belovedgeliebt.files.wordpress.com · Web viewShortly afterwards, I was convicted tremendously. I...

Beyond the FieldsBeyond the Fields of Greenof Green

Written by Melanie Feathers(August 2001 – May 2002)

Beyond the Fields of Green

Dedication

This book is dedicated to God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit

2


Forward

Everyone loves a love story. Our testimonies can show the love God has for humankind. I desire to share this so I may testify of God’s goodness and His power of redemption.

This booklet is different from the rest of those I have already written. Similar to the rest, I wrote this in a diary format (dates and or the time of day). However, I fell to create chapters so the booklet is a never-ending flow of reflections. In addition, I have several Ellen G. White quotes (i.e. “COL” is “Christ’s Object Lessons”).

May this be an inspiration to those who are struggling where I once had struggled. May those who are not struggling continue to embrace the cross. This is my prayer.

- Melanie Hubbard(July 4, 2015)

3


August 19, 2001

“He promised me a life that is far more intense than any novel that I could ever write. I

tremble as I think of it…” – Self quote from an unknown source (possibly from “Women to

Women Ministries” newsletter)

“As I look back on this road I’ve traveled, I see so many times He’d carried me through.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned in my life is my Redeemer is faithful and true” – Christian

Berdahl’s A Vision of Heaven album (from the song “My Redeemer is Faithful and True”)

Shortly afterwards, I was convicted tremendously. I doubted not that God had this desire

for my life. Even though my own desire, shortly beforehand, was to choose death rather than life.

I was determined to give God a try.

TRY HIM

Try HimAnd you will seeJoy comes from

Following the KingHe’s faithful

To keep you from fallingHe loves you

My friendSo stretch out your hand

Surrender your willTo Him

Watch HimProtect youWatch HimGuide you

If you will onlyGive your heart

To HimIf you will only

Try Him

Soon after I gave my heart to God, I found out that my old master didn’t want to give up

real easy. I was soon afterwards afflicted. My faith was being tried.

“Why would God accept you?” were the questions the Accuser of the Brethren used to

test me. Nevertheless, I knew that Jesus loved me. For the Bible tells me so.

4


DOUBT NOT HIS LOVE

Doubt not the love He hasFor youFor His loveIs stronger than deathBelieve thatHe died to save thoseWho are lost Trust in His wordTodayBe comfortedMy friendFor He loves youCome unto HimAnd He will give you restGrasp His handDon’t doubt His loveTake one step forwardAnd follow Him

As I lay on this bed, I cried. For the pain was so great to bear. I found comfort knowing

that Jesus knew the pain that I was going through. For “surely he hath borne out griefs, and

carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4).

My relationship with my loving Saviour blossomed while I was in such a horizontal state.

It was truly wonderful. Since I prayed a familiar prayer that Ellen prayed, I find myself

becoming quite ill when I am in trouble of falling back to my original state. Therefore, I am

reminded of this experience continually. There is not one doubt in my mind that God hasn’t the

power to save those who just simply ask to be saved. All we have to simply say to Him is this:

“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” (COL

159).

August 24, 2001

“Lord, save us: we perish.” Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. (DA 335)

5


Those who stand for the right shall suffer persecution. “…Amen. Even so, come, Lord

Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).

August 25, 2001

During this time, I behold Christ (Isaiah 52:13). My test—a test of faith—seemed more

than I could bear. Nevertheless, I claimed the promise that I can do all things through Christ

which strengthenth me (Philippians 4:13). God promises us to keep those whose mind is stayed

on him. That person will have perfect peace—because he trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3).

For those who are weak, God promises to make them strong. We must behold Christ!

Like the children of Israelites beheld the brazen serpent. Those that looked upon it, he lived

(Numbers 21:4-9). Otherwise, because they were bitten by the fiery serpents, they would die. We

have all been bitten spiritually by the Serpent (the Devil). The only cure for the poisonous bite is

Christ.

“While the sinner cannot save himself, he still has something to do to secure salvation.

