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The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: JimB on March 10, 2016, 06:41:01 PM

Title: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: JimB on March 10, 2016, 06:41:01 PM: Chap. 52 - The Divine Shepherd

Listen to The Divine Shepherd

"I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." "I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep."
Again Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the pathway of their familiar associations. He had likened the Spirit's influence to the cool, refreshing water. He had represented Himself as the light, the source of life and gladness to nature and to man. Now in a beautiful pastoral picture He represents His relation to those that believe on Him. No picture was more familiar to His hearers than this, and Christ's words linked it forever with Himself. Never could the disciples look on the shepherds tending their flocks without recalling the Saviour's lesson. They would see Christ in each faithful shepherd. They would see themselves in each helpless and dependent flock.
This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah's mission, in the comforting words, "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! . . . He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom." Isaiah 40:9-11. David had sung, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1. And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel had declared: "I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them." "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick." "And I will make with them a covenant of peace." "And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; . . . but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid." Ezekiel 34:23, 16, 25, 28.
Christ applied these prophecies to Himself, and He showed the contrast between His own character and that of the leaders in Israel. The Pharisees had just driven one from the fold, because he dared to bear witness to the power of Christ. They had cut off a soul whom the True Shepherd was drawing to Himself. In this they had shown themselves ignorant of the work committed to them, and unworthy of their trust as shepherds of the flock. Jesus now set before them the contrast between them and the Good Shepherd, and He pointed to Himself as the real keeper of the Lord's flock. Before doing this, however, He speaks of Himself under another figure.
He said, "He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." The Pharisees did not discern that these words were spoken against them. When they reasoned in their hearts as to the meaning, Jesus told them plainly, "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
Christ is the door to the fold of God. Through this door all His children, from the earliest times, have found entrance. In Jesus, as shown in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelation of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples, and in the miracles wrought for the sons of men, they have beheld "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), and through Him they are brought within the fold of His grace. Many have come presenting other objects for the faith of the world; ceremonies and systems have been devised by which men hope to receive justification and peace with God, and thus find entrance to His fold. But the only door is Christ, and all who have interposed something to take the place of Christ, all who have tried to enter the fold in some other way, are thieves and robbers.
The Pharisees had not entered by the door. They had climbed into the fold by another way than Christ, and they were not fulfilling the work of the true shepherd. The priests and rulers, the scribes and Pharisees, destroyed the living pastures, and defiled the wellsprings of the water of life. Faithfully do the words of inspiration describe those false shepherds: "The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away; . . . but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them." Ezekiel 34:4.
In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.
"He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep." Christ is both the door and the shepherd. He enters in by Himself. It is through His own sacrifice that He becomes the shepherd of the sheep. "To Him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice."
Of all creatures the sheep is one of the most timid and helpless, and in the East the shepherd's care for his flock is untiring and incessant. Anciently as now there was little security outside of the walled towns. Marauders from the roving border tribes, or beasts of prey from their hiding places in the rocks, lay in wait to plunder the flocks. The shepherd watched his charge, knowing that it was at the peril of his own life. Jacob, who kept the flocks of Laban in the pasture grounds of Haran, describing his own unwearied labor, said, "In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes." Genesis 31:40. And it was while guarding his father's sheep that the boy David, single-handed, encountered the lion and the bear, and rescued from their teeth the stolen lamb.
As the shepherd leads his flock over the rocky hills, through forest and wild ravines, to grassy nooks by the riverside; as he watches them on the mountains through the lonely night, shielding from robbers, caring tenderly for the sickly and feeble, his life comes to be one with theirs. A strong and tender attachment unites him to the objects of his care. However large the flock, the shepherd knows every sheep. Every one has its name, and responds to the name at the shepherd's call.
As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. "Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." Jesus says, "I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." "I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands." Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16.
Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.
Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.
"He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. . . . And the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice." The Eastern shepherd does not drive his sheep. He depends not upon force or fear; but going before, he calls them. They know his voice, and obey the call. So does the Saviour-Shepherd with His sheep. The Scripture says, "Thou leddest Thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Through the prophet, Jesus declares, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." He compels none to follow Him. "I drew them," He says, "with cords of a man, with bands of love." Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4.
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.
Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.
Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.
However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our "everlasting Father." And He says, "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be "the Man that is My fellow" (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!
Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.
Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16, R. V.
"Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again." That is, My Father has so loved you, that He even loves Me more for giving My life to redeem you. In becoming your substitute and surety, by surrendering My life, by taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father.
"I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: JimB on March 12, 2016, 05:27:42 AM: Quote from: JimB on March 10, 2016, 06:41:01 PM
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.
Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.
Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10. [/font][/size]

Here are a couple of paragraphs I couldn't help but point out. I started to bold some of the text but it would have ended up all bolded (sp?) so I've left it. To think that he loves me and YOU this much is just simply incredible.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on March 12, 2016, 08:07:47 AM: Amen! My whole book is underlined. :)

But, it is one thing to wake up and realize one is not converted, it is another to not know how to be saved. When Nicodemus met with Jesus that first time (John 3), Jesus told him he was not converted, even though he was a leader in Israel. It was rare to find one who had experienced the new birth. It would not be right for Jesus to tell him he needed to be born again without telling him what he must do in order to be converted. Jesus did tell him. And, it supports just what we are told in this statement you have quoted, Jim. Let's look at it since we remain in a Laodicean church where many are awakening to their condition, but do not understand what they must do. And, Jesus tells us in the third chapter of Revelation what to do also. All three are basically saying the same thing.

Nowhere is it more beautifully presented than in the first paragraph Jim has quoted for us today. "It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

In John 3 we read what Jesus told Nicodemus "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." This requires an understanding of what happened in the wilderness before one can understand what they must do in order to be saved.

And in Revelation 3 we read "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." This also requires some understanding from Bible study to know what the Laodicean must do in order to be justified by faith. What is "gold tried in the fire", "white raiment", and "eyesalve"?

All three reveal the same thing, but here in the Desire of Ages it is made so plain a child can understand that it is just what 2 Corinthians 3:18 says. "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." It is both an intellectual and a spiritual truth that by beholding we become changed. The mind gradually adapts itself to what it is accustomed to behold. It is as plastic being changed by what it sees over and over. If we want to live with the saved, then we must be changed into the character of those who love God and keep His commandments. And here we are told how we may be transformed in character. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ. I know I am preaching to the choir, for they are the ones spending that time reading this most beautiful revelation of Christ. God will bless you dear friends. As you have opportunity share the secret of 2 Corinthians 3:18 with others who are seeking to overcome the sin that so easily besets us when we are not walking with Jesus. Then they too will behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him will attract, soften and subdue the soul. Love will awaken in the heart, they will hear His voice, and they too will join with us and follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 09, 2016, 07:21:04 AM: I love this chapter! I love how close our relationship may be with Jesus--as close as was that of the Father with the Son! Hallelujah!!!!

However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our "everlasting Father." And He says, "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be "the Man that is My fellow" (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!

Isn't that phenomenal!! I pray that Jesus will ever be my first love, and that each of us may deeply drink more fully of this communion that is never to be broken--except by our own choice to sin against God. May His love so full our hearts that we will hate sin because of His love softening and subduing our hearts as we behold the Saviour's matchless love!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on June 09, 2016, 07:42:15 AM: Amen, Pastor Sean!! What a God!!! And, we may know Him as our Friend and Savior!!!! And, we finally understand how it is that we develop this saving relationship.....no matter how hard Satan tries to intervene between Christ and us.

In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on June 09, 2016, 09:33:20 AM: Listen to today's reading: The Divine Shepherd (http://www.ellenwhite.info/books/audio/DA/DA_52_The-Divine-Shepherd.mp3)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on September 04, 2016, 07:04:25 AM: It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

What a simple but powerful truth! This is conversion! Love begets love. And by beholding we become transformed.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 04, 2016, 02:51:32 PM: Amen, Richard! I was so blessed by this chapter again and found that many of the salient paragraphs in today's reading flowed into new "Spirit of Prophecy" songs for me. I look forward to sharing them as they become part of my spiritual experience. I have found the idea of Jesus shepherding me to be such a comfort--an assurance of divine love that makes such a huge difference!

I love how HE LEADS the way--and calls us only to follow where His loving feet have already borne the hardest part of the path. The cross He calls us to bear is but the expression of His love for us, and He calls us not just His sheep, but loves us as His SONS AND DAUGHTERS! Amazing love! My heart is melted anew today in beholding the loveliness of Jesus!!

As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.

This thought means we need never become fearful of the future as long as we have Christ abiding in our hearts by living faith! Hallelujah!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on November 30, 2016, 05:47:49 AM: Amen, Pastor Sean! The road is steep and rugged, but when we have Christ within the heart, we can do all things! The great mystery is, what does it mean to have Christ, and how can we have Him? Our reading today answers the question. And, the answer from the Old Testament, also reveals to Israel their Messiah. Today, they have been blinded to this truth:

He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.

