Great Things

         Solomon’s youth was illustrious, because he was connected with Heaven, and made God his dependence and his strength. God has called him Jedidiah, which, interpreted, means The Beloved of God. He had been the pride and hope of his father, and well beloved in the sight of his mother. He had been surrounded by every worldly advantage that could improve his education and increase his wisdom. But, on the other hand, the corruption of court life was calculated to lead him to love amusement and the gratification of his appetite. He never felt the want of means by which to gratify his desires, and never had need to exercise self-denial.
          Notwithstanding all these objectionable surroundings, the character of Solomon was preserved in purity during his youth. God’s angel could talk with him in the night season; and the divine promise to give him understanding and judgment, and to fully qualify him for his responsible work, was faithfully kept. In the history of Solomon we have the assurance that God will do great things for those who love him, who are obedient to his commandments, and trust in him as their surety and strength. – {HR April 1, 1878}


What encouragement for us in our day! Our character can be preserved in our youth, though we have objectionable surroundings.... This doesn't happen by default simply because we desire it. We have to do our part to guard ourselves from the influences of a world that is drowning in sin. Then, God will facilitate the preservation.

More Than a Match

I read this passage this morning and found it to be written for me. I'm afraid I've been in the camp of those seeking the convenient road; but, by God's grace, I want to be wholly in His ranks...

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17.

Soldiers engaged in battle have to meet difficulties and hardships. Coarse food is given them, and that often in limited quantities. They have long marches, day by day, over rough roads and under burning suns, camping out at night, sleeping on the bare ground, with only the canopy of heaven for a covering, exposed to drenching rains and chilling frosts, hungry, faint, exhausted, now standing as a target for the foe, now in deadly encounter. Thus they learn what hardship means. Those who enlist in Christ’s army are also expected to do difficult work, and to bear painful trials patiently for Christ’s sake. But those who suffer with Him shall also reign with Him.

Then who of us have entered the service to expect the conveniences of life, to be off duty when we please, laying aside the soldier’s armor and putting on the civilian’s dress, sleeping at the post of duty, and so exposing the cause of God to reproach? The ease-loving ones will not practice self-denial and patient endurance; and when men are wanted to make mighty strokes for God, these are not ready to answer, “Here am I; send me.” Hard and trying work has to be done, but blessed are those who are ready to do it when their names are called. God will not reward men and women in the next world for seeking to be comfortable in this.

We are now on the battlefield. There is no time for resting, no time for ease, no time for selfish indulgence. After gaining one advantage, you must do battle again; you must go on conquering and to conquer, gathering fresh strength for fresh struggles. Every victory gained gives an increase of courage, faith, and determination. Through divine strength you will prove more than a match for your enemies.— The Signs of the Times, September 7, 1891.

Lord, do whatever it takes to make me thine, a true soldier of the cross...

Worth More Than Gold or Silver

The only safe-guard for children and youth, is the love and fear of God. Let them choose for their companions those who give evidence that they will encourage good purposes, orderly habits, and uprightness of character. Let them choose for companions those who practise the Bible truth, and walk according to the light that shines upon their pathway.  {SD 162.5} 

So thankful for our ten-year friendship with Cami and Cayce...We have so much in common (Cami/Ash & Cayce/Me). We don't actually remember the time we met; possibly our first time attending WAFCM. What I love about our friendship is that we can go a year without seeing each other and pick up right where we left off when reunited. We enjoy so much just simply being together. I thank the Lord for bringing us together; it's so special.

Then..

A strong, helpful grasp of the hand of a true friend is worth more than gold and silver. SD

And now...

 The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.  ~Elisabeth Foley

Who Wants to be Miss-able?

I heard a sermon a few years ago by a man who's family was leaving our church as a result of moving to another state. He gave the sermon on their last Sabbath at our church, and it was about miss-able people. Here is the list he gave of the characteristics of these people.

Miss-able People are:

1. Unselfish
2. Helpful
3. Positive/Cheerful
4. Encouraging
5. Generous
6. Agreeable
7. Dependable
8. Patient
9. Tactful
10. Godly

Several areas come to mind in which there could be improvement in my life. I'd like to be miss-able; wouldn't you?

The Plan of Salvation in the Days of Creation

First Day: Light appears. The light is divided from the darkness.
We are introduced to the Savior. The darkness (sin) is already there in our lives. God comes into our lives and brings light.

Second Day: "Divide the waters from the waters."
In the Bible, water often represents people. At this point we are set apart through baptism.

Third Day: God commands the earth to "bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit..."
Likewise, when we have been called out of darkness and begin to follow the Lord, fruit is brought forth in our lives.

Fourth Day: "And God made two great lights; the greater to rule the day, and the lesser to rule the night."
The greater light, which is the Bible; and the lesser light, which is the Spirit of Prophecy, are both essential.

Fifth Day: "And God said, let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life..." and commands them to be fruitful and multiply. 
Once we have received light, and been baptized, we are called to be fishers of men.

Sixth Day: Man is created in God's image and given dominion over the beasts of the earth.
As we follow Christ and become more like Him, we are given dominion over the beasts of self and sin.

Seventh Day: God rests from His work and blesses and sanctifies the seventh day.
Our induction into heaven brings the end of our work here on earth and, consequently, brings our rest.

I'd love to hear other's insights regarding this. So, feel free to leave your comments below!