Shows
Conflict & CourageA Voice of Gladness, Conflict and Courage, December 12Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4. {CC 352.1}
The great apostle Paul was firm where duty and principle were at stake; but courtesy was a marked trait of his character, and this gave him access to the highest class of society. Paul never doubted the ability of God or His willingness to give him the grace he needed to live the life of a Christian. . . . He does not live under a cloud of doubt, groping his way in the mist and darkness of uncertainty, complaining of hardship and trials. A voice of gladness, strong with hope and cou...
2024-01-0133 min
Conflict & Courage"All Things Through Christ", Conflict and Courage, December 27What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3. {CC 367.1}
Only the sense of God's presence can banish the fear that, for the timid child, would make life a burden. Let him fix in his memory the promise, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them" (Psalm 34:7). Let him read that wonderful story of Elisha in the mountain city, and, between him and the hosts of armed foemen, a mighty encircling band of heavenly angels. Let him read how to Peter, in prison and condemned to death, God's angel appeared; how, past th...
2023-12-2644 min
Conflict & Courage“All Things Through Christ,” Conflict and Courage, December 27What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm 56:3. Only the sense of God's presence can banish the fear that, for the timid child, would make life a burden. Let him fix in his memory the promise, "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them" (Psalm 34:7). Let him read that wonderful story of Elisha in the mountain city, and, between him and the hosts of armed foemen, a mighty encircling band of heavenly angels. Let him read how to Peter, in prison and condemned to death, God's angel...
2023-12-2644 min
Conflict & CourageSaul to Paul, Conflict and Courage, November 29And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:6. {CC 339.1}
In the wonderful conversion of Paul we see the miraculous power of God. . . . Jesus, whose name of all others he most hated and despised, revealed Himself to Paul for the purpose of arresting his mad yet honest career, that He might make this most unpromising instrument a chosen vessel to bear the gospel to the Gentiles. . . . The light of heavenly illumination had taken a...
2023-11-2828 min
Conflict & CourageLinked with Heaven, Conflict and Courage, November 27The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. {CC 337.1}
The experience of Philip, directed by an angel from heaven to go to the place where he met one seeking for truth; of Cornelius, visited by an angel with a message from God; of Peter, in prison and condemned to death, led by an angel forth to safety-- all show the closeness of the connection between heaven and earth. {CC 337.2}
To the worker for God the record of these angel visits should bring strength and courage. Today, as verily as in the days of the apostle...
2023-11-2736 min
Conflict & CourageAngel Protectors, Conflict and Courage, November 26Based on Acts 12:1-19 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod. Acts 12:11.The day of Peter's execution was at last appointed, but still the prayers of the believers ascended to heaven; and while all their energies and sympathies were called out in fervent appeals for help, angels of God were watching over the imprisoned apostle.... CC 336.2Herod on this occasion had taken double precautions. To prevent all possibility...
2023-11-2542 min
Conflict & CourageAngel Protectors, Conflict and Courage, November 26And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod. Acts 12:11. {CC 336.1}
The day of Peter's execution was at last appointed, but still the prayers of the believers ascended to heaven; and while all their energies and sympathies were called out in fervent appeals for help, angels of God were watching over the imprisoned apostle. . . . {CC 336.2}
Herod on this occasion had taken double precautions. To prevent all possibility of release, Peter had been put under the charge of sixteen soldie...
2023-11-2542 min
Conflict & CourageJust for One Man, Conflict and Courage, November 22And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went. Acts 8:26, 27. {CC 332.1}
Notice how much effort was put forth for just one man, an Ethiopian. {CC 332.2}
This Ethiopian was a man of good standing and of wide influence. God saw that when converted he would give others the light he had received and would exert a strong influence in favor of the gospel. Angels of God were attending this seeker for light, and he was being drawn to the S...
2023-11-2135 min
Conflict & CourageMartyred for Christ, Conflict and Courage, November 21And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Acts 6:15. CC 331.1Stephen, the foremost of the seven deacons, was a man of deep piety and broad faith.... He was very active in the cause of Christ and boldly proclaimed his faith. Learned rabbis and doctors of the law engaged in public discussion with him, confidently expecting an easy victory. But “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” ... CC 331.2As the priests and rulers saw...
2023-11-2142 min
Conflict & CourageMartyred for Christ, Conflict and Courage, November 21And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. Acts 6:15. {CC 331.1}
Stephen, the foremost of the seven deacons, was a man of deep piety and broad faith. . . . He was very active in the cause of Christ and boldly proclaimed his faith. Learned rabbis and doctors of the law engaged in public discussion with him, confidently expecting an easy victory. But "they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake." . . . {CC 331.2}
As the priests and rulers saw the power that attended the preaching...
2023-11-2042 min
Conflict & CourageChrist Sees Our Possibilities, Conflict and Courage, October 30I tell you, Simon, that her sins, many as they are, are forgiven; for she has shown me so much love. But the man who has little to be forgiven has only a little love to give. Luke 7:47, Phillips. {CC 309.1}
Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. S...
2023-10-2937 min
Conflict & CourageFrom Doubt to Faith, Conflict and Courage, October 16Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. John 4:48. {CC 295.1}
Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, "Sir, come down ere my chil...
2023-10-1533 min
Conflict & CourageA True Witness, Conflict and Courage, September 30John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. John 10:41, 42. {CC 279.1}
In the announcement to Zacharias before the birth of John, the angel had declared, "He shall be great in the sight of the Lord" (Luke 1:15). In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. . . . It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most. John was great in the sight o...
