Keys Storehouse

Keys to the Storehouse – Your Influence

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An idea that is not often thought about is how our actions affect God’s kingdom, either positively or cause it harm. Our adversary, as a roaring lion, is walking about looking for whom he can destroy (I Peter 5:8) and if we are not alert and on daily watch, he may push our actions to the point that injury or damage is done to the kingdom of Christ, causing a soul to be lost. Nothing could please the devil more.

“When Satan succeeds in tempting men whom God has especially honored to commit grievous sins, he triumphs; for he has gained to himself a great victory and has done harm to the kingdom of Christ.” Confrontation, 26.

In a moment of frustration, after dealing with the whining children of Israel for so many years, Moses lost control and “he spake unadvisedly with his lips” (Psalm 106:33). Because of that incident, damage was done to the kingdom and glory was taken away from God. Satan exulted! He has forfeited the kingdom himself because of his prideful attitude and his plan now is to keep as many of God’s people as he can out of the kingdom and away from the eternal glory that God has prepared for them.

John the Revelator said to anoint our eyes with eye salve (Revelation 3:18) that we may become aware of the devil’s deception and recognize the temptations that are laid before us. We want to “see” when the devil is antagonizing us and pushing us into sin. We need to plead for God’s grace to stand and resist the devil so he will flee from us (James 4:7) before we do harm to God’s kingdom. It is real joy to know that our actions can cause the devil to flee. Walk in that path of the overcomers and resist!

“Some few in every generation from Adam resisted his every artifice and stood forth as noble representatives of what it was in the power of man to do and to be—Christ working with human efforts, helping man in overcoming the power of Satan. Enoch and Elijah are the correct representatives of what the race might be through faith in Jesus Christ if they chose to be. Satan was greatly disturbed because these noble, holy men stood untainted amid the moral pollution surrounding them, perfected righteous characters, and were accounted worthy for translation to Heaven. As they had stood forth in moral power in noble uprightness, overcoming Satan’s temptations, he could not bring them under the dominion of death. He triumphed that he had power to overcome Moses with his temptations, and that he could mar his illustrious character and lead him to the sin of taking glory to himself before the people which belonged to God.” The Review and Herald, March 3, 1874.

Be diligent and watchful and do not let the devil catch you off guard and he triumph over your actions. But, if this does happen, don’t despair; bow low before God and ask for forgiveness, for we have an advocate with the Father (I John 2:1). Claim the promise in I John 1:9 that, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then stand up and smile with confidence, knowing that you have escaped from the devil’s kingdom and he has lost you!

Father: Anoint my eyes with heavenly eyesalve so that I may not give the devil any reason to smile. Grant me grace to walk the path that Enoch and Elijah walked and through that grace to cause much harm to Satan’s kingdom. I choose to be a representative, as they were, of the heavenly kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Come and See

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Right now we have the opportunity to choose which kingdom we would prefer to occupy our lives. We know that the apostles were attracted to Jesus and had their minds on Him when they said, “Rabbi, … where dwellest Thou?” John 1:38.

“Moved by an irresistible impulse, they followed Jesus—anxious to speak with Him, yet awed and silent, lost in the overwhelming significance of the thought, ‘Is this the Messiah?’ …

“Of one purpose only were they conscious. One presence filled their thought. They exclaimed, ‘Rabbi … where dwellest Thou?’ In a brief interview by the wayside they could not receive that for which they longed. They desired to be alone with Jesus, to sit at His feet, and hear His words. …

“He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day.” The Desire of Ages, 138, 139.

Does your heart burn within you with a longing you cannot explain when you repeat the words, “Rabbi, where dwellest Thou?” Asking that question, the apostles’ hearts longed to be totally connected with Him. The Holy Spirit was the source of that longing that drew their hearts to Jesus.

They desired to be alone with Him, to sit at His feet and soak in His words. Is that your desire? There was joy in the heart of the divine Teacher as these souls responded to His grace. The invitation is still open today. Come and sit at His feet and listen to His words and you, too, can bring joy to His heart by responding to the drawing of His Holy Spirit.

