Keys Storehouse

Keys to the Storehouse – Faith Triumphs Over Fear

by

Life often deals out situations that seem so hard to navigate, and this past year surely has been no exception. On top of all the normal every-day struggles, we have had to survive the COVID-19 storm and for those living in the United States, the appalling lead-up to the Federal elections. It makes one wonder just how much they can endure. To cope, we can either choose faith or fear.

Think about the disciples on a boat when a life-threatening storm erupted on the lake. They were unprepared to face the danger, realizing that at any moment they might die. While they all panicked, Jesus, who was with them, slept peacefully through the storm. Instead of trusting His reaction to the storm, the disciples allowed the situation to dictate their reaction.

Jesus’ gentle rebuke, asking them why they were afraid, was intended for them to realize their lack of faith that He could see them through the storm. So how should we respond when passing through storms over which we have no control?

Trust in Him who does have control over the wind and waves of life. The situation may not change, but we can always choose to trust God. When storms come, do we focus on the size of the storm or on the One who already knows the outcome? Any situation can be navigated with His wisdom and peace.

It is so easy to be fearful when we are unable to control the outcome. We are called to live by faith and trust in the One who does know our future and is in the business of saving all who seek Him. There are always two choices when one is overwhelmed: either focus on the circumstances or on Jesus. He will walk by the side of those who depend on Him. No storm that anyone will ever face is more powerful than our Saviour. Remember, Jesus is always beside us and will guide us safely to the heavenly shore.

Father, thank You for the promise You have made to never leave us or forsake us. Give us the courage to always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who alone can overpower any situation we find ourselves in and walk with us through the storms of life until we triumph at last. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Nations Gather

by

Will you be ready to be gathered with all the nations of the redeemed to eat the fruit of the tree of life and be completely healed by its leaves?

Revelation 22:2 paints this beautiful picture: “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

Amazingly, we are told that eating the leaves of the tree of life starts right here on this earth.

“Must we wait until we are translated before we eat of the leaves of the tree of life? He who receives into his heart the words of Christ knows what it means to eat the leaves of the tree of life. …

“The knowledge that comes from God is the bread of life. It is the leaves of the tree of life which are for the healing of the nations. The current of spiritual life thrills the soul as the words of Christ are believed and practiced. Thus it is that we are made one with Christ. The experience that was weak and feeble becomes strong. It is eternal life to us if we hold the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end.” The Upward Look, 224.

Sharing the gospel in our various walks of life, whether we travel overseas to mission fields, or work in health, schools of learning and teaching children, or just in general contact with the public, there is a work to be done for the Lord and in keeping His commandments.

The health message was promoted in the early days of our church history. “The great reason why we have sanitariums [health centers] is that these institutions may be agencies in bringing men and women to a position where they may be numbered among those who shall some day eat of the leaves of the tree of life, which are for the healing of the nations” Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, 227.

We must examine ourselves to see if we love Jesus enough to let go of the love of the world and find the true meaning and purpose in serving Him.

“The redeemed saints who have loved God and kept His commandments here, will enter in through the gates of the city and have right to the tree of life. They will eat freely of it as our first parents did before the fall. The leaves of that immortal widespread tree will be for the healing of the nations.” Maranatha, 325.

What a world of beauty and surprises awaits us!  No more divisions among nations. No more wars, fights, bloodshed, pain, crying and separation by death. All is healed.

Dear Lord, please help us to live each day for Your glory to seek others with whom to share Your truth and love. Oh Lord, we want to be in heaven with You. May we participate in Your plan to heal all nations and may we be ready to meet You very soon. Keep us faithful no matter what may come our way, is our prayer. Amen.

Keys – Lukewarm! Me?

by

Out of curiosity, I decided to do a little research to find answers to the following questions:

  1. What is a cold and lifeless condition?
  2. What is it to be spiritually cold?
  3. What is it to be lukewarm?

I don’t know of anybody who considers themselves lukewarm, including me, but I was surprised at what I discovered.

“Some have fallen into a cold and lifeless condition spiritually because they are unfaithful servants.

