Precious Promises

This 's Promise 

LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. (Isa 26:12)  

         War! Its curse has been with us since the beginning. Indeed the origins of war go all the way back to Lucifer’s rebellion in heaven. From the very beginning the fact has been undeniable. Rebellion against God leads to war. When man fell and joined Lucifer in his rebellion, the seeds of that rebellion are born into each of us. With that fallen nature comes selfishness which leads to conflict and indeed war.

        Throughout time there have been men who have tried to bring peace to our fallen world but it has never lasted. The problem is in our very nature. But there is a solution. The Bible states that great peace have they who love God’s law. But how can we love a law that fights against our nature? The answer is seen in the promise above. God has ordained peace for us by promising to work inside us and change our characters. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)

         Our hope lies in the word and principle that war hates, surrender! We much each day surrender ourselves to our heavenly Father and His Son. Through the Spirit of Jesus working in our lives, the principles of our fallen nature will no longer rule us. True peace comes from being sanctified by Christ. 

“”True sanctification comes through the working out of the principle of love. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him." 1John 4:16. The life of him in whose heart Christ abides will reveal practical godliness. The character will be purified, elevated, ennobled, and glorified. Pure doctrine will blend with works of righteousness; heavenly precepts will mingle with holy practices.”  AA 560  

Soon war, pain, and death will pass away. The God who works this miracle in us will so bring peace back by creating a new earth for all who love Him and keep His law written upon their hearts. 

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Godis with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them,and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said,Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me,Write: for these words are true and faithful." (Rev 21:1-5)

Past Promise

Malachi 3:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.      

          As we recently watched the U.S. government struggle with the budget as the debt ceiling is again raised I began to think about the coming economic crisis that is soon to unfold on the U.S. and then the world. Government spending and debt is escalating out of control as the economy is spiraling down toward an inevitable depression and collapse.  As we see prices rising higher and higher, our personal budgets get tighter and tighter.   

        Some may be tempted to feel that in times like these that the request of God to pay our tithes and offerings is too much.  There just doesn’t seem to be enough money to make ends meet and still return to God what is His. It is times like these when we need to remember that the above text is also a promise. God promises, that if we are faithful, He will fulfill our needs and pour out a blessing upon us. It is in times like these that our faith is tested. If we can’t lay 10% on the altar now, how will we find the faith to lay all on the altar in the coming days as this earth’s history comes to a close?   

King David came to realize that God was more important to him than any gold or silver. God’s law and His directions must become precious to us. “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.” (Psalm 119:72) If we claim to be a child of God and yet withhold from Him our tithes and offerings, are we not robbing God? 

 “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings." Malachi 3:7, 8.  As the Giver of every blessing, God claims a certain portion of all we possess. This is His provision to sustain the preaching of the gospel. And by making this return to God, we are to show our appreciation of His gifts. But if we withhold from Him that which is His own, how can we claim His blessing? If we are unfaithful stewards of earthly things, how can we expect Him to entrust us with the things of heaven? It may be that here is the secret of unanswered prayer.   

 But the Lord in His great mercy is ready to forgive, and He says, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, . . . if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field. . . . And all nations shall call you blessed; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts." Malachi 3:10-12.”  

So in this time of economic uncertainty and worry, place you faith in God and return what is His. He will meet your needs and your faith will be strengthened. God places the challenge before you now. “Prove me”, says the Lord of Hosts!    

Past Promise

Micah 7:18-19 - Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

    This week as I pondered the blessings that the Father and Son have given to me and my family, I am again amazed at the love of God. I look at the times I fail them both and still their mercies and love are poured out in spite of my shortcomings. We, as the church and as God’s individual children, have been blessed with such an outpouring of love and truth. Yet how often have we failed to allow Jesus to abide in our hearts so that His love can shine out for the world to see.  

        My thoughts go back to King David who in spite of God’s amazing love and blessings fell so low as to commit adultery with another man’s wife and then murder the man to try and cover his sin. Yet because of his humble spirit of contrition and repentance, God still loved and blessed King David although he was not totally sheltered from the effects of his sin.  

        We, like David, have all fallen short of what God would have us to be and like David we may have to suffer the consequences of our choices. But God still loves us and promises to have mercy on us and to cast our sins into the depths of the sea. We only need come to God in true humility and ask God to forgive us. Even more, God promises to subdue our sins and give us true victory over them. What an amazing promise.  

