Blog Archives - WELCOME TO THE JOY OF TROY

July 12, 2020

7/12/2020

POLISHED BY THE MASTER BUILDER

        Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.--1 Timothy 6:12

    I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps--the first, second, and third angels' messages. Said my accompanying angel, "Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received."

    I was again brought down through these messages, and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience. It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step, until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform. I saw individuals approach the platform and examine the foundation. Some with rejoicing immediately stepped upon it. Others commenced to find fault with the foundation. They wished improvements made, and then the platform would be more perfect, and the people much happier. Some stepped off the platform to examine it and declared it to be laid wrong.

    But I saw that nearly all stood firm upon the platform and exhorted those who had stepped off to cease their complaints; for God was the Master Builder, and they were fighting against Him. They recounted the wonderful work of God, which had led them to the firm platform, and in union raised their eyes to heaven and with a loud voice glorified God. This affected some of those who had complained and left the platform, and they with humble look again stepped upon it. (Early Writings, 258-259)

REFLECTION: We are to occupy some place in the Lord's spiritual temple, and the important question is not as to whether you are a large or a small stone, but whether you have submitted yourself to God that he may polish you, and make you emit light for his glory. If we are in the Lord's temple, we must emit light. Are we permitting the heavenly Builder to hew and square and polish us? Have we faith to rest in Him? (The Review and Herald, May 19, 1891)

July 11, 2020

7/11/2020

PROBLEMS OR BLESSINGS?

        As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.--Revelation 3:19

    "When they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, an asked him saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him."

    Here we see how professedly righteous men can act out the spirit of Satan to carry their purposes through envy and jealousy and religious bigotry. That enmity was spoken of in the first gospel sermon in Eden. "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman; between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." This enmity was revealed as soon as men transgressed God's holy law. His nature was changed. It became evil. He was in harmony with the prince of darkness, and there was a confederacy formed.

    There is no warfare between Satan and the sinner, between fallen angels and fallen men. Both possess the same attributes, both are evil through apostasy and sin. Then let all who read these words understand for a surety that wheresoever transgression against God's holy law exists, there will always be a league against good. Fallen angels and fallen men will unite in desperate companionship. Satan inspires the disloyal elements to work in harmony with his spirit....

    Christ has pledged Himself to engage in the conflict with the prince and power of darkness and [to] bruise the serpent's head, and all who are the sons of God are His chosen ones, His soldiers, to war against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. It is an unwearied conflict of which there is no end, until Christ shall come the second time without sin unto salvation to destroy him who has destroyed so many souls through his masterly deceiving power. (Manuscript 104, September 1897)

REFLECTION: 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....[Like Jacob] 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. (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 11)

July 10, 2020

7/10/2020

FROM ANGEL OF LIGHT TO THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS

        You were prefect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.--Ezekiel 28:15

    Satan was not a rough specimen of humanity. He had been one of the highest angels next to Christ. All his beauty and intelligence and excellence was derived from God. But he misapplied his powers, broke his connection with God, and apostatized. And by practice he has an ever increasing knowledge of transgression. He has an ever increasing energy in using that acquired knowledge.

    Thought is poisoned, and the force of wickedness, the abuse of his powers to hurt and destroy God's heritage, will measure the daring of humanity, and their cruel satanic treatment of man against his fellow man. The more pain they can cause, the more complete is their work in destroying God's heritage, and the more joy they give to the fallen apostate.

    The world is represented in the apostate churches who are trampling upon the Word of God, transgressing His holy law. They know not what spirit they are of, nor the end of the dark tunnel through which they are passing....

    The wicked rulers, the apostate churches, have been converted to the world, and they show just exactly what they would do in this age of the world if they dared....Rulers and teachers who have caused souls to stumble over their perverted teachings, statesmen, senators, governors, all people who might have understood the prophecies, but who did not read and search to see if they were applicable for this time and concerned their individual selves, will be taken in the snare. They will reap eternal loss. They will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. (Manuscript 104, September 1897)

REFLECTION: The influence of mind on mind, so strong a power for good when sanctified, is equally strong for evil in the hands of those opposed to God....

Cast out of heaven, Satan set up his kingdom in this world, and ever since, he has been untiringly striving to seduce human beings from their allegiance to God....Men become tempters of their fellow men. The strong, corrupting sentiments of Satan are cherished. (Letter 114, May 23, 1903)

July 9, 2020

7/9/2020

WHO WILL YOU OBEY? MAN OR GOD?

        "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men."--Acts 5:28-29

    Human enactments, laws manufactured by satanic agencies under a plea of goodness and restriction of evil, will be exalted, while God's holy enactments are despised and trampled under foot. And all who prove their loyalty by obedience to the law of Jehovah must be prepared to be arrested, to be brought before councils that have not for their standards the high and holy law of God, but have made stringent laws inspired by him whose attributes were manifested at the trial of Christ. "We have a law," these men said, "and by our law he ought to die."...