  • The love of the world has filled their hearts
  • They have lost their relish for heavenly things
  • They have become dwarfs in spiritual attainments.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 669.

I thought upon these things for a little while and then decided to go a little further in my research. As I read the following, I really became heartsick, because I knew the majority of us fall into many of these categories, even though we do not want to admit it.

“Many who profess to be looking for the speedy coming of Christ are

  • Becoming conformed to this world and
  • Seek more earnestly the applause of those around them than the approbation of God.
  • They are cold and formal, like the nominal churches.” Early Writings, 107.

The devil does not care how he gets us, but he does it in a very sneaky way so that we do not notice until we are asleep.

“Love of self excludes the love of Christ. Those who live for self are ranged under the head of the Laodicean church who are lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into a selfish egotism. The love of Christ in the heart is expressed in the actions. If love for Christ is dull, the love for those for whom Christ has died will degenerate. There may be a wonderful appearance for zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-inflated religion. Christ represents them as nauseating to His taste.” Our High Calling, 348.

These things were eye-openers for me. I hope you are as concerned as I am for our spiritual condition for it is either for life or for death. Ask yourself: “Am I lukewarm?” “Am I in a cold, lifeless condition spiritually?” Be honest!

Heavenly Father: Thank You for warning us through these writings of our danger. We can slip away so gradually into Laodicean slumber pot without even realizing it until it will be too late. Please let the Holy Spirit arouse us from our slumbers that we may walk in step with You. Wake us up Lord! Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Stay Alert!

by

As I think of all the wonderful light we have received, my mind trails back to Balaam and Judas—both professed followers of our Lord. “Both Balaam and Judas had received great light and enjoyed special privileges, but a single cherished sin poisoned the entire character and caused their destruction.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 452. One single sin!

Is your heart single before the Lord?  Balaam and Judas lived double lives. They were not aware of the condition of their own hearts. The reality is, we do not know our own hearts! I often pray, “Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159.

Many times I have been driven to my corner in tears because I have fallen—the devil caught me off guard. If you are holding or cherishing anything – physically, mentally or spiritually that may be poisoning your character, get rid of it now, for to hang on to it is sure to cause your destruction.

“It is a perilous thing to allow an unchristian trait to live in the heart. One cherished sin will, little by little, debase the character, bringing all its nobler powers into subjection to the evil desire.

The removal of one safeguard from the conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, one neglect of the high claims of duty, breaks down the defenses of the soul and opens the way for Satan to come in and lead us astray. The only safe course is to let our prayers go forth daily from a sincere heart, as did David, ‘Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not’ (Psalm 17:5).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 452.

Watch out for the influences around you. “Their [the Israelites’] minds became familiar with the vile thoughts constantly suggested; their life of ease and inaction produced its demoralizing effect; and almost unconsciously to themselves they were departing from God and coming into a condition where they would fall an easy prey to temptation.” Ibid., 453, 454.

“At first there was little intercourse between the Israelites and their heathen neighbors, but after a time Midianitish women began to steal into the camp. Their appearance excited no alarm, and so quietly were their plans conducted that the attention of Moses was not called to the matter.” Ibid., 454.

Remember Solomon? “Little by little he gave way to inherited weakness, until he threw his influence wholly on the side of idolatry.” Conflict and Courage, 201.

It is the little things that grow into a destructive mass because that is Satan’s plan to destroy you. Please stay alert—time is too short! In fact, time is running out!

Oh Heavenly Father: Time is so short. Save us from the so-called little things which have come in to complicate our lives and destroy our spiritual life. You have shown us Satan’s plan of destruction. Please keep us from falling into that pit which he has laid for each one. Please help us to keep the door of our heart open to You only. Keep us alert! Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Separation

by

John the Baptist separated himself from home and friends. Why would he do such a thing? We are told:

“… it was necessary that he should form a character unbiased by any surrounding influence.

It was necessary that his physical, mental, and moral conditions should be of that high and noble type that would qualify him for a work which required firmness and integrity, that when he should appear among men he could enlighten them, and be instrumental in giving a new direction to their thoughts, and awakening them to the necessity of forming righteous characters.

