Sunday, April 30, 2017

Daily readings for 2017-05-01: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul Diaz,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 90 of 335

May—The Day That God Made Holy

God's People to Keep the Sabbath, May 1

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Genesis 2:2, NKJV.

God sanctified and blessed the day in which He had rested from all His wondrous work. And this Sabbath, sanctified of God, was to be kept for a perpetual covenant. It was a memorial that was to stand from age to age, till the close of earth's history.

God brought the Hebrews out of their Egyptian bondage, and commanded them to observe His Sabbath, and keep the law given in Eden. Every week He worked a miracle to establish in their minds the fact that in the beginning of the world He had instituted the Sabbath....

In the third month they came to the desert of Sinai, and there the law was spoken from the mount in awful grandeur. During their stay in Egypt, Israel had so long heard and seen idolatry practiced that to a large degree they had lost their knowledge of God and of His law, and their sense of the importance and sacredness of the Sabbath; the law was given a second time to call these things to their remembrance. In God's statutes was defined practical religion for all mankind. Before Israel was placed the true standard of righteousness.

“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep.” Some, who have been anxious to make of none effect the law of God, have quoted this word “sabbaths,” interpreting it to mean the annual sabbaths of the Jews. But they do not connect this positive requirement with that which follows: “For it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.”—The Review and Herald, August 30, 1898.


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Devoción Matutina en español

April 30, 2017

Desarraigar el egoísmo

Guardaos de la levadura de los fariseos, que es hipocresía. Lucas 12:1.

La hipocresía de los fariseos era resultado de su egoísmo. La glorificación propia era el objeto de su vida... Los mismos discípulos, aunque exteriormente lo habían abandonado todo por amor a Jesús, no habían cesado en su corazón de desear grandes cosas para sí... Así como la levadura, si se la deja completar su obra, ocasionará corrupción y descomposición, el espíritu egoísta, si se lo alberga, produce la contaminación y la ruina del alma. ¡Cuán difundido está, hoy como antaño, este pecado sutil y engañoso entre los seguidores de nuestro Señor! ¡Cuán a menudo nuestro servicio por Cristo y nuestra comunión entre unos y otros quedan manchados por el secreto deseo de ensalzar al yo! A sus propios discípulos se dirigen las palabras amonestadoras de Cristo: “Mirad, y guardaos de la levadura de los fariseos”... Únicamente el poder de Dios puede desterrar el egoísmo y la hipocresía.— El Deseado de Todas las Gentes, 376, 377.

Cuando Judas se unió a los discípulos no era insensible a la belleza del carácter de Cristo. Sentía la influencia de aquel poder divino que atraía las almas al Salvador... El Salvador leyó el corazón de Judas; conoció los abismos de iniquidad en los cuales éste se hundiría a menos que fuese librado por la gracia de Dios. Al relacionar a este hombre consigo, le puso donde podría estar día tras día en contacto con la manifestación de su propio amor abnegado. Si quería abrir su corazón a Cristo, la gracia divina desterraría el demonio del egoísmo, y aun Judas podría llegar a ser súbdito del reino de Dios.— Ibid. 261.

Nadie ocupaba un puesto tan exaltado como el de Cristo, y sin embargo él se rebajó a cumplir el más humilde deber... Cristo les dio su ejemplo de humildad. No quería dejar a cargo del hombre este gran asunto. De tanta importancia lo consideró, que él mismo, que era igual a Dios, actuó como siervo de sus discípulos. Mientras estaban contendiendo por el puesto más elevado, Aquel ante quien toda rodilla ha de doblarse, Aquel a quien los ángeles de gloria se honran en servir, se inclinó para lavar los pies de quienes le llamaban Señor. Lavó los pies de su traidor.— Ibid. 604.

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Daily Devotional

April 30, 2017

To Grow, Study the Word

All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, NRSV.

The teacher of the truth should advance in knowledge, growing in grace and in Christian experience, cultivating habits and practices which will do honor to God and to His Word. He or she should show others how to make a practical application of the Word. Every advance we make in sanctified ability, in varied studies, will help us to understand the Word of God; and the study of the Scriptures helps us in the study of the other branches essential in education.

