Category: Mid-week Manna

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God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration : THE GOSPEL AND ITS PURPOSE – Part 3

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

June 4, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

THE GOSPEL AND ITS PURPOSE – Part 3

First, here’s one of the most succinct, precise, simple, accurate, and pure summation of what the “gospel” means, what it was divinely designed to accomplish once and for all, for the sin and sinner problem.

   (All emphasis and bracketed words mine):

     “The gospel is a system of practical truths destined to work  great changes in human CHARACTER. If it does not work the TRANSFORMATION in life, in habits, and practice, it is NO TRUTH to them who claim to believe it. Man [with fallen, sinful nature] must be SANCTIFIED through the truth. And said Jesus, ‘Thy [God the Father’s] word is truth.’ (John 17:17). UNLESS the truth of God shall lift up man OUT OF his depravity, his intemperate and profligate habits, and make his reflect the IMAGE OF GOD [as revealed in Christ’s character], he is LOST.” – Ellen G. White, Letter 14, March 13, 1885. 

When carefully compared with the scriptures cited previously, and what Paul declared below, without any preconceived ideas, it is pure, saving truth indeed!: 

     “But If our gospel be hid, if is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the IMAGE of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Cor. 4: 3-5, K.J.V. (Read verses 1-3). 

Here is more enlightenment: 

    “By sin the IMAGE OF GOD in man has been marred and well-nigh obliterated; it is the work of the gospel to RESTORE that which has been lost.” E. G. White, Vol. 5, Testimonies, p. 743. 

     “When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, FREEDOM from sin. The GLORY, the fulness, the completeness of the GOSPEL PLAN IS FULFILLED in the life.” – Ibid, Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 420. 

To be continued, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration – Part 2: THE GOSPEL AND ITS PURPOSE 

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

May 28, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration – Part 2

THE GOSPEL AND ITS PURPOSE 

Among fellow mortals, there were few men who could speak for and in behalf of all the apostles and true messengers and servants of God in these last days till the close of probation. 

One of them is apostle Paul, dramatically converted and transformed by grace from the feared Pharisaical zealot of Judaism and prominent persecutor of Christ’s very first disciples in Judea. 

Paul was uniquely privileged to be taken in vision to “the third heavens, paradise Itself, where he heard language that is not lawful to speak on earth” possessing profound knowledge of the “deep things of God” having been granted the confidence declared with certainty (emphasis supplied):

     “For I am not ashamed of the GOSPEL of Christ: for it the POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION  to everyone that believeth. . . . For THEREIN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by faith.” Rom. 1:16, 17, A.V.

Christ means “the Anointed One.” Jesus means “He shall save His people FROM their sins.” (Matt. 1:21). And “God is love, light, and life.” 

Jesus Christ’s gospel is verily  “the good news” of salvation for all fallen, sinful mankind “for therein is revealed “to the world, men, and angels” God’s power, purpose, and plan to save fallen mankind completely, fully, and eternally from the curse of sin, “the transgression of the law,” the “wages of which is death”, that is, “the second death.” 

In the imponderable “mystery of godliness” God divine was manifested in the human flesh” (1 Tim 3:16). God Creator partook of the flesh and blood likeness of sinful flesh”, four thousand years after the fall in Eden, and “condemned,” not condoned, “sin in flesh that the righteousness of God might be fulfilled in us.”  The Creator became the “second Adam” to redeem the failure of the first Adam, the original father of the human race. 

The gospel of Christ is first a revelation God’s perfect love, enduring mercy, and “righteousness without a flaw” to the sinner, inviting him to accept by simple, childlike faith the complete efficacy of the atoning blood shed by His substitutionary death at Calvary’s cross as the promised “seed of a woman” (Gen. 3:15), verily the Creator of heaven and earth “in whom dwells the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” This is He, the Desire of ages, “the only-begotten Son of God the Father who, “in the mysterious “love that constraineth us,” offered Him as the Sacrificial “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world” —the only-acceptable price demanded by the Creator and Lawgiver’s own immutable law, the foundation of His eternal throne and transcript of His character, which was transgressed by His creatures.  

