Day 365 - Longing for God, Longing to go Home!

Today's Reading: Mal. 3-4 and Revelation 22

In this final blog post, I'm going to share thoughts from both Malachi and Revelation.

I simply love Malachi 3 that talks about what will happen when we bring all the tithes into the storehouse. Let's read it together!

"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Mal 3:10

Here we find the Lord challenging us... "Just prove me, test my words, and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out so many blessings that you won't have room for it all!" I love this. While this is speaking about tithe and offering, I think we can claim this promise for all areas of our lives when we honor God and His Word. When we obey His commands, all His promises are ours... we can take His words to the bank. As Christ Object Lessons says, "The honor of His throne is staked for the fulfillment of His word unto us." (p. 148)

What a beautiful gift God has given us in His Word! His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. It's what will safely get us out of this dark world and get us home. And that correlates with what we find in Revelation 22. 

Here in this final chapter of the Bible, I see a beautiful description about heaven: "And there shall be no night there: and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

Ellen White writes these beautiful words: 

In the City of God “there shall be no night.” None will need or desire repose. There will be no weariness in doing the will of God and offering praise to His name. We shall ever feel the freshness of the morning and shall ever be far from its close. “And they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light.” Revelation 22:5. The light of the sun will be superseded by a radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet which immeasurably surpasses the brightness of our noontide. The glory of God and the Lamb floods the Holy City with unfading light. The redeemed walk in the sunless glory of perpetual day. (GC 676)

What a beautiful picture of living in the light of God, forever in perpetual day. All will no longer be darkness around us... the Bible will not just light our path, but the Living Word of God will light our entire existence. This picture will be our reality, not just once, but for all eternity.

How I'm longing for this day, how I'm longing to see God face to face!

So as this year ends and 2019 begins, let us continue to hold fast to His Word. Let us stand firm in Him. No matter what shaking circumstances happen in our lives, in our church, or to those we love, no matter what times of trouble lies ahead, God's Word will stand true. We can trust Him, we can prove Him. He will not fail!

May God bless as we each continue digging into the Word of God.

This concludes my blogging for my Bible Reading In-One-Year Marathon. I've just completed the "Longing for God" Bible reading plan, and what a blessing it has been. I encourage it to everyone, or one like it. And these blogs will remain online for those that wish to follow my commentary along with their daily Bible reading. Of course, the plan you follow does not matter, as long as you get into the Word, daily! But I want to challenge you, especially if you haven't done it for awhile. Take this next year... read the Bible thru! Your life will never be the same again! 

Thanks to all those who have joined me on this beautiful journey! Let's keep it up. We are nearing HOME!

AND to those that wish to join me in my New Year's Challenge... You can learn more about that by watching this video! Once a month, I will post briefly about 1 book or biography that I have read that month to grow my faith this coming year. Join me on this journey of faith as I continue seeking MORE of HIM! 

Day 364 - What it means to Praise the Lord!

Today's Reading: Mal. 1-2 and Ps. 149-150

Today we finish our final two chapters in Psalms... bittersweet to see this end. Of course, I'm feeling sad to see this reading program end... yet I'm looking forward to starting again, only this time, going more slowly and taking time to digest and dig more. :-) And for those wondering... "No, I will not be continuing to blog my daily Bible reading thoughts. This one year challenge will officially end... TOMORROW."

So what do we learn in these final chapters of Psalms! It looks like it's all about PRAISE!

Psalm 149 and 150 are short... let's read over a few of the praise verses together:

• Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Ps. 149:1
• Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Ps. 149:2
• For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Ps. 149:4
• Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Ps. 149:5
• Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand. Ps. 149:6
• Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Ps. 150:1
• Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Ps. 150:2
• Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Ps.150:3
• Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD. Ps. 150:6

Aren't these Bible passages beautiful?! Reminders of the incredible God that we serve. We have so many reasons to PRAISE the Lord!

In Steps to Christ I read the following challenge to praise and gratitude!

If we would but think of God as often as we have evidence of His care for us we should keep Him ever in our thoughts and should delight to talk of Him and to praise Him. We talk of temporal things because we have an interest in them. We talk of our friends because we love them; our joys and our sorrows are bound up with them. Yet we have infinitely greater reason to love God than to love our earthly friends; it should be the most natural thing in the world to make Him first in all our thoughts, to talk of His goodness and tell of His power. The rich gifts He has bestowed upon us were not intended to absorb our thoughts and love so much that we should have nothing to give to God; they are constantly to remind us of Him and to bind us in bonds of love and gratitude to our heavenly Benefactor. We dwell too near the lowlands of earth. Let us raise our eyes to the open door of the sanctuary above, where the light of the glory of God shines in the face of Christ, who “is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him.” Hebrews 7:25. 

We need to praise God more “for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.” Psalm 107:8. Our devotional exercises should not consist wholly in asking and receiving. Let us not be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive. We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. (Steps to Christ, p. 102)

The book of Psalms has shared many lessons, but one of the most important I think, is that we never forget no matter our circumstances to keep a spirit of praise and gratitude to God. Gratitude lifts us to the heights of heaven... near the throne. And that's where we want to live!

Tomorrow's Reading - the Last day! Malachi 3-4 and Revelation 22

Day 363 - New Heaven and Earth, and No more Tears!

Today's Reading: Zech 13-14 and Revelation 21

I love Revelation 21. Here's some of my favorite passages from this chapter...

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev. 21:1-4)

I especially love the last verse... no more tears or pain. Do you see the personal contact here? It doesn't say, "You won't have any more tears." It says, "God shall wipe away all tears." This is a personal touch. Just as He formed us from the dust and breathed into our body the breath of life... so He will once again reach out and touch us, and wipe away all the tears... Wow... almost makes me choked up just reading this. How beautiful!

In Ministry of Healing, we read the following:

But the day is coming when the battle will have been fought, the victory won. The will of God is to be done on earth as it is done in heaven. The nations of the saved will know no other law than the law of heaven. All will be a happy, united family, clothed with the garments of praise and thanksgiving—the robe of Christ’s righteousness. All nature, in its surpassing loveliness, will offer to God a tribute of praise and adoration. The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold greater than it is now. The years will move on in gladness. Over the scene the morning stars will sing together, the sons of God will shout for joy, while God and Christ will unite in proclaiming, “There shall be no more sin, neither shall there be any more death.” (MH 504)

How I'm looking forward to that wonderful day!

