Day 212 - Job Perseveres in Faithfulness to God!

Today's Reading: Job 27-28 and Luke 22

"As God liveth... while my breath is in me, my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit." Job cries!

Life still isn't making sense, but Job continues to hold on. "Where is wisdom?" he goes on to ask. Wisdom is not found in the land of the living, and it can't be purchased with gold. It comes only from the Lord.

"Behold the fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:28)

It would be so easy for Job to curse God, for Job to give in to his feelings and the circumstances around himself that seem so grim... but the more time that goes on, the more he seems emboldened in his faith.

Ellen White writes, "He who lives in accordance with the creator's will is securing to himself the truest and noblest development of character... There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 222, 223)

Job is proving faithful to his test! Are we staying faithful in ours?

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 29-30 and Luke 23

Day 211 - Give, He will Give, Watch and Pray

Today's Reading: Job 24-26 and Luke 21

In my thoughts this morning, I'm going to focus on Luke 21. I love this chapter and there are three lessons in this chapter that speak so deeply to my heart.

Lesson 1 - GIVE: The widow who gave her last mite... She gave from her poverty... her gift was worth so much more than those that gave from their wealth. EGW writes, "To make her offering, the widow had deprived herself of even the necessitates of life, trusting God to supply her needs for the morrow. .... Thus He taught the value of the gift is estimated not by the amount, but by the proportion that is given and the motive that actuates the giver." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 342)

Lesson 2 - HE WILL GIVE: "For I will give you mouth of wisdom which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist." (Luke 21:15) This promise means so much to me, knowing that God will give me the wisdom I need when I'm called to speak. We don't have to stress or meditate about it too much before, but our Job is to stay connected, to stay faithful... and God will give us what we need in the appropriate time of time. Beautiful promise!

Lesson 3 - WATCH AND PRAY: We are living in serious times in earth's history. That's why Luke 21:34-36 speaks to all of us in a very personal way today. "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkeness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares... Watch therefore and pray always..."

Regarding this passage we are told: "Sad will be the retrospect in that day when men stand face to face with eternity. The whole life will present itself just as it has been. The world’s pleasures, riches, and honors will not then seem so important. Men will then see that the righteousness they despised is alone of value... There will be no future probation in which to prepare for eternity. It is in this life that we are to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness. This is our only opportunity to form characters for the home which Christ has made ready for those who obey His commandments. The days of our probation are fast closing. The end is near." (Christ Object Lessons, p. 318-319)

Love this chapter!

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 27-28 and Luke 22

Day 210 - When He Hath Tried me...

Today's Reading: Jon 22-23 and Ps. 85

"But He knoweth the way that I take. When He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food..." (Job 23:10-12)

Is this how we respond when trials come? His Word is more than our necessary food? When it seems like everything is going wrong, will we remain faithful? The enemy of our souls is constantly trying to get us to doubt God or to turn away from Him when storms arise, but let us like Job remain faithful. Let us vindicate God's character that He is good and we trust Him no matter what comes... knowing He is making us like gold....

We are told that regarding Job, this is what came to pass. "By his patient endurance [Job] vindicated his own character, and thus the character of Him whose representative he was." (Education, p. 156)

Currently here with my family in Montana. Had a crazy afternoon yesterday driving around the mountains looking for some old hiking trails my parents use to enjoy. We never found the trails although we drove for miles and miles and miles down old bumpy back logging roads. Then we came home and we found that one of the members in our friends other hiking group (we had separated and gone two different ways for the afternoon) had fallen and broken her ankle... And what timing as she (the one who fell) is overseeing a huge blue-berry farm and the season is just starting... As everyone scurried around last night getting her ready to go into the hospital and possible surgery, my dad stated calmly, "Well, once again, everything is going wrong just right. God is in control."

Last night I didn't sleep well... kept checking text messages and phone to see if any news from those gone to the hospital. Mind was also busy with many things... which means I'm exhausted this morning... oh my... what a night.

But I take comfort in God's promise: When He has tried us, we shall come forth as gold... although the road of life may at times be bumpy, much more bumpy than the logging roads that we were driving yesterday, we can trust Him! Although our physical steps slip, He still upholds us and will carry us through...

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 24-26 and Luke 21

Day 209 - God Seeks not to Punish but to Redeem

Today's Reading: Job 20-21 and Luke 20

In today's reading of Job we see a lot about the punishment of the wicked and how often the candle of the wicked is put out... and yet in all of these we see that God is not a vindictive God, as Inspiration tells us, but He wounds only to heal, to draw hearts back to Himself. It is not His desire to destroy the wicked... but they bring these things upon themselves.

Listen to these two powerful statements from EGW that I just read this morning. Puts things in perspective...

"God is Himself the source of all mercy. His name is 'merciful and gracious.' Exodus 34:6. He does not treat us according to our [sins]. He does not ask if we are worthy of His love, but He pours upon us the riches of His love, to make us worthy. He is not vindictive. He seeks not to punish, but to redeem. Even the severity which He manifests through His providences is manifested for the salvation of the wayward. He yearns with intense desire to relieve the woes of men and to apply His balsam to their wounds. It is true that God 'will by no means clear the guilty' (Exodus 34:7), but He would take away the guilt." (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings, p. 22)

Yet there comes a time when He says, "NO MORE!" And He will vindicate His people from the power and oppression of those who stubbornly refuse to be drawn by His love...

"God’s judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long delayed. 'The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.' Isaiah 28:21. To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. 'As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.' Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord is 'merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, ... forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.' Yet He will 'by no means clear the guilty.' 'The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.' Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. By terrible things in righteousness He will vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord’s reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which He bears long, and which He will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God’s account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy." (Great Controversy, p. 627)

Let's stay tender to the voice of God and the Holy Spirit. And when it seems we are being chastened by the Lord, may these trials turn our hearts closer to Him.

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 22-23 and Psalm 85

Day 208 - Lessons from Zacchaeus

Today's Reading: Job 18-19 and Luke 19

In Today's reading, we find Job's friends continuing to talk discouragement to Job. "How long will you keep talking," he asks them. Then Job speaks the following words, which are for us as well, especially when going through the darkness of affliction.

