Blog Archives - WELCOME TO THE JOY OF TROY

October 11, 2020

10/11/2020

HOPE IN THE DARKEST HOUR

        Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past. For behold, the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth will also disclose her blood, and will no more cover her slain.--Isaiah 26:20-21

    Clad in the armor of Christ's righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict....

    The darkest hour of the church's struggle with the powers of evil is that which immediately precedes the day of her final deliverance. But none who trust in God need fear; for "when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall," God will be to His church "a refuge from the storm." Isaiah 25:4.

    In that day only the righteous are promised deliverance. "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." Isaiah 33:14-16.

    The word of the Lord to His faithful ones is: "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. For, behold the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." Isaiah 26:20, 21. (Prophet and Kings, 725-726)

REFLECTION: Brethren, you have expressed many doubts; but have you followed your Guide? You must dispense with him before you can lose your way; for the Lord has hedged you in on every side. In the darkest hour, Jesus will be our light. "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." It is an exalted privilege to be connected with Jesus. In every condition of trial, we may have the consolation of his presence. (The Review and Herald, April 15, 1884)

October 10, 2020

10/10/2020

GOD WILL MAKE HIS WORD PLAIN

        I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statues.--Psalm 119:26

    We are to be established in the faith, in the light of the truth given us in our early experience. At that time one error after another pressed in upon us, and ministers and doctors brought in new doctrines. We would search the Scriptures with much prayer, and the Holy Spirit would bring the truth to our minds. Sometimes whole nights would be devoted to searching the Scriptures and earnestly asking God for guidance. Companies of earnest, devoted men and women assembled for this purpose. The power of God would come upon me, and I was enabled clearly to define what is truth and what is error.

    As the points of our faith were thus established, our feet were placed upon a solid foundation. We accepted the truth point by point, under the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. I would be taken off in vision, and explanations would be given me. I was given illustrations of heavenly things and of the sanctuary, so that we were placed where light was shining on us in clear, distinct rays....

    I know that the sanctuary question stands in righteousness and truth just as we have held it for so many years. It is the enemy that leads minds off on sidetracks. He is pleased when those who know the truth become engrossed in collecting Scriptures to pile up around erroneous theories, which have no foundation in truth. The Scriptures thus used are misplaced; they were not given to substantiate error, but to strengthen truth. (Letter 50, January 30, 1906)

REFLECTION: Satan is not asleep; he is wide awake to make of no effect the sure word of prophecy. With skill and deceptive power he is working to counterwork the expressed will of God, made plain in His word. For years Satan has been gaining control of human minds through subtle sophistries that he has devised to take the place of the truth. In this time of peril, rightdoers, in the fear of God, will glorify His name be repeating the words of David: "It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law." Psalm 119:126. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 92)

October 9, 2020

10/9/2020

BE WITH ME

        The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.--Proverbs 4:18-19

    Many who hear the message--by far the greatest number--will not credit the solemn warning. Many will be found disloyal to the commandments of God, which are a test of character. The Lord's servants will be called enthusiasts. Ministers will warn the people not to listen to them. Noah received the same treatment while the Spirit of God was urging him to give the message, whether men would hear or whether they would forbear. (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 233)

    When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof.

    The people of God--some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains--still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen. Saith the Lord; "Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth...to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm, with the indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones." Isaiah 30:29, 30. (The Great Controversy, 635)

REFLECTION: The steps of a Christian may at times appear feeble and faltering, yet in his conscious weakness he leans upon the Mighty One for support. He is sustained, and makes sure progress onward and upward toward perfection. He gains new victories daily, and comes nearer and nearer to the standard of perfect holiness. His eye is not downward to the earth, but upward, ever keeping in view the heavenly Pattern. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 228)

October 8, 2020

10/8/2020

TAKE POSSESSION OF GOD'S WORD

        The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.--John 14:26

    Let us study [Christ's] holy, self-denying example. We have no time to spend on the vanities and follies of this world. If we seek for these things, we give an example that reveals a lack of harmony with the character of Christ....From a study of His life and labors and His struggles with temptation, we are to learn how to become partakers of the divine nature and overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. Nowhere shall we find anything that will help our spiritual life as will a study of the life of Christ....

    Many of us have neglected to study the Scriptures; we have failed to develop such characters as Christ can use....He calls upon us individually to take up our appointed work wherever we are....

    There are some among us who feel that they must study in the schools of the world in order to receive what the world calls the higher education. But I have been instructed that our people have no need to seek the education that the world gives. Christ has given us everything we need in order to be saved. The instruction of God's Word is the highest instruction that can be given to men....