    In these religious zealots we have a sample of what humanity will do when they have the Word that lighted every man that cometh into the world, and work directly contrary to it, irrespective of the consequence, the future retribution upon their neighbors or themselves....

    The kingdom of darkness is extending over the world, and is embracing every sphere of action of men. There are evil spirits working effectually upon every mind that can be led into apostasy through any cause whatever. The spirit of evil energizes the children of rebellion...

    A demoniacal spirit takes possession of men in our world. They combine the perverted animal life with the perverted human animal, intelligence making them human demons, detestable in the sight of God in proportion as they manifest the attributes of the satanic. Demon intelligence, by culture, will rend and destroy man formed in the divine similitude because he [man] cannot control the conscience of his brother and make him disloyal to God's holy law. (Manuscript 104, September 1897)

REFLECTION: We have been looking many years for a Sunday law to be enacted in our land. Now that the movement is right upon us, we ask, "Will our people do their duty in the matter? Can we not assist in lifting the standard, and in calling to the front those who have regard for their religious rights and privileges?" The time is fast approaching when those who choose to obey God rather than man will be made to feel the hand of oppression. Shall we then dishonor God by keeping silent while His holy commandments are trodden under foot?

July 8, 2020

7/8/2020

MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE

        My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.--John 10:27

    Those who have had great light and precious privileges, but have not improved them, will, under one pretext or another, go out from us. Not having received the love of the truth, they will be taken in the delusions of the enemy; they will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and will depart from the faith. But, on the other hand, when the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice.

    Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the enemy a united front. In view of the common peril, strife for supremacy will cease; there will be no disputing as to who shall be accounted greatest. No one of the true believers will say: "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas." The testimony of one and all will be: "I cleave unto Christ; I rejoice in Him as my personal Saviour."

    Thus will the truth be brought into practical life, and thus will be answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation and death: "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me." John 17:21. The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 400-401)

REFLECTION: Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His heart....He bids them, "Follow My," and His Spirit moves upon their hearts to draw them to come to Him. Many refuse to be drawn. Jesus knows who they are. He also knows who gladly hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. (The Desire of Ages, 480)

July 7, 2020

7/7/2020

KNOW YOUR HISTORY

        The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea....These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.--Acts 17:10-11

    Satan has not yet given up the idea that the world's armies will be so large that they will be able to overcome the heavenly host. (Letter 90, March 6, 1906)

    Those who desire to be refreshed in mind, and instructed in the truth, should study the history of the early church during and immediately following the day of Pentecost. They need to study carefully the experience of Paul and the other apostles; for God's people in these days must pass through similar experiences. As the world becomes more imbued with the spirit of the enemy, there will be more vehement opposition of the Word. Some will be imprisoned because they refuse to desecrate the Sabbath of the Lord. Those who would hold the beginning of their confidence firm unto the end must bear a living testimony to the world. Their words are to have a convincing power upon minds, and many through them will be turned to the Lord. (Letter 190, May 6, 1907)

    I have been shown that the Spirit of the Lord is being withdrawn from the earth. God's keeping power will soon be refused to all who continue to disregard His commandments. The reports of fraudulent transactions, murders, and crimes of every kind are coming to us daily. Iniquity is becoming so common a thing that it no longer shocks the senses as it once did. I have been shown that the whole world is fast becoming as it was in the days of Noah. (Letter 258, August 16, 1907)

REFLECTION: As the disciples waited for the fulfillment of the promise, they humbled their hearts in true repentance and confessed their unbelief....

Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. They drew nearer and nearer to God, and as they did this they realized what a privilege had been theirs in being permitted to associate so closely with Christ. Sadness filled their hearts as they thought of how many times they had grieved Him by their slowness of comprehension, their failure to understand the lessons that, for their good, He was trying to teach them. (The Acts of the Apostles, 36-37)

July 6, 2020

7/6/2020

COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM

        My people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst.--Isaiah 5:13

    The same deceptive agency that seduced the angels in heaven is working in like manner upon human minds today. By means of his seducing statements, he won the confidence of many of the angels, and there was a great war in heaven. Michael and His angels fought against Satan and his deceived followers....

    Some who have received warning and instruction from God had deliberately turned from the messages sent to them. They have as it were walked blindfolded into Satan's prepared snares. Satan is playing the game of life for their souls. And some who might be in a position to help these ensnared souls have themselves become ensnared as captives to the archdeceiver....

    We must do all we possibly can for these deceived ones. Their minds must be freed from the delusions of the enemy; and if we fail in our efforts to save these erring ones, we must "come out from among them" and be separate....

    The time has come for the enlargement and growth of God's people. For years the backward tendencies of many have greatly hindered the work of God.