‘Him that cometh to Me,’ says Christ, ‘I will in no wise cast out.’ John 6:37. But we must come

to Him; and when we repent of our sins, we must believe that He accepts and pardon us. Faith is

the gift of God, but the power to exercise it is ours. Faith is the hand by which the soul takes hold

upon the divine offers of grace and mercy.” (PP 431).

August 26, 2001

“Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

By beholding the cross, we see the love of God. His love drew me closer to Himself. By

not resisting that drawing, it led me to the foot of the cross—to repent for the sins that had

crucified our loving Saviour.

After we repent, then God (we must believe this by faith) produces a new life in the soul.

The thoughts and desires are changed into the likeness of Christ. They are brought into

obedience to His will. The heart and mind are created anew. Then, the law of God is written in

the mind and heart. We can say Psalms 40:8 with Christ (thoughts gathered from DA 176).

6


August 27, 2001

AS A CHILD, SOLDIER, AND GARDENER

As a child starts learning her abc’sShe has faith that her teacher is trueNever knowing such knowledgeOr words beforeShe has faith that her teacher is true

As a soldier goes to battleAs he prepares for warHe gives his all to the fightHe is sure for what he’s fighting for

As a gardener goes to plantNot knowing what’s in storeThey believe that the seed will growWhat the manufacture had written before

As a faithful servantPrepares for warNot knowing what’s in storeHe gives his all to the fightHe is sure for what he’s fighting forPlacing faith within other heartsHe believes that the seed will growTrusting in His Father’s handThey have faith that their teacher is true

August 29, 2001

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues” (Psalms

119:71).

During my times of affliction, I learned to go with God. After my days of affliction were

over, I was able to witness for God in a mighty way.

“I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted

me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy

servant. Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live; for thy law is my delight” (Psalms

119:75-77).

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1

Thessalonians 5:18).

7


September 1, 2001

TRUST

“While with penitence and humble trust we meditate upon Jesus, whom our sins have

pierced and our sorrows have burdened, we may learn to walk in His footsteps. By beholding

Him we become changed into His divine likeness. And when this work is wrought in us, we shall

claim no righteousness of our own, but shall exalt Jesus Christ, while we hang our helpless souls

upon His merits” (SL 8).October 1, 2001

“There is a great work to be done in our world, and God has a plan just for you. He has a

place for you to work and, though it seems to be ever so insignificant, if you will fill it to the best

of your ability, ever trusting in Him for help, He will approve. Psalms 146:9” (Natural Remedies

Encyclopedia, p. 231).

“We do not always consider that the sanctification we so earnestly desire and for which

we pray so earnestly is brought about through the truth and, by the providence of God, in a

manner we least expect. When we look for joy, behold there is sorrow. When we expect peace,

we frequently have distrust and doubt, because we find ourselves plunged into trials we cannot

avoid. In these trials we are having the answers to our prayers. In order, for us to be purified, the

fire of affliction must kindle upon us, and our will must be brought into conformity to the will

God” (OHC 313).

“When the Lord gives us a work to do, let us not stop to inquire into the reasonableness

of the command or the probable result of our efforts to obey it. The supply in our hands may

seem to fall far short of our needs; but in the hands of the Lord it will be more than sufficient.

The servitor ‘set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the

Lord’ ” (6T 466).

“Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.” “Some

trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God”

(Psalms 146:3; 20:7).

8


October 10, 2001

Let us constantly review our previous experiences that we had with the LORD (on a

personal basis). By replaying the past situations and realizing that those trialsome times was a

part of character building, surely it will strengthen us. Let us continue to press toward the mark

for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Count all the things that you must give up, in order to obtain Christ, as dung. All the test

and trials and mockery are nothing as well. Compare it all to eternity—a life with our Beloved

Saviour. What can be more precious than this?

Forget your pass life (the one that you experienced without God). Remember how the

LORD saved you. Remember how He showed His love towards you. Reach out for the things

that are before you—the blessed hope. Look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is able to

subdue all things unto himself.

Remember that God shall supply all of your needs. He that began a good work in you will

be faithful to complete it. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good

pleasure (see Philippians).

