No Time to Lose

We have no time to lose. We know not how soon our probation may close. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. Christ is soon to come. The angels of God are seeking to attract us from ourselves and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain.

When Jesus rises up in the most holy place, lays off His mediatorial robes, and clothes Himself with the garments of vengeance, the mandate will go forth: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 12) And , behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Revelation 22:11, 12.* 

A storm is coming, relentless in its fury. Are we prepared to meet it?...We need not say: The perils of the last days are soon to come upon us. Already they have come. May God help us to get ready, get ready, get ready! *(8T 314-15 modified)

Bible Sanctification

"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless untot he coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thess. 5:23, 24 (KJV)

"The life of Daniel is an inspired illustration of what constitutes a sanctified character. Bible sanctification has to do with the whole man...It is impossible for any to enjoy the blessing of sanctification while they are selfish and gluttonous. These groan under a burden of infirmities because of wrong habits of eating and drinking which do violence to the laws of life and health. Many are enfeebling their digestive organs by indulging perverted appetite.​

We should consider the words of the apostle Paul, in which he appeals to his brethren, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God."...Sanctification is not merely a theory, and emotion, or a form of words, but a living, active principle, entering into the everyday life. It requires that our habits of eating, drinking, and dressing, be such as to secure the preservation of physical, mental, and moral health, that we may present to the Lord our bodies--not an offering corrupted by wrong habits, but--"a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." Romans 12:1

Let none who profess godliness regard with indifference the health of the body, and flatter themselves that intemperance is no sin and will not affect their spirituality. A close sympathy exists between the physical and the moral nature. The standard of virtue is elevated or degraded by the physical habits." -Counsels on Health 66, 67

Sound and Alarm

"Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. " Joel 2:1.

The things that concern our eternal welfare are now to absorb our attention. We cannot afford to give heavenly things second place...The judgments of God are in the land. They speak in solemn warning, saying, "Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

We are living in the closing scenes of this earth's history. Prophecy is rapidly fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast passing. We have no time--not a moment to lose. Let us not be

found sleeping on guard. Let no one say in his heart or by his works, "My lord delayeth his coming." Let the message of Christ's soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning. Let us persuade men and women everywhere to repent, and flee from the wrath to come. Let us arouse them to immediate preparation; for we little know what is before us. Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields. 

The Lord is soon to come, and we must be prepared to meet Him in peace. Let us be determined to do all in our power to impart light to those around us.  --Maranatha 106

Impressions of the Holy Spirit

​“When the hearts of men are softened by the presence of the Spirit of God, they are more susceptible to impressions of the Holy Spirit, and resolves are made to deny self and to sacrifice for the cause of God. It is when divine light shines into the chambers of the mind with unusual clearness and power that the feelings of the natural man are overcome, that selfishness loses its power upon the heart, and that desires are awakened to imitate the Pattern, Jesus Christ, in practicing self-denial and benevolence. The disposition of the naturally selfish man then becomes kind and pitiful toward lost sinners, and he makes a solemn pledge to God, as did Abraham and Jacob.​“ Ye Shall Receive Power, pg. 90

Walk By Faith, Not By Sight

​The Word of God is true. Faith takes hold of the divine Word, whereas feeling is nothing else but something that eclipses faith in a "Thus saith the Word of the living God." Lay hold of God's promises with the faith of a little child. Do not think unbelief or talk unbelief, but take God at His word, and leave yourself in His hands, to be taught and led of Him. Do not think that your mind must be in a certain state of feeling or else you are not accepted of God. Your faith must rely not on feeling, but on the promises of God. Walk by faith in a "Thus saith the Lord." Then be loyal and true to a "Thus saith the Lord," and 'stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free'." Galatians 5:1​

Keep the Altar of Private Prayer Burning

​“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out." Lev. 6:13

Let your closet seasons be, if possible, regular, frequent, and undisturbed. Effectual prayer availeth much.