2023-09-2938 min
Conflict & CourageIn the Spirit of Elijah, Conflict and Courage, September 22He will go out before God in the spirit and power of Elijah--to reconcile fathers and children, and bring back the disobedient to the wisdom of good men--and he will make a people fully ready for their Lord. Luke 1:17, Phillips. {CC 271.1}
God had called the son of Zacharias to a great work, the greatest ever committed to men. . . . John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a...
2023-09-2144 min
Conflict & CourageOne of God's Great Men, Conflict and Courage, September 21He will be one of God's great men; he will touch neither wine nor strong drink and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of his birth. Luke 1:15, Phillips. {CC 270.1}
On heaven's record of noble men the Saviour declared that there stood not one greater than John the Baptist. The work committed to him was one demanding not only physical energy and endurance, but the highest qualities of mind and soul. So important was right physical training as a preparation for this work that the highest angel in heaven was sent with a message of instruction to the...
2023-09-2137 min
Conflict & CourageGod Sent His Angel, Conflict and Courage, September 6Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. Daniel 6:16. {CC 255.1}
Daniel was high in command. The accusing host of evil angels stirred up the presidents and princes to envy and jealousy. . . . These agents of Satan sought to make his faithfulness to God the cause of his destruction. . . . {CC 255.2}
The king was ignorant of the subtle mischief purposed against Daniel. With full knowledge of the king's decree, Daniel still bows before his God, "his windows being open." H...
2023-09-0644 min
Conflict & CourageJehovah's Honor Vindicated, Conflict and Courage, August 21With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:8. {CC 239.1}
Hezekiah, in the earlier years of his reign, had continued to pay tribute to Assyria, in harmony with the agreement entered into by Ahaz. Meanwhile the king had taken "counsel with his princes and his mighty men," and had done everything possible for the defense of his kingdom. . . . {CC 239.2}
The long-expected crisis finally came. The forces of Assyria, advancing from triumph to triumph, appea...
2023-08-2052 min
Conflict & CourageBetrayed into Error, Conflict and Courage, May 3And Gideon made an ephod . . . which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. Judges 8:27. {CC 129.1}
The people of Israel, in their gratitude at deliverance from the Midianites, proposed to Gideon that he should become their king, and that the throne should be confirmed to his descendants. This proposition was in direct violation of the principles of the theocracy. . . . Gideon recognized this fact; his answer shows how true and noble were his motives. "I will not rule over you," he declared; "neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you." {CC 129.2}
But Gideon was betrayed into...
2023-05-0226 min
Conflict & CourageBetrayed into Error, Conflict and Courage, May 3 And Gideon made an ephod . . . which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house. Judges 8:27. {CC 129.1}
The people of Israel, in their gratitude at deliverance from the Midianites, proposed to Gideon that he should become their king, and that the throne should be confirmed to his descendants. This proposition was in direct violation of the principles of the theocracy. . . . Gideon recognized this fact; his answer shows how true and noble were his motives. "I will not rule over you," he declared; "neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you." {CC 129.2}
But Gideon was betrayed into...
2023-05-0226 min
Conflict & CourageHaven't I Sent You?, Conflict and Courage, April 30And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might . . . : have not I sent thee? Judges 6:14. {CC 126.1}
To Gideon came the divine call to deliver his people. He was engaged at the time in threshing wheat. A small quantity of grain had been concealed, and not daring to beat it out on the ordinary threshing floor, he had resorted to a spot near the winepress; for the season of ripe grapes being still far off, little notice was now taken of the vineyards. As Gideon labored in secrecy and silence, he sadly pondered upon the condition of Israel...
2023-04-2930 min
Conflict & CourageHaven't I Sent You?, Conflict and Courage, April 30 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might . . . : have not I sent thee? Judges 6:14. {CC 126.1}
To Gideon came the divine call to deliver his people. He was engaged at the time in threshing wheat. A small quantity of grain had been concealed, and not daring to beat it out on the ordinary threshing floor, he had resorted to a spot near the winepress; for the season of ripe grapes being still far off, little notice was now taken of the vineyards. As Gideon labored in secrecy and silence, he sadly pondered upon the condition of Israel...
2023-04-2930 min
Conflict & CourageOnly God Could Do It, Conflict and Courage, April 22All the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat. Joshua 6:5. {CC 118.1}
At the taking of Jericho the mighty General of armies planned the battle in such simplicity that no human being could take the glory to himself. No human hand must cast down the walls of the city, lest man should take to himself the glory of victory. So today no human being is to take to himself glory for the work he accomplishes. The Lord alone is to be magnified. Oh, that men would see the necessity for looking to God...
2023-04-2145 min
Conflict & CourageOnly God Could Do It, Conflict and Courage, April 22All the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat. Joshua 6:5. {CC 118.1}
At the taking of Jericho the mighty General of armies planned the battle in such simplicity that no human being could take the glory to himself. No human hand must cast down the walls of the city, lest man should take to himself the glory of victory. So today no human being is to take to himself glory for the work he accomplishes. The Lord alone is to be magnified. Oh, that men would see the necessity for looking to God...
2023-04-2145 min
Conflict & CourageDuty or Desire, Conflict and Courage, April 17But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof. Proverbs 1:25. {CC 113.1}
In the night season the angel of God came to Balaam with the message, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed." . . . {CC 113.2}
A second time Balaam was tested. In response to the solicitations of the ambassadors he professed great conscientiousness and integrity, assuring them that no amount of gold and silver could induce him to go contrary to the will of God. But he longed to comply with the king's request; and although the will of God ha...