December 3, 2001

“In summer, as we look upon the trees of green, we may not be able to distinguish

between the evergreens and the other trees. But as winter approaches, and the frost king encloses

them in his icy embrace, stripping the other trees of their beautiful foliage, the evergreens are

readily discerned. Thus it will be with all who are walking in humility, distrustful of self, but

clinging tremblingly to the hand of Christ. While those who are self-confident, and trust in their

own perfection of character, lose their false robe of righteousness when subjected to the storms

of trial, the truly righteous, who sincerely love and fear God, wear the robe of Christ’s

righteousness in prosperity and adversity alike.

Self-denial, self-sacrifice, benevolence, kindness, and Christian trust are the daily fruits

borne by those who are truly connected with God. Their acts may not be published to the world,

but they themselves are daily wrestling with evil, and gaining precious victories over temptation

and wrong. Solemn vows are renewed, and kept through the strength gained by earnest prayer

and constant watching thereunto. The ardent enthusiast does not discern the struggles of these

silent workers; but the eye of Him who seeth the secrets of the heart, notices and regards with

approval every effort put forth in lowliness and meekness. It requires the testing time to reveal

9


the pure gold of love and faith in the character. When trials and perplexities come upon the

church, then the steadfast zeal and warm affections of Christ’s true followers are developed.

We feel sad to see professed Christians led astray by the false and bewitching theory that

they are perfect, because it is so difficult to undeceive them and lead them into the right path.

They have sought to make the exterior fair and pleasing, while the inward adorning, the

meekness and lowliness of Christ, is wanting. The testing time will come to all, when the hopes

of many who have for years thought themselves secure, will be seen to be without foundation.

When in new positions, under varied circumstances, some who have seemed to be pillars in the

house of God reveal only rotten timber beneath the paint and varnish. But the humble in heart,

who have daily felt the importance of riveting their souls to the eternal Rock, will stand unmoved

amid the tempests of trial, because they trusted not to themselves. “The foundation of God

standeth sure, having the seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his” (2 Timothy 2:19) (SL 11, 12).

December 5, 2001

PRESSING TOWARDS THE MARK

“It is not the open and avowed enemies of the cause of God that are most to be feared. Those

who, like the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin [the Samaritans, see p. 567], come with smooth

words and fair speeches, apparently seeking for friendly alliance with God’s children, have

greater power to deceive. Against such every soul should be on the alert, lest some carefully

concealed and masterly snare take him unaware. And especially today, while earth’s history is

closing, the Lord requires of His children a vigilance that knows no relaxation. But though the

conflict is a ceaseless one, none are left to struggle alone. Angels help and protect those who

walk humbly before God. Never will our Lord betray one who trusts in Him. As His children

draw near to Him for protection from evil, in pity and love He lifts up for them a standard against

the enemy. Touch them not, He says; for they are Mine. I have graven them upon the palms of

My hands” (PK 570, 571).

December 8, 2001

“Christ gave Himself willingly and cheerfully to the carrying out of the will of God. He

became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. In view of all that He has done, should

we feel it a hardship to deny self? Shall we draw back from being partakers of Christ’s

sufferings? His death ought to stir every fiber of our beings, making us willing to consecrate to

10


His work all that we have and are. As we think of all that He has done for us, our hearts should

be filled with gratitude and love, and we should renounce all selfishness. What duty could the

heart refuse to perform under the constraining influence of the love of Christ?” (9T 54)

July 28, 1999

AS THE DEER

[Notes: “ ” are by Melanie Feathers]

“All alone“Reaching for my brother“Even though I know you’re there“You alone“Are my heart’s desire“You showed me how to love and care”

Chorus:You alone are my strength and shieldTo you alone may my spirit yieldYou alone are my heart’s desire and I long to worship Thee

As the deerPanteth for the waterSo my soul longeth after yeYou aloneAre my heart’s desireAnd I long to worship Thee

(Chorus)

You’re my friendAnd you are my brotherEven though you are a kingI love youMore than any otherSo much more than anything

(Chorus)

And I long to worship Thee

11


December 19, 2001

“Meekness in the school of Christ is one of the marked fruits of the Spirit. It is a grace

wrought by the Holy Spirit as a sanctifier, and enables its possessor at all times to control a rash

and impetuous temper. When the grace of meekness is cherished by those who are naturally sour

or hasty in disposition, they will put forth the most earnest efforts to subdue their unhappy

temper. Every day they will gain self-control, until that which is unlovely and unlike Jesus is

conquered. They become assimilated to the Divine Pattern, until they can obey the inspired

injunction, ‘Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath’ (James 1:19)” (SL 15, 16).