Have you nothing to pray for? Let us suggest the church, the ministry, your own soul, your children, your relations, your neighbors, your country, and the cause of God and truth throughout the world.​

​Let us examine ourselves on this important matter. Do we engage with lukewarmness in private devotion? Is the fire of devotion burning dimly in our hearts? Do the chariot wheels drag heavily? if so, let us be alarmed at this sign of decay. Let us go with weeping, and ask for the Spirit of grace and supplications. Let us set apart special seasons for extraordinary prayer. For if this fire should be smothered beneath the ashes of a worldly conformity, it will dim the fire on the family altar and lessen our influence both in the church and in the world.
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Let us give to God our hearts, all blazing with love, and seek His grace that the fire may never be quenched. Many foes will attempt to extinguish it; but if the unseen hand behind the wall pour thereon the sacred oil, it will blaze higher and higher. Let us use texts of Scripture as fuel for our heart's fire, for they are live coals; let us attend sermons; but above all, let us be much alone with Jesus.--Charles H. Spurgeon

There are Two Ways to Become COVID Resistant 

BE CLEAN... OR VACCINE: Over 120 years ago a writer in an obscure English paper penned a quote that presents an interesting position on how to avoid being infected during a pandemic. E.J. Waggoner advocated TOTAL CLEANLINESS of body, mind and spirit as the foundation for super immunity. Yet in the article he stated that if you weren't going to keep yourself clean, that the vaccination would "save many 

Bible Study Produces Well Balanced Minds

“Those who are under the training of the Holy Spirit will be able to teach the Word intelligently. And when it is made the study book, with earnest supplication for the Spirit’s guidance and a full surrender of the heart to be sanctified through the truth, it will accomplish all that Christ has promised.
  The result of such Bible study will be well-balanced minds; for the physical, mental, and moral powers will be harmoniously developed. There will be no paralysis in spiritual knowledge. The understanding will be quickened, the sensibilities will be aroused, the conscience will become sensitive, the sympathies and sentiments will be purified, a better moral atmosphere will be created, and a new power to resist temptation will be imparted.” 1MCP 96.1
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Homes Where God is Worshiped

“From every Christian home a holy light should shine forth. Love should be revealed in action. It should flow out in all home intercourse, showing itself in thoughtful kindness, in gentle, unselfish courtesy. There are homes where this principle is carried out—homes where God is worshiped and truest love reigns. From these homes morning and evening prayer ascends to God as sweet incense, and His mercies and blessings descend upon the suppliants like the morning dew.” AH 37     

Strength of Intellect

"God wants men to cultivate force of character. Those who are merely timeservers are not the ones who will receive a rich reward by and by. He wants those who labor in His cause to be men of keen feeling and quick perception. They should be temperate in eating; rich and luxurious food should find no place upon their tables; and when the brain is constantly taxed, and there is a lack of physical exercise, they should eat sparingly, even of plain food. Daniel's clearness of mind and firmness of purpose, his strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge, were due in a great degree to the plainness of his diet, in connection with his life of prayer." CD 82

Vigilance and Diligence to be Blended

When we give ourselves unreservedly to the Lord, the simple, commonplace duties of home life will be seen in their true importance, and we shall perform them in accordance with the will of God. We are to be vigilant, watching for the coming of the Son of man; and we must also be diligent; working as well as waiting is required; there must be a union of the two. This will balance the Christian character, making it well developed, symmetrical. We should not feel that we are to neglect everything else, and give ourselves up to meditation, study, or prayer; neither are we to be full of bustle and hurry and work, to the neglect of personal piety. Waiting and watching and working are to be blended. "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." (Rom. 12:11) AH 22, 23

Dependent Upon God

We are absolutely dependent upon God. "For in him we live, and move, and have our being." Acts 17:28a.
​We are his by creation and redemption. Our very bodies are not our own, to treat as we please, to cripple by habits that lead to decay, making it impossible to render to God perfect service. Our lives and all our faculties belong to Him. He is caring for us every moment; He keeps the living machinery in action. If we were left to run it for one moment, we should die. We are absolutely dependent upon God. - Counsels on Diet and Foods 56

Purified and Refined

 It will require a sacrifice to give yourself to God; but it is a sacrifice of the lower for the higher, the earthly for the spiritual, the perishable for the eternal. God does not design that our will should be destroyed, for it is only through its exercise that we can accomplish what He would have us do. Our will is to be yielded to Him, that we may receive it again, purified and refined, and so linked in sympathy with the Divine that He can pour through us the tides of His love and power. However bitter and painful this surrender may appear to the willful, wayward heart, yet "it is profitable for thee." --Mount of Blessings 62 

Peace In Christ

Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

In Jesus farewell sermon to his disciples He explained to them that those who inherit the blessings of God must expect persecutions, and  those who have peace in Christ shall have tribulation in the world. He comforts them with a promise of peace through Him, by virtue of His victory over the world. So whatever troubles you may face in the world, expect it shall be.  Cheer yourself up however with the thought that He has overcome the world, and through Him you can too. Although you may have trouble without, it is Jesus will that you shall have peace within.

