Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--53--The Last Journey From Galilee (Read 20764 times)

Richard Myers · « **Reply #60 on:** March 30, 2020, 09:37:56 PM »

Amen Brother Beacon.

The True Witness says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." Revelation 3:20. Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.

I recall this statement: "God will not condemn any at the judgment because they honestly believed a lie, or conscientiously cherished error; but it will be because they neglected the opportunities of making themselves acquainted with truth. The infidel will be condemned, not because he was an infidel, but because he did not take advantage of the means God has placed within his reach to enable him to become a Christian. Testimony to Minister pg 437.

There is no excuse for sin because has provided for all us a remedy in His Son.

Dorine · « **Reply #61 on:** June 25, 2020, 06:34:55 AM »

..."The less you cherish self, the more distinct and full will be your comprehension of the excellence of your Saviour. The more closely you connect yourself with the source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to work for God. Rejoice that you are one with God, one with Christ, and with the whole family of heaven."

What a profound truth that is revealed in these few words. We need to be connected with Jesus moment by moment so that self will die and Jesus become our all in all. There is no room in the heart for self and Jesus. It's one or the other and it is plainly revealed to us the joy that comes when we are part of the family of God.

Beacon · « **Reply #62 on:** June 25, 2020, 07:15:11 AM »

""The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones."

'With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper."

"The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth."

Today's reading points out very strongly that Sins of Omission can be just as devastating as Sins of Commission. I pray that we all may become more sensitive to both and that our only safety is to look to Jesus.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #63 on:** June 25, 2020, 09:57:03 AM »

Quote from: Beacon on June 25, 2020, 07:15:11 AM

"The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth."

Amen Brother Beacon! I love these truths. What happens when we ignore the Spirit's prompting? He speaks in a still small voice that we need to be aware of. When we understand we are to do something, or not do something, we need to obey. When we do not yield, then we are creating a habit of disobedience which makes it harder to obey the next time. When we obey we are creating a habit of obeying. Of course this is not the end of the story. At first before conversion we do this even when self is alive. Thus, we still need to be converted in order to do it from the heart.

I like the statement that as the heart becomes less impressible, it lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life and of the great eternity beyond. Think on that! It is not that we cannot understand, but that there is an unconsciousness of these two realities that are so very important.

As the close of His ministry drew near, there was a change in Christ's manner of labor. Heretofore He had sought to shun excitement and publicity. He had refused the homage of the people, and had passed quickly from place to place when the popular enthusiasm in His favor seemed kindling beyond control. Again and again He had commanded that none should declare Him to be the Christ.

There were other changes also. How He dealt with people changed. He was still loving, but as it was in the temple when He overthrew the table and cursed the fig tree, He knew the end of His time on Earth was coming to an end. We too are coming to the end. What we do with our time and how we do it changes. There is no time to do what we think we ought to do, we need to follow that still small voice that our work will be more successful at leading others into truth.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #64 on:** June 26, 2020, 04:39:53 AM »

Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Beacon, and Brother Richard!!

Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Beacon, and Brother Richard!!

When everything in your life may seem to be going wrong, just look up. Up? Yes! Up to Jesus! He has promised that "ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE" (Romans 8:28, all caps for EMPHASIS and ENCOURAGEMENT). We are so prone to forget that EVERYTHING God allows He has a plan to WORK FOR GOOD--not that all things ARE GOOD, but that God is always working by the Holy Spirit to win our hearts to Him, draw us into a deeper intimacy with God, and bless the world as He did in Christ. As soon as we simply yield the whole heart to Christ in simple faith because we are beholding His infinite grace, we see that while we may not understand all at this time, God is always good, has never lost a soul that turned to Him in full surrender, and is well able to not only save us but to exceed our highest expectations as He uses us for the praise of the glory of His grace! All of the fruits of the Holy Spirit's presence will be revealed in every converted Christian who surrenders unreservedly the entire heart to Christ so His miracle of transformation may reveal to the universe His power to renovate sinners into saints, and then furthermore His power (grace) to keep His saints from ever falling again into sin--all by the power of the word of God through the Holy Spirit!