    Now, just now, the Lord's people are to show their loyalty. The time has come when the Lord would have all who will honor Him take their stand firmly on the side of truth and righteousness. No longer are we to be a mixed multitude. Those who profess to be followers of God's Word must be straightforward, pure, and holy. (Manuscript 106, November 20, 1905)

REFLECTION: Had Israel heeded the messages of the prophets, they would have been spared the humiliation that followed. It was because they had persisted in turning aside from His law that God was compelled to let them go into captivity. (Prophets and Kings, 297)

July 5, 2020

7/5/2020

LAST MESSAGE OF WARNING

        I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people--saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."--Revelation 14:6-7

    I saw that the strong hand of the enemy is set against the work of God, and the help and strength of every one who loves the cause of truth should be enlisted and great interest manifested by them to uphold the hands of those who advocate the truth and to take a course to shut out the enemy and weaken his power....

    I then saw the third angel. Said my accompanying angel, "Fearful is his word, awful is his mission. He is the angel that is to select the wheat from the tares, and seal or bind the wheat for the heavenly garner." These things should engage the whole mind, the whole attention.

    Again I was shown the necessity of those who believe we are having the last message of mercy being separate from those who are daily receiving or imbibing new error. I saw that neither young or old should attend the assemblies of those who are in error and darkness. Said the angel, "Let the mind cease to dwell on things of no profit." (Manuscript 3, July 2, 1853)

    There is to be a turning and an overturning; but our work is not to stop. We are to instruct and enlighten those who have not heard the truth for this time....

    At this crisis all are called upon to take their position. We must stand apart from those who are determined to make shipwreck of the faith. We must not sell our Lord at any price. We are to refuse to listen to the sophistries that have been brought in to make of no effect the truth for this time. Not a stone is to be moved in the foundation of this truth--not a pillar moved. (Letter 237, July 14, 1904)

REFLECTION: This message is declared to be a part of "the everlasting gospel." The work of preaching the gospel has not been committed to angels, but has been entrusted to men. Holy angels have been employed in directing this work,...but the actual proclamation of the gospel is performed by the servants of Christ upon the earth. (The Great Controversy, 312)

July 4, 2020

7/4/2020

WHERE WILL YOU STAND?

        If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.--Joshua 24:15

    If any man refuses to co-operate with Him and will not work according to God's order, then he will be laid aside, and another will be chosen in his place. God accepts the willing and obedient to do His work, which, wrought through Christ in righteousness, will be as enduring as eternity. Such work will be most precious and will be laid upon the foundation, not as wood, hay, or stubble, but as gold, silver, and precious stones, and it will stand in the great conflagration that is to try every man's work, of what sort it is....

    God is teaching, leading, and guiding His people that they may teach, lead, and guide others. There will be, among the remnants of these last days, as there were with ancient Israel, those who wish to move independently, who are not willing to submit to the teachings of the Spirit of God and who will not listen to advice or counsel. Let such ever bear in mind that God has a church upon the earth to which He has delegated power. Men will want to follow their own independent judgment, despising counsel and reproof; but just as surely as they do this, they will depart from the faith and disaster and the ruin of souls will follow.

    Those who rally now to support and build up the truth of God are ranging themselves on one side, standing united in heart, mind, and voice in defense of the truth, while those who do not labor in harmony of purpose and action, who choose their own unsanctified judgment as perfection of action, are ranging themselves on the side of Satan and are defending his cause. Satan will become their leader, and they will join him in his constant endeavors to tear down that which God is building up. (Letter 33a, March 21, 1888)

REFLECTION: The time of trouble will not only be physical, but it will also be mental and spiritual. Our minds will be troubled; we will all have to choose. Choose for God and stand on His side. No choice is to choose the side of Satan. Choose wisely; eternal life is on the line.

July 3, 2020

7/3/2020

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MISSION SERVICE

        Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who lays hold on it; who keeps from defiling the Sabbath, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.--Isaiah 56:2

    The time is right upon us when persecution will come to those who proclaim the truth. The outlook is not flattering; but, notwithstanding this, let us not give up our efforts to save those ready to perish, for whose ransom the Prince of heaven offered up His precious life. When one means fails, try another. Our efforts must not be dead and lifeless. As long as life is spared, let us work for God.

    In all ages of the church God's appointed messengers have exposed themselves to reproach and persecution for the truth's sake. But wherever God's people may be forced to go, even though, like the beloved disciple, they are banished to desert islands, Christ will know where they are and will strengthen and bless them, filling them with peace and joy.

    Soon there is to be trouble all over the world. It becomes everyone to seek to know God. We have no time to delay. With earnestness and fervor the message must be given....

    All that He brings upon the church in test and trial comes that His people may gain deeper piety and more strength to carry the triumphs of the cross to all parts of the world. He has a work for all to do. There must be constant enlargement and progress. The work must extend from city to city, from country to country, and from nation to nation, moving continually onward and upward, established, strengthened, and settled. (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 227-228)

REFLECTION: When we devote Sunday to missionary work, the whip will be taken out of the hands of the arbitrary zealots....When they see that we employ ourselves on Sunday in visiting the people and opening the Scriptures to them, they will know that it is useless for them to try to hinder our work my making Sunday laws.

Sunday can be used for carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish much for the Lord. On this day open-air meetings and cottage meetings can be held. House-to-house work can be done. (Testimonies for the church, vol. 9, 232-233)