As We Forgive Our Debtors

When Christ took our sins upon Himself, died, and thus paid our debt, we became indebted to Him. The price He paid for our redemption was so great that we can never repay it. And He does not expect us to. But He does expect us to recognize it and express our willingness to do all we can to show our appreciation. Moreover, on some of the gifts He has given us He requires that we pay interest.
  The great debt we owe to God was incurred in the forgiveness of sin which necessitated the death of Christ on the cross. "All have sinned." Romans 3:23. This means that we have sinned, that I have sinned. In His 

​fathomless love God forgave us all, and we are free from condemnation and have passed from death unto life. Should not this fill our hearts with thanksgiving and joy?
  But there is one important condition on which this forgiveness depends: We are forgiven our sins only as we forgive others fully and freely. God has forgiven us; now we are to forgive others. "If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matt. 6:14, 15
  This forgiveness is to be extended to those who have offended us, whether they ask for forgiveness or not. If they do not come to us to ask forgiveness, we are to go to them. (Matt. 5:23, 24). Although we can never repay Christ for the debt we owe Him, we can offer the same courtesy to others who we might be indebted to or who might be indebted to us. Let us ask God for the spirit of forgiveness, that we may be forgiven.

Stepping Stones

Satan would like to torment us and is happy when he can bring us into difficult positions. But in doing so, he is really working again himself, for "tribulation worketh patience," the very virtue God would have us develop. For this reason Paul could say, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope." Romans 5:3-5. It is not the obstacles or stumbling blocks that are thrown into our path that shape us, it is how we choose to respond and utilize these stones that shape us. So when Satan throws rocks in your path, let Jesus the chief cornerstone make them into steppingstones that develop you and lead you on to perfection.

Praying for Your Neighbor

If I should pray to God to convert my unbelieving neighbor, He might well answer, "I will do what I can. But I must have your co-operation. What your neighbor needs is a demonstration of true religion in action. He does not believe that Christianity is of any special value. He sees little difference in the life of a believer and that of an unbeliever. If he could be convinced that Christianity really does something for a man, he would become interested. Do your best to convince him that Christianity has done something for you. Be kind, courteous, helpful. Do not irritate him with pious platitudes. Your life will preach better than your words. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Keep your house and your premises in order. Teach obedience to your children.

​If you will do this, I will be in a better position to help you answer your prayer. I need a man to whom I can point as an example of what Christianity is and what religion can do. Without such, I can do but little. Try this plan. I will help you. You are the man I want. As we work together, we may win your neighbor."
Taken from the book "Prayer" by M.L. Andreasen

Then Let Us Be True

As Christ entered upon the work of his ministry, he began where Adam fell. The first temptation in the wilderness was on the point of appetite. Here the Saviour bridged the gulf which sin had made. He redeemed the whole family of Adam, and wrought out a victory for the benefit of all who are thus tempted. In the last days God will prove his people as he proved Daniel. A voluntary self-control of appetite lies at the foundation of every reform.
    It means much to be true to God. It embraces health reform. It means that the diet must be simple; it calls for the exercise of temperance in all things. Too great a variety of food taken at the same meal is highly injurious; and yet, how often this is forgotten. Mind and body are to be preserved in the best condition

of health. Only those who have been trained in the fear and knowledge of God, and who are true to principle, are fitted to bear responsibilities in the closing work of the gospel. - The Story of Daniel the Prophet, S. Haskell p. 24

Remember Lots Wife

"While Lot's wife was out of Sodom, Sodom was not out of her. Her heart was back in the city, which was soon to be consumed. She fled but desired to look back. And the Scripture says, "She became a pillar of salt." Gen. 19:26. She was like a woman who, saved from a burning house, rushes back to find some treasured possession and is burned with her possessions. Lot's wife had been saved from destruction by angels, but she had nothing in common with angels.
Possibly if Lot himself had not lingered, head not argued with the angels, had not hesitated, his wife might have been saved. In that respect, his influence on her was not good. Just to look may seem like a little sin, but, as Matthew Henry pits it in his quaint way. "There is no little sin, because there is no little God to sin against."

