“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father…” – 1 Thessalonians 1:3
In this country and in foreign countries the cause of present truth is to make more rapid advancement than it has yet made. If our people will go forth in faith, doing whatever they can to make a beginning, and laboring in Christ’s lines, the way will be opened before them. If they will show the energy that is necessary in order to gain success, and the faith that goes forward unquestioningly in obedience to God’s command, rich returns will be theirs. They must go as far and as fast as possible, with a determination to do the very things that the Lord has said should be done. They must have push and earnest, unwavering faith…. The world must hear the warning message. (1)
Let us lift up our hearts to God daily, and lift up our eyes that we may see—what? “Say not ye, There are four months, and then cometh the harvest? Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.” [John 4:35, 36.] We see a great work to be done both in sowing and in reaping. We are cramped for means, cramped for workers. …
There is a yearning in the heart for peace, for happiness. Look, O look unto Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness! May the Spirit of life touch hearts! We want hearts that shall respond to the touch of God. If His life be in us, we will always see light in His light.
The words of Jesus Christ are spoken to us living down here in the close of this earth’s history, “When these things shall begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” [Luke 21:28.] The nations are in unrest. Times of perplexity are upon us. The waves of the sea are roaring; men’s hearts are failing them for fear, and for expectation of those things that are coming upon the earth; but those who believe on the Son of God will hear His voice amid the storm saying, “It is I, be not afraid.” [Matthew 14:27.] We must have the baptism of the Holy Spirit of God. We see the world lying in wickedness and apostasy. Rebellion to the commandments of God seems almost universal. Amid the tumult of excitement, with confusion in every place, there is a work to be done in the world. (2)
Charge for the Day: There is a great work to be done in the world. Today, prayerfully consider whether you have “push and earnest, unwavering faith” in the work. What can you do to make more rapid advancement?
1. Manuscript 162, 1905
2. Manuscript 44, 1900