Friday Nights

[BlessedMan]

This thread will contain a thought for the Sabbath, every Friday night! A Scripture verse, a pertinent quote, and a photograph, all geared to give insight and inspiration for God's Holy Day. It is NOT a debate thread of any kind. Strictly devotional please:

"If you turn your foot away because of the Sabbath, from doing what you please on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, to the holiness of YAHWEH, glorified; and shall glorify Him, to the holiness of not doing your own ways, from finding your own pleasure or speaking your own words" 

First one will start tomorrow night.

 

 

 

 

[BlessedMan]

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I will always guide you. I will satisfy your needs in a land that is baked by the sun. I will make you stronger. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water. You will be like a spring whose water never runs dry. (Isa 58:11, NiRV)

Isaiah 58:1-14
THE FAST THAT GOD HAS CHOSEN

The divorce between outward rites and inward piety has been the curse of every age. When the Pharisees were plotting our Lord’s death, they refused to enter Pilate’s hall. Not the bowed head, but the broken heart; not the sackcloth and ashes of the flesh, but the contrition of the soul!

Notice the three paragraphs descriptive of the experiences of the devout and consecrated soul:

(1.) The conditions of blessedness, Isa 58:6-7.

(2.) The successive items which go to make a blessed life, Isa 58:8-12.

(3.) The true Sabbath-keeping, Isa 58:13-14. Primarily, it is inward, not outward. Let us be on our watch against the entrance into our hearts of all thoughts that would break the holy inward calm. Remember to imitate Nehemiah’s instructions: Neh 13:16-22. Let the divine peace rule within and be as a sentinel keeping the outward gate, Col 3:15; Phil 4:7. Cease to follow your own ways, or find your own pleasures, or speak your own words. Delight yourself in God; so shall you sit with Christ in heavenly places and feed at the heavenly table.
(taken from FB Meyer Bible Commentary)

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Isa 58:11 (HRB) And YAHWEH shall always guide you, and satisfy your soul in dry places, and make strong your bones. And you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.

 

[BlessedMan]

I didn't forget about this. Forgot to mention, some weeks it will end up being Saturday nights.

[BlessedMan]

The Rose Of Sharon

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"I am like a rose on the coast of Sharon. I'm like a lily in the valleys." The king says," (Song 2:1, NiRV)

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I am the rose of Sharon - Sharon was a very fruitful place, where David’s cattle were fed, 1 Chron 27:29. It is mentioned as a place of excellence, Isa 35:2, and as a place of flocks, Isa 65:10, Perhaps it would be better, with almost all the versions, to translate, “I am the rose of the field.” The bridegroom had just before called her fair; she with a becoming modesty, represents her beauty as nothing extraordinary, and compares herself to a common flower of the field. This, in the warmth of his affection, he denies, insisting that she as much surpasses all other maidens as the flower of the lily does the bramble,
(Song 2:2) - taken from Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

 

[stinsonmarri]

On 10/26/2019 at 4:30 PM, BlessedMan said:

I didn't forget about this. Forgot to mention, some weeks it will end up being Saturday nights.

??

[BlessedMan]

And she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones: and when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. (1 Kings 10:2)

Quote

On fast trains the tickets are usually examined at the stations.  {HS 167.3}

 

 

Quote

The English engine is a plain, homely-looking affair, without polish or ornament. There is no bell, no immense cow-catcher, no great head-light. These things are not necessary, because the track is thoroughly protected either by high walls or by strong fences or hedges, and all the road-crossings, foot-paths, and intersecting lines are generally built above or below the grade. Where they are not thus built, trustworthy persons are employed to guard the crossing, and at a certain signal to close the entrance to the track, either by gates, bars, or chains. Accidents rarely occur; but when one does, the laws are very severe on the railroad company.  {HS 168.1}

Sheba, to the Jewish mind, was at the ends of the earth, Mat_12:42. It probably lay in southern Arabia, fifteen hundred miles from Jerusalem. The queen brought munificent presents of spices, gold, precious stones, and sweet-scented wood. The last-named Solomon used for musical instruments and for stairs in his Temple and palace, 2Ch_9:11. But the queen’s heart was set on plying him with hard questions, for which she had sought in vain a satisfactory solution.

We may come to “a greater than Solomon,” Mat_12:42. Our native country may lie far away, but He will receive us, and give us the right to live forever in His palace, listening to His words and beholding His face. Let us bring Him, as our gifts, the faith, love, and loyalty of our hearts. Above all, let us lay before Him our perplexities and questions. He may not immediately reveal an answer, as Solomon did, but will put His Spirit into our hearts. And having the anointing of the Spirit, we shall know all things, 1Jn_2:27. Though the mind cannot grasp, the heart will be at rest. The Bible, as someone says, does not teach us philosophy, but makes us philosophers. Be sure to obtain and use your share of His royal bounty. (F.B. Meyer Bible Commentary).