Tomorrow's Reading: Mal. 1-2 and Ps. 149-150

Day 362 - A Thousand Years of Judgement?

Today's Reading: Zechariah 11-12 and Revelation 20

In today's reading of Revelation 20, we read about the thousand years that Satan is bound while the saints, all God's children are made judges, and Kings and Queens over the wicked.

"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." (Rev. 20:4-6)

In the Great Controversy we read the following:

During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the second advent. “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” 1 Corinthians 4:5. Daniel declares that when the Ancient of Days came, “judgment was given to the saints of the Most High.” Daniel 7:22. At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God. John in the Revelation says: “I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.” “They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:4, 6. It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, “the saints shall judge the world.” 1 Corinthians 6:2. In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death. 

Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ and His people. Says Paul: “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” Verse 3. And Jude declares that “the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Jude 6. (GC, p. 660-661)

As I've thought about this, I think perhaps we've painted things in the wrong way in our minds. Why would a loving God who has redeemed us put us through the agony... for 1,000 years, of contemplating the sins of the lost? I don't understand all this, but my thoughts are that perhaps we won't have to look at everyone's sin, only those that would concern us? The main point of the judgement is to see the God has been just... And if we have questions about loved ones or those that we know and why they weren't saved, we will have opportunity to see the record and see why they would not be happy in heaven. Yes, we will reign with Christ as Kings and Queens, but this doesn't necessarily mean that 1,000 years is going to be spent all on the judgement of the sinners.

Of course, what is not clearly expressed in Scripture we probably should not try to explain... but let's just keep in mind, God is good. And He's not going to take us to heaven and save us, only to submit us to 1,000 years of our own torture before the real joy begins. Whatever happens above when we get to heaven, it will be GOOD, and all pain and sorrow and suffering will be put away as we see God has been just... and He's done what's best.

Tomorrow's Reading: Zech. 13-14 and Revelation 21

Day 361 - Keep Asking for Rain!

Today's Reading: Zechariah 9-10 and Psalm 148.

When we talk about the Holy Spirit, we often use this verse from Zechariah 10.

"Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field."

I believe this should be our daily prayer... Lord please send us RAIN. The rain of Your Holy Spirit. Please baptize us afresh...

Here's some thoughts I often read as I claim this promise of rain!

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:13

“The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the church is looked forward to as in the future; but it is the privilege of the church to have it now. Seek for it, pray for it, believe for it. We must have it, and Heaven is waiting to bestow it.” The Review and Herald, March 19, 1895.

“If ye ABIDE in me and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it SHALL be done unto you!” John 15:7

“A chain of earnest, praying believers should encircle the world…to pray for the Holy Spirit.” Review and Herald, January 3, 1907

“The Latter Rain—Let Christians ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the former rain, and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant.” The Signs of the Times, February 17, 1914.

“Ye have not because ye ask not…Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name. Ask and ye SHALL receive, that your joy may be full.” James 4:2, John 16:24

“Plead for the Holy Spirit. God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bible in your hands say, I have done as Thou hast said. I present Thy promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Christ Object Lessons, p. 147

Let's keep praying for MORE of the Holy Spirit. 

Tomorrow's Reading: Zech. 11-12 and Revelation 20

Day 360 - The Lord is Jealous of Your Love!

Today's Reading: Zech. 7-8 and Revelation 19

I remember reading this in earlier years, about the Lord being jealous and wondering... "How can God be jealous. Isn't jealously a sin?"

But there is good godly jealousy, for God and for us!

The Bible says, "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury. Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain." Zech. 8:2-3

I love that part about Jerusalem being a city of TRUTH! :-)

But back to that jealousy thing. 2 Cor. 11:2 shares a nice parallel verse that says, "For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

This is what helps me make sense of God's jealousy....

You see, God is our creator and Lord, and deserves our total allegiance and affection. He has exclusive rights over us—rights that He will not share with another. Just like when we get married and our spouse is jealous for our exclusive affection, God says, “You are mine! I will not share you with other lovers or with other gods! I will fight for you because I love you.” And that’s what we see happening all throughout the Bible, especially the Old Testament. God is fighting for His love, for the bride of Christ. Rather than making us run away, that should make us want to run to Him. 

As a woman, I know how wonderful it feels when it seems a man is willing to fight for me, when he’s jealous to win and hold my exclusive affections. But how does he fight? With force? No! You can’t force affections. You win affections, you win allegiance by love, by unselfish sacrifice, by demonstrating that you are willing to lay down your life for the person you love. And this is so eye-opening for me in our relationship with Christ. He emptied all heaven to demonstrate His love. He paid an infinite sacrifice (we can’t even begin to comprehend) to show us His love. So He has every right to be jealous. 

In fact, the degree of His holy jealousy shows the degree of His holy love; the greater the love, the greater the anger when that love is violated. 

So we can be thankful God is jealous. He loves us, and He's fighting for us... just like a good man will fight for His bride. He doesn’t want to share us with other lovers! PTL! I like having a jealous husband.

Tomorrow's Reading: Zech. 9-10 and Psalm 148

Day 359 - Not One Cherished Sin

Today's Reading: Zech. 5-6 and Revelation 18

In today's reading of Zechariah all kinds of interesting things are happening. We see flying scrolls, a vision of a woman in a basket, four chariots... we also see the seriousness of sin.

"Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that swarth shall be cut off as on that side according to it." Zech. 5:3

I'm captivated by a thought in the margin of my Bible this morning, that comes from Christ Object Lessons, p. 316. It reads as follows:

The righteousness of Christ will not cover one cherished sin. A man may be a law-breaker in heart; yet if he commits no outward act of transgression, he may be regarded by the world as possessing great integrity. But God’s law looks into the secrets of the heart. Every act is judged by the motives that prompt it. Only that which is in accord with the principles of God’s law will stand in the judgment. 

God is love. He has shown that love in the gift of Christ. When “He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” He withheld nothing from His purchased possession. (John 3:16.) He gave all heaven, from which we may draw strength and efficiency, that we be not repulsed or overcome by our great adversary. But the love of God does not lead Him to excuse sin. He did not excuse it in Satan; He did not excuse it in Adam or in Cain; nor will He excuse it in any other of the children of men. He will not connive at our sins or overlook our defects of character. He expects us to overcome in His name.

