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The 2024 Revival and Reformation daily devotional messages are from the book This Day With God
by Ellen. G. White.
A Bank That Never Fails, July 8
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20, 21.
Here is portrayed the value of eternal riches, in contrast with the treasures of earth. If the purpose and aim of your life is to lay up treasure in heaven, you will be lifted above the base, sordid, demoralizing influence of an inordinate desire to obtain wealth in this life. Laying up treasure in heaven will give nobility to the character; it will strengthen benevolence, encourage mercy; cultivate sympathy, brotherly kindness, and charity. It will unite the soul of man with Christ, by links that can never be broken. You may lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven by being rich in good works—rich in imperishable and spiritual things.
The instruction is to “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” It is for our own interest that we secure heavenly riches. God is not benefited by our benevolence. The cattle upon a thousand hills are His. “The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.” Psalm 24:1. But in using the gifts that He has entrusted to our care for the salvation of souls, we transfer our wealth to the treasury of heaven. When we are seeking the glory of God, and hasting unto the day of God, we are colaborers with Christ, and our joy is not a base and fleeting emotion; but it is the joy of our Lord. We are elevated above the corroding, perplexing cares of this frail, fickle world.
While we are in this world, we are subject to losses and disappointments. Thieves break through and steal; moth and rust corrupt; fire and storm sweep away our possessions.... How many have devoted life and soul to acquiring wealth, but were not rich toward God; and when adversity came upon them, and their possessions were swept away, they had nothing laid up in heaven. They had lost all—both temporal and eternal riches....
Everything that is laid up upon earth may be swept away in a moment; but nothing can disturb the treasure that is laid up in heaven.12The Review and Herald, September 18, 1888.
A Curse or a Blessing? July 7
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. Matthew 6:19.
Treasures are those things which engross the mind, and absorb the attention, to the exclusion of God and the truth.... Our Saviour gave a decided warning against hoarding up the treasures of earth.
All branches of business, all manner of employments, are under…
When Loss Is Gain, July 6
And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. Luke 12:15.
One marked feature in the teachings of Christ is the frequency and earnestness with which He rebuked the sin of covetousness and pointed out the danger of worldly acquisitions and the inordinate love of gain.... When the head and hands are constantly…
How Does Your Account Stand? July 5
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Money is a blessing when those who use it consider that they are the Lord's stewards, that they are handling the Lord's capital, and must one day give account of their stewardship.5Letter 17, 1872.…
Nothing Too Precious to Give to God, July 4
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Hebrews 11:17.
Abraham's test was the most severe that could come to a human being. Had he failed under it, he would never have been registered as the father of the faithful.... The lesson was given to shine down through the ages, that we may learn that there is nothing too precious…
Agents to Relieve Distress, July 3
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40.
What if the professed followers of Jesus should look upon their expensive garments and should see the words written upon them by the finger of God, “Clothe the naked.” What if they should see inscribed upon their expensive decorations…
The Peril of Prosperity, July 2
If riches increase, set not your heart upon them. Psalm 62:10.
Among the greatest dangers that threaten the church is the love of the world. Out of this spring the sins of selfishness and covetousness. With many, the more they get of earthly treasure, the more they set their affections on it, and still they reach out for more....
Satan employs every means which he can devise to overthrow the followers…
More, More, More! July 1
Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. Proverbs 8:18, 19.
The covetous man becomes more covetous as he draws near his death. The man who all through his life is accumulating earthly treasure, cannot readily withdraw himself from his accustomed pursuits. Shall not he who is seeking a heavenly…
The Precious Treasure of Time, June 30
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Romans 13:12.
If we would at last share the reward of the righteous, we must wisely improve the time of our probation. Moments are more precious than gold....
The coming of the Lord draweth nigh. We have but a little time in which to make ready. If precious opportunities…
Joy in Humble Service, June 29
Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Acts 9:6.
It matters not what our position may be or how limited our capacities, we have a work to do for the Master. Our graces are developed and matured by exercise. With the truth of God burning in the soul we cannot be idle. The happiness we shall experience in doing will compensate even in this life for every effort. Those only who have experienced happiness resulting…
In the Footsteps of Jesus, June 28
Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12:12, 13.
