The Two Jehovahs

The LORD our God is one LORD. Deuteronomy 6:4

There is much more to this verse which is so loved by so many, of so many faiths and denominations around the world.

The true and correct reading of this text is:

Jehovah our Gods is one Jehovah.

Jehovah our Gods (Heb. elohiym - plural) is one Jehovah.

There are two Jehovahs; “I and My Father are One”. To distinguish between the Two, Christ, as God Himself, is called Jehovah Immanuel/Emmanuel; God with us.

Jehovah Emmanuel—He in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. OFC 114

The Lord appeared of old time to Abraham and said, “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1 This is the reward of all who follow Christ. Jehovah Immanuel — He “in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” in whom dwells “all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” Colossians 2:3,9 — to be brought into sympathy with Him, to know Him, to possess Him, as the heart opens more and more to receive His attributes; to know His love and power, to possess the unsearchable riches of Christ, to comprehend more and more “what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God” Ephesians 3:18,19 — “this is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of Me, saith the LORD.” Isaiah 54:17. MB 34

We are never to be afraid when the LORD speaks. He speaks peace, even if a voice of thunder. The more majestic the voice, the greater the peace He gives. He speaks victory over every sin.

May the peace of the LORD rest upon you as you contemplate ALL that He has done, out of pure love, for you!

True Leadership

Each morning for the past week, we have woken up to a very different world. Everything has changed so rapidly. Leaders are using terms such as “unprecedented” to describe the situations that they are trying to preside over. They are correct to be saying this, for in history, nothing like this has ever occurred before, with such widespread and varying affects on every aspect of life as we knew it. It is not possible for any country to ever recover from this one!

To those of us who are fortunate enough to be in a position to step back from it all for a moment, it is crystal clear that the situation that these leaders are presiding over is totally and utterly unsustainable for very much longer. The economic and human affects alone of all of this are already well beyond any possible description by words or any computation available to mankind.

So, let us all consider the leaders, at all levels, of our global society, who are hour by hour dealing with these changing conditions over which they have no control, making immense decisions with irreparable implications on their citizens and to the economies of each and every country in the world, while also at the same time, dealing with the opposition that always comes from a large percentage of the population that are never happy with any of their decisions. 

The most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will. Daniel 4:17,25,32

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:1 

This world will never be the same again. Your life will never be the same again.

From our aspect, let us all rest in Christ and comply with their orders as long as they do not cut across the commandments of our God, in particular the first four. We can all be very grateful indeed that Christ is our Leader; we take our orders from Him and Him only. He provides true Leadership. He will guide us, not only moment by moment personally as He abides in us but, He is the Head over ALL.

We will never be ashamed if we wait on Him.

Now let us consider this one!

A terrible storm of persecution was coming, just like a windstorm, that blew down every object that was standing. There was not a…to be seen (church member of the denomination). They, like the disciples, forsook Christ and fled. All who sought positions were never seen anymore. After the storm there was a calm. Then the…arose like a great flock of sheep that were without shepherds. They all united in earnest prayer for help and wisdom, and the Lord answered them by helping them choose leaders among them, who had never sought positions before. They prayed earnestly for the aid of the Holy Spirit which was poured out upon them, making them fully ready for service. They then went forth ‘fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners’ to give the message to all the world.  

We are told that “it applied to the entire denominational world”. 

You may have the desire to be a great leader and have even read the book “So You Want To Be A Leader” and other similar titles. Well, here in the quote above is an insight into how Christ will choose the leaders of His people in these closing scenes, as He “takes the reins into His own hands”. It sounds similar to “the last shall be first and the first shall be last”, and ”Jesus called them unto Him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.

That is Leadership!

True leaders will be waiting, totally dependant of Christ every moment as He abides in them. Every move they make will be His move. 

O the liberty of those who can be trusted everywhere, since their every step is but a movement of God's own, holy law - His will. 

Acts and Now

We have been covering extensively the topic of how Christ lived i.e. not a word spoken, not a deed done, nor any journey undertaken that was not given Him by the Father, and all of His followers will also live in this way - abiding, totally dependant and waiting on Him. Now, the governments of the world are either totally banning, or strongly advocating, that no unnecessary travel be undertaken, domestically or abroad. 

We have been asked, “What would this living like Christ look like?” Our answer, “Just look at how He lived His life every day on this earth.” We also suggest a close study of the book of Acts as this will give us a very good indication as the beginning of the Christian church will be repeated at the end.