        “We are privileged to see Jesus as he is, to know him as One who is full of compassion, courteousness, and divine politeness. He is good and merciful, and will forgive our sins. Of him it is written, "Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." We should cherish love and gratitude, we should look unto Jesus, and become transformed into his image. The result of this will be increased confidence, hope, patience, and courage.” Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers -- No. 3 page 58 (1895) Do we not all need and want that in our lives today? Look to Jesus and live, for why should we die oh house of Israel!  

Psalm 9:9 – The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.         

Does it seem that everything about us shows that trouble is quickly coming upon our world? Perhaps everything is ok for you right now. But what if it’s not ok tomorrow? Some of you may even now feel distressed or burdened down with the cares of this life. 

With the economy in trouble and the world in turmoil you cannot know for certainty that things will be ok tomorrow. You may wake up and find that what you thought was secure is no longer secure or even gone. What if your money becomes worthless and food and gas have become so expensive or rare that you can no longer get them? What if war and strife threaten everything you have? What if panic seizes everyone and society breaks down? What will you do then?      

 For all who will face these inevitable events as we near the end of this earth’s history, there is an answer. There is a place to go and hide. There is place of safety for those who are oppressed and scared. Those who choose to go there will be protected and provided for.      

What’s best is that it isn’t somewhere far away. It’s not a place that is hard to find.  It’s readily accessible to every man, woman, and child on this earth. It’s in the arms of God that we can find this refuge. As we learn to trust God and lean into His everlasting arms of love, we find a place to hide, a place of refuge in times of trouble. This place is ruled by our Heavenly Father with love and is provided for each of us through His Son Jesus. Together they can hide you securely in their bountiful love and grace. Nothing can separate you from them or force you from this place of safety.   

 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39     

 Even now They wait for you with open arms. So do not fear for tomorrow. Find your refuge and strength in the arms of God.    

Past Promise  

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  

Have you ever been physically tired before? I am sure each of us at some point has been totally exhausted. Sometimes that exhaustion is so profound that you just can’t seem to get even one foot in front of the other. There are other types of exhaustion, too, such as spiritual or emotional exhaustion. Does your life feel like it is draining the last of your strength away physically, emotionally and/or spiritually? Do you feel like you just can’t take one more problem?  Has family or work problems drained you so emotionally dry that you feel like giving up?  If so, I have good news for you. There is an answer. Jesus who lived and died for you has an answer for you.  

6000 years ago God set up a system when we were created to ensure that we would never become exhausted. After creating this world and humanity in six days, He rested on the seventh day and hallowed that day for us. By His presence with us we were to be refreshed spiritually, emotionally, and physically in that sacred time.   

 But we rebelled against God and lost that communion with Him. Yes, we have forgotten that great cure for exhaustion. But Jesus came and through His life He has made it possible for us to come back into that blessed communion with Him. He promises that if we come to Him that He will restore to us this rest. If you accept Him as your personal Savior, He will heal your exhaustion and give you that rest that you need. You can lay your physical, spiritual, and emotional worries upon Him who cares for you and He will be your source of strength and healing. How has He done this?   

 He has blessed us each with His Sabbath day. Every seventh day He infuses Himself into that time, thus making it holy.  We are able to rest in His fully healing presence and get to know Him better and better. Every seventh day He sets aside that Saturday as a special time just for you and Him.   

 “To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight.  While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (DA 289)   So bask in His free Sabbath healing love!    

 Past Promise

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  

In today’s world filled with sin, sorrow, and pain, Satan seeks to leave you feeling lost and alone. Filled with despondency and feeling utterly by yourself you can drift along with nothing but hopelessness and despair as your only companions. But you are not alone. There are two very different companions that are also with you and seek to reach out in love to you.   

You may not have known that they were there but, nevertheless, they have been since the beginning. There is a loving heavenly Father and His Son who see everything that you are going through. They are walking with you all along life’s journey feeling your pain and loneliness, and they are longing to reach out and comfort you. They love you beyond what you can comprehend. Their love for you is so deep that the Son gave Himself for you to rescue you from the grasp of the world with its sin, pain, and misery.   