"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin works destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." (Job 19:25,26)

Can we boldly say the same, even if it seems like life is falling apart around us?

Moving to Luke 19 we read the story of Zacchaeus. This story is usually relegated to the children's story department but what profound lessons it has for all our lives today.

I love Zacchaeus earnestness to see Jesus! (He had no idea that Jesus would stop and talk to him... He just wanted to catch a glimpse of the Savior, and he was willing to go out on a limb and step out of his comfort zone, he was willing to appear odd and to do the unusual JUST to catch a glimpse of Jesus!) Are we that desperate today to see Jesus? I fear pride and respectability too often holds our earnestness in check... especially in the sight of men...

Inspiration shares the following:

"Before Zacchaeus had looked upon the face of Christ, he had begun the work that made him manifest as a true penitent. Before being accused by man, he had confessed his sin. He had yielded to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and had begun to carry out the teaching of the words written for ancient Israel as well as for ourselves. The Lord had said long before, “If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.” “Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God.” Leviticus 25:35-37, 17. These words had been spoken by Christ Himself when He was enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, and the very first response of Zacchaeus to the love of Christ was in manifesting compassion toward the poor and suffering.

.... no sooner did Zacchaeus yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit than he cast aside every practice contrary to integrity.

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)

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 20-21 and Luke 20

Day 207 - No Good Thing will He withhold...

Today's Reading: Job 15-17 and Ps. 83-84

[Greetings from Northeastern WA where I'm speaking for camp meeting at Sheridan Meadows. It's been such a busy week that I pretty much completely forgot to post the last two days, for which I apologize. As things usually work with this Bible journaling, I read each day and take my notes -- which I have  done -- and THEN I put some highlights of my notes online for you all to read, and that's where things have fallen between the cracks. Anyway, I pray that these brief thoughts can still be a blessing although they are posted late!]

I love the promise of Psalms 84:11 -- This promise alone has given me such courage especially when things in my life didn't always work out as I thought or hoped they should, yet I was reminded, "No good thing will God uphold from them that walk uprightly." In other words, if God is withholding something, it's because it's NOT for our best good and we can trust His wisdom. So rather can crying and complaining and being angry, we can rest assured that He's got our best interest at heart. Such peace this brings.

Regarding this passage, Steps to Christ shares the following:

Another element of prevailing prayer is faith. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6. Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24. Do we take Him at His word? 

The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has promised. When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers. We are so erring and short-sighted that we sometimes ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good—that which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as they really are. When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” (p. 96)

Beautiful promises... so rather than crying about something that God is not doing in our lives, let our hearts join the Psalmist in crying out for more of Him: "My soul length, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart ad my flesh crieth out for the living God." (Ps. 84:2)

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 18-19 and Luke 19

Day 206 - Keep Persevering! Keep knocking at the door...

Today's Reading: Job 13-14 and Luke 18

There's several things that really spoke to me from today's reading...

First in Job 13:15-18 we see Job rise from the depths of discouragement to implicit trust in God. "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him... I know that I shall be justified," Job cries.

EGW makes the following comforting statement: "God is acquainted with all this is misunderstood and misrepresented by men, and we can safely leave our case in His hands. He will surely vindicate the cause of those who put their trust in Him..." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 520)

The point is, even when we don't understand what God is doing, we need to persevere in faith.

Luke 18 really has some powerful thoughts as well, and I love the story of the unjust judge and where the widow keeps coming back again and again and again for help until help us given. Then we are told, "And shall God not avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18:7-8)

Again we see the importance of perseverance... and holding on and continuing to ask and not letting go. God hears, He sees, He understands... Although all may seem silent, don't give up! Keep believing, keep asking.

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 15-17 and Ps. 83-84 

Day 205 - There will Always be More to Learn!

Today's Reading: Job 11-12 and Luke 17

In today's reading Job's friends raise some important questions to Job as they observe the things of nature.... "We may try to figure out God and what He's doing, but can man really find out God?"

The answer is "NO, we cannot!"

In Patriarchs and Prophets, we read, "The mightiest intellects of earth cannot comprehend God. Men may be ever searching, ever learning and still there is an infinity beyond." (p. 116)

I love that... There will always be an infinity beyond.... we are told even when we get to heaven, there will always be more to learn, new discoveries to make! The following are a few of my favorite quotes talking about what it will be like in heaven as we continually learn MORE about our Amazing God!

"All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s children. With unutterable delight we shall enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. We shall share the treasures gained through ages upon ages spent in contemplation of God’s handiwork. And the years of eternity, as they roll, will continue to bring more glorious revelations. “Exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20) will be, forever and forever, the impartation of the gifts of God."  

"Do you think we shall not learn anything there? We have not the slightest idea of what will then be opened before us. With Christ we shall walk beside the living waters. He will unfold to us the beauty and glory of nature. He will reveal what He is to us and what we are to Him. Truth we cannot know now because of finite limitations, we shall know hereafter." Adventist Home, p. 152

"All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God’s redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through the ages upon ages in contemplation of God’s handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator’s name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed."(The Great Controversy, 677, 678)

"There every power will be developed, every capability increased. The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of body and mind and soul." (Education, p. 306)

"And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character." (The Great Controversy, 678)

Wow! Looking forward to that heavenly school...

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 13-14 and Luke 18

Day 204 - Little Things Make a Big Difference!

Today's Reading: Job 9-10 and Luke 16

Two things spoke to me personally in today's reading. The first was in Job 9 where we find Job talking about how great God is as he describes the wonders of nature. He talks about how God commands the sun and it doesn't rise and how He sealeth up the stars... and how God's wonders are without number... Isn't that true? I often wonder how could one who studies nature really be an atheist, for creation testifies of an amazing Creator...

Referencing these passages of Job, Ellen White reminds us:

"He who studies most deeply into the mysteries of nature will realize most fully his own ignorance and weakness. He will realize that there are depths and heights which he cannot reach, secrets which he cannot penetrate, vast fields of truth lying before him unentered. He will be ready to say, with Newton, 'I seem to myself to have been like a child on the seashore finding pebbles and shells, while the great ocean of truth lay undiscovered before me.' 