Let our brethren study carefully the book of Acts and see what was accomplished by the labor of the apostles through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we consecrate ourselves to the work that must be done for these last days, angels from heaven will co-operate with us. They will make the impression upon the minds of those for whom we labor, and many will be brought to a knowledge of the truth. Lt 124, 1909

Acts 1:2: After that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen...

Acts 1:4,5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 

Acts 1:6-8 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Acts 2:2-4 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel...

Acts 5:19,20 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

Acts 6:8,10,15 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people...And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake...And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.

Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.

Acts 8:26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Acts 8:29,39 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot; the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 9:4-6 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:10-16 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake.

Acts 10:3-7 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually.

Acts 10:19,20 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

Acts 11:27-30 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 12:6,7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

Acts 13:2,4 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. 

Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

Acts 16:25,26 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Acts 18:9,10 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Acts 18:25,26 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Acts 20:10,22 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.

Acts 21:4,9-14 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done. 

Acts 22:18,21 And saw Him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me...And He said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

Acts 26:16-18 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.

Acts 27:10,23,24 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. 

Acts 28:5,8,9 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed.

The unbelief and malice of the Jews did not turn aside the purpose of God; for a new Israel was being grafted into the old olive-tree. The synagogues were closed against the apostles; but private houses were thrown open for their use, and public buildings of the Gentiles were also used in which to preach the Word of God. 3SP 356, 357

We have been saying for several years now that the book of Acts will be repeated in our time. The following quote has just been found:

Let those who desire to be refreshed in mind and instructed in the truth study the history of the early church during and immediately follow the day of Pentecost. Study carefully in the book of Acts the experiences of Paul and the other apostles; for God’s people in our day must pass through similar experiences. Lt 170, 1907

The end is illustrated by the beginning. Can we then expect to see anything less in these last moments of the Christian era, just prior to the most glorious manifestation of the power of God being seen in the whole earth, than was seen at its beginning? 

Christ demonstrated how we are to live; resting in Him, waiting for every word, deed and place to go. The success of the early Christian church in taking the everlasting gospel to the whole world in one generation, will be repeated. Now is our time!

By Faith, Not Feeling

Following on from yesterday morning's post, we will take a few moments to address a very important issue. In this world much emphasis has been placed on feelings, but the LORD has warned us of this grave danger when it comes to our spiritual life. When we take Him at His word we are not to expect the accompanying feelings that the world (and religion) has taught us to expect with miracles from the supernatural realm. “A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there should be an abiding, peaceful trust. Your hope is not in yourself; it is in Christ.” SC 70

All that Christ will do in and through you will be nothing short of miraculous and supernatural but He has not promised that you will feel any immediate difference, in fact, to continually analyse our “advancement in the Christian life” using that method would make us evolutionists and not creationists, e.g. “And God said, let there be…and there was…And God said, Let there be…and it was so.” 

“Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil? Jeremiah 13:23. We have all realised that it is totally impossible for us to just push aside our “heredity and cultivated tendencies to evil” and to change our sinful behaviours, but we hear Christ speak those powerful words of hope, “but with God all things are possible”. He is wanting us to have the faith, His faith, that rests, trusts, abides in Him, depending on and knowing that what He has said He will do — He will do!

After taking many, many years to “get it” the “father of the faithful” (and his wife Sarah) finally “believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness”. When it comes to our personal trust in Christ for salvation from our sins, we will live every moment “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of ” the 2nd coming, when “we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye…and this mortal shall put on immortality…The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Could It Happen Now?

In “Coronavirus time” –

It was only two weeks ago that people we know personally were still planning to go on the overseas holiday that they had booked.

Last weekend congregations were happily worshiping in their churches and fans were attending their favourite sporting events.

Earlier in the week we could see how, “The problem of buying and selling will be a very serious one.” AH 141

It was only two days ago that most people thought that they would continue to have job security.

Now, as we have seen, literally anything can happen!

The speed at which things have occurred this week has shown how quickly the world can change.

And while it has always been a mystery as to how, for example, sporting events could be curtailed in order to overthrow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment and for Sunday to be installed as the day of rest nationally (USA) and then internationally, it is now easy to see that there are any number of things that could be used to bring about this event imminently – literally anything and everything is happening!

Remember, Christ has told us that –

The agencies of evil are combining their forces, and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones. 9T 11

Very soon, as His holy Sabbath is supplanted, it will be “time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law.” Psalms 119:126

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

He Has Spoken

And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Matthew 8:5-10

If I read it in His word, it is what He will do instantly for me. His word is His will e.g. the Roman Centurion (above) - “Speak the word only.” Note carefully Christ’s response - “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” 

Faith is real, active, the most substantial thing, the only real foundation. The word of God keeps me and works in me to accomplish everything promised. His words and promises are already a reality, but faith makes them real to me personally.