Jesus longs to establish in your heart the kingdom of righteousness and peace as He did in the hearts of His disciples. Many refused Him when He walked this earth, but those who did accept the invitation received righteousness and peace in their hearts through their time of trouble. Will you respond to the Holy Spirit’s call to “ come and see ”? Do not close the door to the call of One who seeks to establish in your heart His kingdom of righteousness and peace. With whom you desire to sit alone and spend time reflects which kingdom you seek—the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of this world.

Father: Put into my heart the words “Rabbi, where dwellest Thou?” Open my spiritual ears that I might hear the call “ come and see ” and give me grace to respond to the drawing of the Holy Spirit that I may desire to sit at the feet of Jesus and to hear His words. You have promised that if I delight myself in Thee, You will give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4) and I claim that promise right now. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – The Silent Witness

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From each character emanates a silent witness that influences others. This silent witness is either a power for good or a power for evil. This silent witness of a converted Christian shows all that the gospel changes lives, it beautifies the character and ennobles the life. What a witness!

“By being courteous and beneficent they adorn His doctrine, and show that the truth of heavenly origin beautifies the character and ennobles the life. Christ’s followers are ‘living epistles, known and read of all men’ (II Corinthians 3:2).” The Review and Herald, November 28, 1878.

Character—A Power for Good

“The silent witness of a true, unselfish, godly life carries an almost irresistible influence. By revealing in our own life the character of Christ we cooperate with Him in the work of saving souls.” To Be Like Jesus, 97.

Character—A Power for Evil—Causing the Loss of Other Souls

“But never should it be forgotten that influence is no less a power for evil. To lose one’s own soul is a terrible thing; but to cause the loss of other souls is still more terrible. That our influence should be a savor of death unto death is a fearful thought; yet this is possible. Many who profess to gather with Christ are scattering from Him. … Many indulge freely in criticism and accusing. By giving expression to suspicion, jealousy, and discontent, they yield themselves as instruments to Satan. Before they realize what they are doing, the adversary has through them accomplished his purpose. The impression of evil has been made, the shadow has been cast, the arrows of Satan have found their mark.” [Emphasis supplied.] Ibid.

Results of Evil influence—Wrecks of Character

“Meanwhile the workers for Satan look complacently upon those whom they have driven to skepticism, and who are now hardened against reproof and entreaty. They flatter themselves that in comparison with these souls they are virtuous and righteous. They do not realize that these sad wrecks of character are the work of their own unbridled tongues and rebellious hearts. It is through their influence that these tempted ones have fallen.” Ibid.

Fear to Meet at the Bar of God

“So frivolity, selfish indulgence, and careless indifference on the part of professed Christians are turning away many souls from the path of life. Many there are who will fear to meet at the bar of God the results of their influence. It is only through the grace of God that we can make a right use of this endowment.” Ibid.

Heavenly Father: I know that my thoughts and feelings make up my moral character. Remove any evil influence of criticism, accusing, discontentment, etc., that may pull a brother or sister down or turn them from You. I ask that You fill my mind with heavenly thoughts and feelings so that any influence emanating from me will melt hearts and put a yearning within others that will draw them to You. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – A Stumbling Block is a False Waymark

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Our only safety is to keep our feet on the path that God has laid out in His Word. Each time our feet swerve from the heavenly path, we become a stumbling block to others.

“Many professed Christians are now only stumbling-blocks—false way-marks.

  • They do not represent to the world by good works the principles of the doctrines of Christ.
  • They neglect the study of the Scriptures, and secret prayer, and have become, so far as their influence is concerned, traitors to their holy trust.
  • Their hearts have gradually become hardened;
  • They have a name to live, while the vital energies of the soul have become spiritually paralyzed.

“Of this class our Saviour speaks: ‘Many will say unto Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity’ (Matthew 7:22, 23).” [Emphasis added.] The Review and Herald, July 10, 1879.

“Christ is stooping over His throne today, His great heart of love yearning with deep and tender compassion over those who are careless, and neglectful of their eternal interests.” Ibid.

It is time to plead for that spiritual discernment that will keep us from becoming stumbling blocks to others that will cause their demise. Now is the time to search our own hearts and repent of any indifference or hardness of heart that may be found for the hour of probation is passing quickly.

“It is not enough to profess to believe in Christ, saying that we are saved by Christ, when we do not practice the lessons He has given.