Edited November 9, 2019 by BlessedMan

[BlessedMan]

Light In The Spiritual Clouds

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"Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need. God's kingdom belongs to them." (Mat 5:3, ERV).

The eagle of the Alps is sometimes beaten down by the tempest into the narrow defiles of the mountains. Storm clouds shut in this mighty bird of the forest, their dark masses separating her from the sunny heights where she has made her home. Her efforts to escape seem fruitless. She dashes to and fro, beating the air with her strong wings, and waking the mountain echoes with her cries. At length, with a note of triumph, she darts upward, and, piercing the clouds, is once more in the clear sunlight, with the darkness and tempest far beneath. So we may be surrounded with difficulties, discouragement, and darkness. Falsehood, calamity, injustice, shut us in. There are clouds that we cannot dispel. We battle with circumstances in vain. There is one, and but one, way of escape. The mists and fogs cling to the earth; beyond the clouds God's light is shining. Into the sunlight of His presence we may rise on the wings of faith.  {Ed 118.2}

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Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12.

The powers of darkness gather about the soul and shut Jesus from our sight, and at times we can only wait in sorrow and amazement until the cloud passes over. These seasons are sometimes terrible. Hope seems to fail, and despair seizes upon us. In these dreadful hours we must learn to trust, to depend solely upon the merits of the atonement, and in all our helpless unworthiness cast ourselves upon the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. We shall never perish while we do this--never! When light shines on our pathway, it is no great thing to be strong in the strength of grace. But to wait patiently in hope when clouds envelop us and all is dark, requires faith and submission which causes our will to be swallowed up in the will of God. We are too quickly discouraged, and earnestly cry for the trial to be removed from us, when we should plead for patience to endure and grace to overcome.
 
Those who turn to God with heart and soul and mind will find in Him peaceful security. . . . He knows just what we need, just what we can bear, and He will give us grace to endure every trial and test that He brings upon us. My constant prayer is for greater nearness to God.

 

[BlessedMan]

How Do "Feelings" Mix With Faith?

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So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts." (Isa 6:5, NKJV)

the High and Holy One

The Bible offers some very interesting context for the opening text above. We are told, in Isa 6:1 that at a time when the prophet was mourning the loss of King Uzziah; that he “saw The Lord...” In fact, verse 4 (Isa 6:4) tells us that the very posts of the door in the Temple where Isa “saw The Lord” were shaken. Evidently, Isaiah was also very shaken too. Isa 6:5 informs us that Isa said “...woe is me,” when He saw The Lord.

BUT, how can this be? How can anyone feel like that after literally seeing God?

As the prophet Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he was amazed, and, overwhelmed with a sense of his own weakness and unworthiness, he cried, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.

In his role of “prophet,” Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself as exposed to the very same condemnation he had pronounced upon other people. Isaiah had become somewhat conceited and self-satisfied because of “his” ministry; and he had been satisfied with a cold, lifeless formal ceremony in his worship of God.

Isaiah had not known this until the vision was given him of the Lord. How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the sacredness and majesty of the Lord, in His heavenly sanctuary. How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service! His view of himself might also be expressed in the language of the apostle Paul: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:24, KJV).

At his point of greatest despair; relief was sent to Isaiah in his distress:

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"There was a fire on the altar. One of the Seraph angels used a pair of tongs to take a hot coal from the fire. Then the angel flew to me with it in his hand. Then he touched my mouth with the hot coal and said, "When this hot coal touched your lips, your guilt was taken away, and your sins were erased." (Isa 6:6-7, ERV).

There are times when “life” just gets to us. Our feelings and emotions can be over-powering, and make it seem as though we are completely lost, or “undone” as the prophet said. In one book I have been reading the author stated the following:

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“I coveted death as a release from the responsibilities that were crowding upon me. At length the sweet peace I had so long enjoyed left me, and despair again pressed upon my soul. My prayers all seemed vain, and my faith was gone. Words of comfort, reproof, or encouragement were alike to me; for it seemed that no one could understand me but God, and He had forsaken me.” 1T.063.003

Have you ever been so tired, so over-whelmed, that even words of encouragement seemed to just sting the same as words of condemnation? I think it would be safe to assume, that it does happen, and more than we might care to think. It is common to be told that our feelings have no place in the Christian life and experience in the life of “modern” believers, enlightened, supposedly so much more than people from the past. But it also seems like most of the Bible characters also struggled with their feelings and emotions too. It seems to me that these thoughts and feelings all give us some very negative feed back and state as “truth” things that are really just in our minds. Whats in God’s mind is different.

Is there a difference between Bible principles and feelings? How far can we trust our feelings? It would seem that a “feeling” is something in our mind; and a Bible principle is something in God’s mind. So, based on that initial premise: Yes. There is a difference between the two. But the Bible doesn’t really condemn anyone for their feelings and emotions; rather, it seems to be the opposite of that.

