Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child  (Read 21859 times)

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Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #40 on: March 04, 2019, 08:09:35 PM »
 "Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,- all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister.The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home.. His quiet and simple life, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength."

If this counsel was imitated by Godly Mothers & Fathers, Grand Mothers & Grand Fathers along with all other members of the family just think what a different society we would have today!!!
 
"Jesus is our example. It is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth. The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God. He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude.[/color]"

b]When I was just a little tyke about 3-5 years old my mother would bring me into the kitchen where she was preparing supper. She would give me a step stool to stand on and then ask me to tell her about Jesus, His Creation, His Love & Mercy, about Heaven and the New Earth etc. She would interject her thoughts and blend them with mine.  It was a precious time that I enjoyed so much and because of her influence and that of the Holy Spirit I grew up loving to talk about Jesus and His great plan of salvation and....I still do[/b][/u] :) [/b]
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #41 on: March 05, 2019, 07:11:28 AM »
Amen! What a blessing you are to us, Beacon as you continue to talk about Jesus!  If we want to make Jesus the center of our conversation, then let us learn how to do it. The answer is always the same. We need to know Jesus. We need to spend time with Him that we know we can trust Him with all we are and all we have. It would be well to spend a thouightful hour a day contemplating His life. He then can draw us all to Himself. The trials of life will be our school when we have Jesus in the heart.

 Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, "I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us. 


To manifest the character of Christ, we are shown two things that will do it. The discipline that He endured, and grace. Where do we get grace? Right here this morning we receive grace. It surrounds us as thick as the air we breathe. We do not get grace for tomorrow, onlhy for today. His unmerited love is grace and in this world where sin abounds, we find that grace abounds much more. It is there for the taking! The grace that Jesus received is for us. 
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #42 on: March 05, 2019, 09:15:11 AM »
Amen, Richard and Beacon!

Jesus' life is an exemplification of the true higher education. He studied that which would be able to convey the eternal realities that would prepare souls to accept the truth. I am thankful we can have such an education by beholding His loveliness of character and the things of nature as well!!

"The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, 'How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?' does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life." {The Desire of Ages, page 70, paragraph 2}
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #43 on: May 30, 2019, 07:11:38 PM »
"With deep earnestness the mother of Jesus watched the unfolding of His powers, and beheld the impress of perfection upon His character. With delight she sought to encourage that bright, receptive mind. Through the Holy Spirit she received wisdom to co-operate with the heavenly agencies in the development of this child, who could claim only God as His Father."

The word of God gives parents a strong command,responsibility and privilege.  Proverbs 22:6 says to..."Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Here we see a valuable lesson for parents. What ever the pressures of life may be does not change the charge given by God to the parents. The young formative years are when a child is open minded, and it is mainly the responsibility of the mother and father to provide the correct training by instruction and by example. What a different world and church it would be if the parents followed the counsel of God.! 
 
"From the earliest times the faithful in Israel had given much care to the education of the youth. The Lord had directed that even from babyhood the children should be taught of His goodness and His greatness, especially as revealed in His law, and shown in the history of Israel. Song and prayer and lessons from the Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind. Fathers and mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is an expression of His character, and that as they received the principles of the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on mind and soul. "
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #44 on: May 31, 2019, 07:30:55 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!

As my favorite chapter in The Desire of Ages, "As a Child," (Chapter 7) I so appreciate the character lessons that we can receive from Jesus as we also continue to grow and develop in character and reflect His image more fully from day to day as we surrender the whole heart to Him. As long as we are abiding in Christ, all of the fruits of the Sprit will be seen in our lives without one missing, and we will gladly go where God's Spirit leads us.

"As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By His own example He taught that it is our duty to be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. The exercise that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society." {The Desire of Ages, page 72, paragraph 4}

What a joy it is to do work the way Jesus did it--with exactness and thoroughness, with a continual sense that we are doing all we do to the glory of God! It is a joy to live in the country and to be able to experience the blessings that are in some way similar to Jesus, who grew up in the little mountain village of Nazareth. Wherever we find ourselves today, we can cooperate with Jesus as He imbues us with His precious traits of character. And as we live this example, it in turn prepares us to teach the children that God gives us--whether in the family, the church, or the community--to train for God so that they may be ready for heaven because they have heaven in their hearts! 
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #45 on: May 31, 2019, 08:09:13 AM »
Amen, my brothers!  There is a very important lesson for us to learn from today's reading, and it ought to kept in mind when doing Wednesday's Sabbath School lesson. It has to do with where we get our knowledge from. Where is the real education to take place. To whom shall we look when dealing with failures of the flesh?

