Sunday
March 12
1. A BRIGHT PICTURE
a. Describe the heart-warming promise which God is extending to His beloved sheep in the fallen churches today. Ezekiel 34:11-16.
b. What inspiring prophecies are soon to reach their peak of fulfillment? Isaiah 56:1-7; Micah 2:12.
Among earth's inhabitants, scattered in every land, there are those who have not bowed the knee to Baal. Like the stars of heaven, which appear only at night, these faithful ones will shine forth when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people. In heathen Africa, in the Catholic lands of Europe and of South America, in China, in India, in the islands of the sea, and in all the dark corners of the earth, God has in reserve a firmament of chosen ones that will yet shine forth amidst the darkness, revealing clearly to an apostate world the transforming power of obedience to His law. Even now they are appearing in every nation, among every tongue and people; and in the hour of deepest apostasy, when Satan's supreme effort is made to cause 'all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,' to receive, under penalty of death, the sign of allegiance to a false rest day, these faithful ones, 'blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke,' will 'shine as lights in the world' (Revelation 13:16; Philippians 2:15). The darker the night, the more brilliantly will they shine.-Prophets and Kings, pp. 188, 189.
Monday
March 13
2. A WORK SCARCELY BEGUN
a. What is the Lord's appeal right now to every individual entrusted with a knowledge of the three angels' messages? Isaiah 60: 1, 2; John 15:8.
We cannot afford in the few days we have here on earth to spend our time in trifling and nothingness. We need to humble our souls before God, that every heart may drink in the truth, and let it work in the life a reformation that will convince the world that this is indeed the truth of God. Let the life be hid with Christ in God. Only when we seek the Lord as little children, when we cease picking flaws in our brethren and sisters, and in those who are seeking to carry faithfully the responsibilities of the work, and seek to get our own hearts right with God, can He use us to the glory of His name.-Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 106.
The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely for the sake of worldly advantage; but where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries. They should feel a love for souls, a burden of labor for them, and should make it a study how to bring them into the truth. They can distribute our publications, hold meetings in their homes, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to come to these meetings. Thus they can let their light shine in good works.
Let the workers stand alone in God, weeping, praying, laboring for the salvation of their fellowmen. Remember that you are running a race, striving for a crown of immortality. While so many love the praise of men more than the favor of God, let it be yours to labor in humility. Learn to exercise faith in presenting your neighbors before the throne of grace and pleading with God to touch their hearts. In this way effectual missionary work may be done. Some may be reached who would not listen to a minister or a colporteur. And those who thus labor in new places will learn the best ways of approaching the people and can prepare the way for other laborers.
A precious experience may be gained by one who engages in this work. He has upon his heart the burden of the souls of his neighbors. He must have the help of Jesus. How careful he will be to walk circumspectly, that his prayers may not be hindered, that no cherished sin may separate him from God.-Ibid., vol. 8, p. 245.
Tuesday
March 14
3. A BLESSED UNDERTAKING
a. Describe what is to follow as believers go forth to spread the present truth. Isaiah 60:3-6.
If our people will act upon the light that is given . . . we shall surely see of the salvation of God. Wonderful revivals will follow. Sinners will be converted, and many souls will be added to the church.-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 246.
b. What is to be our attitude in sharing the gospel? Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 2:8, 9; 1 Peter 3:15-17.
The most effective way to teach the heathen, who know not God, is through His works. In this way, far more readily than by any other method, they can be made to realize the difference between their idols, the works of their own hands, and the true God, the Maker of heaven and earth.-Special Testimonies on Education, pp. 59, 60.
It is of little use to try to reform others by attacking what we may regard as wrong habits. Such effort often results in more harm than good. In His talk with the Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging Jacob's well, Christ presented something better. 'If thou knewest the gift of God,' He said, 'and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water' (John 4:10). He turned the conversation to the treasure He had to bestow, offering the woman something better than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the gospel.
This is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. We must offer men something better than that which they possess, even the peace of Christ, which passeth all understanding. We must tell them of God's holy law, the transcript of His character, and an expression of that which He wishes them to become. Show them how infinitely superior to the fleeting joys and pleasures of the world is the imperishable glory of heaven. Tell them of the freedom and rest to be found in the Saviour."-The Ministry of Healing, pp. 156, 157.
Wednesday
March 15
4. DON'T BE SURPRISED
a. Of what must we be aware as we earnestly seek to advance our efforts in the Lord's vineyard? Matthew 10:32-39.
Those who profess the truth should hold the standard high, and induce others to come up to it. I saw that some would have to walk the straight path alone. Their companions and children will not walk the self-denying pathway with them. Patience and forbearance should ever characterize the lives of those lone pilgrims following the example of their blessed Master. They will have many trials to endure, but they have that hope that makes the soul strong, that bears them up above the trials of earth, that elevates them above scorn, derision, and reproach. Those who possess a hope like this should never indulge a harsh, unkind spirit. This will only injure their souls, and drive their friends farther from the truth. Treat them tenderly. Give them no occasion to reproach the cause of Christ; but never yield the truth to please anyone. Be decided, be fixed, be established, be not of a doubtful mind.
But if your companions and children will not come, if you cannot win them to yield to the claims of truth, make their lives here as pleasant as possible; for all they will ever enjoy will be this poor world. But let not your duty to them interfere with your duty to God. Pursue a straightforward course. Let nothing they may do or say provoke an angry word from you. You have a hope that will yield you consolation amid the disappointments and trials of life. Your companions and children who will not be induced to tread the narrow, cross-bearing pathway with you, have not this divine consolation. They should have your pity, for this world is all the heaven they will have."-Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, pp. 266, 267.
b. How does this overall experience echo that of our Master? Matthew 23:37; Isaiah 63:3 (first part).
God is speaking to His people today as He spoke to Israel through Moses, saying, 'Who is on the Lord's side?' My brethren, take your position where God bids you. Leave alone those who, after light has been repeatedly given them, have taken a stand on the opposite side. You are not to spend precious time in repeating to them what they already know and thus lose your opportunities of entering new fields with the message of present truth.-Sermons and Talks, vol. 1, p. 386.
Thursday
March 16
5. A NEEDED ESSENTIAL
a. What should be our heart's yearning at this point in the history of the world? Jeremiah 14:20-22; Zechariah 10:1.
All that the apostles did, every church member today is to do. And we are to work with as much more fervor, to be accompanied by the Holy Spirit in as much greater measure, as the increase of wickedness demands a more decided call to repentance.
Everyone on whom is shining the light of present truth is to be stirred with compassion for those who are in darkness. From all believers, light is to be reflected in clear, distinct rays. A work similar to that which the Lord did through His delegated messengers after the Day of Pentecost He is waiting to do today. At this time, when the end of all things is at hand, should not the zeal of the church exceed even that of the early church? Zeal for the glory of God moved the disciples to bear witness to the truth with mighty power. Should not this zeal fire our hearts with a longing to tell the story of redeeming love, of Christ and Him crucified? Should not the power of God be even more mightily revealed today than in the time of the apostles?"-Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 33.
My brethren and sisters, plead for the Holy Spirit, God stands back of every promise He has made. With your Bibles in your hands, say: 'I have done as Thou hast said, I present Thy promise, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."' Christ declares: 'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.' 'Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son' (Matthew 7:7; Mark 11:24; John 14:13)." -Ibid., vol. 8, p. 23.
Friday
March 17
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What can we expect to see more and more as the end draws near?
2. Name some things every layperson can do to spread the present truth.
3. Describe the tact that is needed in bringing light to those in great darkness.
4. What obstacles will we find ourselves facing, and how should we respond?
5. What is the church's greatest need at this time?