2023-04-1635 min
Conflict & CourageDuty or Desire, Conflict and Courage, April 17But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof. Proverbs 1:25. {CC 113.1}
In the night season the angel of God came to Balaam with the message, "Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed." . . . {CC 113.2}
A second time Balaam was tested. In response to the solicitations of the ambassadors he professed great conscientiousness and integrity, assuring them that no amount of gold and silver could induce him to go contrary to the will of God. But he longed to comply with the king's request; and although the will of God ha...
2023-04-1635 min
Conflict & CourageComplaining Again, Conflict and Courage, Mar 29And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. Exodus 16:2. {CC 94.1}
Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. {CC 94.2}
God had promised to be their God, to take them to Himself as a people, and to lead them to a large and good land; but they were ready to faint at every obstacle encountered in the way to tha...
2023-03-2940 min
Conflict & CourageComplaining Again, Conflict and Courage, Mar 29And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. Exodus 16:2. {CC 94.1}
Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. {CC 94.2}
God had promised to be their God, to take them to Himself as a people, and to lead them to a large and good land; but they were ready to faint at every obstacle encountered in the way to tha...
2023-03-2940 min
Conflict & CourageHardening of the Heart, Conflict and Courage, Mar 24But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. Exodus 10:20. {CC 89.1}
How does the Lord harden the hearts of men? In the same way in which the heart of Pharaoh was hardened. God sent this king a message of warning and mercy, but he refused to acknowledge the God of heaven, and would not render obedience to His commands. He asked, "Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice?" {CC 89.2}
The Lord gave him evidence of His power by working signs and miracles before him. The great I AM acquainted Pharaoh with H...
2023-03-2344 min
Conflict & CourageHardening of the Heart, Conflict and Courage, Mar 24But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. Exodus 10:20. {CC 89.1}
How does the Lord harden the hearts of men? In the same way in which the heart of Pharaoh was hardened. God sent this king a message of warning and mercy, but he refused to acknowledge the God of heaven, and would not render obedience to His commands. He asked, "Who is the Lord that I should obey his voice?" {CC 89.2}
The Lord gave him evidence of His power by working signs and miracles before him. The great I AM acquainted Pharaoh with H...
2023-03-2344 min
Conflict & CourageGod Sent Him, Conflict and Courage, Mar 22Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. Exodus 3:10. {CC 87.1}
The time for Israel's deliverance had come. But God's purpose was to be accomplished in a manner to pour contempt on human pride. The deliverer was to go forth as a humble shepherd, with only a rod in his hand; but God would make that rod the symbol of His power. . . . {CC 87.2}
The divine command given to Moses found him self-distrustful, slow of speech, and timid. He was overwhelmed with a sense of his incapacity to...
2023-03-2146 min
Conflict & CourageGod Sent Him, Conflict and Courage, Mar 22Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. Exodus 3:10. {CC 87.1}
The time for Israel's deliverance had come. But God's purpose was to be accomplished in a manner to pour contempt on human pride. The deliverer was to go forth as a humble shepherd, with only a rod in his hand; but God would make that rod the symbol of His power. . . . {CC 87.2}
The divine command given to Moses found him self-distrustful, slow of speech, and timid. He was overwhelmed with a sense of his incapacity to...
2023-03-2146 min
Conflict & CourageReunion, Conflict and Courage, Mar 5And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32. {CC 70.1}
While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile from his father's house; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; he saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. This dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was with him. {CC 70.2}
The two companies at last approache...
2023-03-0438 min
Conflict & CourageReunion, Conflict and Courage, Mar 5And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32. {CC 70.1}
While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile from his father's house; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; he saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. This dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was with him. {CC 70.2}
The two companies at last approache...
2023-03-0438 min
Conflict & CourageThe Time of Jacob's Trouble, Conflict and Courage, Mar 3Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7. {CC 68.1}
When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man's behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. . . . {CC 68.2}
Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicke...
2023-03-0237 min
Conflict & CourageThe Time of Jacob's Trouble, Conflict and Courage, Mar 3Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7. {CC 68.1}
When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man's behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. . . . {CC 68.2}
Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicke...
2023-03-0237 min
Conflict & CourageA Life and Death Matter, Conflict and Courage, Mar 2And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:26. {CC 67.1}
Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose--to seek for transformation of character. {CC 67.2}
It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. . . . With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that a...
2023-03-0229 min
Conflict & CourageA Life and Death Matter, Conflict and Courage, Mar 2And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:26. {CC 67.1}
Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose--to seek for transformation of character. {CC 67.2}
It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. . . . With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that a...
2023-03-0229 min
Conflict & CourageA Happy Marriage, Conflict and Courage, Feb 21The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. Genesis 24:7. {CC 58.1}
Isaac was highly honored by God in being made inheritor of the promises through which the world was to be blessed; yet when he was forty years of age he submitted to his father's judgment in appointing his experienced, God-fearing servant to choose...
2023-02-201h 02
Conflict & CourageA Happy Marriage, Conflict and Courage, Feb 21The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. Genesis 24:7. {CC 58.1}
Isaac was highly honored by God in being made inheritor of the promises through which the world was to be blessed; yet when he was forty years of age he submitted to his father's judgment in appointing his experienced, God-fearing servant to choose...
2023-02-201h 02
Conflict & CourageA Better Country, Conflict and Courage, Feb 18Now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16. {CC 55.1}
When Lot entered Sodom he fully intended to keep himself free from iniquity and to command his household after him. But he signally failed. . . . {CC 55.2}
Many are still making a similar mistake. . . . Their children are surrounded by temptation, and too often they form associations that are unfavorable to the development of piety and the formation of a right character. The atmosphere of lax morality, of unbelief, of indifference to religious things, has a...