The deepest students of science are constrained to recognize in nature the working of infinite power. But to man’s unaided reason, nature’s teaching cannot but be contradictory and disappointing. Only in the light of revelation can it be read aright. “Through faith we understand.” Hebrews 11:3. (Education, p. 134)

The second thing I appreciated in today's reading is the reminder in Luke 16, of "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much." How much this speaks of the character of someone, how much this speaks of our own character. Do we do our best even in the small jobs, even when no one is looking but God? We should! Faithfulness does not matter when it comes to the size of the task. True faithfulness is seen when even the little things or the least things or the least people are reached and served for God's glory.

Again EGW writes:

There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts... By faithfulness in that which is least they acquire strength to be faithful in greater matters.  

An upright character is of greater worth than the gold of Ophir. Without it none can rise to an honorable eminence. But character is not inherited. It cannot be bought. Moral excellence and fine mental qualities are not the result of accident. The most precious gifts are of no value unless they are improved. The formation of a noble character is the work of a lifetime and must be the result of diligent and persevering effort. God gives opportunities; success depends upon the use made of them. (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 222-223)

God's details of love are seen in Creation... and our love is also shown in how we treat the details of life! Little things truly do make a big difference for the kingdom...

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 11-12 and Luke 17

Day 203 - Open Your Mouth Wide!

Today's Reading is Job 7-8 and Ps. 81-82

Job recognizes the depravity of sin, the depravity of life and the wonder that God would stoop to visit us... But God doesn't just stoop to visit us.

In Psalms 81:10, I am reminded of another of my favorite verses... "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it." God has so much that He's longing to do for His children... so much spiritual strength and food He longs to give... but we are not ready, or our mouths are stuffed full of junk food and other distractions. Or we are just plain satisfied and we aren't hungry for more...

That's why He tells us in Jer. 33:3, "Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knows not." It's because we don't even recognize what He longs to give us...

Let's put the distractions aside and ask God to give us fresh appetite and a fresh hunger for His Word, and most of all for Him!

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 9-10 and Luke 16

Day 202 - Questions and the lost Prodigal Comes Home

Today's Reading: Job 5-6 and Luke 15

In today's reading Job is asking lots of questions... and who wouldn't having experienced what he has... When trouble and tragedy strike sometimes those questions turn inward. "Is it me God? Have I done something wrong? Is it because of my sin that I'm experiencing this?" I know I have asked those questions over the years sometimes when things haven't gone as I hoped... but it's all part of God's plan.... We must trust Him in the dark as well as the light! (As I'm learning afresh even now!)

I really do love the story of the Prodigal son in Luke 15. I love the part where "he began to be in want." (vs. 14) In other words, he recognized his NEED! When we recognize our need is the point we begin to go home to our Savior. The remaining space here this morning, I'm going to share a series of quotes on this story from Christ Object Lessons as they reflect our own journey of repentance.

What a picture here of the sinner’s state! Although surrounded with the blessings of His love, there is nothing that the sinner, bent on self-indulgence and sinful pleasure, desires so much as separation from God... Whatever the appearance may be, every life centered in self is squandered. Whoever attempts to live apart from God is wasting his substance...  

The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house. The prodigal son in his wretchedness “came to himself.” The deceptive power that Satan had exercised over him was broken... The young man turns from the swine herds and the husks, and sets his face toward home. Trembling with weakness and faint from hunger, he presses eagerly on his way. He has no covering to conceal his rags; but his misery has conquered pride, and he hurries on to beg a servant’s place where he was once a child...

But while he is yet “a great way off” the father discerns his form. Love is of quick sight. Not even the degradation of the years of sin can conceal the son from the father’s eyes. He “had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck” in a long, clinging, tender embrace... 

In his restless youth the prodigal looked upon his father as stern and severe. How different his conception of him now! So those who are deceived by Satan look upon God as hard and exacting. They regard Him as watching to denounce and condemn, as unwilling to receive the sinner so long as there is a legal excuse for not helping him. His law they regard as a restriction upon men’s happiness, a burdensome yoke from which they are glad to escape. But he whose eyes have been opened by the love of Christ will behold God as full of compassion. He does not appear as a tyrannical, relentless being, but as a father longing to embrace his repenting son. The sinner will exclaim with the Psalmist, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” Psalm 103:13.

In the parable there is no taunting, no casting up to the prodigal of his evil course. The son feels that the past is forgiven and forgotten, blotted out forever. And so God says to the sinner, “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins,” Isaiah 44:22. “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Jeremiah 31:34. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7. “In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found.” Jeremiah 50:20.

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, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7. 

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. (Christ Object Lessons, p. 203-206)

Such a beautiful passage with such hope for each one of us, for we've all been prodigals in some way or another.

[Greetings from Lumby British Columbia where I've come to visit a dear friend from high school days. Also speaking here in the local church! Next week I drive back to WA to speak for Northeastern WA Campmeeting at Sheridan Meadows!]

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 7-8 and Ps. 81-82

Day 201 - Why was I even Born?

Today's Reading: Job 3-4 and Luke 14

In today's reading we see Job overwhelmed with discouragement. And so he begins to curse the day he was born. He's not cursing God, mind you, but he's asking, "Oh if only I had never been born. It would have been so much better."

Why does he feel this way? He has lost all it seems... as the Scripture says: "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid is come unto me." Job 3:25

Job's experience is not unique as he struggles to grapple with such overwhelming pain. We've all asked the same questions during certain dark moments of our life. "Why am I even alive? Why did God even bring me into the world if this was going to be the result? Oh... if only I had never been born."

In Prophets and Kings we find the following, encouraging and comforting thoughts:

"Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement—days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt, the bondage of unbelief. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God’s providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being." (p. 162) 

"Despondency may shake the most heroic faith, and weaken the most steadfast will. But God understands, and He still pities and loves. He reads the motives and the purposes of the heart. To wait patiently, to trust when everything looks dark, is the lesson that [all] in God’s work need to learn. Heaven will not fail them in their day of adversity. Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness, and relies wholly on God." (p. 174, 175)

We may falter in our faith.... we may cry out in discouragement, "Why was I even born?" but God still pities and loves... although sometimes we fall in heaps of discouragement, He has not forsaken. He is bending very near even when all we see is darkness...

