to Him, and in contemplation of Him, self will be forgotten. Like a little child, we shall be happy to let Him lead us moment-by-moment, for the truly converted heart will ever manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in a life of affectionate obedience to all the light of God's law that is known and understood! Let us be living witnesses of Jesus' character today!!

"Let the repenting sinner fix his eyes upon 'the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world' (John 1:29); and by beholding, he becomes changed. His fear is turned to joy, his doubts to hope. Gratitude springs up. The stony heart is broken. A tide of love sweeps into the soul. Christ is in him a well of water springing up unto everlasting life. When we see Jesus, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief, working to save the lost, slighted, scorned, derided, driven from city to city till His mission was accomplished; when we behold Him in Gethsemane, sweating great drops of blood, and on the cross dying in agony,—when we see this, self will no longer clamor to be recognized. Looking unto Jesus, we shall be ashamed of our coldness, our lethargy, our self-seeking. We shall be willing to be anything or nothing, so that we may do heart service for the Master. We shall rejoice to bear the cross after Jesus, to endure trial, shame, or persecution for His dear sake." {The Desire of Ages, page 439, paragraph 3}

No matter what the future holds, Jesus has a path suited to your strength and capacity that will bring you joy as you seek and save souls who also will become happy, peaceful and obedient in coming into union and communion with Christ! May God bless you to be a blessing today!