There are too many halfway Christians in the world today, people who are outwardly church members, servants of the Lord, professors of the faith, but whose hearts are still in Sodom, still in the world. That is what Jesus was talking about when He said: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3 --Walking Through Your Bible With HMS Richards

A Spirit of Reverence

"In these perilous times, those who profess to be God's commandment-keeping people should guard against the tendency to lose the spirit of reverence and godly fear. The Scriptures teach men how to approach their Maker--with humility and awe, through faith in a divine Mediator. Let man come on bended knee, as a subject of grace, a suppliant at the footstool of mercy. Thus he is to testify that the whole soul, body, and spirit are in subjection to his Creator. 
  Both in public and in private worship it is our duty to bow upon our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him. Jesus our example, 'kneeled down, and prayed.' And of His disciples it is recorded that they, too, 'kneeled down, and prayed.' Stephen 'kneeled.' Paul declared: 'I bow my 

knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ' (Eph. 3:14). In confessing before God the sins of Israel, Ezra knelt. Daniel 'kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God.' (Dan. 6:10). And the invitation of the psalmist is: 'O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.' (Ps. 95:6). R&H 11/30/1905

Search the Scriptures

Let every one who claims to believe that the Lord is soon coming, search the Scriptures as never before; for Satan is determined to try every device possible to keep souls in darkness, and blind the mind to the perils of the times in which we are living. Let every believer take up his Bible with earnest prayer, that he may be enlightened by the Holy Spirit as to what is truth, that he may know more of God and of Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Search for the truth as for hidden treasures, and disappoint the enemy. R&H 11-22-1892
Search the scriptures, spend time with God. We need to know the truth for ourselves so we can give an answer for ourselves. It is a distraction to chase up every video on youtube. Stay focused! Stay in the Word! Stay on your knees! ​Stay blessed!

Stand in Defense of Truth

"...and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22b
It is not hard to see that the world is changing and there is trouble on every side. To the praying saints as well as those not praying it is very disturbing. God's children have been told that they do not need to fear for the future. Will there be trouble? Yes. Will we suffer much tribulation to enter the kingdom of God? Yes, Acts 14:22 tells us so, but the Lord will get us through. "God's children will have a fierce conflict with the adversary of souls, and it will become more exceedingly bitter as we approach the close of the conflict. But the Lord will help those who stand in defense of His truth." Faith and Works 46

Holiness and Obedience

"Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. 5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation." Ex. 19:4-6
God's will is the expression of His holiness; as we do His will, we come into contact with His holiness. The link between redemption and holiness is obedience. God wants His will to be done. In this alone is seen whether we have given our whole heart over to the will of God. It is in obedience that the ​

will is molded, the character fashioned, and the inner man built up which God can clothe and adorn with the beauty of holiness. It is through the Holy Spirit abiding in our hearts that gives us the power to obey, and brings us into close communion with God. Examine yourself, and determine to find out where you need to make a change and choose to live an obedient life. God has promised that if we obey He will make us a kingdom of priests and an holy nation. ​

A Sweet-smelling Savor of Love

"Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor." Eph. 5:2
Christ death on the cross of Calvary speaks to the love and value He places on those He died for. Jesus gave a voluntary gift of Himself for us, which was a sweetsmelling sacrifice to God. Therefore, Paul is telling us to walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us. We are to imitate Him in every good work, but especially should we imitate Him in the love He showed to us, by us showing genuine heart-felt love toward others. ​  

Just as God was well-pleased with the odor of sweet-smell from the sacrifice of His dear Son, so He will be pleased with the sweetsmelling savor we offer to Him when we show love towards one another. Jesus taught by example what was constituted the greatest demonstration of love by laying down His life for us. He would have us filled with that same love when He says, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. May you exude "an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God." (Phil 4:18b). ​

