Broken Toys

Have you lost something of value to you or someone you loved? Are you confused and asking why?
Let me share some comforting thoughts with you.

Eric B. Hare was a missionary in Burma (now Myanmar)during the 1940s. This is a story he related once.
"I remember a Christmas season many years ago, when Eileen was eleven and Lenny was just seven years old. We lived on our mission station away up in the jungle, and I only went to the city three or four times a year for supplies. This year I planned a trip to Rangoon the first week in December.

"It will be the last opportunity to get the children something for Christmas," said Mrs. Hare. So after they had
gone to bed we counted our savings, thought hard, and wrote down on the list a doll for Eileen and a steam engine for Lenny.

As the motorboat honked its arrival on my return, the children came excitedly down to meet me. The schoolboys unloaded the boxes and bundles, and carried them as marked to the dispensary, the school store, or our home.

"I know it's still three weeks to Christmas," said Mrs. Hare, "but what does it matter? There's no one to have Christmas with, so why not let the children have their things now?"

"All right," I agreed, and gave Eileen the box with her doll in it, and Lenny the box with his engine in it. What happy children they were! In just a few moments Eileen was singing to her new dolly, and lenny was erupting with squeals of joy as he filled his engine
with water and lighted the methylated spirits fire. Soon the wheel was turning around with a busy hum, 'Tr-rr-r-r-r-r-r-r-r,' and the whistle was 'Too-too-tooting!'

That afternoon the village postman brought a letter from Auntie Jessie! "She's coming in February to stay two or three months!" Announced Mrs. Hare as she hastily read the letter. "And she is bringing Edwin, Wilfred and Buddy! And the boys are getting a Meccano set for Christmas!"

"Oh, goody, goody!" we all chorused with glee.

And then I got to thinking. Being a father, I could see further ahead than the children could. I could see the steam engine turning the wheels and the merry-go-rounds we could make with the Meccano set. But this was only December and there were two months till the three Little cousins and their Meccano set would arrive! In two months the little engine might be all broken and useless. I thought it through for a long time, asked Mrs. Hare what she thought of my plan, then in the evening called Lenny, and said, "Son, I've been thinking."

"Yes, Daddy?"

"About the engine and the Meccano set! Wouldn't it be fun to have the engine turn a merry-go-round that we could make with the Meccano set!"

"Oh, yes, Daddy!"

"But if you play with the engine now, maybe it will be broken by t he time your cousins come. Wouldn't it be better to put the engine away now, so it will be brand new when Edwin, Wilfred and Buddy come?"

"Oh, but, Daddy, I want to play with it now."

"But it's not so much fun without the Meccano-set merry-go-round."

"But, Daddy, I want to play with it now. It's the only engine I've ever had in all my life."

I hesitated. I knew it would break his heart. I thought it all carefully through again. And more sure than ever that my way was best, I said, "We'll play with it once more, son, then we'll put it away so it will be brand new when the Meccano set comes."

He played with it till the fire burned out, and the steam died down. Then I emptied it, wiped it over, and put it away.

"You don't love me any more!" wailed little Lenny as if his heart was broken. "I want to play with my little engine; it's the only engine I've ever had in all my life."

I took him for a swim in the river. Mother had his favorite pumpkin pie for supper that night. There were stories and games to follow, and off he went to bed. In two or three weeks he had almost forgotten the engine, and hardly mentioned it again. The days and weeks went swiftly by. February came. Then one day the motorboat honked the arrival of Aunt Jessie and the little cousins.

"Hi, Lenny," shouted Edwin. "Guess what! We've got a Meccano set, and se can make a Ferris wheel!"

"And a merry-go-round," added Wilfred.

There was great excitement as everybody hugged and kissed everybody else. Then the luggage was brought to the house. The first thing to be unpacked was the Meccano set, and in a moment, four little boys were working feverishly on a bamboo mat constructing a Ferris wheel. And while they pout the parts together, I went in, got out the brand-new engine, and put it right in the middle of them.

