The Greatest Gift Given

This is the time of year that most people get super crazy with gift shopping and decorations for their homes. All the time they are getting more stressed out day by day, and as the days get closer and closer to the day we call Christmas the people seemed to get more crazed. So crazed that they lose sight of what it is really all about. The world is trying to make us forget what it is all about, they make the sales and they put the fairy tales in place so that the people are deceived.The gift shopping, the presents, the meal, or even the time that you spend with your family… that is not what Christmas is about.

The real reason for Christmas, the reason why we celebrate it in the first place is because of one reason and one reason only is the fact that One very special person who gave up everything to come to this place save us.

It was the greatest gift that was given; it was for our sake that the God of heaven put His son into the form of a baby. He came down so that He could eventually come back again.

While it is good to look back to the occasion of His birth I believe it is an even better idea to look forward to the future and what the Lord is going to do! He made the sacrifice of all time just so that we could have a future with Him and to live forever if we choose.

So instead of seeing how we can benefit ourselves, why don’t we see if we can help those less fortunate this year? We need to consider others before we consider ourselves. By giving of ourselves it is a sacrifice and it is the greatest gift that we can give! When we give our heart to God it is the greatest gift that we can give!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone and may God bless you this New Year that is coming! May we all be found worthy to stand in the New Earth with Him!

A Hidden Virtue

I was recently studying in my Bible about Patience and so I decided to write up all the texts that it gave me at the back of my Bible. I also took a few quotes from Sister White’s writing and I hope you enjoy them! I learned a lot from it and I hope you will too…

2 Peter 1:6 - And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

Luke 21:19 - In your patience possess ye your souls.

Romans 5:4 - And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Romans 8:25 - But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Hebrews 6:12 - That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

James 1:3 - Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Revelation 14:12 - Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Romans 5:3 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

2 Corinthians 6:4 - But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

2 Corinthians 12:12 - Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

2 Thessalonians 1:4 - So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

Titus 2:2 - That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Hebrews 10:36 - For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

James 1:4 - But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

James 5:10 - Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Revelation 2:3 - And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

Matthew 18:26 - The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Matthew 18:29 - And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Luke 8:15 - But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Romans 15:4 - For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15:5 - Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:

1 Thessalonians 1:3 - Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1 Timothy 6:11 - But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

2 Timothy 3:10 - But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

James 5:11 - Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Revelation 2:19 - I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.

Revelation 13:10 - He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

James 5:7 - Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Revelation 1:9 - I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 2:2 - I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Revelation 3:10 - Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

Patience as well as courage has its victories. By meekness under trial, no less than by boldness in enterprise, souls may be won to Christ. The Christian who manifests patience and cheerfulness under bereavement and suffering, who meets even death itself with the peace and calmness of an unwavering faith, may accomplish for the gospel more than he could have effected by a long life of faithful labor. Often when the servant of God is withdrawn from active duty, the mysterious providence which our shortsighted vision would lament is designed by God to accomplish a work that otherwise would never have been done. AA 465.1

Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it, is Christian character developed. Exposure to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the mighty Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude, and a deep and abiding trust in God. It is the triumph of the Christian faith that it enables its followers to suffer and be strong; to submit, and thus to conquer; to be killed all the day long, and yet to live; to bear the cross, and thus to win the crown of glory. AA 467.3

These words are full of instruction, and strike the keynote of victory. The apostle presents before the believers the ladder of Christian progress, every step of which represents advancement in the knowledge of God, and in the climbing of which there is to be no standstill. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are the rounds of the ladder. We are saved by climbing round after round, mounting step after step, to the height of Christ’s ideal for us. Thus He is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. AA 530.1

In the life of the disciple John true sanctification is exemplified. During the years of his close association with Christ, he was often warned and cautioned by the Saviour; and these reproofs he accepted. As the character of the Divine One was manifested to him, John saw his own deficiencies, and was humbled by the revelation. Day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. Day by day his heart was drawn out to Christ, until he lost sight of self in love for his Master. The power and tenderness, the majesty and meekness, the strength and patience, that he saw in the daily life of the Son of God, filled his soul with admiration. He yielded his resentful, ambitious temper to the molding power of Christ, and divine love wrought in him a transformation of character. AA 557.1

Those who would gain the blessing of sanctification must first learn the meaning of self-sacrifice. The cross of Christ is the central pillar on which hangs the “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” “If any man will come after Me,” Christ says, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” 2 Corinthians 4:17; Matthew 16:24. It is the fragrance of our love for our fellow men that reveals our love for God. It is patience in service that brings rest to the soul. It is through humble, diligent, faithful toil that the welfare of Israel is promoted. God upholds and strengthens the one who is willing to follow in Christ’s way. AA 560.2

All should cultivate patience by practicing patience. By being kind and forbearing, true love may be kept warm in the heart, and qualities will be developed that Heaven will approve. AH 106.2

Through all of this I have learned that patience is truly a hidden virtue, one in which I am striving for and hope to achieve. It isn’t always easy but with the Lord’s help I know that we can make it through and gain the blessing that God had in store for us! 

