Christ our friend / The Best Friend You Can Have

Nothing in this world, no earthly favors or enjoyments, can take the place of the presence and
favor of God. Without Him as our friend and portion, we are indeed alone. We may have many
other friends, but they can never be to us what Christ is. This Day with God 153.2

Do not neglect yourself

We must not be so earnest in our efforts to set others right that we shall neglect our own
souls. We need not be so zealous for our brethren and in this zeal neglect the work that needs
to be done for ourselves. Another’s wrong will not make our cases any nearer right. There is an
individual work to be done for ourselves, which we should in no wise neglect.... This Day with
God pg. 83.4

I fell because of praise

We need to shun everything that would encourage pride and self-sufficiency; therefore we
should beware of giving or receiving flattery or praise. It is Satan’s work to flatter. He deals in
flattery as well as in accusing and condemnation. Thus he seeks to work the ruin of the soul.
Those who give praise to men are used by Satan as his agents. Let the workers for Christ direct
every word of praise away from themselves. Let self be put out of sight. Christ alone is to be
exalted. Christ Object Lesson pg. 161.2

Jesus said, “I do not receive honor from men.” (John 5:41)

SDAH 570 - Not I, but Christ, be honoured, loved, exalted; Not I, but Christ, be seen, be known,
be heard; Not I, but Christ, in every look and action, Not I, but Christ, in every thought and
word.

And It Was Night / Courting in the night

John 13:30, “Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was
night.”

The habit of sitting up late at night is customary; but it is not pleasing to God, even if you are
both Christians. These untimely hours injure health, unfit the mind for the next day’s duties,
and have an appearance of evil. My brother, I hope you will have self-respect enough to shun
this form of courtship. If you have an eye single to the glory of God, you will move with
deliberate caution. You will not suffer lovesick sentimentalism to so blind your vision that you
cannot discern the high claims that God has upon you as a Christian. Satan’s angels are keeping
watch with those who devote a large share of the night to courting. Could they have their
eyes opened, they would see an angel making a record of their words and acts. The laws of
health and modesty are violated. It would be more appropriate to let some of the hours of
courtship before marriage run through the married life. (Adventist Home pg. 56.1)

You Alone / Standing Alone

Are we hoping to see the whole church revived? That time will never come. There are persons
in the church who are not converted, and who will not unite in earnest, prevailing prayer. We
must enter upon the work individually. We must pray more, and talk less.— Last Day Events pg
195.2

Are You Better Than Judas

He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in
character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The
Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the
work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But
Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his
worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ,
he did not bring himself under the divine molding. DA 716.4

SDAH 309
All to Jesus I surrender; all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence
daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all, all to thee, my blessed Saviour, I surrender all.

The Curse of Idleness

Proverbs 19:15, “Laziness casts into a deep sleep, And an idle man will suffer hunger.”

Those who cultivate a spirit of idleness commit sin against God every day; for they do not put
to use the power God has given them with which to bless themselves, and to be a blessing to
their families. Parents should teach their children that the Lord means them to be diligent
workers, not idlers in His vineyard. They must make a diligent use of their time, if they are to
be useful working agents, acting their part in the vineyard of the Lord. To Be Like Jesus pg. 81.4

Active hands and minds do not find time to heed every temptation which the enemy
suggests, but idle hands and brains are all ready for Satan to control. Adventist Home pg.
284.2

You Cannot Be A Crossless Christian / Crossless Christians

No cross, no crown! How can one be strong in the Lord without trials? To have strength, we
must have exercise. To have strong faith, we must be placed in circumstances where our faith
will be tried. The apostle Paul, just before his martyrdom, exhorted Timothy, “Be thou partaker
of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” [2 Timothy 1:8.] It is through
much tribulation that we are to enter the kingdom. Our Saviour was tried in every possible
way, and yet he triumphed in God continually. It is our privilege to be strong in the strength
of God under all circumstances, and to glory in the cross of Christ.—Testimonies for the
Church 3:67.