Delivered Out of Bondage

  am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." Ex. 20:2
During the Israelite's long stay in Egypt they lost sight of God. The grand idolatrous sights and sounds around them became a distraction and obscured their vision of God. Their laborious burdens prevented them from having the time needed to commune with their Creator. It was for the purpose of re-establishing their relationship with God, and worshiping Him in the Beauty of Holiness that He delivered them from the land of Egypt and the house of bondage. What is distracting you today? What is obscuring your vision of Christ? Is it your phone? Is it your job that is preventing you from having quality time to

worship God? Are you burdened with a load of care? Suffering from depression or discouragement? Do you need to be delivered out of the house of bondage, or do you know someone who does? Jesus says, "And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me." Psalms 50:15. What He did for the children of Israel He will do for you! ​

Strength of Intellect

​"God wants men to cultivate force of character. Those who are merely timeservers are not the ones who will receive a rich reward by and by. He wants those who labor in His cause to be men of keen feeling and quick perception. They should be temperate in eating; rich and luxurious food should find no place upon their tables; and when the brain is constantly taxed, and there is a lack of physical exercise, they should eat sparingly, even of plain food. Daniel's clearness of mind and firmness of purpose, his strength of intellect in acquiring knowledge, were due in a great degree to the plainness of his diet, in connection with his life of prayer." 4T 515, 516

God's Manifold Mercies

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassion's fail not. 23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lam. 3:22-23. Oh what love!!! Read in Nehemiah 9:1-22 all of the wonderful things God did for His people, and how vs. 16-18 says that "they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, 17And refused to obey..." Even when they worshiped the golden calf, God did not forsake His people. "Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsook them not..." vs 19. He still provided. And it is because of His great love for us, and His hearts desire to save us that He continues to extend His mercy.

This is Justification by Faith

As the penitent sinner, contrite before God, discerns Christ's atonement in his behalf and accepts this atonement as his only hope in this life and the future life, his sins are pardoned. This is justification by faith. Every believing soul is to conform his will entirely to God's will and keep in a state of repentance and contrition, exercising faith in the atoning merits of the Redeemer and advancing from strength to strength, from glory to glory.

Evidence of Bible Sanctification

The Bible is the standard by which to test the claims of all who profess sanctification. Jesus prayed that His disciples might be sanctified through the truth, and He says, "Thy word is truth" (John 17:17); while the psalmist declares, "Thy law is the truth" (Psalm 119:142). All whom God is leading will manifest a high regard for the Scriptures in which His voice is heard.
  We need no other evidence in order to judge of men's sanctification; if they are fearful lest they shall not obey the whole will of God, if they are listening diligently to His voice, trusting in His wisdom, and making His Word the man of their counsel, then, while they make no boast of superior goodness, we may be sure that they are seeking to attain to perfection of Christian character.

​True sanctification will be evidenced by a conscientious regard for all the commandments of God, by a careful improvement of every talent, by a circumspect conversation, by revealing in every act the meekness of Christ.

Walk in the Light

"Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible."  The Ministry of Healing, 514

Benefits of Doing Good to Others

The pleasure of doing good to others imparts a glow to the feelings which flashes through the nerves, quickens the circulation of the blood, and induces mental and physical health. Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but the doing of works of mercy and love. This religion is necessary to health and happiness. It enters the polluted soul temple, and with a scourge drives out the sinful intruders. Taking the throne, it consecrates all by its presence, illuminating the heart...It opens the windows of the soul heavenward, letting in the sunshine of God's love. With it comes serenity and composure. Physical, mental, and moral strength increase, because the atmosphere of heaven, as a living, active agency, fills the soul. "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward." Isaiah 58:8. --My Life Today 246 ​

Living to Give

There is nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life. There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade of grass, but has its ministry. Every tree and shrub and leaf pours forth that element could live; and man and animal, in turn, minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf. The flowers breathe fragrance and unfold their beauty in blessing to the world. The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds. The ocean, itself the source of all our springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes to give. The mists ascending from its bosom fall in showers to water the earth, that it may bring forth and bud. --Desire of Ages 20, 21

Receiving the Holy Spirit Without Measure

​Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. They will lift up Jesus, and with Him humanity will be lifted up...We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ 'dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power." Col. 2:9, 10; Desire of Ages 181

