Cleansing the Mind

The only safeguard against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the mind through faith in His righteousness. It is because selfishness exists in our souls that temptation has power over us.

But, when we see the great love of God, selfishness appears to us in its hideous and repulsive character, and we desire to have it expelled from the soul.

As the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ, our hearts are softened and subdued, the temptation loses its power, and the grace of Christ transforms the character.

Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p 118, E G White

We are on Trial

We should never forget that we are placed on trial in this world, to determine our fitness for (Heaven).  None can enter Heaven whose characters are defiled by the foul blot of selfishness.

Therefore, God tests us here, by committing to us (earthly) possessions, that our
use of these may show whether we can be trusted with eternal riches.

Counsels on Stewardship, 22, e g white

Your Greatest Desire...

Have you determined to be rich? Then let these words in Matthew chapter six impress your heart and direct your life. They will teach you to be content, and to yield your will to the control of the Holy Spirit. You will not then be elbowing (back-stabbing)your fellow-worker that you may make room for your plans.

But your greatest desire will be to work in just the place that God has assigned you, and where He can look upon you with approval.

An Appeal for Unity and Confidence, pamphlet 14, p 13, Ellen G White

WATCH !!

Before the Flood .

... for seven days the people, knowing not that their doom was fixed, continued their careless, pleasure-loving life and mocked the warnings of impending judgment. "So," says the Savior, "shall also the coming of the Son of Man be." Matthew 24:39.

"Watch...lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping." Mark 13:35, 36.

Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world.

While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of [money];
while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence;
while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments
- it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence:
 "You are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting." Daniel 5:27

Selections from The Great Controversy, p 491, E G White

Encouragement

If there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any sharing of the Spirit, any warmth of affection and deep sympathy, then complete my happiness by being united in thought, love and agreement. Never act from motives of selfishness or conceit, but in humility think more of others than you do of yourself. [Put others first!] Look after the interests of others, as well as yourself.


Do all you have to do without complaining or arguing, so that you may be God's child: blameless, innocent, ...in the middle of an evil and warped world, but shining like a beacon in a dark place holding out the Word of Life to others. Thus you will be my pride and joy on the day when Jesus returns, proof that I did not.... work in vain. Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice! Let your faith shine before all men. The Lord is near!

Excerpts from Philippians chapter 2

The coming of Jesus is not just talk - its close. Choose Jesus now!