Your heavenly Father loves you so much that He was willing to let His only Son suffer beyond what you can ever understand and then die so that they together could reach down to rescue and comfort you. Your heavenly Father did not send His Son to condemn you but to make it possible for Him to wrap His arms of love around you once again. He sent His Son so that through Jesus you might be reconciled back to Him and so He can take you to heaven to be with them.  

Together they know how you feel. Since they created you they know just how to fill that emptiness and loneliness you feel inside and how to fill you with joy and peace. Soon they will be coming back to take all who will accept them to live with them in heaven. There you will never feel sorrow, depression, or loneliness again.  

It is because of this everlasting love that Jesus came to die for you. It is in the gift of His son that the Father revealed His great love for you. “But this great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the Father's heart a love for man, not to make Him willing to save. No, no! "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son." (Steps to Christ, pg 13)  Yes, your heavenly Father and His Son love you beyond all that you can dream or hope for. Reach out and accept their hands. They are reaching out for you today!     

Past Promise 

 Jude 1:24-25 - Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.   

As you read the Bible and learn how much God loves you, do you ever feel overwhelmed by what Jesus did for you? When you see  how much your heavenly Father gave in the sacrifice of His Son, and how much Jesus loved you in giving up His life for you, do you find yourself frustrated that you just can’t seem to show it in your life as you should? You know Jesus says to us that if we love Him we should keep His commandments. Yet as hard as you try, you just can’t seem to keep from tripping and falling from time to time.    

 Guess what?  You are not alone. It has happened to all of us. We all have fallen and come short of the glory filled life which God would have us to live. In the above promise, we find good news. It is not in our strength that we overcome sin. Yes, we must choose to follow God when each temptation comes, but it is His strength that will give us the victory. It is Jesus who is able to keep you from sinning and it is Jesus that will present you sinless to our heavenly Father. The problem occurs when we try to walk on our own using our own strength. The key is in giving your heart completely to Jesus each and every day.    

 "All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.”  DA 668  

So don’t give up. Next time you fall, remember that Jesus holds the victory for you. So concerning victory from sin, “these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1)  

So, if you haven’t done so, why not give your heart to him today and then start each day the same!  He will not fail to complete the good work in you and present your faultless to His Father. You only have to believe.  

Past Promise 

Psalm 51:6 - Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 

   Have you ever wished that you were a wiser individual? You know what I mean, to be wise enough to know how to figure out those problems that just seem a little too hard for you. You may see others around you and think to yourself, I sure wish I could be as wise as they are. Of course there is nothing wrong with wanting to be wise. In fact, the Bible tells us about a young king who also faced some big problems and prayed just for that kind of wisdom.

His name was King Solomon. He knew that he needed wisdom to know just how to run an entire kingdom. So he prayed to God and asked for wisdom. Because he was humble and put his faith in God, he was granted his request and became the wisest man who ever lived. I wish I could end the story there, but unfortunately I can’t. In order to stay humble he needed to walk daily with God. But he did not stay faithful and here is what happened.  

He lost his humility to God and became proud and full of self. If you look at his life after that, he made a lot of foolish choices. He lost his ability to choose wisely when he chose not to walk humbly with God each and every day.  

You know, the above text promises us that if we desire the truth of God to be inside us, if we let God write His law on the tablets of our heart, He has promised to make us to know wisdom. God has promised that we also will be wise if we walk daily with Him.  But like we saw above, if we take our eyes off of Jesus, our wisdom will fail just as assuredly as did King Solomon’s.  

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the man who consents to be molded and fashioned after the divine similitude is the noblest specimen of the work of God. . .” HP 141  

Past Promise 

Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.   

         I would like to tell you a story of a young United States Army lieutenant named Philip Nolan who developed a friendship with a man named Aaron Burr. I will not go into details but together they committed treason against the United States. During his testimony, Nolan bitterly renounced his nation, and angrily shouted "I wish I may never hear of the United States again!" He was granted his request and was sentenced to spend the rest of his life on a ship at sea never to see or hear of his country or home again.  He spent the rest of his life on the sea never setting foot on land again. No other country would have him and he died a man without a home or country.    

Long ago mankind did the same thing. We became friends with the enemy of our Creator and thus, in an act of treason against God, lost our home. We were sentenced to die a people without an eternal home. But unlike Mr. Nolan, we have a different fate available to us if we choose. We must die, for the wages of sin is death, but we can choose to die in Jesus. He came and became death for us so that He could also become life for us.    