You Are Placeless

Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

The Lord has no place in His work for those who have a greater desire to win the crown than
to bear the cross. He wants men who are more intent upon doing their duty than upon
receiving their reward—men who are more solicitous for principle than for promotion. Ministry
of Healing pg. 476.2

Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work
or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”

The Tiptop Honor on earth

Of all the gifts that heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is
the most weighty trust and the highest honor. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not
Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist,
who perished alone in the dungeon. “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to
believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. Ministry of Healing pg. 478.2

Afflictions are oft mercies in disguise. We know not what we might have been without them.
To Be Like Jesus pg. 338.3

Do Not Mistaken God

It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to see His children suffer. All
heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues
of joy to any of His creatures. The divine requirements call upon us to shun those indulgences
that would bring suffering and disappointment, that would close to us the door of happiness
and heaven. Steps to Christ pg. 46.3

Having No Relish For Sin

When we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ, we shall have no relish for sin; for Christ
will be working with us. We may make mistakes, but we will hate the sin that caused the
sufferings of the Son of God. Review & Herald, March 18, 1890.

“Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin,
because he has been born of God.” (1 John 3:9)

He Is More Than Human

There is no power in any man to remedy the defective character individually. Our hope and
trust must be in One who is more than human. We need ever to remember that help has been
laid on One who is mighty. The Lord has provided the needed help for every soul who will
accept it.— This Day with God 285.5

Satan Is Limited

Satan assailed Christ with his fiercest and most subtle temptations, but he was repulsed in
every conflict. Those battles were fought in our behalf; those victories make it possible for us to
conquer. Christ will give strength to all who seek it. No man without his own consent can be
overcome by Satan. The tempter has no power to control the will or to force the soul to sin.
He may distress, but he cannot contaminate. He can cause agony, but not defilement. The
fact that Christ has conquered should inspire His followers with courage to fight manfully the
battle against sin and Satan. GC 510.3

How to Deceive Yourself

If Satan can so befog and deceive the human mind, and lead mortals to think there is an
inherent power in themselves to accomplish great and good works, they cease to rely upon
God to do that for them which they think exists in themselves to do. They acknowledge not a
superior power. They give not God the glory he claims, and which is due to his great and
excellent Majesty. Satan’s object is thus accomplished. He exults that fallen man
presumptuously exalts himself, as he exalted himself in Heaven, and was thrust out. He
knows that the ruin of man is just as sure if he exalts himself, as his was certain. He has failed
in his temptations to Christ in the wilderness. Spiritual Gifts volume 4 pg. 84.2

Victorious Life Is Possible

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in the life. By yielding up
the will to Christ, we ally ourselves with divine power. We receive strength from above to hold
us steadfast. A pure and noble life, a life of victory over appetite and lust, is possible to
everyone who will unite his weak, wavering human will to the omnipotent, unwavering will
of God.—The Ministry of Healing, 174-176.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the
presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” (Jude 24)

Extend a Helping Hand

There are multitudes struggling with poverty, compelled to labor hard for small wages, and
able to secure but the barest necessities of life. Toil and deprivation, with no hope of better
things, make their burden very heavy. When pain and sickness are added, the burden is
almost insupportable. Careworn and oppressed, they know not where to turn for relief.
Sympathize with them in their trials, their heartaches, and disappointments. This will open
the way for you to help them. Speak to them of God’s promises, pray with and for them,
inspire them with hope.—The Ministry of Healing, 158.
The Easiest way to become like Christ

It should be written upon the conscience as with a pen of iron upon a rock, that he who
disregards mercy, compassion, and righteousness, he who neglects the poor, who ignores the
needs of suffering humanity, who is not kind and courteous, is so conducting himself that God
cannot co-operate with him in the development of character. The culture of the mind and
heart is more easily accomplished when we feel such tender sympathy for others that we
bestow our benefits and privileges to relieve their necessities. Getting and holding all that we
can for ourselves tends to poverty of soul. But all the attributes of Christ await the reception
of those who will do the very work that God has appointed them to do, working in Christ’s
lines. 6T 262.1

