Duty to Avoid Excesses—It is carrying that which is lawful to excess that makes it a grievous sin. [7] – {AH 122.3} Many parents do not obtain the knowledge that they should in the married life. They are not guarded lest Satan take advantage of them and control their minds and their lives. They do not see that God requires them to control their married lives from any excesses. But very few feel it to be a religious duty to govern their passions. They have united themselves in marriage to the object of their choice and, therefore, reason that marriage sanctifies the indulgence of the baser passions. Even men and women professing godliness give loose rein to their lustful passions and have no thought that God holds them accountable for the expenditure of vital energy, which weakens their hold on life and enervates the entire system. [8] – {AH 122.4} Adventist Home : Ellen G....
Devotionals
“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.” [ John 15:4 KJV]. “Christ suffers trial to come upon His followers that they may be led to seek the Lord more earnestly. Then when trials come, do not think that the Lord is your enemy. He purges for a reason. He does not want you to be discouraged; but He would prove you, to see if you will be true to Him and will conduct yourselves circumspectly under every circumstance. He does not want to drive you away, but to drive you nearer to the Lord. In God is the Christian’s only hope in time of perplexity. – Do not talk to others about your trials, for they have enough of their own to bear, and our human friends cannot always understand. It is your privilege to go to One who will always understand, because His life on earth was one of constant trial and perplexity, borne without failure and sin…. It is not enough that now and then you offer a prayer, and now and then deal righteously. You are to have the attributes of an abiding Christ working out in your life constantly. How many of us have this experience? Yet we may have it, and having it, we will be the happiest people on the face of the earth. With Christ’s Word abiding in us, we shall give evidence that we have wholly received Him who in His humanity lived a sinless life. In the strength of divinity we shall overcome every tendency to evil…. – The difference between the character of Christ and the character of other men of His day was everywhere apparent; and because of this difference the world hated Him. It hated Him for His goodness and His strict integrity. And Christ declared that those who manifest the same attributes would be likewise hated. As we near the end of time this hatred for the followers of Christ will be more and more manifest. – Christ took humanity and bore the hatred of the world that He might show men and women that they could live without sin, that their words, their actions, their spirit, might be sanctified to God. We can be perfect Christians if we will manifest this power in our lives. When the light of heaven rests upon us continually, we shall represent Christ. It was the righteousness revealed in His life that distinguished Him from the world and called forth its hatred…. – The words of Christ are spoken for His people in all ages—for us, upon whom the ends...
Results of Excesses—Men and women, you will one day learn what is lust and the result of its gratification. Passion of just as base a quality may be found in the marriage relation as outside of it. [13] – {AH 124.2} What is the result of giving loose rein to the lower passions? … The bedchamber, where angels of God should preside, is made unholy by unholy practices. And because shameful animalism rules, bodies are corrupted; loathsome practices lead to loathsome diseases. That which God has given as a blessing is made a curse. [14] – {AH 124.3} Sexual excess will effectually destroy a love for devotional exercises, will take from the brain the substance needed to nourish the system, and will most effectively exhaust the vitality. No woman should aid her husband in this work of self-destruction. She will not do it if she is enlightened and has true love for him. – {AH 124.4} The more the animal passions are indulged, the stronger do they become, and the more violent will be their clamors for indulgence. Let God-fearing men and women awake to their duty. Many professed Christians are suffering with paralysis of nerve and brain because of their intemperance in this direction. [15] – {AH 124.5} from Adventist Home...
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17 KJV) Why Does a Good God Let Bad Things Happen? When we experience terrible tragedy, being angry with God is quite common. People frequently ask, “If God is good, all-powerful, and full of love for us, why didn’t He stop the thing that caused the pain?” This is where Satan seeks to build a wall between God and the hurting person. He seizes the opportunity to say, “God isn’t good, and He can’t be trusted.” However, we know according to the Word of God, the truth is not in Satan, he is a liar and the father of lies. Read James 1:17. Everything good comes from God. God is good, and He cannot be anything else. Furthermore, He isn’t one way one time and another way another time. He doesn’t change. He is good, and that’s the way He is. It’s obvious that God doesn’t always stop tragedy, and we honestly don’t always know why bad things happen. First Corinthians 13:12 says, “…Now I know in part (imperfectly)….” We have to remember that faith will always require us to accept unanswered questions, and we must come to the place where we’re satisfied to know the One who knows and place our trust in Him. Prayer Starter: God, I may not always understand why bad things happen, but I know that You are good. When I don’t understand why, I will find my comfort in You.- Joyce Meyer : Promises For Your Everyday Life...
“Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:21, 22 KJV) Why You Need to Read the Bible The Bible is no ordinary book. The words within its pages are like medicine to your soul. It has the power to change your life because there is life in the Word! When you discover the power and truth of God’s Word, you will begin to see changes in your life that only this truth can bring. You will also learn how to recognize the lies that the enemy tries to bring against you. If you are just starting to study the Bible or feel intimidated by it, don’t think you have to read it all at once or understand everything right away. Be patient with yourself. The important thing is that you start somewhere and stay determined to stick with it. Because every time you study the Bible and pay attention to what you’re reading, you’re learning something. Proverbs 4:20 says, “My son attend to my words., ” This is important to understand because attending is more than just reading – it means to meditate on the Scripture or roll it around over and over in your mind. As we spend time reading and meditating on the Word of God and learn to agree with it above all else, we will be filled with the life and healing power of God. Prayer Starter: God, thank You so much for the life-giving power of Your Word! As I read and study it, teach me what You want me to know and bring Your healing power into my life.- Joyce Meyer: Promises For Your Everyday...
The Best Way to Start the Day How do you start your day? Do you hurriedly get out of bed and barely make it out the door on time? Do you turn on the TV? Do you go exercise? Whatever your morning routine may be, the most important question you need to ask yourself is, “What role does God play when I start my day?” It took me a lot of years to figure this out, but I now know that the very best way to start my day is by giving thanks to God for what He’s done for me and asking Him how I can be a blessing to other people. I encourage you to spend time each morning focusing on the good things God has done in your life. Think about the dangers and difficulties He’s brought you through, the ways He’s healed you and changed you, and how good it is to know He cares for you and hears your prayers. When you learn to set your mind on God each morning, He’ll give you all the peace and joy you need to live for Him as you go about the rest of your day. Prayer Starter: Lord, I make a decision today to pursue You first thing when I get up every morning. Nothing is more important than seeking You and receiving Your peace and joy.-Joyce Meyer : Promises For Your Everyday...