You see, when Adam sinned he sold this world and all of us with it into slavery. The world was no longer ours. But Jesus and His Father worked together to save us. Jesus became human and then died to pay for our sins. He bought back this earth and its fallen race. For those of us who will choose to die in Jesus, He gives back to us the eternal life and home that we forfeited. This is what led Paul to write that he was crucified and Christ and yet was still alive by faith in Jesus.   

“The life of Christ is to be carefully meditated upon, and to be constantly studied with a desire to understand the reason He had to come at all. We can form our conclusions only by searching the Scriptures as Christ has enjoined upon us to do, for He says, “They . . . testify of me.” We may find, by searching the Word, the virtues of obedience in contrast with the sinfulness of disobedience. “As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” CTr 24 .  

Past Promise 

Romans 8:38-39 -  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  

Have you ever felt alone, really alone, when trials or difficulties come into your life? If you have, then you know how hopeless you can feel. There was once a woman name Amelia Earhart who was well known for her flying skills and achievements. Among her many accomplishments were to be to receive the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross and to be the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.   

            When she was 32, a man named George fell in love with her and soon they were married. All was well until 1937 when she attempted to fly around the world. During her attempt, she left New Guinea on July 2nd and was never seen again. Her husband organized search efforts and even convinced the U.S. navy to help but it was in vain. The love of his life was gone. How alone and painful it must have been for him.  

            But you never have to feel alone. No matter what happens in your life, God loves you deeply and will never leave you or forsake you. When you’re going through life’s hardest moments, you’re heavenly Father and His Son are always there with love that never waivers. God loves you so much that He gave His only son for you. Jesus, who gave his life for you, walked that lonely road to Calvary with you on his mind. He understands what you are going through.  

            “Put your entire trust in Jesus. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He says, I have graven you upon the palms of My hands…. Just let the peace of Christ come into your soul. Be true in your trust because He is true to His promise.” 2SM 254  

            So whatever trial you find yourself in, you are never alone. Put your trust in your forever friends and one day when your life is finally over,  even death will not be able to separate you from them or their love.  

Past Promise

1 John 1:3 - That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 

Friendship – it is such a precious thing. Though many of us may take it for granted, it is priceless just the same. Have you ever known someone who you thought was your friend only to have them abandon you just when you needed them the most? A good and reliable friend is hard to find. The Roman philosopher Cicero believed that in order to have a true friendship with someone, one must have complete honesty, truth, and trust. An unknown author once wrote “"Friendship is when someone knows all about you but likes you anyway.”We can be pretty unlovable sometimes and that is why when you find true friends and have fellowship with them it is so priceless. 

Many feel so alone. I was reading a note just today from a lonely individual writing on a website. They stated that they felt totally alone and that perhaps some people were meant to never have a true friend in life. I believe that in this world, where sin reigns and love of self is the rule, if you find one true friend that will stick with you to the end you are extremely fortunate. But we do not have to be lonely. There is a heavenly Father and His Son who both love you supremely and wants to spend time with you. But when mankind rebelled against that love we became separated from them and lost their fellowship.  

But God gave up His Son who willingly died for us so that we might have that fellowship with them again. Now our heavenly Father’s spirit brings His and His Sons presence into our lives once again. All we have to do is ask. Thereafter we are never alone. Then those who have fellowship with God will find that they can be friends to each other as well. Jesus is coming soon with His Father and will then take His friends home to be with them. 

I urge you to prepare for the coming of Christ in the clouds of heaven. Day by day He will cast the love of the world out of your hearts. Understand by experience what it means to have fellowship with Christ. In time Christ and His character shall come to be admired in all those that believe in Him. By choosing Their friendship you may be among those who will be ready to meet Them in peace when they return. In that day the redeemed will shine forth in the glory of the Father and the Son!

Previous Promise

Mt. 28:20 … lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.   

         As we see the final events unfolding before us, and see the evil and wretchedness of humanity coming to fruition, it can seem overwhelming at times.  Look at the events unfolding in the world and the church. Earthquakes and natural disasters are occurring at an unprecedented rate. The Middle East is melting down as political unrest and violence threaten to consume it and the world with it. Social upheaval is spreading and threatening the United States. Financial ruin is just on the horizon for entire nations and is even threatening the world. Within Christ’s remnant church our heavenly Father and His only begotten Son are being attacked with doctrines that deny the Father and the Son and prevent the outpouring of Christ’s Spirit.  