The Jews were not looking for this kind of a Messiah. They had no idea the Lamb being sacrificed represented the Son of God whose grace was needed for them to have eternal life. So, when they slaughtered the sheep, they did not see the love of God in giving His Son for their sins. They did not behold grace when because of their desire to have Christ crucified, Pilot order Him flogged. Yet, it was by those "stripes" he willingly accepted we behold the grace that heals, that transforms the character.

It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating these "stripes". For, it is by beholding His glory that we are changed into His image from glory unto glory by His Spirit (2 Cor. 3:18).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 30, 2016, 08:21:31 AM: Amen, Richard! We can praise the Lord that in beholding Christ's sufferings for us we are able to have His love awakened in our hearts, and from a heart and mind renewed by divine grace, we can go forth to share that love with others! The new birth is a reality when we behold the loveliness of Jesus and realize our continual need of Him as our Savior-Shepherd!

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

I love how this above statement reveals how we are to experience the love of Christ and be transformed in character--it is by beholding His life that we are drawn to Him. We are not motivated by hope or fear, but by enduring love. How we need to behold that love continually! And by beholding we are changed to reflect more fully Christ and His character to the world around us. Such a revelation will reveal to the universe the power of God's grace to transform sinners into saints, and to keep them from falling back into sin because His grace is sufficient for us in our weakness.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 25, 2017, 05:27:47 AM: May we today remember how fully known we are to Jesus, and realize His tender love and compassion in our own experience that others, beholding Christ at work in our lives by revealing the fruits of His Spirit without one missing, will desire what Jesus can do for them, too!

Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.

He says, "YOUR NAME" I love you! Do we really believe this? Then we will not live in a state of fear and worry, we will trust all to our merciful Shepherd, our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ! Hallelujah!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on February 25, 2017, 06:54:35 AM: Amen, Pastor Sean. The question is, do we know His name? Do we know Him as it is our privilege to know Him? Have we been drinking His blood and eating His flesh? He is the Manna which came down from heaven, that we might have spiritual food. For it is by beholding Him that we are changed into His image (character). "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18.

It is His character, His grace, His unmerited love that causes us to follow Him.

Through the prophet, Jesus declares, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." He compels none to follow Him. "I drew them," He says, "with cords of a man, with bands of love." Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4.
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

Saving faith is an intelligent faith based on our knowing the character of our God.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on May 23, 2017, 04:16:03 AM: Jesus is everything to us. But, as it was in Israel of Old, today Satan has been very successful in diverting professing Christians from this truth. Instead of looking unto Jesus, they eyes are directed elsewhere for salvation. Many fear God because of false teachers. They believe God is going to burn unrepentant sinners for eternity. Others believe they will inherit heaven by their own works. Others believe God has done it all for them and they need to make a full heart surrender to Jesus in order to be transformed in character that he might be fit for heaven.

It was by His own sacrifice that Christ has become our Savior. There is no other way that we may obtain eternal life except through the grace of God in offering His innocent Son.

Christ is the door to the fold of God. Through this door all His children, from the earliest times, have found entrance. In Jesus, as shown in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelation of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples, and in the miracles wrought for the sons of men, they have beheld "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), and through Him they are brought within the fold of His grace. Many have come presenting other objects for the faith of the world; ceremonies and systems have been devised by which men hope to receive justification and peace with God, and thus find entrance to His fold. But the only door is Christ, and all who have interposed something to take the place of Christ, all who have tried to enter the fold in some other way, are thieves and robbers.

How is it that Jesus can know who it is that are His own?

Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.

Amen! Jesus is drawing all to Himself. If we would take time to know Him, we would love Him who first loved us. It is not the promise of heaven that transforms sinners into saint, but it is the love of God revealed in the life, suffering, and death of Jesus.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 23, 2017, 05:46:11 AM: Amen! Amen! I love this chapter and the beautiful revelation of Jesus as our Shepherd-Friend who leads us heavenward in His footsteps!

Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.

I choose to respond to Him! His love is so irresistible when I behold Him--while I can resist, why, seeing all He has suffered and endured to save me, would I want to deny Him His reward? He bought me at infinite cost, and I praise God for His infinite love, and desire to never separate from Him by a single sin. Oh Lord, keep us is our great need--may we respond to Your keeping and be your sheep in life and character at all times and in all places!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: JimB on May 24, 2017, 05:05:36 AM: Quote from: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 23, 2017, 05:46:11 AM
Amen! Amen! I love this chapter and the beautiful revelation of Jesus as our Shepherd-Friend who leads us heavenward in His footsteps!

It's one of my favorite chapters also. Speaking of Christ's love for us I found this also that reveals His love for everyone.

Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16, R. V.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 18, 2017, 05:44:11 AM: What a beautiful revelation of the loveliness of Jesus we are privileged to behold today when we see Him as the Good Shepherd of John 10:1-30!

Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast. {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 4}

I love how tender Jesus is with us, and how He values us personally, individually--what a blessing to have Jesus on the throne of the universe as our Elder Brother, as our Savior-Shepherd, who will hold us fast as long as we choose to be fully surrendered to Him. Such an experience is what we all need today!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on August 18, 2017, 07:45:49 PM: Amen! And, as powerful as is Christ, so we are weak as lambs. We need His protection from the world, Satan, and self. Jesus knows you and He knows me. He would have suffered and died just to save you if you were the only one to be saved.

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. "Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." Jesus says, "I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." "I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands." Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16.
Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.
Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: JimB on November 13, 2017, 05:15:52 AM: We've been talking about Christ as a gentle shepherd but in this chapter towards the end she shifts His role from shepherd to father and calls us His children and therefore we can trust Him. What an encouraging thought!

However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our "everlasting Father." And He says, "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be "the Man that is My fellow" (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!
Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 13, 2017, 08:13:57 AM: Amen, Jim! What a Savior we have in Jesus! We are drawn to follow Him not through fear or reward motivations as a sustaining strength in our walk with Him, but because of His loveliness. By beholding His love we are changed. Let us receive Him into the heart today so He can impart to us His divine nature, a nature that is revealed in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 3}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on February 08, 2018, 04:40:09 AM: I am inspired as I read this chapter this morning. I love to read about His personal interests in each of us. What tender compassion is illustrated by the good Shepherd.

"As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.
Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

Doesn't that bring hope and comfort to your heart this morning? And to think He would have done the same for just one soul to be saved. I am so weak and needy but each day He provides for each and every need just as He promised.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: JimB on February 08, 2018, 05:25:50 AM: Amen Dorine! He loves and cares for all of us and pays especially close attention to those who need Him the most. In the same paragraph that you shared is this statement.

As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.

This in turn reminded me of this text...

Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

We are His sheep indeed and He also sends us out and He even warns us that He is sending us out in the midst of wolves. So like the paragraph the path maybe steep and rugged with cruel thorns to hurt us but Christ has already been there and has tread down some but not all the thorns making it easier for us. With His strength we can bare our share (our cross). This way may seen hard but it's much easier than the world's way since we know that the way of the transgressor is hard.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on February 08, 2018, 06:46:03 AM: Beautiful! Thank you Jim.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 08, 2018, 07:46:57 AM: Amen, Dorine and Jim! What a Savior we have in Jesus! He knows us so personally and can help us as our Good Shepherd!

Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth. {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 1}

I love to respond to Jesus' voice and watch how He has led in my life and keeps leading me day by day. Trust awakens, and love awakens in our hearts as we behold His loveliness and realize we have nothing to fear for the future as long as we remember how He has led us in the past and what He has taught us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on February 08, 2018, 10:04:40 PM: Amen, amen, and amen!!! We certainly are so very weak, but in Christ we can do all that He asks of us. What love is revealed in today's reading! I love the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. It reveals that grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints if they will behold such infinite love.

He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6.

The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on May 06, 2018, 05:38:52 AM: "Again Jesus found access to the minds of His hearers by the pathway of their familiar associations. He had likened the Spirit's influence to the cool, refreshing water. He had represented Himself as the light, the source of life and gladness to nature and to man. Now in a beautiful pastoral picture He represents His relation to those that believe on Him. No picture was more familiar to His hearers than this, and Christ's words linked it forever with Himself. Never could the disciples look on the shepherds tending their flocks without recalling the Saviour's lesson. They would see Christ in each faithful shepherd. They would see themselves in each helpless and dependent flock."

I'm deeply impressed once again of the simple illustrations Jesus used to bring home the message of His love for each individual. Today there is much sermonizing and philosophical thinking to please and entertain the listeners. Instead of reaching deep into the heart it elevates the speaker and distracts from the message of God's great love for us. My heart is drawn to Jesus because of who He is and I want to be just like Him.

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 06, 2018, 10:38:38 AM: Amen, Dorine! Jesus did not sermonize as men do today. His teaching was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience. He experienced the things of which He spoke. He trusted His Father to shepherd Him in His will daily; He was dependent upon His Father and showed us the joy of such union and communion by His simple, profound, and yet heart-stirring lessons. He loved every soul and sought to bless everyone. This simplicity and depth of love in the gospel ministry will bear fruit--the fruit of souls converted to become like Jesus in mind and character, each reflecting in their unique person the grace of God. Each soul who tastes and sees that the Lord is good will be enabled to testify of Jesus' loveliness as their shining countenance will harmonize with how all of the fruits of the Spirit are seen in their lives without one missing. This is the evidence that one loves Jesus wholeheartedly and is living up to every known statute--because Christ has ravished the heart with His love and the soul loves to go where He leads the way!