The Eden School

The system of education instituted at the beginning of the world was to be a model for man throughout all aftertime. As an illustration of its principles a model school was established in Eden, the home of our first parents. The Garden of Eden was the schoolroom, nature was the lesson book, the Creator Himself was the instructor, and the parents of the human family were the students.
  The Garden of Eden was a representation of what God desired the whole earth to become, and it was His purpose that, as the human family increased in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools like the one He had ​

given. Thus in course of time the whole earth might be occupied with homes and schools where the words and the works of God should be studied, and where the students should be thus fitted more and more fully to reflect, throughout endless ages, the light of the knowledge of His glory." Education 20, 22 ​

Missionary Families

Missionary families are needed to settle in the waste places. Let farmers, financiers, builders, and those who are skilled in various arts and crafts, go to neglected fields, to improve the land, to establish industries, to prepare humble homes for themselves, and to help their neighbors.
  The rough places of nature, the wild places, God has made attractive by placing beautiful things among the most unsightly. This is the work we are called to do. Even the desert places of the earth, where the outlook appears to be forbidding, may become as the garden of God. "In that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, And the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 29:18, 19. Ministry of Healing 194

Discover Your Gift

When you read about someone else's accomplishments and adopt his or her road-map as your own, you will limit where your gift can take you. You can only be you. Who you are at the core will leak out, no matter how much you suppress it. In God's truth, the true you is meant to glorify God, to love others and to reach beyond yourself. You cannot grow into the fullest expression of God's purpose for your life if you live in doubt or unrest or if you constantly undermine your gift by trying to copy other people's. Christ is the only patter we are to copy, and in copying Him, we will develop the gifts He instills in us personally, which are unique to only you. There is no other person on earth that can do what you do, the way that you do, because God only made one you. So look to Jesus and enjoy using the gifts He has given you to bless others and to bring glory to His name!

Follow Jesus Example

Every worker who follows the example of Christ will be prepared to receive and use the power that God has promised to His church for the ripening of earth's harvest. Morning by morning, as the heralds of the gospel kneel before the Lord and renew their vows of consecration to Him, He will grant them the presence of His Holy Spirit, with its reviving, sanctifying power. As they go forth to the day's duties, they have the assurance that the unseen agency of the Holy Spirit enables them to be 'laborers together with God." 1 Cor. 3:9; Gospel Workers 510, 511

Union With Christ

A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and last and best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is a union of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud being. All who who form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have change of heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There will be a struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of detachment, as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness--sin in all its forms--must be overcome, if we would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably ​​

​hard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is, they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from these cherished idols. After the union has been formed, it can be preserved only by earnest prayer and untiring effort. We must resist, we must deny, we must conquer self. Through the grace of Christ, by courage, by faith, by watchfulness, we may gain the victory. Messages to Young People 118

The Fragrance of Courtesy

The golden rule is the principle of true courtesy, and its truest illustration is seen in the life and character of Jesus. Oh, what rays of softness and beauty shone forth in the daily life of our Savior! What sweetness flowed from His very presence! The same spirit will be revealed in His children. Those with whom Christ dwells will be surrounded with a divine atmosphere. Their white robes of purity will be fragrant with perfume from the garden of the Lord. Their faces will reflect light from His, brightening the path for stumbling and weary feet." Adventist Home 424

Study Daniel and Revelation

When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart. The Lord will bless all who will seek humbly and meekly to understand that which is revealed in the Revelation. This book contains so much that is large with immortality and full of glory that all who read and search it earnestly receive the blessing to those "that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein." [Rev. 1:3] Testimonies to Ministers 114

Bowels of Mercy

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." Colossians 3:12-14
 In our dealings with one another we need to put on bowels of mercies. We need to have an inward affection towards others. Not something superficially generated but genuine from deep within. This is the result of loving God, knowing the value of a soul and being concerned about their interest. 

​When we forgive one another, our work is not ended, we need to rescue that person from the root problem that caused them to need forgiveness from you in the first place. Christ not only forgave, but He instructed sinners to go and sin no more, and we which are spiritual are to rescue those that are weak and overcome of Satan. Galatians 6:1-2 says, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2) Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of God." May the Lord help us to forgive others as He has and is still willing to forgive us.