         But take heart! In our text this week Christ promises to be with us always even to the end of the world. In John chapter fourteen He promises to return to us and be our Comforter during these last trying hours. So do not be discouraged or afraid for you never need walk alone.   

         “Christ tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, and the Comforter is the Holy Ghost, "the Spirit of truth, which the Father shall send in My name." "I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" [John 14:16, 17]. This refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ, called the Comforter.” 14MR 179.  

         So, take comfort my friend and receive strength from our heavenly Father’s gift. Yes, His gift is His Son’s omnipresent Spirit. Together they will fill you with their presence and walk with you through this last spiritual night into the dawning rays of the everlasting day. Cling to Jesus’s promise of John 14:8 where Christ assures us “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” 

Previous Promise

Psalm 13: 1-6 - How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? … Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.  

There are many of us, in this life, that face pain, trials and troubles that no one else can understand. Day after day we try to hide our agony and loneliness behind courteous smiles and practiced responses. We put up a stiff lip and try not to share our weakness and the insidious fear that consumes us. Time goes by as inside we suffer day by day alone. Many of us open up to those who are closest to us, thinking that they will understand, only to find that they quickly tire of our grievous burdens. In the end we find that others simply cannot understand and we are left to tread the winepress of sorrow and suffering alone.  

When we finally find our bodies, hearts and souls completely engulfed with trials and sufferings of this life, our enemies within often threaten to overwhelm us.  In this loneliness we may even be tempted to feel that God has forsaken us as well. That is why suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in our country. In 2006, the total number of suicide deaths was 33,300. It was the 7th leading cause of death for males, and 16th leading cause of death for females. Suicide was the third leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. Overwhelmed, many feel so alone that death is preferable to life.  

Even King David felt alone and overwhelmed at times. In his words above we find that his only solace was in the Lord lest in his despair he should sleep the sleep of death. In this way he was able to sing unto the LORD instead of desiring death. It was in inspiration that the following words were written.  “Keep cheerful. Do not forget that you have a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which Christ has appointed. You are never alone. If you will listen to the voice that now speaks to you, if you will respond without delay to the knocking at the door of your heart, "Come in, Lord Jesus, that I may sup with Thee, and Thee with me," the heavenly Guest will enter. When this element, which is all divine, abides with you, there is peace and rest.”  AH 350  It is not wrong to need comforting and to feel loved. That is why Jesus promises to be a Comforter to us and fill us with His love.  

Paul knew how important that love of Jesus living in the heart would be to the lonely and suffering. That is why he wrote “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39  

When that peace and love enters your heart, let that love of Jesus shine out to those around you who are hurting and need God’s amazing balm of nonjudgmental love. Often we are tempted to look at someone, who is hurting or dying within, through human eyes. We may deny their pain, or think that they should not feel the way they do. Worse, we may believe that they deserve what is happening to them. Remember the words “The harlot, the liar, the murderer, are all short of [God’s glory]; but so are you. Perhaps they stand at the bottom of a mine, and you on the crest of an Alp; but you are as little able to touch the stars as they.” Bishop Moule, in Stott, Romans, p.109.  We all must live in the light of the Father and Son’s glorious love!  

  “In the contemplation of Christ we linger on the shore of a love that is measureless. We endeavor to tell of this love, and language fails us. We consider His life on earth, His sacrifice for us, His work in heaven as our advocate, and the mansions He is preparing for those who love Him, and we can only exclaim, O the height and depth of the love of Christ! "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." 1 John 4:10; 3:1. In every true disciple this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Christ. It is on the earth that His children are to reflect this love … Thus sinners will be led to the cross to behold the Lamb of God.” AA 334  

Why not allow His love to shine out of your heart this week? You may never know, this side of heaven, the hope you gave to a weary, lonely soul. If you are one who is suffering and your heart is broken and alone, behold Jesus who stands at the door of your heart. What do you have to lose? Open the door!  

Privious Promise

Psalm 103:15-17 - As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;   

I read a story this morning. One winter’s night, a woman's husband died, and on that next clear cold morning, in the warmth of their bedroom, the wife was struck with the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't "anymore". No more hugs, no more special moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to chat, no more "just one minute”. Sometimes, what we care about the most gets all used up and goes away, never to return before we can say “good-bye”, or even say "I love you."  