After the first acquaintance with the Bible, the interest of earnest seekers grows rapidly. The discipline gained by a regular study of the Word of God enables them to see a freshness and beauty in truth that they never before discerned. Reference to texts, when speaking, becomes natural and easy to a Bible student.

Above everything else, it is essential for the teachers of the Word of God to seek most earnestly to possess themselves of the internal evidence of the Scriptures. Those who would be blessed with this evidence must search the Scriptures for themselves. As they learn the lessons given by Christ, and compare scripture with scripture, to see whether they themselves bear its credentials, they will obtain a knowledge of God's Word, and the truth will write itself on their souls.

The truth is the truth. It is not to be wrapped up in beautiful adornings, that the outside appearance may be admired. The teacher is to make the truth clear and forcible to the understanding and to the conscience. The Word is a two-edged sword that cuts both ways. It does not tread as with soft, slippered feet.

There are many cases where people who have defended Christianity against skeptics have afterward lost their own souls in the mazes of skepticism. They caught the malaria, and died spiritually. They had strong arguments for the truth, and much outside evidence, but they did not have an abiding faith in Christ. Oh, there are thousands upon thousands of professed Christians who never study the Bible! Study the sacred Word prayerfully, for your own soul's benefit. When you hear the word of living preachers, if they have a living connection with God, you will find that the Spirit and the word agree. - The Review and Herald, April 20, 1897.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 107.

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Thought of the Day

April 30, 2017

All the branches obtain their nourishment from one source. This is an illustration of the unity that is to exist among Christ's followers. - AG 211

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Daily Devotional

April 30, 2017

Christ's Followers to Differ From the World

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9, NKJV.

As we read the Word of God, how plain it appears that His people are to be peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving world around them. Our position is interesting and fearful; living in the last days, how important that we imitate the example of Christ, and walk even as He walked. "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." The opinions and wisdom of mortals must not guide or govern us. They always lead away from the cross.

The servants of Christ have neither their home nor their treasure here. Would that all of them could understand that it is only because the Lord reigns that we are even permitted to dwell in peace and safety among our enemies. It is not our privilege to claim special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and despised among men and women, until the warfare is finished and the victory won. The members of Christ are called to come out and be separate from the friendship and spirit of the world; their strength and power consists in being chosen and accepted of God....

The world is ripening for its destruction. God can bear with sinners but a little longer. They must drink the dregs of the cup of His wrath unmixed with mercy. Those who will be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as His, wholly His. Think ye that God will receive, honor, and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name? Read again Titus 2:13-15. It is soon to be known who is on the Lord's side, who will not be ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage to conscientiously take their position in the face of unbelievers, leave the fashions of the world, and imitate the self-denying life of Christ are ashamed of Him, and do not love His example. - Testimonies for the Church 1:286, 287.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 279.

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Thought of the Day

April 30, 2017

No man, woman, or youth can attain to Christian perfection and neglect the study of the word of God. - CSW 17

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Daily readings for 2017-04-30: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 89 of 335

True Learners Accept the Scriptures as God's Voice, April 30

If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31, 32, NKJV.

The young men and women who make the Bible their guide need not mistake the path of duty and of safety. That Book will teach them to preserve their integrity of character, to be truthful, to practice no deception. It will teach them that they must never transgress God's law in order to accomplish a desired object, even though to obey involves a sacrifice. It will teach them that the blessing of heaven will not rest upon them if they depart from the path of right doing; that although some may appear to prosper in disobedience, they will surely reap the fruit of their sowing.

Those only who read the Scriptures as the voice of God speaking to them are true learners. They tremble at the voice of God, for to them it is a living reality. They open their understanding to divine instruction and pray for grace, that they may obtain a preparation for service. As the heavenly torch is placed in their hands, the seekers for truth see their own frailty, their infirmity, the hopelessness of looking to themselves for righteousness. They see that there is in them nothing that can recommend them to God. They pray for the Holy Spirit, the representative of Christ, to be their constant guide, to lead them into all truth. They repeat the promise “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things” (John 14:26)....

Diligent Bible students will constantly increase in knowledge and discernment. Their intellect will grasp elevated subjects and lay hold of the truth of eternal realities. Their motives of action will be right. They will use their talents of influence to help others to understand more perfectly their God-given responsibilities. Their hearts will be a wellspring of joy as they see success attend their efforts to impart to others the blessings they have received.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 449-451.


