Blog Archives - WELCOME TO THE JOY OF TROY

January 21, 2020

1/21/2020

TRIAL OF CHOOSING GOD'S WORD OVER HUMAN TRADITIONS

        Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.--Mark 7:13

    In the time of trial just before us, God's pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of his patience. If you have complied with the conditions of God's word, Christ will be to you a refuge from the storm. He will say to his faithful ones, "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast." The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejecters of his grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of cloud will speak terror and wrath to the transgressor of God's law, but light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept his commandments. The Arm, strong to smite the rebellious, will be strong to deliver the loyal. Every faithful one will surely be gathered....

    The adherents of truth are now called upon to choose between disregarding a plain requirement of God's word or forfeiting their liberty. If we yield the word of God, and accept human customs and traditions, we may still be permitted to live among men, to buy and sell, and have our rights respected. But if we maintain our loyalty to God, it must be at the sacrifice of our rights among men. For the enemies of God's law have leagued together to crush out independent judgment in matters of religious faith, and to control the consciences of men. (The Home Missionary, November 1, 1893)

REFLECTION: The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness....A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life....

The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. (The Desire of Ages, 309)

January 20, 2020

1/20/2020

BEING READY FOR ACTION

        Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.--Matthew 5:16

    As America, the land of religious liberty, shall unite with the Papacy in forcing the consciences of men to honor the false sabbath, the people of every country on the globe will be led to follow her example....

    The whole earth is to be lightened with the glory of God's truth. The Lord will not close up the period of probation until the warning message shall be more distinctly proclaimed. The trumpet must give a certain sound. The law of God is to be magnified, its claims must be presented in their true, sacred character that the people may be brought to decide for or against the truth. Yet the work will be cut short in righteousness. The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one end of the world to the other. This is the glory of God which closes the work of the third angel....

    You have long expected the wonderful startling events that are to take place just prior to the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Now I ask, Are you prepared to give the trumpet a certain sound?...

    The Lord is coming; the scenes of this earth's history are fast closing, and our work is not done. We have been waiting in anxious expectancy for the cooperation of the human agency in advancing the work. All heaven, if I may use the expression, is impatiently waiting for men to cooperate with the divine agencies in working for the salvation of souls. (Letter 2c, December 21, 1892)

REFLECTION: Communicate the knowledge of the truth to others. This is God's plan to enlighten the world. If you do not stand in your allotted place, if you do not let your light shine, you will become enshrouded in darkness. God calls upon all the sons and daughters of the heavenly family to be fully equipped, so that at any period they can step into the ranks ready for action. (Selected Messages, Book 1 266)

January 19, 2020

1/19/2020

THE TESTING OF SOULS

        The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.--Psalm 34:17

    As we near the close of time, the opposing element will work in the same lines in which it has worked in times past. Every soul will be tested. Under persecution it will be made manifest just what banner every individual has chosen to stand under.

    While sin remains, the offense of the cross will never cease. Satan has a thousand masked batteries which will be opened upon the loyal, commandment-keeping people of God to compel them to violate conscience. The followers of Christ must expect to encounter sneers. They will be reviled; their words and their faith will be misrepresented. Coldness and contempt may be harder to endure than martyrdom. With some persons it would require more courage to encounter a laugh than to be thrust through with a sword.

    But we must stand steadfast for the truth, not returning railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing. Parents will turn harshly against their children who accept unpopular truth. Those who conscientiously serve God will be accused of rebellion. Property that was willed to children or other relatives who believe the present truth will be given into other hands. Guardians will rob orphans and widows of their just dues. Those who depart from evil will make themselves a prey, through laws enacted to compel the conscience. Men will take to themselves property to which they have no right. The words of the apostle will be verified in the near future: "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." [2 Timothy 3:12.] (Letter 30a, September 6, 1892)

REFLECTION: We must not think, when we are afflicted, that the anger of the Lord is upon us. God brings us into trials, in order that we may be drawn near him....The Lord would have us lay hold of these promises for ourselves...We should keep our minds upon the love, the mercy, the graciousness of our God, in order that we may become changed into His image. (The Review and Herald, May 19, 1896)

January 18, 2020

1/18/2020

January 18                                JESUS OR SATAN--WHICH IS YOUR CHOICE?

        By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.--1 John 4:2-3

    Satan is at work from beneath to stir up the hellish powers of his confederacy against the just. He imbues agencies with his own attributes. Efforts will be put forth by evil angels, united with evil men to harass, persecute, and destroy, but the Lord God of Israel will not forsake those who trust in Him. Amid the strengthening of infidelity and apostasy, amid pretended illumination, which is the blindest presumption of delusion, there will be a light shining upon God's people from the sanctuary above. The truth of God will triumph....

