Blog Archives - WELCOME TO THE JOY OF TROY

March 13, 2020

3/13/2020

MAN'S DUTY TO GOD

        So he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.' "--Luke 10:27

    These words sum up the whole duty of man. They mean the consecration of the whole being--body, soul, and spirit--to God's service. How can men obey these words, and at the same time pledge themselves to support that which deprives their neighbor's freedom of action? And how can one obey these words and form combinations that rob the power classes of the advantages that justly belong to them, preventing them from buying or selling, except under certain conditions? How plainly the words of God have predicted this condition of things. John writes, "I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

    The forming of these unions is one of Satan's last efforts. God calls upon His people to get out of the cities, isolating themselves from the world....

    The farther away we are from the cities, the better it will be; for they are filled with men who have no sense of honor or true elevation, men who are ambitious for gain and who to obtain gain will resort to any means. (Letter 26, December 10, 1902)

REFLECTION: The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character....Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians. (The Desire of Ages, 504)

March 12, 2020

3/12/2020

PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE

        Prepare yourself and be ready, you and all your companies that are gathered about you; and be a guard for them.--Ezekiel 38:7

    The work of the people of God is to prepare for the events of the future, which will soon come upon them with blinding force.

    In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasps all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trade unions will be formed, and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men.

    It is time for us to take our work out of the cities. Our sanitariums should be furnished with facilities for giving the sick the best of care, and they should be properly conducted; but they should be as far as possible from the cities. The whole world is to tested, and obedience to the law of God is to be the test.

    Unionism has revealed what it is by the spirit that it has manifested. It is controlled by the cruel power of Satan. Those who refuse to join the unions formed are made to feel this power. The principles governing the forming of these unions seem innocent, but men have to pledge themselves to serve the interests of these unions, or else they may have to pay penalty of refusal with their lives.

    These unions are one of the signs of the last days. Men are binding up in bundles ready to be burned. They may be church members, but while they belong to these unions, they cannot possibly keep the commandments of God; for to belong to these unions means to disregard the entire decalogue. (Letter 26, December 10, 1902)

REFLECTION: There is nothing new about "God's people preparing for the events of the future." Noah built an ark on dry land to prepare for that future flood. Joshua trained a friendly army for a future battle in unfriendly Jericho. David quietly trained by tending sheep in peaceful valleys with gently rolling hills to face a showdown with the giant Goliath. In times of peace and safety, we, as God's people, need to be prepared for the thing God has warned us through His servants.

March 11, 2020

3/11/2020

SEALED OR MARKED?

        They did not destroy the peoples, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them, but they mingled with the Gentiles and learned their works; they served their idols, which became a snare to them.--Psalm 106:34-36

    There are troublous times before us, and while we can, we should place our work upon a proper basis, leaving the large cities and securing land in the country. Especially is it essential that our sanitariums be established in the country. (Manuscript 44, March 13, 1902)

    We know that the end is near, and every city is to be turned upside down every way. There will be confusion in every city. Everything that can be shaken is to be shaken, and we do not know what will come next. The judgments will be according to the wickedness of the people and the light of truth that they have had. If they have had the truth, according to that light will be the punishment. Chris pronounced His woes on the cities that had most of His instruction....

    God...told the children of Israel that when the plagues should come they must go out of the Egyptians' houses into their own houses, for if they were found mingled with the Egyptians, they would be destroyed with them. They must be a separate people. So our institutions should have every advantage possible, not as far as grand buildings are concerned, but in location. The buildings are not half as much consequence as the space and grounds around a sanitarium....

    The leaders in the sanitariums have mingled with unbelievers, admitting them to their councils, more or less; but it is like going to work with their eyes shut. They lack the discernment to see what is going to break upon us at any time. There is a spirit of discernment, of war and bloodshed, and the spirit will increase until the very close of time. Just as soon as the people of God are sealed in their foreheads--it is not any seal or mark that can be seen, but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so they cannot be moved--just as soon as God's people are sealed and prepared for the shaking, it will come. Indeed, it has begun already; the judgments of God are now upon the land to give us warning, that we may know what is coming. (Manuscript 173, September 15, 1902)

REFLECTION: The enemy of souls will invent many things to lead the minds of our youth from firm faith in God to the idolatrous practices of the world. Let the cautions given to ancient Israel be carefully studied. Satan's efforts to spoil the thoughts and confuse the judgment are unceasing, and we must be on our guard. (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1911)

March 10, 2020

3/10/2020

PRESERVING OUR HEALTH

        Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.--1 Corinthians 6:19-20

    Perilous times are before us. The whole world will be involved in perplexity and distress, disease of every kind will be upon the human family, and such ignorance as now prevails concerning the laws of health would result in great suffering and the loss of many lives that might be saved.