We are all sinners... We all fight daily with impure and selfish motives in our heart. Even the good things we do are covered in sin (Isa. 64:6). Let us confess our sins and ask for His covering. That is our only safety. Love this additional passage that just came to my mind here as I'm reading...

Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. There is an inexhaustible fund of perfect obedience accruing from His obedience. In heaven His merits, His self-denial and self-sacrifice, are treasured as incense to be offered up with the prayers of His people. As the sinner’s sincere, humble prayers ascend to the throne of God, Christ mingles with them the merits of His own life of perfect obedience. Our prayers are made fragrant by this incense. Christ has pledged Himself to intercede in our behalf, and the Father always hears His Son. (This comes from the Australian Union Record, June 1, 1900, Art. A, par. 14)

So thankful for His righteousness! The GREATEST gift of all time! Not just today, but every day of the year!

Tomorrow's Reading: Zech. 7-8 and Revelation 19

Day 358 - Take Away the Filthy Garments

Today's Reading: Zech. 3-4 and Revelation 17

I loved reading in Zechariah this morning about how the Lord removes the filthy garments... 

"And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by." Zechariah 3:1-5

What a beautiful reminder to see how the Lord fights for us, and how He lovingly takes away those filthy garments and takes away our iniquity, our sin. 

In Christ Object Lessons, Ellen White writes:

Arise and go to your Father. He will meet you a great way off. If you take even one step toward Him in repentance, He will hasten to enfold you in His arms of infinite love. His ear is open to the cry of the contrite soul. The very first reaching out of the heart after God is known to Him. Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul. Your heavenly Father will take from you the garments defiled by sin. (p. 206)

I love that part... If you even take one step toward Him in repentance... Praise the Lord for His daily mercy and grace, fresh every morning. 

Tomorrow's Reading: Zech. 5-6 and Revelation 18

Day 357 - Apple of His Eye!

Today's Reading: Zechariah 1-2 and Ps. 146-147

You know, when we really consider the realm of things, our life, our struggles, our heartaches, our joys, our experiences, our achievements, our victories, our trophies, etc, they are really nothing... nothing in comparison with God and who He is.

I was reading in Psalms 147:4,5 this morning.

“He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them ALL by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.”

Wow! I mean, do we even begin to comprehend what I just read?? His understanding is INFINITE! He calls the stars ALL by their names? I love looking at the stars, but I know the names of maybe 5-10... that’s it. Astronomers might know names of a few hundred or more? But billions and billions of galaxies with more stars than we can number within each?? And He knows them ALL by name? No wonder David cries out, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Ps. 8:4)

And yet... and YET... as I also just read this morning in Zechariah 2:8, If anyone touches us (tries to hurt us) they are actually touching the apple of God’s eye!!!!! The apple is the pupil... That’s what you see with. That means His eyes are always focused on US! The phrase “apple of my eye” actually refers to something or someone that one cherishes above all others. And that’s how God views us! Unbelievable! Wow!

This is all so hard to imagine... and yet sometimes we feel like He’s not watching closely enough, like He doesn’t see our grief, our struggles, our heartache, or pain... I know I feel that way at times. I’ve felt that way just this week. Perhaps we need to spend some extra time this coming week just basking in these amazing thoughts... WE ARE THE APPLE OF HIS EYE! Wow... so awe-inspiring.

Tomorrow's Reading: Zech. 3-4 and Revelation 17

Day 356 - Where are our Priorities?

Today's Reading: Haggai 1-2 and Revelation 16

More sobering words we find in Hagai. Can you imagine living in the day when these words were first spoken? We are living in a land of spiritual desolation, of lukewarm Laodecia like in the day of Haggai. It's easy to judge others, when we ourselves are actually guilty of much worse.

Haggai 1:5 says, "Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; consider your ways..."

Here comes the very sobering passages of warning:

"Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD. Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house. Therefore the heaven over you is stayed from dew, and the earth is stayed from her fruit." (Haggai 1:6-10)

What is going on here? It seems that among the people of Israel, there is more concern for personal gain then for the Lord's gain, for personal houses than for the Lord's house... and there can be no blessing when God's cause is secondary. 

Again I turn to the book Prophets and Kings for insight on what is happening here:

"Now consider your ways," (Haggai 1:5). Why have you done so little? Why do you feel concern for your own buildings and unconcern for the Lord's building? Where is the zeal you once felt for the restoration of the lord's house? What have you gained by serving self? The desire to escape poverty has led you to neglect the temple, but this neglect has brought upon you that which you feared. (Prophets and Kings, p. 574)

Thankfully we are told there is a good ending to this story. 

The message of counsel and reproof given through Haggai was taken to heart by the leaders and people of Israel. They felt that God was in earnest with them. They dared not disregard the repeated instruction sent them—that their prosperity, both temporal and spiritual, was dependent on faithful obedience to God’s commands. Aroused by the warnings of the prophet, Zerubbabel and Joshua, “with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of Haggai the prophet.” Verse 12.  

As soon as Israel decided to obey, the words of reproof were followed by a message of encouragement. “Then spake Haggai ... unto the people, saying, I am with you, saith the Lord. And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel” and of Joshua, and “of all the remnant of the people; and they came and did work in the house of the Lord of hosts, their God.” Verses 13, 14. (Prophets and Kings, p. 575)

Let us remember that if we seek God first and His Kingdom and His righteousness, all these other things will be added unto us! Let's keep our priorities straight!

Tomorrow's Reading: Zechariah 1-2 and Ps. 146-147

Day 355 - He sees the Possibilities!

Today's Reading: Zeph. 1-3 and Revelation 15

In Zephaniah, we read about the coming great day of the Lord, when the Lord's judgements fall upon the earth, when God's people go forth to give the final message of invitation and mercy.

I thought it was interesting in Zephaniah 3:9, how the Bible tells us, the Lord will turn to the people a pure language... verse 13 expounds upon that, "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth." Seems that our words are pretty significant in the sight of heaven, and if that's the tongue God's people are going to have at the end of time, perhaps we should be praying to have that kind of tongue now...

