Keys Storehouse

Keys to the Storehouse – Fake and Artificial

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It is often hard to realize just how artificial our lives have become and the destruction it has caused in all areas of life—physically, mentally and also spiritually.

“Our artificial civilization is encouraging evils destructive of sound principles. Custom and fashion are at war with nature. The practices they enjoin, and the indulgences they foster, are steadily lessening both physical and mental strength, and bringing upon the race an intolerable burden. Intemperance and crime, disease and wretchedness, are everywhere.” The Ministry of Healing, 125.

Artificial is not genuine or natural. We are right in the middle of this artificial civilization, which is encouraging evils and destroying sound principles.

Artificial is something that is fabricated—a counterfeit. The devil is destroying our minds and bodies through the artificial, which all seem so real. Look around and you will see the fruits of the devil’s labor:

  • Artificial snow, artificial ice, artificial flowers.
  • Artificial lighting creates more awake time, making it easy to cram more activities into each day and ignore the health law of good rest, which ends in health problems.
  • Television creates artificial scenarios and “encourages evils destructive of sound principles.”
  • “Custom and fashion are at war with nature.” Most of the material in our clothing is of manmade synthetics that are destructive, preventing good ventilation that allows the pores of the body to breathe.
  • “A fashionable life is a hard, thankless life. How often time, money, and health are sacrificed, the patience sorely tried, and self-control lost, merely for the sake of display.” Christian Education, 168.
  • Modern farming practices using genetically modified seeds (GMO) and the abundant chemical fertilizers and pesticides have stripped most of our food of its natural nutrients and often flavor. Results of this can be seen in the overweight population of the West and the increase of diabetes, heart conditions and cancers that are affecting people younger and younger each year. Our bodies are suffering from its effects. We eat more but get less nutrition. In fact, we are being gradually destroyed.

“Our artificial habits deprive us of many blessings and much enjoyment, and unfit us for living the most useful lives. Elaborate and expensive furnishings are a waste not only of money, but of that which is a thousandfold more precious. They bring into the home a heavy burden of care and labor and perplexity.

“What are the conditions in many homes, even where resources are limited and the work of the household rests chiefly on the mother? The best rooms are furnished in a style beyond the means of the occupants and unsuited to their convenience and enjoyment. There are expensive carpets, elaborately carved and daintily upholstered furniture, and delicate drapery. Tables, mantels, and every other available space are crowded with ornaments, and the walls are covered with pictures, until the sight becomes wearying. And what an amount of work is required to keep all these in order and free from dust! This work, and the other artificial habits of the family in its conformity to fashion, demand of the housewife unending toil.” The Ministry of Healing, 367.

The opposite of artificial is genuine or natural. When you look around, there is not much that is natural or genuine to be seen. We really do live in an artificial society. But, there are certain things that are unacceptable when faked and must be absolutely genuine. One is faith. Is your faith genuine or is it artificial? The artificial or synthetic manmade faith, also known as presumption, can seem so real but is so dangerous to spiritual health.

“Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God’s promises and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression.” Mind, Character and Personality, vol. 2, 534.

Father: Help me to recognize the artificial in my life and turn toward the genuine. I do not want a counterfeit faith presuming on Your mercies in the midst of my disobedience and yet still claiming Your promises. Forgive me Father; keep me from presumptuous sins; let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – You Choose!

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Each of us has made mistakes that were a natural result of blindness of mind—we call them sins of ignorance or errors of judgment. However, enlightenment removes ignorance. If no changes are made when light is given and behavior against heavenly principles continues knowingly, these are no longer considered sins of ignorance, but become presumptuous sins, showing that self has not been crucified to sin.

Remember, presumptuous sins include those actions that are continued when choosing not to walk in the light of God’s word. The following statement explains this perfectly:

“Duties change in character with the increase of light. When the light shines, making manifest and reproving the errors that were undiscovered, there must be a corresponding change in the life and character. The mistakes that are the natural result of blindness of mind are, when pointed out, no longer sins of ignorance or errors of judgment; but unless there are decided reforms in accordance with the light given, they then become presumptuous sins. The moral darkness that surrounds you will become more dense; your heart will become harder and harder, and you will be more offensive in the sight of God. … When the light is received and acted upon, you will be crucified to sin, being dead indeed unto the world, but alive to God. Your idols will be abandoned, and your example will be on the side of self-denial rather than that of self-indulgence.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 435. (Emphasis added.)