“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

December 20, 2001

“What can we say to arouse those who profess to be the followers of Christ, to a sense of

the solemn responsibilities resting upon them? Is there no voice that shall arouse them to work

while the day lasts? Our divine Master gave His life for a ruined world. Who will deny self, and

make some sacrifice to save souls for whom He died?

“In every act of life, Christians should seek to represent Christ—seek to make His service

appear attractive. Let none make religion repulsive by groans and sighs and a relation of their

trials, their self-denials, and sacrifices. Do not give the lie to your profession of faith by

impatience, fretfulness, and repining. Let the graces of the Spirit be manifested in kindness,

meekness, forbearance, cheerfulness, and love. Let it be seen that the love of Christ is an abiding

motive, that your religion is not a dress to be put off and on to suit circumstances, but a principle,

calm, steady, unvarying. Alas that pride, unbelief, and selfishness, like a foul cancer, are eating

out vital godliness from the heart of many a profound Christian!...

“Love to Jesus will be seen, will be felt. It cannot be hidden. It exerts a wondrous power.

It makes the timid bold, the slothful diligent, the ignorant wise. It makes the stammering tongue

eloquent, and rouses the dormant intellect into new life and vigor. It makes the desponding

hopeful, the gloomy joyous. Love to Christ will lead its possessor to accept responsibilities for

His sake, and to bear them in His strength. Love to Christ will not be dismayed by tribulation,

nor turned aside from duty by reproaches…

“Peace in Christ is of more value than all the treasures of earth. Let us see the Lord with

all our heart, let us learn of Christ to be meek and lowly, that we may find rest of soul. Let us

12


arouse our dormant energies, and become active, earnest, fervent. The very example and

deportment, as well as the worth, of the Christian should be such as to awaken in the sinner a

desire to come to the fountain of life.

“Then let us open our hearts to the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Let us work

cheerfully, joyfully, in the service of our Master. Let us praise Him, not only by our words in the

congregation of His saints, but by a well-ordered life and godly conversation—a life of active,

noble Christian effort let us give diligence to make our calling and election sure, remembering

that we shall triumph at last, if we do not become weary in well doing” (Signs of the Times 6-24-

1886; Reflecting Christ, p. 368, December 20).

December 24, 2001

UP AND ON

Out of the darkness into the light,Master, my soul, with pinions white;Out of dishonor, and sin, and shame,Into the purity whence you cameOut of continual worry and strife;Out of contentions that never cease,Into the hope of a better life,Into the hope of perfect peace.

Thus I command thee, soul of mine!O that the will to do were thine“The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak;The strength of Jehovah you must seek.Body and soul together, rise.Body and soul together fly,Together run for the heavenly prize,Or together faint, and sink, and die.

Out of the darkness into the light,Upward, my soul! exert thy might;Nerve, and muscle, and heart, and brain,Come to the rescue or all is vain.Out of the heavens, O God look down!Help, for I fain would come to thee;Help, that I win the victor’s crown;Help, that my heart be true to me.

- Mrs. S.M.I. Henry

13


December 28, 2001

“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17).

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building”

(1 Corinthians 3:9).

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength”

(Isaiah 40:29).

“I have been young, and now am old: yet have I not seen the righteousness forsaken, nor

his seed begging bread” (Psalms 37:25).

“The Lord will work for all who put their trust in Him. Precious victories will be gained

by the faithful. Precious lessons will be learned. Precious experiences will be realized.

