Time Out…with God!

I've been on a marathon the last month. And lots of exciting things have happened, however, I need some TIME-OUT to regroup my thoughts and catch my breath spiritually. 

So that's exactly what I am doing! 

The next few days (til Sept. 1st),  I'm going to be off the computer and not posting a "Morning Sonshine" blog. I plan to spend some extra time in prayer and study, and regroup so I can finish this book. 

Time-Out is awesome and I always come back so rejuvenated!! I've done this off and on through the years, kinda like a little get-away with God and it's always such a blessing. Sometimes I go somewhere special, like the picture above taken on one of my favorite days out with God along the Oregon coast, and sometimes I just cuddle up with my Bible at home, but it's always a blessing. 

As I take this time away, I've decided I'm not going to worry about my blog posting for the next couple days. Instead, I'm going to challenge those of you that are regular readers to also take your own get-away time with God. I would recommend staying away from the computer and media and TV and any other electronic distractors except for essential phone usage. And of course, if you care for family members, you can't shut them off. But just pray that God will give you some extra time and space to spend with Him. Then on this next Sunday, send me a message on this post and let me know what God did for you during your own time out! And I'll share the same!

"Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while…" Mark 6:31

The REST of the Story…Beyond those tears!

Okay… so do you all remember last week or so when I wrote the post, sometimes you just need to have a good cry? 

Well, let me share briefly…

Back when I posted that, I had been hit hard with several things that really discouraged me. At the time I was preparing to travel down to the AR-LA Conference Headquarters to help Marian, our conference prayer coordinator, with some prayer ministry activities which included leading out in a prayer conference at a church in Shreveport. Because of my discouragement, I seriously thought about canceling the whole trip with her. I just didn't feel like going! However, I decided that I was going to press forward anyway, and trust that God would strengthen me. 

Well, He did! Once I made the decision to look to God instead of myself, the blues lifted and He gave me the peace and strength I needed. And we had an amazing trip together! In fact, so many exciting things happened during this trip, things that wouldn't have happened if I had allowed the enemy to keep me at home crying and feeling sorry for myself. I'm still in amazement of how God has worked. Hopefully in the coming days, I will be able to share some of those things with you. 

Anyway, this isn't the typical morning sunshine thought, but I just wanted to share this as follow-up, because I've seen how the enemy attacks time and time again! He tries to discourage us, and get us feeling sorry for ourselves and overwhelmed so that he can stop us from moving forward in God's work. I'm pretty convicted that if we ever feel those things, especially when preparing for ministry, rather than giving in to our feelings, we need to look up to Christ for help and realizing the enemy is throwing "dust" in our face (as my friend Eric calls it) to keep us from moving forward. 

So let's not be distracted by the dust and keep moving forward!!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and give you a hope and future." Jer. 29:11

Stand Still and Let God Move…

It's so easy to run ahead of God with our dreams and plans. We get a bright idea and we think what God is doing and then we take off running without giving Him time to work. 

However, if we would wait on Him more, I just wonder what He might do?

Last night as I drifted to sleep, and this morning when I woke up, I was thinking about some dreams I have. Dreams for ministry and for reaching more people for Christ. However, there are some obstacles standing in the way of those dreams being realized. In the past, I might have been tempted to run ahead of the Lord and try to work things out in my own strength, but over the last few years God has been teaching me to wait for Him to open doors, and wait for Him to do the work. 

And He reminded me again of His promises:

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Ps. 27:14

"Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it." Ps. 37:34

"…but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee." Prov. 20:22

Also, He brought back to mind a song that has been a real encouragement to me, so I wanted to share it again here today for the Morning Sonshine. Not all the words apply to where I am today, but the message and chorus are so powerful, and I hope it is an encouragement to many who DO feel like the walls around them are caving in. 

The song is called "Stand Still" and the lyrics go like this:

Verse 1:
The Father has a plan. Though it's hard to see it now
You feel you're walking all alone.
But He is there no doubt
When the storm around you rages,
And you're tossed to and fro
When you're faced with life's decisions,
Not sure which way to go

Chorus:
Stand still and let God move,
Standing still is hard to do
When you feel you have reached the end,
He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move

Verse 2:
When the enemy surrounds you, And the walls are closing in
When the tide is swiftly rising, 

And you wonder where He's been
Friend, there never was a moment, That His arms weren't reaching out
You can rest assured and be secure, God is moving right now

Chorus
When you feel you have reached the end, He'll make a way for you
Stand still and let God move
The answer will come, But only in His time
Stand still and let God move, Stand still and let God move

So friends, I don't know what you are facing or what struggles lie before you, but let's stand still and let God move!!! He is able!