Anyway, unrelated to those thoughts, I love a margin quote by Ellen White that is in my Bible. It is referencing Zephaniah 1:14 which says, "The great day of the Lord is near, and hasteth greatly." This is what Ellen White wrote...

In this closing work of the gospel there is a vast field to be occupied; and, more than ever before, the work is to enlist helpers from the common people. Both the youth and those older in years will be called from the field, from the vineyard, and from the workshop, and sent forth by the Master to give His message. Many of these have had little opportunity for education; but Christ sees in them qualifications that will enable them to fulfill His purpose. If they put their hearts into the work, and continue to be learners, He will fit them to labor for Him.  

He who knows the depths of the world’s misery and despair, knows by what means to bring relief. He sees on every hand souls in darkness, bowed down with sin and sorrow and pain. But He sees also their possibilities; He sees the height to which they may attain. Although human beings have abused their mercies, wasted their talents, and lost the dignity of godlike manhood, the Creator is to be glorified in their redemption.  

The burden of labor for these needy ones in the rough places of the earth Christ lays upon those who can feel for the ignorant and for such as are out of the way. He will be present to help those whose hearts are susceptible to pity, though their hands may be rough and unskilled. He will work through those who can see mercy in misery, and gain in loss. When the Light of the world passes by, privilege will be discerned in hardship, order in confusion, success in apparent failure. Calamities will be seen as disguised blessings; woes, as mercies. Laborers from the common people, sharing the sorrows of their fellow men as their Master shared the sorrows of the whole human race, will by faith see Him working with them.  

“The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly.” Zephaniah 1:14. And a world is to be warned. (From Education, p. 269-270)

I highlighted the parts that really spoke to me above. Can we see God's mercy even in misery? Can we see privilege in hardship, order in confusion, success in apparent failure. God sees the possibilities for the rough yet unturned stones of those still living in the world. Do we see these possibilities? Let us pray for new eyes to really SEE!

Tomorrow's Reading: Hagai 1-2 and Revelation 16

Day 354 - The Vision will be Fulfilled

Today's Reading: Hab. 1-3 and Psalm 145

In the reading of Habakkuk, my heart is drawn to this one passage: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." (Hab. 2:3)

Basically God is reminding us that the prophecies will be fulfilled. His words will be fulfilled. It's hard to wait on God. Our hearts are longing to speed up the process. It's hard to wait for God's timing to fulfill His Word and His vision in our lives, but we must wait. We must not grow weary. His Word will surely be fulfilled at the appointed time, but we must be patient.

Ellen White writes:

We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified—the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and way. The sure word of prophecy will meet its final fulfillment in the glorious advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords. The time of waiting may seem long, the soul may be oppressed by discouraging circumstances, many in whom confidence has been placed may fall by the way; but with the prophet who endeavored to encourage Judah in a time of unparalleled apostasy, let us confidently declare, “The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Habakkuk 2:20. Let us ever hold in remembrance the cheering message, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.... The just shall live by his faith.” (From Prophets and Kings, p. 387)

The waiting is long... oh so long. I'm tired of waiting. I know the struggle. I know the pain of year after year waiting upon God, and yet, the unjust are still not punished, God's people are still not vindicated, and the answers still seem far away. But let us wait for it. God's Word will be fulfilled.

Tomorrow's Reading: Zeph. 1-3 and Revelation 15

Day 353 - No Second Time

Today's Reading: Nahum 1-3 and Revelation 14

Today's reading is loaded... what with the Three Angel's Messages of Revelation 14. But I'm not going to attempt to delve into Revelation 14 today... I'm going to mention something very brief but very comforting of Nahum.

Here it is: "What do ye imagine against the Lord? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time." (Nah. 1:9)

Here in a nutshell verse, we can have hope that sin and all its horrible results will someday soon be no more, and it will never again rise up a second time.

Ellen White writes the following:

The whole universe will have become witnesses to the nature and results of sin. And its utter extermination, which in the beginning would have brought fear to angels and dishonor to God, will now vindicate His love and establish His honor before the universe of beings who delight to do His will, and in whose heart is His law. Never will evil again be manifest. Says the word of God: “Affliction shall not rise up the second time.” Nahum 1:9. The law of God, which Satan has reproached as the yoke of bondage, will be honored as the law of liberty. A tested and proved creation will never again be turned from allegiance to Him whose character has been fully manifested before them as fathomless love and infinite wisdom. (Great Controversy, p. 504)

Praise the Lord! Once we are delivered, we are forever set free!

Tomorrow's Reading: Hab. 1-3 and Psalm 145

Day 352 - No Fishing Allowed!

Today's Reading: Micah 6-7 and Revelation 13

There's several verses that stood out to me in today's reading in Micah. They aren't new. I've seen them before.... but it was good to be reminded.

In today’s Bible reading, as Israel recognizes their sins before God, the question is asked, "How shall I come before the Lord? With burnt offerings, with thousands of rams, or rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for the sin of my soul?" (Micah 6:6-8)

And the answer is given: "He hath shewed thee, O Man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." (Micah 6:8)

This is pretty simple it seems, but what does it mean practically? Here’s my non-scholarly summary:

- TO DO JUSTLY... to be doers of God’s law and not just hearers only, to treat others in a just and fair way, as we would want to be treated.

- TO LOVE MERCY... to value the precious mercy that was bestowed upon us by God, and to lavishly extend that grace and mercy to others in our daily living.

- TO WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD.... Not in arrogance, but in humility. You see, pride likes to walk alone. Pride thinks, "I've got this, and I don’t need anyone’s help. I’m strong.” That’s how I use to be when I was a kid when my parents would try to help me. “Don’t help me. I can do it by myself...” For a child growing and learning to do life, that may be one thing, but what a dangerous attitude to have spiritually as adults. The Bible says pride always comes before a fall. We have to stay humble... to remember even our best works of righteousness are only filthy rags to God. Without the blood of Christ, without His righteousness to cover us, we would have no hope. And our life must be a daily renewal of our marriage vows (to Christ), a daily conversion, a daily WALK with Jesus, daily taking that precious covering. We are not safe one day, one hour, one moment without Him. If we remember these three points, we have remembered enough.