I was deeply impressed for the first time in my life with a clear understanding of how Christ is both our Father and our Brother. We have a wonderful Heavenly Father (who gave all in His Son Jesus), but we know that Jesus, as the active agent in Creation, was the one who first formed Adam and Eve from the dust. Then, in an act of beyond infinite humiliation, He chose to leave His throne and step down to be born of the very human line He first formed--once it had been weakened by 4,000 years of sin. What wondrous love is this! And then He stepped still lower in consenting to bear our sins, to die as our sacrifice on Calvary's cross, and to rise in resurrection power to then go back to heaven to minister as our High Priest in the sanctuary! Jesus thus went to His Father's throne so that we, through a living union and communion with Him already by faith, may be seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, in preparation for when we will be blessed to sit down with Him on His throne! Praise God!

"However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our 'everlasting Father.' And He says, 'I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.' John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be 'the Man that is My fellow' (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!" {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 01, 2018, 02:44:37 AM: As I contemplate the significance of the love of God for us in Christ, I am moved with deep appreciation for how the experience of Christ becomes ours as we also are sent forth to seek and save the lost around us. Our experience of the love of God only deepens as we yield unreservedly to Him so He can work through us to save souls for whom an infinite price has been paid. How much is every soul you meet worth? They are worth the very life of God. We have infinite value to God, and He has infinite plans for us as His children as the overflow of His measureless love that was poured out for us in Christ who would die to redeem us and rise to give eternal life to all who will come unto Him.

"'Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again.' That is, My Father has so loved you, that He even loves Me more for giving My life to redeem you. In becoming your substitute and surety, by surrendering My life, by taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father." {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 5}

The more I contemplate the love of God, the more I want to speak of Him, share Him with others, and let all I say and do be done in this self-sacrificing love. There is no greater joy in heaven and in earth than to behold the loveliness of Jesus and share with other souls about this love that awakens love in their hearts, too! Let us go forth to share that love today in God's gracious, shepherding way!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on August 01, 2018, 06:57:51 AM: Amen! What a revelation of the love of God! This chapter speaks mostly of the love of God for us and that it is this that transforms sinners into saints. It reveals the grace of God.It is the "living water" that brings love, joy, and peace to the soul.It is not the fear of hell nor the promise of heaven that keeps us faithful to Jesus, but His grace that motivates all who love Him supremely.

It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.

Isaiah 53 is a most beautiful revelation of His grace and the power it has to transform the character of all who will behold Him who gave all for us while we were yet sinners.

He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6.

What amazing love!! Wonder O heavens and be astonished O Earth!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on August 01, 2018, 08:05:28 AM: This chapter brings such calm to my soul today. I am not only one of His sheep but I'm also His daughter. He knows my name, where I live, the joys and sorrows I experience and He says I've been there and I know all about the challenges you are facing. Give them to me and follow me. I will lead you to green pastures and by still waters. I will restore your soul and give you peace. I love the peace that He gives. It's deep and satisfying. I want others to know this Jesus.

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:4-6".
....."He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 27, 2018, 03:27:57 AM: Trust in the Lord. He knows our future; He plans for our happiness. We can rest in the Savior's arms on this beautiful Sabbath day and learn of His love. His leading is a revealing of His love, and He has purposes of mercy in even our most trying experiences. Love poured into our souls by the Holy Spirit lifts us into His presence and fills our hearts with joy and peace (and all of the fruits of the Spirit!). Let us yield continually to Jesus, who will shepherd us in the way that He knows to be best! Let God plan for you!

"Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust."{The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 3}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on October 27, 2018, 05:59:10 AM: "He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. . . . And the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice." The Eastern shepherd does not drive his sheep. He depends not upon force or fear; but going before, he calls them. They know his voice, and obey the call. So does the Saviour-Shepherd with His sheep. The Scripture says, "Thou leddest Thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Through the prophet, Jesus declares, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." He compels none to follow Him. "I drew them," He says, "with cords of a man, with bands of love." Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4.
I was most impressed with the thought that Jesus leads, not drives His flock. In our area we see sheep being rounded up and driven by dogs and nipping at the sheep's heels if necessary. This is not the scene Jesus would use today. He forces no one. All who follow Him, know Him and follow in peace, love and safety. Just like the shepherd in the scriptures His watchful eye is over us night and day. When we are in trouble He is there to rescue us. I am truly grateful.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on October 27, 2018, 04:58:12 PM: Each day we are educated in the gospel of grace. Today is no different. It is by grace we are saved, but what is grace and how does it work to save sinners? I was impressed with the same paragraph as you, dear Sister Dorine.

Jesus declares, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." He compels none to follow Him. "I drew them," He says, "with cords of a man, with bands of love." Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4.
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

It is His love that attracts and subdues sinners into saints. We love Him because He first loved us. Have we perfected the art and science of hearing His still small voice?
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on January 22, 2019, 06:20:16 AM: Who would not be touched by the love that Jesus has for each of us!

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. "Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God." Jesus says, "I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." "I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands." Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16.
Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.
Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: JimB on January 22, 2019, 06:21:58 AM: It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man;

I have many underlined places in this chapter and this is one that we can't afford to miss. It is by beholding Him we become changed!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on January 22, 2019, 06:31:27 AM: Amen Jim, this is the key to salvation.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

His matchless love, His loveliness reveals the grace of God and this brings forth a new life. This is the grace that saves. By beholding this grace, His glory, we are transformed. At conversion the heart is wholly given to Christ and we having beheld His glory are recreated in His image. The Bible tells us this most profoundly. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 22, 2019, 06:55:42 AM: Amen, Richard and Jim!

As we contemplate the loveliness of Jesus, what is it that really is changing in us? Even at conversion, we still remain in fallen flesh and find no good thing in us by nature. Thus, conversion brings to us a new heart, a new mind, and a new Spirit that we receive in the place of letting the deceitful, wicked heart of unbelief, the flesh, the world, and the devil control us. Christ offers us new thoughts (His word) which brings transformation in our character, so that by His grace we may have thoughts and feelings that are harmonious with Him. But when the world, the flesh, and the devil assails us with thoughts and feelings that are not in harmony with the divine nature, we are to turn from them as resolutely as we would turn from Satan himself. Let us keep our eyes focused on Christ, and the things of the world, the flesh, and the devil will grow strangely dim as the glory of His loveliness, beheld, transforms us from glory to glory, from one degree of perfection of character to the next! At each step in true conversion, there is manifest all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as long as we choose Christ by a full-heart surrender and cooperate with the infinite power of the Holy Spirit to keep us from sin! What a wonderful miracle!!!

"The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber." {The Desire of Ages, page 478, paragraph 2}
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on January 22, 2019, 10:27:58 AM: Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.

By faith I believe that Jesus will do all that He promises to do if I am faithful to His word. His promise here reminds me of the 23rd Psalm. He supplies our every need.

And then there is this familiar text that I love..."He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust." Psalm 91:1,2

We have nothing to fear for we are in the hands and heart of God. Jesus has gone before us and knows the way. Some will follow but many will not. There is a world out there that needs to hear the truth of God's love for them. They need to see it in the lives of God's people. Everyone has probably heard this before but it goes something like this....."If you were accused of being a Christian would they be able to convict you?"
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on January 22, 2019, 11:42:29 AM: "Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10. "

"Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep. Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.

Is it not amazing that all of this has been given to us free of charge at a time when we were most unworthy!!!

"Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6.

What more can we say except - THANK YOU JESUS FOR YOUR AMAZING LOVE & GRACE...
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on April 18, 2019, 08:12:37 PM: ""I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." "I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine. As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep."

How wonderful to be at this very chapter as we celebrate the Easter Week-end praising our Saviour for being our Great Shepherd" even to the point of being willing to die in our stead so that we might live and find forgiveness and restoration through the "blood of the Lamb" Our great shepherd even knows each one of us by name making it possible to have a "one on one" relationship. What more could we ever want or need...and we are loved by the King of Kings so much that He .. "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine oh what a foretaste of glory divine. [/u] Is your heart overflowing with love to Him??? If not - Why not?

"This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah's mission, in the comforting words, He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom." Isaiah 40:9-11. David had sung, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1. And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel had declared: "I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them." "I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick." "And I will make with them a covenant of peace." "And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; . . . but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid." Ezekiel 34:23, 16, 25, 28. Christ applied these prophecies to Himself, and He showed the contrast between His own character and that of the leaders in Israel[/b]."[/u]

"In Matthew 28:11 Jesus says... Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. The good news my friends is that we can come as we are and be made clean in the blood of the Lamb. My prayer is that... we "ALL" may be willing to make a strong commitment or re-commitment to Jesus - The True Lamb of God. May You and Your families & friends have a Blessed Easter.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on April 19, 2019, 05:38:58 AM: "It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber."