Communication

I was reading in my Bible and the story of Elijah, the prophet, (found in 1 Kings). And I came to the part where God had told Elijah to go and hide and then it said something very interesting, it said, “And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.” 1 Kings 17:4

Notice particularly that Lord said that He had commanded the ravens. The new thought struck me, one that I had never even thought of before and to me it was amazing! God communicates with animals, and there are many instances in the Bible where it talks about such.

There are even stories that didn’t happen too long ago where it talks about God using the animals to reach us human beings.

I believe that the reason why God communicates with the animals is to send a message across to us, different messages, but sometimes God has to communicate with us that way for us to listen and obey.

God’s message to Elijah was that no matter what would happen, God would take care of him, and that he didn’t need to be worried or afraid. God has given us the same message through the story of Elijah; we don’t need to worry about the situations that we are in, because if necessary God will command the birds in heaven to feed us.

There are other instances in the Bible where God spoke to the animal; one of them is the story of Jonah.

When Jonah disobeyed God and went in the opposite direction. The Lord sent a storm so violent that the men of the ship finally agreed to throw him overboard. Well, once they did and Jonah was in the water and God commanded a very great fish to swallow Jonah up.

God was showing mercy to Jonah, He communicated to the fish to swallow Jonah up so that Jonah’s life could be preserved. Then three days later God commanded the fish to vomit Jonah up on dry land and it just so happened to be near the place where God wanted Jonah to go in the first place.

The animals are wiser than us in the fact that they listen to the voice of God speaking to them the first time that He speaks to them.

There is another instance in the Bible where God spoke through an animal. The story of Balaam and the donkey, Balaam was going in direct opposition to the will of God. Balaam was offered a lot of money if he would come and put a curse on the Israelites, and he agreed and went with the messengers even after the Lord had told him not to go.

On the way, God sent an angel to stand in his way and to slay him, but the donkey that Balaam was riding on sensed and knew, he maybe even saw the angel standing in the pathway, and three times he avoided the angel and the more he did it the more upset Balaam became.

So he struck at the donkey, the Bible then tells us the Lord opened the voice of the donkey and the donkey was able to speak to Balaam and tell him why he avoided the road three times.

God is able to speak to and through these animals and the animals listen and obey their Creator’s voice. How much more should we as human beings obey the voice of the Lord?

There are even stories nowadays that take place where God speaks to the animals to do certain things and He has even let the animals speak so His message will be heard and so we will listen and obey. It is sad to think that we are so unwilling to listen and obey the voice of the Lord on our own, but it also reveals the wonderful love of our heavenly Father, that He does not give up on us but that He will, if He needs to, communicate with and through the animals to get the message across to us.

Though sometimes it is to strengthen our faith and trust in God, such as was the case with Elijah and in the case of all those out there who have experienced the power of God through animals bringing them food because they trusted in God and God supplied their needs.

I will close with a story that took place not so long ago, about how the Lord spoke through an animal to give a very special message.

There was a man in a certain village; he was the local pastor to his people. Well, to make a long story short, he heard about the Sabbath somehow and heard that it was the right and true day to worship on. He was confused however and didn’t know what he should do.

So not believing the things that were told to him, he went out the next Saturday to work in his garden. And he and all his family were with him, started on the little path that leads to their garden. They reached the clearing, where there was a field and low and behold and much to their surprise was their cattle all in a line, with the bull in the front.

All of a sudden the huge bull cow spoke up and asked the pastor why he was going to go and work on the Lord’s Day, and the pastor much to his great surprise answered back.

I can’t remember how the full conversation went, but I know that the pastor and his family did not end up working in their garden that day, and from then on they kept the true Sabbath day. And as for their cow, it never spoke again; it didn’t have to, the pastor could speak to his village himself.

I think that it is amazing that God will work in our lives in that way; He loves us so much and wants us to know about His truth and love that He will use every means possible to get that message across to us. But wouldn’t it be even better if we listened to Him the first time? I think it would be! :)

Do you want God to communicate with you like He does the animals? He will if you allow Him to and if you are willing to listen to and obey His voice!