2023-02-1852 min
Conflict & CourageDon't Forget, Conflict and Courage, Feb 17Remember Lot's wife. Luke 17:32. {CC 54.1}
One of the fugitives ventured to cast a look backward to the doomed city, and she became a monument of God's judgment. If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels' warning, but had earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning. While her body was upon the plain, her heart clung to Sodo...
2023-02-1731 min
Conflict & CourageThat Last Night, Conflict and Courage, Feb 16And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly. 2 Peter 2:6. {CC 53.1}
The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning light down even to our time. We are taught the fearful and solemn lesson that while God's mercy bears long with the transgressor, there is a limit beyond which men may not go on in sin. When that limit is reached, then the offers of mercy are withdrawn, and the ministration of judgment begins. {CC 53.2}
The Redeemer of the world declares that...
2023-02-1537 min
Conflict & CourageUnsafe Streets, Conflict and Courage, Feb 15And there came two angels to Sodom at even: and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; . . . and he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night. Genesis 19:1, 2. {CC 52.1}
Lot, Abraham's nephew, though he had made his home in Sodom, was imbued with the patriarch's spirit of kindness and hospitality. Seeing at nightfall two strangers at the city gate, and knowing the dangers sure to beset them in that wicked city, Lot insisted on bringing them to his home. To the peril t...
2023-02-1442 min
Conflict & CourageCountdown for Sodom, Conflict and Courage, Feb 14And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? . . . That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: . . . Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Genesis 18:23, 25. {CC 51.1}
Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes. "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" said the Lord. . . . {CC 51.2}
And the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he had saved them by his sword, now he endeavored to save them b...
2023-02-1327 min
Conflict & CourageEntertaining Strangers, Conflict and Courage, Feb 13Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2. {CC 50.1}
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and talked with him as friend with friend. When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful example of hospitality. {CC 50.2}
In the records of Genesis we see the patriarch at the hot summer noontide resting in his tent door under the shadow of the oaks of Mamre. Three travelers are passing ne...
2023-02-1239 min
Conflict & CourageA Home God can Bless, Conflict and Courage, Feb 12For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Genesis 18:19. {CC 49.1}
In God's sight, a man is just what he is in his family. The life of Abraham, the friend of God, was signalized by a strict regard for the word of the Lord. He cultivated home religion. The fear of God pervaded his household. He was the priest of his home. He looked upon his family as a sacred trust. His household numbered more than a thousand souls, and he dire...
2023-02-1136 min
Conflict & CourageToward Sodom, Conflict and Courage, Feb 11Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. Genesis 12:12, 13. {CC 48.1}
The most fertile region in all Palestine was the Jordan valley. . . . There were cities also, wealthy and beautiful, inviting to profitable traffic in their crowded marts. Dazzled with visions of worldly gain, Lot overlooked the moral and spiritual evils that would be encountered there. . . . He "chose him all the plain of Jordan," and "pitched his tent toward Sodom." How little did he foresee the terr...
2023-02-1037 min
Conflict & CourageKeeping the Peace, Conflict and Courage, Feb 10Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou will take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left. Genesis 13:8, 9. {CC 47.1}
Abraham returned to Canaan "very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold." Lot was still with him and again they came to Bethel, and pitched their tents by the altar which they ha...
2023-02-0942 min
Conflict & CourageGod Protects His Own, Conflict and Courage, Feb 9He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Psalm 105:14, 15. {CC 46.1}
It is by close, testing trials that God disciplines His servants. He sees that some have powers which may be used in the advancement of His work, and He puts these persons upon trial; in His providence He brings them into positions that test their character and reveal defects and weaknesses that have been hidden from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His ser...
2023-02-0934 min
Conflict & CourageThere's a Reason, Conflict and Courage, Feb 8That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7. {CC 45.1}
Abraham continued to journey southward, and again his faith was tested. The heavens withheld their rain, the brooks ceased to flow in the valleys, and the grass withered on the plains. The flocks and herds found no pasture, and starvation threatened the whole encampment. Did not the patriarch now question the leadings of Providence? Did he not look back with longing to the ple...
2023-02-0735 min
Conflict & CourageNo Questions Asked, Conflict and Courage, Feb 7By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:8. {CC 44.1}
Abraham had grown up in the midst of superstition and heathenism. Even his father's household, by whom the knowledge of God had been preserved, were yielding to the seductive influences surrounding them, and they "served other gods" than Jehovah. . . . {CC 44.2}
The message of God came to Abraham, "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee...
2023-02-0639 min
Conflict & CourageConfused and Scattered, Conflict and Courage, Feb 6So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Genesis 11:8. {CC 43.1}
The dwellers on the plain of Shinar established their kingdom for self-exaltation, not for the glory of God. Had they succeeded, a mighty power would have borne sway, banishing righteousness and inaugurating a new religion. The world would have been demoralized. . . . But God never leaves the world without witnesses for Him. At this time there were men who humbled themselves before God and cried unto Him. "O God," they pleaded, "interpose between Thy cause, and the pla...
2023-02-0540 min
Conflict & CourageGod Comes Down to See, Conflict and Courage, Feb 5Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." Genesis 11:4, R.S.V. {CC 42.1}
For a time the descendants of Noah continued to dwell among the mountains where the ark had rested. As their numbers increased, apostasy soon led to division. Those who desired to forget their Creator and to cast off the restraint of His law felt a constant annoyance from the teaching and example of their God-fearing associates, and aft...