Making the Prayer of David our own…

In Psalm 51 we read David's confession of sin and prayer for forgiveness. It's a beautiful chapter.  And even if we haven't gone and committed physical adultery, so often we are guilty of "spiritual adultery" and this is a prayer we need to pray, for we are sinners in need of a sinner.

Let's read a few verses of this chapter this morning.

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightiest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." Ps. 51:1-12

In Christ Object Lessons, p. 205, 206, we are told: 

"Do not listen to the enemy's suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then, you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, "Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own…"

Like a Grain of Mustard Seed…

The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, ... which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Matthew 13:31, 32.

The germ in the seed grows by the unfolding of the life-principle which God has implanted. Its development depends upon no human power. So it is with the kingdom of Christ. It is a new creation. Its principles of development are the opposite to those that rule the kingdoms of this world. Earthly governments prevail by physical force; they maintain their dominion by war; but the founder of the new kingdom is the Prince of Peace.... Christ implants a principle. By implanting truth and righteousness, He counter works error and sin....

The kingdom of Christ in its beginning seemed humble and insignificant. Compared with earthly kingdoms it appeared to be the least of all. By the rulers of this world Christ’s claim to be a king was ridiculed. Yet in the mighty truths committed to His followers the kingdom of the gospel possessed a divine life. And how rapid was its growth, how widespread its influence! When Christ spoke this parable, there were only a few Galilean peasants to represent the new kingdom.... But the mustard seed was to grow and spread forth its branches throughout the world. When the earthly kingdoms whose glory then filled the hearts of men should perish, the kingdom of Christ would remain, a mighty and far-reaching power.

So the work of grace in the heart is small in its beginning. A word is spoken, a ray of light is shed into the soul, an influence is exerted that is the beginning of the new life; and who can measure its results?

In this last generation the parable of the mustard seed is to reach a signal and triumphant fulfillment. The little seed will become a tree. The last message of warning and mercy is to go to “every nation and kindred and tongue” (Revelation 14:6-14), “to take out of them a people for his name” (Acts 15:14; Revelation 18:1). And the earth shall be lightened with His glory.

[This devotional came from God's Amazing Grace, January 9th]

Called…to glory and Virtue! ;-)

One more day, I'm doing cross references on the verse: "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." II Pet 1:3,4

So let's continue…

Through the Knowledge...

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through theknowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord." II Pet 1:2
"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." II Pet 3:18
"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of theknowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." II Cor 4:6

Called to glory and virtue...

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish you, strengthen, settle you." I Pet 5:10
"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." I Pet 2:9
"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." II Tim 1:9
"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but to holiness." I Thes 4:7
"Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies." Prov 31:10
"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil 4:8

I could go on and on! I'm not even expounding upon meaning of verses, or meaning behind words, or even looking up the Greek and Hebrew (which I love to do) but just looking at cross references. But just reading alone...Wow...such living water and inspiration in the Word of God!

And we haven't even gotten to II Pet 1:4 yet…(smiles) ...maybe another time!!

He has given us ALL things…

Right now for the "Morning Sonshine" posts, I'm doing cross references on the verse: "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." II Pet 1:3,4

So let's continue…

According as His divine power...

"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All poweris given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matt 28:18
"As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him." Jn 17:2
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christmay rest upon me." II Cor 12:9
"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." Eph 1:19

Hath given us ALL things...

"For the LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Ps 84:11
"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely gives us all things." Rom 8:32
"Therefore let no man glory in men, for all things are yours. And ye are Christ's and Christ's is Gods..." I Cor 3:21,23

That pertain to life and godliness...

"And this is life eternal that they might know thee, the only true God..." John 17:3
"Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." I Tim 4:8
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." I Tim 6:6
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." I Tim 3:16
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life that both thou and thy seed may life." Duet 30:19

Isn't this exciting… and I still have a few more to share…

Good Morning Lord I love you…

When I see the morning sun light, and I breath in fresh air,
I sing praise the Lord, praise the Lord!
When I spend time in God's word, talk to Jesus in prayer!
I sing praise the Lord, praise the Lord!