I want the Lord to communicate with me, don’t you? 

Invisible Armies

I read this in CM Pg. 111 - 119 (Chapters 17 and 18) and I wanted to share it with you guys, I hope that it blesses you and touches your life like it did mine! :)

Ministry of Holy Angels—We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angels. It would be well to remember that every true child of God has the co-operation of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim, and angels that excel in strength, stand at God’s right hand, “All ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.”

Thousands of Angels—In working for perishing souls you have the companionship of angels. Thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand angels are waiting to co-operate with members of our churches in communicating the light that God has generously given, that a people may be prepared for the coming of Christ.

They Are Ever Near—Those who labor for the good of others are working in union with the heavenly angels. They have their constant companionship, their unceasing ministry. Angels of light and power are ever near to protect, to comfort, to heal, to instruct, to inspire. The highest education, the truest culture, and the most exalted service possible to human beings in this world are theirs.

Sent to Help Us—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. God would send every angel in heaven to the aid of such a one, rather than allow him to be overcome.

Our canvassers are having marked success. And why should they not? The heavenly angels are working with them. Hundreds of those who believe the truth will, if they keep their hearts humble, do a good work, in the companionship of heavenly angels. God will use those who humble the heart before him, and sanctify themselves in faith and humility, following the example of the Great Teacher, and speaking words that will enlighten those not of our faith. We are to work patiently and disinterestedly, as the servants of the Lord, opening the Scriptures to others.

Angels Give Words—Much responsibility rests upon the canvasser. He should go to his work prepared to explain the Scriptures. If he puts his trust in the Lord as he travels from place to place, angels of God will be round about him, giving him words to speak that will bring light and hope and courage to many souls.

They Come to Soften Hearts—God will impress those whose hearts are open to truth, and who are longing for guidance. He will say to His human agent, “Speak to this one or to that one of the love of Jesus.” No sooner is the name of Jesus mentioned in love and tenderness than angels of God draw near, to soften and subdue the heart.

They Give Instruction—Every canvasser has positive and constant need of the angelic ministration; for he has an important work to do, a work that he cannot do in his own strength. Those who are born again, who are willing to be guided by the Holy Spirit, doing in Christ’s way that which they can do, those who will work as if they could see the heavenly universe watching them, will be accompanied and instructed by holy angels, who will go before them to the dwellings of the people, preparing the way for them. Such help is far above all the advantages which expensive embellishments are supposed to give.

They Give Success—When men realize the times in which we are living, they will work as in the sight of heaven. The canvasser will handle those books that bring light and strength to the soul. He will drink in the spirit of those books and will put his whole soul into the work of presenting them to the people. His strength, his courage, his success, will depend on how fully the truth presented in the books is woven into his own experience and developed in his character. When his own life is thus molded, he can go forward, representing to others the sacred truth he is handling. Imbued with the Spirit of God he will gain a deep, rich experience, and heavenly angels will give him success in the work.

Jesus and holy angels will give success to the efforts of intelligent, God-fearing men who do all in their power to save souls. Quietly, modestly, with a heart overflowing with love, let them seek to win minds to investigate the truth, engaging in Bible readings when they can. By so doing they will be sowing the seed of truth beside all waters, showing forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Those who are doing this work from right motives are doing an important work of ministering. They will manifest no feeble, undecided character. Their minds are enlarging, their manners are becoming more refined. They should place no bounds to their improvement, but every day be better fitted to do good work.

A Thousand Ways—Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.

Results Not Measured by Apparent Success—We are to be sincere, earnest Christians, doing faithfully the duties placed in our hands, and looking ever to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Our reward is not dependent upon our seeming success, but upon the spirit in which our work is done. As canvassers or evangelists, you may not have had the success you prayed for, but remember that you do not know and cannot measure the result of faithful effort.

No Need for Discouragement—When there is a continual reliance upon God, a continual practice of self-denial, the workers will not sink into discouragement. They will not worry. They will remember that in every place there are souls of whom the Lord has need, and whom the devil is seeking, that he may bind them fast in the slavery of sin, of disregard for the law of God.

Victory Will Be Given—The canvasser need not be discouraged if he is called to encounter difficulties in his work; let him work in faith, and victory will be given. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world.” Whenever a book is presented that will expose error, Satan is close by the side of the one to whom it is offered, and urges reasons why it should not be accepted. But a divine agency is at work to influence minds in favor of the light. Ministering angels will oppose their power to that of Satan. And when through the influence of the Holy Spirit the truth is received into the mind and heart, it will have a transforming power upon the character.