I love this thought in Ministry of Healing:

"Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour. By prayer, by the study of His word, by faith in His abiding presence, the weakest of human beings may live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold them by a hand that will never let go." (Ministry of Healing, p. 182)

I also love the closing verses in Micah 7:18-19. "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

Praise the Lord for the depths of the sea. We haven't always done justly. We haven't always loved mercy or acted in mercy, and we certainly haven't always walked humbly. But when we confess our sins, He is faithful and just. He pardons iniquity, He delights in mercy... and our sins He casts into the depths of the sea to be remembered no more. And I love the way Corrie Ten Boom put it, "I think the Lord puts up a sign there... No fishing allowed!"

God is good!

Tomorrow's Reading: Nahum 1-3 and Revelation 14

Day 351 - The Little Town of Bethlehem... and Shepherds who were Watching!

Today's Reading: Micah 4-5 and Revelation 12

In today's reading of Micah, we see the birthplace of Christ foretold.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)

Christ could have gone to the center stage broadway of the then-known world to make His entrance... He could have come with fireworks and flashes of lightning that would draw all the attention of the world to His entrance... But He chose to come to a little (among thousands) town called Bethlehem. He chose to share the news of His arrival not with the religious elite, or Biblical scholars of the day, for pride had blinded their eyes, but He chose to come to a stable, and to have his coming shared with humble shepherds. And the first that came and gave Christ honor were not the Jewish nation, they were wise man from the East... they were from a different denomination and sect of Christianity than the Jews. They were the ones studying prophecy, they were the ones watching for the signs when Jesus own people missed them...

Ellen White writes the following... This is a little bit long, but I was so fascinated as I was reading that I could not stop. 

At the time of Christ’s first advent the priests and scribes of the Holy City, to whom were entrusted the oracles of God, might have discerned the signs of the times and proclaimed the coming of the Promised One. The prophecy of Micah designated His birthplace; Daniel specified the time of His advent. Micah 5:2; Daniel 9:25. God committed these prophecies to the Jewish leaders; they were without excuse if they did not know and declare to the people that the Messiah’s coming was at hand. Their ignorance was the result of sinful neglect. The Jews were building monuments for the slain prophets of God, while by their deference to the great men of earth they were paying homage to the servants of Satan. Absorbed in their ambitious strife for place and power among men, they lost sight of the divine honors proffered them by the King of heaven.  

With profound and reverent interest the elders of Israel should have been studying the place, the time, the circumstances, of the greatest event in the world’s history—the coming of the Son of God to accomplish the redemption of man. All the people should have been watching and waiting that they might be among the first to welcome the world’s Redeemer. But, lo, at Bethlehem two weary travelers from the hills of Nazareth traverse the whole length of the narrow street to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a place of rest and shelter for the night. No doors are open to receive them. In a wretched hovel prepared for cattle, they at last find refuge, and there the Saviour of the world is born. 

Heavenly angels had seen the glory which the Son of God shared with the Father before the world was, and they had looked forward with intense interest to His appearing on earth as an event fraught with the greatest joy to all people. Angels were appointed to carry the glad tidings to those who were prepared to receive it and who would joyfully make it known to the inhabitants of the earth. Christ had stooped to take upon Himself man’s nature; He was to bear an infinite weight of woe as He should make His soul an offering for sin; yet angels desired that even in His humiliation the Son of the Highest might appear before men with a dignity and glory befitting His character. Would the great men of earth assemble at Israel’s capital to greet His coming? Would legions of angels present Him to the expectant company? 

An angel visits the earth to see who are prepared to welcome Jesus. But he can discern no tokens of expectancy. He hears no voice of praise and triumph that the period of Messiah’s coming is at hand. The angel hovers for a time over the chosen city and the temple where the divine presence has been manifested for ages; but even here is the same indifference. The priests, in their pomp and pride, are offering polluted sacrifices in the temple. The Pharisees are with loud voices addressing the people or making boastful prayers at the corners of the streets. In the palaces of kings, in the assemblies of philosophers, in the schools of the rabbis, all are alike unmindful of the wondrous fact which has filled all heaven with joy and praise—that the Redeemer of men is about to appear upon the earth. 

There is no evidence that Christ is expected, and no preparation for the Prince of life. In amazement the celestial messenger is about to return to heaven with the shameful tidings, when he discovers a group of shepherds who are watching their flocks by night, and, as they gaze into the starry heavens, are contemplating the prophecy of a Messiah to come to earth, and longing for the advent of the world’s Redeemer. Here is a company that is prepared to receive the heavenly message. And suddenly the angel of the Lord appears, declaring the good tidings of great joy. Celestial glory floods all the plain, an innumerable company of angels is revealed, and as if the joy were too great for one messenger to bring from heaven, a multitude of voices break forth in the anthem which all the nations of the saved shall one day sing: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14. 

Oh, what a lesson is this wonderful story of Bethlehem! How it rebukes our unbelief, our pride and self-sufficiency. How it warns us to beware, lest by our criminal indifference we also fail to discern the signs of the times, and therefore know not the day of our visitation. (From The Great Controversy, p. 313-315)

So, are we watching for His return today? Are we waiting expectantly and hopefully, or are we continuing our religious traditions unmoved by the events taking shape around us for Christ's soon return?

Tomorrow's Reading: Micah 6-7 and Revelation 13 

Day 350 - Are you a Happy Christian?

Today's Reading: Micah 1-3 and Psalm 144

Today I want to focus on one verse. Psalm 144:15 says, "Happy is that people that is in such a case; yea, happy is the people, whose God is the Lord."

I love this verse... And it makes me ask myself, "Are we happy Christians?" If we truly understand that our God is Lord, our God is Lord above all... we have every reason to rejoice and praise His name. We have every reason to be happy.

That doesn't mean that hardships in life don't happen, that doesn't mean that we don't experience pain... but we can still have inner joy and happiness even in the midst of the hardships of life, BECAUSE our God is Lord. Not just any Lord, but Lord above all... Yet, I find it continually amazing how little people smile today, how few seem to possess true inner joy.