Good morning Lord I love you, I just wanted you to know!
Here's my heart, my life, my will, myself I give it all to you!
Take my life and use it, guide my feet along the way.
May your words my mind renew, your spirit fill me each day!

Yes, the "Morning Song" is one of my favorite songs to wake up with!

But today, there's more reasons to sing the morning song then just the rising of the sun! Was reading about the "Divine Nature of Christ" and His life on earth uniting divinity with humanity, and what an inspiration it was. I simply must share a few thoughts...

In Christ, divinity and humanity were combined. Divinity was not degraded to humanity; divinity held its place, but humanity, by being united to divinity, withstood the fiercest test of temptation in the wilderness. Christ withstood the temptation, through the power that man may command. He laid hold on the throne of God, and there is not a man or woman who may not have access to the same help through faith in God.

So the question arises...how might we partake of this power...how might we be partakers of this divine nature that can withstand the fiercest storms or temptations??? I've studied this topic out before, but it's always inspiring to read again…

Well, as I started looking up a few verses on the divine nature...that set me off on quite an inspirational Bible verse trail that I hadn't been originally planning to take...but when you follow the spirit's leadings, He often takes us places we wouldn't have known to go. So again, let me share. (In fact, I'll be sharing a few of these thoughts over the next few days…)

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." II Pet 1:3,4

Both verses are powerful...and the second really gives the KEY - filling our mind with the promises in the Word of God. But for the moment, I'm gonna just share about verse 3. I've spent two days alone, just looking at the cross references on this verse (II Pet 1:3) and it's powerful. So tomorrow I'll share a few more of the best ones.

Click HERE to download the TUNE to "THE MORNING SONG"

The God of TODAY…He's not sleeping

This morning I was reading in Psalm 44. It says:

"We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst favor unto them." Ps. 44:1-3

A few verses further down in the chapter we find another verse, "Awake, why sleepiest thou, O Lord? Arise, cast us not off forever." vs 23

While written several thousand years ago, these passages aren't too far off the mark, are they? In fact, they sound about like we talk today. 

"God, I've heard about the great things you've done in the past. I've heard how you worked in days gone by. But what about today? It seems like you are sleeping today. What is wrong?"

The reality is that God has not changed… He is still the same, yesterday, today and forever. The ones who have changed is His people. We have changed…Maybe we don't see Him work as we should because we don't trust and obey Him as we should. Maybe we don't see Him work as He could because we don't have faith as we could…

It's different for all of us. But one thing I do know, and that is, God has not changed. He is the God of today, of this morning. He's the God that is opening doors here in the AR-LA Conference (even yesterday and today). He is the God that cares about giving us food to eat. He's the God the woke me up early this morning just so we could spend time together. He's the God that is working miracles in my life, even this week. And He is NOT sleeping. If it seems He is sleeping it's probably because we have been sleeping. But He really hasn't. When we wake up, He will wake up. He has not changed.

One day at a time…

As I write this, I'm down at the AR-LA Conference office for a few days. Praise God for what He is doing in our conference. I also praise God for a new day and for strength to serve Him. 

Duet. 33:25 tells us, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." 

We have so much to be thankful for. God only gives us what we need one day at a time. We don't have to stress about tomorrow's problems because God will give us strength for tomorrow. All we need to worry about is today…And He's here with us today, giving us strength just as we need it. I have found this promise true over and over again. God is so good.

This is the tune that's been going through my mind today. For some reason I think of Gaither's or some older singer from one of my parents old records. Remembering their voice makes me chuckle, but the message is priceless no matter who sings the tune.

One day at a time sweet Jesus 

That's all I'm asking' of you 

Just give me the strength 

To do every day what I have to do 

Yesterday's gone sweet Jesus 

And tomorrow may never be mine 

Lord, help me today, 

show me the way 

One day at a time!

Sometimes you just need a good cry!

1. Sometimes you just need a good cry! Today was one of those days for me. God has been so good to me, and yet… I face some very real challenges and trials. Sometimes  all I can do is go running to my Savior in tears, and that's what happened today…
2. 
   