Victory Through Watchfulness

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Make 14:38
Temptations may be all around you, yet you are safe as long as you do not enter into them. Many of us are overcome by Satan because we walk right into temptation. It is your business to keep aloof from everyone and everything which will have a tendency to lead you away from duty and divert your mind from God. If compelled to be in the society of those who are evil, you are not compelled to enter into or engage in their evil. You can, by prayer and watching, remain unsullied by the evil manifested about you. "Watch and pray" is an injunction often repeated in the Scriptures. In the lives of those who obey this injunction there will be an undercurrent of happiness that will bless all with whom they are brought in contact. Those who are sour and cross in disposition will become sweet and gentle; those who are proud will become meek and lowly.
  A man cannot be a happy Christian unless he is a watchful Christian. He who overcomes must watch; for with worldly entanglements, error, and 

​superstition, Satan strives to win Christ's followers from Him and to keep their minds employed with his devices. It is not enough that we avoid glaring dangers and perilous, inconsistent moves. We are to keep close to the side of Christ, walking in the path of self-denial and self-sacrifice. We are not to allow our spiritual perceptions to be blinded, as they often are, by a strong, determined will. And in order to detect the artifices of Satan and to withstand his unexpected attacks, we must have the grace of Christ and the impartation of His Spirit." -Our High Calling 132

Who and What Holds Your Affection

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2) Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1,2. 

During growth, sunflowers tilt during the day to follow and face the sun, but stop once they start blooming. This tracking is called heliotropism (sun turn). 

Are you growing in Christ? Just ask yourself, 'What am I following throughout the day? Am I turning to the Son of God or my cell phone, foolishness on television, the latest fashion, or sports commentary?'

​"When God's people take their eyes off the things of this world and place them on heaven and heavenly things they will be a peculiar people, because they will see the mercy and goodness and compassion that God has shown to the children of men. His love will call forth a response from them, and their lives will show to those around them that the Spirit of God is controlling them, that they are setting their affection on things above, not on the things of the earth." Maranatha 322

Walk the Walk Don't Just Talk the Talk

In your Christian experience there should be as much fruit as your profession. Let your walking do the talking. 

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
 James 1:22

Why Not Pray

"Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost  that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." Hebrews 7:25
  Jesus is praying for us, and is able to save to the uttermost, not merely from the uttermost, but unto the uttermost; unto entire completeness, absolute perfection, not merely because He died, but because He ever liveth. 
  Jesus is interceding to save you, so why not pray!

Trust God Anyway

At times a deep sense of our unworthiness will send a thrill of terror through the soul; but this is no evidence that God has changed toward us, or we toward God. No effort should be made to rein the mind up to a certain intensity of emotion. We may not feel today the peace and joy which we felt yesterday; but we should by faith grasp the hand of Christ, and trust Him as fully in the darkness as in the light." 
Review and Herald, May 3, 1881

He Makes All Things Beautiful

"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time..." Ecclesiastes 3:11
None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory. Desire of Ages 37
​Cast off the works of darkness and doubt, submit your will to God, allow Him to lift you up and reshape your character and  watch Him make you beautiful with His own glory.

The Little Things

"Life is chiefly made up, not of great sacrifices and wonderful achievements, but of little things. It is oftenest through the little things which seem so unworthy of notice that great good or evil is brought into our lives. It is through our failure to endure the tests that come to us in little things, that the habits are molded, the character misshaped; and when the greater tests come, they find us unready. Only by acting upon principle in the test of daily life can we acquire power to stand firm and faithful in the most dangerous and most difficult positions." Ministry of Healing 490
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You Mustn't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest! if you must-but never quit.

Life is queer, with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won if he'd stuck it out; Stick to your task, though the pace seems slow--You may succeed with one more blow.

Success is failure turned inside out--The silver tint of the clouds of doubt--And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems afar; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--It's when things seem worst that you MUSTN'T QUIT. --Author Unknown

Write the Vision and Make it Plain

Whenever the study of the Scriptures is entered upon without a prayerful, humble, teachable spirit, the plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be wrested from their true meaning...The Bible was designed to be a guide to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker. God gave to men the sure word of prophecy; angels and even Christ Himself came to make known to Daniel and John the things that must shortly come to pass. Those important matters that concern our salvation were not left involved in mystery. They were not revealed in such a way as to perplex and mislead the honest seeker after truth. Said the Lord by the prophet Habakkuk: "Write the vision, and make it plain...that he may run that readeth it." Habakkuk 2:2. The word of God is plain to all who study it with a 

prayerful heart. Every truly honest soul will come to the light of truth. "Light is sown for the righteous." Psalm 97:11. And no church can advance in holiness unless its members are earnestly seeking for truth as for hid treasure. -Darkness Before Dawn p. 7

The Christian Soldiers Strength

Christ has chosen us to be soldiers, and each one can be a "good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2:3, 4. We are in a warfare yet we have nothing to fear, because of what God is able to do for us.