As I thought about this, I thought how meaningless life would be without the blessed hope we have in Jesus. As the text above shows, God took mercy on us and reached out through Jesus to lift fallen man from eternal death. He did not have to help us but because of our heavenly Father’s great love for us, He sent His only begotten Son to take our place. He then gave us the instructions we needed to know on how to accept this gift. He did not write it or send it in a way it could be lost. Oh no, He spoke it to us by His own voice. “ … behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”(Matthew 17:5) In His great love for us, our heavenly Father spoke it directly to us.  

If we follow His instructions and will listen to Jesus, we will hear Him saying, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”(John 17:3) I am thankful that I have assurance of eternal life.  If I die, I will someday be reunited with the love of my life, my wife, who also loves and believes the God in whom I trust. I never cease to be amazed that They not only love and saved us, but that they want to know us and to have us know them.If you haven’t met your heavenly Father yet, why not meet Him today. Through His Son, He even now stands knocking at the door of your heart. Why not open the door and humbly say good    Lord! Please come in to my heart! Then go about your    sharing Him with those you love while they are still with you.

Previous Promise

Mat 25:34  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  This week I am going to break the rules and just post a quote. I could not have said it better even if I had tried. “Zeal for God and His cause moved the disciples to bear witness to the gospel with mighty power. Should not a like zeal fire our hearts with a determination to tell the story of redeeming love, of Christ and Him crucified? It is the privilege of every Christian, not only to look for, but to hasten the coming of the Saviour.

      If the church will put on the robe of Christ's righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance with the world, there is before her the dawn of a bright and glorious day. God's promise to her will stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Truth, passing by those who despise and reject it, will triumph. Although at times apparently retarded, its progress has never been checked. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force, that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with divine energy, it will cut its way through the strongest barriers and triumph over every obstacle. 

     What sustained the Son of God during His life of toil and sacrifice? He saw the results of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. Looking into eternity, He beheld the happiness of those who through His humiliation had received pardon and everlasting life. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

     We may have a vision of the future, the blessedness of heaven. In the Bible are revealed visions of the future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these are dear to His church. By faith we may stand on the threshold of the eternal city, and hear the gracious welcome given to those who in this life co-operate with Christ, regarding it as an honor to suffer for His sake. As the words are spoken, "Come, ye blessed of My Father," they cast their crowns at the feet of the Redeemer, exclaiming, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. . . . Honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Matthew 25:34; Revelation 5:12, 13.  {AA 600-1} 

Proverbs 8:30-31 - Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.     

As I read this promise this week, I began to see it in its true beauty.  In the eons of reality that existed before the time of our universe, the Father Jehovah was once alone. What He did in those other realities we do not know.  But in His eternal existence, a point came where He no longer wanted to be alone. So He begot a Son, born of His very substance. His Son inherited His very Father’s glory and godhood both in substance and authority.   

          The scripture states that Christ was brought up as one who was always His Father’s delight.  As the eons of time progressed, the love must have grown to be beyond measure. Then, in a collaborative effort, God through His Son created our universe and everything in it. Even our time as we know it was created by them.  As this earth was formed by the word of God, the Son found His delight in the sons of men. But Satan, by deceiving man, destroyed that relationship. The Father and Son were heartbroken and their love could not leave us to die. God so loved us that He willingly gave His beloved Son to die for us. 

          Christ’s delight with us did not diminish with our rebellion but could only offer to redeem us with His very life.  This is what it means when it states that His delight was with the sons of men.  It is a love we cannot comprehend but can only accept in deep heartfelt thanks. We are not mere created beings that God threw onto a planet to occupy it. We are the children of the eternal Father and His Son and we are individually loved as the very created children of God.  Think about that. Though we have rebelled and each of us has spit in His face by our rebellion, His love is unfalteringly reaching out to save us.  