    While Satan is constantly doing his utmost to take advantage of men's ignorance, and to lay the foundation of disease through improper treatment of the body, it is best for those who claim to be sons and daughters of God to avail themselves while they can of the opportunities now presented to gain a knowledge of the human system and how it may be preserved in health.

    As we approach the close of this earth's history, selfishness and violence and crime prevail as in the days of Noah....

    As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. For their own sake, they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. There will be suffering ones, plenty of them, who will need help, not only among those of our own faith, but largely among those who know not the truth. (Letter 34, September 16, 1892)

REFLECTION: All men have been bought with this infinite price. By pouring the whole treasury of heaven into this world, by giving us in Christ all heaven, God has purchased the will, the affections, the mind, the soul, of every human being. Whether believers or unbelievers, all men are the Lord's property. (Christ's Object Lessons, 326)

March 9, 2020

3/9/2020

A WARNING FROM THE LORD

        "Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."--2 Corinthians 6:17

    The Lord will cut His work short in righteousness. The earth is corrupted under the inhabitants thereof. Disease of every kind is now afflicting the human family. The misery created by the corruption that is in the world through lust is developing in a startling manner in the commission of crime of every description. Robbery, murder, sensuality, and the cruelty of satanic powers, these and many other evils are seen on every hand. We are surrounded by unseen dangers....

    I am instructed to say that, if meat-eating ever was safe, it is not safe now. Diseased animals are taken to the large cities, and to the villages, and sold for food....Such a diet contaminates the blood and stimulated the lower passions.

    To parents who are living in the cities, the Lord is sending the warning cry, Gather your children into your own houses; gather them away from those who are disregarding the commandments of God, who are teaching and practicing evil. Get out of the cities as fast as possible.

    Parents can secure small homes in the country with lands for cultivation, where they can have orchards, and where they can raise vegetables and small fruits, to take the place of flesh meat, which is so corrupting to the life blood coursing through the veins. God will help His people to find such homes outside the cites. (Manuscript 133, October 30, 1902)

REFLECTION: Atheists, infidels, and apostates oppose and denounce God's law' but the results of their influence prove that the well-being of man is bound up with his obedience of the divine statutes. Those who will not read the lesson from the book of God are bidden to read it in the history of nations. (The Great Controversy, 285)

March 8, 2020

3/8/2020

GLORIFYING GOD WITH DIET

        Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.--1 Corinthians 10:31

    I want to say that the third angel's message is the gospel, and that health reform is the wedge by which the truth may enter. (The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials, 1,487)

    It is the variety and mixture of meat, vegetables, fruit, wines, tea, coffee, sweet cakes, and rich pies that ruin the stomach, and place human beings in the position where they become invalids with all the disagreeable effects of sickness upon the disposition. The character becomes perverted, a depraved appetite is established, and a diseased religious experience is the result. The words of the apostle to the Romans should be repeated to all the churches and to all families: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God....

    The Lord would bring His people into a position where they will not touch nor taste the flesh of dead animals. Then let not these things be prescribed by any physician who has a knowledge of the truth for this time. There is no safety in eating the flesh of dead animals, and in a short time the milk of the cow will also be excluded from the diet of God's commandment keeping people. In a short time it will not be safe to use anything that comes from the animal creation. Those who take God at His word and obey His commandments with the whole heart will be blessed. He will be their shield of protection. But the Lord will not be trifled with. Distrust, disobedience, and alienation from God's will and way will place the sinner in a position where the Lord cannot give him His divine favor. (Letter 59, July 26, 1898)

REFLECTION: God, in His infinite wisdom, created this earth to produce amazing foods like fruits and vegetables. That was the original diet God gave to Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 1:29). When we follow God's plan, we not only help ourselves, but we also glorify Christ.

March 7, 2020

3/7/2020

BUILD ON THE ROCK

        Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.--Matthew 7:24

    "I looked and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, thrust in thy sickle and reap; for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

    "And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle in the earth, and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in the sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God....

    When the storm of God's wrath breaks upon the world, it will be a terrible revelation for souls to find that their house is being swept away, because it is built upon the sand. (Manuscript 139, October 21, 1898)

REFLECTION: We as Christians will have trials and temptations, but if we build our houses (our characters) on the Rock, which is Christ, we will not fail.