• God is able to make all grace abound toward you. 2 Cor. 9:8
• He is able to succor them that are tempted. Heb. 2:18
• He "will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. 10:13
• He is able also to save them to the uttermost. Heb. 7:25

• Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us. Dan. 3:17
• He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. Phil. 3:21
• He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or thing. Eph. 3:20
• He "is able to keep you from falling, and to prevent your faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude 24
• He is able through "the word of His grace...to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Acts 20:32 

Jesus Christ and Me

Christ has no hands but our hands, To do His work today;
He has no feet but our feet, To lead men in His way;
He has not tongue but our tongues, To tell men how He died;
He has no help but our help, To bring them to His side.

We are the only Bible, The careless world will read;
We are the sinner's gospel, We are the scoffer's creed;
We are the Lord's last message, Written in deed and word.
What if the line is crooked? What if the type is blurred?

​What if our hands are busy, With other work than His?
What if our feet are walking, Where sin's allurement is?
What if our tongues are speaking, Of things His lips would spurn?
How can we hope to help Him, Unless from Him we learn?
​--Annie Johnson Flint

The Home Life

There are many who have given themselves to Christ, yet who see no opportunity of doing a large work or making great sacrifices in His Service. These may find comfort in the thought that it is not necessarily the martyr's self-surrender which is most acceptable to God; it may not be the missionary who has daily faced danger and death that stands highest in heaven's records. The Christian who is such in his private life, in the daily surrender of self, in sincerity of purpose and purity of thought, in meekness under provocation, in faith and piety, in fidelity in that which is least, the one who in the home life represents the character of Christ--such a one may in the sight of God be more precious that even the world renowned missionary or martyr. Christ Object Lessons 403

Five Things God Wants

In order to establish a relationship with God, there are five things God wants from you. God wants you to know Him. He made a way for you to do that by sending Jesus His Son to earth to take upon Himself all you had coming to you--which are the deserved consequences for your sins. But in exchange, Jesus gave you all He has coming to Him--the greatest of which is life with Him now and eternally with God (John 6:47). God wants you to receive His Holy Spirit. (John 14:16) Then God can communicate to you not only through His Word, but also through His Holy Spirit in you. God wants you to love Him. Understanding the depth of His love for you can only inspire you to love Him more. (Romans 5:8). God wants you to obey Him. (John 14:15). Once you ​

receive Jesus and the Holy Spirit dwells in you, you have the means by which you can obey Him in all things. God wants you to give your life to Him completely. (Phil. 2:11) When you hold on to your life by trying to maintain complete control over it, you will lose it. But when you give your life to the Lord and put it under His control, you will find the life God has for you. ​

The Great Business of Life

Religion must be made the great business of life. Everything else should be held subordinate to this. All our power of soul, body, and spirit must be engaged in the Christian warfare. We must look to Christ for strength and grace, and we shall gain the victory as surely as Jesus died for us." Review and Herald, May 3, 1881

Dietary Intemperance Weakens the Memory

The success of acquiring a good memory and a calm, uniform temper depends not upon circumstances, but very much upon the way in which the stomach is treated. If food is taken at any and every time it is desired, the organs of digestion are abused and man must pay the penalty. Nature will not suffer abuse without proclaiming it in disordered nerves and muscles and intellect. The gourmand--for this he may be called--who overloads his stomach should remember that the nerve power must be called upon to take care of the burden placed upon the stomach, and the brain is enfeebled in being deprived of the power necessary to strengthen the memory. 
10 Manuscript Release 299

Spiritual Revival and Reformation

God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation...A revival and a reformation must take place under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change of ideas, theories, habits, and practices...Revival and reformation are to do their appointed work. Special Testimony 1905