          “Let us trust fully, humbly, unselfishly, in God. We are his children, and he deals with us as such. When we draw near to him, and renew our covenant with him, he mercifully preserves us from the assaults of the enemy. Never will he betray one who trusts in him as a child trusts in its parents. He sees the humble, trusting souls drawing near to him, and in pity and love he draws near to them, and lifts up for them a standard against the enemy. Touch them not, he says; for they are mine. I have graven them upon the palms of my hands. He teaches them to exercise unquestioning faith in his power to work in their behalf. With assurance they say, "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."  Review and Herald – April 25, 1907  

John 6:44 – “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

                Today Christians around the world have joined their voices together in declaring the love of Jesus.  They prominently display the cross and declare the great love that was demonstrated upon that rugged piece of timber. This message, that is true, and its significance should become a reality in our lives.  Jesus is the bread of life. His presence in our heart becomes a spring of living water welling up within us unto eternal life. But how do we come to Jesus that we might have this eternal life? 

                   What is the truth that will draw us to Jesus? Many in the world say it was His death for us that draws us to Him. Others say that was His amazing life and the wonderful examples of the love He demonstrated while here on earth. Many quote the text that says it is because Jesus was lifted up on the cross that we are drawn to Him.  The truth is that none of these things will draw a worldly man to Jesus. Paul tells us in1 Corinthians 2:14 that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  He states in 1Corinthians 1:18 that “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 

                   In this week’s promise we see that without the power of the Father, there is not anything that Jesus says or does that can pull us to Him. It is the power of our heavenly Father working in our hearts that draws us to His Son so that we might have eternal life.  “God” (the Father) “is a Spirit …”(John 4:24) and it is our heavenly Father that brings the very desire for His Son into our lives. Then Jesus, abiding in our hearts, writes His Father’s law upon it and restores us back to His Father.  “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2Corinthians 5:18-19. 

                   In this we should clearly see the great love that our heavenly Father has for us and how it is He and His Son that are actively working for our salvation. It is in that realization that Jesus tells us that “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”  John 14:23.  This is why we should each make sure that none of us sin against this working of our heavenly Father’s Spirit lest the very desire for the true Son of God in our heart and lives be removed forever. If we sin this sin then there can be no forgiveness. The real Christ will ever be a stranger to us.   

                   “There is health and heaven for the soul in abiding under the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness; for thus shall we be uplifted from the low, dark cares of the earth, which bring depression and gloom, to dwell in the light that is above and beyond them. Righteousness is the possession of increasing usefulness. It is the hiding of the soul in Christ with God. It is experiencing fellowship with God. It is exemplifying to the world the fact that God has vindicated his word to the world, and has fulfilled his promise in saying, "We will come and make our abode with him."” Signs of the Times, Sept 5, 1895 

“Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.” Exodus 15:13,17

          As the final seconds of earth’s history tick away, God’s remnant people will become more and more reliant upon our heavenly Father. Even now we see increase in natural disasters, economic turmoil, and political unrest. There has been a lull in much of the world’s strife and a brief moment in time that God has given many of us to work in His vineyard but the moment is fast passing away. Those who continue to proclaim that we are living in a time of peace and safety will soon find that sudden destruction is upon them. Soon the angels of God will release the four winds of strife upon our planet. Peacetime and security will soon be swept away.

 October the 22nd of this year will mark the 167th anniversary of when Christ, the Son of God (and our High Priest), moved into the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary to finish the atoning work in our salvation. This date was signaled by the end of the 2300 year prophecy of Daniel 8:14. Now those who accept God’s Son and His ministry must join Him spiritually in that most holy place. Those who cling to tradition and false doctrines of men cannot join Him there. We, His remnant, must cling to the truths given to us as a people during those early advent years.

    “Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apostles, none have been more free from human imperfection and the wiles of Satan than was that of the autumn of 1844. Even now, after the lapse of nearly half a century, all who shared in that movement and who have stood firm upon the platform of truth, still feel the holy influence of that blessed work, and bear witness that it was of God.” GC (1888) pg. 401. Only in those precious truths concerning the sanctuary and the nature of God and His Son is there any hope. In the most holy place of the sanctuary Jesus will finish His work by writing His law on our hearts.

“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Jeremiah 31:31-33

It is now, in the most holy place, that Jesus is sanctifying His people. In our promise this week, we see that it is not by our power but by Christ’s great ministry and His amazing mercy that this work is done. If we will but submit ourselves to Him, He will plant us in our heritage and establish us in His sanctuary. So have faith and claim the promise given above. Follow your Savior into the most holy place. Each morning let us pray to God saying, “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” Psalms 77:12-13