		The Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Phone: +1 301 680 6540 Help: subscribe@ellenwhite.org

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Saturday, April 29, 2017

Daily readings for 2017-04-30: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul Diaz,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 89 of 335

True Learners Accept the Scriptures as God's Voice, April 30

If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31, 32, NKJV.


		The Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Phone: +1 301 680 6540 Help: subscribe@ellenwhite.org

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Thought of the Day

April 29, 2017

There is an invisible power constantly at work as man's servant to feed and to clothe him. - COL 81

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Devoción Matutina en español

April 29, 2017

Su compasión

Tomándolos en los brazos, poniendo las manos sobre ellos, los bendecía. Marcos 10:16.

Mientras Jesús desempeñaba su ministerio en las calles de las ciudades, las madres con sus pequeñuelos enfermos o moribundos en brazos, se abrían paso por entre la muchedumbre para ponerse al alcance de la mirada de él.

Ved a estas madres, pálidas, cansadas, casi desesperadas, y no obstante, resueltas y perseverantes. Con su carga de sufrimientos buscan al Salvador. Cuando la agitada muchedumbre las empuja hacia atrás, Cristo se abre paso poco a poco hasta llegar junto a ellas. Brota la esperanza en sus corazones. Derraman lágrimas de gozo cuando consiguen llamarle la atención y se fijan en los ojos que expresan tanta compasión y tanto amor.

Dirigiéndose a una de las que formaban el grupo, el Salvador alienta su confianza diciéndole: “¿Qué puedo hacer por ti?” Entre sollozos ella le expone su gran necesidad: “Maestro, que sanes a mi hijo”. Cristo toma al niño, y a su toque desvanece la enfermedad. Huye la mortal palidez; vuelve a fluir por las venas la corriente de vida, y se fortalecen los músculos. La madre oye palabras de consuelo y paz. Luego preséntase otro caso igualmente urgente. De nuevo hace Cristo uso de su poder vivificador, y todos loan y honran al que hace maravillas.

Hacemos mucho hincapié en la grandeza de la vida de Cristo. Hablamos de las maravillas que realizó, de los milagros que hizo. Pero su cuidado por las cosas que se suelen estimar insignificantes, es prueba aún mayor de su grandeza.

Acostumbraban los judíos llevar a los niños a algún rabino para que pusiese las manos sobre ellos y los bendijera; pero los discípulos consideraban que la obra del Salvador era demasiado importante para interrumpirla así. Cuando las madres acudían deseosas de que Cristo bendijera a sus pequeñuelos los discípulos las miraban con desagrado. Creían que los niños no iban a obtener provecho de una visita a Jesús, y que a él no le agradaría verlos. Pero el Salvador comprendía el solícito cuidado y la responsabilidad de las madres que procuraban educar a sus hijos conforme a la Palabra de Dios. El había oído los ruegos de ellas y las había atraído a su presencia...

Cristo es hoy el mismo Salvador compasivo que anduvo entre los hombres. Es hoy tan verdaderamente el auxiliador de las madres como cuando en Judea tomó a los niños en sus brazos. Los niños de nuestros hogares fueron comprados por su sangre tanto como los de antaño...

Acudan, pues, a Jesús las madres con sus perplejidades. Encontrarán bastante gracia para ayudarles en el cuidado de sus hijos. Abiertas están las puertas para toda madre que quiera depositar su carga a los pies del Salvador. Aquel que dijo: “Dejad los niños venir, y no se lo estorbéis” ( El Ministerio de Curación, 25-27.

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Daily Devotional

April 29, 2017

Prepare Now for Immortal Life

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened. Ephesians 1:17, 18, NKJV.

The best way to prevent the growth of evil is to preoccupy the soil. The greatest care and watchfulness is needed in cultivating the mind and sowing therein the precious seeds of Bible truth. The Lord, in His great mercy, has revealed to us in the Scriptures the rules of holy living. He tells us the sins to shun; He explains to us the plan of salvation, and points out the way to heaven. He has inspired holy men to record, for our benefit, instruction concerning the dangers that beset our path, and how to escape them. Those who obey His injunction to search the Scriptures will not be ignorant of these things. Amid the perils of the last days, members of the church should understand the reasons of their hope and faith - reasons which are not difficult of comprehension. There is enough to occupy the mind, if we would grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ....