    Every individual in our world will be arrayed under one of two banners--the chosen and loyal under the blood-stained banner of Prince Immanuel, and all others under Satan's standard. All who are on Satan's side will unite with him in honoring the spurious sabbath, thus paying homage to the man of sin who exalted himself above all that is called God, and thought to change times and laws. They trample upon the laws of Jehovah and frame a law to compel all to worship the false sabbath, the idol they have exalted. But the day of deliverance to God's people is not far distant....

    He who stands in defense of the truth will draw upon himself the dislike, the criticism, the decided opposition of relatives and professed friends; he will become the subject of ridicule. All opposition and persecution, whether in its mildest or most terrible forms, is only the development of a principle that originated with the first great rebel in heaven. This work will continue as long as Satan exists. (Letter 30a, September 6, 1892)

REFLECTION: In this age of the world we see every grade and degree of skepticism. There are rank infidels, those who believe in the lying wonders of Spiritualism, and those who reject the claims of divine truth. All these are...controlled by the spirit of antichrist. Ignorance of the character of God, pride of understanding, and the love of sin, are the source of infidelity. (The Signs of the Times, September 3, 1894)

January 17, 2020

1/17/2020

KNOWING THEM BY THEIR FRUITS

        Therefore by their fruits you will know them.--Matthew 7:20

    There will be no probation after the coming of the Lord. Those who say that there will be are deceived and misled.

    Before Christ comes, just such a state of things will exist as existed before the flood. After the Savior appears in the clouds of heaven, no one will be given another chance to gain salvation. All will have made their decisions. Before the close of this world's history, those who are willing to accept the evidence will have the dark veil removed from their minds. Hearts will be cleansed through accepting Christ during the time that the whole world is lighted by the glory of the angel that comes down from heaven....

    The churches are fast being converted to the world. They have beautiful music and splendid decorations. But they are fruitless trees, bearing nothing but leaves. As the Lord unmasked the fig tree, so He will unmask those pretentious hypocrites....

    The time is right upon us when every kind of deception will be practiced. "Beware of false prophets, which comes to you in sheep's clothing." [Matthew 7:15]. They speak fair words, but all the time they are watching to see how they can get gain for themselves. They are full of selfishness and work at cross purposes with God, misappropriating His goods. "Ye shall know them by their fruit" the Saviour declares. (Letter 45, December 28, 1891)

REFLECTION: The great body of Christ's true followers are still to be found in [Babylon's] communion...Not a few are dissatisfied with their present condition and are longing for clearer light. They look in vain for the image of Christ in the churches with which they are connected....The time will come when those who love God supremely can no longer remain in connection with such. (The Great Controversy, 390)

January 16, 2020

1/16/2020

LEAD BY FOLLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT

        Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.--John 14:13

    If in the land of boasted liberty a Protestant government is preparing to sacrifice every principle that enters into its constitution, making decrees to suppress religious liberty, then the people of God need to present their petitions in faith to the Most High. There is every encouragement in the promise of God for those who put their trust in Him.

    The prospect of being brought into personal danger and distress need not cause despondency, but should quicken the vigor and hopes of God's people, for the time of their peril is the season for God to grant them clearer manifestations of His power. We are not to sit in calm expectation of oppression and tribulation, and fold our hands, doing nothing to avert the evil. Let our united cries be sent up to heaven. Pray and work, and work and pray.

    But let none act rashly. Learn as never before that all who truly keep the commandments of God must be meek and lowly in heart....Sharp things must sometimes be spoken, but be sure that the Holy Spirit of God is abiding in your heart before you speak the clear-cut truth, then let it cut its way. You are not to do the cutting. (Manuscript 48, March 24, 1891)

REFLECTION: Christ dispatches His messengers to every part of His dominion to communicate His will to His servants....He desires to sanctify, elevate, and ennoble His followers. The influence of those who believe in Him will be in the world a savor of life unto life....He has given us a great work to do. Let us do it faithfully. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, 23)

January 15, 2020

1/15/2020

BE A LIGHT--GLORIFY GOD

        You were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.--Ephesians 5:8

    The followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory--His character--is to shine forth in His followers....

    The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight--the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth's history....The Scriptures pointing forward to this time declare that Satan will work with all power and "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness." 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. His working is plainly revealed by the rapidly increasing darkness, the multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of these last days....