3. Since I lead a very active happy and fulfilled life and work full time in ministry, when I share that I have "down days" and trials too, sometimes I find people looking at me in amazement. "For real?" I just have to smile. It's too bad most leaders can't be real because, "Yep, for real!" In fact, if you think Satan is attacking you, he's attacking us on the front lines twice as hard. It's just that most of the time, we don't share it or show it. 

The reality for me though is, that although I do have my down moments, and I do shed my tears from time to time, God is always very near. And my first action when feeling this way is to go running to Him. He is truly my source of comfort and strength. I don't always feel the reality of His presence, but I trust His Word. I've chosen to base my life on His Word, so whether I feel His love or not, I know He is near and I know He hears. And when I act by faith, even when I don't feel it, the feelings soon follow. (Like today for example… This morning I cried my heart out to God about something I'm struggling with. I was so discouraged. But I gave my burdens to God. At the time, I didn't feel the warmth of His presence, but I gave my struggles to Him and told Him I was claiming His promises, even though I didn't feel them. And now… a few hours later, I actually feel them. He has answered and is answering and giving me the strength I need. The trial has not gone away, but God has given me strength to bare it and to move forward. He is so good!)

I pray He may be your strength and comfort as well, no matter what challenge or trial you may be facing.

For devotions, I'm continuing to follow Revived by His Word, and we are currently reading through the Psalms. But for these Morning Sonshine thoughts, I've been impressed to share other random thoughts from my life or different reading. 

Today, I want to share the lyrics for the song I've been humming to myself today…it's called, "He Giveth More Grace." That's what we need today! More grace… 

1. 
   
2. He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
   He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
   To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
   To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
3. When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
   When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
   When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
   Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
4. Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
   Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
   Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
   The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
5. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
   His power no boundary known unto men;
   For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
   He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Are we any different today?

Morning Heart Challenge…

The Bible tells us… 

"I am come that they might have life and life more abundant." John 10:10

However, will we short-change what Christ has come to give?

"Men are no more favorable to Bible simplicity or to practical godliness than in Christ’s day. Few accepted the world’s Redeemer; few will now accept the message of his servants. Though the multitude eagerly flocked around him to receive temporal blessings, yet Christ sadly declares, “Ye will not come to me that ye might have life.” Thus the mass of mankind are today seeking earthly good, to the neglect of eternal riches." – Signs of The Times, March 16, 1882

Thinking of Heaven…

Reflecting on Heaven…

"We are still amidst the shadows and turmoil of earthly activities. Let us consider most earnestly the blessed hereafter. Let our faith pierce through every cloud of darkness and behold Him who died for the sins of the world. He has opened the gates of paradise to all who receive and believe on Him. To them He gives power to become the sons and daughters of God. Let the afflictions which pain us so grievously become instructive lessons, teaching us to press forward toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ. Let us be encouraged by the thought that the Lord is soon to come. Let this hope gladden our hearts. “Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37. Blessed are those servants who, when their Lord comes, shall be found watching."

"We are homeward bound. He who loved us so much as to die for us hath builded for us a city. The New Jerusalem is our place of rest. There will be no sadness in the city of God. No wail of sorrow, no dirge of crushed hopes and buried affections, will evermore be heard. Soon the garments of heaviness will be changed for the wedding garment. Soon we shall witness the coronation of our King. Those whose lives have been hidden with Christ, those who on this earth have fought the good fight of faith, will shine forth with the Redeemer’s glory in the kingdom of God."

These thoughts come from the book Heaven, p. 160, by EG White.

It won't be long…

Thought for the Day…

"It will not be long till we shall see Him in whom our hopes of eternal life are centered. And in His presence, all the trials and sufferings of this life will be as nothingness. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”Hebrews 10:35-37. Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the gates of the city of God into the great beyond, the wide, unbounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7, 8

God has NOT forgotten you…

Do you ever feel like God has forgotten you? You know in your heart He hasn't, but sometimes when you've prayed for years about something…about a hope, a dream, a loved one that you want to see come to know the Lord, and still God does not answer, it is easy to feel neglected or forgotten. Especially when you see others getting what they pray for while you seem left behind. 

If you've ever felt this way, you are not alone. I've felt this way at times. Although I daily see answers to prayer, some prayers I've been praying for years God seems to be ignoring…or at least delaying in answering. (For we are told there is no prayer that He ignores!) 

