The Present Truth (UK)
1904
June 30, 1904
Rejoice in the Lord Always.
In this life we shall be tempted and tried. We are ever to remember that the church militant is not the church triumphant. But we are to remember also that God will not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax, till He send forth judgment unto victory. Friends may prove treacherous, enemies may be inspired by Satan to cause sadness. In these trials let us turn to the strong for strength. There we may find comfort, consolation, and tender sympathy. God says, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” Isa. xxvii. 3. PrT June 30, 1904, par. 1
Christ interposes between us and the difficulties that appear so formidable. The flame and the flood are behind Him. Then lift up the Man of Calvary with voice and song, and let the melody of thanksgiving and praise ascend to heaven in life-service to God. Keep cheerful, full of faith and courage and hope. Elijah was subject to like passions as we are, yet the Lord was his strength. He prayed most earnestly, and the Lord heard his prayer. Let us, under all circumstances, preserve our confidence in Christ. He is to be everything to us, the first, the last, the best in everything. Let our tongues be educated to speak forth His praise, not only when we feel gladness and joy, but at all times, because He is our Redeemer, and deserving of our praise and thanksgiving. PrT June 30, 1904, par. 2
Let us keep the heart full of God's precious promises, that we may speak words which will be a comfort and a strength to others. Thus we may learn the language of the heavenly angels, who, if we are faithful, will be our companions through the eternal ages. Thus we may be brought into partnership with the heavenly firm. Our cold hearts will be warmed by the contemplation of our Redeemer's love. PrT June 30, 1904, par. 3
Every day we should make advancement in gaining perfection of character, and this we shall certainly do if we press toward the mark of the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. We who are the least of all the saints may be obtaining a fitness for standing before the Son of man at His appearing. We shall be one with Christ. His abiding presence will enable us to glorify God. PrT June 30, 1904, par. 4
Let us not talk of the great power of Satan, but of the great power of God. We are to speak even as Christ spoke, allowing no harsh, impatient words to fall from our lips. Thus we shall be a savour of life to all with whom we come in contact. PrT June 30, 1904, par. 5
If you will surrender yourself to Him, He who has begun a good work in you will through His grace perfect it unto the day of His appearing. His honour is concerned in the perfection of your character. You are members of His body, a part of Himself. That you might have a probation in which to form a perfect character, that His glory might be your glory, that when He appears you may also appear, pure and undefiled, He suffered on the cross of Calvary. PrT June 30, 1904, par. 6
In every soul two powers are struggling earnestly for the victory. Unbelief marshals its forces, led by Satan, to cut us off from the source of our strength. Faith marshals its forces, led by Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Hour by hour, in the sight of the heavenly universe the conflict goes forward. This is a hand-to-hand fight, and the great question is, Which shall obtain the mastery? This question we must decide for ourselves. In this warfare we take a part, fighting on one side or the other. From the conflict there is no release. PrT June 30, 1904, par. 7
He who is mighty in counsel, to whom all power in heaven and earth has been given, will come to the help of those who trust in Him. In the Scriptures we read that in certain places Christ could not do many mighty works, because of the unbelief existing there. It is of great importance that we have a faith which waits not for the evidence of sight before it ventures to advance. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By 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. By 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. But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” PrT June 30, 1904, par. 8
Mrs. E. G. White.