Sunday
March 19
1. LIVING AMID THE CLOSING SCENES
a. Many woes are coming upon this earth. But which must we be most determined to avoid, and what action shall we be taking? Jeremiah 8:20; Matthew 24:48-51.
As I hear of the terrible calamities that from week to week are taking place, I ask myself: What do these things mean? The most awful disasters are following one another in quick succession. How frequently we hear of earthquakes and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and flood, with great loss of life and property! Apparently these calamities are capricious outbreaks of seemingly disorganized, unregulated forces, but in them God's purpose may be read. They are one of the means by which He seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger. . . .
Let the message of Christ's soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning. Let us persuade men and women everywhere to repent and flee from the wrath to come. Let us arouse them to immediate preparation, for we little know what is before us. Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields to tell the unconcerned and indifferent to seek the Lord while He may be found."-Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 252, 253.
Monday
March 20
2. TOUCHING OUR WORLD
a. How can we make a distinct impact in this dark world? 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19; Jude 1:17-23.
b. What must be borne in mind as we reach out? Isaiah 8:12; Ephesians 5:11.
We are to beware of indulging a spirit of bigotry and intolerance. We are not to stand aside from others in a spirit that seems to say, 'Come not near to me; for I am holier than thou' (Isaiah 65:5). We are not to shut ourselves away from our fellow human beings, but are to seek to impart to them the precious truth that has blessed our own hearts. We are to let it be seen that ours is the religion of love. [Matthew 5:16 quoted.]
But if we are Christians, having the Spirit of Him who died to save men from their sins, we shall love the souls of our fellowmen too well to countenance their sinful pleasures by our presence and our influence. We cannot sanction their course by assembling with them at their feasts and their councils, where God does not preside. Such a course, so far from benefiting them, would only cause them to doubt the reality of our religion. We should be false lights, by our course leading souls to ruin."-The Review and Herald, August 25, 1910.
c. In self-discipline gained through Christ, where should we be directing our focus? Luke 14:12-14; 21:34-36; Colossians 3:1-3.
The work of God for the salvation of the human family is the one work of supreme importance to be carried forward in our world. When men are willing to count all things but loss that they may win Christ, their eyes will be open to see things as they really are. Then they will turn away from the earthly attractions to the heavenly. They will see the true nature of the worldly, selfish enjoyments that they now value so highly, and the things that they now hold so dear will be given up.-The Review and Herald, August 25, 1910.
Tuesday
March 21
3. LOVE WITHOUT BITTERNESS
a. How are cutting, testing truths to be presented? Isaiah 40:9; 1 John 3:10-16.
In the work of soul-winning, great tact and wisdom are needed. The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. Every soul was precious in His sight. He bore Himself with divine dignity; yet He bowed with the tenderest compassion and regard to every member of the family of God. He saw in all, souls whom it was His mission to save.-Gospel Workers, p. 117.
b. What will result from the glorious message of present truth being given with great power? Revelation 12:17; 13:11-15.
As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God's downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: 'Show us from the word of God our error'-the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.-The Great Controversy, p. 607.
Wednesday
March 22
4. COURAGEOUS AND FORGIVING
a. What will be the strongest evidences that God is with His people who live according to the present truth for this time? Romans 12:21; 1 John 3:17, 18.
The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them. The light of the Sun of Righteousness is to shine forth in good works-in words of truth and deeds of holiness.-Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 415, 416.
b. Why will the believers have great courage? 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 4:17-19.
Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men (Revelation 13:13). Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand
.The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side."-The Great Controversy, p. 612.
Thursday
March 23
5. LOOKING BEYOND
a. What will be the attitude of those bearing the final message-an essential key to their perfection of character? Matthew 5:38-48; Revelation 12:11 (last part).
The Lord is soon to come, and we must be prepared to meet Him in peace. Let us be determined to do all in our power to impart light to those around us. We are not to be sad, but cheerful, and we are to keep the Lord Jesus ever before us. He is soon coming, and we must be ready and waiting for His appearing.-Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 253.
b. Why can we be inspired by how the prophets gained strength-and ultimately, by how our Master was sustained to endure the cross? Isaiah 53:11; Matthew 5:10-12.
In all ages the Saviour's chosen have been educated and disciplined in the school of trial. They walked in narrow paths on earth; they were purified in the furnace of affliction. For Jesus' sake they endured opposition, hatred, calumny. They followed Him through conflicts sore; they endured self-denial and experienced bitter disappointments. By their own painful experience they learned the evil of sin, its power, its guilt, its woe; and they look upon it with abhorrence. A sense of the infinite sacrifice made for its cure humbles them in their own sight and fills their hearts with gratitude and praise which those who have never fallen cannot appreciate. They love much because they have been forgiven much. Having been partakers of Christ's sufferings, they are fitted to be partakers with Him of His glory.-The Great Controversy, pp. 649, 650.
Friday
March 24
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What duty should come to mind whenever we hear of the latest catastrophe?
2. What often hinders the missionary efforts of many professed believers?
3. Why can we be bold to present truths that we know will trigger persecution?
4. Besides seeing Christ, what may well be the most rewarding sight in Heaven?