It is certainly not wrong to have “feelings” about something; even about “Bible Principles.” But, the Bible principles are there to tell us what to do with those “feelings.” The feelings being our mind, and the Bible being God’s mind.

The following poem illustrates this fact very well. I copied this out of the back of an old man’s Bible whom I used to look after during my nursing career. My faith was quite shaken one evening when I had gone into the nursing home for a night shift. I had strong feelings of bitterness over some supposed wrongs, and was despairing of my life ever getting sorted out again.

As I stood at the bedside of this dying man, trying to concentrate on the conversation at hand, the very tired-looking old fellow started talking to me in a very animated way about some verse in the Bible. It was amazing the way he lit up and started talking to me about it; and he even made me get his Bible from the bed side table to read the text for him, (and for me too I imagine), and the text was Eph.3:19:

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“Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” (Eph 3:19, ERV).

When I opened his very old, very worn-looking Bible to look up this verse, my eye also caught the following poem scribbled onto the inside, front cover:

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“Three men were walking on a wall:

Feeling

Faith

and Fact

When Feeling had an awful fall

and Faith was taken back

But Fact remained

and pulled Faith back

and Faith brought Feeling too!”

 

“To know the love of Christ,” (Eph.3:19), was the FACT in my case, that brought back my FAITH, and in it’s train came feelings of joy in the Lord once again. In this way; feelings can be followed. Most of the time; I think, that when we refer to feelings versus the Bible, we refer to negative feelings, but even these we need to pay close attention to. They can be indicators of something we need; and there is a place where we can draw a line of sorts when it comes to these negative feelings:

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“It is not wise to look to ourselves, and to study our emotions. If we do this, the enemy will present difficulties and temptations that weaken faith and destroy courage. Closely to study our emotions, and give way to our feelings, is to entertain doubt, and entangle ourselves in perplexity.” (MH 249).

Many of the Bible characters were in the habit of expressing very strong feelings – even suicidal ideations. (like Elijah).

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“Then he sat down under a bush and asked to die. He said, "I have had enough, LORD! Take my life. I am no better than my ancestors."”(1 Kings 19:4, ERV).

What could this mean for the Christian today?

Well, as I found out that night in the nursing home, from a dying man, (who had more life in him than me), there is hope for everyone. No matter who you are, or what your feelings may be; you can “know the love of Christ:”

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“None need abandon themselves to discouragement and despair. Satan may come to you with the cruel suggestion: ‘Your’s is a hopeless case. You are irredeemable.’ But there is hope for you in Christ. God does not bid us overcome in our own strength. He asks us to come close to His side. Whatever difficulties we labor under; which weigh down soul and body, He waits to make us free!” (MH 249).

The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God's people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary. "And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament." As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ; and Him crucified in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people of unclean lips,--a people whose lips have often spoken vanity, lies, and false-hoods, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God.

Like Isaiah, like Elijah, like me, maybe like you, we may very well despair as we “see The Lord,” and contrast our own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if we, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon our heart, if we will humble our souls before God, there is hope for us too! The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in us, even today. Especially today. God will respond to the petitions coming from the contrite heart:

However courageous and successful we might happen to be; in the performance of a special work that God has given to us, unless we look constantly to God when circumstances arise to test our faith we will lose our courage. Even after God has given us marked tokens of His power, after we have been strengthened to do God's work, we will fail unless we trust in God and allow all those feelings to go to God in prayer.

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For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." (Isa 57:15, KJV).

Happy Sabbath To All!

[JoeMo]

Beautiful devotional, BM.  I just finished a book that taught (among other things), that part of the sanctification process is doing God's will - not our own - regardless of feelings or desires.  We are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus; who went against His own feelings and desires about being flogged and crucified. He was obedient unto death on the cross.  We may not be literally "crucified', but we must be imagers of our divine Savior; and follow Him wherever He leads - even to things we think are impossible.

"With man this is impossible, but all things are possible in Christ."

Happy Sabbath to all! ?

[BlessedMan]

1 hour ago, JoeMo said:

Beautiful devotional, BM.  I just finished a book that taught (among other things), that part of the sanctification process is doing God's will - not our own - regardless of feelings or desires.  We are to pick up our cross and follow Jesus; who went against His own feelings and desires about being flogged and crucified. He was obedient unto death on the cross.  We may not be literally "crucified', but we must be imagers of our divine Savior; and follow Him wherever He leads - even to things we think are impossible.

"With man this is impossible, but all things are possible in Christ."

Happy Sabbath to all! ?

-thank you. I am glad I have been able to bless others with this.  When I write stuff like this; its because I am going through it myself, and this is supposed to be a personal testimony. (1 John 1:1-3). We all should have one. THAT is the "preparation for the end times."   I still have fond memories of that night when "old George" showed me the ropes, so to speak.