2023-02-0434 min
Conflict & CourageAs it was in the Days of Noah, Conflict and Courage, Feb 4And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Luke 17:26, 27. {CC 41.1}
God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drinking; He had given them the fruits of the earth in great abundance to supply their physical wants. Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude to the Giver, and debasing themselves by indulging appetite without restrai...
2023-02-0339 min
Conflict & CourageAfter Seven Days, Conflict and Courage, Feb 3And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth. Genesis 7:10. {CC 40.1}
For seven days after Noah and his family entered the ark, there appeared no sign of the coming storm. During this period their faith was tested. It was a time of triumph to the world without. The apparent delay confirmed them in the belief that Noah's message was a delusion, and that the Flood would never come. Notwithstanding the solemn scenes which they had witnessed . . . they still continued their sport and revelry, even making a jest of these signal manifestations of God...
2023-02-0231 min
Conflict & CourageSafe Inside, Conflict and Courage, Feb 2And the Lord said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. Genesis 7:1. {CC 39.1}
Noah had faithfully followed the instructions which he had received from God. The ark was finished in every part as the Lord had directed, and was stored with food for man and beast. And now the servant of God made his last solemn appeal to the people. With an agony of desire that words cannot express, he entreated them to seek a refuge while it might be found. Again they rejected his words...
2023-02-0237 min
Conflict & CourageBuild An Ark, Conflict and Courage, Feb 1And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark. Genesis 6:13, 14. {CC 38.1}
God gave Noah the exact dimensions of the ark and explicit directions in regard to its construction in every particular. Human wisdom could not have devised a structure of so great strength and durability. God was the designer, and Noah the master builder. It was constructed like the hull of a ship, that it might float upon the water, but in some respect...
2023-01-3140 min
Conflict & CourageUntil The Day, Conflict and Courage, Jan 31And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly. 2 Peter 2:5. {CC 37.1}
God warned the inhabitants of the old world of what He purposed to do in cleansing the earth of its impurity. But they laughed to scorn what they regarded as a superstitious prediction. {CC 37.2}
Many at first appeared to receive the warning; yet they did not turn to God with true repentance. They were unwilling to renounce their sins. During the time that elapsed before the coming of the Flood, their faith was tested, an...
2023-01-3027 min
Conflict & CourageMarrying and Giving in Marriage, Conflict and Courage, Jan 30In the days that were before the flood they were . . . marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. Matthew 24:38. {CC 36.1}
In Noah's day brute force was the prevailing influence in the world. By threatened punishment, men intimidated other men. {CC 36.2}
Instead of doing justice to their neighbors, they carried out their own unlawful wishes. They had a plurality of wives, which was contrary to God's wise arrangement. In the beginning God gave to Adam one wife--showing to all who should live upon the earth, his order and law in that respect. The transgression and fall of Adam a...
2023-01-2949 min
Conflict & CourageAn Affluent Society, Conflict and Courage, Jan 29In the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking ... and knew not until the flood came and took them all away. Matthew 24:38, 39. The sin of the Noatic world was intemperance, and today the sin exhibited by intemperance in eating and drinking is so marked that God will not always tolerate it.... Man carries to excess that which is lawful, and his whole being suffers the result of the violation of the laws which the Lord has established. Intemperance in eating and drinking is on the increase. Tables are spread with all kinds of food with which to satisf...
2023-01-2851 min
Conflict & CourageAbused Talents, Conflict and Courage, Jan 28And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ. And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron. Genesis 4:21, 22. {CC 34.1}
There perished in the Flood greater inventions of art and human skill than the world knows of today. The arts destroyed were more than the boasted arts of today. . . . {CC 34.2}
Looking upon the world, God saw that the intellect He had given man was perverted, that the imagination of his heart was evil and that continually. God had given these men knowledge. He had given them val...
2023-01-2735 min
Conflict & CourageGiants in the Land, Conflict and Courage, Jan 27There were giants in the earth in those days. Genesis 6:4. {CC 33.1}
The first people upon the earth received their instructions from that infinite God who created the world. Those who received their knowledge direct from infinite wisdom were not deficient in knowledge. . . . {CC 33.2}
There are many inventions and improvements, and labor-saving machines now that the ancients did not have. They did not need them. . . . {CC 33.3}
Men before the flood lived many hundreds of years, and when one hundred years old were considered but youths. Those long-lived men had sound minds in sound bodies. . . . They came upon the stage of action from the ages of sixt...
2023-01-2632 min
Conflict & CourageGod or Idols?, Conflict and Courage, Jan 26Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. . . . They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. Psalm 115:4-8. {CC 32.1}
In the days of Noah a double curse was resting upon the earth in consequence of Adam's transgression and of the murder committed by Cain. Yet this had not greatly changed the face of nature. . . . The human race yet retained much of its early vigor. But a few generations had passed since Adam had access to the tree which was to prolong life; and man's existence was still measured by centuri...
2023-01-2634 min
Conflict & CourageAn Open Door, Conflict and Courage, Jan 25By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5. {CC 31.1}
When we learn to walk by faith and not by feeling, we shall have help from God just when we need it, and His peace will come into our hearts. It was this simple life of obedience and trust that Enoch lived. If we learn this lesson of simple trust, ours may be the testimony that he received, that he pleased God. {CC 31.2}
In every phase of your charac...