Fallen mankind was thus first redeemed in his totally-helpless condition as hostage/prisoners by his inherent fallen, sinful, carnal, mortal nature to Satan the “adversary of God and man” and a slave to sin. 

By faith in Christ’s once-and-for-all perfect atoning sacrifice as the Lamb of God, he receives the imputed righteousness of Christ by justification, the forgiveness of sins repented and confessed by faith in Christ’s “faithful and just power to forgive sins and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.”  Thereafter, he daily walks and lives “by faith that works by love” (Gal. 5:6) and purifies the soul temple, constantly beholding Christ’s perfect righteousness and character-perfecting life by His empowering grace imparted through the Holy Spirit 

Hereunder is described the saving grace and power of Christ’s redeeming blood shed at Calvary for the forgiveness or pardon of sins  emphasis supplied):

    “In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence [carefulness, margin]; having made known the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He had PURPOSED in Himself. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, BOTH which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even IN Him. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestined according to the PURPOSE of Him who worketh after the COUNSEL OF HIS OWN WILL THAT WE SHOULD BE TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY [His righteous character] who first trusted in Christ. In whom also ye trusted after ye heard the WORD OF TRUTH, THE GOSPEL OF YOUR SALVATION to whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise [the promised Holy Spirit as Christ’s Successor and Vicegerent on earth]—which is the earnest of our inheritance [‘heritage of Jacob’] UNTIL the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the PRAISE of His glory [His glorious character].” Eph. 1:7-14, KJV. 

Carefully read that again, pleading for the Holy Spirit of truth’s enlightenment. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed By Inspiration – Part 1

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

May 21, 2025

God’s Purposes Revealed By Inspiration – Part 1

GOD’S PURPOSE REVEALED TO THE TRUTH-SEEKER

We start this series with the word, purpose, as initially laid out in just a couple of sample verses. 

But first let all earnestly pray to be “one in spirit and in one accord,” united by the Holy Spirit in a genuine desire to know the purposes of the Desire of Ages, God in Christ Jesus Himself, in order to do His will by fulfilling our part intelligently, spiritually, voluntarily, I willingly, and uncompromisingly—all by the “constraint of love” “because He first loved us,” and “died for us even while we were yet sinners.”

Hereunder are the sample scriptures I have selected from the Authorized Version (KJV) Carefully consider the context. 

     “Every purpose is established by counsel:. . . Prov. 20:18.

     “To everything there is a reason, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” Eccl. 3:1.

      “And I said in mind heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” Eccl. 3:17. 

     “Where the word of the King is, there is power: and who may say unto Him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment. Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.”  Eccl. 8:4-6. 

     “This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all nations. For the Lord of hosts  hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Isa. 14:26, 27. 

Contemplate, ponder, and “think on these things” for “there is virtue and praise in them.”

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Last Part) 

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

May 14, 2025

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Last Part) 

This concludes, but by no means exhausts the “exceeding abundance” of glorious spiritual light of truth embodied in this subject. 

When spiritually discerned and thusly studied and personally appropriated, it cannot but glorify and magnify Jesus Christ, the Living Vine from whose “branches”— His true and faithful followers who are vitally, not superficially connected to Him, bear or manifest His character attributes, termed “fruits.” 

This is the “word of their testimony” that they have “presented their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is a reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1). Though still finite and mortal in nature with yet corruptible physical bodies, they willingly, intellectually, spiritually, and literally have consecrated their bodies to become full-time, sanctified TEMPLES where God in Christ through the Holy Spirit dwells on earth. See 1 Cor. 3: 16, 17; 6: 19, 20. 

They unquestioningly and faithfully follow this specific divine instructions: “Having therefore these promises, let us cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of flesh and the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1).