[BlessedMan]

Evergreen Christians

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And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (Gen 2:9)

I have sometimes wondered if perhaps today's modern "evergreen tree is an important type/symbol of this "tree of knowledge:"

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If the Christian thrives and progresses at all, he must do so amid strangers to God, amid scoffing, subject to ridicule. He must stand upright like the palm tree in the desert. The sky may be as brass, the desert sand may beat about the palm tree's roots, and pile itself in heaps about its trunk. Yet the tree lives as an evergreen, fresh and vigorous amid the burning desert sands. Remove the sand till you reach the rootlets of the palm tree, and you discover the secret of its life; it strikes down deep beneath the surface, to the secret waters hidden in the earth. Christians indeed may be fitly represented by the palm tree. They are like Enoch; although surrounded by corrupting influences, their faith takes hold of the Unseen. They walk with God, deriving strength and grace from Him to withstand the moral pollution surrounding them. Like Daniel in the courts of Babylon, they stand pure and uncontaminated; their life is hid with Christ in God. They are virtuous in spirit amid depravity; they are true and loyal, fervent and zealous, while surrounded by infidels, hypocritical professors, godless and worldly men. Their faith and life are hid with Christ in God. Jesus is in them a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Faith, like the rootlets of the palm tree, penetrates beneath the things which are seen, drawing spiritual nourishment from the Fountain of life (ST July 8, 1886).  {3BC 1151.4}

 Mildness, gentleness, forbearance, long-suffering, being not easily provoked, bearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things--these are the fruit growing upon the precious tree of love, which is of heavenly growth. This tree, if nourished, will prove to be an evergreen. Its branches will not decay, its leaves will not wither. It is immortal, eternal watered continually by the dews of heaven.  {LYL 30.3} 

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The [person] who loves God meditates on the law of God day and night. He is instant in season and out of season. He bears the fruit of a branch vitally connected with the Vine. As he has opportunity, he does good; and everywhere, at all times and in all places, he finds opportunity to work for God. He is one of the Lord's evergreen trees; and he carries fragrance with him wherever he goes. A wholesome atmosphere surrounds his soul. The beauty of his well-ordered life and godly conversation inspires faith and hope and courage in others. This is Christianity in practice. Seek to be an evergreen tree. Wear the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Cherish the grace of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness. This is the fruit of the Christian tree. Planted by the rivers of water, it always brings forth its fruit in due season.  {ML 50.3}  
If we have the love of Christ in our souls, it will be a natural consequence for us to have all the other graces--joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. . . .  {ML 50.4} 

If the Christian thrives and progresses at all, he must do so amid strangers to God, amid scoffing, subject to ridicule. He must stand upright like the palm tree in the desert. The sky may be as brass, the desert sand may beat about the palm tree’s roots, and pile itself in heaps about its trunk. Yet the tree lives as an evergreen, fresh and vigorous amid the burning desert sands. Remove the sand till you reach the rootlets of the palm tree, and you discover the secret of its life; it strikes down deep beneath the surface, to the secret waters hidden in the earth. {OFC 112.5}
As the palm tree, drawing nourishment from fountains of living water, is green and flourishing in the midst of the desert, so the Christian may draw rich supplies of grace from the fountain of God’s love, and may guide weary souls, that are full of unrest and ready to perish in the desert of sin, to those waters of which they may drink, and live. The Christian is ever pointing his fellow men to Jesus, who invites, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” John 7:37. This fountain never fails us; we may draw, and draw again. {OFC 112.6}

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What Makes an Evergreen Christian?--Seek to be an evergreen tree. Wear the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Cherish the grace of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. This is the fruit of the Christian tree. Planted by the rivers of water, it always brings forth its fruit in due season (MS 39, 1896).  {3BC 1142.2}

 

Edited November 29, 2019 by BlessedMan

[BlessedMan]

21 hours ago, BlessedMan said:

Seek to be an evergreen tree. Wear the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Cherish the grace of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. This is the fruit of the Christian tree. Planted by the rivers of water, it always brings forth its fruit in due season

 

[BlessedMan]

Come Unto Me

Come Unto Me
(Mat 11:28)

Do hurts of this world; cares of your life
Crush the heart’s hope; pierce like a knife?
The Savior still speaks surely to thee:
‘If ye so labor, come unto Me.’

Families break up, by death do we part
Temptations assault, sinking the heart.
The Savior still speaks surely to thee:
‘If ye so labor, Come unto Me.’

The hurting soul says ‘Can’t come at all!’
As they toss and turn against His call.
The Savior still speaks surely to thee:
‘If ye so labor, Come unto Me.’

Are you dark or lonely, do you sadly frown?
Are you sick or fearful, or lonely or down?
The Savior still speaks surely to thee:
‘If ye so labor, Come unto Me.’

You’re mad or glad, or rich or poor?
You can’t resist some evil lure?
The Savior still speaks surely to thee:
‘If ye so labor, Come unto Me.’

The story of your life may be Galilee
Raging turmoil, no hope you see.
The Savior still speaks surely to thee:
‘If ye so labor, Come unto Me.’