John would bring the people up to the standard of divine perfection.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, 46.

Interestingly, John even “… denied himself of the ordinary comforts of life.” Ibid. In keeping apart from the world John had no bias, no favoritism, and no preferences. He truly walked with the Lord—nothing stole his heart except Jesus.

“It was his choice to be secluded from the luxuries of life, and from depraved society. Pride, envy, jealousy, and corrupt passions seemed to control the hearts of men. But John was separated from the influence of these things, and, with discerning eye and wonderful discrimination, read the characters of men. He lived in the quiet retreat of the wilderness, and occasionally he mingled in society; but would not remain long where the moral atmosphere seemed to be polluted. He feared that the sight of his eyes and the hearing of his ears would so pervert his mind that he would lose a sense of the sinfulness of sin.” Ibid.

Is that your fear? So many have lost a sense of the sinfulness of sin because the eyes have not looked away from evil and the hearing not sheltered. Many have seen evil so long and so often in their homes and in society that it has become normal. I hear people say, “Well, it is just a little thing.”

Is it “just a little thing” to lose the sense of sinfulness? That thought is totally of the devil, for he lost out on heaven and he wants you also to lose out. Separation means to disconnect or a parting of the ways. Are you parting from the ways of this world and from the ruler of this world? Remember: “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14).

Separate—get out of the whirlwind—don’t get caught in the midst. “And He said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place” (Mark 6:31).

Heavenly Father: How do I get out of the whirlwind of the world? Grant me of Thine Holy Spirit that I may separate from the whirlwind the devil has created in my life. Save me from the so-called luxuries of life that draw my heart away from You. Give me the courage to separate from anything which takes my heart or my mind from You. Thank You. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Exciting Times

by

As I read the Ascension story of Jesus to heaven and all the beings awaiting His arrival, my heart just sang for joy and I prayed that I may be accounted worthy to see the heavenly country and all its peoples.

When John the Revelator was given a vision of heaven, Revelation 4:2–6 says that God the Father was there along with 24 elders and 4 beasts and many angels in Revelation 5:11. Perhaps this was the scene that awaited our Saviour when He ascended to heaven.

“There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are cherubim and seraphim. The commanders of the angel hosts, the sons of God, the representatives of the unfallen worlds, are assembled. The heavenly council before which Lucifer had accused God and His Son, the representatives of those sinless realms over which Satan had thought to establish his dominion—all are there to welcome the Redeemer. They are eager to celebrate His triumph and to glorify their King.” The Desire of Ages, 832.

What a welcoming party for Jesus! “But He waves them back. … He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails. He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming. …

“The voice of God is heard proclaiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is vanquished. … The Father’s arms encircle His Son, and the word is given, ‘Let all the angels of God worship Him’ (Hebrews 1:6).” Ibid.

The celebration began! “With joy unutterable, rulers and principalities and powers acknowledge the supremacy of the Prince of life.

The angel host prostrate themselves before Him, while the glad shout fills all the courts of heaven, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing’ (Revelation 5:12).

Songs of triumph mingle with the music from angel harps, till heaven seems to overflow with joy and praise. Love has conquered. The lost is found.

Heaven rings with voices in lofty strains proclaiming, ‘Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever’ (Revelation 5:13).” Ibid.

I want to show that kind of love and honor also to the One who risked all to save mankind. We have the opportunity to meet all of these beings! Are you preparing for that day? We cannot afford to miss it!

Heavenly Father: Prepare our hearts at this moment and every moment up to the time of that wonderful second coming of Jesus to this earth. We want to join that heavenly ascension, to be welcomed into the heavenly country. What a day that will be. We thank You for the wonderful opportunity You have spread out before us. Please keep us faithful for that day. Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Spotted Garment

by

Are you bringing your offering/repentance to the door of the Most Holy Place so the spots on your garments may be removed?