My First Priority / secure God

We hope you may be prospered of God. If we have His care and His approval, we shall make a
success wherever we are and in whatever we may engage. Without the blessing of God, any
amount of prosperity will fail to be a success. Our first anxiety should be to secure God as our
friend. “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make
peace with me” (Isaiah 27:5). This Day with God 367.2

CASHLESS ACCOUNT/PRAYER – Rejected Cheques in Heaven

Many are forfeiting the condition of acceptance with the Father. We need to examine closely
the deed of trust wherewith we approach God. If we are disobedient, we bring to the Lord a
note to be cashed when we have not fulfilled the conditions that would make it payable to us.
We present to God His promises, and ask Him to fulfill them, when by so doing He would
dishonor His own name. Prayer pg. 308.1

His looks turned water into wine

Christ did not approach the jars, or touch the water; He simply looked upon the water, and it
became the pure juice of the grape, clarified and refined. What effect did this miracle have?—
“His disciples believed on him” (Verse 11).... By this miracle Christ also gave evidence of His
mercy and compassion. He showed that He had regard for the necessities of those who
followed Him to hear His words of knowledge and wisdom.—Manuscript 79, December 23,
1900, diary. This Day with God 366.5
Dangers of prosperity

In the midst of prosperity lurks danger. Throughout the ages, riches and honor have ever been
attended with peril to humility and spirituality. It is not the empty cup that we have difficulty in
carrying; it is the cup full to the brim that must be carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity
may cause sorrow, but it is prosperity that is most dangerous to spiritual life. Unless the human
subject is in constant submission to the will of God, unless he is sanctified by the truth,
prosperity will surely arouse the natural inclination to presumption. Prophets and Kings pg. 59.3

Willful blindness / Refusing to be accountable

Those who have an opportunity to hear the truth and yet take no pains to hear or understand
it, thinking that if they do not hear they will not be accountable, will be judged guilty before
God the same as if they had heard and rejected. There will be no excuse for those who choose
to go in error when they might understand what is truth. In His sufferings and death Jesus has
made atonement for all sins of ignorance, but there is no provision made for willful blindness.
Last Day Events pg. 218.1

Our greatest enemies

It is not the opposition of the world that will most endanger us; it is the evil cherished right in
our midst that works our most grievous disaster. It is the unconsecrated lives of half-hearted
professors that retard the work of the truth, and bring darkness upon the church of God.... This
Day with God page 165.5

He is still the burden bearer

In nothing does He take more delight than to have you unburden, come to Him for light and
strength, and He has promised that you shall find rest to your soul. If you will find heart and
voice to pray, He will be sure to hear, and an arm will be reached down to save you. There is a
God that hears prayer, and when all other resources fail, He is your refuge, a very present help
in time of trouble.... This Day with God pg. 184.4

Psalm 65:2 You are the One that hears prayer, To you all flesh will come.
Dressing to God’s Glory

Every article of dress should be plain and simple, without unnecessary adornment, so that it will
be but little work to wash and iron it. Especially should every article which comes in contact
with the skin be kept clean and free from any offensive odor. Nothing of an irritating
character should touch the bodies of children, nor should their clothing be allowed to bind
them in any way. If more attention were given to this subject, far less impurity would be
practiced. Child Guidance pg. 461.3

Cleanliness in worship

The people were required to refrain from worldly labor and care, and to possess devotional
thoughts. God required them also to wash their clothes. He is no less particular now than He
was then. He is a God of order, and requires His people now upon the earth to observe habits
of strict cleanliness. And those who worship God with unclean garments and persons do not
come before Him in an acceptable manner. He is not pleased with their lack of reverence for
Him, and He will not accept the service of filthy worshipers, for they insult their Maker. The
Creator of the heavens and of the earth considered cleanliness of so much importance that He
said, "And let them wash their clothes." {The Story of Redemption pg. 138.2}

Withholding your forgiveness / Do Not Forgive Me Now

He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through which alone he can receive mercy
from God. We should not think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong we
are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble
their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward
those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults.—(The Faith I
Live By, 131.)

