.....intentional

Happy is the man who has discovered for himself that the Word of God is a light to his feet and a lamp to his path—a light shining in a dark place. It is heaven’s directory for men. But there are many, O so many, who have no guide besides the opinions of finite men, prejudice, passion, or their own changeable feelings. Their minds are in a state of irritation and uncertainty. They suffer continually from mental fever.

Were you following Christ, the Word of God would be to you as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. But you have not made the honor of God the first object of your lifework. You have the Bible. Study it for yourself. The teachings of the divine directory are not to be ignored or perverted. The divine mind will guide those who desire to be led. Truth is truth, and it will enlighten all who seek for it with humble hearts. Error is error, and no amount of worldly philosophizing can make it truth.

“Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” 1 Corinthians 6:20. What does the Lord require of His blood-bought heritage? The sanctification of the whole being—purity like the purity of Christ, perfect conformity to the will of the Lord. What is it that constitutes the beauty of the soul? The presence of the grace of Him who gave His life to redeem men and women from eternal death. . . .

No entreaties are so tender, no lessons so plain, no commands so powerful and so protecting, no promises so full, as those which point the sinner to the fountain that has been opened to wash away the guilt of the human soul.

One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind and its relation to the plan of salvation is evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking the streets you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it in mind.

Times that will try men’s souls are just before us, and those who are weak in the faith will not stand the test of those days of peril. The great truths of revelation are to be carefully studied, for we shall all want an intelligent knowledge of the word of God. By Bible study and daily communion with Jesus we shall gain clear, well-defined views of individual responsibility and strength to stand in the day of trial and temptation. He whose life is united to Christ by hidden links will be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

— egwhite

.....intense

For the mind and the soul, as well as for the body, it is God’s law that strength is acquired by effort. It is exercise that develops. In harmony with this law, God has provided in His Word the means for mental and spiritual development.

The Bible contains all the principles that men need to understand in order to be fitted either for this life or the life to come. And these principles may be understood by all. No one with a spirit to appreciate its teaching can read a single passage from the Bible without gaining from it some helpful thought. But the most valuable teaching of the Bible is not to be gained by occasional or disconnected study. Its great system of truth is not so presented as to be discerned by the hasty or careless ­reader. . . . The truths that go to make up the great whole must be searched out and gathered up, “here a little, and there a little” Isaiah 28:10

When thus searched and brought together, they will be found to be perfectly fitted to one another. Each Gospel is a supplement to the others, every prophecy an explanation of another, every truth a development of some other truth. The types of the Jewish economy are made plain by the gospel. Every principle in the Word of God has its place, every fact its bearing. And the complete structure, in design and execution, bears testimony to its Author. Such a structure no mind but that of the Infinite could conceive or fashion.

In searching out the various parts and studying their relationship, the highest faculties of the human mind are called into intense activity. No one can engage in such study without developing mental power.

And not alone in searching out truth and bringing it together does the mental value of Bible study consist. It consists also in the effort required to grasp the themes presented. The mind occupied with commonplace matters only, becomes dwarfed and enfeebled. If never tasked to comprehend grand and far-reaching truths, it after a time loses the power of growth. As a safeguard against this degeneracy, and a stimulus to development, nothing else can equal the study of God’s Word.

As a means of intellectual training, the Bible is more effective than any other book, or all other books combined. . . . No other study can impart such mental power as does the effort to grasp the stupendous truths of revelation. The mind thus brought in contact with the thoughts of the Infinite cannot but expand and strengthen.

— egwhite - Reflecting Christ, pp. 161, 162.

.....personal

The words, “Give us this day our daily bread,” refer not only to temporal food but to the spiritual food which brings everlasting life to the receiver. When we believe and receive Christ’s word, we eat His flesh and drink His blood. . . .

As by eating temporal food the physical system becomes strong, so by eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of God, the spiritual nature is strengthened. God’s Word is spirit and life to all who appropriate it. He who partakes of Christ’s flesh and blood is a partaker of the divine nature. . . . A vital, life-giving current flows from his Saviour to him.

No one can eat this flesh and drink this blood for another. Each must come to Christ with his own soul hunger, each must have his own convictions, feel his own soul’s need, and learn of Christ for himself.