"Oh-h-h, my engine!" squealed Lenny, and he busied himself putting in the water and lighting up. By the time he had steam up, the Ferris wheel was complete. Edwin got a long string belt, and in just a moment round and round it was going, driven by the little engine! Four little boys danced up and down and clapped their hands with delight. Four little boys ohed and ahed and laughed and shouted in glee. This was ecstasy undreamed of, joy unthought of, and I looked on for a long, long time in thoughtful satisfaction. Then I said, "Son, aren't you glad now that Daddy put the
little engine away?"

He came bounding over to where I sat, climbed upon my knee, put his arms around my neck, and said, "How did you know it would be better this way, Daddy? How did you know?"

And it gives me faith to believe that when God puts away our toys, the ones we love best of everything in all the world, He does it only that we can have them brand new in the morning. And when He seemingly
passes us by, and keeps something back that we would rather have than anything else in all the world, He is only doing it that it may be ours, unmarred, unscratched, unbroken, in the morning.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5." The Best of Eric B. Hare Stories, Fullness of Joy, pages 204-207.

Do you know someone who will be facing a difficult Christmas Season this year? Whether there has been a loss of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of employment or of a home, or even just the loss of health in a sudden manner that has brought a crisis to the life of that person, they need comfort and encouragement, especially during this season when so many are rejoicing and they are going through so much heartache!

You do not have to give a speech nor do some great act, just let them know you care.
You can simply send them a nice card or something nice to eat from your kitchen with a note that says, "I can't quite find the words to express how I feel, but I care, and would like you to know that I'm sorry about what happened, and I wish you God's blessing during the New Year."

It would mean so much for someone who is hurting!
Let your heart and your love for God and for people, guide you.

I wish you all the best, now only during this special Season, but all through the New Year!

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Teach Us to Pray

Are you Troubled and Confused?

"God longs to lead and guide us,
And take us by the hand;
Would whisper His assurance,
And help us understand.
But in too great a hurry
To linger long in prayer,
We often rise to duty,
And leave Him waiting there." --Unknown

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.


A traveler crossed a frozen stream
In trembling fear one day.
Later a teamster drove across,
And whistled all the way.
Great faith and little faith alike
Were granted safe convoy.
One had the pangs of needless fear.
The other all the joy. -Author Unknown

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." Psalm 32:8.

"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16.

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Bible Universe

The Love You can Receive, the Love You Give. . .

"What is the Bible interpretation of God? "God is love." By giving Christ to our world, God manifested His love for mankind. "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Yes, "everlasting life." This is the love which is the fulfilling of the law. Only he whose heart is filled with compassion for fallen man, who loves to a purpose, showing his love by the performance of Christlike deeds, will be able to endure the seeing of Him who is invisible. He only who loves his fellowmen to a purpose can know God.
He who loves not those for whom the Father has done so much know not God....

"God is supreme. His love in the human heart will lead to the doing of work that will bear fruit after the similitude of the character of God. . . .

"Charity [love] suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth." O blessed leaves of the tree of life! "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."
"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Lift Him Up, page 134.

"Christ sought to teach the grand truth so needful for us to learn, that God is always with us, an inmate of every dwelling,
that He is acquainted with every action performed on earth. He knows the thoughts framed in the mind and endorsed by the soul.
He hears every word that falls from the lips of human beings. He is walking and working in the midst of all our transactions in life.
He knows every plan, He measures every method. And yet by many His hand is not recognized, His wonderful footsteps are not discerned." RH, May 30, 1899.

What a wonderful comfort this companionship with Him could be for anyone who realizes that it is freely offered and truly given!


Love is power. It is a principle of intellectual and moral worth. When it is expressed only as a passion, it burns strong but fizzles fast.
When it is expressed as a principle in the life, it endures for an entire lifetime.

" 'Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.' Blessed results would appear as the fruit of such a course." RH, May 11, 1886.