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 5-6 and Luke 15 

Day 200 - And Job fell down and Worshipped...

Today's Reading: Job 1-2 and Ps. 80

Now we begin the story of Job... a man that was perfect and upright in all his ways. So Satan taunts God. "He only serves You and honors You because You bless him.... because You protect him." "Okay," God says. "You have permission to remove the blessings, but don't hurt him..."

And so, one tragedy after another begins to fall upon Job and his family.

Something really struck me and jumped out to me in my reading this morning. It was Job's initial reaction to the pain, loss and suffering that came upon him.

Here's the passage that comes after Job has received all the horrible news, even that his children have been killed:

"Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and WORSHIPPED, and said, 'Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' " (Job 1:20-21)

So this is the question that pricked my heart as I read this passage... When pain and suffering come, is our initial reaction to WORSHIP and bless the Lord? Or is to cry out in anger and questions, "Lord, how could You allow this to happen! How could a good God let this happen?"

Job's response reminds me of something similar I read about in Matthew 15:21-28. A Canaanite woman has come to Jesus desperately pleading for the healing of her daughter. Yet it doesn’t appear that Jesus is listening or cares. (When He finally does speak He says, the bread He has is not for her.) But does she walk away in discouragement? Does she curse His name? No, instead she falls at His feet in WORSHIP?

 Just like Job and the Canaanite woman, we too sometimes feel forsaken and forgotten and wonder why God isn’t answering our desperate prayers. Tragedy strikes and it seems He is silent. Life doesn’t make sense. But will we WORSHIP Him still? Will we praise Him still, believing that He is good, and that He works all things together for good in the end?

A couple days ago, our family lost a very dear friend... a young man we've known for years was killed in a tragic car accident just a few miles from his home. He had been happily married 14 months and had a three-month old daughter. Now his wife has been left to continue her life alone, and his baby daughter will never know her daddy. The news has been devastating for all of us... but most of all, I ache for the wife and daughter he left behind. In fact, I've struggled sleeping the last several nights praying, hurting, and thinking about the heartache that she must be going through. Yet, even in this time of suffering, God is sending comfort to this young mother and to each of us.

David often read specific passages from Scripture during church and this last weekend, one of the passages that he shared with his congregation was the following:

"A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation." (Ps. 68:5)

David would be killed in the tragic car accident the very next day. And yet without even realizing it, he was sharing comfort from the Scriptures that would be just what his family and friends would need and could look back and cling to as they coped with this terrible loss. Yes indeed: "God is a father to the fatherless, and He takes care of the widows."

I don't know why God allows beautiful love stories to be broken, why He allows loved ones to be lost in death when life has barely begun. But one thing I do know is that God is good, and He doesn't waste our tears or pain. Already I can see that there will be souls in the kingdom as a result of this tragedy. Our young friend was such a witness and already many have been convicted to seek God with fresh zeal as a result of David's testimony. Of course, that doesn't take away the pain… but as we cry, let us WORSHIP, for God still sits on the throne.

NOTE: Friends of the family have set up a Go-Fund me account to help David's wife Katie and baby Abigail as they move forward without their husband/father/provider. I'm encouraging those who can to GIVE something to help. Even if you don't know this family like we do, God sees each gift and you are laying up treasure in heaven! Your giving would mean the world to me and my family!

Support Katie and Abigail in their time of loss!

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 3-4 and Luke 14

Day 199 - From near Tragedy to Triumph!

Today's Reading: Esther 8-10 and Luke 13

In today's reading, we find Mordecai basically gets the red carpet rolled out for him. Haman's house is given to Mordecai, and Mordecai is promoted to the position next to the king. God also opens the way for letters to be sent throughout the kingdom giving the Jews the right to fight for their life. As a result, everyone feared the Jews and some even became Jews.

Did Mordecai seek this elevation and honor? Not at all. He was just being faithful to his duty. But God took care of him and the promotion came of the Lord. And what had nearly been a tragedy for the Jews and Israel turned into a triumph...

"Mordecai was given the position of honor formerly occupied by Haman. He “was next unto King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren” (Esther 10:3); and he sought to promote the welfare of Israel. Thus did God bring His chosen people once more into favor at the Medo-Persian court, making possible the carrying out of His purpose to restore them to their own land. But it was not until several years later, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes I, the successor of Xerxes the Great, that any considerable number returned to Jerusalem, under Ezra. 

The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. The revelator, looking down the ages to the close of time, has declared, “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. Some who today are living on the earth will see these words fulfilled. The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict.  

The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God’s people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath." (Prophets and Kings, p. 602, 605)

Interesting and sobering parallels to the end times that will soon be upon us... May God give us strength to stand as faithful witnesses no matter what lies ahead.

Tomorrow's Reading: Job 1-2 and Ps. 80

Day 198 - God's Divine Timing and Haman's final Banquet!

Today's Reading: Esther 6-7 and Luke 12

I really have to chuckle as I read this story again... seeing how the very night that Haman comes to ask the king permission to hang Mordecai, the king is reading about how Mordecai saved his life and wondering how he can honor him. Then... of all people, who should walk up but Haman!

Talk about adding insult to injury for Haman... now he has to parade around the city before Mordecai (all dressed up in the king's robes) saying, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!" He's barely finished licking his wounds when the second banquet with Esther comes which brings his death warrant.... where? Not anywhere, but on the very gallows he built for Mordecai! How does God do this? How does He so masterfully turn the tables on the enemies of His people time and time again? I don't know, but He's God and it's amazing to see His divine providence and His divine timing. When we look back at these incredible stories, may we never doubt the ability and power of our God.

In today's reading of Luke 12 we are reminded:

"There is nothing covered, that shall to be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness all be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops." (Luke 12:2-3)

And that's exactly what happened with Haman.... He had secret plans, but God revealed them to the world and used those very plans to reward his own wickedness.

Sobering words for those that work against God's children...

Tomorrow's Reading: Esther 8-10 and Luke 13

Day 197 - Called For Such a Time as This!