The thought came to me this morning as I read this chapter once again that it is possible to turn people away from Christ by introducing a Jesus that does not exist. May we 'know' the Jesus of the bible so intimately that no counterfeit theories of Jesus will fool us. "Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16

And I love this promise. "He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 19, 2019, 08:01:42 AM: Amen, Sister Dorine! My heart was drawn to the same quote you shared, as it is so encouraging!

As we come to appreciate the way Jesus draws us and transforms us by His divine grace, we can truly experience the uplifting that His grace alone can bring. This uplifting from sin means that Jesus creates a new heart and a new mind in us filled with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing! We have the privilege of getting to being a revelation of His praise and glory to this world and the universe!

"It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can." {The Desire of Ages, page 478, paragraph 2}

If we are trying to experience lasting change apart from Christ, we are looking in the wrong place. As we come to behold the loveliness of Jesus, we are enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on April 19, 2019, 10:08:07 PM: Amen Pastor Sean! Grace is the power that transforms the life. I like this statement about the love Jesus has for us.

However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our "everlasting Father." And He says, "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be "the Man that is My fellow" (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on July 14, 2019, 07:00:24 PM: "As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne...The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

Oh Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee, I give thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow, May richer fuller be. Hymn # 76

"Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.

Oh the wonder of it all, The wonder of it all , Just to think that God loves me, OH THE WONDER OF IT ALL, JUST TO THINK THAT GOD LOVES ME!! Hymn # 75
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on July 15, 2019, 05:40:02 AM: "Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust."

What a powerful chapter on the tender, compassionate care of our Divine Shepherd who is also our Everlasting Father. With each reading we are brought into a deeper understanding and appreciation of His love and faithfulness to each one. Lets remember today that belief 'trusts' and unbelief 'doubts'. Negative thoughts lead to evil actions. Temptations will come, Satan will see to that. Let's not wait until the end of the day to call upon the one who laid down His life for us that we might have victory and be saved. No matter how busy we are we can always call upon the Lord and He will answer.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on July 15, 2019, 06:28:25 AM: Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Beacon! God is love! What a Savior! It is by knowing Him that we are saved from self. It is by beholding Him that we remember who He is and who we are. If we are too busy to behold our Lord each day, then we are too busy to be transformed from evil to holiness. Then, we will not give honor and glory to our Lord. How sad to deny Jesus His reward!

What a blessing to have music, hymns that speak the truth!

Christ is the door to the fold of God. Through this door all His children, from the earliest times, have found entrance. In Jesus, as shown in types, as shadowed in symbols, as manifested in the revelation of the prophets, as unveiled in the lessons given to His disciples, and in the miracles wrought for the sons of men, they have beheld "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), and through Him they are brought within the fold of His grace.

Amen! But, there are others who have devised many false paths. They lead many away from Christ. When we know Jesus, it will be Him that motivates us to follow Him and His ways.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 15, 2019, 09:42:13 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard!

Jesus has personally sought us out, and the tender relationship He forms with us is unlike any other in the universe with any other being! We are so precious to Jesus and He desires us to experience ongoing grace and strength to be victorious, thus inviting others to come and abide in Jesus!

"As the shepherd leads his flock over the rocky hills, through forest and wild ravines, to grassy nooks by the riverside; as he watches them on the mountains through the lonely night, shielding from robbers, caring tenderly for the sickly and feeble, his life comes to be one with theirs. A strong and tender attachment unites him to the objects of his care. However large the flock, the shepherd knows every sheep. Every one has its name, and responds to the name at the shepherd's call." {The Desire of Ages, page 479, paragraph 1}

I so appreciate the tender connection Jesus forms with us in drawing us and saving us. And that connection with Him we have the joy of forming with others whom Jesus gives to us to help draw them to Christ. As we labor for souls around us, we come to experientially know the joy of Jesus--the joy that led Him to the cross--which is the joy of seeing souls eternally saved!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on October 07, 2019, 03:53:07 PM: "Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep. Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth."

When I go to the bank and the clerk calls me by name as I approach it feels so personal. When i stop at a place to eat or at the garage that services my vehicle and the service manager greets me by name - It feels soo good. If this type of thing makes me "feel good or important. How much more of value should I feel when I read words like those contained in the paragraph above,

He is the King of Kings - The Lord of Lords and He know me personally!! It shows me that I am very loved and important to Him. I encourage each of you to read this paragraph above more than once and let it sink in to your inner being the great honor and privilege it is to belong to the "FAMILY OF GOD." Thank you Jesus for loving me so deeply and caring for me as if I was your only concern.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on October 08, 2019, 04:36:41 AM: It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

We can not spend time beholding the life of Christ while on earth and not be deeply drawn to Him. The question is will we accept His invitation to follow Him. We can not read this book over and over and not be convicted to the core of His love for us. It's not enough to be drawn; we must follow. Then we are ready for Christ to lead us to His other sheep who are often hidden from mortal eyes. They are like berries ready to be picked but are hidden beneath the foliage. Some are not ready to be picked, some have fallen to the ground and it's too late to save them but other's are ripe for the picking. It takes back breaking labour to find them. Then when picked they must be tenderly cared for. We may be weary, sore, hungry and thirsty but oh the sweet reward of seeing souls won to Christ.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on October 08, 2019, 06:54:55 AM: Amen dear Sister! The great joys of life. Beholding the loveliness of Jesus and seeing others understand that God loves them. It is the foundation of the universe, love. Unselfish love that we do not have unless we have Jesus abiding in the heart. And how does this happen? How does the sinner become converted, fully surrendered, transformed into a saint?

The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.

By beholding His wonderful character we are changed into the same image (character). 2 Cor. 3:18.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on October 08, 2019, 07:00:25 AM: Quote from: Beacon on October 07, 2019, 03:53:07 PM
Thank you Jesus for loving me so deeply and caring for me as if I was your only concern.

Amen Brother Beacon! This reminds me of what we read in the very first chapter.

God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which "angels desire to look," and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 08, 2019, 09:08:59 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard!

What a privilege it is to be a part of God's family, and to be drawn by Jesus and yield the WHOLE HEART to Him (and thus experience the miracle of conversion)! The power of His grace to convert our hearts and bring us into continual union and communion with Him is an "off the charts" privilege. The gift we have received it will take eternity to fully enjoy--and that will never end!

"However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our 'everlasting Father.' And He says, 'I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.' John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be 'the Man that is My fellow' (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!" {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 2}

The thought that the same union Christ has with the Father is the kind of union He has with us as we are fully surrendered to Him and abiding in Him is incredible. It is more than our finite minds can fully comprehend, but it is SO ENCOURAGING to let it be our experience! What wondrous love is this, oh my soul!!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on January 01, 2020, 05:04:26 PM: "Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber."

John 10:10 Tell us "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

But how can they hear the Invitation without a faithful laborer for God who is standing tall at his/her post of duty wherever it may be ?

"Jesus said in Luke 10:2 "Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."

As we begin a New Year - I pray that we ALL will Renew Our Commitment to the Lord of the Harvest and become stronger committed Laboring Laborers for the Lord.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 02, 2020, 12:32:12 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Light is progressive and in 2020 Jesus wants us to be more intimate with Him than ever before. If you had to compare the relative intimacy between the Father and the Son, we could agree that it is an infinite intimacy. But contemplate this--the redeemed become "the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 19:6) and by an experience of union and communion with God become so identified in thoughts, aims and character as to share the throne of the universe. This is a thought that should stir our hearts and minds with the realization of what God wants to give us, which exceeds our highest expectations. Learn of Christ today in humility; be still and know that He is God--and allow Christ to form His character in you, that you may truly be like unto "the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man," even the Man, Christ Jesus (Genesis 2:22). We receive such an experience of marital intimacy with Jesus Christ by beholding the loveliness of His character and yielding continually the whole heart to Him, so He may make it His throne, as we will soon sit with Him upon His throne (Revelation 3:21).

"However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our 'everlasting Father.' And He says, 'I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.' John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be "the Man that is My fellow" (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!" {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 2}

As I contemplate the real value of our lives in light of love that will be experienced eternally, I am also brought to reflect upon these incredible words:

"The value of man is estimated in heaven according to the capacity of the heart to know God. This knowledge is the spring from which flows all power. God created man that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind; and He is ever seeking to bring the human mind into association with the divine. He offers us the privilege of co-operation with Christ in revealing His grace to the world, that we may receive increased knowledge of heavenly things." {Christ's Object Lessons, page 354, paragraph 3}

As we come to know God intimately, we will realize the beauty and sublimity of these words: "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent" (John 17:3). May this be your experience is my earnest prayer.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on January 02, 2020, 08:46:59 AM: Amen Pastor Sean. As we come to know Christ intimately it is because we have beheld His glory. And contemplating His life, especially the closing scenes where He sweat blood in Gethsemane and was flogged and hanged on the cross, we are not only healed, but will transformed into His image.

Amen, Brother Beacon. This is grace by which we are transformed and saved.

Quote from: Beacon on January 01, 2020, 05:04:26 PM
"The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man

Over and over again, we read of the foundation of our faith. We are transformed from sinners to saints when we behold God's grace. We love Him because He first loved us. In order to have this whole heart love, we need to know Him intimately.