I work in a building full of church workers. And sometimes I see men and women (especially men) rushing by where I work with no signs of any smiles, no signs of any joy or happiness. I pass these same people in the hall, or in meetings, or in worships, and not a smile, but instead a very serious somber expression. I am puzzled over this, and I wonder a lot about it. We are working in ministry for the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Yes, life is not easy, yes, ministry is not easy. I'm not naive to the realities and stresses and grueling difficulties of life and ministry. Yes, our church is having its struggles, but don't we have every reason to be bright happy friendly and loving Christians? Where's the joy? Where's the peace?

I can't judge hearts, I don't know what is going on inside the hearts of those specific people, but the Bible does tell us, "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." (Luke 6:45) And I think out of the abundance of the heart, the face shows too. You can tell when people look at you, by the expression of their eyes, their genuine smile (or lack thereof) if there is true joy and peace...

Thankfully I also work with many people who possess this joy... who, although they experience great hardships and stress and trials, obviously have great inner peace and joy. What a blessing to know these people in the Lord.

We need more of this in our midst. We need more expression of God's goodness. We have every reason to rejoice, we can be happy because our God is Lord.

Tomorrow's Reading: Micah 4-5 and Revelation 12

Day 349 - Angry at God's Mercy?

Today's Reading: Jonah 3-4 and Revelation 11

As we read in Jonah today, we find that God gives Jonah a second chance and calls him to go to Nineveh and preach that destruction is coming in 40 days. And what happened? Well, this time Jonah did as he was told. And guess what, when he preached the coming destruction, the people believed him! They ACTUALLY believed him... and they repented and proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth and sought God. Even the king laid aside his royal robes and humbled himself, and plead with the people to turn from their wicked ways... and they did. And God heard, and He changed His mind and did not send the evil that had been prophesied. 

You would think that Jonah would be rejoicing, that the people actually listened to his words of warning and they repented. In fact I find it interesting that Israel often did not repent, when judgement and doom was predicted, but this heathen nation DID! What a miracle! Jonah should have been rejoicing. But what does Jonah do? He gets angry at God, because now he [Jonah] feels like he's been made to appear like a false prophet... 

EGW writes: "When Jonah learned of God’s purpose to spare the city that, notwithstanding its wickedness, had been led to repent in sackcloth and ashes, he should have been the first to rejoice because of God’s amazing grace; but instead he allowed his mind to dwell upon the possibility of his being regarded as a false prophet. Jealous of his reputation, he lost sight of the infinitely greater value of the souls in that wretched city." (Prophets and Kings, p. 271)

Jonah was angry, angry that God had mercy upon this heathen nation, angry that he felt like he was a fool...

Ellen White continues: "Once more he yielded to his inclination to question and doubt, and once more he was overwhelmed with discouragement. Losing sight of the interests of others, and feeling as if he would rather die than live to see the city spared, in his dissatisfaction he exclaimed, “Now, O Lord, take, I beseech Thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.” (PK 271)

We know what happened to the people in Nineveh... they were given a second chance. But what happened to the prophet Jonah? I find no more reference to Jonah in Scripture after this incident. God could have continued to use him mightily... but it appears the he may have turned inward, and selfishly turned away from the ministry  God had for him.

This reminds me of the quote:"The object of all ministry is to keep self out of sight, and to let Christ appear." (1st Selected Messages, p. 155)

When we work for God what is the true object of our ministry? Is it for self or for God? Is our greatest desire the salvation of souls? Or is our greatest desire to preserve and promote self?

Tomorrow's Reading: Micah 1-3 and Ps. 144

Day 348 - Life Lessons from Jonah

Today's Reading: Jonah 1-2 and Revelation 10

Some of the stories in the Bible are pretty downright crazy... and if it wasn't the Bible, how could you believe such a tale? Of Jonah being swallowed by a whale... living in a whale for 3 days in the ocean, and living to tell about it? I mean... think of the horror of that experience... It probably would be like swimming in a sewage tank... dank... foul... dark... with all kinds of dead fish and garbage that fish might eat... just staying afloat inside that fish and breathing seems like it would have been a chore. No light, no fresh air... no drinking water? I mean seriously... think about the logistics of this story... It's really unbelievable! And yet... IT REALLY HAPPENED! Jonah lived to tell the story... 

As I look at this story I'm reminded of this thought:

"Natural impossibilities do not prevent the working of Omnipotence!" 

So why did God go to such great lengths to save Nineveh... Here's some more words from Inspiration:

In the time of its temporal prosperity Nineveh was a center of crime and wickedness. Inspiration has characterized it as “the bloody city, ... full of lies and robbery.” In figurative language the prophet Nahum compared the Ninevites to a cruel, ravenous lion. “Upon whom,” he inquired, “hath not thy wickedness passed continually?” Nahum 3:1, 19.  

Yet Nineveh, wicked though it had become, was not wholly given over to evil. He who “beholdeth all the sons of men” (Psalm 33:13) and “seeth every precious thing” (Job 28:10) perceived in that city many who were reaching out after something better and higher, and who, if granted opportunity to learn of the living God, would put away their evil deeds and worship Him. And so in His wisdom God revealed Himself to them in an unmistakable manner, to lead them, if possible, to repentance. 

The instrument chosen for this work was the prophet Jonah, the son of Amittai. To him came the word of the Lord, “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before Me.” Jonah 1:1, 2.  

As the prophet thought of the difficulties and seeming impossibilities of this commission, he was tempted to question the wisdom of the call. From a human viewpoint it seemed as if nothing could be gained by proclaiming such a message in that proud city. He forgot for the moment that the God whom he served was all-wise and all-powerful. While he hesitated, still doubting, Satan overwhelmed him with discouragement.
Had the prophet obeyed unquestioningly, he would have been spared many bitter experiences, and would have been blessed abundantly. Yet in the hour of Jonah’s despair the Lord did not desert him. Through a series of trials and strange providences, the prophet’s confidence in God and in His infinite power to save was to be revived. (Prophets and Kings, p. 265-266)

When God calls, it's wise we obey! And that's all the more I have to say...

Tomorrow's Reading: Jonah 3-4 and Revelation 11

Day 347 - Deceived by Pride

Today's Reading: Obadiah and Ps. 142-143

I find this passage in Obadiah sobering: "The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee..." vs. 3

So what is going on in this short book of Obadiah?