Today's Reading: Esther 4-5 and Luke 11

In today's reading we find Esther and all the Jews in a serious crisis... a life and death crisis! Esther has been asked to go before the King and speak on behalf of the Jews, but she knows that if the king does not welcome her, she could die. This crisis is too big for her, so she fasts and prayers for 3 days and asks all the Jews of the realm to do the same.

"The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her strength. “Go,” she directed Mordecai, “gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” Verse 16. (PK 601)

While most in the world don't realize it, we are living in a time of great spiritual peril as the enemy of souls is bent on destroying God's people. We who know the light, who know the truth are to be as watchmen upon the wall. God has called us for such a time as this, to use all our influence for His glory, to use our pen, our voice, our talents to draw people to the throne of the Almighty who alone can save us. We so desperately need a deeper walk. We need the Lord to teach us how to truly seek Him, how to fast, how to pray, and how to stand as intercessors for the land before destruction falls.

I find it interesting that today's reading in Luke the disciples are asking Jesus, "Lord, teach us how to pray." We need to be asking that same question today. "Lord, teach us how to pray. Teach us how to mend our walls, how to stand in the gap on behalf of others... Teach us how to be men and women of influence like Ezra, like Nehemiah, like a beautiful queen named Esther... who were called for such a time as this."

Tomorrow's Reading: Esther 6-7 and Luke 12

Day 196 - The Secret to True Beauty

Today's Reading: Esther 1-3 and Ps. 79

Today we begin the inspiring story of Queen Esther... I thought it was interesting as I was reading, the purification process that the women had to go through before they went to see the king. In a small way, it made me think of the purification process that we are going through RIGHT NOW before we meet our heavenly King. This purification process is called the "Day of Atonement" time period, as we search our hearts and ask God to purify our lives for His glory.

There was something beautiful and attractive about Esther that captured the king's heart right away... It doesn't sound like she was into all the fancy things at her disposal... in fact, the ladies could choose whatever they wanted (to make themselves more beautiful) when they went before the king, but she took only what was required. And what shone forth was not all the glitter, glamor, make-up and other things that most women wore or carried. What shone through was obviously the purity and beauty from her heart. This should be a real lesson for us women today... And this, I believe is the secret of true beauty! Of course I'm all for wearing attractive clothing and taking care of oneself so we look our best. In fact, truth be told, I love pretty clothes and I've spent my fair share on skin care and beauty products. But again and again I'm reminded what matters most to our Heavenly King is not the pretty clothes we wear when we go into church each Sabbath, or when we go about our daily duties. It's not our profession of faith or what we do in ministry. It's not applause of men, or long titles. It is purity and beauty of heart. It's surrender to His ways and inner holiness that bows before His throne, above looking for the approval of man.

I read the following in Acts of the Apostles:

"The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is priceless. In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness. “If any man will come after Me,” Christ said, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24. Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the Christian’s life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.

It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that “meek and quiet spirit,” the “fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, “They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.” Revelation 3:4." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 523)

Let's seek the beauty that is imperishable! And that doesn't fade with age!

Tomorrow's Reading: Esther 4-5 and Luke 11

Day 195 - Needed: More men like Ezra and Nehemiah!

Today's Reading: Neh. 13 and Luke 10

This morning we finish the book of Nehemiah... Nehemiah completed his job in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. And no doubt, he probably returned to serve the king Artaxerxes. However, reviewing the story in Prophets and Kings, I find the following encouragement for our lives today... we too need a reform in the land, just like in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah.

"In the work of reform to be carried forward today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not palliate or excuse sin, nor shrink from vindicating the honor of God. Those upon whom rests the burden of this work will not hold their peace when wrong is done, neither will they cover evil with a cloak of false charity. They will remember that God is no respecter of persons, and that severity to a few may prove mercy to many. They will remember also that in the one who rebukes evil the spirit of Christ should ever be revealed.  

In their work, Ezra and Nehemiah humbled themselves before God, confessing their sins and the sins of their people, and entreating pardon as if they themselves were the offenders. Patiently they toiled and prayed and suffered. That which made their work most difficult was not the open hostility of the heathen, but the secret opposition of pretended friends, who, by lending their influence to the service of evil, increased tenfold the burden of God’s servants. These traitors furnished the Lord’s enemies with material to use in their warfare upon His people. Their evil passions and rebellious wills were ever at war with the plain requirements of God.  

The success attending Nehemiah’s efforts shows what prayer, faith, and wise, energetic action will accomplish. Nehemiah was not a priest; he was not a prophet; he made no pretension to high title. He was a reformer raised up for an important time. It was his aim to set his people right with God. Inspired with a great purpose, he bent every energy of his being to its accomplishment. High, unbending integrity marked his efforts. As he came into contact with evil and opposition to right he took so determined a stand that the people were roused to labor with fresh zeal and courage. They could not but recognize his loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for God; and, seeing this, they were willing to follow where he led." (Prophets and Kings, p. 675)

Oh Lord, send us more men like Ezra and Nehemiah! Help us to personally do our part, to stand for righteousness though the heavens fall.

Tomorrow's Reading: Esther 1-3 and Ps. 79

Day 194 - Self must be Emptied

Today's Reading: Neh 11-12 and Luke 9

Brief comment (I guess I always say that and they turn into long comments!) on Luke 9. We see that Jesus only allowed three disciples to witness his transfiguration experience. However, as you can imagine the other disciples probably weren't happy to be left out. And while Jesus is trying to prepare His disciples for His coming death, they are actually are bickering about "WHO is to the be greatest." So when someone comes to them for help casting our a devil, they can't do it... They've been focusing on self! (How often we error in the same way. We come to spiritual conflict engrossed in our own grievances rather than focusing on Christ and no wonder we get hit and knocked down by the enemy.)

So Jesus sets a child among them... "He that is least among you all shall be greatest!" He says. Basically, self must be emptied if you want to be great...

Inspiration shares the following:

"The words of Christ pointing to His death had brought sadness and doubt. And the selection of the three disciples to accompany Jesus to the mountain had excited the jealousy of the nine. Instead of strengthening their faith by prayer and meditation on the words of Christ, they had been dwelling on their discouragements and personal grievances. In this state of darkness they had undertaken the conflict with Satan. 