Carefully read for yourselves the whole chapter of John 15. Here, in simplicity, accuracy, and purify, where bearing His fruits are concerned, “Without Me ye can do nothing.” In short, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” By the “fruits” we bear in our lives and character we unconsciously reveal “to the world, men, and angels” whether Jesus through the Holy Spirit, truly abides/dwells in us “in spirit and in truth.” 

God’s servant-messenger wrote and I quote (all emphasis and bracketed words mine):

    “‘I am the Vine, ye are the branches. Can we conceive of a MORE INTIMATE RELATION to Jesus than this? The fibers of end branch are almost identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and FRUITFULNESS from the trunk to the branches is UNOBSTRUCTED AND CONSTANT. The root sends its nourishment through the branch .

    “Such is the TRUE BELIEVER’S RELATION TO CHRIST. He abides IN Christ, and draws his NOURISHMENT from Him. This spiritual relation can be established ONLY by the exercise of personal faith. [‘salvation is individual; not corporate or institutional]. This faith must express on our part SUPREME PREFERENCE, PERFECT RELIANCE, ENTIRE CONSECRATION [of the mind, heart, body, soul, and spirit.].   

     “Our WILL must be wholly yielded fo the divine will, our FEELINGS, DESIRES, INTERESTS, and HONOR, identified with the prosperity of Christ’s kingdom and the honor of His cause, we constantly receiving grace from Him, and Christ accepting gratitude from us. . . . 

    “If was when Christ was about to take leave of His disciples [and ascend to the Father] that He have them the beautiful emblem of His relation to believers [Vine-branch]. A union with Christ by living faith is enduring [as in the ‘patience of the saints.” ]. Every other union must PERISH. The true believer chooses Christ as FIRST AND LAST, and BEST in everything.”

E. G. White, My Life Today (devotional), p. 11).

To be continued, God willing.  Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

The Faith ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit (Part 2) : THE FAITH OF JESUS PRODUCES THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT IN THE FAITHFUL SAINTS 

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

May 7, 2025

The Faith ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit (Part 2)

THE FAITH OF JESUS PRODUCES THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT IN THE FAITHFUL SAINTS 

    “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12, Authorized Version (KJV).

The true saints of God, specifically in these most solemn, closing hours of the ongoing pre-advent, investigative judgment that commenced in October 1844 (per the 2300-day prophecy of Dan. 8:14, and announced by the First Angel’s message, Rev. 14: 6,7), have three major distinguishing features  or “marks” all combined at once, from all the rest of the “faith community of professed believers” in mainstream Christianity. These are: 

     1) They have the “patience of the saints.”  They are certainly not dead “canonized” saints when shown to John in vision, but faithful, often suffering and persecuted for righteousness sake (Matt. 5: 10, 11:; 2 Tim. 3:12, etc.). The untranslated Greek for patience means “long endurance,” or long-enduring; enduring to the end.

    2) They “keep”, that is, obey out of love, preserve by practice and thus are true custodians of “the commandments of God”, that is, all ten but particularity the fourth which is God’s only divinely appointed and sanctified Memorial Day of both Creation and Redemption (see Exo. 20:8; Eze. 20: 12, 20. It is identified and called the Sabbath day by no less than the Lord of the Sabbath himself. (Matt. 12: 7: Mark 2: 27, 28; Luke 6: 5, 6). 

     3) They have “the faith of Jesus.” And like the two previous distinguishing marks, they “have” by practice and preservation, the true knowledge of the “faith of Jesus,” not just “the faith of the church or a religion,” or a personal “belief,” etc. 

Since the whole Bible, the New Testament in particular, was the product of “holy men of God who spoke and wrote “as the Holy Spirit moved them (2 Pet. 1: 21), the “fruits of the Spirit” are inevitable “fruits” of human “branches connected to the living Vine,” Christ Jesus (John 15: 1-8) through the indwelling Holy Spirit. These “fruitful branches” have “present their bodies a living (not dead) sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God as their reasonable service” to and for Him. (Rom. 12:1). 