    Put away the foolish reading matter, and study the Word of God. Commit its precious promises to memory, so that when we shall be deprived of our Bibles, we may still be in possession of the word of God. (Manuscript 85, August 21, 1909)

REFLECTION: Having brought conviction of sin, and presented before the mind the standard of righteousness, the Holy Spirit withdraws the affections from the things of this earth and fills the soul with a desire for holiness....The Spirit will take the things of God and stamp them on the soul. By His power the way of life will be made so plain that none need err therein. (The Acts of the Apostles, 52-53)

October 7, 2020

10/7/2020

ONLY SPEAK GOD'S WORD

        Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.--Exodus 4:12

    Very soon the strife and oppression of foreign nations will break forth with an intensity that you do not now anticipate....

    Your opponents will make statements about your work that are false. Do not repeat their statements, but hold to your assertions of the living truth, and angels of God will open the way before you. We have a great work to carry forward, and we must carry it in a sensible way. Let us never get excited or allow evil feelings to arise....

    Those who have departed from the faith will come to our congregations to divert our attention from the work that God would have done. You cannot afford to turn your ears from the truth to fables. Do not stop to try to convert the one who is speaking words of reproach against your work; but let it be seen that you are inspired by the Spirit of Jesus Christ; and angels of God will put into your lips words that will reach the hearts of opposers. If these men persist in pressing their way in, those who are of a sensible mind in the congregation will understand that yours is the higher standard. So speak that it will be known that Jesus Christ is speaking through you. (Manuscript 21, May 17, 1909)

REFLECTION: A man will gain power and efficiency as he accepts the responsibilities that God places upon him, and with his whole soul seeks to qualify himself to bear them aright. However humble his position or limited his ability, that man will attain true greatness who, trusting to divine strength, seeks to perform his work with fidelity. (Patriarchs and Prophets, 255)

October 6, 2020

10/6/2020

ENCOURAGE WEARY SOULS WITH TRUTH

        Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.--Ephesians 4:29

    The two opposing parties will continue to exist till the closing up of the last great chapter in this world's history. Satanic agencies are in every city. We cannot afford to be off our guard for one moment. The true, staunch believers will pray more and more and will talk less of matters of little consequence. More and more decided testimonies will come from their lips to encourage the weak and needy souls. This is not time for the people of God to be weaklings, neither one thing nor the other. Let all be diligent students of the Word. We must be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We cannot live haphazard lives and be true Christians. (Letter 42, February 21, 1909)

    The Lord has made some remarkable revelations regarding the experiences that His people will pass through....

    I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not even this discourage you; but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies. These powers of evil will assemble in our meetings, not to receive a blessing, but to counterwork the influence of the Spirit of God, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. We are never to catch up the words that human lips may speak to confirm the evil angels in their work, but we should repeat the words of Christ. Christ was the Instructor in the assemblies of these angels before they fell from their high estate. (Letter 46, February 26, 1909)

REFLECTION: Not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly. No evil speaking, no frivolous talk, no fretful repining or impure suggestion, will escape the lips of him who is following Christ....A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile. It means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert insinuations of evil. Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin. (Christ's Object Lessons, 337)

October 5, 2020

10/5/2020

PRAYERS OF PREPARATION

        He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."--Matthew 26:40-41

    We have a work before us in preparing for the constantly changing scenes of the world's population. Our church members need to pray more and more. There needs to be a living testimony borne from converted hearts. God is our sufficiency. The church needs to awake to an understanding of the subtle powers of the satanic agencies that must be met. If they will keep on the whole armor, they will be able to conquer all the foes they meet, some of which are not now developed.

    Confederacies will increase in number and power as we draw nearer to the end of time. These confederacies will create opposing influences to the truth, forming new parties of professed believers who will act out their own delusive theories. The apostasy will increase, "Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." Those who have started this warfare at their own charges will come more and more to practice the works of Satan.

    Satanic agencies in human form will take part in this last great conflict to oppose the building up of the kingdom of God. And heavenly angels in human guise will be on the field of action. Men and women have confederated to oppose the Lord God of heaven, and the church is only half awake to the situation. There needs to be much more of prayer, much more of earnest effort among professed believers. (Letter 42, February 21, 1909)

REFLECTION: Temptations may be all around you, but you are not compelled to enter into them. You may obtain strength from Christ to stand unsullied amid the pollutions of this corrupt age....Keep the eye steadily fixed upon Christ, upon the divine image. Imitate His spotless life, and you will be a partaker of His glory. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 49-50)

October 4, 2020

10/4/2020

CHURCH MEMBERS GIVE WARNING!