In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must be emptied of self, and be filled with the Spirit and power of God. Earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith—faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work—can alone avail to bring men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and wicked spirits in high places. 

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed,” said Jesus, “ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove.” Though the grain of mustard seed is so small, it contains that same mysterious life principle which produces growth in the loftiest tree. When the mustard seed is cast into the ground, the tiny germ lays hold of every element that God has provided for its nutriment, and it speedily develops a sturdy growth. If you have faith like this, you will lay hold upon God’s word, and upon all the helpful agencies He has appointed. Thus your faith will strengthen, and will bring to your aid the power of heaven. The obstacles that are piled by Satan across your path, though apparently as insurmountable as the eternal hills, shall disappear before the demand of faith. “Nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Desire of Ages, p. 431)

That's encouragement for my heart today. Personally... although it's easy to go through the motions and do what's right or appear to be doing what's right, in my heart I think I've been like the disciples, focusing too much on my personal grievances the last few days (the trials and challenges of life) rather than looking with the eye of faith on Christ. Oh how we need to turn our eyes on Christ and have faith!

Tomorrow's Reading: Neh. 13 and Luke 10

Day 193 - Confession's Day

Today's Reading: Neh. 9-10 and Ps. 78:38-72

I was amazed at the parallels between the readings of Nehemiah and Psalms today. (The Holy Spirit is so obviously at work throughout this entire book, God's Holy Word!)

In Nehemiah we see that the walls have been completed and now the children of Israel are seeking to start things off again on a right note with God. They have had their time of rejoicing and celebration, feasting and merriment. Now they are fasting in sackcloth. They begin by taking time to confess His faithfulness over the generations. They also confess their unfaithfulness and their sins... they humble their hearts.

In Psalm 78 we see a retelling of Israel's rich history along with confessions of Israel's continual backsliding and unfaithfulness and yet God's mercy every time they repented.

In both instances, in Nehemiah and Psalms, we find rejoicing in a God of mercy who hears His people and forgives their sins.

I read the following from the pen of Inspiration:

"For those who are convicted of sin and weighed down with a sense of their unworthiness, there are lessons of faith and encouragement in this record. The Bible faithfully presents the result of Israel’s apostasy; but it portrays also the deep humiliation and repentance, the earnest devotion and generous sacrifice, that marked their seasons of return to the Lord. 

Every true turning to the Lord brings abiding joy into the life. When a sinner yields to the influence of the Holy Spirit, he sees his own guilt and defilement in contrast with the holiness of the great Searcher of hearts. He sees himself condemned as a transgressor. But he is not, because of this, to give way to despair; for his pardon has already been secured. He may rejoice in the sense of sins forgiven, in the love of a pardoning heavenly Father. It is God’s glory to encircle sinful, repentant human beings in the arms of His love, to bind up their wounds, to cleanse them from sin, and to clothe them with the garments of salvation." (Prophets and Kings, p. 668)

We have such a merciful God! I know that I don't deserve His mercy... I am a great sinner, and I have committed sins that I'm so ashamed to think of... but God forgives! And He has forgiven. And His mercy is truly new every morning. I am so grateful we serve a merciful God!

Tomorrow's Reading: Neh. 11-12 and Luke 9

Day 192 - Why Jesus had Peace in the Storm

Today's Reading: Neh 7-8 and Luke 8

In today's reading we see that the walls that Nehemiah started have been completed! Praise the Lord! It took 52 days, but God helped His people! (And He will do the same for us today!)

In today's blog, I will focus my comments on Luke 8. Luke 8 is full of the miracles of Jesus. But something I saw for the first time this morning was why Jesus was calm as He slept in the boat. Naturally, I've always thought it's because He has all power. He commands the wind and the waves, but this is what Desire of Ages tells us:

"When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. There was no trace of fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of almighty power. It was not as the “Master of earth and sea and sky” that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down, and He says, “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. He trusted in the Father’s might. It was in faith—faith in God’s love and care—that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God. 

As Jesus rested by faith in the Father’s care, so we are to rest in the care of our Savior.... How often the disciples’ experience is ours! When the tempests of temptation gather, and the fierce lightnings flash, and the waves sweep over us, we battle with the storm alone, forgetting that there is One who can help us. We trust to our own strength till our hope is lost, and we are ready to perish. Then we remember Jesus, and if we call upon Him to save us, we shall not cry in vain. Though He sorrowfully reproves our unbelief and self-confidence, He never fails to give us the help we need. Whether on the land or on the sea, if we have the Saviour in our hearts, there is no need of fear. Living faith in the Redeemer will smooth the sea of life, and will deliver us from danger in the way that He knows to be best." (DA 336)

One more thing that really impressed me from Luke 8 was when the woman reached out and touched Jesus and she was healed. Jesus could have let her go without making a scene, but He asked... WHO TOUCHED ME, because He wanted a confession from her own mouth of His faithfulness.

The following beautiful quote is in my Bible margin correlating with this miracle.

"Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven’s chosen agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own experience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power, that works for the salvation of souls." (Christian Service, p. 16)

We can trust Jesus in the storms! And we can trust the hand that heals us. Let's not keep His goodness to ourselves though, let's share with the world! Our God is good!

Tomorrow's Reading: Neh. 9-10 and Ps. 78:38-72

Day 191 - The Nine Lies of the Enemy

Todays's Reading: Neh. 5-6 and Luke 7

We are already to Nehemiah chapter 6 today, but as we've been reading I see so many parallels to our lives today. And I also see the many LIES that the enemy tries to tell us to keep us from fortifying our walls, and growing and going forward in God's work.

The following is a list of Nine Lies* (from Nehemiah 2-6) that the enemy used against Nehemiah to try to stop he and his workmen from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Unfortunately he's quite successfully using these same lies against us today!