Thus their yet-mortal bodies become sanctified “temples where God and the Holy Spirit dwell.” (1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19, 20). They strive by grace to “live, move, and have their being” “by EVERY WORD that proceeds out of the mouth of God” in Christ the living Word (John 1:1-3).      

While on earth Jesus glorified only the Father, never Himself. One the clearly defined works of the Holy Spirit as Christ’s Vicegerent was to do for Him what He did for the Father: Jesus told His disciples: “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth is come. . . . He (the Holy Spirit) shall GLORIFY ME:  He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you.” (John 16: 13, 14).

Hereunder is just one of many Testimonies on what “the faith of Jesus” is in relation to His word, our corresponding works, and resulting “fruits.” 

     “The time has come when we are to expect large blessings from the Lord. [But] WE MUST RISE TO A HIGHER STANDARD OF FAITH. WE HAVE TOO LITTLE OF FAITH. The Word of God is our endorsement. We are to take it, SIMPLY BELIEVING EVERY WORD. With this assurance we may claim large things, and ACCORDING TO OUR FAITH, it will be unto us. . . . 

     “The WORK OF FAITH means more than we think. It means GENUINE RELIANCE UPON THE WORD OF GOD [not on fellow mortals of man-made institutions]. By OUR ACTIONS we are to show that we believe that God will do just as He said. . . We must have an ADVANCING, WORKING FAITH, a ‘faith that works by love’ [Gal. 5:6] and purifies the soul FROM EVERY VESTIGE OF SELFISHNESS. IT IS NOT SELF, BUT GOD, that we must depend on. We must not cherish unbelief. We must have faith that takes God at His word. . .    

      “True faith consists in DOING just what God has ENJOINED, not MANUFACTURING THINGS  He has not enjoined. 

     “JUSTICE, TRUTH, MERCY, ARE THE FRUIT OF FAITH. We need to walk in the light of God’s law: then GOOD WORKS WILL BE THE FRUIT OF FAITH, THE PROCEEDS OF A HEART RENEWED EVERY DAY [by the baptism of the Holy Spirit ‘with fire.’]. The TREE must be made good before the FRUIT can be good. We must be WHOLLY consecrated to God. Our WILL must be made right before the FRUIT can be good. We must have NO FITFUL RELIGION. [Meaning]. ‘Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God’ (1 Cor. 10: 31). [God’s glory and grace is Christ’s character]. 

     “When our faith works by love, just such a love as Christ revealed in His life, it will be a FIRM texture [in the character ‘robe’ or ‘garment’]; it will be the FRUIT OF A WILL SUBDUED. But NOT UNTIL SELF DIES can Christ [through the Holy Spirit] live in us. Not until self dies can we possess a FAITH that works by love and purifies [sanctifies] the soul.” -E. G. White, That I May Know Him, p. 226.

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

The Faith ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit : BAPTIZED DAILY BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, THE JUST LIVE BY THE FAITH OF JESUS

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 30, 2025

The Faith ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit

BAPTIZED DAILY BY HIS HOLY SPIRIT, THE JUST LIVE BY THE FAITH OF JESUS

Only those who are baptized by water immersion in “John’s baptism of repentance,” followed by the daily baptism of the Holy Spirit “with fire” unto sanctification, are empowered to “keep the commandments of God because they “have the faith of Jesus.” It is “the faith that works by love” (Gal. 5:6) and sanctifies the soul. Such saints manifest without pretense the “faith fruit” of an indwelling Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead, Christ’s only Vicegerent on earth. They are “justified by faith” and sanctified by following Christ’s life example of obedience. 

In Prophets & Kings, pp. 386-388, E. G. White wrote of the experience and testimony of one of a so-called “minor” yet faithful “prophet” regarding the “major” faith of the true saints, past, present, and future (all emphasis and bracketed words 

  mine): 

    “On one occasion when meditating concerning the FUTURE, Habakkuk said, ‘I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me.’ Graciously the Lord answered him: ‘Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. . . . The just shall live by faith.’