"Christ joined himself with the nature of man, that through him man might again become one with God, preserving the closest union with his fellow men,-- the same that exists between the Father and the Son. Christ lived not to please or glorify himself. He came to live and work in behalf of fallen man. Every moment of his life, every deed that he performed, was an expression of his unselfish love. That the Son of the infinite God should bind himself so closely with man was condescension and mercy so wonderful that its mysteries could scarcely be understood." RH, May 30, 1899.
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Bible Universe

Do You Feel Mistreated?

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." Proverbs 3:5-7.

Believing in God's Provindential leadings brings peace, and trusting in His guidance, brings joy.

Our heavenly Father orders everything in wisdom and in righteousness. His purposes are purposes of
love and His efforts are to bless and not to harm.

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13.

"We need to know of an almighty arm that will hold us up, of an infinite friend that pities us. We need to clasp
a hand that is warm, to trust in a heart full of tenderness." Education, page 133. (That is God!)

"The soul that has given himself to Christ is more precious in His sight than the whole world. The Saviour would have
passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has
died." The Desire of Ages, page 483.

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8.

"He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings." Psalm 40:2.

"Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip." Psalm 18:36.

"So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:6.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 43:5.

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Bible Universe

Loneliness?

"I Am With Thee."

"I Am with thee." He hath said it.
In His truth and tender grace;

Sealed the promise grandly spoken
Of His love and faithfulness.

He is with thee in thy dwelling,
Shielding thee from fear of ill,

All thy burdens kindly bearing,
For thy dear ones gently caring,
Guarding, keeping, blessing still.

-Frances Ridley Havergal

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5.

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Bible Universe

Who Do You Think You Are?

You are a child of God.
Created by Him to fulfill a purpose in His plan of love.
You are a child of God.
Created to be unique and yet to reflect Him in a certain way.
Only He can bring out the beauty of what He has made.
Only He can give meaning to what He intends.
Only He can make sense of His special plan for you.
Who do you think you are?
A unique individual.
Born to be someone in your Maker's heart,
born to do something, only He knows you can!
Who do you think you are?
You are a child of God,
And He loves you line no one else does.

Clotilde M.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38, 39.

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Determining the Will of God

The Comfort of Faith

"I Know That My Redeemer Liveth"

By E.J. Johnson

No peace the world can ever bestow

Like that which Jesus gives

To those who, walking with him, "know"

That their "Redeemer lives."

Almighty Friend, tho' throned above,
His presence still is near,


















And his assurance of love
Comfort and soothe and cheer.

Earth's storms may rage, and widly high
The billows round us toll,
But all is peace with Jesus nigh
The tempest to control.

Some mighty sorrow threatens oft
To crush and overwhelm---
O then to hear his whisper soft,
"Peace---I am at the helm."

When toils and cares press heavily
Upon the burdened breast,
How sweet the words, "Come unto me,
And I will give you rest."

To him we take our every care,
With him our burdens leave;
His pity and his help we share,
And strength divine receive.

In all the pains and woes of life,
If we but hear his voice
Above the din of mortal strife,
We may in him rejoice.

Joy in the Lord, rest in his love,
and know the peace he gives.
We have a friend enthroned above---
Our great "Redeemer lives."


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Determining the Will of God

God Loves You!

"If you call God your Father you acknowledge yourselves His children to be guided by His wisdom and to be obedient in all things, knowing that His love is changeless. You will accept His plan for your life. As children of God, you will hold His honor, His character, His family, His work, as the objects of your highest interest. It will be your joy to recognize and honor your relation to your Father and to every member of His family. You will rejoice to do any act, however humble, that will tend to His glory or to the well-being of your kindred." Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 105.

"One who knows, has said, "The Father himself loveth you." One who has had an experimental knowledge of the length, and breadth, and height, and depth of that love, has declared unto us this amazing fact. This love is ours through faith in the Son of God, therefore a connection with Christ means everything to us. We are to be one with Him as He is one with the Father, and then we are beloved by the infinite God as members of the body of Christ, as branches of the living Vine. We are to be attached to the parent stock, and to receive nourishment from the Vine.