“Day by day the repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle and,

  • placing his hand upon the victim’s head, confessed his sins,
  • thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice.
  • The animal was then slain. ‘Without shedding of blood’ (Hebrews 9:22), says the apostle [Paul], there is no remission of sin. ‘The life of the flesh is in the blood’ (Leviticus 17:11). The broken law of God demanded the life of the transgressor.
  • The blood, representing the forfeited life of the sinner, whose guilt the victim bore, was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed.
  • By this ceremony the sin was, through the blood, transferred in figure to the sanctuary. In some cases the blood was not taken into the holy place; but the flesh was then to be eaten by the priest, as Moses directed the sons of Aaron, saying: ‘God hath given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation’ (Leviticus 10:17). Both ceremonies alike symbolized the transfer of the sin from the penitent to the sanctuary.

“Such was the work that went on, day by day, throughout the year.” The Great Controversy, 418.

When we bow down before the Lord, confessing our sins, day by day, we are giving them to Jesus, the Lamb of God. Our sins, the broken law of God, demand our life, but Jesus took our sins upon Himself and died for each one of us. We are transferring our sins to the Lamb of God as was done in the Old Testament sanctuary.

Now we go directly to Jesus in the Most Holy Place and confess our sins. But we must not continue to sin and confess, sin and confess. We must turn away from sin. We are told to “Keep your garments unspotted from the world. Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. Temptations may be all around you, but you are not compelled to enter into them. You may obtain strength from Christ to stand unsullied amid the pollutions of this corrupt age.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 50.

It is time to stand, day by day, for right and turn away from the wrong. Probation will be closing sooner than we think. It is time to “keep our garments unspotted from the world.”

Our Father: You have asked us to keep our garments unspotted from the world. Give us the courage to stand amidst the world and not gather any spots. Time is too short to allow spots upon our garments and it would be terrible if probation were to close and the spots were not removed. Please keep us alert that we may not lose out on eternal life. Amen.

Keys – Are You Ready?

by

As I sit here thinking about the past few days, I ask myself, “Judy, are you really ready?” There are days so stressful when we are brought right up to the end of our string and we lose it. Have you ever felt like that or has that happened to you? I suppose it is only human, but we are told we must get past “losing it” or else we will never make it past the gates to the City of God. God says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) but I am sure many of you know how hard it is to “be still” at times under frustration.

All these things that happen in life happen for good to them that love the Lord. He is preparing us for the future conflict that will be so much more severe than we can ever imagine. Are you ready? Can you handle, in a Christ-like manner today, the battles you are facing?

“God calls upon His people to prepare themselves for scenes of severe conflict.

Take up your duties in a meek and lowly spirit.

Ever face your enemies in the strength of Jesus.

Discharge with faithfulness every duty.

“Realize that you must now obtain by daily conversion and humility an unquestioning trust in the One who has all power and who will not leave you to be destroyed. You may know Christ by personal experience. … In the trials of these last days Christ will be made unto His people wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. … They are to develop an experience that will be a convincing power in the world.” In Heavenly Places, 297.

I ask myself, Am I ready? Am I ready to let go of self that likes to bite back and rebel when things do not go the way I think they should? Oh, how hard it is to die to self! And Jesus tells us that the future conflict will be so much more severe than we can ever imagine. Are you ready?

I must learn right now to depend totally on the sufficiency of Jesus and so must you. Are you ready to give up self to Jesus? We must really believe that Christ is all-sufficient, faithful, and powerful.

“What wonderful lessons we shall learn as the result of depending constantly on the sufficiency of Christ. He who is learning these lessons need not depend on another’s experience. He has the witness in himself, and his experience is the actual knowledge that Christ is all-sufficient, faithful, and powerful. He has the realization of the promise, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). ‘God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able’ (1 Corinthians 10:13).” Ibid., 297.

Are you ready to give up self and let Jesus? Are you really ready?

Heavenly Father: I am so sorry I have taken the reigns of self and plowed right into the devil’s territory and left Jesus out. Please Lord, I submit my life to You. Give me strength to be still and know that Thou art my God and that You will take care of each situation. Help me to hide in Thee more and more, for self is so ugly when joined with rebellion and the devil.  Am I ready? Only Thou knowest! Help, Lord! Amen.