     “The FAITH that strengthened Habakkuk and ALL THE HOLY AND JUST IN THOSE DAYS OF DEEP TRIAL WAS THE SAME FAITH THAT SUSTAINS GOD’S PEOPLE TODAY [the time of the Dispensation of the Holy Spirit!]. 

     “In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the [genuine] Christian believer may keep his soul styled upon the source of all light and power [of truth and righteousness]. DAY BY DAY, THROUGH FAITH IN GOD, his hope and courage may be renewed [refreshed; reinvigorated; recharged; re-energized by the abiding and indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit]. . . .

     “We must cherish and cultivate THE FAITH OF WHICH PROPHETS AND APOSTLES HAVE TESTIFIED—-the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and WAITS for deliverance in His APPOINTED TIME AND WAY. The SURE WORD OF PROPHECY [as assured by the Spirit of prophecy, which is the Testimony of Jesus, Rev. 19:10] will meet its fulfillment in the glorious Advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords.

    “The time of waiting may SEEM long, the soul may be OPPRESSED by discouraging circumstances, MANY in whom confidence has been placed, may FALL BY THE WAY [never ‘once saved, always saved!]; but with the prophet who encouraged Judah in time of UNPARALLELED APOSTASY, let us confidently declare, ‘The Lord is in His holy temple [in the most holy of the heavenly sanctuary, closing up His final work of investigative judgment]: let all the earth keep silence before Him.’ Habakkuk 2:20. . . . The just shall live BY HIS FAITH.” (end quote). 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

The Goodness ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 23, 2025

The Goodness ‘Fruit’ of the Holy Spirit

TRUE GOODNESS IS TRUE GREATNESS

Bible prophecy sadly reveals the fearful truth that in these last days of earth “the kings of and great men of the earth” will be manifest in stark contrast to God’s faithful humble men (women and young ones, too), who are great in His sight and heaven’s estimation, though obscure, ridiculed, despised, and hated by the former and the world-at-large. But as Jesus apprised His first Twelve: “The servant is not greater than his Master. If they hated Me without a cause, they will hate you also.” 

Indeed, as the wiseman declared, “A good man obtaineth favor of the Lord.” (Prov. 4:2, KJV). 

God’s last-day messenger and humble servant wrote:

    “True goodness is accounted of Heaven as true greatness. The condition of the MORAL AFFECTIONS determines the WORTH of man [or woman]. A person may have PROPERTY [wealth] and INTELLECT, and yet be VALUELESS, because the  GLOWING FIRE OF GOODNESS has never burned in the ALTAR of his heart.” – Vol. 2 Testimonies, p. 305. 

    True goodness is not natural to fallen, sinful, finite, mortal sinners. The carnal mind, in fact, is “at enmity” against God’s holy law and Christ’s righteous character. And “all we like sheep have gone astray” for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” 

    True “goodness is the RESULT of divine power TRANSFORMING [fallen, sinful] human nature. By believing in Christ [and all that fully comprehends], the fallen race He has redeemed [by His supreme condescension in the incarnation, “the mystery of godliness,” (1 Tim. 3:16) and His justifying blood obtained in His atoning sacrificial death as the Lamb of God at Calvary may obtain ‘the faith that works by love’ [Gal. 5:6) and purifies the soul from all [moral and spiritual] defilement. The CHRISTLIKE attributes appear; for by beholding Christ [by living faith] men become CHANGED into the same image [moral character]. GOOD FRUIT IS PRODUCED [in the ‘tree;’ a symbol of man]. The character is fashioned AFTER the divine similitude [likeness; image], and INTEGRITY, UPRIGHTNESS, AND TRUE [not transactional or simulated] BENEVOLENCE are manifested toward the sinful race [fellow men].” E. G. White Manuscript 42, 1900.

    “The Lord has placed every human being on test and trial [in man’s second and last probation; Adam, the father of mankind, failed the simple test in the first one, in Eden]. He desires to try and prove us, to see if we will BE GOOD AND DO GOOD IN THIS LIFE [only according to His standard of goodness defined by His law “which is holy, just, and good,’ and His modeled example of “being made perfect by the things which He suffered.’ (Heb. 5: 8, 9)]—to see if He can trust us with ETERNAL RICHES, and make us MEMBERS of the ROYAL FAMILY, children of the Heavenly King.” – Letter 15, 1899.