"Christ is our glorified Head, and the divine love flowing from the heart of God, rests in Christ, and is communicated to those who have been united to Him. This divine love entering the soul inspires it with gratitude, frees it from its spiritual feebleness, from pride, vanity, and selfishness, and from all that would deform the Christian character.

"Look, O look to Jesus and live! You cannot but be charmed with the matchless attractions of the Son of God. Christ was God manifest in the flesh, the mystery hidden for ages, and in our acceptance or rejection of the Saviour of the world are involved eternal interests. . . .

"When we seek for appropriate language in which to describe the love of God, we find words too tame, too weak, too far beneath the theme, and we lay down our pen and say, "No, it cannot be described." We can only do as did the beloved disciple, and say, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." In attempting any description of this love, we feel hat we are as infants lisping their first words. Silently we may adore; for silence in this matter is the only eloquence. This love is past all language to describe. It is the mystery of God in the flesh, God in Christ, and divinity in humanity. Christ bowed down in unparalleled humility, that in His exaltation to the throne of God, He might also exalt those who believe in Him, to a seat with Him upon His throne. All who look upon Jesus in faith that the wounds and bruises that sin has made will be healed in Him, shall be made whole."
Fundamentals of Christian Education, pages 178-180.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17.

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." 1 John 2:4-5.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8.

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10.


Down From His Glory

When You Need to Have Strength. . .

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.

"Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence." Psalms 59:9.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1.

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Isaiah 40:29.

"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." Psalms 138:3.

"My flesh and my heart faileth : but God is the strengtha of my heart, and my portion for ever." Psalms 73:26.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust , and not be afraid : for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2.

"n the darkest days, when appearances seem so forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He is working out His will, doing all things well in behalf of His people. The strength of those who love and serve Him will be renewed day by day. His understanding will be placed at their service, that they may not err in the carrying out of His purposes." Sons and Daughters of God, page 219.




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Heaven Is It For Real?

When Things Go Wrong. . .

This past week was a sad week. My nephew works at a restaurant, and he had a co-worker who was his friend. She was murdered by an attacker that came into hes home and stole her car. We are living in a sinful world, sometimes, awful things happen to innocent people. Sometimes, people become victims of other people. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. God is not to be blamed, because He has not made those people commit the acts that have harmed others. They have freedom of choice and they were the ones who chose to become a threat to other people.
What do you tell a person who has been shaken by something like that?

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13.

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." Psalms 56:3.

"In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." Psalms 56:4.

"Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me." Psalms 56:8-9.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6.

"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Psalms 9:9.

"They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded." Psalms 22:5.

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5.

Read FREE Online!

From Stress to Joy

The Love of God

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh." 1 Peter 3:18.

“The cross of Calvary appeals to us in power, affording a reason why we should love our Saviour, and why we should make Him first and last and best in everything. We should take our fitting place in humble penitence at the foot of the cross. Here, as we see our Saviour in agony, the Son of God dying, the just for the unjust, we may learn lessons of meekness and lowliness of mind. Behold Him who with one word could summon legions of angels to His assistance, a subject of jest and merriment, of reviling and hatred. He gives Himself a sacrifice for sin. When reviled, He threatens not; when falsely accused, He opens not His mouth. He prays on the cross for His murderers. He is dying for them; He is paying an infinite price for every one of them. He bears the penalty of man's sins without a murmur. And this uncomplaining victim is the Son of God. His throne is from everlasting, and His kingdom shall have no end.” Lift Him Up, 233.

The Son of God, the Prince of Heaven, gave everything for you. If He loves you so much, wouldn't He help you out when you need Him?


Alone in the Crowd

The Wonderful Love of God---Part 4

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." Galatians 5:22- 23, NKJV

"Our Savior. . .bestows upon us the graces which we earnestly desire. Joy, peace, long-suffering, gentless, faith and charity are the elements of the
Christian character. These precious graces are the Christian's crown and shield." ST, Sept. 9, 1886.

"As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will 'keep the feet of His saints'. 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which
they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him." Ministry of Healing, p. 479.

"Having been justified by faith, we have peaced with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1.