However, we can be encouraged. Even in the Bible we see those of Zion crying, "The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me."

But listen to God's response…

"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." Isa. 49:14-16

While traveling with my best friend this past week, I heard a song I'd never heard before called "Not forgotten." The words and music are by Twila Paris, but Naomi Jackson sings the song. The lyrics go like this:

When you think your dream is dying
He has not forgotten you
When your body aches from trying'
He has not forgotten you
When you worry for tomorrow
Even though the sky is blue
See the sun is shining
He has not forgotten you

When July feels like December
He has not forgotten you
When it's painful to remember
He has not forgotten you
When it seems you cannot win
And there is not much left to lose
He has got a plan
And He has not forgotten you

And hope will spring eternal
In the home of those who know
That loving eyes will follow
Everywhere we go
And even in the darkness
His promises are true
Keep this in your heart
He has not forgotten you 

What's God's will for my career?

The second most asked question that many are praying about is what is God’s will for their career, ministry and future in service. In the book Education we are told, “We need to follow more closely God’s plan of life. To do our best in the work that lies nearest, to commit our ways to God, and to watch for indications of His providence – these are the rules that ensure safe guidance in the choice of an occupation.”[i] Following this advice, I have always found success over and over again.

There’s another passage, just as powerful, that has also made a profound difference in my own life. It says, “Each morning consecrate yourselves and your children to God for that day. Make no calculation for months or years; these are not yours. One brief day is given you. As if it were your last on earth, work during its hours for the Master. Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as His providence shall indicate. Accept His plans instead of your own, even though their acceptance requires the abandonment of cherished projects. Thus the life will be molded more and more after the divine example; and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and mind through Christ Jesus.”[ii]

There are, of course, many other things that are in God’s will for our own individual life. But we need to be careful about assuming what God’s will is regarding our own personal desires and wants, because we are so prone to err. Presumptuous prayers can be dangerous, and they can also lead to a lot of heartbreak when prayers, that we hoped were according to God’s will, are not answered. But what exactly is presumption, some may ask?

Inspiration tells us, “Presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God, and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequences of sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.”[iii]

When we pray according to God’s will, seeking to live for His glory, we can pray with confidence, for God delights to hear and answer these prayers. And often, He will give us better than we hoped or asked for, simply because that’s the kind of God we serve!

---

[i] Educations, p. 267

[ii] Counsels to the Church, p. 152

[iii] Desire of Ages, p. 126

Every wondered WHO you should marry?

Probably the biggest question on the mind of young people these days is “What is God’s will regarding whom I should marry?” There are countless self-help books on the topic, and believe me I have my share of them. But let me share a few brief thoughts that I often share when asked.

First off, let God choose for you. 

Inspiration tells us, “Marriage is something that will influence and affect your life both in this world and in the world to come… A sincere Christian will not advance his plans in this direction without the knowledge that God approves his course. He will not want to choose for himself, but will feel that God must choose for him.”[i]

There are several principles to consider when praying about a future spouse. First, make haste slowly. As some have said, “Think long when you may decide but once.” Weigh every sentiment, watch every development of character, get to know the person you are interested in over time and through a variety of circumstances. Dressing up and going out on dates is not enough! You don’t really know a person’s character till you’ve been around them through day-to-day life, stress, travels, work, and ministry. The more you have in common, and the more easily you are able to work side by side, the happier you will be in the long run! Remember, true love that will last is based on qualities not just passion or attraction. Before you jump in too quickly to a relationship, study the character. Of course, no one is completely free of character flaws, but what is the tendency of his/her life and lifestyle? Are they other focused or self focused? Selfishness is one of the biggest killers in a marriage. Are they selfless to others, seeking to help those in need, looking out for others desires above their own, or do they care only about themselves and their own agenda? Experts say that after 5 years we don’t even know what our spouse looks like, we only know how they act.[ii]

Inspiration gives some specific questions to think about as you pray. Would married life be happy? Would this union help me heavenward? Would it increase my love for God? Would it enlarge my sphere of influence and usefulness in this life? If these questions present no drawbacks, than in the fear of God, move forward.[iii] (For more guidance and thought provoking questions, read the entire chapter “The Great Decision” in the book Adventist Home. It’s very helpful!) Above all, remember, “God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him. So trust Him!” Who we choose to marry is the 2^nd most important decision we make in this life, after choosing to accept Christ as our Savior, so for those not already married, make this choice carefully and prayerfully.

