Keys Storehouse

Keys to the Storehouse – Whatever Comes!

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The strength of our faith is very important. We can understand a little better about our faith by looking at our own fruits, taking note of our actions and reactions.

In The Ministry of Healing, 488, we are told that our “faith can

  • endure trial
  • resist temptation
  • bear up under disappointment …”

Does this describe your faith? Often times when our mind is not walking in heavenly places we forget that whatever comes to us comes from the Saviour who surrounds us with His presence. Train your mind to remember that nothing can touch you except by the Lord’s permission. What a thought! We really can rest in Him knowing that,

  • “all our sufferings and sorrows
  • all our temptations and trials
  • all our sadness and griefs
  • all our persecutions and privations
  • all things work together for our good

All of our experiences and circumstances are God’s workmen whereby good is brought to us.” (See Ibid., 489.)

How is your faith? Think about how much good is being brought to you through God’s workmen. We are promised in Matthew 24:13, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”

Remember, even through the many tears shed and the many hardships to go through, our faith in Him will shine through us because we will represent Him in character. Our faith will endure that trial, our faith will resist that temptation and our faith will bear up under disappointment and our God will be glorified.

“Think you not that Christ values those who live wholly for Him? Think you not that He visits those who, like the beloved John in exile, are for His sake in hard and trying places? God will not suffer one of His truehearted workers to be left alone, to struggle against great odds and be overcome. He preserves as a precious jewel everyone whose life is hid with Christ in Him.” Ibid., 488.

“I saw that the enemy will contend either for the usefulness or the life of the godly, and will try to mar their peace as long as they live in this world. But his power is limited. He may cause the furnace to be heated, but Jesus and angels will watch the trusting Christian, that nothing may be consumed but the dross. The fire kindled by Satan can have no power to destroy or hurt the true metal. It is important to close every door possible, against the entrance of Satan.” Testimonies, vol. 1, 309.

Is your life hid in Christ? How is your faith? Remember, we are precious in His sight. Be strong and of a good courage, go forward in the strength of your Saviour and close all doors against the entrance of Satan.

Father: Whatever may come, prepare my heart to reflect the character of Jesus. Show me any door that may be open to the entrance of the enemy and grant me the grace to close it permanently. Remind me each moment that nothing can touch me except by Your permission and that these trials are Your workmen for good. I thank You for Your unceasing love and mercy upon me. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Conditions Chosen for You

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I am sure many of you remember this conversation in the Bible: “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” John 1:45, 46.

To hear what Philip said about Nazareth, it must have been considered a rough and sinful city, well known for its crimes and vices. Even with its notorious reputation, something “good” did come out of Nazareth, Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Nazareth, with all of its depravity, was the city chosen by our heavenly Father for His only begotten Son to be raised.

“What were the conditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son?

  • A secluded home in the Galilean hills;
  • a household sustained by honest, self-respecting labor;
  • a life of simplicity;
  • daily conflict with difficulty and hardship;
  • self-sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome service;
  • the hour of study at His mother’s side, with the open scroll of Scripture;
  • the quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley;
  • the holy ministries of nature;
  • the study of creation and providence;
  • and the soul’s communion with God—these were the conditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus.” Ministry of Healing, 365, 366.

We have no excuse for not following our Lord under all circumstances. God has chosen our surroundings for our growth. If it were not for challenges, we would not grow spiritually. Let us praise God for His choices for each of us, knowing that He has chosen such because He loves us.

Remember, “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. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:28–30.

God has a plan for you and He has chosen the conditions surrounding your life for good reason. Are you being conformed to His image, or are you making excuses because you are not happy with the circumstances that the Lord has chosen for you? God’s only begotten Son followed His will with delight. Will You?

Father: Forgive me for complaining at times because of circumstances and challenges. Please put peace and happiness into my heart that I may give glory to Thee in all areas of my life. That under all conditions or circumstances, I will remember that it is Your will for my life, and I will praise Your name for Your mercy at that moment and not murmur or complain. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Identifying the Blotches

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When Satan was cast into this earth he usurped ownership through his evil principles, deceiving our first parents which has resulted in an ugly blotch on this planet. He offered the planet to Christ if He would just pay him the coveted homage, but Christ rejected his offer. Failing to conquer Christ, all the efforts of the satanic host are now directed at Christ’s followers. Never jeopardize the life our Saviour offers us by considering anything offered by Satan worth the risk, or you will pay the price.

“By the one who had revolted in heaven the kingdoms of this world were offered Christ, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He would not be bought; He had come to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not abandon His purpose. With the same temptation Satan approaches men, and here he has better success than with Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 130.

Has Satan been successful in putting blotches in your life? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” II Peter 5:8.

“To men he offers the kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy. He requires that they

  • sacrifice integrity,
  • disregard conscience,
  • indulge selfishness.

“Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; but Satan walks by their side and says: Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in order to make a success in this world you must serve me.

  • I hold your welfare in my hands.
  • I can give you riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness.
  • Hearken to my counsel.
  • Do not allow yourselves to be carried away with whimsical notions of honesty or self-sacrifice.
  • I will prepare the way before you.

“Thus multitudes are deceived. They consent to live for the service of self, and Satan is satisfied. While he allures them with the hope of worldly dominion, he gains dominion over the soul. But he offers that which is not his to bestow, and which is soon to be wrested from him. In return he beguiles them of their title to the inheritance of the sons of God.” Ibid.

Search your heart and ask Jesus to identify any blotches that Satan has left on you. Don’t be intimated into thinking that it is okay to yield to your desires or feelings according to your own wishes, regardless of others. Stand with integrity and uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles.

Satan is a defeated foe; he is a loser! He chose his own way and lost an eternity of happiness and longs to deceive others out of an eternity of bliss and to share his own misery. “Never can the cost of our redemption be realized until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer before the throne of God.” Ibid., 131.

Heavenly Father: Grant me spiritual discernment and grace that I may never sacrifice integrity, disregard conscience or indulge in selfishness. I want no part of Satan’s character. Please cleanse the blotches that stain my life with the precious blood of Jesus. Let the mind of Christ direct my actions through Thy Holy Spirit that I may receive the inheritance of an eternity of happiness. Amen.

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.