This book is a prophecy against the nation of Edom. Edom was a nation directly descended from Esau, brother of Jacob. In this short book, Obadiah references an incident where the Edomites not only refused to help their "brother" nation when a foreign nation invaded Jerusalem, but they also rejoiced at the disaster coming upon Jerusalem. In fact, they even aided the attackers. Because Edom opposed the descendants of Jacob, God sent Obadiah to proclaim their coming destruction with a promise that Israel would eventually posses the land of Edom. In Hebrews 12:16-17 we see Esau's inability to change his fate after trading his birthright for a meal. Here in Obadiah, we see the inability of Esau's descendants to change their fate after trading their brotherhood with Israel for the spoils of war.

So what God prophesied came true... what an unwise move to fight against the chosen people of God.  How could Esau have known that his rash move of giving up his birthright and despising the things of God. Esau was full of pride, he thought he was fine to gratify his flesh and give up his birthright. But this decision, as well as his decision to war against his brother, would affect his generations for centuries... until the end of time. No sin is of small consequence with God.

Tomorrow's Reading: Jonah 1-2 and Revelation 10

Day 346 - No More Tears!

Today's Reading: Amos 9 and Revelation 9

The last few days we've been reading about the opening of the seals and the trumpets sounding in Revelation. And now we hear in Revelation 9 about the plagues coming upon those who have NOT the mark of God in their forehead. Revelation 9:6 says, "And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them."

And still, despite the plagues being poured out... there is no repentance... It's hard to imagine such a day, and yet that is the day we are preparing for even now. People are becoming so hardened in sin, so hardened in their vice, that their consciences have been seared with a hot iron, and despite the judgements of God falling upon them, there is no remorse for sin.

But I want to back up and comment on a verse that I missed in earlier chapters.

Revelation 7:14-17. Here we see described a people who have been through tribulation and suffering but have come out conquerors.

"These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his templed: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more: neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

What comfort for us today!

I love the following passage from Inspiration:

In all ages the Saviour’s chosen have been educated and disciplined in the school of trial. They walked in narrow paths on earth; they were purified in the furnace of affliction. For Jesus’ sake they endured opposition, hatred, calumny. They followed Him through conflicts sore; they endured self-denial and experienced bitter disappointments. By their own painful experience they learned the evil of sin, its power, its guilt, its woe; and they look upon it with abhorrence. A sense of the infinite sacrifice made for its cure humbles them in their own sight and fills their hearts with gratitude and praise which those who have never fallen cannot appreciate. They love much because they have been forgiven much. Having been partakers of Christ’s sufferings, they are fitted to be partakers with Him of His glory. (Great Controversy, p. 649)

What a contrast! We suffer... but we are purified through suffering! And one day, all tears will be wiped away. Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow's Reading: Obadiah, Ps. 142-143

Day 345 - Broken

Today's Reading: Amos 7-8 and Revelation 8

Broken.... that's what I see in these chapters.... "And I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentations..." (Amos 8:10)

God's people are broken, the wicked are broken... but it is in God's mercy that we are broken now so that we don't have to be broken at the end of time...

This post is late... almost a day late... because I too am broken. It's interesting that this weekend I preached a message on "Brokenness: Our Greatest Need." Because unless we are broken and recognize our desperate NEED of Christ, He cannot save us! However, these last several days I've been going through different phases of my own "broken."

For starters, I re-injured my back, and have been in severe pain since Monday morning, so much so that I could hardly walk and had to leave work (I shouldn't have gone in to work to start with, but I tried!) So once I got home, I spent the rest of Monday as well as much of Tuesday on an ICE pack in bed. I felt broken physically and incapacitated. I'm not sure if the back spasms and pain had anything to do with the big load of firewood I brought home this weekend. I wanted to do something special as a surprise for the family that I live with... and someone was giving away free firewood, so I went and loaded up the back of my van with firewood, and then came and unloaded it all--all alone! I didn't feel pain at the time... I thought I was strong enough. But I guess now I'm paying the price for that firewood.

Then as I was laying in bed Monday (yesterday) morning feeling like I have a knife in my back, my best friend calls me broken and weeping... her mother has just died. We all knew it was coming, but still... it's never easy when it happens. Our mothers were both diagnosed with cancer at the same time. We wept together and prayed together... While we have hope, it's still hard to say goodbye.

But that hasn't been the only death this week. On top of that, another friend died Sunday evening... from breast cancer. She put up a valiant fight, for almost three years. But cancer won! And I just found out this evening, Tuesday evening, that another long-term family friend died. That's three friends in three days that have gone to their rest. We are broken living in a broken world... we suffer the ravages of a world that is broken...  and we are broken as a result.

Needless to say, I feel broken... on multiple levels right now. Like the merriment of the holidays has been turned into mourning... and pain. But I praise the Lord for the promise that He will one day wipe away all tears from our eyes and all pain and suffering and death will be no more... Pain is a good thing. It reminds us that we are alive and we still feel... It protects us, it drives us to the cross. So this has been a difficult couple days, but it's okay to be broken. God mends broken bodies and broken hearts... and He will mend ours. And I'm okay... because I have Him! But if I'm running behind on my postings for a few days, you all will know why...

Tomorrow's Reading: Amos 9 and Revelation 9

Day 344 - It's all HIM!

Today's Reading: Amos 5-6 and Revelation 7: 

Today I was struck with several things from both Amos and Revelation. In Amos I was sobered by how God tells the children of Israel, "I despise your feast days. I will not accept your burnt offerings and sacrifices." And we find that it is because the people are living in hypocrisy. The sacrifices that they are making are more a hollow form, but there's no inner holiness, no living connection. Made me wonder how often we today offer sacrifices of form that God turns away from because of the hypocrisy of our lives. Very sobering thoughts...

But what I really loved today was in Revelation 7, where we see the Mark of God put upon His servants. And at long last they are all gathered around His throne, "A great multitude which no man can number, of all nations, and kindreds, and tongues and people."

Referencing this grand event when God's people are finally all together around the throne, Ellen White writes the following:

Nearest the throne are those who were once zealous in the cause of Satan, but who, plucked as brands from the burning, have followed their Saviour with deep, intense devotion. Next are those who perfected Christian characters in the midst of falsehood and infidelity, those who honored the law of God when the Christian world declared it void, and the millions, of all ages, who were martyred for their faith. And beyond is the “great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, ... before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” Revelation 7:9. Their warfare is ended, their victory won. They have run the race and reached the prize.