"It is peace that you need. . .Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it. . . .But God offers it to
you as a gift." Steps to Christ, p. 49.

"The life in which the fear of the Lord is cherished will not be a life of sadness and gloom. It is the absence of Christ that makes the
countenance sad, and the life a pilgrimage of sighs." Christ's object Lessons, p.162.

""For 'this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot grasp
it, power cannot command it; but to all who will accept it God's glorious grace is freely given. But men may feel their need, and, renouncing all self-dependence,
accept salvation as gift. Those who enter heaven will not scale its wllas by their own righteousness, nor will its gates be opened to them for costly offerings of
gold or silver; but they will gain an entrance to the mansions of the Father's house through the merits to the cross of Christ." Sons and Daughters of God, p. 233.

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In God's Workshop

The Wonderful Love of God---Part 3

"Christ's death proves God's great love for man. It is our pledge of salvation. To remove the cross from the Christian would be like blotting the sun from the sky. The cross brings us near to God, reconciling us to Him. With the relenting compassion of a father's love, Jehovah looks upon the suffering that His Son endured in order to save the race from eternal death, and accepts us in the Beloved." Acts of the Apostles, p. 209.

"The impress of Deity, manifest in the pages of revelation, is seen upon the lofty mountains, the fruitful valleys, the broad, deep ocean. The things of nature speak to man of his Creator's love. He has linked us to himself by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. This world is not all sorrow and misery. 'God is love,' [1 John 4:8.] is written upon every opening bud, upon the petals of every flower, and upon every spire of grass. Though the curse of sin has caused the earth to bring forth thorns and thistles, there are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are hidden by roses. All things in nature testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God, and to his desire to make his children happy. His prohibitions and injunctions are not intended merely to display his authority, but in all that he does, he has the well-being of his children in view. He does not require them to give up anything that it would be for their best interest to retain." Christian Education, p. 66.

"Through the cross we learn that the heavenly Father loves us with a love that is infinite. Can we wonder that Paul exclaimed,'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ'? Galatians 6:14. It is our privilege also to glory in the cross, our privilege to give ourselves wholly to Him who gave Himself for us. Then, with the light that streams from Calvary shining in our faces, we may go forth to reveal this light to those in darkness." Acts of the Apostles, p. 210.

"He made use of the lofty trees, the cultivated soil, the barren rocks, the flowers of beauty struggling through the clefts, the everlasting hills, the glowing flowers of the valley, the birds caroling their songs in the leafy branches, the spotless lily resting in purity upon the bosom of the water. All these objects that made up the living scene around them were made the medium by which His lessons were impressed upon the minds of His hearers. They were thus brought home to the hearts of all, . . . leading them gently up from the contemplation of the Creator's works in nature to nature's God. . . .In one of His most impressive lessons Christ says, 'Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. . . .'

"The Great Teacher is here leading out minds to understand the parental care and love which God has for His children. He directs them to observe the birds flitting from tree to tree, or skimming upon the bosom of the lake, without a flutter of distrust or fear. God's eye is upon these little creatures; He provides them food; He answers all their simple wants. Jesus inquires, 'Are ye not much better than they?' . . .If God cares for and preserves the little birds, will He not have far greater love and care for the creatures formed in His image?" In Heavenly Places, pp. 113-114.

"And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." Matthew 6:28, 29.

"The courtly robes of the greatest king that ever sat upon an earthly throne could not compare, in their artificial splendor, with the spotless beauty of the lilies fashioned by the divine hand. This is an example of the estimate which the Creator of all that is beautiful places upon the artificial in comparison with the natural. God has given us these things of beauty as an expression of His love, that we may obtain correct views of His character. We are not to worship the things of nature, but in them we are to read the love of God." In Heavenly Places, p. 115.

"In the contemplation of Christ we linger on the shore of a love that is measureless. We endeavor to tell of this love, and language fails us. We consider His life on earth, His sacrifice for us, His work in heaven as our advocate, and the mansions He is preparing for those who love Him, and we can only exclaim, O the height and depth of the love of Christ!
'Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.' 'Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.' 1 John 4:10; 3:1." Acts of the Apostles, p. 333.