        He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."--Mark 16:15

    The followers of Christ are to combine in a strong effort to call the attention of the world to the fast-fulfilling prophecies of the word of God. Infidelity and spiritualism are gaining a strong hold in the world. Shall those to whom great light has been given be cold and faithless now?

    We are on the very verge of the time of trouble, and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of are before us. A power from beneath is leading men to war against Heaven. Human beings have confederated with satanic agencies to make void the law of God. The inhabitants of the world are fast becoming as the inhabitants of the world in Noah's day, who were swept away by the Flood, and as the inhabitants of Sodom, who were consumed by fire from heaven. The powers of Satan are at work to keep minds diverted from eternal realities. The enemy has arranged matters to suit his own purposes....The world, filled with violence, reveling, and drunkenness, is converting the church. The law of God, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to be of no effect.

    At this time--a time of overwhelming iniquity--a new life, coming from the Source of all life, is to take possession of those who have the love of God in their hearts, and they are to go forth to proclaim with power the message of a crucified and risen Saviour. They are to put forth earnest, untiring efforts to save souls. Their example is to be such that it will have a telling influence for good on those around them. They are to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 43-44)

REFLECTION: "In this thy day." The day is nearing its close. The period of mercy and privilege is well-nigh ended. The clouds of vengeance are gathering. The rejectors of God's grace are about to be involved in swift and irretrievable ruin.

Yet the world is asleep. The people know not the time of their visitation....

Men are in peril. Multitudes are perishing. But how few of the professed followers of Christ are burdened for these souls. The destiny of a world hangs in the balance;...There is a stupor, a paralysis, upon the people of God, which prevents them from understanding the duty of the hour. (Christ Object Lessons, 302, 303)

October 3, 2020

10/3/2020

NEVER LEAVE A SOUL UNWARNED

        Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all the day long.--Psalm 38:12

    As I am shown these special things of Satan's science, and how he deceived the holy angels, I am afraid of the men who have entered into the study of the science that Satan carried into the warfare in heaven. O how I have longed to be where I should not be compelled to see the same science practiced on this earth by medical practitioners. How my heart has been agonized as I have seen souls accepting the inducements held out to them to unite with those who were warring against God.

    When they once accept the bait it seems impossible to break the spell that Satan casts over them, because the enemy works out the science of deception as he worked it out in the heavenly courts. He uses human agencies to carry on his work with other human beings. He has worked so diligently with men in our day, that he has won the game again and again.

    What, I ask, can be the end? Again and again have I asked this, and I have always received the same instruction.   Never leave a soul unwarned. Those who are bound in Satan's toils are the most confident and the most boastful. They will protest at the thought that they are ensnared, and yet it is the truth. (Letter 311, October 30, 1905)

REFLECTION: Satan does all he can to keep souls from Christ. He...has not lost his power. He exerts his power with terrible effect. He does not wait for his prey to come to him. He hunts for it....He often conceals his snares, and allures by pleasing deception. He charms and deludes many by flattering their vanity....After every advance step in the downward road, Satan has some special temptation to lead them still further on the wrong track. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, 287)

October 2, 2020

10/2/2020

UNDERSTANDING GOD'S TRUE SCIENCE

        Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you."--Isaiah 35:3-4

    Now, just now, we are to proclaim present truth, with assurance and with power. Do not strike one dolorous note; do not sing funeral hymns. The message to be proclaimed for this time is, "Strengthen ye the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees. Say unto them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong; fear not. Behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you."....

    O what a promise is this for those who will separate themselves from all cunning and scientific scheming and will follow on to know the Lord, identifying themselves with those who have received the truth and are sanctified through the truth. Every promise is for those who will learn the only true science, which is found in the power of Jesus Christ....

    God and Christ had oneness of purpose, oneness of aim, and they made one eternal never-ending effort to work for the salvation of the fallen race. The prayer of Christ lay open before the intelligent, understanding mind that not one taint of the science of Satan's practice can enter the holy city.

    Satan worked in every possible way to come out victorious in standing in the highest place in the heavenly courts. How artful were his contrivances to win the game! He employed every artful intrigue and device to carry his science against God and His Son Jesus Christ. (Letter 311, October 30, 1905)

REFLECTION: The more we search the Bible, the deeper is our conviction that it is the word of the living God, and human reason bows before the majesty of divine revelation. (Education, 170)