“Our heavenly Father is never unmindful of those whom sorrow has touched. When

David went up the Mount Olivet, ‘and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he

went barefoot’ (2 Samuel 15:30), the Lord was looking pityingly upon him. David was clothed in

sackcloth, and his conscience was scouring him. The outward signs of humiliation testified of his

contrition. In tearful, heartbroken utterances he presented his case to God, and the Lord did not

forsake His servant. Never was David dearer to the heart of Infinite Love than when, conscience-

smitten, he fled for his life from his enemies, who had been stirred to rebellion by his own son.

The Lord says, ‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent’

(Revelation 3:19). Christ lifts up the contrite heart and refines the mourning soul until it becomes

His abode.

“But when tribulation comes upon us, how many of us are like Jacob! We think it the

hand of an enemy; and in the darkness we wrestle blindly until our strength is spent, and we find

no comfort or deliverance. To Jacob the divine touch at break of day revealed the One with

whom he had been contending—the Angel of the covenant, and, weeping and helpless, he fell

upon the breast of Infinite Love, to receive the blessing for which his soul longed. We also need

to learn that trials mean benefit, and not to despise the chastening of the Lord nor faint when we

are rebuked of Him” (MB 11).

14


“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his

friend” (Prov. 22:11, RSV).

“Into the City of God there will enter nothing that defiles. All who are to be dwellers

there will here have become pure in heart. In one who is learning of Jesus, there will be manifest

a growing distaste for careless manners, unseemly language, and coarse thought. When Christ

abides in the heart, there will be purity and refinement of thought and manner.

“But the words of Jesus, ‘Blessed are the pure in heart,’ have a deeper meaning—not

merely pure in the sense in which the world understands purity, free from that which is sensual,

pure from lust, but true in the hidden purposes and motives of the soul, free from pride and self-

seeking, humble, unselfish, childlike. …

“To hearts that have become purified through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all is

changed. These can know God. Moses was hid in the cleft of the rock when the glory of the Lord

was revealed to him; and it is when we are hid in Christ that we behold the love of God.

“ ‘He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend’

(Proverbs 22:11). By faith we behold Him here and now. In our daily experience we discern His

goodness and compassion in the manifestation of His providence. … The pure in heart see God

in a new and endearing relation, as their Redeemer; and while they discern the purity and

loveliness of His character, they long to reflect His image. They see Him as a Father longing to

embrace a repenting son, and their hearts are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

“The pure in heart discern the Creator in the works of His mighty hand, in the things of

beauty that comprise the universe. In His Written Word they read in clearer lines the revelation

of His mercy, His goodness, and His grace. …

“The beauty and preciousness of truth, which are undiscerned by the wordly-wise, and

constantly unfolding to those who have a trusting, childlike desire to know and to do the will of

God. We discern the truth by becoming, ourselves, partakers of the divine nature.

“The pure in heart live as in the visible presence of God during the time He apportions

them in this world. And they will also see Him face to face in the future, immortal state, as did

Adam when he walked and talked with God in Eden. ‘Now we see through a glass, darkly; but

then face to face’ 1 Cor. 13:12” (MB 24-27; Reflecting Christ, p. 378, December 30).

15


“A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under

a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:14,

15).

“ ‘Ye are the light of the world,’ said Christ to His disciples. As the sun goes forth in the

heavens, dispelling the shades of night, and filling the world with brightness, so must the

followers of Jesus let their light shine to dispel the moral darkness of a world lying in sin. But

they have no light of themselves; it is the light of heaven which they are to reflect to the world.

“ ‘A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.’ Our thoughts and purposes are the secret

springs of action, and hence determine the character. The purpose formed in the heart need not

be expressed in word or deed in order to make it sin, and bring the soul into condemnation.

Every thought, feeling, and inclination, though unseen by men, is discerned by the eye of God.

But it is only when the evil that has taken root in the heart reaches its fruition in the unlawful

word or deed that man can judge the character of his fellowman.