    He causes "the light to shine out of darkness." 2 Corinthians 4:6....So in the night of spiritual darkness, God's word goes forth, "Let there be light." To His people He says, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Isaiah 60:1. (Christ's Object Lessons, 414-415)

REFLECTION: Be careful, minister of Christ, in what manner your light shines. If it flashes heavenward, revealing the excellence of Christ, it shines aright. If it is turned upon yourself, if you exhibit yourself, and attract the people to admire you, it would be better for you to hold your peace altogether; for your light shines in the wrong way. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 400)

January 14, 2020

1/14/2020

ABIDE IN CHRIST TO WIN SOULS

        I am the vine, you are the branches, He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.--John 15:5-6

    When the law of God is made void, the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now anticipate will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Instead of being strengthened when brought into strait places, many prove that they are not living branches of the True Vine. They bore no fruit, and the husbandman taketh them away.

    But when the world makes void the law of God, what will be the effect upon the truly obedient and righteous? Will they be carried away by the strong current of evil? Because so many rank themselves under the banner of the prince of darkness, will God's commandment-keeping people swerve from their allegiance? Never! No one who is abiding in Christ will fail or fall. His followers will not bow in obedience to any earthly potentate.

    While the contempt placed upon God's commandments causes many to suppress the truth and show less reverence for it, the disrespect shown to the law of Jehovah causes the faithful ones, with greater earnestness, to hold aloft its distinguishing truths....

    There is the highest reason for us to prize the true Sabbath and stand in its defense, in opposition to the false, for it is the sign, which distinguishes the people of God from the world. The commandment that the world makes void is the one to which, for this very reason, God's people will give greater honor. It is when the unbelieving cast contempt upon the Word of God that the faithful Calebs are called for. It is then that they will stand firm at the post of duty without parade and without swerving because of reproach. (Manuscript 48, March 24, 1891)

REFLECTION: Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. The channel of communication must be open continually between man and his God. As the vine branch constantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character." (The Desire of Ages, 676)

January 13, 2020

1/13/2020

PERFECT OBEDIENCE AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY

        For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.--1 John 5:3

    While nearly all the world is making void the law of Jehovah, He will have a people that will keep His law....He will accept nothing less than perfect obedience from every one of us. All the false ideas that are held against God and His law the people are willing to accept, but it is because the human mind chooses fables rather than the truth of God. They want an easier way than that to resist evil and to be obedient to God's requirements....

    As Christ denied self and sacrificed at every step, so must we if we would sit with Him upon His throne. And then what do we get? Everlasting life, an eternal weight of glory. The streets are all of pure gold, like transparent glass; and there is the tree of life whose leaves are for the healing of the nation. Everything is lovely; there is no sickness, no sorrow, no pain, no death there; but our life there will measure with the life of God.

    And we inquire how is it that we can turn away from this great inducement for the things of this life? Paul inquires, Who has bewitched you? [Galatians 3:1] It is the bewitching power of Satan that has so eclipsed the Word that the mind takes in only the things of time and sense....I will stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel and at last will hear Him say: Ye have kept My Father's commandments. Blessed are they that do His commandments, for they shall have right to the Tree of life and shall enter in through the gates into the city. (Manuscript 11, July 25, 1886)

REFLECTION: Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him. (Christ Object Lessons, 143)

January 12, 2020

1/12/2020

THE DIVINE CONQUEROR OVERCOMES PRINCE OF DARKNESS

        Saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"--Revelation 5:12

    The power [arises] that claims to have the right to change times and laws; [it] is the man of sin. But does he have power to change times and laws? No. Because God's law is written in the tables of stone, engraven with His own finger, and placed in the temple of God in heaven, and that great moral standard will be the criterion that will judge every being upon the face of the earth, both dead and living....

    When [Christ] cometh the second time, it is [not] to wear the crown of thorns, it is not to have that old purple robe placed upon His divine form; the voices will not be raised, Crucify, Him, crucify, Him, but there is a shout from the angelic host and from those who are waiting to receive Him, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain. A divine conqueror.

    In the place of the crown of thorns, He will wear the crown of glory; in the place of that old kingly robe, that they put in mockery upon Him, He will wear a robe whiter than the whitest white. And these hands that were bruised with the cruel nails will shine like gold. His eyes are like a flame of fire to search creation through.

    And the righteous dead come forth from their graves, and they that are alive and remain are caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall they ever be with the Lord. And they will listen to the voice of Jesus, sweeter than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, Your warfare is accomplished, come ye blessed of My Father, enter into the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the earth. (Manuscript 11, July 25, 1886)

REFLECTION: Never can the cost of our redemption be realized until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer before the throne of God. Then as the glories of the eternal home burst upon our enraptured senses we shall remember that Jesus left all this for us, that He not only became an exile from the heavenly courts, but for us took the risk of failure and eternal loss. Then we shall cast our crowns at His feet, and raise the song, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." Revelation 5:12. (The Desire of Ages, 131)