Oil in Your Vessels, January 8
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They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:3, 4.
Many receive the... View MoreOil in Your Vessels, January 8
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They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:3, 4.
Many receive the truth readily, but they fail to assimilate truth, and its influence is not abiding. They are like the foolish virgins, who had no oil in their vessels with their lamps. Oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, which is brought into the soul through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who earnestly search the Scriptures with much prayer, who rely upon God with firm faith, who obey His commandments, will be among those who are represented as wise virgins. The teachings of the Word of God are not yea and nay, but yea and amen.
The requirement of the gospel is far-reaching. Says the apostle, �Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him� (Colossians 3:17). �Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God� (1 Corinthians 10:31). Practical piety will not be attained by giving the grand truths of the Bible a place in the outer courts of the heart. The religion of the Bible must be brought into the large and the little affairs of life. It must furnish the powerful motives and principles that will regulate the Christian�s character and course of action....
The oil so much needed by those who are represented as foolish virgins, is not something to be put on the outside. They need to bring the truth into the sanctuary of the soul, that it may cleanse, refine, and sanctify. It is not theory that they need; it is the sacred teachings of the Bible, which are not uncertain, disconnected doctrines, but are living truths, that involve eternal interests that center in Christ. In Him is the complete system of divine truth. The salvation of the soul, through faith in Christ, is the ground and pillar of the truth.
Those who exercise true faith in Christ make it manifest by holiness of character, by obedience to the law of God. They realize that the truth as it is in Jesus reaches heaven, and compasses eternity. They understand that the Christian�s character should represent the character of Christ, and be full of grace and truth. To them is imparted the oil of grace, which sustains a never-failing light. The Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer makes him complete in Christ.�The Review and Herald, September 17, 1895.
This text is from the book Ye Shall Receive Power by Ellen G. White.
Daily Devotional
January 8, 2021
The Rewards of Bible Study
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again enta... View MoreDaily Devotional
January 8, 2021
The Rewards of Bible Study
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.. 2 Peter 2:20, KJV.
Great light was given to the Reformers, but many of them received the sophistry of error through misinterpretation of the Scriptures. These errors have come down through the centuries, but although they be hoary with age, yet they have not behind them a "Thus saith the Lord." For the Lord has said, I will not "alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." In His great mercy the Lord has permitted still greater light to shine in these last days. To us He has sent His message, revealing His law and showing us what is truth.
In Christ is the fountain of all knowledge. In Him our hopes of eternal life are centered. He is the greatest teacher the world has ever known, and if we desire to enlarge the minds of the children and youth, and win them, if possible, to a love of the Bible, we should fasten their minds upon the plain and simple truth, digging out that which has been buried beneath the rubbish of tradition, and letting the jewels shine forth. Encourage them to search into these subjects, and the effort put forth will be an invaluable discipline.
The unfolding of God, as represented in Jesus Christ, furnishes a theme that is grand to contemplate, and that will, if studied, sharpen the mind, and elevate and ennoble the faculties. As the human agents learn these lessons in the school of Christ, trying to become as Christ was, meek and lowly of heart, they will learn the most useful of all lessons - that intellect is supreme only as it is sanctified by a living connection with God....
The greatest wisdom, and most essential, is the knowledge of God. Self sinks into insignificance as it contemplates God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. The Bible must be made the foundation for all study. Individually we must learn from this lesson book, which God has given us, the condition of the salvation of our souls; for it is the only book that tells us what we must do in order to be saved. Not only this, but from it strength may be received for the intellect. - Fundamentals of Christian Education, 450, 451.
From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 102.
From the Heart � Day 8 of 365
Prevailing Prayer, January 8
In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6.
God has made it our du... View MoreFrom the Heart � Day 8 of 365
Prevailing Prayer, January 8
In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6.
God has made it our duty to pray. The riches of the universe belong to Him. He has all temporal and spiritual treasures at His command and can supply every want from His abundant fullness. We receive our breath from Him; every temporal blessing that we enjoy is His gift. We are dependent upon Him not only for temporal blessings but for grace and strength to keep us from falling under the power of temptation. We daily need the Bread of Life to give us spiritual strength and vigor, just as much as we need food to sustain our physical strength and give us firm muscles. We are compassed with weakness and infirmities, doubts and temptations; but we can come to Jesus in our need, and He will not turn us away empty. We must accustom ourselves to seek divine guidance through prayer; we must learn to trust in Him from whom our help cometh....