How can we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” and yet indulge an
unforgiving spirit? Matthew 6:12. If we expect our own prayers to be heard we must forgive
others in the same manner and to the same extent as we hope to be forgiven. Prayer 103.1

God, Do Not Answer Me / Cheap Fruits

He will not hearken to the prayer of His people while the orphan, the fatherless, the lame,
the blind, and the sick are neglected among them.— Christian Service pg. 217.1

Prayers exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently tied on; but fruits that are
manifested in good works, in caring for the needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits, and
grow naturally upon a good tree.—Christian Service pg. 228.2

James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and
widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

Insults to God

We insult God by claiming the promise without meeting the conditions—There are conditions
to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love
Me,” Christ says, “Keep My commandments.” John 14:15. Those who bring their petitions to
God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They
bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not
those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.— Prayer pg. 104.4

Respect Divine Delay

John 11:5-6, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6 Yet, when he heard that
Lazarus was ill, he stayed (delayed) where he was for two more days.”

“Christ’s two days’ delay after hearing that Lazarus was sick was not a neglect or a denial on
His part. It was His purpose to remain where He was till the death of Lazarus took place, that
He might give the people an evidence of His divinity, not by restoring a dying man, but by
raising to life a man that had been buried.” Prayer pg. 106.2

The Ever Answered Prayer

When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may
give us something other than we ask; but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. {The
Ministry of Healing pg. 70}

Business Integrity
As we deal with our fellow men in petty dishonesty or in more daring fraud, so will we deal with
God. Men who persist in a course of dishonesty will carry out their principles until they cheat
their own souls and lose heaven and eternal life. They will sacrifice honor and religion for a
small worldly advantage. {AH 392.3}

Fans of Idleness

The custom of supporting men and women in idleness by private gifts or church money
encourages them in sinful habits, and this course should be conscientiously avoided. Every
man, woman, and child should be educated to do practical, useful work. All should learn some
trade. It may be tentmaking, or it may be business in other lines; but all should be educated to
use the members of their body to some purpose, and God is ready and willing to increase the
adaptability of all who will educate themselves to industrious habits. This Day with God pg.
203.5

Withholding Your Blessing

As the Giver of every blessing, God claims a certain portion of all we possess. This is His
provision to sustain the preaching of the gospel. And by making this return to God, we are to
show our appreciation of His gifts. But if we withhold from Him that which is His own, how can
we expect Him to entrust us with the things of heaven? It may be that here is the secret of
unanswered prayer.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 144.)

Unwarranted Knowledge

In order to obtain an education, many think it essential to study the writings of infidel authors,
because these works contain many bright gems of thought. But who was the originator of these
gems of thought? It was God, and God only. He is the source of all light. Why then should we
wade through the mass of error contained in the works of infidels for the sake of a few
intellectual truths, when all truth is at our command. {Ministry of Healing pg. 440.2}

Prevalence of Harmful Books

The readers of fiction are indulging an evil that destroys spirituality, eclipsing the beauty of the
sacred page. The world is deluged with books that might better be consumed than circulated.
Books on sensational topics, published and circulated as a money-making scheme, might better
never be read by the youth. There is a satanic fascination in such books.... AH 412.3

Love stories, frivolous, exciting tales, and even that class of books called religious novels--
books in which the author attaches to his story a moral lesson-- are a curse to the readers.
(Messages to Young People pg. 272)

Satan and the Printing Press

“Satan is doing more through the productions of the press to weaken the minds and corrupt
the morals of the youth than by any other means.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, p. 134

“Never should books containing a perversion of truth be placed in the hands of children or
youth. Let not our children, in the very process of obtaining an education, receive ideas that
will prove to be seeds of sin.” (Ministry of Healing 447)

The First Neglect

Beware how you neglect secret prayer and a study of God’s word. These are your weapons
against him who is striving to hinder your progress heavenward. The first neglect of prayer and
Bible study makes easier the second neglect. The first resistance to the Spirit’s pleading
prepares the way for the second resistance. Thus the heart is hardened, and the conscience
seared.—(Messages to Young People, 96.)