  • All such professed Christians are represented by the man who built his house upon the sand;
  • While the hearers and doers of the word are represented by the man who built his house upon the rock, and amid tempest, storm, and flood, it remained unmoved.
  • Thus the true foundation for every soul is represented by those who not only hear the truth but practice it.
  • Those who claim to be children of God and do not His will are hypocrites.” Ibid.

A follower of Jesus Christ will be assimilated to his image. He will not be swayed from his foundation and become a false waymark.

Father: I need spiritual discernment that I may recognize the moment that my feet slip. I realize now that I become a stumbling block to others when my feet swerve from walking in the path set forth in Your Word. Please Father, I plead the prayer in Psalm 17:5 that You would “Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not,” that no soul be lost because of my actions or words. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Spiritual Disorders

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Spiritual disorders are similar to physical disorders in that both have consequences. The disorder that affects the spiritual life is sin. However, there is one specific sin that, if indulged, will cause a separation from God and produce much contagious unruly behavior. What is this one sin?

“The sin which is indulged to the greatest extent, and which separates us from God and produces so many contagious spiritual disorders, is selfishness.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 132.

Once this sin is indulged, the spiritual life is in danger of death. “There can be no returning to the Lord except by self-denial. Of ourselves we can do nothing; but, through God strengthening us, we can live to do good to others, and in this way shun the evil of selfishness.

“We need not go to heathen lands to manifest our desire to devote all to God in a useful, unselfish life. We should do this

  • in the home circle,
  • in the church,
  • among those with whom we associate
  • and with whom we do business.

“Right in the common walks of life is where self is to be denied and kept in subordination. Paul could say: ‘I die daily’ (I Corinthians 15:31). It is the daily dying to self in the little transactions of life that makes us overcomers. We should forget self in the desire to do good to others.” Ibid.

If you are suffering from this spiritual disorder and its many side effects, you must mourn the consequences, confess and repent toward God and then, by His grace, begin to bless others.

“God positively enjoins upon all His followers a duty to

  • bless others with their influence and means,
  • and to seek that wisdom of Him which will enable them to do all in their power to elevate the thoughts and affections of those who come within their influence.

“In doing for others, a sweet satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace which will be a sufficient reward. When actuated by a high and noble desire to do others good, they will find true happiness in a faithful discharge of life’s manifold duties. This will bring more than an earthly reward; for every faithful, unselfish performance of duty is noticed by the angels and shines in the life record.” Ibid.

Do you want your life record to shine? Ask God to remove the shadow of selfishness and bring spiritual order to your life.

“Every act of our lives affects others for good or evil. Our influence is tending upward or downward; it is felt, acted upon, and to a greater or lesser degree reproduced by others.

  • If by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same beneficial influence upon others, and thus hundreds and thousands are affected by our unconscious influence.
  • If we by acts strengthen or force into activity the evil powers possessed by those around us, we share their sin, and will have to render an account for the good we might have done them and did not do, because we made not God our strength, our guide, our counselor.” Ibid., 133.

Father: Remove the sin of selfishness and its shadow from my life. Allow me to live by Your holy principles so that my life can be used to influence others to a saving knowledge of truth and any evil influence be put to death. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Blinded Eyesight

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Are you blinded with your eyesight? Many times our sight seems to get in the way of spiritual things. Bartimaeus was blind. He had a need—he wanted to see. One day he heard a multitude pass by and he asked what it meant. We read in Luke 18:37–43 the story. He was told “that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by” (verse 37). He knew that this might be his last opportunity to receive sight. And so, “he cried, saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me” (verse 38). Did the people around him help him or hinder him? “And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more. Thou Son of David, have mercy on me” (verse 39).

Bartimaeus had a need and even though he was blind, he knew by faith that Jesus could heal him. He refused to allow that moment to pass and as he called Jesus heard him. “Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto Him: and … He asked him, Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God.”

“It is only when the sinner feels the need of a Saviour, that his heart goes after the One Who can help him. … The poor, the afflicted and distressed, followed after Him, to receive the help and comfort which they could not find elsewhere. Blind Bartimaeus is waiting by the wayside …

  • Throngs of people who possess their sight are passing to and fro,
  • but they have no desire to see Jesus” [blinded eyesight]. The Review and Herald, March 15, 1887.