March 6, 2020

3/6/2020

CALAMITIES FOR UNDERSTANDING

        I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.--Revelation 15:1

    Is it true that the end of all things is at hand? What mean the awful calamities by sea--vessels shipwrecked and lives hurled into eternity without a moment's warning? What means the awful accidents by land--fire consuming the riches men have hoarded, much of which has been accumulated by oppression of the poor? The Lord will not interfere to protect the property of those who transgress His law, break His covenant, and trample upon His Sabbath, accepting in its place a spurious rest day. As Nebuchadnezzar set up an image in the plains of Dura, and commanded all to bow before it, so this false sabbath has been exalted before the world, and men are commanded to keep it holy....

    The plagues of God are already falling upon the earth, sweeping away costly structures as if by a breath of fire from heaven. Will not these judgments bring professing Christians to their senses? God permits them to come that the world may take heed, that sinners may be afraid and tremble before him. (Letter 21, February 16, 1902)

    They have become men whom the Lord can use in the proclamation of His truth....

    They who will not seek to exalt themselves are the ones whom God can most safely entrust with responsibilities. (Manuscript 89, October 22, 1906)

REFLECTION: The Lord permits calamities to come that men may understand the sinfulness of their course, and turn to the Lord with humble confession. Often men, who were in darkness have, through trying circumstances which the Lord has permitted, been awakened and turned to Him. (Manuscript 89, October 22, 1906)

March 5, 2020

3/5/2020

FOLLOW ME

        He said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."--Matthew 4:9

    Satan is working to the utmost to make himself as God, and to destroy all who oppose his power. And today the world is bowing before him....It seems that the whole human creation has wondered after the beast. The kings and rulers of the earth, those who are called noblemen, think themselves altogether too great to submit to the yoke of Christ. But they are willing to bow at Satan's bidding.

    Behold Satan's miracle-working power. Every object in the earth, in the air, and in the water has been employed to conform his claims. Those who yield to these claims are alive with intense activity, one influencing and stimulating another by confirming the greatness and glory of their kingdom.

    See the activity, the restless surging of the mass in their determination to take and occupy the place of the throne of God. What eagerness, what rage they exhibit in their religious enthusiasm. Mark the defiant rebellion written in their countenances. Their warfare is against their Creator and Redeemer. How vast is the procession they, form! How mighty they think themselves to be in their countless numbers!

    But they do not see all things. The cloud of judicial wrath hangs over them, containing the elements that destroyed Sodom. John saw this multitude. This demon-worship was revealed to him, and it seemed as if the whole world was standing on the brink at perdition. But as he looked with intense interest, he beheld a company of God's commandment-keeping people. They had upon their foreheads the seal of the living God, and, he exclaimed, "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (Manuscript 139, October 21, 1898)

REFLECTION: The devil truly is working to the utmost, but God is in control. The words that Christ gave to His disciples were, "Follow Me." These words are still given to every person today.

March 4, 2020

3/4/2020

COMMANDMENTS REJECTED--TRADITION ACCEPTED

        He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men."--Mark 7:6-8

    In proportion as the commandments of God are despised and set aside for the commandments of men, which bear not the least sanctity, the appreciation of those who have come out from the world, and have separated from it, is strikingly developed. On the other side, Satan through his masterly power will seek to obtain the supremacy.

    It is the last of the great controversy and will end in his destruction. There is a point in the iniquity of men when it is necessary that God shall interfere, and this point is being reached; and those who are loyal to God's commandments are more than ever bound to prize and love the law of God.

    It is a terrible thing for a nation to wear out the patience of God. Each century of profligacy has treasured up wrath for its iniquity against the day of wrath. Christ is now bidding the abandoned of our day to fill up the measure of their fathers in their iniquity. When that time shall come, and their cup of iniquity is filled up, it will be demonstrated that to wear out the patience of God brings tremendous consequences to the disobedient. The nations of earth will act upon a shortsighted policy. Through their own course of action the priests and rulers will restore the lost ascendancy of the man of sin. (Manuscript 127, November 22, 1897)

REFLECTION: The untainted purity of his life, the faultless character of his words and works, was a bitter reproof to the self-righteous but unclean pretenders to religion. He rebuked their course in weaving human traditions and the maxims of men into the laws of God, so that men were confused in regard to the laws of God's government, and were led to make void his law through following human inventions. (The Signs of the Times, February 27, 1896)