The Upward Look

December 31 Devotional Reading | The Upward Look

God calls for our whole-hearted consecration, consecrating all our talents to the great purpose of calling sinners into the family of God. Reference: E.G. White, "The Upward Look," p. 379. Full text of the devotional: “Stewards of God’s Grace,” December 31 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8. Those who walk in the narrow way must follow the directions of the Guidebook. Thus only can they reach the gates of the City of God... God has put men and women in possession of precious gifts. To different ones He has given different gifts. Not all have the same strength of character or the same depth of knowledge. But each one is to use his gifts in the Master’s service, however small this gift may seem to be. The faithful steward trades wisely on the goods entrusted to him. The endowments of mind and body are to be carefully guarded. Our gifts are not to be weakened by self-indulgence. Every power is to be carefully preserved, that it may always be ready for instant use. No part of the physical organism is to be weakened by misuse. Each part, however small, has an influence on the whole. The abuse of one nerve or muscle lessens the usefulness of the whole body. Those for whom Christ has given His life should bring their habits and practices into conformity to His will. God’s Word declares, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20). But God does not desire the death of anyone. At infinite cost He provided for man a second probation. He “so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Should not those to whom the light of truth for this time has come place themselves in close connection with God, using their capabilities to advance the work of soul saving? Should not the one who possesses an understanding of the Scriptures impart the knowledge given him to those who know not the truth? Upon every believer in present truth rests the responsibility of working for sinners. God points them to their special work—the proclamation of the third angel’s message. They are to show their appreciation of God’s great gift by consecrating themselves to the work for which Christ gave His life. They are to be stewards of the grace of God, dispensing to others the blessings bestowed on them. He who has found comfort in the Word of God is to share this comfort with others. Thus only can he continue to receive comfort.— Manuscript 147, December 31, 1903, “The Narrow Way.”

December 30 Devotional Reading | The Upward Look

Trying to save yourself by good works is like weaving fig leaf garments. Instead, God offers you, by faith, Christ's perfect robe of righteousness. Reference: E.G. White, "The Upward Look," p. 378. Full text of the devotional: “Fig Leaves or Christ’s Robe?” December 30 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. Genesis 3:21. The Lord Jesus Christ has prepared a covering—the robe of His own righteousness—that He will put on every repenting, believing soul who by faith will receive it. Said John, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Sin is the transgression of the law. Christ died to make it possible for every man to have his sins taken away. A fig-leaf apron will never cover our nakedness. Sin must be taken away, and the garment of Christ’s righteousness must cover the transgressor of God’s law. Then when the Lord looks upon the believing sinner, He sees, not the fig leaves covering him, but Christ’s own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the law of Jehovah. Man has hidden his nakedness, not under a covering of fig leaves, but under the robe of Christ’s righteousness. Christ has made a sacrifice to satisfy the demands of justice. What a price for Heaven to pay to ransom the transgressor of the law of Jehovah. Yet that holy law could not be maintained with any smaller price. In the place of the law being abolished to meet sinful man in his fallen condition, it has been maintained in all its sacred dignity. In His Son, God gave Himself to save from eternal ruin all who would believe in Him. Sin is disloyalty to God, and [is] deserving of punishment. Fig leaves sewed together have been employed since the days of Adam, yet the nakedness of the soul of the sinner is not covered. All the arguments pieced together by all who have interested themselves in this flimsy robe will come to nought. Sin is the transgression of the law. Christ was manifest in our world to take away transgression and sin, and to substitute for the covering of fig leaves the pure robes of His righteousness. The law of God stands vindicated by the suffering and death of the only begotten Son of the infinite God. The transgression of God’s law in a single instance, in the smallest particular, is sin. And the nonexecution of the penalty of that sin would be a crime in the divine administration. God is a judge, the Avenger of justice, which is the habitation and the foundation of His throne. He cannot dispense with His law; He cannot do away with its smallest item in order to meet and pardon sin. The rectitude, justice, and moral excellence of the law must be maintained and vindicated before the heavenly universe and the worlds unfallen.—Manuscript 145, December 30, 1897, “Notes of Work.”

December 29 Devotional Reading | The Upward Look

We can fully trust our Father's love, regardless of life's trials. Reference: E.G. White, "The Upward Look," p. 377. Full text of the devotional: “We Are Objects of Infinite Love,” December 29 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. Ephesians 2:4, 5. The heart surrendered to God’s wise discipline will trust every working out of His providence... Temptation will come to discourage, but what is gained by yielding to any such temptations? Is the soul made any better by murmuring and complaining of its only source of strength? Is the anchor cast within the vail? Will it hold in sickness? Will it be the testimony borne in the last closing scenes of life when the lips are becoming palsied with death? The anchor holds! I know that my Redeemer liveth... O Precious, loving, long-suffering, long-forbearing Jesus, how my soul adores Thee! That a poor, unworthy, sin-polluted soul can stand before the Holy God, complete in the righteousness of our Substitute and Surety! Wonder, O Heavens, and be astonished, O earth, that fallen man is the object of His infinite love and delight. He rejoices over them with celestial songs, and man defiled with sin, having become cleansed through the righteousness of Christ, is presented to the Father free from every spot and stain of sin, “not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27). “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth” (Romans 8:33). Let every weak, tempest-tossed soul find anchorage in Jesus Christ and not become so self-centered that he can think only of his little disappointments and the interruption of his plans and hopes. Is not the subject of the plan of salvation all-absorbing? If the infinite God justifies me, “who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died” (Verse 34). He has in His dying for man revealed how much He loves man—enough to die for Him! The law condemns the sinner and drives him to Christ. It is God that justifies and pardons. Satan will accuse and seek permission to destroy, but it is God that opens the door of refuge. It is God that justifieth him that entereth that door. Then if God be for us, who can be against us? Oh, the bright glorious truth. Why do not men discern it? Why not walk in its bright beams? Why do not all who believe talk of Christ’s matchless love? ... God lives and reigns. All who are saved must fight manfully as soldiers of Jesus Christ; then they will be registered in heaven’s books as true and faithful. They are to work the works of Jesus Christ, fight the good fight of faith.—Letter 2, December 29, 1889, to W.C. White’s first wife, Mary White, who was dying of tuberculosis.