The redeemed raise a song of praise that echoes and re-echoes through the vaults of heaven: “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” Verse 10. And angel and seraph unite their voices in adoration... In all that shining throng there are none to ascribe salvation to themselves, as if they had prevailed by their own power and goodness. Nothing is said of what they have done or suffered; but the burden of every song, the keynote of every anthem, is: Salvation to our God and unto the Lamb. (From the Great Controversy, p. 665)

I love that last couple sentences... NONE ascribe power to themselves, none mention what they have done or suffered, all glory all credit goes to the Lamb that was slain. When we finally get to heaven we will realize, we had nothing to do with getting there-- it's all about Him! Wow!! Praise the Lord! How I look forward to that grand gathering. How I long to be there...

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain...

Tomorrow's Reading: Amos 7-8 and Revelation 8

Day 343 - Blessings Bestowed, Blessings Removed!

Today's Reading: Amos 3-4 and Ps. 140-141

In Amos 4 we see the Lord's judgements upon Samaria... and His repeated appeal for them to return unto Him. How does He try to get their attention so they will return? Unfortunately the only way it seems is by removing blessings. 

Ellen White explains it this way:

"God speaks to His people in blessings bestowed; and when these are not appreciated, He speaks to them in blessings removed, that they may be led to see their sins, and return to Him with their whole heart." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 470)

Here's His sad removal of blessings from Samaria!

• I have given you famine of bread... yet you have not returned unto me, says the Lord.
• I have held back the rain from you...yet you have not returned unto me...
• I have smitten you with blasting and mildew and your gardens have dried up... yet you have not returned unto me...
• I have sent pestilence and your young men I have killed... yet you have not returned to me
• I have plucked some of you as a brand out of the fire... yet you have not returned to me...

Does God have to remove blessings to get our attention? Despite the removal of blessings the people of Samaria still do not return to Him... wow! Can our hearts become this hard? 

"No repentance is genuine that does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a principle of life that transforms the character and controls the conduct. Holiness is wholeness for God; it is the entire surrender of heart and life to the indwelling of the principles of heaven."  (Desire of Ages, p. 555)

Let us pray that we would have an ear that is soft to the promptings of His Spirit, that He will not have to take drastic measures in our life to get our attention... May our repentance work reformation, lasting reformation, for God's glory.

Tomorrow's Reading: Amos 5-6 and Revelation 7

Day 342 - We all have a Work to do for God!

Today's Reading: Amos 1-2 and Revelation 6

Good morning and Happy Sabbath! As we start the book of Isaiah, we see more of God's judgements... God's judgements upon Damascus, upon Gaza, upon Tyre, upon Edom, upon Ammon, upon Moab, upon Judah, upon Israel...

But what I will focus on in my brief thoughts today is the spokesmen God uses this time. It's a man named Amos, who was a herdsmen of Tekoa. As we see, time and time again, God speaks thru many different people and many different types of characters.

Ellen White writes:

In giving light to His people anciently, God did not work exclusively through any one class. Daniel was a prince of Judah. Isaiah also was of the royal line. David was a shepherd boy, Amos a herdsman, Zechariah a captive from Babylon, Elisha a tiller of the soil. The Lord raised up as His representatives prophets and princes, the noble and the lowly, and taught them the truths to be given to the world. 

To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8. Upon the minister of the word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic—the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end. 

Those who take up their appointed work will not only be a blessing to others, but they will themselves be blessed. The consciousness of duty well done will have a reflex influence upon their own souls. The despondent will forget their despondency, the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will find an unfailing helper in Him who has called them. (Ministry of Healing, p. 148)

So we all have a work to do for the Lord. Each work may be different. But if we are willing, God can use us. Today He's given me the task to give the divine message to my local congregation here in Maryland. I don't relish preaching... never have... it's a struggle for me every time... but I know God has called me to speak and share my testimony and also call people to a higher standard. So please pray that God will speak thru my words today and that He will be glorified. Can't believe this Bible reading for the year is almost over... 

What a blessing these readings have been, although I'm already looking forward to taking more time to go back and do some deeper digging and study. 

Tomorrow's Reading: Amos 3-4 and Ps. 140-141

Day 341 - The Lion and the Lamb

Today's Reading: Joel 3 and Revelation 5

I like how the two readings compliment one another today... In Joel 3 we see the promise that the Lord will rescue His people. Joel 3:16 says, "The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel."

It's a scary time for the wicked... at this time, they are going to cry for the rocks to fall on them... but for the righteous and redeemed, the Lord will be their hope and safety. He will deliver! So beautiful!

Ellen White talks about this serious and dreadful day when all the earth will shake:

Never since man was created had there been witnessed such a manifestation of divine power as when the law was proclaimed from Sinai. “The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.” Psalm 68:8. Amid the most terrific convulsions of nature the voice of God, like a trumpet, was heard from the cloud. The mountain was shaken from base to summit, and the hosts of Israel, pale and trembling with terror, lay upon their faces upon the earth. He whose voice then shook the earth has declared, “Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.” Hebrews 12:26. Says the Scripture, “The Lord shall roar from on high, and utter His voice from His holy habitation;” “and the heavens and the earth shall shake.” Jeremiah 25:30; Joel 3:16. In that great coming day, the heaven itself shall depart “as a scroll when it is rolled together.” Revelation 6:14. And every mountain and island shall be moved out of its place. “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.” Isaiah 24:20. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 340)

Switching to Revelation 5, I was smiling as I read about the Lord being a Lion and a Lamb. Again, reading the words from Inspiration, helps bring this chapter to greater clarity. Regarding the lion and the lamb, she writes:

The Saviour is presented before John under the symbols of “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” and of “a Lamb as it had been slain.” Revelation 5:5, 6. These symbols represent the union of omnipotent power and self-sacrificing love. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of fire that speaks terror and wrath to the transgressor of God’s law is a token of 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. Everyone who is faithful will be saved. (Acts of the Apostles, p. 589)

Praise the Lord for this encouragement. We should memorize these passages and these verses for the coming days of trouble...

Tomorrow's Reading: Amos 1-2 and Revelation 6