Filled with the Bread of Life, we cannot hunger for earthly attractions, worldly excitements, and earthly grandeur. Our religious experience will be of the same order as the food upon which we feed.

The food we eat at one meal does not satisfy us forever. We must daily partake of food. So we must daily eat the Word of God that the life of the soul may be renewed. In those who feed constantly upon the Word, Christ is formed, the hope of glory. A neglect to read and study the Bible brings spiritual starvation. . . .

Christ is our life. The soul in whom He abides will meet the requirements of His principles, in thorough devotion and consecration to God. Christ’s personal contact with the soul builds it up, supplying its ever-recurring wants. He is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. He is our sufficiency. . . .

He is the lifeblood of the soul. If He abides with us, we may say, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”                                                                                                                                                 

— egwhite - Our High Calling, p. 209.

.....stronghold

Have you ever been in need of an encouraging word from God and gone to the book of Nahum looking for it? I didn`t think so; neither have I. Well, surprise, surprise, there is certainly one there, and God led me to it this morning...   Nahum 1:7, which reads, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows them that trust in Him.” 

"The Lord is Good"

“The Lord is Good” - period. Everything about God is good, including everything that is related to me - His thoughts about me, His plans for me, His actions toward me, His guidance in me, His blessings to me, His protection of me, His purposes fulfilled through me and His ordained circumstances that surround me at this very moment in my life. They may not look good, seem good, sound good or feel good – but because they are ordained of God, they ARE good. Colossians 3:3 says that “your life is hid with Christ in God”. Every detail of your life is contained in Him, including your present circumstances, trials, needs...

When I first woke up this morning and looked at the circumstances facing me today, I did not immediately think of them as good, but when I thought about the fact that every path God has led me  has brought me to where I am right now, I realized that where I am right now is not just okay, it is good. Why? How? Because, I arrived at where I am today (right in the midst of a BIG storm) by doing all I know to obey the will of God.

Are you in a storm today? Are you in a crisis? Are you facing some very adverse circumstances? Are you going through a severe trial? Well, take heart – it may not seem good, but as part of the “life that is hid with Christ in God", it IS good, if for no other reason than to demonstrate the second point I want to share with you.

"The Lord is a Stronghold in the Day of Trouble"

The words stronghold mean "a fortified place, a defense, a refuge". You may very well be in a very tough spot right now, but you are not helpless or hopeless – and – you are not alone. There IS a place for you to go to for comfort, help and assurance. “From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” The word trouble means adversity, anguish, distress and tribulation. If you have today landed on one of those squares on the board, then you will certainly be encouraged by this third truth from this little verse.

"The Lord Knows Them That Trust in Him"

The word, "know", means "to understand as a familiar friend". Hebrews 4:15 assures us that, “we have not a high priest (Jesus) who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” Jesus not only knows about and understands your situation, but He even FEELS right along with you. Now, let’s look at the word "trust". Here, it means "to confide in, have hope in and to take refuge in". He knows them as a close friend who confide in Him, who hope in Him, and who run to Him to find that place of safety. 

Are you in trouble? If so, don`t make the mistake of trying to figure it out or work it out on your own. That is a trick of the devil and will only lead to disappointment, frustration, fear and exhaustion. Oh, I know, as a “responsible” person you feel you must DO something. Well, you are right.

What you must DO is go to Jesus, confide in Him and take refuge in Him at all times. No matter WHAT you are facing today, no matter WHAT your circumstances are, no matter WHAT your need is, you can lift your head in confidence and praise the Name of Our Great God! Why? Because THE LORD IS GOOD!

- shad williams

.....difficult

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help an ever-present help ?in times of trouble, at all time!!!. Therefore we will not fear, when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains tremble as the waters surge! 

There is a river whose streams bring joy to the city of our God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.  God dwells within her, she can not be destroyed. God will protect her at break of day. Nations are in chaos, kingdoms fall; God's voice thunders and the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Israel is our fortress. 

Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.  He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  The Lord Almighty - The Lord of Heaven's Armies is with us; the God of Israel is our fortress." Psalm 46

Difficult times are inevitable. Loved ones die. Friends face illness. Our spouse loses his/her job. The range of human pain is wide, but God comforts us in all our tribulations.