2023-01-2451 min
Conflict & CourageLooking at Christ, Conflict and Courage, Jan 24But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18. {CC 30.1}
In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself at certain periods from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season...
2023-01-2450 min
Conflict & CourageGod Took Him, Conflict and Courage, Jan 23Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. Genesis 5:24. {CC 29.1}
Enoch, we read, walked with God three hundred years. That was a long time to be in communion with Him. . . . He communed with God because it was agreeable to him, . . . and he loved the society of God. {CC 29.2}
Enoch was a marked character. Many look upon his life as something above what the generality of mortals can ever reach. But Enoch's life and character . . . represent what the lives and characters of all must be, if like Enoch, they are subjects to be translated when Christ shall come. His life...
2023-01-2244 min
Conflict & CourageHe Walked With God, Conflict and Courage, Jan 22Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: and Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years. Genesis 5:21, 22. {CC 28.1}
Of Enoch it is written that he lived sixty-five years, and begat a son. . . . During these earlier years Enoch had loved and feared God and had kept His commandments. . . . But after the birth of his first son, Enoch reached a higher experience; he was drawn into a closer relationship with God. He realized more fully his own obligations and responsibility as a son of God. And as he saw the child's love for its father, its simple trust i...
2023-01-2144 min
Conflict & CourageCain "Went Out", Conflict and Courage, Jan 21And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord. Genesis 4:16. {CC 27.1}
God had given Cain an opportunity to confess his sin. . . . He knew the enormity of the deed he had done, and of the falsehood he had uttered to conceal it; but he was rebellious still, and sentence was no longer deferred. . . . {CC 27.2}
Notwithstanding that Cain had by his crimes merited the sentence of death, a merciful Creator still spared his life, and granted him opportunity for repentance. But Cain lived only to harden his heart, to encourage rebellion against the divine authority, and to become the head of a line of bold...
2023-01-2047 min
Conflict & CourageYour Face is Telling, Conflict and Courage, Jan 20And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. Genesis 4:6, 7. {CC 26.1}
The Lord saw the wrath of Cain. He saw the falling of his countenance. Thus is revealed how closely the Lord marks every action, all the intents and purposes, yes, even the expression of the countenance. This, though man may say nothing, expresses his refusal to do the way and will of God. {CC 26.2}
Mark the words of the Lord. . . .This question may be address...
2023-01-1933 min
Conflict & CourageTwo Ways to Go, Conflict and Courage, Jan 19And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Genesis 4:4, 5. {CC 25.1}
Cain came before God with murmuring and infidelity in his heart in regard to the promised sacrifice and the necessity of the sacrificial offerings. His gift expressed no penitence for sin. He felt, as many now feel, that it would be an acknowledgement of weakness to follow the exact plan marked out by God, of trusting his salvation wholly to the atonement of the promised Saviour. He chose t...
2023-01-1825 min
Conflict & CourageIt's Up to You, Conflict and Courage, Jan 18By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Hebrews 11:4. {CC 24.1}
Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, differed widely in character. Abel had a spirit of loyalty to God; he saw justice and mercy in the Creator's dealings with the fallen race, and gratefully accepted the hope of redemption. But Cain cherished feelings of rebellion, and murmured against God because of the curse pronounced upon the earth and upon the human race for Adam's sin. He...
2023-01-1731 min
Conflict & CourageHome Again! Conflict and Courage, Jan 17For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22, 23. {CC 23.1}
Amid the reeling of the earth, the flash of lightning, and the roar of thunder, the voice of the Son of God calls forth the sleeping saints. . . . The dead shall hear that voice, and they that hear shall live. And the whole earth shall ring with the tread of the exceeding great army of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. . . . {CC 23.2}
All come forth from their graves t...
2023-01-1620 min
Conflict & CourageBy Word of Mouth, Conflict and Courage, Jan 16And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died. Genesis 5:5. {CC 22.1}
Adam's life was one of sorrow, humility, and continual repentance. As he taught his children and grandchildren the fear of the Lord, he was often bitterly reproached for the sin which had resulted in so much misery to his posterity. When he left beautiful Eden, the thought that he must die thrilled him with horror. He looked upon death as a dreadful calamity. . . . Most bitterly did he reproach himself for his first great transgression. He entreated pardon from God through the promised Sacrifi...
2023-01-1525 min
Conflict & CourageOne Expensive Mistake, Conflict and Courage, January 15God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Ecclesiastes 7:29.
The book of Genesis gives quite a definite account of social and individual life, and yet we have no record of an infant's being born blind, deaf, crippled, deformed, or imbecile. There is not an instance upon record of a natural death in infancy, childhood, or early manhood. There is no account of men and women dying of disease. Obituary notices in the book of Genesis run thus: "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died." "And all the...
2023-01-1531 min
Conflict & CourageBetween God and Man, Conflict and Courage, Jan 14Between God and Man
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25. {CC 20.1}
The Lord did not place in Adam fallen and disobedient, the confidence He placed in Adam loyal and true. . . . The rewards of heaven are not granted to transgressors. . . . {CC 20.2}
The eyes of Adam and Eve were indeed opened, but to what? To see their own shame and ruin, to realize that the garments of heavenly light which had been their protection were no longer around them as their safeguard. Their ey...
2023-01-1352 min
Conflict & CourageTaught by Nature, Conflict and Courage, January 13Genesis 3:14-17
But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? Job 12:7-9.
Although the earth was blighted with the curse, nature was still to be man's lesson book. It could not now represent goodness only; for evil was everywhere present, marring earth and sea and air with its defiling touch.... In drooping flower an...