“The Christian is Christ’s representative. He is to show to the world the transforming

power of divine grace. He is a living epistle of the truth of God, known and read of all men. The

rule given by Christ by which to determine who are His true followers is, ‘By their fruits ye shall

know them.’ …

“The Christian’s godly life and holy conversation are a daily testimony against sin and

sinners. But he must present Christ, not self. Christ is the great remedy for sin. Our

compassionate Redeemer has provided for us the help we need. He is waiting to impute His

righteousness to the sincere penitent, and to kindle in his heart such divine love as only our

gracious Redeemer can inspire. Then let us who profess to be His witnesses on earth, His

ambassadors from the court of heaven, glorify Him whom we represent, by being faithful to our

trust as light bearers to the world.

“Everyone who at last secures eternal life will here manifest zeal and devotion in the

service of God. He will not desert the past of duty at the approach of trial, hardship, or reproach.

He will be a diligent student of the Scriptures, and will follow the light as it shines upon his

pathway. When some plain, scriptural requirement is presented be will not stop to inquire, What

will my friends say, if I take my position with the people of God? Knowing his duty, he will do it

heartily and fearlessly.

16


“Of such truehearted followers Jesus declares that He is not ashamed to call them

brethren. The God of truth will be on their side, and will never forsake them. All apparent losses

for Christ’s sake will count to them as infinite gain” (ST 3-25-1886; Reflecting Christ, p. 379,

December 31).

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his

will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have

the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14, 15).

“Christ favorite theme was the paternal character and abundant love of God. This

knowledge of God was Christ own gift to men and this gift, He has committed to His people to

be communicated by them to the world!” (6T 55)

“… Peace be still. … Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:39,

40)

December 31, 2001

“He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait

upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall

run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31).

January 1, 2002

“… Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36)

January 3, 2002

“The Lord has a great work to be done in our world. To every man He has given His

word for man to do. But man is not to make man his guide, lest he be led astray; this is always

unsafe. While Bible religion embodies the principles of activity in service, at the same time there

is the necessity of asking for wisdom daily from the source of all wisdom. What was Joshua’s

victory? Thou shalt meditate upon the Word of God day and night. The word of the Lord came to

17


Joshua just before he passed over Jordan. … [Joshua 1:7, 8 quoted]. This was the secret of

Joshua’s victory He made God his Guide” (Letter 188, 1901).

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the

way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD;

and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of

water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he

doeth shall prosper” (Psalms 1:1-3).

January 4, 2002

“VISION, The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

- Eleanor Roosevelt

February 26, 2002

TO KNOW HIM

In order to understand what is comprehended in the work of education, consider:

1) The Nature of Man

a. “God created man in His own image” (Gen. 1:27).

2) The Purpose of God in Creating Man

a. “The longer man lived, the more fully he should reveal [God’s] image—the more fully

reflect the glory of the Creator” (ED 15)

b. Man was to study the “wondrous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge” (Job

37:16)

Throughout eternal ages he would have continued to gain new treasures of

knowledge, to discover fresh springs of happiness…

3) The Change in Man’s Condition Through the Coming in of a Knowledge of Evil

a. By disobedience, the previous points were forfeited

b. The divine likeness was marred and well-nigh obliterated

c. Man’s physical powers were weakened, his mental capacity was lessened, his spiritual

vision dimmed

d. Man became subjected to death

4) God’s Plan for Still Fulfilling His Glorious Purpose in the Education of the Human Race

18


a. Plan of salvation

b. The works of redemption; the object of education and life

To restore the image of God

To bring man back to perfection

To promote the development of body, mind, and soul

That the divine purpose in his creation might be realized

Part of God’s plan is for the divine purpose in His creation might be realized. In other words, He

desires for us to understand the purpose of man being created (ED 14, 15).

February 27, 2002

“Acquaint now thyself with him [that is, God], and be at peace: thereby good shall come

unto thee…” (Job 22:21-29)

“A knowledge of God is the foundation of all true education and of all true service. It is

the only real safeguard against temptation. It is this alone that can make us like God in character.

“This is the knowledge needed by all who are working for the uplifting of their fellow

men. Transformation of character, purity of life, efficiency in service, adherence to correct

principles, all depend upon a right knowledge of God. This knowledge is the essential

preparation both for this life and for the life to come.

“We need to study the revelations of Himself that God has given” (MH 409, 410).