Psalm 46 speaks of great calamities, some from natural causes and others caused by men. Such trials often puzzle us, but verse 10 tells us where to turn. Followers of the Heavenly Father should be calm and remember that He is the sovereign Lord of the universe. The key to dealing with difficulties lies in trusting in the One who controls all things.

Instead of trying to handle the situation our own way, we should wait for God to act and trust that He will work on our behalf Isaiah 64:4. This involves taking time to be alone with the Heavenly Father, praying and meditating on His Word and listening to Him.

Our instinct drives us to want to take control, yet God wants us to wait on Him. He also tells us to give up our expectations and submit to His plan.

How do you react when problems arise? 

Whether your current circumstances are good or not, take the time to wait on the Lord and trust that He is in control.

- david langerfeld

.....courageous

Joshua was Moses' field commander in the fight against the Amalekites Exodus 17:9 and his assistant when the Law was given at Mount Sinai Exodus 24:13. After initially exploring the land of Canaan, Joshua was one of only two men to advise the Israelites to trust God and enter the promised land Numbers 14:6-9. When the people refused, Joshua received an additional 39 years of leadership training from Moses while the Israelites were led through the desert.

God then selected Joshua to succeed Moses; "At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in" (Numbers 27:21). After Moses died, God gave final instructions to Joshua before leading the people into the land of Canaan.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go Joshua 1:9 Joshua would be required to fight many battles and lead a great multitude of people, so God repeated His encouragement several times; "Be strong and courageous!"

Prior to his first battle in Canaan, Joshua "saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand" Joshua 5:13. This caused Joshua some obvious concern, so he approached 

"'Neither,' he replied, 'but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.' Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, 'What message does my Lord have for His servant?'" the man and asked; "Are you for us or for our enemies?" Joshua 5:14

God has given us His instructions, empowered us with His Spirit, and has told us to boldly proceed down His path, knowing He is by our side wherever we go. But there's an additional lesson God desires all His children to learn. We are called to be bold, but our boldness will always become self-serving unless we totally submit to God's leadership - unless we say with complete humility: "Lord, You are the Commander and this is Your army. I will fight with courage and strength, but these are Your battles. What would You have me do, and where would You have me go?" As we go forward into God's Land of Promise, our marching orders are clear: we are to always be strong, courageous, and humble.

 - adapted from stephen troxel

.....meditating

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97.

Men need not the dim light of tradition and custom to make the Scriptures comprehensible. It is just as sensible to suppose that the sun, shining in the heavens at noonday, needs the glimmerings of the torchlights of earth to increase its glory. In the Bible every duty is made plain, every lesson is comprehensible. The gift of Christ and the illumination of the Holy Spirit reveal to us the Father. The Word is able to make men and women and youth wise unto salvation.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” 2 Timothy 3:16, 17. 

No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God’s Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose that is rarely seen in these times.

Little benefit is to be derived from a hasty reading of the Scriptures. One may read the whole Bible through, and yet fail to see its beauty or to comprehend its depth of meaning. One passage studied until its significance is clear to the mind, and its relation to the plan of salvation evident, is of more value than the perusal of many chapters with no definite purpose in view and no positive instruction gained. 

Keep your Bible with you. As you have opportunity, read it; fix the texts in your memory. Even while you are walking in the street, you may read a passage and meditate upon it, thus fixing it on the mind.

Never should the Bible be studied without prayer. Before opening its pages, we should ask for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, and it will be given. When Nathanael came to Jesus, the Saviour exclaimed, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” John 1:47. Nathanael said, “Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee” verse 48. And Jesus will see us also in the secret place of prayer, if we will seek Him for light, that we may know what is truth. Angels from the world of light will be with those who in humility of heart seek for divine guidance.

— Atlantic Union Gleaner June 9, 1909, par. 8.

.....speed-up

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7

A lot of people start out the Christian life with so much promise. They are off and running while they leave everyone else in their dust. But when they collapse and fall, they don’t get up. They may crawl off or slow down. Or maybe they round a bend and simply walk away as though they never intended to run the spiritual race.

There will be times in our lives as Christians when we collapse and fall. And when that happens, all we can do is get up again.