The First Lie: What in the world do you think you are doing? Are you going to rebel against the king? (Neh 2:19)

So how do we respond to these taunts of the enemy. We must remember, that the lies of enemy are half-truths. The question is a fare one... the task ahead is daunting, really it is impossible. But just because someone thinks it is impossible that doesn't mean you don't try. What is impossible with men is possible with God. And if God says, we do it! It doesn't matter if the King says stop. If God says go, we go. Truth defeats lies! And truth also defeats kings that stand in the way of God's will being accomplished.

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible." Mark 10:27

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37 

"We ought to obey God rather than Man." Acts 5:29

The Second Lie: You are too weak, after all, don’t you realize that you are in captivity? You are not able to undertake such a project as this – it is foolish and ridiculous. (Neh 4:2)

This usually happens after you’ve gotten into a fog bank… you failed… or something is unknown… and enemy comes whispering… “Look at how weak you are! You think you can do this, but don’t you see you are too weak and feeble for this… You think you can bring life out of what has been destroyed?” 

The truth is.....WE ARE FEEBLE! But God's word tells us, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? . . . Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." Romans 8:26, 31, 37

The Third Lie: All this work is for nothing; the progress you have made is not real. There is no real strength in your wall; even the slightest breeze from the enemy will knock it down. You cannot take the rubbish of your inner life and expect to revive what has already been burned. (Neh 4:3)

Again the Bible tells us, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

Remember that God is growing you and the enemy is all BLUFF…but remember in our weakness, God's strength is made perfect! No greater situation, then dependence upon God… Cherish the fact that you feel weak… don’t allow the enemy to use it against you. Allow God to use it for His glory!

The Fourth Lie: You are too tired to continue; You need your sleep, God knows you need your sleep. (New 4:22, 23)

The Bible tells us, "Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not." 2 Corinthians 4:1

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians 6:9

The enemy appeals to our physical weakness…. But we cannot put the sword down in the spiritual battle! There's no time for some compromise or a few minutes of relaxation with the enemy. Once you put that sword down, you begin to give room to sluggishness, tiredness, and we are doomed. However, remember if God has commanded us to do something, He will give us everything we need to do it! That's why we must keep moving forward in His strength. We have to know Scriptures for ourselves. We can’t lean on others. We have to have it for ourselves. We respond with His SWORD… 

The Fifth Lie: I have the power to sneak up upon you when you least expect it and wipe out everything you have done; all the spiritual steps you have taken will mean nothing when I come in the night to slay you. (Neh 4:11)

The Bible tells us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand . . . Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." Eph 6:13,16

The enemy always boasts and makes himself seem bigger than he is. When you give the enemy faith, everything he does is believable. He amplifies his size to us… do we see Goliath or do we see God? The enemy was bluffing!

The Sixth Lie: You are currently under enemy siege; You’d better stop working and protect yourself. (Neh 4:8)

The Bible says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 2 Timothy 4:18

It seems that the enemy keeps coming up with a new ploy! The enemy was desperate, so he whispers, "Take care of you! Take care of you so you will be strong for others." But spirit-led living is not about YOU! You should take care of yourself, but not at the expense of rebuilding the wall or obeying God…

The Seventh Lie: You are building this wall for your own blessing, to be your own king, to rule for your own glory. You should stop working on such a vain self-aggrandizing project. (Neh 6:6)

The Bible says, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Matthew 6:13

Here again, the enemy reminds you, this is all about YOU! Is it about you? But the Bible says, "Search me and try me"… the enemy doesn’t do the examining… God examines, and the enemy accuses. I don’t want this to be about me… How do we get out of the way of the gospel… we must be dead to self… it’s about Jesus Christ. May God deliver us! 

The Eighth Lie: Meet me for lunch in Ono. I’m concerned for your well-being, and I might be of some help in your current endeavors. I know of things that you aren’t privy to know. If you listen to my counsel it will make your work go a lot smoother. (Neh 6:2,7)

The Bible says, "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." Proverbs 8:14

"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

It's like the enemy is saying here, "Lets be level headed… lets be men. Let’s talk straight… meet for lunch in Ono. Let us take counsel together… If you listen to my counsel, your work will go smoother!" But we cannot leave counsel of God to protect the work or gain counsel from the world... There are so many different baits that will come! Many will say, "Christianity has a lot of good answers, but they don’t have all"… Remember, the enemy has counterfeit counsel for every problem that we have.

The Ninth Lie: You need to consider your own protection. I know of dangerous things that loom on the horizon, large enemy forces are gathering together to come against you. Go and hide. For if you don’t concern yourself with your own safety soon, it might be too late. Listen to my counsel and you just might escape this whole matter alive. (Neh 6:9)

I love verse 11, "Should such a man as I flee or hide?"

The Bible says, "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." Psalm 56:4

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:6

Let us not give in to the lies of the enemy! If God be for us, who can be against us!

*I can't take credit for this list of Nine Lies. It originally came from my friend Eric Ludy. But I have edited and adapted it for my purpose here. It made today's blog a bit longer, but I think it's so powerful, I had to include it as we study Nehemiah!  

Tomorrow's Reading: Neh 7-8 and Luke 8

Day 190 - The Battle to Rebuild the Walls!

Today's Reading: Neh. 3-4 and Luke 6

Was hard to decide what to comment on today... so much in both Nehemiah and Luke.

I will continue with comments on Nehemiah's story for now.  Isn't it interesting that as soon as they set to work, the opposers arose to try to stop the rebuilding of the walls. But the opposers were not all enemies, some were supposed friends.

Ellen White writes the following regarding this experience:

"The opposition and discouragement that the builders in Nehemiah’s day met from open enemies and pretended friends is typical of the experience that those today will have who work for God. Christians are tried, not only by the anger, contempt, and cruelty of enemies, but by the indolence, inconsistency, lukewarmness, and treachery of avowed friends and helpers. Derision and reproach are hurled at them. And the same enemy that leads to contempt, at a favorable opportunity uses more cruel and violent measures. 

Satan takes advantage of every unconsecrated element for the accomplishment of his purposes. Among those who profess to be the supporters of God’s cause there are those who unite with His enemies and thus lay His cause open to the attacks of His bitterest foes. Even some who desire the work of God to prosper will yet weaken the hands of His servants by hearing, reporting, and half believing the slanders, boasts, and menaces of His adversaries. Satan works with marvelous success through his agents, and all who yield to their influence are subject to a bewitching power that destroys the wisdom of the wise and the understanding of the prudent. But, like Nehemiah, God’s people are neither to fear nor to despise their enemies. Putting their trust in God, they are to go steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, and committing to His providence the cause for which they stand. 