"He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. . . . And the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice." The Eastern shepherd does not drive his sheep. He depends not upon force or fear; but going before, he calls them. They know his voice, and obey the call. So does the Saviour-Shepherd with His sheep. The Scripture says, "Thou leddest Thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Through the prophet, Jesus declares, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." He compels none to follow Him. "I drew them," He says, "with cords of a man, with bands of love." Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4.
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on March 28, 2020, 08:32:09 PM: "As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

Isaiah 41:10 Say...."Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him. "

"The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber."

Only when we are willing to take the time to behold Him will we become changed to be the loving, consecrated, humble laboring laborers that He Wants & Needs us to be! Are we willing to daily take the time necessary for the Holy Spirit to empower us??
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 29, 2020, 07:40:33 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!

As we take time to behold the loveliness of Jesus, the great miracle of conversion takes place in our hearts as we surrender unreservedly to Him because His love has awakened love in our hearts, and we gladly allow Him to recreate us into His image. The image of His purity is manifest in all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one missing, and it is only by abiding continually in Christ that we may have this blessed experience! Let us look upon Jesus and invite others to do so by a life of continual, affectionate obedience to the One who gave all for us in dying as our Sacrifice and rising as our Victor over sin and death!!

"Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust." {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 3}

I love Jesus because He first loved me, and it is by communion with Him and contemplation upon His character that sin truly becomes hateful and we find that we would truly rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today! As the Divine Shepherd, Jesus is able to safely lead us all the way to heaven as we choose continually to surrender all to Him and let His Spirit fill us to be His witnesses!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on March 29, 2020, 09:59:57 AM: "As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne."

It is such sweet consolation to know that following in the footprints of Jesus I am traveling the road to heaven. No it may not be easy but He has gone before me to make it easier. And He would have done this for just one soul that would repent. What joy is ours when we share this truth with others.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on March 29, 2020, 04:20:31 PM: Amen! What a God!!

Again and again, we are told clearly what it is that causes sinners to come too repentance.

"He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. . . . And the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice." The Eastern shepherd does not drive his sheep. He depends not upon force or fear; but going before, he calls them. They know his voice, and obey the call. So does the Saviour-Shepherd with His sheep. The Scripture says, "Thou leddest Thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron." Through the prophet, Jesus declares, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." He compels none to follow Him. "I drew them," He says, "with cords of a man, with bands of love." Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4.
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

This is why we read daily about our Savior. It is how we hear His voice and see His love.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 24, 2020, 06:42:49 AM: There is only one like you in the universe. Jesus not only loves you individually, but has a perfect plan to save you from all of your sins and to guide you continually in His will! Simply behold His loveliness of character and let His grace transform your heart as you surrender fully to Him! The inevitable result of a full surrender is that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in your life without one missing and you will delight to obey the Ten Commandments which are a transcript of our Divine Shepherd's character!!

"Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep." {The Desire of Ages, page 479, paragraph 3}

May we go about the mission Jesus has for us today to bless others and find those who need a word of encouragement or whatever the Lord puts on our hearts to do to seek and save the lost as He came from heaven to save us from our sins!! What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on June 24, 2020, 07:02:14 AM: "Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.

This is the most beautiful promise to take with me throughout this day. There are many who need to know this Jesus. Let us take advantage of the opportunities that come our way to share the great news of Jesus and His grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on June 24, 2020, 07:29:07 AM: "It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders.They hear His voice, and they follow Him."

Today this is my prayer and hopefully the prayer of all who claim to love the Lord ...."Lord lay some soul upon my heart and love that soul through me and may I humbly do my part to win that soul for thee." ( Mack Weaver )
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on June 24, 2020, 09:23:51 PM: Amen dear Brother Beacon!! We follow Jesus because He loves us!! Even if there were no heaven we would follow Jesus! He loves all of humanity. He feels sorry that so many have been deceived regarding the truth.

Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16, R. V.

We are to work with Jesus in bringing in the flock. There are many listening to His still small voice and seeking for more truth. We are to be His hands and loud voice in revealing His character to a world soon to perish.

I thought Jesus' Words about His Father loving Him because of His actions was important. Of course God loves His Son before this, but He loved Him more. So it is with us. He will love us more as we seek to save the lost and manifest His love and grace.

"Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again." That is, My Father has so loved you, that He even loves Me more for giving My life to redeem you. In becoming your substitute and surety, by surrendering My life, by taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father.

And He is endeared to us whose sins He took.

While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6.

Such love!! And by His suffering we are healed. But, we must keep this in mind that we do not let our minds wander away from our sweet Jesus! That is why it is so important to spend time each day with Him. We need to constantly remember what He has done for us that we might bless Him as we labor those whom He suffered and died for!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 19, 2020, 03:28:11 AM: Happy Sabbath! Let us never forget the depth of love we see in Jesus coming to this earth to be our Savior! He left heaven to bring us into a union and communion with Himself that is likened to the oneness between Himself and our Heavenly Father! What wondrous love is this!

"However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our 'everlasting Father.' And He says, 'I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.' John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be 'the Man that is My fellow' (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!" {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 2}

When our hearts truly experience this love by yielding to Christ fully as we behold Him continually, we experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! The blessing of intimacy with God far exceeds the temporary pleasures of sin for a season and become the lasting reason for us to abide in Christ in every experience of life, no matter how trying!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on September 19, 2020, 06:54:09 AM: "Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust."

Amen! What reassuring words. To know He loves me as His child takes away all fear from my heart. That's what love does. Even when we are chastised we know it's because we are loved. We know we can fully trust Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on September 19, 2020, 07:00:21 AM: "Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter..

It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul..

The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can..

Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man;..

and,whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber."

John 10:10 Tell us "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

But how can they hear the Invitation without a faithful laborer for God who is standing tall at his/her post of duty wherever it may be ?

"Jesus said in Luke 10:2 "Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."

I pray that we ALL will Renew Our Commitment to the Lord of the Harvest and become more strongly committed "Laboring Laborers for the Lord."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 15, 2020, 03:58:55 AM: Why follow? What leads us to respond to Christ and continue to go where He invites?

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 3}

By faith today we may hear the voice of Jesus saying, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

As we unlearn the ways of the world with its false theories, standards and expectations and come under the tender care of Jesus, we can know that He will lead us in the way that is best to save our souls and to use us as witnesses of His loveliness to those around us! When we surrender the whole heart to Him, He comes and makes it His abiding place, forgiving our sins by His shed blood, filling us the Holy Spirit so that not one of the fruits of the Spirit is missing, and gladly leading us to obey the definition of loving freedom found in the Ten Commandments. Let us keep listening the Savior-Shepherd each moment of this day and invite others to do the same. If everyone in the world would but listen to Jesus in His word, He could come VERY SOON!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on December 15, 2020, 06:41:56 AM: "Of all creatures the sheep is one of the most timid and helpless, and in the East the shepherd's care for his flock is untiring and incessant. Anciently as now there was little security outside of the walled towns. Marauders from the roving border tribes, or beasts of prey from their hiding places in the rocks, lay in wait to plunder the flocks. The shepherd watched his charge, knowing that it was at the peril of his own life. Jacob, who kept the flocks of Laban in the pasture grounds of Haran, describing his own unwearied labor, said, "In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes." Genesis 31:40. And it was while guarding his father's sheep that the boy David, single-handed, encountered the lion and the bear, and rescued from their teeth the stolen lamb."

This description of the responsibilities of the shepherd shows the perils they were willing to endure to keep their flock safe. It reminds us of the risk that heaven took when Jesus came to this cruel world. From the manger to the time He returned to heaven He was plagued by the harassment of Satan while He tenderly cared for His sheep eventually laying down His life for them. My heart gratefully responds again today to this unspeakable love. As we follow in His footsteps we too are to have the same urgency to seek the lost and helpless and bring them to Jesus their only safety and way to eternal salvation.
Title: The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on December 15, 2020, 06:49:34 AM: Amen Sister Dorine and Pastor Sean! It is not the reward nor fear that causes us to follow our Savior, it is His grace. Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints. Satan has worked hard to keep this truth from the world and the church. How often do we hear this truth? I am at a loss to remember ever hearing this from human lips. God wants to transform you from a sinner to a saint. Believe it no matter who objects. His love is powerful to the pulling down of strongholds. When we come to learn that our heavenly Father risked losing His innocent Son that we might live, how can we sin against Him? We will not if we keep this in mind.
In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on December 15, 2020, 07:50:12 AM: "As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne...The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom.

He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.

Oh Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee, I give thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow, May richer fuller be. Hymn # 76

"Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept.

The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken.

Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.

OH THE WONDER OF IT ALL, JUST TO THINK THAT GOD LOVES ME!! Hymn # 75

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Look Full in His Wonderful Face & the Things of Earth will Grow Strangely Dim in the Light of His Glory & Grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on March 12, 2021, 04:45:27 AM: Amen Brother Beacon, God loves us!!! We just need to continue to look upon Him.

Generally we share a paragraph, but today I cannot do just one paragraph. There is a thought that I cannot break up. Jesus loves you and it is expressed so well in the following.

Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.
Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16, R. V.
"Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again." That is, My Father has so loved you, that He even loves Me more for giving My life to redeem you. In becoming your substitute and surety, by surrendering My life, by taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father.
"I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6.

Because there are precious souls all over the earth, we have a work to do. They have been "misled by false shepherds." They are not as the noble Bereans who after being taught opened their Bibles to see if what was taught was true. Many of the pastors have not been faithful watchmen warning about the wages of sin is death. Warning that our only hope is to behold the flogging of Jesus, to drink His blood and eat His flesh. He is the Manna which came down from heaven. It is by beholding Him that we are transformed. By His stripes we are healed. This is the power of grace.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on March 12, 2021, 05:33:38 AM: ..."Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

While cheap grace is preached and believed by many this paragraph portrays true love and grace. Choosing to leave Him does not necessarily mean an aggressive turning away on our part but by taking our eyes off Jesus for any amount of time is the same as leaving Him. Daily conversion is vital to remaining connected to Jesus. When Jesus reigns in the heart we don't want to wound Him. I love the promises in this passage and the description of what His love is like. The universe must be in astonishment to see the indifference of so many professed Christians. But when Jesus speaks the sheep know His voice and follow Him. As the sheep follow Jesus along the way many sheep who are lost and scattered will join the flock and find safety. A beautiful picture.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on March 12, 2021, 06:56:51 AM: "Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter..

It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul..

The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can..

Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man;..

..and,whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber."

John 10:10 Tell us "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

But how can they hear the Invitation without a faithful laborer for God who is standing at his/her post of duty wherever it may be ?

"Jesus said in Luke 10:2 "Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest."

I pray that we ALL will Renew Our Commitment to the Lord of the Harvest and become more strongly committed "Laboring Laborers for the Lord."
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Philip T on March 12, 2021, 07:58:04 AM: Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.

Such love, he know each one of us individually, our suffering, our pain, our need of Him, and he care for each one of us on those needs as if we were the only ones on earth, such love. "For God so loved the World, He gave His only begotten Son, the whosoever believeth in Him should have everlasting life". All of our suffering touches His hear, he is waiting for us to call on Him and he will hear, and in that instant be at our sides, helping us through our needs, troubles, and pain. He will be there for our Joy and happiness as well.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 12, 2021, 08:13:30 AM: God is so good to us! Love awakens in the hearts of those who behold the loveliness of Jesus!

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 3}

Let the love of Christ constrain you and allow the fruits of the Spirit, not one missing, to be in your life by having Christ in you in the hope of glory!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on June 07, 2021, 07:42:05 AM: "Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.

The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world.

The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom.

He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

This is why Jesus is called "The Rock of Ages" and in a world that seems to be falling apart at a very rapid pace we need now more the ever to Turn our Eyes upon Jesus and experience a peace that only He can provide. Psalm 23 says...

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Philip T on June 07, 2021, 08:36:43 AM: Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.

What a statement this is! No matter our trial, temptations, sorrows, or even our times of joy, Jesus is there, His love is there, His care is there, His never-ending love is ours, how could one not love Him in return, and surrender all to Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on June 07, 2021, 09:15:29 AM: "I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. "Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isaiah 53:4-6.

Do we really appreciate and comprehend what these words are saying. We could meditate on them for ever and never say we understand. I'm so thankful that Jesus loves me so much that He was willing to take the punishment that I deserve that I may enjoy the eternal reward that only He deserves. May we hear His voice and follow the path He has trod bringing all who will come to Him along the way.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 08, 2021, 07:01:52 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Philip and Sister Dorine!

What moves you? What drives you? Are you afraid to be lost or are you hoping for a heavenly reward? While it is true that following Christ means that we have a hell to shun and a heaven to win, we must realize the only LASTING motivation that will sustain a converted soul in all circumstances is the love of Christ. It was love that led Jesus to endure Gethsemane and Calvary, and it is His self-sacrificing love that will constrain us to be truly converted witnesses of His who allow Him to manifest through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 3}

May we every hear the voice of Jesus today and follow where our gracious Shepherd leads!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on September 01, 2021, 08:05:15 PM: "As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people."

"When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us."

"Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne."

"The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom."

"He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

"Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, "Fear not; I am with you. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept."

"The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken."

Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.

"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Look Full in His Wonderful Face & the Things of Earth will Grow Strangely Dim in the Light of His Glory & Grace." You Are Loved"
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 02, 2021, 08:40:10 AM: Praise the Lord, Brother Beacon! Let us look and live! Jesus knows what we most need and is able to heal our hearts!

"Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep." {The Desire of Ages, page 479, paragraph 3}

Jesus is finding His sheep all around the world and guiding us to surrender fully to His grace! He renews the heart and mind by the Holy Spirit so all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the life--without one missing! Then we gladly can obey the law of God from a heart made new!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on September 02, 2021, 10:08:10 PM: Amen!!

However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our "everlasting Father." And He says, "I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father." John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be "the Man that is My fellow" (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!
Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.

It is this love, grace, that causes the heart to love the Lord our God. We follow Him not to obtain heaven nor to escape hell, but because we love Him.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on September 04, 2021, 05:03:01 AM: "Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber."

What a beautiful message of Christ's love for fallen man. He gave all in order to save all but Satan takes by force all that do not know Christ. We have the beautiful message of God's love for a world that is dying in sin. We have a hope to share with them if they will only believe and accept.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 28, 2021, 07:06:41 AM: Praise the Lord we can be uplifted and restored by beholding Christ, the Lamb of God, and have Him work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure! He not only gives us a new heart and a new spirit as we behold Christ and surrender fully to Him, but He keeps uplifting us to new ways of growth in likeness to the loveliness of Jesus!

"It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can." {The Desire of Ages, page 478, paragraph 2}

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ continually!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on November 28, 2021, 02:54:43 PM: Amen Pastor Sean! God's grace has power to keep us from sinning! We owe so much to Him. We are so very unworthy of His love and forgiveness. Let us be as willing to forgive others as He has us.

Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.

It may seem impossible that God will forgive you, but trust that He can. If He saved a wretch like me, His grace can save you also. Get to know Him and of great love for you. It is the only way you will trust Him. To know Him is to love Him with the whole heart. John writes to us, that we sin not, but if we sin we have an Intercessor, Jesus Christ who will forgive us and cleanse us from all sin if we will give Him the whole heart.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on February 22, 2022, 08:10:19 PM: "It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him."

"They behold the Saviour's matchless love!"

"A love revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross."

"The sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul."

Love awakens in the heart of the beholders.They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

Let us turn our eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangle dim, in the Light of His Glory and Grace.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
2
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!
3
His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Lyrics and Music : Helen Howarth Lemmel (1863-1961)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on February 23, 2022, 04:57:35 AM: "Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."
These words bring such calm and peace to my soul. As we face the intensifying trials and tribulations that surround us and attack us we may know that Jesus is our friend, brother and Saviour and He is ever watching over His flock. We are His people and the flock of His pastures. Are we telling our families, friends, neighbours and all those we can reach of this marvelous, wonderful God Who is reaching down in love yearning for their hearts. I have 14 nieces and nephews that have walked away from God. They live thousands of miles away. My prayer is constantly "how do I reach them for Jesus?" The Holy Spirit has been opening up opportunities with two of my nieces that I haven't acted upon yet. I'm praying for the right timing and the right words. I know He will show me for He knows their hearts and what will touch their them.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on February 23, 2022, 09:30:46 AM: Amen dear sister! How much do we want to reach those within our influence! God is going to give us opportunities to do so. Our love for them and our witness of His love will cause many to reconsider their rejection of His drawing. Many have been so deceived they do not recognize His still small voice speaking to them. Let Him use us to convey His love.

Quote from: Beacon on February 22, 2022, 08:10:19 PM
"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him."

"They behold the Saviour's matchless love!"

Amen!!

In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on May 20, 2022, 08:15:28 PM: "It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul."

"The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can."

"Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development."

"He is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life."

"He is a thief and a robber."

How do "We" want to be Judged? As a thief and a robber? Or as a true Messenger of God's Love, Mercy & Grace.?

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

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wand’ring from the face of God;
He, to save my soul from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
2
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee.
Teach me, Lord, some rapturous measure,
Meet for me Thy grace to prove,
While I sing the countless treasure
Of my God’s unchanging love.
3
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love:
Take my heart, oh, take and seal it
With Thy Spirit from above.
Rescued thus from sin and danger,
Purchased by the Savior’s blood,
May I walk on earth a stranger,
As a son and heir of God.

Lyrics:Robert Robinson (1735-1790)
Music:John Wyeth (1770-1858)

HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL OUR "REMNANT ON-LINE FAMILY "
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 21, 2022, 03:04:37 AM: What is love? It is grace in action; it is seeing what we can be rather than what we are; it is pursuing the very ones who are in need of it, even if they have yet to fully believe it, reflecting selflessness until it becomes the principle of every heart and the outflowing experience of affection and intimate oneness with the God whose character will never change! "God is love" (1 John 4:16). And such a Shepherd pursues us so earnestly that we come to fully believe we are worth more than anything else to God in the entire universe to Him--WOW!!! AND IT IS TRUE!!