When Paul was approaching the end of his life, he wrote, “As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” 2 Timothy 4:6–7

Notice that he didn’t say, “I ran the race.” No, he said, “I finished the race.” That is the key. It is not enough to start well; we need to finish well too. It is not enough to run fast; we need to run fast and long.

This is a long-distance run, and the goal is to make it across the finish line. In 2 Peter 1:10–11 the apostle Peter urges us, “So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.

Keep running, because you’re going to leave a legacy. Paul wanted to join the ranks of those who had crossed the finish line. He wanted to be in the company of those in God’s winner’s circle, men like Joshua and Caleb in the Old Testament who finished their races well.

This is a long-distance run. So, if you have been slowing down, it’s time to speed up.

- gregory laurie

.....illumination

Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Psalm 119:34.

All over the field of revelation are scattered glad springs of heavenly truth, peace, and joy. These fountains of joy are within the reach of every seeker. The words of Inspiration, pondered in the heart, will be as living streams flowing from the river of the water of life. Our Saviour prayed that the mind of His followers might be opened to understand the Scriptures. 

Whenever we study the Bible with a prayerful heart, the Holy Spirit is near to open to us the meaning of the words we read. 

The man whose mind is enlightened by the opening of God’s Word to his understanding will not only feel that he must more diligently seek to understand that Word, but that he must have a better understanding of the sciences. He will feel that he is called to a high calling in Christ Jesus.

The more closely connected man is with the Source of all knowledge and wisdom, the more he will feel that he must advance in intellectual and spiritual attainments. The opening of God’s Word is always followed by a remarkable opening and strengthening of man’s faculties; for the entrance of His words giveth light. By contemplation of great truths, the mind is elevated, the affections purified and refined; for the Spirit of God, through the truth of God, quickens the lifeless spiritual faculties, and attracts the soul heavenward.

Then take your Bible and present yourself before your heavenly Father, saying, “Enlighten me; teach me what is truth.” The Lord will regard your prayer, and the Holy Spirit will impress the truth upon your soul. In searching the Scriptures for yourself, you will become established in the faith. 

It is of the greatest importance that you continually search the Scriptures, storing the mind with the truths of God. You may be separated from the companionship of Christians, and placed where you will not have the privilege of meeting with the children of God. You need the treasures of God’s Word hidden in your heart, that when opposition comes upon you, you may bring everything to the test of the Scriptures.

—The Bible Echo, October 15, 1892.

.....prayerful

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Psalm 119:18.

Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a mystery, or pass over as unimportant, is full of comfort and instruction to him who has been taught in the school of Christ. One reason why many theologians have no clearer understanding of God’s Word is [that] they close their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice. An understanding of Bible truth depends not so much on the power of intellect brought to the search as on the singleness of purpose, the earnest longing after righteousness.

The Bible should never be studied without prayer. The Holy Spirit alone can cause us to feel the importance of those things easy to be understood, or prevent us from wresting truths difficult of comprehension. It is the office of heavenly angels to prepare the heart so to comprehend God’s Word that we shall be charmed with its beauty, admonished by its warnings, or animated and strengthened by its promises. We should make the psalmist’s petition our own: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

Temptations often appear irresistible because, through neglect of prayer and the study of the Bible, the tempted one cannot readily remember God’s promises and meet Satan with the Scripture weapons. But angels are round about those who are willing to be taught in divine things; and in the time of great necessity they will bring to their remembrance the very truths which are needed. Thus “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him” Isaiah 59:19.

Jesus promised His disciples: “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” John 14:26. But the teachings of Christ must previously have been stored in the mind in order for the Spirit of God to bring them to our remembrance in the time of peril. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart,” said David, “that I might not sin against thee” Psalm 119:11.—The Great Controversy, 599, 600.

.....always

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up Luke 18:1

We like things to be uncomplicated: follow a few steps and reach the desired result. However, prayer cannot be reduced to a simple formula. Prayer is ongoing communication with the Heavenly Father that involves listening, speaking, and acting on what we hear from Him.

God has promised to answer our prayers, but He often waits before answering. He does so for several reasons:

• Preparation. Sometimes God has to prepare us for what He wants to give us. 
• We may have attitudes or behaviors that are not aligned with His will James 4:3
• Spiritual growth. The Lord can make us wait to test our faith or deepen our relationship with Him.
• Time. God's calendar often does not match ours. He knows what He wants to accomplish in and through us.