It is deadly to ignore the light God has given in any area of our lives, whether it is physical, mental or spiritual.

“He desires that their souls shall be imbued [saturated] with the principles of heaven; then, as they come in contact with the world, they will reveal the light that is in them. Their steadfast fidelity in every act of life will be a means of illumination.” The Ministry of Healing, 36. (Emphasis added.)

Those who choose to ignore the light of God’s word, but continue in presumptuous sin, will be left in utter darkness.

God desires for His people a steadfast fidelity in every facit of life. “By us the light, the power, of a living truth is to be given to the world. From us there is to shine forth to those in darkness a clear, steady light, kept alive by the power of God. We are charged to use the light given us to create other lights that our fellow men may rejoice in the truth. Let us not disregard the charge. Suppose that the sun should refuse to shine, what terrible darkness and confusion would result! For us to refuse to let our light shine to those in darkness is to contract guilt, the magnitude of which cannot be computed.” The Review and Herald, September 17, 1903.

Be united with Christ and dead to sin. “Union with Christ means an unfailing preference for Him in every act and thought of our lives.” The Signs of the Times, March 23, 1888.

To walk in the Light as He has shown is our only safety to protect against committing presumptuous sins. Remember the prayer of David: “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.” Psalm 19:13.

Heavenly Father: “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.” Give me the strength through Your grace to not be afraid to walk in all the light that You have shown me through Your word. I claim Your promise in II Corinthians 12:9 that “Your grace is sufficient for me.” Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Stand Up!

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Jeremiah the prophet pled with Zedekiah to listen to and do what God was saying. God’s word says:

“He [Zedekiah] was afraid of the Jews, afraid of ridicule, afraid for his life. After years of rebellion against God, Zedekiah thought it too humiliating to say to his people, I accept the word of the Lord, as spoken through the prophet Jeremiah.” Prophets and Kings, 457.

  • After years of rebellion against God, Zedekiah was:
    • afraid of the Jews—his own people
    • afraid of ridicule
    • afraid for his life
      • In other words, He was afraid to stand up for the truth.

It would be humiliating and humbling to say, “I accept the word of God” when you have not been following it all along. It would be terrible if there ever came a time that you or I, like Zedekiah, became afraid to stand up for right among our brethren or afraid of ridicule.

God says, “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.

“He [Zedekiah] became a cringing slave to public opinion. With no fixed purpose to do evil, he was also without resolution to stand boldly for the right. Convicted though he was of the value of the counsel given by Jeremiah, he had not the moral stamina to obey; and as a consequence he advanced steadily in the wrong direction. …

“If Zedekiah had stood up bravely … what desolation might have been averted! He should have said, I will obey the Lord, and save the city from utter ruin. I dare not disregard the commands of God because of the fear or favor of man. I love the truth, I hate sin, and I will follow the counsel of the Mighty One of Israel.” Ibid., 458.

Desolation—sorrow, gloom, affliction and loneliness can be prevented in our lives and the lives of others when we stand for right. Only when we get to heaven will we know what effect our influence has had on the lives of those around us. If we do not make it to heaven, we will know the desolation that our influence has caused in the lives of others.

“The weakness of Zedekiah was a sin for which he paid a fearful penalty.” Ibid.

Stand up! “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9.

Father, Help me to learn from Zedekiah’s neglect and remove any rebellion or resistance that may be in my heart. Do not allow me to become a cringing slave to public opinion. Give me the courage to speak the words that Zedekiah could not speak: “I dare not disregard the commands of God because of the fear or favor of man. I love the truth; I hate sin, and I will follow the counsel of the Mighty One of Israel.” Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Trouble Him now, Don’t Lose God’s Favor

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There was a time when the church failed to maintain her favor with God. What a terrible thought! These were people like you and me, and it will happen again. Read the following:

“They [the martyrs] imitated the noble bearing of Christ when before His murderers, and many were convinced of the truth by witnessing their constancy, and the glory of God which rested upon them. Satan decided that he must come in a milder form. He had corrupted the doctrines of the Bible; and traditions which were to ruin millions were taking deep root. He restrained his hate, and decided not to urge on his subjects to such bitter persecution; but lead on the church to contend, not for the faith once delivered to the saints, but, for various traditions. As he led on the church to receive favors and honors of the world, under the false pretense of benefiting them, she began to lose favor with God. Gradually the church lost her power, as she shunned to declare the straight truths which shut out the lovers of pleasure and friends of the world.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 1, 125, 126.