     “There is NO LIMIT TO THE GOOD that you [and I] may do. [Here’s why and how]. “IF you make the Word of God the RULE of your life, and GOVERN your actions by its precepts, making all your PURPOSES AND EXERTIONS in the FULFILLING of your duty AS A BLESSING AND NOT A CURSE [or heaven burden] TO OTHERS, success will crown your efforts. You have placed yourself IN CONNECTION with God; you have become a CHANNEL OF LIGHT to others. You are honored by becoming CO-LABORERS with Jesus, and no higher honor can you receive than the blessed benediction from the lips of the Savior: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” (62) Messages to Young People, p. 125.

Just to finally hear these sweetest words alone spoken from Jesus’ own lips addressed to me, so undeserving a sinner, is worth continuing to strive for in our shared earthly trials and tribulations as finite mortals, before He finally returns! Don’t you think so, fellow pilgrim? 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

TRUE GENTLENESS IS A GEM OF GREAT VALUE IN GOD’S SIGHT

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 16, 2025

TRUE GENTLENESS IS A GEM OF GREAT VALUE IN GOD’S SIGHT

    “Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation: and Thy gentleness hath made me great.” 2 Sam. 23: 36, A.V. 

Jesus, the victorious “second Adam,” is our precious Savior-Example, the human-divine Model and Pattern Man for all to follow and obey “by faith that works by love” enabled by God’s empowering grace imparted by the Holy Spirit to the true believer. 

As the Corner Stone of the true church—His spiritual kingdom of righteousness on earth,—He, the Desire and Rock of ages, was as firm as a rock where truth and duty is concerned. In His model life heavenly courtesy was perfectly illustrated. 

“KINDNESS GENTLENESS GAVE FRAGRANCE TO HIS CHARACTER.” 

Hereunder is a “family of God-household of faith” specific counsel regarding the divine power in true gentleness, produced by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (emphasis mine):

     “We want a SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS. We cannot live right in the FAMILY CIRCLE without it. [and “righteousness is right doing.’|.

     “In order to have proper control of our children [in the home, and members in the church|, we must manifest a spirit of GENTLENESS and of MEEKNESS and of LONG-SUFFERING. We do not want to have a FAULT-FINDING, FRETFUL, SCOLDING spirit. 

    “If we teach THEM to have a spirit of gentleness, we must have a spirit of gentleness OURSELVES. [“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;” “an ounce of practice is better than a pound of preaching;””truth is no truth to them who do not practice it;” etc.]. 

    “If we would have them manifest a spirit of love toward us, we must manifest a GENTLE,  loving spirit toward them. BUT at the same time there need be NO weakness or unwise INDULGENCE on the part of the parents [also, ministers, pastors, undershepherds]. 

     “The mother [father; all the others cited above] must be AS FIRM AS A ROCK, and not swerve from the right [from what is right, true, holy, according to God’s will as revealed in His law]. Her laws and rules should be carried out at all times and under all hazards, BUT she can do this with ALL GENTLENESS and meekness. . . . The children will grow up God-fearing men and women.” -E. G. White, Review & Herald, Dec. 21, 1886.

The divine imaging principle and process is constantly at work whether we are aware or not. “Like mother, like daughter;” “Like father, like son,” “Like priest, like followers,” etc. By constantly beholding one becomes changed. And “by their fruits ye shall know them.” 

May all diligently and persistently “ask, seek, and knock” for the Holy Spirit in prayer daily, “seeking for the Lord WHILE He may yet be found.” Beware lest any fall asleep or even temporarily take a “nap” during this deepening “midnight” of earth’s history just before “the coming of the Bridegroom!” Remember: the Holy Spirit has been slowly withdrawing from the earth! 

To be continued, God willing. Bless all, NMF.