Amidst great discouragement, Nehemiah made God his trust, his sure defense. And He who was the support of His servant then has been the dependence of His people in every age. In every crisis His people may confidently declare, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. However craftily the plots of Satan and his agents may be laid, God can detect them, and bring to nought all their counsels. The response of faith today will be the response made by Nehemiah, “Our God shall fight for us;” for God is in the work, and no man can prevent its ultimate success." (Prophets and Kings, p. 644-645)

Although discouraged, they kept marching forward! Such lessons for us today!

PS: Don't skip the beautiful fact in Luke 6:12, that Jesus prayed ALL NIGHT before choosing his disciples. What if we did the same when considering monumental and significant life decisions... what if we prayed all night before deciding what career path we were going to follow, or about who we should marry? What about if we took time once in awhile, maybe once a month, or once every few months, to pray all night on behalf of loved ones that aren't walking with the Lord? Jesus has given us an example... but how seldom we follow it I'm afraid, because we are too tired, too busy, too occupied doing things our own way and in our own strength...

Tomorrow's Reading: Neh. 5-6 and Luke 7

Day 189 - Nehemiah's Quick Prayer

Today's Reading: Neh. 1-2 and Ps. 78:1-37

Here in today's reading we begin the inspiring story of Nehemiah, who, when he heard about the broken down walls of Jerusalem, sat down and wept and cried out to God for a way to rebuild the walls.

Who was Nehemiah? He was one of the Hebrew exiles, who had been given a position of influence with the king in the Persian court. In fact, he was the cupbearer to the king, but not only that, he had become a friend of the king. However, although surrounded by the splendor of the palace, he did not forget God or his people. His heart was grieved. And he began to pray.

In Prophets and Kings we read the following:

"Nehemiah had often poured out his soul in behalf of his people. But now as he prayed a holy purpose formed in his mind. He resolved that if he could obtain the consent of the king, and the necessary aid in procuring implements and material, he would himself undertake the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring Israel’s national strength. And he asked the Lord to grant him favor in the sight of the king, that this plan might be carried out. “Prosper, I pray Thee, Thy servant this day,” he entreated, “and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." 

Four months Nehemiah waited for a favorable opportunity to present his request to the king. During this time, though his heart was heavy with grief, he endeavored to bear himself with cheerfulness in the royal presence. In those halls of luxury and splendor all must appear light-hearted and happy. Distress must not cast its shadow over the countenance of any attendant of royalty. But in Nehemiah’s seasons of retirement, concealed from human sight, many were the prayers, the confessions, the tears, heard and witnessed by God and angels.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 629)

At last the opportunity came to share his burden with the king... but even then Nehemiah was trembling, and prayed quickly to God again before he gave his request to the king, for the king could have easily turned against Nehemiah claiming that he was not being loyal to his throne. But God heard Nehemiah's prayer and moved upon the king's heart...

“For what dost thou make request?” [the king asked] But the man of God did not venture to reply till he had sought direction from One higher than Artaxerxes. He had a sacred trust to fulfill, in which he required help from the king; and he realized that much depended upon his presenting the matter in such a way as to win his approval and enlist his aid. “I prayed,” he said, “to the God of heaven.” In that brief prayer Nehemiah pressed into the presence of the King of kings and won to his side a power that can turn hearts as the rivers of waters are turned. 

To pray as Nehemiah prayed in his hour of need is a resource at the command of the Christian under circumstances when other forms of prayer may be impossible. Toilers in the busy walks of life, crowded and almost overwhelmed with perplexity, can send up a petition to God for divine guidance. Travelers by sea and land, when threatened with some great danger, can thus commit themselves to Heaven’s protection. In times of sudden difficulty or peril the heart may send up its cry for help to One who has pledged Himself to come to the aid of His faithful, believing ones whenever they call upon Him. In every circumstance, under every condition, the soul weighed down with grief and care, or fiercely assailed by temptation, may find assurance, support, and succor in the unfailing love and power of a covenant-keeping God.  

Nehemiah, in that brief moment of prayer to the King of kings, gathered courage to tell Artaxerxes of his desire to be released for a time from his duties at the court, and he asked for authority to build up the waste places of Jerusalem and to make it once more a strong and defensed city. Momentous results to the Jewish nation hung upon this request. “And,” Nehemiah declares, “the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” (Prophets and Kings, p. 631-632)

That quick prayer to God brought the help of heaven when Nehemiah had his opportunity. But I daresay, the power of that short prayer came from the longer hours of prayer, crying, and weeping that had preceded it. Valuable lessons for our prayer life today!

Looking forward to more spiritual lessons in the coming days as we continue to study Nehemiah's testimony.

Tomorrow's Reading: Neh. 3-4 and Luke 6

Day 188 - Fish or Me?

Today's Reading: Ezra 9-10 and Luke 5

A lot of profound spiritual lessons in today's reading! I love in Luke 5 how we see that Jesus calls the disciples to serve Him at the height of their fishing career... right after they had just caught this huge catch of fish. He was testing their allegiance and love, and often the same test happens today!

Desire of Ages has these comments: "To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest.

Principle is always exacting. No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. No man who makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can he be His colaborer. When men appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice seen in Christ’s life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way, they will rejoice to follow. (DA 273)

I also love the story of how Jesus healed the paralytic let down through the roof. It wasn't because of the paralytic's faith, it was because of THEIR FAITH... the faith of the friends. How many people do we know today paralyzed by the effects of sin? Some are so paralyzed they cannot even move. They cannot even cry out for help. They can't get to the Savior. But because of us, their friends, because of our faith and our intercession... God can work and He will work! Let's continue to stand in the gap for those that cannot stand for themselves. God hears every sincere prayer and as we are told in Great Controversy p. 525, "God will grant us in answer to the prayer of faith that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask."

Tomorrow's Reading: Neh. 1-2 and Ps. 78:1-37