"In every true disciple this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Christ. It is on the earth that His children are to reflect this love through blameless lives. Thus sinners will be led to the cross to behold the Lamb of God." Acts of the Apostles, p. 334.

Amazing Wonders of Creation

The Wonderful Love of God!---Part 2

Don't magnify your problems, do not give way to unbelief and discouragement. Remember that God loves you, remember the care, the love and the power he has manifested in times past. He is still the same!

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7.

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him." Psalm 103:13.

"I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5.

"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10.

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." John 14:18.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you." Isaiah 66:13.

It is interesting to note that when mothers and fathers comfort their children, they attempt to turn their thoughts from the immediate present to the future:
"Never mind, it will SOON be better." "Up again, sonny. That's the way we learn to walk. Soon you'll be a big boy and won't fall down any more." "Of course,
it will hurt to pull your tooth, but only a little while, and then it won't ache any more." That's the way they talk. And that's the way God talks to us:
"weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Psalm 30:5.

We are but children in God's sight---children of a day, children of an hour. We are so wrapped up in the immediate present that we are prone to forget there is
"a morning,"---that there is a tomorrow with God, and that He is guiding, fitting, preparing us for tomorrow, not for today. There is a future for God's children.
A haven to win. Something to look forward, beyond the struggles of this life. All of it is wrapped up in God's love and in Jesus' sacrifice for us.
Look beyond your troubles, and hope in God!

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Alone in the Crowd

The Wonderful Love of God!

How many times have you given up on someone, thinking it was "useless" to try any longer? How many times disappointment has turned to bitterness and you have walked away, thinking, "no more"?
How many times we have been the source of disappointment to the One who loves us the most?

"If God were like us, we would expect to hear him say, 'Let the world go; let Satan have it for his own.' But I am so thankful that God is not like man. He so loved the creatures of his care that he provided a way by which they might be brought back to their Eden home. But at what an immense cost was this provision made! It was no less than by giving up his own dear Son, who was equal to himself, to bear the penalty of the transgressor....
We should consider that it was not merely to accomplish the redemption of man that Christ came to earth; it was not merely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the law of God as it should be regarded; but it was to demonstrate to all the worlds that God's law is unchangeable, and that the wages of sin is death....When you look at the cross of Calvary, you cannot doubt God's love or his willingness to save. He has worlds upon worlds that give him divine honor, and heaven and all the universe would have been just as happy if he had left this world to perish; but so great was his love for the fallen race that he gave his own dear Son to die that they might be redeemed from eternal death. As we see the care, the love, that God has for us, let us respond to it; let us give to Jesus all the powers of our being, fighting manfully the battles of the Lord. We cannot afford to lose our souls; we cannot afford to sin against God. Life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory, is worth everything. But if
we would obtain this precious boon, we must live a life of obedience to all of God's requirements; we must carry out the principles of the Christian religion in our daily life." RH, March 9, 1886.

"Christ sought to teach the disciples the truth that in God's kingdom there are no territorial lines, no caste, no aristocracy; that they must go to all nations, bearing to them the message of a Saviour's love. But not until later did they realize in all its fullness that God 'hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us.' Acts 17:26, 27." Acts of the Apostles, 20.

"He spoke to them also words of hope and courage. "Let not your heart be troubled," He said; "ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." John 14:1-4. For your sake I came into the world; for you I have been working.When I go away I shall still work earnestly for you. I came to the world to reveal Myself to you, that you might believe. I go to My Father and yours to co-operate with Him in your behalf." Acts of the Apostles, 22.

"We need no fanciful teaching regarding the personality of God. What God desires us to know of Him is revealed in His word and His works. The beautiful things of nature reveal His character and His power as Creator. They are His gift to the race, to show His power, and to show that He is a God of love. But no one is authorized to say that God Himself in person is in flower or leaf or tree. These things are God's handiwork, revealing His love for mankind. Christ is the perfect revelation of God." Medical Ministry, 94.