The mind was crowded with material that was worthless to the learner, and that would not be recognized in the higher school of the courts above. The experience which is obtained through a personal acceptance of God's word had no place in the educational system. Absorbed in the round of externals, the students found no quiet hours to spend with God. They did not hear His voice speaking to the heart. In their search after knowledge, they turned away from the Source of wisdom. The great essentials of the service of God were neglected. The principles of the law were obscured. That which was regarded as superior education was the greatest hindrance to real development. Under the training of the rabbis the powers of the youth were repressed. Their minds became cramped and narrow.
     The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother's knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor.


How can we know what is truth in the field of psychology which deals with the human mind? Keep what we read in today's chapter as you study Wednesday's Sabbath School lesson. It is most serious.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #46 on: May 31, 2019, 09:55:50 AM »
Richard, this subject weighs heavily on me. Culture, new medical breakthrough's, blaming Satan's personal attacks on 'genetics', is spiritually destroying our children and youth. Medication and counselling are relieving the anxieties 'somewhat' but numbing the power of the will to surrender all to Jesus.

In all those I have witnessed this there is a gradual walking away from trusting in Jesus and His word. The world can not offer to us anything that only God can supply. There is no detour. The solutions to every perplexity is found in Jesus and His word. If we are not there then we are running to and fro searching for things that will never satisfy but only feed the wrong habits and addictions of our lives.

As I read today's chapter the following paragraph brought sweet reflection to my mind as the childhood of Jesus is described. His character was formed through His connection with His heavenly father and the dedication and training of His earthly parents. Not even the schools of the prophets was He entrusted to.

"Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister. "
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #47 on: May 31, 2019, 08:39:44 PM »
Amen. Such wonderful enlightenment for parents as they rear their children. We are truly blessed to have Bible principles and the Spirit of Prophecy to make these principles easy to understand! May we all receive and give blessing on this Sabbath Day!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #48 on: August 24, 2019, 06:30:32 PM »
Jesus lived to bless others. It struck me this morning as I read this, that we too are so very blessed when we bless others. How many times have we thought of others when shopping? How many times have we stopped in the middle of our day to help another? Why? Not because we are working towards heaven, not because we fear hell. We do so because it is more blessed to give than to receives. What joy it brings to lead others to Christ.

    He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #49 on: November 18, 2019, 03:21:57 AM »
Simplicity and spirituality characterized the earthly life of Jesus. As we become acquainted with His loveliness of character, we come to realize what is of true value: a living union and communion with Him made deep and vibrant by beholding the scenes of His life and letting Him live out His life within us by the Holy Spirit! May we learn what God values--moral worth as revealed in love and purity--and pursue it with much more devotion than the world seeks after position, power and wealth. As we learn of Christ, our characters becomes humbled and subdued to yearn for Christ, shunning display that brings self to notice, and only desiring Christ to be seen in our lives as will ever be manifest in the converted Christian by all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing. May you find joy in Jesus' abiding presence today.

"Yet Jesus shunned display. During all the years of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power. He sought no high position and assumed no titles. His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength." {The Desire of Ages, page 74, paragraph 3}

The more we learn of Christ, the more capacity we have to receive from God the lessons that prepare us for service for Him here in this life and in the life to come. What a blessing to be able to learn of Jesus and become more like Him in mind and character, even as He develops our unique personality with the specific testimony entrusted to us for His eternal glory and honor!   
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #50 on: November 18, 2019, 06:49:49 AM »
Amen Pastor Sean!   Parents and teachers ought to pay attention to the counsel here. "The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength." There is a study just done that reveals young children who spend a lot of time on computer or cell phones have difficulties with brain development. There is much we can learn from this chapter in regards to rearing children.

     The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother's knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor.
     The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life.


It would be good for mothers, if possible, to home school their children until they are converted and even beyond. "He gained knowledge as we may do..." Most schools do damage to children. If you have not a consecrated teacher in a church school, then pray about keeping your child at home. The influence is great to the formation of Christian character or lack thereof.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #51 on: November 18, 2019, 10:36:25 AM »
"From the earliest times the faithful in Israel had given much care to the education of the youth. The Lord had directed that even from babyhood the children should be taught of His goodness and His greatness, especially as revealed in His law, and shown in the history of Israel. Song and prayer and lessons from the Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind. Fathers and mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is an expression of His character, and that as they received the principles of the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on mind and soul. "

The Word of God says in Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

"He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life."

It is my earnest prayer that the mothers and fathers of young children and those that work in the younger divisions within the church will be earnestly striving to give each child the wonderful spiritual attention which will provide a strong connection with Jesus and plant their feet on a solid path towards eternal life. 
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #52 on: February 13, 2020, 05:09:49 AM »
Jesus loves to bring us true happiness--the experience gained in His presence! I am so happy that He gives us family, friends, and meaningful quiet hours with Him so we can come to enjoy what He has planned for us--a life of blessing that will bless others in revealing His character!!

"Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister." {The Desire of Ages, page 74, paragraph 1}

I love Jesus because He first loved me and I am so glad that He is preparing a place for us in heaven where we will always be with Him. Even now we can enjoy His lovely presence as we invite Him to abide in our hearts! As we experience Him living in us, He manifests through us the light of His character--all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #53 on: February 13, 2020, 06:21:11 AM »
Amen Pastor Sean!  What a God we serve. What a character we see in Jesus! How did He obtain such a character? He was not born with it. He became our brother while remaining God, but He formed a character as a human as we must form a character to fit us for heaven. He learned obedience through what He suffered. So it is with us. Do not shun trials, they are God's workmen for us to more perfectly reflect the character of our God.

     Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, "I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us. 


Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints. Grace is available to us every moment of every day. We need to pray for it and then behold it, and allow it into our hearts. As we join with Christ we will be given love, joy, and peace that passes all understanding! Thank you, Jesus!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #54 on: February 13, 2020, 06:52:03 AM »
.......Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us.

We have been given a high standard to attain to but praise God when fully surrendered to Him we are given the power to accomplish all that He requires of us. ....."the grace that He received is for us." We are not left to try and try hoping that one day we will get there. His promise is for right now. Today is the day of salvation.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #55 on: February 13, 2020, 01:33:18 PM »
"From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth which showed how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life."

The Word of God says in Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The strong influence of a Christian mother and farther cannot be underestimated. Are we spending the time needed to show our son's and daughter's the best pathways to a strong relationship with Jesus so that they can have a happy, peaceful and constructive life here on earth while preparing for eternity? Or are we to BUSY ( B eing U nder S atan's Y oke. )
Look up and listen for the shout.

Beacon

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #56 on: May 09, 2020, 02:49:19 PM »
"The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations."

"So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it."

"Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness. "

Sometimes, when we are tempted to feel like we've been deserted and forsaken by God and that the load we carry is too heavy and we're prone to complain that this life is just too hard to bear, let us reflected on the words found above and find renewed courage knowing that our Savior has trod the path before us.

"Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness."
Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #57 on: May 10, 2020, 05:41:42 AM »
"Jesus was placed where His character would be tested. It was necessary for Him to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity."

I've heard people say that it's much harder today for our youth to avoid evil than it was for Jesus. These are words of unbelief because the bible and SOP make it very clear that it was just the opposite.

"He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood."

What a precious promise. What joy, what peace to know that Jesus understands our earthly plight and as we abide in Him, the same power is available to us to keep us pure and free from sin.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Pastor Sean Brizendine

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #58 on: May 10, 2020, 05:51:52 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

We are all may experience the blessing of being children of God by adoption as we accept Jesus as our Savior! He invites us to come to Him and grow in grace as He did! As we yield the whole heart to Him and let Him purify us from all iniquity, we will find it a joy to commune with Him in prayer, to meditate upon His works in nature, and to learn from God's word! Let us yield the whole heart to Christ today so He may live out His life in us--a life of affectionate obedience to all His commandments as He manifests through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour. And as we behold the beautiful and grand in nature, our affections go out after God. While the spirit is awed, the soul is invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops the mental and moral faculties, and the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things." {The Desire of Ages, page 70, paragraph 4}

Let us focus on what is spiritual and eternal in the same way Jesus did. Even when engaged in our common labor, we may have the heart stayed on Christ, finding precious lessons of eternal significance if we will but keep the avenue of the heart open to Him, enjoying the sweet blessing of constant union and communion with Him by grace through faith! Oh, what a joy it is to walk and talk with Jesus in this life in preparation for the world to come, when we shall see Him face to face!!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

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Re: The Desire of Ages--7--As a Child
« Reply #59 on: May 10, 2020, 10:17:17 PM »
"Jesus was placed where His character would be tested. It was necessary for Him to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity."

I've heard people say that it's much harder today for our youth to avoid evil than it was for Jesus. These are words of unbelief because the bible and SOP make it very clear that it was just the opposite.

"He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood."

What a precious promise. What joy, what peace to know that Jesus understands our earthly plight and as we abide in Him, the same power is available to us to keep us pure and free from sin.

Amen!  How bad was it for Jesus?

 Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.
DA chapter 4. What love!

Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. That there should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour. 


Imagine the pain God felt as He watched His Son struggle against evil! What love God has for us!! That our heavenly Father would allow Jesus to come to this wicked world a helpless Baby. To come here where Satan was in control of so many fallen beings. Such love!! Wonder O heavens and be astonished O Earth!!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.