Look Heavenward in Faith—Take the word of Christ as your assurance. Has He not invited you to come unto Him? Never allow yourself to talk in a hopeless, discouraged way. If you do, you will lose much. By looking at appearances, and complaining when difficulties and pressure come, you give evidence of a sickly, enfeebled faith. Talk and act as if your faith was invincible. The Lord is rich in resources; He owns the world. Look heavenward in faith. Look to Him who has light and power and efficiency.

Believe God’s Promise—Those who work for God will meet with discouragement, but the promise is always theirs: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. God will give a most wonderful experience to those who will say: “I believe Thy promise; I will not fail nor become discouraged.”

The Saviour Will Send Help—The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it. The way to heaven is consecrated by His footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded His. Every cross that we are called to bear, He has borne before us. The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace.

He Uplifts the Distressed—Not a sigh is breathed, not a pain felt, not a grief pierces the soul, but the throb vibrates to the Father’s heart.... God is bending from His throne to hear the cry of the oppressed. To every sincere prayer He answers, “Here am I.” He uplifts the distressed and downtrodden. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. In every temptation and every trial the Angel of His presence is near to deliver.

Danger of Hesitating and Doubting—As the prophet [Jonah] thought of the difficulties and seeming impossibilities of this commission, he was tempted to question the wisdom of the call.... While he hesitated, still doubting, Satan overwhelmed him with discouragement.... In the charge given him, Jonah had been entrusted with a heavy responsibility; yet He who had bidden him go was able to sustain His servant and grant him success.

Let Courage Fail Not—Never let your courage fail. Never talk unbelief because appearances are against you. As you work for the Master you will feel pressure for want of means, but the Lord will hear and answer your petitions for help. Let your language be: “The Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” Isaiah 50:7.

Let us be hopeful and courageous. Despondency in God’s service is sinful and unreasonable. He knows our every necessity. He has all power. He can bestow upon His servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands.

Be strong, and talk hope. Press your way through obstacles. You are in spiritual wedlock with Jesus Christ. The word is your assurance. Approach your Saviour with the full confidence of living faith, joining your hands with His. Go where He leads the way. Whatsoever He says to you, do. He will teach you just as willingly as He will teach someone else.

Exercise Faith of Caleb—It was Caleb’s faith in God that gave him courage; that kept him from the fear of man, even the mighty giants, the sons of Anak, and enabled him to stand boldly and unflinchingly in defense of the right. From the same exalted source, the mighty General of the armies of heaven, every true soldier of the cross of Christ must receive strength and courage to overcome obstacles that often seem insurmountable.... We want Calebs now ... who with courageous words will make a strong report in favor of immediate action.

Work With Determination—Those in the service of God must show animation and determination in the work of winning souls. Remember that there are those who will perish unless we as God’s instrumentalities work with a determination that will not fail nor become discouraged. The throne of grace is to be our continual dependence.

Face Difficulties Bravely—Difficulties will arise that will try your faith and patience. Face them bravely. Look on the bright side. If the work is hindered, be sure that it is not your fault, and then go forward, rejoicing in the Lord.

Trials Mean Benefit—But when tribulation comes upon us, how many of us are like Jacob! We think it the hand of an enemy; and in the darkness we wrestle blindly until our strength is spent, and we find no comfort or deliverance.... We also need to learn that trials mean benefit, and not to despise the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when we are rebuked of Him.

The Lord Jesus Our Efficiency—Workers for Christ are never to think, much less to speak, of failure in their work. The Lord Jesus is our efficiency in all things; His Spirit is to be our inspiration; and as we place ourselves in His hands, to be channels of light, our means of doing good will never be exhausted. We may draw upon His fullness, and receive of that grace which has no limit.

Expect Great Things—It is not the capabilities you now possess, or ever will have, that will give you success. It is that which the Lord can do for you. We need to have far less confidence in what man can do, and far more confidence in what God can do for every believing soul. He longs to have you reach after Him by faith. He longs to have you expect great things from Him. He longs to give you understanding in temporal as well as in spiritual matters. He can sharpen the intellect. He can give tact and skill. Put your talents into the work, ask God for wisdom, and it will be given you.

All Difficulties Removed—If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call, you come wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will be solved.

Through most wonderful workings of divine providence, mountains of difficulty will be removed and cast into the sea.