"The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper." {The Desire of Ages, page 490, paragraph 6}

What is the enemy's power? Sin! Only by sin are we separated from God--and God sent Jesus to become sin for us so we could be COMPLETELY SET FREE from sin and restored to His image! Why do so many continue to sin? Could it be we are not looking to Jesus CONTINUALLY? Oh, let us look MUCH HIGHER than this poor, dark speck of a world where the MAJORITY POSITION of the universe resounds that "God is love" (1 John 4:

, and while many in this tiny planet have not grasped this, as we taste and see that the Lord is good, how can we keep silent of what He has done for us??? I cannot be silent! Jesus saved me from a living death of depression, bipolar disorder, moral degradation, and hopeless confusion--and He has given me a commission to preach the gospel to the world! What is your story? What is your song? Share with the universe what God has done by starting right where you are--with your family, your neighbors, and those God brings in your path. The Holy Spirit is already preparing DIVINE APPOINTMENTS for you so you may encourage others by sharing the testimony of your own experience!! Look upon Jesus and LIVE!!! AND THEN LIVE FOREVER WITH HIM!!!!

Beacon · « **Reply #65 on:** June 26, 2020, 06:28:55 AM »

"Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.."

"God's counsel to us is this..."Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. 'He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6."

"The work that Christ did on this earth His followers are to do. With the power and efficiency brought by the Holy Spirit they are to carry forward His plan for the restoration of the divine image in humanity. The Lord will do great things for them when they work under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. But they must place their entire dependence on God.—Manuscript 13, June 8, 1902, “God’s People to Be Light Bearers.”

Beacon · « **Reply #66 on:** September 19, 2020, 05:21:25 PM »

"Self is ever ready to take the credit if any measure of success attends the work. Self is flattered and exalted, and the impression is not made upon other minds that God is all and in all.

The apostle Paul says, 'When I am weak, then am I strong.' 2 Corinthians 12:10.. "

"When we have a realization of our weakness, we learn to depend upon a power not inherent. Nothing can take so strong a hold on the heart as the abiding sense of our responsibility to God. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ. We are to come in touch with God, then we shall be imbued with His Holy Spirit, that enables us to come in touch with our fellow men..

The less you cherish self, the more distinct and full will be your comprehension of the excellence of your Saviour. The more closely you connect yourself with the source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to work for God.

Rejoice that you are one with God, one with Christ, and with the whole family of heaven."

Let us make this hymn written by Author's: Albert B. Simpson; & Ada A. Whiddington, our daily motto.

Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted, Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard; Not I, but Christ in every look and action, Not I, but Christ in every thought and word. Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,Oh, to be lost in Thee, Oh, that it may be no more I, BUT CHRIST THAT LIVES IN ME.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #67 on:** September 20, 2020, 09:35:03 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Simple yet profound is what Jesus has done for us. Only by Him is there salvation--an experience that is infinite!

"The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 494, paragraph 4}

Yielding fully the heart to Christ we can have all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing manifest in the life by the divine nature; then the path of eternal life becomes brighter from day to day!

Beacon · « **Reply #68 on:** December 16, 2020, 12:24:51 AM »

"The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul..

..Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power..

"The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones'With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper."

"The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow.."

.."The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth."

Today's reading points out very strongly that Sins of Omission can be just as devastating as Sins of Commission. I pray that we all may become more sensitive to both and that our only safety is to look to Jesus.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #69 on:** December 16, 2020, 07:40:06 AM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Are you afraid of caged lions? Or what about defeated foes? Let us remember that Christ defeated Satan at Calvary and let us praise God who has power to keep us from coming under Satan's power as we yield our whole heart to Christ on a moment-by-moment basis! The only reason Satan still exists is that the whole universe may see the irrefutable evidence of how sinful sin and rebellion is, and give all free moral agents the opportunity to fully choose Christ or Satan. We need not be afraid for the future as we rely on God's promises which make us partakers of the divine nature! Then, abiding in Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives!

"Henceforward Christ's followers were to look upon Satan as a conquered foe. Upon the cross, Jesus was to gain the victory for them; that victory He desired them to accept as their own. 'Behold,' He said, 'I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 490, paragraph 4}
"The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper." {The Desire of Ages, page 490, paragraph 5}

As we see the goodness of God, it leads us to an ever-deepening repentance. We may gladly go forward on the mission God has entrusted to us because Christ has defeated the devil, and soon he will no longer exist, because the wages of sin is death. Thankfully, all who know their need of Christ and come to Him are set free to do God's will and find great joy in His plans which are always best!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #70 on:** December 16, 2020, 07:56:25 AM »

"I say unto you," Jesus added, "that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city." Then His mind reverted to the Galilean towns where so much of His ministry had been spent. In deeply sorrowful accents He exclaimed, "Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell."

This was not a warning to Tyre and Sidon, nor for Chorazin and Bethsaida, but a fact. It is a warning today. For whom is it a warning? Those who have been given great light as had Chorazin and Bethsaida. Who has been given great light? Those who know Jesus is the Messiah, but even more those who like Israel have been entrusted with the sacred oracles of God, Seventh-day Adventists. Then Jesus' Words apply to those in His church who remain in a Laodicean condition and have not repented after being given great light.