2023-01-1358 min
Conflict & CourageCursed!, Conflict and Courage, Jan 12Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; . . . and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, . . . cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. Genesis 3:16, 17. {CC 18.1}
Eve was told of the sorrow and pain that must henceforth be her portion. . . . In the creation God had made her the equal of Adam. Had they remained obedient to God--in harmony with His great law of love--they would ever have been in harmony with each ot...
2023-01-1147 min
Conflict & CourageWhen it's Better not to Know, Conflict and Courage, Jan 11And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. Ecclesiastes 1:17. {CC 17.1}
Adam and Eve both ate of the fruit, and obtained a knowledge which, had they obeyed God, they would never have had, --an experience in disobedience and disloyalty to God,--the knowledge that they were naked. The garment of innocence, a covering from God, which surrounded them, departed; and they supplied the place of this heavenly garment by sewing together fig-leaves for aprons. {CC 17.2}
This is the covering that the transgressors of the law of God have used since the days of Adam and Eve's disobedi...
2023-01-1049 min
Conflict & CourageUsed by Satan, Conflict and Courage, Jan 10She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Genesis 3:6. {CC 16.1}
Having herself transgressed, she [Eve] became the agent of Satan working the ruin of her husband. In a state of strange, unnatural excitement, with her hands filled with the forbidden fruit, she sought his presence, and related all that had occurred. {CC 16.2}
An expression of sadness came over the face of Adam. He appeared astonished and alarmed. To the words of Eve he replied that this must be the foe against whom they had been warned; and by the divine...
2023-01-0948 min
Conflict & CourageDeceived!, Conflict and Courage, Jan 9And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Genesis 3:1. {CC 15.1}
To man, the crowning work of creation, God has given power to understand His requirements, to comprehend the justice and beneficence of His law, and its sacred claims upon him; and of man unswerving obedience is required. {CC 15.2}
Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon probation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to the Creator's law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish. . . . {CC 15.3}
The angels had cautioned Eve to bewa...
2023-01-0850 min
Conflict & CourageSomeone to Share, Conflict and Courage, January 8It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Genesis 2:18. {CC 14.1}
After the creation of Adam every living creature was brought before him to receive its name; he saw that to each had been given a companion, but among them "there was not found an help meet for him." Among all the creatures that God had made on the earth, there was not one equal to man. And God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." Man was not...
2023-01-0848 min
Conflict & CourageA Chance to Choose, Conflict and Courage, Jan 7But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Genesis 2:17. {CC 13.1}
Our first parents, though created innocent and holy, were not placed beyond the possibility of wrongdoing. . . . They were to enjoy communion with God and with holy angels; but before they could be rendered eternally secure, their loyalty must be tested. At the very beginning of man's existence a check was placed upon the desire for self-indulgence, the fatal passion that lay at the foundation of Satan's fall. The tree of know...
2023-01-0653 min
Conflict & CourageEden, Conflict and Courage, Jan 6And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Genesis 2:15. {CC 12.1}
Although everything God had made was in the perfection of beauty, and there seemed nothing wanting upon the earth which God had created to make Adam and Eve happy, yet He manifested His great love to them by planting a garden especially for them. A portion of their time was to be occupied in the happy employment of dressing the garden, and a portion in receiving the visits of angels, listening to their instruction, and in happy m...
2023-01-0546 min
Conflict & CourageIn God's Image (Evolution vs Creation), Conflict and Courage, Jan 5So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27. {CC 11.1}
After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given dominion over all that his eye could behold. . . . {CC 11.2}
God created man in His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground for the supposition that man was evolved by slow degree...
2023-01-051h 03
Conflict & CourageIn God's Image, Conflict and Courage, Jan 5So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 1:27. {CC 11.1}
After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given dominion over all that his eye could behold. . . . {CC 11.2}
God created man in His own image. Here is no mystery. There is no ground for the supposition that man was evolved by slow degree...
2023-01-0449 min
Conflict & CourageWhat Fruit? Conflict and Courage, January 4They that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. Job 4:8. {CC 10.1}
As an educator no part of the Bible is of greater value than are its biographies. These biographies differ from all others in that they are absolutely true to life. It is impossible for any finite mind to interpret rightly, in all things, the workings of another. None but He who reads the heart, who discerns the secret springs of motive and action, can with absolute truth delineate character, or give a faithful picture of a human life. In God's word alone is found such delineation. {CC 10.2}
No truth does the...
2023-01-0335 min
Conflict & CourageA Place in Line, Conflict and Courage, January 3The lips of the righteous feed many. Proverbs 10:21. {CC 9.1}
Notwithstanding the prevailing iniquity, there was a line of holy men who, elevated and ennobled by communion with God, lived as in the companionship of heaven. They were men of massive intellect, of wonderful attainments. They had a great and holy mission--to develop a character of righteousness, to teach a lesson of godliness, not only to the men of their time, but for future generations. Only a few of the most prominent are mentioned in the Scriptures; but all through the ages God had faithful witnesses, truehearted worshipers. {CC 9.2}
How often those who trus...
2023-01-0236 min
Conflict & CourageThere's Hope, Conflict and Courage, January 2Now these things which happened to our ancestors are illustrations of the way in which God works, and they were written down to be a warning to us who are the heirs of the ages which have gone before us. 1 Corinthians 10:11, Phillips. {CC 8.1}
The murmurings of ancient Israel and their rebellious discontent, as well as the mighty miracles wrought in their favor and the punishment of their idolatry and ingratitude, are recorded for our benefit. The example of ancient Israel is given as a warning to the people of God, that they may avoid unbelief and escape His wrath. If the ini...