Come unto Jesus; and “rest” you’ll find
Whenever a burden shall tie or bind
Your Savior still speaks surely to thee:
‘If ye so labor, Come unto Me.’

- by BlessedMan, copyright 2019, all rights reserved, worldwide

[Gregory Matthews]

That poem is something else!

I would like to see it get the recognition that it deserves.

I suggest that you submit it to SPECTRUM.

 

[JoeMo]

12 hours ago, BlessedMan said:

by BlessedMan, copyright 2019, all rights reserved, worldwide

Beautiful poem, BM! It would make a beautiful "call song". You are quite the poet.  I'll bet your toes are "long fellows"! ?

[BlessedMan]

14 hours ago, Gregory Matthews said:

That poem is something else!

I would like to see it get the recognition that it deserves.

I suggest that you submit it to SPECTRUM.

 

Thank you. It does my heart good to know God has reached someone else through me.  Do you have any idea how I would do that?

 

[Yes I do,  see my post below with information as to how to contact Spectrum--GM.}

 

[BlessedMan]

1 hour ago, JoeMo said:

Beautiful poem, BM! It would make a beautiful "call song". You are quite the poet.  I'll bet your toes are "long fellows"! ?

I once preached a sermon about this poem! I still have it somewhere. Will have to dig it out.

[Gregory Matthews]

Spectrum

Bonnie Dwyer, Editor

POB 619047

Roseville, CA 95661-4938

916-774-1080

editor@spectrummagazine.org

 

 

[BlessedMan]

The Whole Armor Of God

Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph 6:13)

as your days, so shall your strength be."(Deut 33:25)

Whole armour. Gr. panoplia, “complete armor.” This word is used in the NT elsewhere only in v. 13 and in Luke 11:22. A parallel to Paul’s thought is found in Isa. 59:16, 17. Some suggest that this passage may have been the source of his imagery:
 

Isa 59:16  And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
Isa 59:17  For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.

Other sources point to Paul's knowledge of the armor of the Roman soldier, because he was chained to one for several years. The armor is God’s because He is the one who provides each particular piece of equipment that is itemized in (Eph. 6:14–17). We are asked to put it on and to fight the battle. THIS Battle is THE "good fight..." The One who forged the armor guarantees its effectiveness.

"May be able" In any armor but the divine, we would not be able to “stand.”

A half-armed soldier may well pay for their rashness. They would go out with a false sense of security, and the enemy is sure to seek out their unprotected parts.

As Christians, we are no better than anyone else; we are vulnerable at many spots, and often that characteristic we think is our strongest turns out, under temptation, to be our weakest. As a chain is no stronger than its weakest link, so the Christian is no stronger than their weakest element of character. In view of the variety of foes that must be met and the various weaknesses of the flesh, nothing less than the entire armor will suffice:

"So let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
(1 Cor 10:12, MKJV)

My personal favorite out of all the "armor verses" of Eph 6 is Eph 6:15

"...your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace."

The phrase of "feet shod" is what has caught my attention here. What is this "preparation" in its most practical terms? Could it have something to do with Deut 33:25?

"Your shoes shall be iron and bronze. And as your days, so shall your strength be."(Deut 33:25)

It seems like we are being told from Eph 6:15 that the "preparation" if we are "prepared" then we will have the strength we need for each day - according to Deut 33:25. It also seems like Eph 6:15 has a connection to isa 52:7, as it has some of the very same imagery re "shoes" or "feet" and being prepared to "bring good news:"

"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, making peace heard; who brings good news, making salvation heard; who says to Zion, Your God reigns!" (Isa 53:7)

The New Testament repeats the very same idea and imagery:

"And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom 10:15)

Many of us are attracted by the beauty of Christ and the glory of heaven,  yet we will shrink from the conditions by which alone these can become our own. There are many of us in the broad way who are not fully satisfied with the path in which we walk. We long to break from the slavery of sin, and in our own strength we seek to make a stand against our sinful practices. We look toward the narrow way and the strait gate; but selfish pleasure, love of the world, pride, unsanctified ambition, place a barrier between us and the Saviour. To renounce our own will, our chosen objects of affection or pursuit, requires a sacrifice at which we mostly hesitate and falter and turn back. Many of us "will seek to enter in, and shall not be able." Luke 13:24. We desire the good, we make some effort to obtain it; but we do not choose it; we have not a settled purpose to secure it at the cost of all things.