Keys to the Storehouse – Warning Signs

by

As I was washing dishes recently, I became aware of some deep scratches in my dishes. As I am a real health-nut and always concerned about lead and other impurities, the horror of the reality struck me that when hot food is placed on those plates or cups, dangerous metals can seep into the food and into our bodies, which can gradually cause health issues. We have had these dishes for many years and after inspecting every plate, bowl and cup and finding that all of them were scratched I discarded them and decided it was time for a change. I am very thankful that the Lord warned me and brought the danger to my attention.

When the Lord shows us danger in anything, it is the time to take a stand for the right and remove the item or stumbling blocks—right then. Do you choose life in all the areas of your home and in your life? Satan would love to destroy us by causing health issues. If he can do this through our food or housewares, he will do it.

Our God tells us through Joshua, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

This means we are to represent God in all areas of our lives, including the kitchen. He says, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13). Anything that may cause physical or spiritual life to wither and weaken must be thrown out or removed in one way or another.

A key to eternal life begins on this earth with our choices in the home. We are God’s children and as such we want to glorify Him in all areas of our life. Shun the wrong and choose the right, whether it be in the kitchen or in our choice of entertainment or clothing, before it overcomes us in one way or another. The moment by moment choices we make each day lead us either to eternal life or eternal death. Many times, the choices we make also affect other people for good or for bad.

We have been warned to keep our eyes and ears open. Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Devour means to consume destructively, demolish. Just think how many people believe all is well when in reality they are being destroyed or demolished by the devil, little by little.

Watch for the warning signs in your life and in your home and make a stand—no matter what.

Heavenly Father: We need more spiritual discernment in our lives and in our homes, for the devil is trying to destroy us in any way he can. Wake us up Lord. Alert us to the physical and spiritual dangers present in our homes before we or family members are harmed through our ignorance. Open our eyes to the warning signs around us. Protect us Lord. Thank You. Amen.

Keys – Bad Choices & Sad Consequences

by

As I sat mourning over the surgery which was coming up in two days, my heart went out to the lady who lived with us for six months. How we urged her to join us in our meals and worship. She would laugh at us because we did not eat and drink what she ate and drank. She chain smoked. We considered her part of our family even though she chose a lifestyle unlike ours. I would talk with her about the dangers of her health condition, the foods she was eating and her smoking.

She had already suffered with diabetes for several years and was on insulin. But she regulated her blood sugar with shots and candy. The doctor told her what kind of candy to eat and she had an insatiable appetite for those sweets. She loved donuts and cookies and would say she needed them to help her with her diabetes. She smoked all hours of the day and night, going through horrendous amounts of tobacco.

I always allowed her freedom of choice and we became good friends. When she had to move into a group home, she continued her usual diet. Then she got a little sore on her toe that would not heal. The doctors tried medicines for several months, which seemed to work for a time but then the infection came back with a vengeance.

Now as I sit here praying for her, Jesus’ words came to me: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem …” (Luke 13:34). My heart sank, knowing how often the Lord tries to warn us of consequences. How often I tried to warn her with no response—she honestly thought all was well. My heart broke, both for this young lady and for each of us. Do we honestly think all is well? What is it that blinds us to reality?

Now in two days her toe will be removed and I know that this is just the beginning because her body will really be weakened and the infections will continue. More and more of her body parts will be removed because she does not have the willpower to turn from her cravings. Pray for her.

My sisters and brothers, now is the time to turn away from this world and walk in the narrow way with Jesus. We will see many along the way who make bad choices and have no courage or even a desire to change. Bad choices kill. Our Lord says, “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13).

So, my heart cries over the bad choices and inevitable sad consequences made by loved ones – if only they could realize there is a better way.

Heavenly Father: Our hearts just weep over family and friends who choose not to follow the better way. Oh how Jesus must weep over us when we choose another road. So much heartache on this earth and we know it will only get worse. Give us the heart to continue to reach out and warn them even though warnings may not be received. Have mercy on the souls that are caught in the snares of the devil. Keep us strong in our walk with You continually. Amen.