The Gift of Peace

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God" Matthew 5:9. 

"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5:1. 

"The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever" Isaiah 32:17.  

 Bible Universe: Explore!

His Promises Are Yes

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1. 

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

 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Titus 1:2. 

 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.

Bible Universe: Explore!

To See the Sunshine Beyond the Clouds...

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deuteronomy 31:6.

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalms 27:14.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

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


Don't Remain Down

How Wonderful is God

"Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." Psalm 106;1.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name. " Psalm 103:1.

"But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57.

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1.

Walk With Him Out of It All

In the Stark Silence Of Your Heart...

"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.

"As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe." Mark 5:36.

"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16.

Bible Universe

Guided by a Hand That Holds Up Worlds...

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7.

"Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4-5. 

"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies." Psalm 27:11.

Bible Universe

Faith Makes All Things Possible

"Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust." Psalm 16:1.

"In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness." Psalm 31:1.

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

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry." Psalm 40:1.

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14.

Bible Universe: Explore!

Where All Your Blessings Flow...

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 
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.
The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul." —Psalm 103.

Bible Universe: Explore!

Everlasting Happiness. . .

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." Psalm 16:11.

"There is a well of water which springeth up into everlasting life. You must draw your life from this hidden

spring. If you divest yourselves of selfishness and strengthen your souls by constant communion with God, you may promote the happiness of all with whom you come in contact." Counsels on Health, pages 383-384.

"The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are immeasurable. It is Christ in us a well of water springing up into everlasting life. It is a continual wellspring from which the Christian can drink at will and never exhaust the fountain." Ibid., page 631.

"During His ministry Jesus lived to a great degree an outdoor life. . . . Much of His teaching was given in the open air.
In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called "a country" (Hebrews 11:16). There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.
The Bible presents to our view the unsearchable riches and immortal treasures of heaven. Man's strongest impulse urges him to seek his own happiness, and the Bible recognizes this desire and shows us that all heaven will unite with man in his efforts to gain true happiness. It reveals the condition upon which the peace of Christ is given to men. It describes a home of everlasting happiness and sunshine, where no tears nor want shall ever be known.

"Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river and green fields, the waving trees and living fountains, the shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home--that world of beauty which no artist can picture, mortal tongue describe. . . .

"To dwell forever in this home of the blest, to bear in soul, body, and spirit, not the dark traces of sin and the curse, but the perfect likeness of our Creator, and through ceaseless ages to advance in wisdom, in knowledge, and in holiness, ever exploring new fields of thought, ever finding new wonders and new glories, ever increasing in capacity to know and to enjoy and to love, and knowing that there is still beyond us joy and love and wisdom infinite—such is the object to which the Christian's hope is pointing." God's Amazing Grace, page 363.

To dwell there not a disembodied spirit, sitting in a cloud, doing nothing interesting all day, but to live fully, joyfully in the presence of God!

"Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." John 16:23, 24.

Bible Universe

The Hand of Trust

“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.”
Psalm 18:2.

Like a little child reaches out with his or her hand to a loving parent to cross safely a busy street, we are to reach out for the hand of the One who loves us
most to make it through the perplexities of life!

“I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:12.

“The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” Nahum 1:7.

"Christ did not deal in abstract theories, but in that which is essential to the development of character; that which will enlarge man's capacity for knowing God, and increase his power to do good. He spoke of those truths that relate to the conduct of life and that unite man with eternity. . . .

"Christ's teaching, like His sympathies, embraced the world. Never can there be a circumstance of life, a crisis in human experience, which has not been anticipated in His teaching, and for which its principles have not a lesson. The Prince of teachers, His words will be found a guide to His co-workers till the end of time.... Before His mind's eye was outspread every scene of human effort and achievement, of temptation and conflict, of perplexity and peril. All hearts, all homes, all pleasures and joys and aspirations, were known to Him.

"He spoke not only for, but to, all mankind. To the little child, in the gladness of life's morning; to the eager, restless heart of youth; to men in the strength of their years, bearing the burden of responsibility and care; to the aged in their weakness and weariness—to all, His message was spoken--to every child of humanity, in every land and in every age.

"n His teaching were embraced the things of time and the things of eternity—things seen, in their relation to things unseen, the passing incidents of common life and the solemn issues of the life to come.

"The things of this life He placed in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares man better to perform the duties of daily life.

"To Him nothing was without purpose. The sports of the child, the toils of the man, life's pleasures and cares and pains, all were means to the one end—the revelation of God for the uplifting of humanity." Lift Him Up, page 177.
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Bible Universe

Moving Mountains. . .

"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." Mark 11:23.

"By your fervent prayers of faith you can move the arm that moves the world. . . . " My Life Today, page 21.

"Keep your wants, your joys, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. . . .His heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them." Steps to Christ, page 100.

"The children of God are not left alone and defenseless. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer has 'subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises,
stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire'. . . .

"f we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities,
we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying,
'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." John 14:6. "He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.' Psalm 72:12." Christ's Object Lessons, pages 172-173.

"Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice." Steps to Christ, page 100.

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.

"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.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10.

"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.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." Psalm 46:1-2.

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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?

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.

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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