God includes delays as part of our prayer life. In certain situations we, like the persevering widow in Luke 18, have to persist before the Lord gives us His answer. Jesus tells us to "ask, seek, and call on God", a way of life that demonstrates confidence in God's promise to respond to His children.

.....correctable

It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5

The main theme of Proverbs is comparing the life of a wise person with the life of a fool. A wise person is one who through instruction and correction has developed the skills needed to live successfully. A fool has, by rejecting instruction and correction, not learned to live a skillful life. A fool is a person who refuses to accept correction and rebuke when needed.

Solomon, the writer of most of Proverbs, knew well the results of correction versus the flattery of “the song of fools.” As king, he asked God for wisdom to rule 1 Kings 3:4-15 and no doubt endured the flattery of those in his court seeking favor from him. So nearing the end of his reign, it is no surprise that he wrote that rebuke was far better than flattery. Solomon wrote that correction can come from the words of the wise and that the wise person will receive it willingly Proverbs 9:8-9.

Ask God to make you correctable and immune to flattery so that you may develop a heart of wisdom.

- david jeremiah

.....humility

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57:15.

All who will come to the Word of God for guidance, with humble, inquiring minds, determined to know the terms of salvation, will understand what saith the Scriptures. But those who bring to the investigation of the Word a spirit which it does not approve will take away from the search a spirit which it has not imparted. 

The Lord will not speak to a mind that is unconcerned. He wastes not His instruction on one who is willingly irreverent or polluted. But the tempter educates every mind that yields itself to his suggestions, and is willing to make of none effect God’s holy law.

We need to humble our hearts, and with sincerity and reverence search the Word of life; for that mind alone that is humble and contrite can see light. The heart, the mind, the soul, must be prepared to receive light. There must be silence in the soul. The thoughts must be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. The boastful self-knowledge and self-sufficiency must stand rebuked in the presence of the Word of God.

The Lord speaks to the heart that humbles itself before Him. At the altar of prayer, as the throne of grace is touched by faith, we receive from the hand of God that celestial torch which enlightens our darkness, and convinces us of our spiritual necessity. The Holy Spirit takes of the things of God, and reveals them to the one who is sincerely seeking for the heavenly treasure. 

If we yield to His guidance, He leads us into all light. As we behold the glory of Christ, we become changed into His image. We have that faith which works by love, and purifies the soul. Our hearts are renewed, and we are made willing to obey God in all things.

— ellen g white - The Review and Herald, December 15, 1896.

.....search

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11.

It is proper and right to read the Bible; but your duty does not end there; for you are to search its pages for yourselves. The knowledge of God is not to be gained without mental effort, without prayer for wisdom in order that you may separate from the pure grain of truth the chaff with which men and Satan have misrepresented the doctrines of truth. 

Satan and his confederacy of human agents have endeavored to mix the chaff of error with the wheat of truth. We should diligently seek for the hidden treasure, and seek wisdom from heaven in order to separate human inventions from the divine commands. The Holy Spirit will aid the seeker for great and precious truths which relate to the plan of redemption.

I would impress upon all the fact that a casual reading of Scriptures is not enough. We must search, and this means the doing of all the Word implies. As the miner eagerly explores the earth to discover its veins of gold, so you are to explore the Word of God for the hidden treasure that Satan has so long sought to hide from man. The Lord says, “If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching” John 7:17.

The Word of God is truth and light, and is to be a lamp unto your feet, to guide you every step of the way to the gates of the city of God. It is for this reason that Satan has made such desperate efforts to obstruct the path that has been cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. You are not to take your ideas to the Bible, and make your opinions a center around which truth is to revolve. 

You are to lay aside your ideas at the door of investigation, and with humble, subdued hearts, with self hid in Christ, with earnest prayer, you are to seek wisdom from God. You should feel that you must know the revealed will of God, because it concerns your personal, eternal welfare. The Bible is a directory by which you may know the way to eternal life. You should desire above all things that you may know the will and ways of the Lord.

—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 307, 308.

.....thorns

In the parable of the sower Matthew 13:3-8, Jesus told about a farmer who scattered seed on four different types of soil: packed, shallow, thorny, and fertile. In this parable, the seed refers to the Word of God and the soil refers to those who hear the Word.