Do the things of this world blind your eyes that you feel no need to look to Jesus? “One look of faith would touch His heart of love, and bring them the blessings of His grace;

  • but they know not the sickness and poverty of their souls, and
  • they feel no need of Christ.

Not so with the poor blind man. His only hope is in Jesus. …” Ibid. The blind man was waiting and watching and though he was blind, he could see through the eye of faith and nothing could prevent him from calling out to Jesus. “The by-standers … try to silence him, but he cries the more vehemently, ‘Thou Son of David, have mercy on me!’

  • This appeal is heard.
  • His persevering faith is rewarded.
  • Not only is physical sight restored, but the eyes of his understanding are opened.
  • In Christ he sees his Redeemer, and the Sun of Righteousness shines into his soul.

All who feel their need of Christ as did blind Bartimaeus, and who will be as earnest and determined as he was, will, like him, receive the blessing which they crave.” Ibid.

Do you feel your need of Jesus?

Father: Do not allow me to be blinded by the things in this world, which cause me to think that I have no need of Jesus. Remove the worldly and restore my sight that I may again receive the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness into my soul just as my brother, Bartimaeus, received that life and light. I want to see Jesus. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Grace Be To You

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Paul sent a most meaningful greeting in most of his letters in which he said: “Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2). This salutation from Paul’s heart has much more meaning than many realize.

“To learn of Christ means to receive His grace, which is His character.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 271.

With the character of Christ, there would be no complaining because you would be satisfied with what God’s will was for you knowing “… that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

When Paul asked for healing in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God replied, “… My grace is sufficient for thee [My character is sufficient for you]: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. …” Paul then says, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Whatever your “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7), God’s grace is sufficient. “The divine grace which He alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul.” The Desire of Ages, 187.

Grace be to you! But it is not only grace that Paul wants you to attain. He adds, “… and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2).  As Peter also states in 2 Peter 1:2, “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you …” This word peace is a state of quiet or tranquility, free from agitation or disturbance, being calm. It also means an absence of strife or discord—a state of reconciliation. Paul knew God’s desire to give to all grace and peace.

There was much strife, discord and agitation in Paul’s day but he knew that if they would obtain that grace and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son, they would have such tranquility and calmness in their hearts that others would be drawn to them.

God is talking to you through Paul and Peter and other writers. As you read their words, hear His voice talking to you. He says, “Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ask for His grace! Ask for His peace! These gifts are for you and for me.

How do I multiply these gifts? 2 Peter 1:2 tells us how: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord … .” Spend quality time in His word and the Spirit of Prophecy. As you grow in knowledge, so will the grace and peace of God swell within you.

Heavenly Father: I did not realize that Your grace is Your character and how much I need it. I understand now why Paul knew that Your grace was truly sufficient and that he was satisfied with his “thorn in the flesh.” I pray for Your grace and Your peace that I may reflect Your character at all times and under all circumstances even amidst all of the thorns, because I now know that Your grace is truly sufficient.  Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Your Actions Influence Others

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What a terrible thing to think that what we said or did hindered a little child from coming to Jesus. Whether it be a little child physically or a little child spiritually, we must be very thoughtful of our actions and words. “When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages—to officers of the church, to ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, Suffer them to come; as if He would say, They will come if you do not hinder them.” The Desire of Ages, 517.

“Let not your un-Christlike character misrepresent Jesus.

  • Do not keep the little ones away from Him by your coldness and harshness.
  • Never give them cause to feel that heaven will not be a pleasant place to them if you are there.
  • Do not speak of religion as something that children cannot understand, or act as if they were not expected to accept Christ in their childhood.
  • Do not give them the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom, and that in coming to the Saviour they must give up all that makes life joyful. …

“The Saviour regards with infinite tenderness the souls whom He has purchased with His own blood. They are the claim of His love. He looks upon them with unutterable longing.” Ibid.

Each person in some way influences another. Our thoughts and feelings make up our moral character and it is these same thoughts and feelings which make up the atmosphere around us. (See Messages to Young People, 92.) It is to God’s glory that a heavenly atmosphere be maintained which will draw others to Him. Without that atmosphere many are turned away. “Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Remember, a person could be a child either physically or spiritually.

The first fruit of the Holy Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22) and an excellent description of that love is found in I Corinthians 13:4–8: “Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity (love) never faileth.”