It is when we walk in the light that shines upon us, obeying the truth that is open to our understanding, that we receive greater light. We cannot be excusable in accepting only the light which our fathers had one hundred years ago. . . . We want the truth on every point, and we are to put it in practice daily.  {ML 310.2}

The whole mind and soul should become imbued with the truth, that you may be a living representation of Christ. . . . God would have you filled with His Holy Spirit, endowed with power from on high. Labor not to become great men; but labor rather to become good and perfect men, showing forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. God calls for Calebs and Joshuas, fearless, singlehearted men, who will work with faith and courage.  {ML 310.3}

If the truth of God be not deep rooted in the heart, you cannot stand the test of temptation. There is only one power that can keep us steadfast under the most trying circumstances--the grace of God in truth. The ungodly are lynx-eyed to mark every inconsistency, and prompt to pour contempt on the weak and halting ones. Let the youth make their mark high. Let them seek in humble prayer for that help which Christ has promised, that they may exert an influence upon others that they will not be ashamed to meet in the great day of final settlement and rewards. Those who have exemplified the loftiest Christian principles in every department of business and religious life will have the inexpressible advantage, for they will enter the Paradise of God as conquerors. {ML 310.4}

[JoeMo]

9 hours ago, BlessedMan said:

It is when we walk in the light that shines upon us, obeying the truth that is open to our understanding, that we receive greater light. We cannot be excusable in accepting only the light which our fathers had one hundred years ago. . . .

So true today as well as over 100 years ago when the above was written.  Present truth is ever unfolding.  Revelation didn't end when EGW died.

[BlessedMan]

Out Of The Whirlwind: Light In The Clouds Weekly

There IS Light in the darkest storm clouds.

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Job 38:1  Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,

In ancient days, or at least, days more ancient than me, public media had started to take on some very powerful new dimension. It was called Radio. Radio was a very important tool when it first arrived, and of course, like anything good, there is potential to use it for wrong purposes. A review of the 1st & 2nd WW would reflect how radio was used by Hitler, to do what he did.

It seems that with each new wave of technology, the media machine exponentially takes on new, ever-more powerful, and frightening dimensions. Today, a very powerful antisocial media has been weaponized, and we are literally hemmed in on all sides, being pounded incessantly with the latest end of the world storm. It is now a whirlwind, of manifold terror and threats to our personal safety, and our corporate, common good.

The text for todays weekly is an essential one. It is very important for God's people to realize and to know by personal experience, that our God can and does speak "out of the whirlwind."

When the storm had ceased and the thunder was hushed, a voice spoke out of the golden splendor of the sky. See Job 37:21-22.

As Elihu spoke a thunder-storm was gathering, and much of the imagery of this chapter is suggested by that fact. The little group listened to the sound of God’s voice in the thunder. Peal followed peal without cessation, Job 37:4. To get an idea of whats happening here, we can note that at Jesus' baptism; a voice from heaven (out of the whirlwind) spoke and pronounced the blessing on the up and coming mission of the Savior. But whats really interesting here is that some did not hear God's Voice, they only heard thunder!

The lightly-falling snow and the drenching showers are all alike His work, whether they restrain people from their labor in the fields or drive the beasts to their dens, Job 37:8. From this storm Elihu turns naturally to the winter, with its ice and snow, and the frost that binds up the flow of the streams, Job 37:10. All these perform God’s bidding in the earth.

While climate alarmists purport to know whats coming for all of us, God's people can know that we generally realize very little of atmospheric phenomena. The "climate" models are at best, increasingly brutal threats with very little to show of the actual "science."

Why the north and south winds blow, what is the real nature of the azure, and what the red and gold, or green of the northern lights! We cannot find out the Almighty. He is great and glorious, and cannot be unjust. Perhaps, this is one of the messages of the dark clouds; from out of the whirlwind? But let us be more eager to look for the bright light in the clouds. It is always there. A rainbow for every storm; an arbor for every difficult hill; a sure hiding-place in every tempest. Such is Jesus to all who love and trust Him.

In our passage for today, Job had challenged God to answer him and now he is taken at his word. We recall Horeb’s ancient cave, where, after wind and earthquake, there came a sound of gentle stillness. “Arise,” said the Eternal to Job, “and gird thyself,” Job 38:3. In after years, under similar circumstances, the Spirit entered Ezekiel to strengthen him. Surely some such strengthening was forthwith given the patriarch!

A pointed series of questions is now addressed to him, not by a God of judgment and wrath, but by a Father arguing and pleading with His child and pointing out two things: first, the inability of mortal man to understand the ways of God; and second, the minuteness and tenderness of God’s providence. Job had thought of Him as remote, but He is near; even in the whirlwind, and is ordering all things wisely and lovingly. Can He forget His child?

As we are being surrounded and absorbed by the media maelstrom; we know that God still speaks, yet the howling winds of malignant destruction and looming terror on a world-wide basis, does not drown out His Voice. Some hear Jesus, some only hear thunder.

We might look at all thats going on in the media, and decide that "what can I do? I am so small against all that? And that is the FEAR that they want you to have. A wonderful acronym on fear that I read once really hits home on this point:

F -alse
E -evidence
A -ppearing
R -eal

This acronym perfectly describes our media blitkrieg today. But no matter how small the follower of Jesus may feel, or may actually be; there is always going to be Light in your clouds.

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"For who has despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plumet, in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven, they are the eyes of The Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth" (Zech 4:10).