It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for those who have had the privileges and the great light which shines in our day, but who have neglected to follow the light and to give their hearts fully to God. 3T 380.

What can be done to awaken a sleeping church? The answer is seen in why it was that Jesus took a circuitous route on His last trip into Jerusalem.

He had left Jerusalem for a season because of the malice of the priests and rabbis. But He now set out to return, traveling in the most public manner, by a circuitous route, and preceded by such an announcement of His coming as He had never made before. He was going forward to the scene of His great sacrifice, and to this the attention of the people must be directed.

Why? Because sinners are transformed into saints by God's grace, and it was God's grace that needed to be seen by the world. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ........especially the closing scenes of His life when He was lifted up upon the cross. Why was He lifted up? Because He took our sins upon Himself and suffered our punishment.

"As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up." John 3:14. As the eyes of all Israel had been directed to the uplifted serpent, the symbol appointed for their healing, so all eyes must be drawn to Christ, the sacrifice that brought salvation to the lost world.

Today, it is we who are to present this message to a world soon to perish. How many have neglected to give the first part of the first angel's message? This is the gospel of grace which transforms sinners into saints.

Dorine · « **Reply #71 on:** December 16, 2020, 08:57:14 AM »

"The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour."

As we behold the life of Jesus He prepares the heart to receive Him. We begin to see ourselves as we really are. We do not understand it, we can not explain it or even comprehend the power of God's grace but oh the joy for those who choose to believe and experience it. Each day will take us from victory to victory, from strength to strength and from grace to grace. Knowledge will be added to knowledge and we will become humble and meek in the presence of our precious Saviour; yet fearlessly steadfast and trusting in His care for us.

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #72 on:** March 13, 2021, 03:03:30 AM »

Happy Sabbath! May we choose to put our will on the side of Christ in complete surrender, letting the glorious experience of salvation by God's amazing grace transform our characters so that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing! Then we may obey the Ten Commandments from a heart renewed in the image of His purity and holiness!

"The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 494, paragraph 4}

The loveliness of Jesus is to be our focus as we keep trusting Him to unfold more and more of His glory to us both here and in the great hereafter!

Richard Myers · « **Reply #73 on:** March 13, 2021, 05:38:10 AM »

Amen Pastor Sean and Sister Dorine. I was impressed with the very same truth this morning.

The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour.

Why is this so important? Because this is the foundation of our faith. It is the work of grace to endear our hearts to God. It is our love that He wants. The heart is what He wants, all of it and nothing less. When we spend a thoughtful hour each day we shall see and be reminded of His great love for us that we do not deserve. We are evil by nature and must die to self daily. It is His grace that causes the heart to surrender all to Him who gave all for us while we were yet sinners.

Christ is ever showing mercy, ever seeking to win by the revealing of His love. He can admit no rival in the soul, nor accept of partial service; but He desires only voluntary service, the willing surrender of the heart under the constraint of love.

When we surrender the whole heart to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit will take possession of the heart and bring with Him all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one will be missing as long as we maintain our connection with Christ. Then we are partakers of His divine nature. If we reject the call of the Spirit to give all to Jesus, then our hearts are hardened. But, Jesus does not forsake us, He continues to knock on the door of the heart seeking entrance.

The True Witness says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." Revelation 3:20. Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker. The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow. The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth.

The disciples wandered in and out of a full surrender of heart, similar to many who have been converted in the church today. Like many today they did not understand their continual need of Jesus in order to maintain their conversion experience. But, as they yielded to the Holy Spirit, their hearts were surrendered fully.

Even the disciples failed of understanding all that Jesus desired to reveal to them; but from time to time, as they surrendered themselves to the Holy Spirit's power, their minds were illuminated. They realized that the mighty God, clad in the garb of humanity, was among them. Jesus rejoiced that though this knowledge was not possessed by the wise and prudent, it had been revealed to these humble men. Often as He had presented the Old Testament Scriptures, and showed their application to Himself and His work of atonement, they had been awakened by His Spirit, and lifted into a heavenly atmosphere. Of the spiritual truths spoken by the prophets they had a clearer understanding than had the original writers themselves.

So it is today, we do not realize it, but God is wanting to give us a clearer understanding of the truths spoken by the prophets than they themselves had. To whom much is given, much is expected. When we understand that we have been given greater understanding, then we ought to rejoice and give the glory to God that He deserves. We want to be His faithful witnesses that the world will know Him and His great love and power.

Dorine · « **Reply #74 on:** March 13, 2021, 06:21:55 AM »

"The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour."