It is the studied plan of the devil to encourage us to contend for traditions and honors while neglecting to live up to the straight truth and lose the favor of God. Follow the Word!

“The church is not the separate and peculiar people she was when the fires of persecution were kindled against her. How is the gold become dim? How is the most fine gold changed? I saw that if the church had always retained her holy and peculiar character, the power of the Holy Spirit which was imparted to the disciples would be with her.” Ibid.

Stand! Don’t let your gold standard grow dim. Satan is very willing to have you think that you are a Christian—he is not at all troubled as he sees you grow dim. He loves it!

“I [Ellen White] saw that a very large company professed the name of Christ, but God does not recognize them as His. He has no pleasure in them. Satan seemed to assume a religious character, and was very willing that the people should think they were Christians. He was very willing that they should believe in Jesus, His crucifixion, and His resurrection. Satan and his angels fully believed all this themselves, and trembled. But if this faith does not provoke to good works, and lead those who profess it to imitate the self-denying life of Christ, he is not disturbed; for they merely assume the Christian name, while their hearts are still carnal; and he can use them in his service better than if they made no profession. Under the name of Christian they hide their deformity. They pass along with their unsanctified natures, and their evil passions unsubdued.” Ibid., 126, 127.

Be on your guard. Take your deformities to Jesus right now. Don’t continue to lose favor with God. Begin right now to trouble the devil by allowing the Holy Spirit to polish your character so your gold shines! Satan sits quietly waiting for your demise, so put on the armor of God and go forward! This life is all you have to live for Jesus and defeat the devil. Just do it now! You are not promised another minute. (All emphasis supplied.)

Heavenly Father: Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation. Replace my deformities with the righteousness of Christ, and let that gold shine so bright that it will blind the devil. Please restore me unto Thy favor, and by Thy grace I will stand for righteousness and truth. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Prove yourself Faithful

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The most miserable people are “Those who are absorbed in their own sorrows, who can enjoy only their own blessings, and labor only for their own good … . As we receive the gifts of God, we should impart to others the blessings Heaven has so richly bestowed upon us. To be happy ourselves we must live to make others happy.” The Signs of the Times, December 12, 1878.

Those who are proving themselves faithful will

  • speak words of kindness
  • perform deeds of love to the poor
  • carry comfort to the homes of the desolate.

The people that do these things “will be the ones upon whom the Master will call to make sacrifices to carry the truth to those who are in darkness.” Ibid. Will the Master call upon you?

“A wise improvement of the talents bestowed will make the faithful doer great in the sight of God. The work of faithfulness must begin

  • at their own door;
  • in their own home must they show an unselfish spirit in all their acts,
  • to those of their own households.” Ibid.

“ ‘Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.’ Matthew 7:21. The test of sincerity is not in words, but in deeds. Christ does not say to any man, What say ye more than others? but, ‘What do ye more than others?’ Matthew 5:47. Full of meaning are His words, ‘If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.’ John 13:17. Words are of no value unless they are accompanied with appropriate deeds. This is the lesson taught in the parable of the two sons.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 272.

A false profession? “In the parable [Matthew 21:28–31] the son who said, ‘I go, sir,’ represented himself as faithful and obedient; but time proved that his profession was not real. He had no true love for his father.” Ibid., 278.

Do not be deceived and prove yourself unfaithful. “Do not think that because you do not manifest decided hostility to Christ you are doing Him service. We thus deceive our own souls. By withholding that which God has given us to use in His service, be it time or means or any other of His entrusted gifts, we work against Him.” Ibid., 279, 280.

Did you know that by leaving duties undone and words unspoken, you have allowed Satan to gain control of souls who might have been won for Christ? We must prove faithful!