God's opportunity will often be seen in the little things of life; His possibility is our impossibility; for He sees potential where we only see disaster. "Ordinary" people will do extraordinary feats in the name of Christ; and they will do it "out of the whirlwinds" of these last days, "the time of the end," (Dan 12:4), and "they that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits..." (Dan 11:32, John 17:3).

Just as God's people cannot discern how the clouds stay in the sky; there are other things, other mysteries which we cannot approach. "The Mystery of Godliness," is certainly one of them. Its essential to realize how that there are great mysteries connected with our religion, but they are over on the divine side!

There is no mystery about what to do to be saved, how to worship and serve God, and to live the Christian life, and finally be able "rise together" in the resurrection...The mystery of all that is on the divine side, and God will look after those mysteries!

In 1 Tim 3:16 he tells us, "Without controversy"--meaning without any argument, without any debate about it, there is nobody to deny it, it is admitted by all who know anything about religion--"without controversy great is the mystery of godliness."

And he mentions some of those mysteries: "God was manifest in the flesh"--which certainly has reference to the virgin birth, a subject that we cannot fully comprehend; and then how that God--"was justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" great mysteries. We can believe what is said about these mysteries, but we cannot fully comprehend them.

The efficacy of the blood of Christ was to be presented to the people with freshness and power, that their faith might lay hold upon its merits. As the high priest sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy-seat, while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess our sins, and plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood, our prayers are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's character. Notwithstanding our unworthiness, we are ever to bear in mind that there is One that can take away sin, and save the sinner. Every sin acknowledged before God with a contrite heart, he will remove. This faith is the life of the church. As the serpent was lifted up in the wilderness by Moses, and all that had been bitten by the fiery serpents were bidden to look and live, so also the Son of Man must be lifted up, that "whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."    

Unless he makes it his life business to behold the uplifted Saviour, and by faith to accept the merits which it is his privilege to claim, the sinner can no more be saved than Peter could walk upon the water unless he kept his eyes fixed steadily upon Jesus.

Now, through Big Media, it has been Satan's determined purpose to eclipse the view of Jesus, and lead us to look to people, to fear their fears, and trust to humanity's wisdom, and to be educated to expect help from humanity. For years the church has been looking to the world, and expecting much from worldly resources and wisdom, but not looking to Jesus, in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. Therefore God gave to his servants a testimony that presented the truth as it is in Jesus, which is the "everlasting gospel"  in clear, distinct lines.

John's words are to be sounded by God's people, that all may discern the light and walk in the light; and yes. You heard it right. THAT Light IS in YOUR clouds..."out of the whirlwind:"

"He that cometh from above is above all; he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hands. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." (John 3:30-33)

[BlessedMan]

Living Water to be Shared

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But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14.

(Tulip: "a Gift to be shared")

As the plan of redemption begins and ends with a gift, so it is to be carried forward. The same spirit of sacrifice which purchased salvation for us will dwell in the hearts of all who become partakers of the heavenly gift. Says the apostle Peter: "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Pet 4:10). Said Jesus to His disciples as He sent them forth, "Freely ye have received, freely give" (Mat 10:8). In him who is fully in sympathy with Christ, there can be nothing selfish or exclusive. He who drinks of the living water will find that it is "in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." The Spirit of Christ within him is like a spring welling up in the desert, flowing to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.  

It was the same spirit of love and self-sacrifice which dwelt in Christ that impelled the apostle Paul to his manifold labors. "I am debtor," he says, "both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise" (Rom 1:14). "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8).  

Our Lord designed that His church should reflect to the world the fullness and sufficiency that we find in Him. We are constantly receiving of God's bounty, and by imparting of the same we are to represent to the world the love and beneficence of Christ. While all heaven is astir, dispatching messengers to all parts of the earth to carry forward the work of redemption, the church of the living God are also to be co-laborers with Jesus Christ. We are members of His mystical body. He is the Head, controlling all the members of the body. Jesus Himself, in His infinite mercy, is working on human hearts, effecting spiritual transformations so amazing that angels look on with astonishment and joy.--Review and Herald, Dec. 24, 1908. 

[BlessedMan]

Happy Sabbath To All; well no. Its not Friday Night. BUT I was asked to try and post here once a week. I enjoy writing devotionals that draw people's attention to a personal relationship with Jesus. Here is one I did last night: I took the picture enclosed in the mountains of Alberta.

Jesus Loves Us Anyway.

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Luke 9:58  And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."

While Jesus was preparing his disciples for their ordination, and instructing them as to the duties of the great work that lay before them, Judas urged his presence among them. This man made great professions of devotion to Jesus, and proposed to become one of his disciples. Said he, "Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest." Jesus did not warmly receive him, neither did he repulse him, but addressed him with these words of mournful pathos, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." Judas was selfish, and his main object in seeking a connection with Christ was to obtain temporal advantages through him; but Christ's reference to his own poverty, contrasting his condition with that of the foxes and the birds, was designed to cut off any hope Judas might cherish of securing earthly gain by becoming a follower of Christ.

