“The christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose. No one will be borne upward without stern, persevering effort in his own behalf. All must engage in this warfare for themselves; no one else can fight our battles. Individually we are responsible for the issues of the struggle; though Noah, Job and Daniel were in the land they could deliver neither son nor daughter by their righteousness.” Ministry of Healing, Pg. 453.
These past few weeks seem as though they have been a quintessential roller coaster of ups and downs. Much of these up and downs have come in the form of emotional mountains and valleys. It’s amazing when one considers the full gamut of emotions that we can go through in a short space of time. This weekend particularly was very hard. I saw in myself things so disgusting and despicable that it made me want to run and hide from myself.
Today, I had the pleasure of listening to a truly inspirational and powerful sermon by David Asscherick. The sermon was simple and it really wasn’t anything new. It was a needed reminder of an old truth. Yet it was water to my thirsting soul. I guess that’s one of the reasons why we can never say “oh, I’ve heard that before, I don’t want to hear it again.” It’s the repetition that deepens the impression, we must never tire of being reminded of the simple truths in the word of God.
Of late it seems as though, I’ve been going through a miniature storm, complete with all the lightning and thunder. Yet, unlike most storms it was within and not without. I don’t know how many of you all can relate to that. In fact, I’ll take an external storm any day over an internal one. But I have to say that in spite of it all, God has been good. No matter what storms come into our lives, it’s important that we remember “this too shall pass.” This sermon was just what the doctor ordered. I’ve attached the link for your listening pleasure…click here.
It is said that no man lives unto himself, and our lives are indelibly linked to others. The more that I walk this earth, the more I understand the truth of that statement. We do not live in a vacuum and as a result of that our actions directly influences the lives of those around us, whether we are aware of it or not. As I study the Bible, the Holy Spirit is driving home to my heart the power of influence. It is one thing to choose to be lost and reject God; it’s a totally different matter to take others with you to the city of destruction.
The Bible likens sin to bondage and in reality it truly is. In this morning’s study the Holy Spirit began in more earnest to show me the bewitching power of sin. In fact in Proverbs 5:22 -23, the Bible says “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. He shall die without instruction; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.” Often times we play with sin thinking that when we are ready we can break free from its grasp. Like Samson who played with Delilah believing that when he was ready he could use his superior strength to escape, only to realize too late that she had taken away the source of his strength.
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“An Inconvenient Truth” was the subject of a message from Pastor Ivor Myers, http://www.thefinalgeneration.org/index.cfm/media/sermon/The%20Inconvenient%20Truth. Pastor Myers used the text Acts 24:24-25 and brought forth some profound points.
The Present Truth was a magazine published by James White in the mid 1800s. After hearing the term “present truth” bandied around so much, many might wonder what it is. The below excerpt from the first article published will help to give some insight. As always read and be blessed.
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As we continue to revisit the foundation of this advent movement, it is essential that we acquaint ourselves with the individuals that the Lord used mightily in its inception. Routinely, I will be posting biographical information on leading figures of the advent movement, William Miller, James White, J.N. Andrews, Joseph Bates, J.N. Andrews, John Loughborough, Rachel Oakes, Uriah Smith, O.R.L. Crozier, A.T. Jones, E.G. Waggoner, Stephan Haskell, John Harvey Kellogg, etc. I pray that as you read about these individuals you will be inspired. God is no respecter of persons, the same way He used others in the past is the same way He desires to use you and me today.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 was an historic day; America elected its first black president. Millions came from far and near to be a part of the festivities. Tears streamed from the eyes of many, while others declared that it was the dawn of a brighter day. As the camera spanned the crowd, packed in like sardines in the cold, I could not help but be impressed by the sight. In my mind eyes, I was taken to another inauguration, one that still lies in the future. I thought of that day when Jesus Christ will return and there will be an inauguration that will end all inaugurations.
Lately, I have realized that I do not reverence God as I should. If we are all honest, none of us reverence God as we should. To think angels veil their faces before him, and cry “holy, holy, holy” is an awesome thought. My finite mind cannot comprehend the majesty of God. When Moses met God in the burning bush he was told to take the shoes from off his feet for the place where he stood was holy ground (Exodus 3). When God came down on Mount Sinai, the whole mountain shook, His voice thundered and man dared not touch the mount lest they died instantaneously (Exodus 19, 20). When Isaiah saw the Lord “high and lifted up,” the prophet exclaimed “woe is me; for I am undone” (Isaiah 6).