“Elisha had taken up the work that lay nearest. While possessing the capabilities of a leader among men, he received a training in life’s common duties. In order to direct wisely, he must learn to obey. By faithfulness in little things, he was prepared for weightier trusts.” Education, 58.

“He (Elisha) is spoken of as pouring water on the hands of Elijah, his master. As the prophet’s personal attendant, he continued to prove faithful in little things.” Ibid., 59.

Because he proved faithful: “Henceforth Elisha stood in Elijah’s place. And he who had been faithful in that which was least, proved himself faithful also in much.” Ibid., 60.

We must remember, “None can know what may be God’s purpose in His discipline; but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities. Every act of life is a revelation of character, and he only who in small duties proves himself ‘a workman that needeth not to be ashamed’ (II Timothy 2:15) will be honored by God with weightier trusts.” Ibid., 61.

Father: Give me the strength to prove faithful in every area of my life. Put words of kindness in my heart that will flow out in deeds of love to others. Keep me faithful in the little things of life as Elisha was. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Thankful or Thankless? Which Are You?

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“God has put it in our power to obtain a knowledge of the laws of life. This knowledge has been placed within our reach for use. We should employ every facility for the restoration of health, taking every advantage possible, working in harmony with natural laws. When we have prayed for the recovery of the sick, we can work with all the more energy, thanking God that we have the privilege of co-operating with Him, and asking His blessing on the means which He Himself has provided.” Conflict and Courage, 240.

Work and pray with God in restoring the health to yourself and to others, thanking Him for the privilege of cooperating with Him. Are you thankful?

“All the powers of our being, every means of our existence and happiness, all the blessings of the warm sunshine and the refreshing showers, causing vegetation to flourish, every comfort and every blessing of this life, comes from God. He sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. The treasures of heaven are poured out to all.” The Signs of the Times, December 12, 1878.

There is so much to be thankful for:

  • The powers of our being
  • Every means of our existence and happiness
  • All the blessings of the warm sunshine and the refreshing showers causing vegetation to flourish
  • Every comfort and every blessing of this life
  • All the treasures of heaven

Are you thankful or thankless?

“The great mass of mankind take the gift from their heavenly Father’s hand but make no acknowledgment to Him. They seem to take it for granted that these bounties are their rightful due, and forget that God is the giver. They do not even acknowledge their obligations by thanking God for His mercies. Indeed they treat no other friend so ill. They sit at the family board, loaded with bounties from His hand, and render no thanks to Him. They enjoy the gifts, but despise the giver.” Ibid.

The thankless worldling:

  • takes the gift but makes no acknowledgment to Him
  • takes it for granted that these bounties are their rightful due, and forget that God is the giver
  • do not even acknowledge their obligations by thanking God for His mercies
  • sit at the family board, loaded with bounties from His hand, and render no thanks to Him

“The worst feature of this picture is, many who profess to be followers of Christ pursue the same course as the unbeliever and thankless worldling. They take the gifts of heaven without lifting the heart and voice to God in sincere thanks. God has blessed them with comfortable homes. They lie down to rest in safety because of the guarding care of His ministering angels; but they arise in the morning with scarcely a thought of God. This is unlike the world’s Redeemer. Although He owned all things, He never broke bread without lifting His eyes and hands to heaven in thanks to His Father, craving His blessing upon it. Yet finite man, wholly dependent upon God, has no sense of the debt of gratitude he owes.” Ibid.

The thankless professor:

  • takes the gifts of heaven without lifting the heart and voice to God in sincere thanks
  • takes for granted that God has blessed them with comfortable homes and no thanks is given
  • lies down to rest in safety because of the guarding care of His ministering angels, but arises in the morning with scarcely a thought of God

Father: We are a thoughtless, thankless people. Please forgive us of our slothfulness. Replace these ugly characteristics with the thankful mind of our dear Saviour and Redeemer. Remove the whirlwind of the world from around us that we may focus our minds upon the most wonderful gifts and mercies you have bestowed upon each of us that we may always give praise and thanks for all. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Lift that Shield

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Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Ephesians 6:16.