Judas was a man of acknowledged executive ability, and possessed of no small influence. For these reasons the disciples were anxious that he should form one of their number. They commended him in the highest terms to Jesus, as one who would greatly assist him in his work. They were therefore surprised that he received him so coolly; but the Saviour read the heart of Judas, and knew, even then, the part he was to act in his future betrayal and execution. Still, Jesus wished to connect this man with himself, that he might learn his divine mission, and gain moral strength to overcome the defects in his character, and experience an entire change of heart that would ensure his salvation. This it was possible for him to do, through the help of Christ.    

Had Jesus repulsed Judas, the disciples, who regarded him with such favor, would have questioned, in their own minds, the wisdom of their Master. In receiving him, Jesus avoided this, and also placed the selfish and avaricious Judas in the most favorable position to develop qualities of mind and heart that would eventually gain for him a place in the kingdom of Heaven. But notwithstanding these precious opportunities Judas chose a course that covered him with everlasting infamy.    

Jesus does not demand that we first "qualify, somehow, for His love. Or that we "like a good Christian" first measure up to the "Christian" expectations that others may have exacted upon us. Why would Jesus make confession or repentance an obstacle between us and Him? Does He really want us to wait until we are "better" to come to Him?

Jesus does want us to know that He really and truly loves us. Jesus died for all. For everyone. He only asks that we respond to His Love with our love to Him. Unfeigned love, from the heart.

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John 6:37  All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. (NKJV)
Joh 6:37  Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away. (NET)

Mechanics, merchants, lawyers, men of all trades and professions, educate themselves that they may become masters of their business. Should the followers of Christ be less intelligent, and while professedly engaged in his service, be ignorant of the ways and means to be employed? The enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above every earthly consideration. In order to lead souls to Jesus, there must be a knowledge of human nature and a study of the human mind. Much careful thought and fervent prayer are required to know how to approach men and women upon the great subject of truth. Some rash, impulsive, yet honest souls, after a pointed discourse has been given, will accost those who are not with us in a very abrupt manner, and make the truth, which we desire them to receive, repulsive to them. “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Business men and politicians study courtesy. It is their policy to make themselves as attractive as possible. They study to render their address and manners such that they may have the greatest influence over the minds of those about them. They use their knowledge and abilities as skillfully as possible in order to gain this object.  {GW92 321.2}

There is a vast amount of rubbish brought forward by professed believers in Christ, which blocks up the way to the cross. Notwithstanding all this, there are some who are so deeply convicted that they will come through every discouragement, and will surmount every obstacle in order to gain the truth. But had the believers in the truth purified their minds by obeying it, had they felt the importance of knowledge and of refinement of manners in Christ's work, where one soul has been saved there might have been twenty.  {GW92 322.1}

No earthly blessing can be obtained without earnest, patient, persevering effort. If people attain success in business, they must have a will to do, and a faith to look for results. And we can not expect to gain spiritual knowledge without earnest toil. Those who desire to find the treasures of truth must dig for them as the miner digs for the treasure hidden in the earth. No half-hearted, indifferent work will avail. It is essential for old and young, not only to read God's Word, but study it with a whole-hearted earnestness, praying and searching for truth as for hidden treasure. Those who do this will be rewarded; for Christ will quicken the understanding.

[BlessedMan]

{taken from Streams In The Desert, July 4th, by Mrs Charles E Cowman}

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"For the Vision is yet for an appointed time?though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" (Hab_2:3).

In the charming little booklet, Expectation Corner, Adam Slowman was led into the Lord’s treasure houses, and among many other wonders there revealed to him was the "Delayed Blessings Office," where God kept certain things, prayed for, until the wise time came to send them.

It takes a long time for some pensioners to learn that delays are not denials. Ah, there are secrets of love and wisdom in the "Delayed Blessings Department," which are little dreamt of! Men would pluck their mercies green when the Lord would have them ripe.

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"Therefore will the Lord WAIT, that He may be gracious unto you" (Isa_30:18) [compare with Isa 40:31]

He is watching in the hard places and will not allow one trial too many; He will let the dross be consumed, and then He will come gloriously to your help.

Do not grieve Him by doubting His love. Nay, lift up your head, and begin to praise Him even now for the deliverance which is on the way to you, and you will be abundantly rewarded for the delay which has tried your faith.

O Thou of little faith,
God hath not failed thee yet!
When all looks dark and gloomy,
Thou dost so soon forget--

Forget that He has led thee,
And gently cleared thy way;
On clouds has poured His sunshine,
And turned thy night to day.

And if He’s helped thee hitherto,
He will not fail thee now;
How it must wound His loving heart
To see thy anxious brow!

Oh! doubt not any longer,
To Him commit thy way,
Whom in the past thou trusted,
And is "just the same today."
-- Selected