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[i] Adventist Home, p. 43

[ii] Nicole Parker, Romance, Courtship, and Marriage, seminar session, given unknown date

[iii] Adventist Home, p. 45

The Highest point is at the foot of the Cross!

How does a branch bear fruit? Is it by struggle and effort to reach sunshine, air and water? Or is it by simply abiding in the vine? The lesson is simple, and Christ spoke of this often in Scripture. We do not produce good fruit except by abiding in Him, the living vine. (John 15:4) Just as the branch has undisturbed union with the vine and as a result, spontaneously blossoms and produces fruit, so we as Christians do not need to struggle to obtain that which has been freely given. As we look to Christ, as we abide in Him, and allow Him through His Spirit to abide in us, we will yield fruit unto righteousness. We can do nothing else.[i]

Of course, the closer we come to Christ, and the more clearly we discern the beauty of His righteous character, the more accurately we will comprehend our own sinfulness and imperfections. This recognition will bring us to the foot of the cross often with weeping and pain.

However, we can be encouraged, because we are told that, “When at the foot of the Cross the sinner looks up to the One who died to save Him, he may rejoice in fullness of joy, for his sins are pardoned. Kneeling in faith at the cross, he has reached the highest place to which man can attain.”[ii]

Did you catch that? It’s in kneeling at the foot of the Cross that you have reached the highest point you will ever attain!

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[i] They Found the Secret, V.R. Edmond, p. 23

[ii] Acts of the Apostles, p. 209-210

Complete in Christ…

So often we spend our lives going in circles trying to discover who we are, and how to fulfill our needs and reach our potential destiny. But contrary to what our culture tells us, this life is not to be about us. In fact, our greatest hindrance to experiencing deep effective prayer is not the world, or even the devil; it is self within.[i] 

Inspiration tells us bluntly, “Self is our greatest enemy, and day by day each must strive for victory.”[ii] That’s why we so desperately need to understand the gospel! Because until we stop seeking to fulfill self’s desires and self’s agenda, and learn to start spending our time seeking to discover who He is, we will be on a endless “mir-ago-round,” going nowhere real fast. 

Elizabeth Elliot, wife of martyr Jim Elliot, states, "The point is NOT finding out who you are. Everyone is asking, “Who am I?” and trying to find themselves. I would like to say to the whole Christian world, “Would you just forget it! Get off that question forever and ask Whose am I? Then direct your energies not to finding out who you are, but to finding out who God is, Who has called you.” This was the life-changing point God made to the unqualified Moses, 'Tell them I AM has sent you.”

“The Christian life can be explained only in terms of Jesus Christ, and if your life as a Christian can still be explained in terms of you – your personality, your willpower, your gift, your talent, your money, your courage, your scholarship, your dedication, your sacrifice, or your anything – then although you may have the Christian life, you are not yet living it.”[iii]

Christ has paid an infinite price to give us the keys essential to our spiritual success. So often we are not willing to pay the price to receive them though; The price of time, the price of inconvenience, the price of faith, the price of patience, the price of surrender, the price of learning to wait.

"At the cost of infinite sacrifice and suffering, Christ has provided for us every essential to success in the Christian warfare. The Holy Spirit brings power that enables man to overcome. It is through the agency of the Spirit that the government of Satan is to be subdued. It is the Spirit that convinces of sin, and, with the consent of the human being, expels sin from the heart… Through [the Holy Spirit] He infuses spiritual life into the soul, quickening its energies for good, cleansing from moral defilement, and giving it a fitness for His kingdom. Jesus has large blessings to bestow, rich gifts to distribute among men. He is the wonderful Counselor, infinite in wisdom and strength; and if we will acknowledge the power of His Spirit, and submit to be molded by it, we shall stand complete in Him. What a thought is this! In Christ ‘dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him.’”[iv]

Instead of worrying about ourselves, let's focus on Him! In Him we are complete! In Him we will have victory! He is our solution. Let's stop looking to self for what only God can give!

[i] Quote by Leslie Ludy

[ii] Signs of the Times, August 26^th, 1897 Par. 9

[iii] Quote by Ian Thomas

[iv] Our High Calling, p. 152