December 28 Devotional Reading | The Upward Look

God longs for each of us to trust fully in His power to save us. Reference: E.G. White, "The Upward Look," p. 376. Full text of the devotional: “Educate Yourself to Believe,” December 28 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3. Brother A-----, you must cast away your fears. Leave consequences with the Lord and let go. You try too hard to save yourself, to do some great thing yourself which will commend you to God. All God requires of you, dear brother, is entire submission of yourself to Him with all the consequences that your acceptance of the whole truth involves. Satan says, “What if it is error after all. Can you afford to run the risk?” Jesus loves you, and if you will consecrate yourself and all that you have to Him, He will accept you and will be your Burden-bearer, your never-failing Friend. You have looked with terror and alarm at the cross of Christ. The yoke has appeared to you galling. Satan has made it appear thus. Jesus has invited you to come to Him: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). This yoke, [which] you are afraid [to] put upon your neck because you fear it will gall, Jesus says is easy. The burden you dare not touch—it is light. All that is required on your part is to resolutely lay hold upon it, and you will find it a support rather than a grievous burden. That cross which seems to you so inconvenient an instrument to lift, which seems too heavy to be raised, when you cheerfully lay hold upon it and lift it, it will lift you and be a support and strength to you... You must educate yourself to believe, to take your stand on the elevated platform of eternal truth, and welcome reproach and trial for Christ’s sake. Jesus will help you; angels of God will help you resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you... Believe Jesus loves you, and in your efforts to obey the truth, if you err, don’t feel that you must worry and worry, give up your confidence in God, think that God is your enemy. We are erring mortals. If we sin, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). You cannot cleanse yourself from impurities. Carry all your burdens to Jesus. He will help you. He wants you to not wait and expect through your good deeds to make atonement for sin or to make yourself righteous. Trust in the merits of the blood of a crucified, risen Saviour.—Letter 20, December 28, 1867, to a discouraged church member.

December 27 Devotional Reading | The Upward Look

In our petitions for the sick, it is appropriate to pray, "Thy will be done." Rather than demonstrating unbelief, this can be a sign of implicit trust in God. Reference: E.G. White, "The Upward Look," p. 375. Full text of the devotional: “Pray, Thy Will Be Done,” December 27 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:14, 15. In praying for the sick, it is no sign that we are unbelieving to keep saying, “If it can be for Thy glory, to do this for us, we will praise Thee, and magnify Thy holy name.” ... As there is no healing power in any human being, we must trust in God, who loves us and who gave Himself for us. Whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. You have a pitiful, loving, compassionate Redeemer who loves you, who blesses you. He will not leave or forsake you. He who understands the present and future history of all will do that which is for our best good and His name’s glory... Jesus loves you, and He blesses you. His promise is sure... Christ is the Restorer, Satan is the destroyer. All that mortals can do is to follow implicitly the Word of the Lord. In this they do their part. Will the Lord fail in doing His part? Press your petitions to the throne of grace, and then wait, trustfully, hopefully... In all my petitions I say, “Not our will, but thine, O Lord, be done.” He knows this [is] not a prayer of doubt, but of perfect trust— that God knows what is best... Our work is to pray, to believe, and to wait patiently for Him who is our Saviour. I pray, “O God, the living God, reveal Thyself. Make known Thy power unto Thy people, and may this sickness result in our good and Thine own name’s glory.” There is not a thread of unbelief in this prayer, but perfect submission to the will of God, who is mighty to save to the utmost all who believe in Him. Whatever objectionable circumstances attend the case, we have nothing to do with appearances. God desires us to trust implicitly in Him, and if it is for our good and His name’s glory to do the work, it will be done. We are to wait. The power of the Lord is limitless. We poor mortals need to purify our souls, that when the Lord works for us, it will not ruin us. This is the reason that so few of the sick are healed. If they were [healed], men would be elevated in self-esteem. We must learn from Jesus to be meek and lowly of heart, and we shall find rest unto our souls. Never for a moment question that God loves you. He does love you, and He does give you evidence of His love. Thank our heavenly Father for a compassionate Saviour, who can save to the uttermost soul and body.—Letter 127, December 27, 1898, to Brother and Sister Wilson.