If the Bible were studied as it should be, we would become strong in intellect. The subjects treated upon in the Word of God, the dignified simplicity of its utterance, the noble themes which it presents to the mind, develop faculties in us which cannot otherwise be developed....

God would have us avail ourselves of every means of cultivating and strengthening our intellectual powers. We were created for a higher, nobler existence than the life that now is. This time is one of preparation for the future, immortal life. Where can be found grander themes for contemplation, a more interesting subject for thought, than the sublime truths unfolded in the Bible? These truths will do a mighty work for us, if we will but follow what they teach....

If the Bible were read more, if its truths were better understood, we should be a far more enlightened and intelligent people. Energy is imparted to the soul by searching its pages. Angels from the world of light stand by the side of the earnest seeker after truth, to impress and illuminate the mind. All who are dark of understanding may find light through an acquaintance with the Scriptures. - Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 125, 126.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 106.

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Daily Devotional

April 29, 2017

Witness at Every Large Gathering in Cities

And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority. Luke 4:32, NKJV.

I was given instruction that as we approach the end, there will be large gatherings in our cities ... and that preparations must be made to present the truth at these gatherings. When Christ was upon this earth, He took advantage of such opportunities. Wherever a large number of people were gathered for any purpose, His voice was heard, clear and distinct, giving His message. And as a result, after His crucifixion and ascension, thousands were converted in a day. The seed sown by Christ sank deep into hearts, and germinated, and when the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit, the harvest was gathered in.

The disciples went forth and preached the Word everywhere with such power that fear fell upon their opposers, and they dared not do that which they would have done had not the evidence been so plain that God was working.

At every large gathering some of our ministers should be in attendance. They should work wisely to obtain a hearing and to get the light of the truth before as many as possible....

At all such gatherings there should be present men and women whom God can use. Leaflets containing the light of present truth should be scattered among the people like the leaves of autumn. To many who attend these gatherings these leaflets would be as the leaves of the tree of life, which are for the healing of the nations.

I send you this, my brethren, that you may give it to others. Those who go forth to proclaim the truth shall be blessed by Him who has given them the burden of proclaiming this truth....

The time has come when, as never before, Seventh-day Adventists are to arise and shine, because their light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon them. - Evangelism, 35, 36.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 278.

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Thought of the Day

April 29, 2017

The provisions of redemption are free to all; the results will be enjoyed by those who have complied with the conditions. - BOE 96

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Daily readings for 2017-04-29: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 88 of 335

Search the Scriptures, and Be Obedient, April 29

Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. John 7:17, NRSV.

Those who humbly and prayerfully search the Scriptures, to know and to do God's will, will not be in doubt of their obligations to God. For “if any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine.” If you would know the mystery of godliness, you must follow the plain word of truth—feeling or no feeling, emotion or no emotion. Obedience must be rendered from a sense of principle, and the right must be pursued under all circumstances. This is the character that is elected of God unto salvation.

The test of a genuine Christian is given in the Word of God. Says Jesus, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” ... Here are the conditions upon which every soul will be elected to eternal life. Your obedience to God's commandments will prove your right to an inheritance with the saints in light. God has elected a certain excellence of character; and everyone who, through the grace of Christ, shall reach the standard of His requirement will have an abundant entrance into the kingdom of glory. All who would reach this standard of character will have to employ the means that God has provided to this end.

If you would inherit the rest that remaineth for the children of God, you must become a colaborer with God. You are elected to wear the yoke of Christ—to bear His burden, to lift His cross. You are to be diligent “to make your calling and election sure.”

Search the Scriptures, and you will see that not a son or a daughter of Adam is elected to be saved in disobedience to God's law. The world makes void the law of God; but Christians are chosen to sanctification through obedience to the truth. They are elected to bear the cross, if they would wear the crown.

The Bible is the only rule of faith and doctrine.... Only Bible truth and Bible religion will stand the test of the judgment. We are not to pervert the Word of God to suit our convenience and worldly interest, but to honestly inquire, “What wilt thou have me to do?”—The Review and Herald, July 17, 1888.