"Man is doing the greatest injury and injustice to his own soul when he thinks and acts contrary to the will of God. No real joy can be found in the path forbidden by him who knows what is best, and who plans for the good of his creatures. The path of transgression leads to misery and destruction; but wisdom's "ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." [Proverbs 3:17.]" Christian Education, 68.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

In one of His most impressive lessons Christ says, 'Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. . . .' The Great Teacher is here leading out minds to understand the parental care and love which God has for His children. He directs them to observe the birds flitting from tree to tree, or skimming upon the bosom of the lake, without a flutter of distrust or fear. God's eye is upon these little creatures; He provides them food; He answers all their simple wants. Jesus inquires, "Are ye not much better than they?" . . . If God cares for and preserves the little birds, will He not have far greater love and care for the creatures formed in His image?" In Heavenly Places, 114.

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

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Alone in the Crowd

Better Than Rubies. . .

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11.

"The gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. . . .It declares that while God's hatred for sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death." The desire of Ages, p. 57.

"The whole treasury of heave is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All thse are for man." The Desire of Ages, p. 57.

"In securing treasure in heaven, we place ourselves in living connection with God, who owns all the treasures of earth, and supplies all temporal mercies that are essential for life. Every soul may secure the eternal inheritance. The Lord opens the fact before His people that there is full room for the exercise of their faculties, for the fulfillment of their loftiest aims, for the acquirements of the choicest and most enduring treasure. They may lay up treasures where neither fire nor flood nor any
manner of adversity can touch." Lift Him Up, p. 128.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:1, 2.

The ancient Chinese were the first to use paper money. Back in the year 812, one of their emperors decided to use paper notes as currency to resolve the problem of a temporary shortage of coins made of copper.
For his subjects who didn't know how to read, the paper notes depicted the number of coins they were worth and also carried with them the assurance that they could be traded in for actual coins. I guess the idea "took" and yet, when Marco Polo returned to Italy from China, telling people in Europe that the Chinese used paper for money, the people didn't believe him!

Throughout history, things like silver, gold, pearls and precious stones have been considered more valuable than paper money. Yet the Bible affirms that "wisdom is better than rubies."

"For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it." Proverbs 8:11.

When you desperately need to make adecision and you do not want or cannot afford to make a mistake, wisdom is better than rubies!

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." Proverbs 3:13.

The wisest man that ever lived continued saying:

"For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold." Proverbs 3:14.

"There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel."

Every important decision in life requires wisdom, this currency is also important as a starting point even to make a business work! Both in temporal as well as in spiritual matters, wisdom is of the utmost importance.

Where can a wisdom like that be found?

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever." Psalm 11:10.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." Probers 9:10.

Currencies come and go, valuable ancient money for the most part cannot even be found today, it has to be searched for (sometimes for years) and dug out. What is money that will last?
The highest ransom ever put together and paid for anything was the life of Jesus, paid for our redemption so that we can live eternally and enjoy real imperishable riches.
Finding this treasure, which the Bible calls the pearl of great price, is true wisdom!

"For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD." Proverbs 8:35.

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9.

.........................
Beautiful Book, Read FREE Online!
Riches of His Grace

With the Voice of Praise. . .

"Nature's ten thousand voices speak His praise. In earth, and air and sky, with their marvellous tint and color, varying in gorgeous contrast or softly blended in harmony, we behold His glory.
The everlasting hills tell us of His power. The trees wave their green banners in the sunlight, and point us upward to their Creator. The flowers that gem the earth with their beauty whisper to us of Eden and fill us with longings ofr its unfading loveliness. The living green that carpets the brown earth tell us of God's care for the humblest of His creatures. The caves of the sea and the depths of the earth reveal His treasures.
He who placed the pearls in the ocean and the amethyst and the chrysolite among the rocks is a lover of the beautiful. The sun rising in the heaves is the representative of Him who is the light and life of all that He has made. All the brightness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens speak of God." Good Health, August, 1882.