The plan of salvation is the most beautiful gift that God has given to us. It truly is a blessed experience to know Jesus and let Him lead in our daily lives moment by moment.

Beacon · « **Reply #75 on:** March 13, 2021, 07:03:24 AM »

"The True Witness says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock." Revelation 3:20...

...Every warning, reproof, and entreaty in the word of God or through His messengers is a knock at the door of the heart. It is the voice of Jesus asking for entrance. With every knock unheeded, the disposition to open becomes weaker...

...The impressions of the Holy Spirit if disregarded today, will not be as strong tomorrow...

...The heart becomes less impressible, and lapses into a perilous unconsciousness of the shortness of life, and of the great eternity beyond. Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth. "

Happy Sabbath to all our Brothers & Sisters around the world and across the vast universe of God. Let us remember that being too BUSY with the things of this world which will all pass away very soon, may mean that we are focusing on the Transit instead of the Eternal.

Richard Myers · « **Reply #76 on:** March 13, 2021, 07:06:30 AM »

Amen Sister Dorine! It is amazing that we see here a fulfillment of God's desire to see His church coming into unity of doctrine.

Quote from: Dorine on December 16, 2020, 08:57:14 AM

"The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour."

Quote from: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 13, 2021, 03:03:30 AM

"The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour." {The Desire of Ages, page 494, paragraph 4}

Quote from: Richard Myers on March 13, 2021, 05:38:10 AM

The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour.

Quote from: Dorine on March 13, 2021, 06:21:55 AM

"The only way in which we can gain a more perfect apprehension of truth is by keeping the heart tender and subdued by the Spirit of Christ. The soul must be cleansed from vanity and pride, and vacated of all that has held it in possession, and Christ must be enthroned within. Human science is too limited to comprehend the atonement. The plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy cannot explain it. It will ever remain a mystery that the most profound reasoning cannot fathom. The science of salvation cannot be explained; but it can be known by experience. Only he who sees his own sinfulness can discern the preciousness of the Saviour."

Richard Myers · « **Reply #77 on:** March 13, 2021, 07:10:23 AM »

Amen Brother Beacon! "Our condemnation in the judgment will not result from the fact that we have been in error, but from the fact that we have neglected heaven-sent opportunities for learning what is truth."

It is they who love the truth and want to know it that will find God and keep His commandments.

Beacon · « **Reply #78 on:** June 08, 2021, 06:26:56 AM »

"The apostle Paul says, 'When I am weak, then am I strong.' 2 Corinthians 12:10.. "

"When we have a realization of our weakness, we learn to depend upon a power not inherent. Nothing can take so strong a hold on the heart as the abiding sense of our responsibility to God. Nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives of conduct as a sense of the pardoning love of Christ. We are to come in touch with God, then we shall be imbued with His Holy Spirit, that enables us to come in touch with our fellow men..

"The less you cherish self, the more distinct and full will be your comprehension of the excellence of your Saviour.

"The more closely you connect yourself with the source of light and power, the greater light will be shed upon you, and the greater power will be yours to work for God."

"Rejoice that you are one with God, one with Christ, and with the whole family of heaven."

Let us make this hymn written by Author's: Albert B. Simpson; & Ada A. Whiddington, our daily motto.

"Not I, but Christ be honored, loved, exalted, Not I, but Christ be seen, be known and heard; Not I, but Christ in every look and action, Not I, but Christ in every thought and word. Oh, to be saved from myself, dear Lord,Oh, to be lost in Thee, Oh, that it may be no more I,..

"BUT CHRIST THAT LIVES IN ME"

Pastor Sean Brizendine · « **Reply #79 on:** June 08, 2021, 12:51:18 PM »

Amen, Brother Beacon!

We need the Holy Spirit. When this lack is supplied, we shall serve Him with a thousandfold more earnestness than we do now. Let us pray continually for the Holy Spirit to fill us and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus whom the Holy Spirit exalts in His loveliness!

"The omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit is the defense of every contrite soul. Not one that in penitence and faith has claimed His protection will Christ permit to pass under the enemy's power. The Saviour is by the side of His tempted and tried ones. With Him there can be no such thing as failure, loss, impossibility, or defeat; we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. When temptations and trials come, do not wait to adjust all the difficulties, but look to Jesus, your helper." {The Desire of Ages, page 490, paragraph 6}

As we look away from self and stop praying for self but for the Holy Spirit, a shift takes place in our lives. We find freedom in doing God's will and only desire His will. The height of self-abnegation is only possible through a true, thorough conversion made possible by the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. When He comes into the heart that is renewed by divine grace, He manifests all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing and leads us to gladly obey God with deep, ardent affection for God's glory and not our own!