And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. Matthew 8:13

So what has He said?

You may like a copy of this document that has endeavoured to capture the words that Christ has spoken Himself in the entire Bible:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XciwO5JUo_eRoPWkS4cnN3BF1N-vVsFR/view?usp=sharing

Psalms 91 - Another Look

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty… Psalm 91:1

This text is the beginning of a passage that brings much comfort to God's people as we witness the long anticipated events signifying that the end of this world is imminent. However, how many of us have noticed that there are conditions that precede these promises? And if we have noticed them, are we fulfilling these conditions?

When we read the verse again we see that the care and protection of God, so beautifully portrayed in this passage, are promised to those who do two things — dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. What does it mean to do this?

In looking at the meaning of the principal words of this text in the Hebrew we can begin to understand a little more of what the Psalmist is saying.

Dwelleth — remain, to settle, continue, abide

Secret — a covering, hiding place, protection

Abide — stay permanently, continue, dwell, remain

Shadow — defence 

(Strong’s Concordance)

We could therefore read this text as:

He that abides/remains/continues/settles in the hiding place/protection/under the cover of the most High shall stay permanently/continue/dwell/remain under the defence of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1

This verse now sounds very familiar, and when we use the proof-text method of Biblical interpretation we see the same words in it as those that Jesus spoke to His disciples just prior to His suffering in Gethsemane:

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:4-11

The words of John 15 — abide, remain and continue — are all from the same Greek word.

Both of the two Hebrew words of Psalms 91, dwelleth and abide, also mean abide, continue and remain.

This similarity ties the two passages together, the one giving light on the other. 

Could we say then that to dwell in the secret place of the most High, and to abide under the shadow of the Almighty means to abide in Jesus as closely as does the branch in the vine? When we do this we are under His protection, the protection and defence of the Almighty God.

In these troubled times, more than ever before, we need to be firmly attached to the Vine. If we desire to bear fruit to His glory and be prepared to meet Him very soon we must have the “sap” flowing through to us so that we can grow to be just like Him.

Christ Himself calls our attention to the growth of the vegetable world as an illustration of the agency of His Spirit in sustaining spiritual life. The sap of the vine, ascending from the root, is diffused to the branches, sustaining growth and producing blossoms and fruit. So the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Saviour, pervades the soul, renews the motives and affections, and brings even the thoughts into obedience to the will of God, enabling the receiver to bear the precious fruit of holy deeds. AA 284

“Abide in Me, and I in you.” Abiding in Christ means a constant receiving of His Spirit, a life of unreserved surrender to His service. The channel of communication must be open continually between man and his God. As the vine branch constantly draws the sap from the living vine, so are we to cling to Jesus, and receive from Him by faith the strength and perfection of His own character. DA 676

To dwell “in the secret place of the most High”, to “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” and to “Abide in Me” all denote a wonderful closeness with our God, our Vine — the Almighty. What a privilege the opportunity of such nearness is for each one of us, and in securing and maintaining this intimate union with Christ, we can then confidently claim the promises that follow and that are such a comfort in what would otherwise be very unsettling times.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from…the noisome pestilence…Thou shalt not be afraid…for the pestilence that walketh in darkness…A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Psalms 91:2-10

What doest thou here, Elijah?

We are going to continue on with the same theme and highlight once again the absolute necessity of only ever going where Christ has sent us, particularly at this time. Much has already been said on this site about how He lived — not a word, deed or place to go that was not given to Him. So we don’t find Him thinking, planning, speaking, acting or claiming anything for Himself, leaving all to the Father at every step. All His followers will all do the same. Satan and others raged, He was not thrown by any. Christ's experience is not an exceptional one. It is for us all.

We also are all aware of what our Saviour had to endure daily for His faithfulness, from all classes of society, while He was on this earth — this behaviour is still the lot of His faithful believers. Over the past few days we have seen examples of Christians encouraging their fellow believers to do the right thing as mandated by health authorities and the government, obeying the laws of health and claiming the promises of Psalm 91 (which we all realise are conditional upon the first verse) but, these people have been vilified, criticised, mocked and derided publicly by journalists and others. We will see much more of human behaviour manifested as we all progress through the entire duration of COVID-19 (China Outbreak Virus In December 2019).

Here is the entire quote of the one that we have referred to during this crisis, as it is all applicable to us now:

Dear Brethren and Sisters,

In this time of trial, we need to be encouraged, and comforted by each other. The temptations of Satan are greater now, than ever before; for he knows that his time is short, and that very soon, every case will be decided, either for Life, or for Death. It is no time to sink down beneath discouragement, and trial now; but we must bear up under all our afflictions, and trust wholly in the mighty God of Jacob.