The Regularity Principle

There should be regular hours for rising, for family worship, for meals, and for work. And it is a
religious duty ... to maintain this by precept ... by a firm example. Many squander the most
precious hours of the morning hoping that they can terminate the work thus neglected during
the hours which should be devoted to sleep. Godliness, health, success, everything suffers from
this lack of true religious system.... To Be Like Jesus pg. 75.4

Dieting to His Glory

Hot drinks are not required, except as a medicine. The stomach is greatly injured by a large
quantity of hot food and hot drink. Thus the throat and digestive organs, and through them the
other organs of the body, are enfeebled.

Food should not be eaten very hot or very cold. If food is cold, the vital force of the stomach is
drawn upon in order to warm it before digestion can take place. Cold drinks are injurious for
the same reason; while the free use of hot drinks is debilitating.—Counsels on Diet and Foods
pg. 106.3

Reckless Devotion

Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with
God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ’s
loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for
counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return
to their work. Prayer pg. 320.2

Going to heaven alone

None, no not one, can go alone to heaven. God has a people whom He is leading, guiding, and
instructing. They must be subject one to another. If one undertakes to go alone, independently, to
heaven he will find he has chosen the wrong path that will not lead him to life.... This Day with God pg.
295.5

Jesus and Amusement

The true followers of Christ will have sacrifices to make. They will shun places of worldly amusement
because they find no Jesus there—no influence which will make them heavenly-minded and increase
their growth in grace. Obedience to the word of God will lead them to come out from all these things
and be separate. {Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students pg. 328.3}

Jesus did not, like many youth, devote his time to amusement. {Counsels to Parents, Teachers and
Students pg. 178.2}

Happiness must be sought in the right way, and from the right source. Some think they may surely find
happiness in a course of indulgence in sinful pleasures, or in deceptive worldly attractions. To Be Like
Jesus pg. 214.2
You Must Reflect Him

The religion of Jesus Christ means something more than talk. The righteousness of Christ consists in
right actions and good works from pure, unselfish motives. Outside righteousness, while the inward
adorning is wanting, will be of no avail. This Day with God, 182.2

The love of Jesus that goes no farther than the lips will not save any soul, but be a great delusion.—
This Day with God, 299.2

SDAH 500 Stanza 2 - Take time to be holy, The world rushes on; Spend much time in secret With Jesus
alone; By looking to Jesus, Like Him thou shalt be; Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

The Academic Virus

Give to others the benefit of all the knowledge that the Lord has given to you. He has given you this
knowledge that you may impart it. Teach to others everything that you know, not in an arbitrary
manner, making light of their mistakes and ridiculing their ignorance; but in a kindly spirit, you yourself
sitting at the feet of Jesus as a learner. Take young men into your mission home, and be their instructor,
teaching them as you would teach students in a school.— Christian Leadership, 48.5

An Excellent Remedy

“The consciousness of right-doing is the best medicine for diseased bodies and minds. He who is at
peace with God has secured the most important requisite to health. The blessing of the Lord is life to the
receiver.” HL page 233.7

“You who are suffering with poor health, there is a remedy for you. “If thou clothe the naked, and
bring the poor that are cast out to thy house, and deal thy bread to the hungry, "then shall thy light
break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily (Isaiah 58:7-8)." Doing good is
an excellent remedy for disease.” HL page 233.6

Have you read this book before?

As a means of intellectual training, the Bible is more effective than any other book, or all other
books combined. The mind thus brought in contact with the thoughts of the Infinite cannot but
expand and strengthen. {Education 124.2}
“If used as a text-book in our school, it will be found far more effective than any other book in
the world. The Word of God is the most perfect educational book in our world.” Special
Testimonies on Education, p. 19.

Manual for Life

There is no position in life, no phase of human experience, for which the teaching of the Bible
is not an essential preparation. Counsels for the Church, 89.5

The Bible is a directory by which you may know the way to eternal life. - Special Testimonies on
Education, p. 194.

"Of all the books that have flooded the world, be they ever so valuable, the Bible is the book
of books, and is most deserving of the closest study and attention."--Christian Education p.
105.