Those of packed soil have hearts which are so hard they immediately turn away. Those of shallow soil may quickly germinate and grow, but they also quickly lose interest and die. Most of us reading this type of message fall into one of the last two types of soil. We desire God's Word to grow on the fertile ground of our heart and produce a bountiful crop, but we seem to continually battle the thorns.

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the Word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful Matthew 13:22

We have more opportunity to receive God's Word today than any other time in history. We can hear good preaching in church, on radio, or over the internet. We can read God's Word in a variety of translations and receive an abundance of help with interpretation. Our soil is definitely receiving seed. But the challenge is to keep our lives free of the distractions which hinder growth.

Here is a simple test of our soil. Jesus said the number one commandment is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" Matthew 22:37. When was the last time our heart overflowed with love for God? When was the last time we considered the sacrifice of Jesus and nearly bubbled over with "Thank You!"?

God desires for us to love Him. In fact, His entire Word is a message of calling us back to a loving relationship. If we have a hard time following His most basic desire, it's no wonder we're confused about where He is leading. We look for specific direction with where to live and work, yet we fail to give Him the entirety of our heart and simply worship at His feet.

When God's Word comes into our life, we should receive it and cherish it as a precious gift. We ought to immediately look for ways to apply His Word and make it grow, not process it through the distractions of deadlines, appointments, bills, and worldly relationships and ambitions.

Is the Word growing in our life, or is it being choked by unnecessary demands of the world? "The world and its desires pass away" 1 John 2:17, but the things of God are eternal. He is calling us to live a life fully dedicated to Him in ALL we do. Let's weed our garden and remove distractions so the seed of His Word can grow and bear fruit. Let's begin to develop fertile soil which is free of thorns.

- steve troxel

.....easter

 "Easter comes but once a year,"

So many people say,

But to a person saved from sin,

It's Easter every day!

A man, when saved or "born again"

His life, to Christ, will give,

And, as a new-born babe in Christ,

He's just begun to live.

"I am the resurrection and the life,"

The Savior, one day, said;

"And he, believing in my word,

Shall live, though he were dead."

And there's the great Apostle Paul,

Who, in Philippi made plain;

"For me to live is Jesus Christ,

For me to die is gain."    

                                      

So when the Blood of Christ, our Lord,

Redeems a soul from sin;

"Every Day is Easter",

For Jesus lives within!

- unknown author

.....remember

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12

There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with, out in the woods.  He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back to dinner.

As he was walking back, he saw Grandma's pet duck.  Just out of impulse, he let fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved.  In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch that day grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes."

But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today, didn't you Johnny?"  And then she whispered to him, "Remember, the duck?"  So Johnny did the dishes.

Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."

But Sally smiled and said, "Well, that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." And she whispered again, "Remember, the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he killed the duck. She knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. But I was just wondering how long would you let Sally make a slave of you."

How long will you allow the enemy to keep you in bondage?  I don't know what's in your past. I don't know what sin the enemy keeps throwing up in your face. But whatever it is, I want you to know something.  Jesus Christ was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. But because He loves you, He is ready to forgive you. Perhaps He's wondering how long you'll let the enemy make a slave out of you.  The great thing about God is that He not only forgives, but He forgets.

  

"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12

Stop remembering what God has forgotten!

- david langerfeld

.....error

Many years ago a senior executive of the then Standard Oil Company made a wrong decision that cost the company more than $2 million. John D. Rockefeller was then running the company. On the day the news leaked out, most of the executives of the company were finding various ingenious ways of avoiding Rockefeller, lest his wrath descend on their heads. 

There was one exception, however; he was Edward T. Bedford, a partner in the company. Bedford was scheduled to see Rockefeller that day, and he kept the appointment, even though he was prepared to listen to a long harangue against the man who made the error in judgment. 

When Bedford entered the office, the powerful head of the gigantic Standard Oil empire was bent over his desk busily writing with a pencil on a pad of paper. Bedford stood silently, not wishing to interrupt. After a few minutes Rockefeller looked up.   "Oh, it's you, Bedford," he said calmly. "I suppose you have heard about our loss?' Bedford said that he had. 