“The work of creation cannot be explained by science. What science can explain the

mystery of life?” (MH 414)

“In the creation of man was manifest the agency of a personal God. When God had made

man in His image, the human form was perfect in all its arrangements, but it was without life.

Then a personal, self-existing God breathed into that form the breath of life, and man became a

living, intelligent being. All parts of the human organism were set in action. The heart, the

arteries, the veins, the tongue, the hands, the feet, the senses, the faculties of the mind, all began

their work, and all were placed under law. Man became a living soul. Through Christ the Word,

a personal God created man and endowed him with intelligence and power. …

19


“Above all lower orders of being, God designed that man, the crowing work of His

creation, should express His thought and reveal His glory. But man is not to exalt himself as

God” (MH 414, 415).

“We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for receiving spiritual

refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will

do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same

position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past

experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God.

“Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. On the night of the

agony in Gethsemane, the sleeping disciples heard not the voice of Jesus. They had a dim sense

of the angels’ presence, but lost the power and glory of the scene. Because of their drowsiness

and stupor they failed of receiving the evidence that would have strengthened their souls for the

terrible scenes before them. Thus today the very men who most need divine instruction often fail

of receiving it, because they do not place themselves in communion with heaven.

“The temptation to which we are daily exposed make prayer a necessity. Dangers beset

every path. Those who are seeking to rescue others from vice and ruin are especially exposed to

temptation. In constant contact with evil, they need a strong hold upon God lest they themselves

be corrupted, short and decisive are the steps that lead men down from high and holy ground to a

low level. In a moment decision may be made that fix one’s condition forever. One failure to

overcome leaves the soul unguarded. One evil habit, if not firmly resisted, will strengthen into

chains of steel, binding the whole man.

“The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of temptation is that they do

not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken,

our defense is departed from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable you

to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your petitions must not be faint,

occasional, and fitful, but earnest, preserving, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow

upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are

alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be

continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every

breath be a prayer.

20


“As workers for God we must reach men where they are, surrounded with darkness,

sunken in vice, and stained with corruption. But while we stay our minds upon Him who is our

sun and our shield, the evil that surrounds us will not bring one stain upon our garments. As we

work to save the souls that are ready to perish we shall not be put to shame if we make God our

trust. Christ in this heart, Christ in the life, this is our safety. The atmosphere of His presence will

fill the soul with abhorrence of all that is evil. Our spirit may be so identified with His that in

thought and aim we shall be one with Him.

“It was through faith and prayer that Jacob, from being a man of feebleness and sin,

became a prince with God. It is thus that you may become men and women of high and holy

purpose, of noble life, mean and women who will not for any consideration be swayed from

truth, right, and justice. All are pressed with urgent cares, burdens, and duties, but the more

difficult your position and the heavier your burdens, the more you need Jesus.

“It is a serious mistake to neglect the public worship of God. The privileges of divine

service should not be lightly regarded. Those who attend upon the sick are often unable to avail

themselves of these privileges, but they should be careful not to absent themselves needlessly

from the house of worship.

“In ministering to the sick, more than in any merely secular business, success depends on

the spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice with which the work is done. Those who bear

responsibilities need to place themselves where they will be deeply impressed by the Spirit of

God. You should have as much greater anxiety than do others for the aid of the Holy Spirit and

for a knowledge of God as your position of trust is more responsible than that of others.

“Nothing is more needed in our work than the practical results of communion with God.

We should show by our daily lives that we have peace and rest in the Saviour. His peace in the

heart will shine forth in the countenance. It will give to the voice a persuasive power.

Communion with God will ennoble the character and the life. Men will take knowledge of us, as

of the first disciples, that we have been with Jesus. This will impart to the worker a power that

nothing else can give. Of this power he must not allow himself to be deprived.

“We must live a twofold life—a life of thought and action, of silent prayer and earnest

work. The strength received through communion with God, united with earnest effort in training

the mind to thoughtfulness and care-taking, prepares one for daily duties and keeps the spirit in

peace under all circumstances, however trying” (MH 509-512).