"I will love thee, O Lord, y strength. The lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom
I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies." Psalm 18:1-3.

"Let us treasure up every blessing, every heaven-sent ray of light in warnings, in reproofs, in tokens of mercy given unto us. Let us not be among those who lightly regard God's forbearance." -R.H., May 2, 1893.

"Great peace have they that love thy law:and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165.

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." 1 Peter 2:6.

"And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8.

"The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee." Psalm 9:8-9.

"The smallest thing we do, if done to please God is sure to be paid for in heaven's money." —R.H.

"I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4.

"The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles." Psalm 34:17.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:2-5.

Light. . .

"For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness." 2 Samuel 22:29.

"For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee." Psalm 71:5, 6.

"There is help for the needy, light for the blind, redemption for hte lost. Jesus came into our world to 'bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." RH, Jan. 26, 1911.

"For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." Psalm 18:28.

"Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart." Psalm
97:11.

"The path that leads to eternal day is not the easiest to travel, and at times it will seem dark and thorny. But you have the assurance that God's
everlasting arms encircle you to protect you from evil. He wants you to exercise earnest faith in Him, and to trust Him in the shadow as well as in the
sunshine." Messages to Young People, p. 102.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105.


"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psalm 119:130.

"Who is among you that feareth the LORD, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the LORD, and stay upon his God." Isaiah 50:10.

"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light." Romans 13:12.

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
John 8:12.

Jesus
By Eliza H. Morton

Sweeter than honey's sweetness
Is the full divine completeness
Of my Saviour's love.
Dearer far than earthly treasure
Is the joy that knows no measure, —
Heavenly joy above.
Closer to my soul and nearer,
More beloved by far and dearer
Is my Lord to me,
Than earth's fame so
vain and fleeting,
Or the friends who give me greeting
On life's stormy sea.
Purer thant he lily's whiteness,
Clearer than the noneday brighteness,—
Jesus, Saviour, mine.
Come, O come in all thy beauty,
Let thy love make every duty
With thy glory shine.


Pathlights

The Ideal. . .

"The greatest want of the world is men— men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall." Education, p. 57.

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." Romans 15:13.

"Christians may have the joy of communion with Christ. . . .Every step in life may bring us closer to Jesus, may give us a deeper experience of His love, and may bring us one step nearer to the blessed home of peace." Steps to Christ, p. 125.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3.

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." Psalm 24:3-5.

"God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring,
blessings flow from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it iwll flow out to others in love and blessing." Mind, Character, and Personality, Vo. 1, 28.

"As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." Psalm 133:3.


"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9,

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19.

"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." Proverbs 10:22.

Pathlights

Bible Promises for the Unemployed---2

"Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee." Psalms 33:22.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD." Psalms 31:24.

"And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee." Psalms 39:7.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalms 42:11.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalms 46:1.

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him." Psalms 62:5.

"Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope." Psalms 119:116.

"For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off." Proverbs 23:18.

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13.

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23.

"Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor." Psalms 68:10.

"And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalms 107:7-9.

"For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper." Psalm 72:12.

Alone in the Crowd

Bible promises for the Unemployed---1

"I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Psalm 37:25.

“Blessed are the Poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 5:3.

"As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." 2 Corinthians 6:10.

"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9.

"(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.” 2 Corinthians 9:9.

"Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause." Exodus 23:6.

"Thou shalt not oppress an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land within thy gates."
Deuteronomy 24:14.


Pray about your situation. Take it to the Lord in the simplicity of faith. Faith is the spiritual hand that touches infinity. True faith and prayer are very powerful.
They are like two arms through which the person making a petition lays hold upon the power of Infinite love. Do not be disvouraged if your prayers are not answered
right away, remember that God is arranging events for you, He's about to open doors, to prepare circumstances, to put things in order and sometimes it takes a little time.
Hang on and keep on trusting, remember how much He loves and cares about you!

"At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee."
Deuteronomy 24:15.

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness." Psalms 107:8-9.

"Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield." Psalms 33:20.

"Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance."
Psalms 106:4-5.