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Stay Close to Jesus and Become Like Him, July 19
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your
right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
, NKJV.
This world is our school—a school of discipline and training. We are placed
here to form characters like the character of Christ, and to acquire the habits and
the language of the higher life. Influences opposed to good abound on every hand.
The developments of sin are becoming so full, so deep, so abhorrent to God, that
soon He will arise in majesty to shake terribly the earth.
So artful are the plans of the enemy, so specious the complications which he
brings about, that those who are weak in the faith do not discern his deceptions. They
fall into the snares prepared by Satan, who works through human instrumentalities
to deceive if possible the very elect. Those only who are closely connected with
God will be able to discern the falsehoods and the intrigues of the enemy.
There are in this world only two classes, those who serve God, and those who
stand under the black banner of the prince of darkness. Those who enter the gates
of the City of God must, in this world, live in union with Christ.
The principles of God’s government—the only principles that will endure from
everlasting to everlasting—are to be followed by those who are seeking for entrance
into the kingdom of heaven. The line of demarcation between those who serve God
and those who serve Him not is to be kept clear and distinct.
Let us allow God to control our minds. Let us not say or do anything that will
turn a fellow being from the right way. I feel very sad as I think of how few there
are who show that they have tasted the deep blessedness of communion with a
risen, ascended Savior. Men and women of the world are striving for the supremacy.
God’s followers are to keep Christ ever in view, inquiring at every step, “Is this
the way of the Lord?” A holy desire to live the life of Christ is to fill their hearts.
In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead. In Him are hid all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge.
Oh, that our people could realize what advantages would be theirs if they would
look constantly to Jesus.... He is our Alpha and our Omega. Pressing close to Him,
and holding communion with Him, we become like Him. Through the transforming
power of the Spirit of Christ, we are changed in heart and life.—
(Australasian)
Union Conference Record, February 1, 1904
.
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