2023-01-0248 min
Conflict & CourageThat We May Be Encouraged, January 1For all those words which were written long ago are meant to teach us today; that when we read in the scriptures of the endurance of men and of all the help that God gave them in those days, we may be encouraged to go on hoping in our own time. Romans 15:4, Phillips. CC 7.1
The lives recorded in the Bible are authentic histories of actual individuals. From Adam down through successive generations to the times of the apostles we have a plain, unvarnished account of what actually occurred and the genuine experience of real characters. It is a subject of...
2023-01-0146 min
Conflict & CourageA Voice of Gladness, Conflict and Courage, December 12Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4. {CC 352.1}
The great apostle Paul was firm where duty and principle were at stake; but courtesy was a marked trait of his character, and this gave him access to the highest class of society. Paul never doubted the ability of God or His willingness to give him the grace he needed to live the life of a Christian. . . . He does not live under a cloud of doubt, groping his way in the mist and darkness of uncertainty, complaining of hardship and trials. A voice of gladness, strong with hope and cou...
2022-12-1233 min
Conflict & CourageSaul to Paul, Conflict and Courage, November 29And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:6. {CC 339.1}
In the wonderful conversion of Paul we see the miraculous power of God. . . . Jesus, whose name of all others he most hated and despised, revealed Himself to Paul for the purpose of arresting his mad yet honest career, that He might make this most unpromising instrument a chosen vessel to bear the gospel to the Gentiles. . . . The light of heavenly illumination had taken a...
2022-11-2828 min
Conflict & CourageLinked with Heaven, Conflict and Courage, November 27The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. {CC 337.1}
The experience of Philip, directed by an angel from heaven to go to the place where he met one seeking for truth; of Cornelius, visited by an angel with a message from God; of Peter, in prison and condemned to death, led by an angel forth to safety-- all show the closeness of the connection between heaven and earth. {CC 337.2}
To the worker for God the record of these angel visits should bring strength and courage. Today, as verily as in the days of the apostle...
2022-11-2736 min
Conflict & CourageJust for One Man, Conflict and Courage, November 22And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went. Acts 8:26, 27. {CC 332.1}
Notice how much effort was put forth for just one man, an Ethiopian. {CC 332.2}
This Ethiopian was a man of good standing and of wide influence. God saw that when converted he would give others the light he had received and would exert a strong influence in favor of the gospel. Angels of God were attending this seeker for light, and he was being drawn to the S...
2022-11-2135 min
Conflict & CourageChrist Sees Our Possibilities, Conflict and Courage, October 30I tell you, Simon, that her sins, many as they are, are forgiven; for she has shown me so much love. But the man who has little to be forgiven has only a little love to give. Luke 7:47, Phillips. {CC 309.1}
Mary had been looked upon as a great sinner, but Christ knew the circumstances that had shaped her life. He might have extinguished every spark of hope in her soul, but He did not. It was He who had lifted her from despair and ruin. Seven times she had heard His rebuke of the demons that controlled her heart and mind. S...
2022-10-2937 min
Conflict & CourageFrom Doubt to Faith, Conflict and Courage, October 16Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. John 4:48. {CC 295.1}
Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, "Sir, come down ere my chil...
2022-10-1533 min
Conflict & CourageA True Witness, Conflict and Courage, September 30John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. And many believed on him there. John 10:41, 42. {CC 279.1}
In the announcement to Zacharias before the birth of John, the angel had declared, "He shall be great in the sight of the Lord" (Luke 1:15). In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. . . . It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most. John was great in the sight o...
2022-09-2938 min
Conflict & CourageIn the Spirit of Elijah, Conflict and Courage, September 22He will go out before God in the spirit and power of Elijah--to reconcile fathers and children, and bring back the disobedient to the wisdom of good men--and he will make a people fully ready for their Lord. Luke 1:17, Phillips. {CC 271.1}
God had called the son of Zacharias to a great work, the greatest ever committed to men. . . . John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their n...
2022-09-2244 min
Conflict & CourageOne of God's Great Men, Conflict and Courage, September 21He will be one of God's great men; he will touch neither wine nor strong drink and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment of his birth. Luke 1:15, Phillips. {CC 270.1}
On heaven's record of noble men the Saviour declared that there stood not one greater than John the Baptist. The work committed to him was one demanding not only physical energy and endurance, but the highest qualities of mind and soul. So important was right physical training as a preparation for this work that the highest angel in heaven was sent with a message of instruction to the...
2022-09-2037 min
Conflict & CourageGod Sent His Angel, Conflict and Courage, September 6Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. Daniel 6:16. {CC 255.1}
Daniel was high in command. The accusing host of evil angels stirred up the presidents and princes to envy and jealousy. . . . These agents of Satan sought to make his faithfulness to God the cause of his destruction. . . . {CC 255.2}
The king was ignorant of the subtle mischief purposed against Daniel. With full knowledge of the king's decree, Daniel still bows before his God, "his windows being open." H...
2022-09-0544 min
Conflict & CourageJehovah's Honor Vindicated, Conflict and Courage, August 21 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 32:8. {CC 239.1}
Hezekiah, in the earlier years of his reign, had continued to pay tribute to Assyria, in harmony with the agreement entered into by Ahaz. Meanwhile the king had taken "counsel with his princes and his mighty men," and had done everything possible for the defense of his kingdom. . . . {CC 239.2}
The long-expected crisis finally came. The forces of Assy...
2022-08-2052 min