The efficiency of Satan's kingdom is found in the blending together of satanic forces to extend the contagion of evil; but the Lord Jesus has devised a plan whereby He may work counter to the work of Satan.…
“Who Is My Neighbour?” June 27
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Romans 12:10.
A Christian life will be revealed by Christian thoughts, Christian words, and Christian deportment. In Christ there is a divine completeness of character. In Christ we will work the works of Christ. We shall in Christ sense our binding, far-reaching obligations to God and to our fellow man.... There…
The Grace of Sympathy, June 26
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Romans 15:1.
What we all need is a more pure, Christlike sympathy; not sympathy for those who are perfect—they do not need it—but sympathy for poor, suffering, struggling souls who are often overtaken in fault, sinning and repenting, tempted and discouraged. The effect of grace is to soften and subdue the soul.…
Helping One Another, June 25
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10.
In the Lord's plan human beings have been made necessary to one another. If all would do their utmost to help those who need their help, their unselfish sympathy and love, what a blessed work might be done. To every one God has entrusted talents. These talents we are to use…
Root Out the Poisonous Plants, June 24
Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8.
How close and tender should be the tie that binds us together! How careful we should be to have our words and actions in harmony with the sacred truths that God has committed to us! ...
Let your conversation be of such a nature that you will have no need to repent of it.... If a word…
No Caste With God, June 23
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. James 2:1.
The wrongs existing in the society of the world should never, never find sanction among Christians.... God demands that you open your hand wide to the needy, and have the tenderest compassion for those who are afflicted, or who are suffering from want....
If you have the spirit of Christ,…
All Honor to the Peacemakers! June 22
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9.
Peacemakers! What a treasure is a peacemaker in the family; what a blessing in the church! Peacemakers may be tempted, but their life is hid with Christ in God. They look unto Jesus, copying His pattern.... They receive the peace which Christ gives....
The true nature of our religion is not found in the position…
One to a Hundred, June 21
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Matthew 18:21, 22.
There is a great work before us. There are men and women straying from the fold of Christ, and as they become cold and indifferent, and lose all disposition to return, they will…
Help for the Erring One, June 20
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1.
Here is a special direction to deal tenderly with those overtaken in a fault. “Overtaken” must have its full significance.... To be led into sin unawares—not intending to sin, but to sin through want of watchfulness and prayer, not…
The Silken Cord That Binds Hearts, June 19
By love serve one another. Galatians 5:13.
Love is the silken cord that binds hearts together. We are not to feel that we must set up ourselves as a pattern. As long as we think of ourselves and what is due to us from others it will be impossible for us to do our work of saving souls. When Christ takes possession of our hearts we shall no longer make the narrow circle of self the center of our thoughts and…
The Outflow of Love, June 18
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7.
When the heavenly principle of eternal love fills the heart, it will flow out to others, not merely because favors are received of them, but because love is the principle of action, and modifies the character, governs the impulses, controls the passions, subdues enmity, and elevates…
Under the Yoke of Christ, June 17
He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 1 John 2:10.
Satan is seeking by his temptations to obtain advantage over souls. Let nothing that you may do or say prove a temptation or discouragement to any soul. Remember he is the purchase of the blood of Christ. Every soul is precious. Only as you look to the cross of Calvary can you place a right estimate…
The Golden Chain of Love, June 16
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34, 35.
The love of Christ is a golden chain that binds finite, human beings who believe in Jesus Christ to the Infinite God. The love that the Lord has for His children passeth knowledge. No science can…
Victory Over Every Foe, June 15
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left. 2 Corinthians 6:7.
Through the ages of moral darkness, through centuries of strife and persecution, the church of Christ has been as a city set on a hill. From age to age, through successive generations to the present time, the pure doctrines of the Bible have been unfolding within her borders. The…
One Great Brotherhood, June 14
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 1:10.
We have one Lord, one faith, one baptism. The gospel of Christ is to reach all classes, all nations, all tongues and people. The influence of the gospel is to unite…