An influence filled with the attribute of real, heavenly love will not hinder anybody but will draw all to Christ. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your influence drew a heart to Jesus?

Father: Remove the un-Christlike characteristics in me that would hinder others from being drawn to You because of the shadows about me. I need especially that first fruit of the Holy Spirit to shine through me that all may discern a heavenly atmosphere and find comfort and not gloom. Thank you for that heavenly influence filled with agape love that attracts all others to you. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – God’s Gift Targeted

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God’s Gift Targeted…

Your most precious, personal gifts from God are on the devil’s hit list. While we have taken these gifts for granted, the devil is destroying them little by little. When was the last time you thought about or thanked God for your eyes, for your ears, or for the power of speech? When was the last time you asked God to watch over these gifts?

Satan loves to use these gifts for his cause or to his glory.

Why did God give you eyes?

  • God gave men eyes, that they might behold wondrous things out of His law.

Why did God give you ears?

  • He gave you the hearing ear that you might listen to His message, spoken by the living Preacher.

Why did God give you speech?

  • He gave you the talent of speech that you might present Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour.

Why did God give you a heart?

  • With the heart you believeth unto righteousness.

Why did God give you a mouth?

  • With the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (See The Adventist Home, 401.)

Now that you know why God gave you all of these most precious gifts—the eyes, ears, speech, heart and mouth, ask yourself who is in control of them or for what are they being used. If you are honest with yourself, you will be able to answer these questions without hesitation.

We are warned that “All should guard the senses, lest Satan gain victory over them; for these are the avenues of the soul.” Ibid. Satan does not want you to keep these avenues to the soul pure because then he has lost you to Jesus.

What are Satan and his followers doing right now?

“Satan and his angels are busy creating a paralyzed condition of the senses so that cautions, warnings, and reproofs shall not be heard; or, if heard, that they shall not take effect upon the heart and reform the life. …

“Satan does not wish the people to have a knowledge of God; and if he can set in operation games and theatrical performances that will so confuse the senses of the young that human beings will perish in darkness while light shines all about them, he is well pleased.” Ibid., 402.

“We should ever keep in mind that unseen agencies are at work, both evil and good, to take the control of the mind. They act with unseen yet effectual power. Good angels are ministering spirits, exerting a heavenly influence upon heart and mind; while the great adversary of souls, the devil, and his angels are continually laboring to accomplish our destruction.” Ibid., 405. Who is using these valuable gifts?

Heavenly Father: I pray for grace and for faithful angels to help me to distinguish who is using these most valuable gifts. Help me to keep these avenues open for Your use only. I choose not to allow Satan to destroy these precious gifts or to block or poison these avenues to my soul. I want full access to You at all times and I want You to have full access to me. Help me to guard the avenues to my soul and preserve these gifts to Thy glory.

Keys to the Storehouse – Our Allotted task

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We should be ever thankful that the Lord has alerted us to the allotted task ahead of us. What is this task? It is to conquer self. In other words, we are to conquer our fallen nature. Just thinking about how cantankerous our characters are at times should give a little idea of the task ahead.

“So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed.” The Ministry of Healing, 487.

Have you been provoked lately? Are you staying on task, your allotted task? This task is impossible while attempting to tackle it alone and you will have a losing battle on your hands! The good news is, if we are willing to listen, “Christ dwells in us, [and] we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism.” Ibid.

You see, “0ur allotted task … cannot be accomplished without

  • help from Jesus,
  • resolute decision,
  • unwavering purpose,
  • continual watchfulness,
  • and unceasing prayer.

“Each one has a personal battle [with self] to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.” Ibid.

Are you ready to gain the joy of victory over self through Jesus Christ or will you join the multitude who decline the struggle and remain cantankerous? I would hope that each one of us will go forward to victory. If we lose this victory, we lose out on eternal life. The only thing that we can take to heaven is our character. We must accomplish our allotted task!

Father in heaven: I ask you to unite with me over the struggle with self because I do not wish to remain cantankerous. Save me from my self and in the name of Jesus I choose to be unwavering in my purpose to accomplish the allotted task You have given to me and to win the battle through a resolute decision and Your grace, which is truly sufficient. I resolutely choose to serve Thee. Amen.