“The shield which covered Joseph’s heart was the fear of God, which caused him to be faithful and just to his master, and true to God. … The grace of God he called to his aid, and then fought with the tempter. He nobly says, ‘How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God’ [Genesis 39:9]. He came off conqueror.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, 145.

When temptation comes, is your conviction the same as was Joseph? “It is not necessary that anyone should yield to the temptations of Satan and thus violate his conscience and grieve the Holy Spirit.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 574.

Joseph lifted that shield against the devil’s temptations. He had a steady, reliable allegiance to God and was not ashamed as he called to God for help. Is that shield covering your heart? Are you able to say: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth … . For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16, 17.

“From faith to faith” means that each time the shield of faith is exercised it gains strength in deflecting temptations. “You need ever to cultivate spirituality, because it is not natural for you to be heavenly-minded.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 520.

Take that shield, lift it up against those fiery darts and quench them—put the fire out. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego exercised amazing faith—they held their shield high as they chose allegiance to God over the threat of a fiery death! (See Daniel 3.)

To obtain eternal life, we must “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:12.

Satan continually hurls his fiery darts of temptation in our direction, but they can only reach their target while we let our shields of faith down by not believing God is in control and is working everything out for our good. “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. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28, 29. Do you really believe that God is in control? Then, lift that shield of faith!

Remember:

  • Our shield is the first line of defense. “Above all, taking the shield of faith.”
  • When we allow doubt to creep in, our shield is lowered leaving vulnerability for the devil to make his onslaught.
  • Peter, while walking on water, became distracted by the waves. When his shield of faith went down, he started to sink. (Matthew 14:24–32.)
  • Lift that shield of faith against the enemy!

Heavenly Father, Equip me with the spiritual armor needed for the same spiritual battle fought by my brothers, Joseph, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Give me strength to lift my shield high to deflect all of the fiery darts of Satan. I want to be part of the Lord’s army, for I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it truly is Thy power unto salvation to everyone that believes. It is Thy righteousness revealed in us from faith to faith. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Pool of Voices

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When it comes to spiritual matters, many tend to walk through life like an ostrich with their heads in the sand, believing they should not be blamed for their ignorance. The modern philosophy is to believe that no matter what you believe or do, it is okay! But how can a real Christian, not just one who makes a profession, believe that? Inspiration reveals the opposite.

“A special signal was first given by the trumpeters to call the attention of the people. Then all were to be attentive and obey the certain sound of the trumpets. There was no confusion of sound in the voices of the trumpets, therefore there was no excuse for confusion in movements. The head officer over each company gave definite directions in regard to the movements they were required to make. None who gave attention were left in ignorance of what they ought to do. If any failed to comply with the requirements God gave to Moses, and Moses to the people, they were punished with death. They had no excuse to offer that they knew not the nature of these requirements, for they would only prove themselves willingly ignorant, and would receive just punishment for their transgression. If they did not know the will of God concerning them, it was their own fault. They had all the opportunity of knowing that others had, therefore their sin was regarded by the Lord the same as if they did hear and then transgressed.” The Signs of the Times, July 29, 1880.

The high points of this statement are:

    • There was no confusion of sound in the voices of the trumpets.
    • There was no excuse for confusion in movements.
    • None who gave attention were left in ignorance of what they ought to do.
    • If any failed to comply with the requirements God gave they were punished with death.
    • They had no excuse to offer that they knew not the nature of these requirements, for they would only prove themselves willingly ignorant and receive just punishment for their transgression.
    • If they did not know the will of God concerning them, it was their own fault.
    • They had all the opportunity of knowing, that others had.
    • Their sin was regarded by the Lord the same as if they did hear and then transgressed.

The “you’re okay, I’m okay” syndrome does not fit into the Christian life. God’s word sounds the trumpet revealing both what is and is not okay. Do not be soothed to death by the devil; reach out to God right now and listen for His voice through His word to direct your path.

O Father, Your Word clearly tells me that I am not okay and that I need Jesus. Thank you for sending your only Son to show me the way, and I ask in His name that my heart be cleansed that I may walk with Thee. Open my ears heavenward so that I can discern the false and know Your voice only. Save me Lord from the devil’s lies. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Trial of Our Faith

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Spiritual eyesight is needed to recognize that our trials are just temptations and sorrows from Satan to turn our eyes away from Jesus onto self! It is his goal to little by little break our endurance.