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 3}

Listen to Him. Get to know Him who is love. The patient, wooing, winning love of Jesus changes hearts that were cold, heals lives that were terrorized by lies and confusion, and brings to fruition every good and perfect gift in God's appointed way! Oh, let us not resist this love but yield all we have and are to Him who upon entrance into the soul temple will ALWAYS bring ALL of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and temperance, in harmony with righteousness and truth! And the incredible attractiveness of Christ constraints us to an obedience that we yearn to offer from a heart that is made new by Him in love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on May 21, 2022, 05:37:19 AM: "Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

When I first read these words years ago I was in humble awe. When I realized it was talking about me personally my heart crumbled in grateful acknowledgment and saw God's love in an entirely different light. I didn't want to take my eyes off of Him for fear of losing Him. Each new day we have the opportunity to make that commitment to Him again. We make the decision to follow Him and He gives the power. I love the promise of the last sentence. "Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast." How do we choose to leave Him? By simply taking our eyes off of Jesus. Thankfully He does not leave us but continues to woo us back to Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on May 21, 2022, 07:43:39 PM: Amen dear Sister!! What love! And all this came at such a high price and the risk of Jesus failing!! Wonder O heavens and be astonished O Earth!!

Quote from: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 21, 2022, 03:04:37 AM
What is love? It is grace in action; it is seeing what we can be rather than what we are; it is pursuing the very ones who are in need of it, even if they have yet to fully believe it, reflecting selflessness until it becomes the principle of every heart and the outflowing experience of affection and intimate oneness with the God whose character will never change! "God is love" (1 John 4:16). And such a Shepherd pursues us so earnestly that we come to fully believe we are worth more than anything else to God in the entire universe to Him--WOW!!! AND IT IS TRUE!!

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 3}

Amen Pastor Sean!! It is our love for God that constraineth us to obedience. We love Him because loves us. He proved it in allowing His innocent Son to our stripes upon Himself while we were yet sinners.

Quote from: Beacon on May 20, 2022, 08:15:28 PM
"It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul."

"The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can."

Amen!!! Never were more important truths expressed!! Now, it rests with fallen beings to take time to learn of Him who gave all that we might live!

Consider that our heavenly Father loved His Son the more when He laid down His life for us! God can love others even more than He does! That means you dear friends. What will endear you and me to God even more than He loves us now? When we give glory to God, it causes His heart to go out to us!! He knows our trials, He knows how many hairs we have on our head. He knows where we live. He knows our struggles. Not only God cares, the whole of heaven rejoices when we give glory to our God. Because we live in evil fallen flesh, they wonder at the miracle that God does when we are truly converted!!!

"Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again." That is, My Father has so loved you, that He even loves Me more for giving My life to redeem you. In becoming your substitute and surety, by surrendering My life, by taking your liabilities, your transgressions, I am endeared to My Father.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on August 15, 2022, 08:55:43 PM: "Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world."

"And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand."

The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world.

The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom.

"He will never abandon one for whom He has died."

"Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul.

"Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him."

It is not FEAR but LOVE that draws each of "US" to Jesus and with open thankful heart we should respond...I will follow thee my Saviour

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

1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 16, 2022, 04:39:09 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Are you going through trials? Who can you always turn to? Jesus, our loving Savior, is ever-present to help just when we need Him most!! In surrender of all we have and are to Him, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow forth from our hearts and lives as we gladly are empowered to obey God's law, the definition of true happiness!

"Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. 'I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.' Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. 'The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.' Isaiah 54:10." {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 1}

Jesus "gets you." He understands you better than you yourself understand your own character and experience. Let Him lead you this day one step closer to heaven's glory as you let Him live in you, diffusing the light of His loveliness of character as you continually behold Him who died for you and is now risen to intercede for us as our High Priest in heaven! He is soon to return as our King!! Hallelujah!!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on August 16, 2022, 05:35:38 PM: Amen my dear brothers!! What a chapter! It is a story of love, great love! Personal love as if you were the only one in the universe!

Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on November 10, 2022, 08:04:48 PM: "Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying..."

"Fear not; I am with you. 'I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.' Revelation 1:18. "

"I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations."

I" know your tears; I also have wept."

"The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know."

"Think not that you are desolate and forsaken."

"Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live."

"It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul."

"The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development."

" He is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life."

" He is a thief and a robber."

The Bible says that "FAITH IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMES THE WORLD." Lord please give "US" the victory!

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

Lyrics:John Henry Yates (1837-1900)
Music:Ira David Sankey (1840-1908)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 11, 2022, 08:19:02 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Praise the Lord for the blessing of getting to experience how much God loves us through our relationship with Jesus, our Good Shepherd! By the Holy Spirit abiding in us in complete surrender to Him, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest in our lives without one missing as we are empowered to do God's will up to the light He has revealed to us!

"However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our 'everlasting Father.' And He says, 'I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.' John 10:14, 15, R. V. What a statement is this!--the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the Father, He whom God has declared to be 'the Man that is My fellow' (Zechariah 13:7),--the communion between Him and the eternal God is taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the earth!" {The Desire of Ages, page 483, paragraph 2}

We are loved infinitely, and the more time we spend with God and appreciate His character, the more we will become like Him in mind and character through knowing more and more of God, for to know God is to love Him! Praise the Lord that He takes the initiative to seek us and save us, and our part is to behold Him, yield to Him, and cooperate with Him as we grow in His love revealed in affectionate obedience to God's law of love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on November 11, 2022, 08:42:10 AM: "In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every heathen nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber."

We are in danger of misrepresenting God in some of the things that are being taught among our people. Those that have come to believe and accept the teaching that there is no victory over sin until Jesus comes are not only deceived themselves but are deceiving many. He is a thief and a robber also. May we be diligent in our study for truth and an understanding of what it means to abide continually in Christ so that we will have a clear and distinct message to give to others.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Philip T on November 11, 2022, 09:13:30 AM: It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.

Salvation comes only through the Gospel of Grace, Jesus' death on the cross, no other way can one find salvation. Do we open the Bible and Jesus love to those around us or open the gate to let the shepherd in or do we close it to those around us. Are we a good gate keeper or a bad one that allows the robber or thief in, or even worse are we the robber and the thief? This is a very sobering thought to contemplate on. I pray that I am a light to all I come in contact with.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on November 11, 2022, 09:39:54 AM: Again and again we are shown how it is that we can be transformed from sinner to saint. It is not by obedience, because we cannot obey until we are made a saint. We can choose to go to Jesus. What does this mean? It means to behold Him through His Word and in nature. We see this presented in the posts this morning. It is not the promise of reward nor the fear of hell that causes one to follow Jesus. Then what is it? It is because we see His love, His grace for us while we were yet a sinner.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on February 04, 2023, 08:08:11 PM: "It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul."

"The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can."

"Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man."

"Whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development."

"He is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life."

"He is a thief and a robber."

Do "WE" want to be known as a "Thief and a Robber? " Or one who stirs the heart towards Jesus and helps arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can."

=====================
1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,

3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,

4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 06, 2023, 06:21:18 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!

There is nothing in this life that you will ever face that He doesn't already know about. Even if no one else on earth understands your pain and struggle, we have a Savior who does! Jesus has a safe path for you to walk and He will guide you through every thorny, fiery trial with His divine presence if you but let Him. Let us surrender fully to the Divine Shepherd and let the Holy Spirit abide in us so all of the attributes of God's character can flow through us in true obedience from the heart!

"Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. 'I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore.' Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. 'The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.' Isaiah 54:10." {The Desire of Ages, age 483, paragraph 1}

God is so merciful and kind, leading us to Him if we will but come--just as we are--so He can change us to become in mind and character just like Him! By beholding God in Christ we are changed into His image by the Holy Spirit! Praise God for the gift of salvation in Christ!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on February 06, 2023, 09:22:37 AM: Amen my dear brothers!! God's love for us is continually being poured out, even upon those who reject Him and His truth. This is grace, we do not deserve His love after what we have done. What is it that transforms sinners into saints? Paul tells us it is grace that transforms and saves. It is this undeserved love that reaches into the hard heart and creates a new creature. The old life is gone......as long as we remain fully surrendered to our Lord.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.

It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.

Copy this and forget it not. It is the foundation of our faith. God does not give us grace for tomorrow, He gives us grace for today. Tomorrow we must come to the throne of God and ask for more. Will He deny us grace? No! It surrounds us as thick as the air we breathe. But, we must see it and allow it into the heart in order to be transformed and remain transformed. Else we default back to our fallen evil nature. Thus, it would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus, especially the closing scenes where we behold His bleeding back. Do we understand those stripes belong to us, and that we are healed by His stripes? It is the grace that transforms sinners into a reflection of our Lord and Savior.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 03, 2023, 08:49:48 AM: How well do you think you are known? There is Someone who knows you better than you even know yourself, for, Solomon, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, prayed to God these true words: "Thou, even Thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men" (1 Kings 8:39). Since we have a God of love and truth who desires to shepherd us safely into our heavenly home, well would it be for us to respond to the Good Shepherd, Jesus, and go where He leads us! It is in complete surrender to Him that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be revealed in our lives without one missing as we are empowered by His grace to obey His law up to the light He has revealed! Let's praise God for such a wonderful Savior in Jesus and ever walk with Him!

"Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, “Follow Me,” and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 1}

Let's go where the Shepherd leads--in glad, self-sacrificing service to seek and to save others! Praise the Lord for His unfailing love!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on May 03, 2023, 11:16:54 AM: Amen Pastor Sean. Jesus knows our every need!

In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the soul's need. Every nation has had its great teachers and religious systems offering some other means of redemption than Christ, turning the eyes of men away from the Father's face, and filling their hearts with fear of Him who has given them only blessing. The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and by redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well. Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here, and with only a dull fear of the hereafter. It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul. The contemplation of the love of God manifested in His Son will stir the heart and arouse the powers of the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might re-create the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; he is defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. He is a thief and a robber.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on May 03, 2023, 05:28:11 PM: Quote from: Beacon on October 07, 2019, 03:53:07 PM
"Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant. He has at times given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep. Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth."

When I go to the bank and the clerk calls me by name as I approach it feels so personal. When i stop at a place to eat or at the garage that services my vehicle and the service manager greets me by name - It feels soo good. If this type of thing makes me "feel good or important,"how much more of value should I feel when I read words like those contained in the paragraph above,

He is the King of Kings - The Lord of Lords and He know me personally!! It shows me that I am very loved and important to Him. I encourage each of you to read this paragraph above more than once and let it sink in to your inner being the great honor and privilege it is to belong to the "FAMILY OF GOD." Thank you Jesus for loving me so deeply and caring for me as if I was your only concern.

Brother Beacon will be home soon!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on July 28, 2023, 08:28:59 PM: "Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died."

"The distress of every one touches His heart."

"The cry for aid reaches His ear."

"He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, "Follow Me," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him."

"Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are."

"He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care.

"He says, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

"He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth."

The BIG question is....Do "WE" believe this?? and do "WE" want this relationship??

=======================
1
Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treach’rous shoal;
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
2
As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boist’rous waves obey Thy will
When Thou say’st to them, “Be still.”
Wondrous Sov’reign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.
3
Though death’s valley I may pass,
Still Thy grace will fear surpass;
In Thy presence I will rest,
And, while leaning on Thy breast,
I will hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

Lyrics:Edward Hopper (1816-1888)
Music:John Edgar Gould (1822-1875)

HAPPY SABBATH TO ALL OUR REMNANT FAMILY
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 29, 2023, 03:54:48 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Happy Sabbath!! Jesus did SO MUCH for us! May our praise ascend to Him in gratitude for how He laid down His life to save us from the depths of sin and degradation!

"'I lay down My life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.' While as a member of the human family He was mortal, as God He was the fountain of life for the world. He could have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but voluntarily He laid down His life, that He might bring life and immortality to light. He bore the sin of the world, endured its curse, yielded up His life as a sacrifice, that men might not eternally die. 'Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.' Isaiah 53:4-6." {The Desire of Ages, page 484, paragraph 1}

Because of what Jesus did for us, all of us can freely accept the salvation purchased for us at infinite cost, surrendering our will to Him, letting the Holy Spirit imbue us with all of the fruits of God's character without one missing, and empowering us to obey God's law as the very essence of liberty!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on July 29, 2023, 07:58:18 AM: Amen my dear brothers! God does indeed love us! It is by beholding His love for us that we are transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18). By His stripes that belong to us we are healed.

Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.
Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore trust.
Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16, R. V.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on October 23, 2023, 08:53:20 PM: "Jesus said...I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations."

"I know your tears; I also have wept."

"The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know."

"Think not that you are desolate and forsaken."

"Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live."

"The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10."

"Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus loves us. He loves us as His children."

"Dear Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore let us trust Him with all our heart and mind."

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

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcD9uhRC3Ew&list=PLR1KLB2-hnHyXFEL01WoPMdbCfm4rOY3p&index=43
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on October 23, 2023, 10:12:01 PM: Amen Brother. Because Jesus loves us, we love Him.

It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on October 24, 2023, 04:16:59 AM: "Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore." Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look unto Me, and live. "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." Isaiah 54:10.

A promise I cherish. He proves Himself over and over. We respond to His loving call because we are needy and empty without Him. We are pulled by a love that is unsurpassed by anything earthly we know or experience.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 24, 2023, 04:38:56 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard, and Sister Dorine!!

Let's look up to Jesus, our great High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven! He is still the Shepherd of His people and desires to lead us in the path that is best! Trust Him fully with your entire life, invite Him to take away your sin and give you a new heart, and let the Holy Spirit flow through your life the very attributes of His divine nature--love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith and temperance without one of the fruit of the Spirit missing as you live by faith on the Son of God!

"Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. 'And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.' The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 5}

Being kept by Jesus is the safest place to be. Let Him lead you in the center of His will moment-by-moment all the way to heaven! While we are pilgrims and strangers in this life, we are His ambassadors to reveal His character and invite as many as possible to be saved into His everlasting kingdom! Christ is coming soon and has given us His everlasting gospel message that is to go to the world (Revelation 14:6-12)! The greatest joy is in seeing another soul respond to Christ and become a new creature in Him!
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on January 18, 2024, 08:11:29 PM: Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world."

"And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand."

"The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom."

"He will never abandon one for whom He has died."

"Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

Will "OUR" Anchor Hold in the storms of life?? It will if "WE" are willing 'Now" To Surrender "ALL" to Jesus it will!!

=================================
1
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Stedfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.
2
It is safely moored, ’twill the storm withstand,
For ’tis well secured by the Savior’s hand;
And the cables passed from His heart to mine,
Can defy the blast, through strength divine.
3
It will firmly hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers have told the reef is near;
Though the tempest rave and the wild winds blow,
Not an angry wave shall our bark o’erflow.
4
It will surely hold in the floods of death,
When the waters cold chill our latest breath;
On the rising tide it can never fail,
While our hopes abide within the veil.

Lyrics:Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1907)
Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 19, 2024, 01:46:04 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!

What is your motivation?

"It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 3}

When we are moved by the love of Christ, we have the true, enduring motivation to follow Him all the way to heaven, in whatever paths of service He knows are best for us both in this life and in the life to come. The key to true happiness is entire conformity of the will to God's will, ever keeping before us God's goodness that leads us to repentance and transformation of life. By surrendering the whole heart to Jesus Christ, the divine-human Savior, we live by faith in an affectionate union and communion of our souls with Him whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit are seen in our lives as we gladly obey God's law up to the light of truth He has shown us! Praise God for the motivation of love! "We love Him, because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Dorine on January 19, 2024, 04:41:08 AM: "As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne."

He does not promise a smooth path but He promises to be with us all the way leading us through the trials and difficulties of life if we accept Him as our Shepherd and follow Him. He is familiar with the journey for he has been over it before us. That is the only passage to safety and an eternal home with Jesus.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Philip T on January 19, 2024, 06:06:55 AM: Jesus thought upon the souls all over the earth who were misled by false shepherds. Those whom He longed to gather as the sheep of His pasture were scattered among wolves, and He said, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16, R. V.

Jesus has compassion for all, he has people in all churches, when they hear His voice calling as we read in Revelation "Come out of her My people", that will respond, we are to be the voice (messengers) who pass this call on, so people will come out of her.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Richard Myers on January 19, 2024, 07:21:31 AM: Amen my dear brothers and sister! What a beautiful revelation of our Savior's love for us.

Through the prophet, Jesus declares, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee." He compels none to follow Him. "I drew them," He says, "with cords of a man, with bands of love." Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 31:3; Hosea 11:4.
It is not the fear of punishment, or the hope of everlasting reward, that leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the Saviour's matchless love, revealed throughout His pilgrimage on earth, from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary's cross, and the sight of Him attracts, it softens and subdues the soul. Love awakens in the heart of the beholders. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them." The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints. The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us. Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne.
Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world. "And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Beacon on April 13, 2024, 11:38:57 PM: "As the shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering the perils of the way, so does Jesus with His people. "When He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them."

"The way to heaven is consecrated by the Saviour's footprints."

"The path may be steep and rugged, but Jesus has traveled that way; His feet have pressed down the cruel thorns, to make the pathway easier for us."

"Every burden that we are called to bear He Himself has borne."

"Though now He has ascended to the presence of God, and shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost none of His compassionate nature. Today the same tender, sympathizing heart is open to all the woes of humanity. Today the hand that was pierced is reached forth to bless more abundantly His people that are in the world."

"And they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand."

"The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world."

"The Saviour would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom."

"He will never abandon one for whom He has died."

"Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast."

What Wonderful Promises and they come with a Solid Guarantee from the King of Kings!!

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

Lyrics:John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Music:John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--52--The Divine Shepherd
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 14, 2024, 05:45:05 AM: Amen, Brother Beacon!

Come to Jesus.

“Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart. The cry for aid reaches His ear. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He bids them, ‘Follow Me,’ and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He says, ‘My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.’ He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.” {The Desire of Ages, page 480, paragraph 1}

He will lead you safely home to heaven. His grace will convert your heart as you fully surrender to Him, filling you with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as you gladly obey the law of love!