Bedford later told the rest of the story this way...

"I've been thinking it over," Rockefeller said, "and before I ask the man to discuss the matter, I've been making some notes."   

"Across the top of the page was written, 'Points in favor of Mr. Bedford.' There followed a long list of the man's virtues, including a brief description of how he had helped the company make the right decision on three separate occasions that had earned many times the cost of his recent error. 

I never forgot that lesson. In later years, whenever I was tempted to rip into anyone, I forced myself first to sit down and thoughtfully compile as long a list of good points as I possibly could. Invariably, by the time I finished my inventory, I would see the matter in its true perspective and keeping my temper under control. There is no telling how many times this habit has prevented me from committing one of the costliest mistakes any executive can make -- losing his temper.

"I commend to it anyone who must deal with people." 

"Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2

- david langerfed

.....source

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:130.

It is sometimes the case that men of intellectual ability, improved by education and culture, fail to comprehend certain passages of Scripture, while others who are uneducated, whose understanding seems weak and whose minds are undisciplined, will grasp the meaning, finding strength and comfort in that which the former declare to be mysterious or pass by as unimportant. Why is this? It has been explained to me that the latter class do not rely upon their own understanding. They go to the Source of light, the One who has inspired the Scriptures, and with humility of heart ask God for wisdom, and they receive it. 

There are mines of truth yet to be discovered by the earnest seeker.

Christ represented the truth as treasure hid in a field. It does not lie right upon the surface; we must dig for it. But our success in finding it does not depend so much on our intellectual ability as on our humility of heart and the faith which will lay hold upon divine aid.

Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we shall be continually liable to wrest the Scriptures or to misinterpret them. There is much reading of the Bible that is without profit and in many cases is a positive injury. 

When the Word of God is opened without reverence and without prayer; when the thoughts and affections are not fixed upon God or in harmony with His will, the mind is clouded with doubt; and in the very study of the Bible, skepticism strengthens. The enemy takes control of the thoughts, and he suggests interpretations that are not correct.

Whenever men are not seeking, in word and deed, to be in harmony with God, then, however learned they may be, they are liable to err in their understanding of Scripture, and it is not safe to trust to their explanations. 

When we are truly seeking to do God’s will, the Holy Spirit takes the precepts of His Word and makes them the principles of the life, writing them on the tablets of the soul. And it is only those who are following the light already given that can hope to receive the further illumination of the Spirit.—Testimonies for the Church 5:704, 705.

.....other

The parable of the prodigal son contains so many practical lessons on relationships that we often forget Jesus spoke this parable in response to an accusation from the Pharisees; "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them" Luke 15:2. The message of the prodigal son is really about our Heavenly Father who rejoices every time a "sinner" turns their heart to Him in repentance. But why did Jesus talk about TWO sons? What was the message of the son who remained at home?

He was the son who quietly watched his younger brother make disrespectful demands on his father; "Give me my share of the estate" Luke 15:12. He was the son who stayed at home to work the fields while his brother "squandered his wealth in wild living" Luke 15:13. And he was the son who became angry with his father and refused to celebrate his brother's return: "All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat" Luke 15:29.

"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.'"Luke 15:31 The son had been "slaving" in the hope of a future blessing, but his heart was not joyfully serving. He missed the real blessing of walking with his father and having free access to everything his father owned.

As believers in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we understand that people can be saved at any point in their life - regardless of past sins. The thief on the cross received his Salvation only moments before he died. But there is always part of us that cries "foul!" Somehow it doesn't seem fair when others have worked so hard for so long.

This attitude shows we also have missed the blessing of walking with our Lord. Heaven is never a reward for "obedient" living; it is a free gift to those who believe in Jesus. We should never feel we are "slaving" under the burden of His commands in order to earn His favor. Rather, we are to joyfully follow because we know that only in Him, only walking with Him in a loving relationship, is there true peace, true contentment...true blessings!

Let's follow our Lord with a firm perspective of eternity, but let's never become so focused on the future that we miss the blessings given to us today - the blessings of the journey! Let's renew our joy at being allowed to walk every day with our Heavenly Father and rejoice whenever a repentant heart returns home. Let's never make the sad mistake of living the burdened life of the other son.

- adapted from steve troxel