The Lord has shown me that His grace is sufficient for all our trials; and although they are greater than ever before, yet if we trust wholly in God, we can overcome every temptation, and through His grace come off victorious.

If we overcome our trials, and get victory over the temptations of Satan, then we endure the time of our faith, which is much more precious than gold, and are stronger, and better prepared to meet the next. But if we sink down, and give way to the temptations of Satan, we shall grow weaker, and get no reward for the trial, and shall not be so well prepared to meet the next. In this way we shall grow weaker, and weaker, until we are led captive by Satan at his will. We must have on the whole armour of God, and be ready at any moment, for a conflict with the powers of darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God, and agonize with Him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty; but will give us grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy. O, that all could see these things in their true light, and endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus. Then would Israel move forward, strong in God, and in the power of His might.

God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink, to purify and cleanse them. It is a bitter draught, and they can make it still more bitter by murmuring, complaining, and repining. Those who receive it thus, must have another draught; for the first does not have its designed effect upon the heart. And if the second does not effect the work, then they must have another, and another, until it does have its designed effect, or they will be left filthy and impure in heart. I saw that this bitter cup can be sweetened by patience, endurance and prayer, and that it will have its designed effect upon the hearts of those who thus received it, and God will be honored and glorified. It is no small thing to be a Christian, and be owned and approved of God. The Lord has shown me some who profess the present truth, whose lives do not correspond with their profession. They have got the standard of piety altogether too low, and come far short of Bible holiness. Some engage in vain, and unbecoming conversation; and others give way to the risings of self. We must not expect to please ourselves, live and act like the world, have its pleasures, and enjoy the company of those who are of the world, and reign with Christ in glory.

We must be partakers of Christ's sufferings here, if we would share in His glory hereafter. If we seek our own interest, how we can best please ourselves, instead of seeking to please God, and advance His precious, suffering cause, we shall dishonor God, and the holy cause we profess.

We have but a little space of time left to work for God. Nothing should be too dear to sacrifice, for the salvation of the scattered and torn flock of Jesus. Those who make a covenant with God by sacrifice now, will soon be gathered home to share a rich reward, and possess the new kingdom forever and ever.

O, let us live wholly for the Lord, and show by a well ordered life, and godly conversation that we have been with Jesus, and are His meek and lowly followers. We must work while the day lasts, for when the dark night of trouble and anguish comes, it will be too late to work for God. Jesus is still in His Holy Temple, and will now accept our sacrifices, our prayers, and our confessions of faults and sins, and will now pardon all the transgressions of Israel, that they may be blotted out before He leaves the Sanctuary. When Jesus leaves the Sanctuary, then he that is holy and righteous, will be holy and righteous still; for all their sins will then be blotted out, and they will be sealed with the seal of the living God. But those that are unjust and filthy, will be unjust and filthy still; for then there will be no Priest in the Sanctuary to offer their sacrifices, their confessions, and their prayers before the Father's throne. Therefore, what is done to rescue souls from the coming storm of wrath, must be done before Jesus leaves the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary.

The Lord has shown me that precious souls are starving, and dying for want of the present, sealing truth, the meat in due season; and that the swift messengers should speed on their way, and feed the flock with the present truth. I heard an Angel say, “speed the swift messengers, speed the swift messengers; for the case of every soul will soon be decided, either for Life, or for Death.”

I saw that those who had the means, were required to help speed those messengers, that God had called to labor in His cause, and as they went from place to place, they would be safe from the prevailing pestilence. But if any went that were not sent of God, they would be in danger of being cut down by the pestilence; therefore all should earnestly seek for duty, and be sure and move by the direction of the Holy Spirit.

What we have seen and heard of the pestilence, is but the beginning of what we shall see and hear. Soon the dead and dying will be all around us. I saw that some will be so hardened, as to even make sport of the judgments of God. Then the slain of the Lord will be from one end of the earth, to the other; they will not be lamented, gathered, nor buried; but their ill savor will come up from the face of the whole earth. Those only who have the seal of the living God, will be sheltered from the storm of wrath, that will soon fall on the heads of those who have rejected the truth.

In Hope,

E. G. White

PT September 1, 1849

To be living unto self; doing whatever and going wherever we like at any time we feel like it is playing a deadly game. May we each be found trusting fully in the LORD so that He will never have to ask the question of any of us who are His 3rd Elijah —

What doest thou here, Elijah?