We must have a deep, earnest sense of our needs. We must feel our weakness and our dependence upon God, and come to Him with contrition of soul and brokenness of heart. Our petitions must be offered in perfect submission; every desire must be brought into harmony with the will of God, and His will must be done in us....
If we walk in the light as Christ is in the light, we may come to the throne of grace with holy boldness. We may present the promises of God in living faith and urge our petitions. Although we are weak and erring and unworthy, �the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities.� ... When we have offered our petition once, we must not then abandon it, but say, as did Jacob when he wrestled all night with the angel, �I will not let thee go, except thou bless me,� and like him we shall prevail....
It is only by watching unto prayer, and the exercise of living faith, that Christians can preserve integrity in the midst of the temptations that Satan brings to bear upon them.... Talk to your heart constantly the language of faith: �Jesus said He would receive me, and I believe His word. I will praise Him; I will glorify His name.� Satan will be close by your side to suggest that you do not feel any joy. Answer him, ... �I have everything to be glad of, for I am a child of God. I am trusting in Jesus.��Signs of the Times, May 15, 1884.
There are many who claim that by the death of Christ the law was abrogated; but in this they contradict Christ�s own words, �Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets.... Till heave... View MoreThere are many who claim that by the death of Christ the law was abrogated; but in this they contradict Christ�s own words, �Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets.... Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law.� Matthew 5:17, 18. It was to atone for man�s transgression of the law that Christ laid down His life. Could the law have been changed or set aside, then Christ need not have died. By His life on earth He honored the law of God. By His death He established it. He gave His life as a sacrifice, not to destroy God�s law, not to create a lower standard, but that justice might be maintained, that the law might be shown to be immutable, that it might stand fast forever. {COL 314.3}
Once upon a time four church pastors met together on their day off. During the conversation one preacher said, "Members of my congregation often come to me and pour out their hearts and confess their ... View MoreOnce upon a time four church pastors met together on their day off. During the conversation one preacher said, "Members of my congregation often come to me and pour out their hearts and confess their sins. Let's do the same. Confession is good for the soul." So they all agreed to do that.
The first pastor confessed that every once in a while he liked to go a dark bar out of town for a quiet drink.
The second pastor confessed that he occasionally beat his wife. The third pastor confessed he is having an affair with a church sister. When it came to the fourth pastor, he wouldn't confess. The others got upset him saying, "Come now, we confessed ours. What is your secret sin?" Finally he answered, "I love to gossip, and I can't wait to tell everyone about you guys."
You might think. Not me. I don't share dirty details about a person�s life. I don't indulge in gossip. But gossip comes in many flavors, and it involves listening as well. Proverbs 17:4 notes: �Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.� Do you gossip, or even listen to gossip?
From the Heart � Day 7 of 365
The Model Prayer, January 7
Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1.
The world's Redeemer frequently went away alone to pray. On one occasion His disciples were not so far awa... View MoreFrom the Heart � Day 7 of 365
The Model Prayer, January 7
Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1.
The world's Redeemer frequently went away alone to pray. On one occasion His disciples were not so far away but that they could hear His words. They were deeply impressed by His prayer, for it was charged with vital power that reached their hearts. It was very unlike the prayers which they themselves had offered, and unlike any prayers which they had heard from human lips. After Jesus had joined them again, they said to Him: �Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.� ...
It means much to pray to our Heavenly Father. We come to lay our imperfect tribute of thanksgiving at His feet in acknowledgment of His love and mercy, of which we are wholly undeserving. We come to make known our wants, to confess our sins, and to present to Him His own promises....
Jesus has given to us a prayer in which every expression is full of meaning, to be studied and brought into practical life.... It is a prayer that expresses the essential subjects that we need to present to our heavenly Father....
In the Lord's Prayer, solidity, strength, and earnestness are united with meekness and reverence. It is an expression of the divine character of its Author....
Long prayers in a congregation are tedious to those who listen, and do not prepare the hearts of the people for the sermon which is to follow. The prayer of Christ was in marked contrast to these long prayers with their many repetitions. The Pharisees thought that they would be heard for their much speaking, and they made long, tedious, drawn-out prayers....
The model prayer of Christ is in marked contrast to the prayers of the heathen. In all false religions, ceremonies and forms have been substituted for genuine piety and for practical godliness....
Christ reproved the scribes and the Pharisees because of their self-righteous prayers.... Prayers of this order, that are made to be heard of men, call down no blessing from God.... But humility is always recognized by Him who has said, �Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.��The Review and Herald, May 28, 1895.
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