In Early Writings, 46, Ellen White says, “If we overcome our trials and get victory over the temptations of Satan, then we endure the trial of our faith, which is more precious than gold, and are stronger and better prepared to meet the next.”

On the contrary, those who do not gain that victory sink and grow weaker!

“But if we sink down and give way to the temptations of Satan, we shall grow weaker and get no reward for the trial and shall not be so well prepared for the next. In this way we shall grow weaker and weaker, until we are led captive by Satan at his will.” Ibid.

I pray that

  • you do not want to give way to Satan’s temptation.
  • you do not want to be his captive.
  • you do not want to grow weaker and weaker.
  • you do not want to be a little puppet on his string, doing the things that lead you away from Jesus into the shadows of darkness with Satan.

Stand up! Be strong and of a good courage (Joshua 1:9)!

Listen, put “on the whole armor of God and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:11). When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God and agonize with Him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty, but will give us grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy.” Ibid.

Pray for your eyes to be opened to see these things in their true light, and endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus! Move forward, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10)!

Remember, “All wrong-doing is forsaking the path where Jesus leads, turning aside to the crooked ways of darkness.” The Signs of the Times, July 28, 1881.

When temptations and trials rush in upon us, go to God and agonize with Him in prayer. He Who keeps you and never slumbers or sleeps (Psalm 121:4) hears the desperate cries of His children and will answer.

“A divine Guide goes before the faithful, encouraging them with His voice, aiding them with His hand, and they need never mistake the way.” Ibid. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.

God says to you, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. … I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Joshua 1:9, 5.

Father, I do not enjoy being a captive and puppet of Satan. I come to You asking for grace and power to overcome the power of my enemy and to stand in the light of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer, victorious over the temptations and trials. I want to walk in that pathway of victory, heading homeward. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Forgotten Gifts, Forgotten Joys

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Forgotten Gifts, Forgotten Joys!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). He is still giving, but many have become so blinded by the cares of this world that blessings innumerable have been forgotten or ignored. Christ was the greatest gift God could have given to us, but few appreciate this Gift with all of its benefits and joys.

“The Prince of heaven was among His people. The greatest gift of God had been given to the world. Joy to the poor; for Christ had come to make them heirs of His kingdom. Joy to the rich; for He would teach them how to secure eternal riches. Joy to the ignorant; He would make them wise unto salvation. Joy to the learned; He would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world would be opened to men by the Saviour’s mission.” The Desire of Ages, 277.

There is a joy listed for every person:

  • Joy to the poor; for Christ had come to make them heirs of His kingdom.
  • Joy to the rich; for He would teach them how to secure eternal riches.
  • Joy to the ignorant; He would make them wise unto salvation.
  • Joy to the learned; He would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world.

Have you overlooked and taken for granted the joy available for your life? Praise God for all the joy that is listed plus all the others that are not! And besides all of these “joys,” Christ is also made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. (See I Corinthians 1:30.)

These benefits through Christ tremendously affect our lives.

Wisdom: God solves the problem of our ignorance through Jesus. By imparting His wisdom to us through the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to discern our sin, our danger and the way into the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary for cleansing and forgiveness.

Righteousness: Christ’s righteousness is placed upon each person who has repented of his or her sins and has chosen to live for Christ and reflect His character. The guilt is removed.

Sanctification: He sets us apart and sanctifies us, or makes us a holy people, moment by moment. What a growing experience we may encounter if we choose to receive His way.

Redemption: We have been purchased by the blood of Jesus—saved from loss, redeemed to a wonderful, eternal future.

And let’s not forget the faithful heavenly angels and the Holy Spirit! God’s gifts and joys are innumerable. Do not allow the shadow of care, stress or business to dampen these joys and gifts from your memory! Keep them fresh in your heart by praising Him throughout each day!

Father: I had forgotten all of the joys You have given me through Jesus. Please forgive me. I now raise my heart and voice to Thee in praise and thankfulness for the gift of Jesus and all of the benefits which follow. Praise God from Whom all blessings and joys flow. Amen