21


March 10, 2002

“O how many lose the richest blessings that God has in store for them in health and

spiritual endowments! There are many souls who wrestle for special victories and special

blessings that they may do some great thing. To this end they are always feeling that they must

make an agonizing struggle in prayer to know the expressed will of God, and then do His will

from the heart without one reservation or self-indulgence, they will find rest. All the agonizing,

all the tears and struggles, will not bring them the blessing they long for. Self must be entirely

surrendered. They must do the work that presents itself, appropriating the abundance of the grace

of God which is promised to all who ask in faith.

“ ‘If any man will come after Me,’ said Jesus, ‘let him deny himself, and take up his cross

daily, and follow Me! Luke 9:23. Let us follow the Saviour in His simplicity and self-denial. Let

us lift up the Man of Calvary by work and by holy living. The Saviour comes very near to those

who consecrate themselves to God. If ever there was a time when we needed the working of the

Spirit of God upon our hearts and lives, it is now. Let us lay hold of this divine power for

strength to live a life of holiness and self-surrender.” (1909, 9T p. 165, 166).

March 16, 2002

“We must have less trust in what we ourselves can do, and more trust in what the Lord

can do for and through us. You are not engaged in your own work: you are doing the work of

God. Surrender your will and way to Him. Make not a single reserve, not a single compromise

with self. Know what it is to be free in Christ. …

“As you ask the Lord to help you, honor your Saviour by believing that you do receive

His blessing. All power, all wisdom, are at our command. We have only to ask.

“Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then

you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His

love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God

imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible”

(MH 513, 514).

22


March 29, 2002

Received from Zita Kovacs:

“My relationship with Jesus Christ, is a marriage with my Maker and Husband. It is said

in a marriage that two become one flesh, and so have my Saviour and I, for ‘He also Himself

likewise took part in the same becoming flesh of my flesh and bone of my bone. Therefore I

must deny myself, take up my cross daily and follow Him whithersoever He goeth. So I reckon

myself dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through our Lord Jesus Christ. As I have

therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so I walk in Him. My Saviour patiently listens to me,

and I have found it a delightful blessing to be still and know that He is God, all throughout my

day. He bids me daily to look deeper into His wonderful face, though through a glass darkly, He

tells me soon it will be face to face. As I look, He reminds me that I am my Beloved’s, and His

desire is for me. Because of His love for me, I ask Him to make me a blessing to other, that they

too may be set free in His truth and love forever more. Christ reminds me daily that I am not my

own, but rather one with Him. He comforts me that He will never leave me nor forsake me, for

He is with me always even to the end of the world. For this is the will of God, even your

sanctification that you should abstain from fornication. His will is that I am sanctified. Jesus has

promised that He is able to keep me from falling, and to present me faultless before the presence

of His glory with exceeding joy. Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord

Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calleth you who also will do it.”

April 25, 2002

EMBRACE THE CROSS

BEYOND THE FIELDS OF GREEN

Beyond the fields of greenLeaving calamity

I see the lowly Jesus nowGazing upon me

I hear His voice so dearHe whispers in my ear

He tells me of the power of loveThe grave could not hold Him…

-Melanie Feathers

23


May 9, 2002

“O tried, tempted soul, remember that He who suffered in Gethsemane is your Saviour.

He is touched with the feeling of your infirmities; for He was ‘in all points tempted like as we

are.’ Because of this, ‘He is able to succor them that are tempted.’ He was made perfect through

suffering. He is watching over your, trembling child of God. Are you tempted? He will deliver.

Are you weak? He will strengthen. Are you ignorant? He will enlighten. ‘He healeth the broken

in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.’ Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case

before the Lord. Your Spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be opened for you to

disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you

know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength” (ST 1-15-1902).

April 28, 2002

BEYOND THE FIELDS OF GREEN

(continued)… Though it was long agoHis love, it still doth show

May 22, 2002… And yet, I’m sureThose who endure

Will meet HimFace to Face.

-Melanie Feathers

Fin(Finish)

24

Date post:	23-Aug-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	0 times
Download:	0 times

belovedgeliebt.files.wordpress.com · Web viewShortly afterwards, I was convicted tremendously. I...

Documents