		The Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Phone: +1 301 680 6540 Help: subscribe@ellenwhite.org

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Friday, April 28, 2017

Daily readings for 2017-04-29: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul Diaz,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 88 of 335

Search the Scriptures, and Be Obedient, April 29

Anyone who resolves to do the will of God will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. John 7:17, NRSV.


		The Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Phone: +1 301 680 6540 Help: subscribe@ellenwhite.org

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Daily Devotional

April 28, 2017

Reach for the Highest Standard of Personhood

Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth. Jeremiah 9:23, NRSV.

God is the source of all wisdom. He is infinitely wise and just and good. [Apart from Christ,] the wisest people that ever lived cannot comprehend Him. They may profess to be wise; they may glory in their attainments; but mere intellectual knowledge, aside from the great truths that center in Christ, is as nothingness....

If men and women could see for a moment beyond the [range of] finite vision, if they could catch a glimpse of the Eternal, every mouth would be stopped in its boasting. People living in this little atom of a world are finite; God has unnumbered worlds that are obedient to His laws and are conducted with reference to His glory. When human beings have gone as far in scientific research as their limited powers will permit, there is still an infinity beyond what they can apprehend.

Before humans can be truly wise, they must realize their dependence upon God, and be filled with His wisdom. God is the source of intellectual as well as spiritual power. The greatest people who have reached what the world regards as wonderful heights in science are not to be compared with the beloved John or the great apostle Paul. It is when intellectual and moral power are combined that the greatest standard of personhood is reached. Those who do this, God will accept as workers together with Him in the training of minds.

To know oneself is a great knowledge. The teachers who rightly estimate themselves will let God mold and discipline their minds. And they will acknowledge the source of their power. For "what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). Self-knowledge leads to humility and to trust in God, but it does not take the place of efforts for self-improvement. Those who realize their own deficiencies will spare no pains to reach the highest possible standard of physical, mental, and moral excellence. - Special Testimonies On Education, 49, 50.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 105.

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Devoción Matutina en español

April 28, 2017

Alterando los mandamientos

Y hablará palabras contra el Altísimo, y a los santos del Altísimo quebrantará, y pensará en mudar los tiempos y la ley. Daniel 7:25.

“Satanás no pudo impedir el plan de Salvación. Cristo fue crucificado y resucitó al tercer día. Entonces Satanás dijo a sus ángeles que él sacaría ventajas aun de la crucifixión y resurrección. Estaba conforme con que los que profesaban fe en Jesús creyeran que las leyes ceremoniales y los sacrificios de los judíos habían cesado con la muerte de Cristo, si podía incitarlos a dar un paso más y hacerles creer que la ley de los diez mandamientos también había cesado con la muerte de Cristo....

“Satanás ... dijo a sus ángeles ... que los diez mandamientos eran demasiado claros, de modo que la mayoría creería que aún estaban en vigencia; por lo tanto, debían tratar de alterar el cuarto mandamiento que exalta al Dios viviente.”— Spiritual Gifts 1:109-111.

“Satanás, obrando por intermedio de los livianos dirigentes de la iglesia, alteró el cuarto mandamiento y trató de poner a un lado el antiguo sábado, el día que Dios ha bendecido y santificado, y en su lugar exaltó el festival observado por los paganos como el ‘venerable día del sol’.... El Señor ha señalado claramente el camino hacia la ciudad de Dios; pero el gran apóstata ha cambiado el cartel indicador de caminos, estableciendo un sábado falso.... El enemigo de todo bien, ha dado vuelta el indicador de camino, de modo que señale la senda de la desobediencia como la senda de la felicidad. Ha insultado al Señor rehusando obedecer un ‘así dice Jehová.’ Ha intentado cambiar los tiempos y la ley.”— The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1171, 1172.

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Thought of the Day

April 28, 2017

Christ in us will meet the Christ in our brethren, and the Holy Spirit will give that union of heart and action which testifies to the world. - TC

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Daily Devotional

April 28, 2017

Aim High and Attempt Much for God

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5, NKJV.

The Lord has a great work to be done, and He will bequeath the most in the future life to those who do the most faithful, willing service in the present life. The Lord chooses His own agents, and each day under different circumstances He gives them a trial in His plan of operation. In each truehearted endeavor to work out His plan, He chooses His agents not because they are perfect but because, through a connection with Him, they may gain perfection.

God will accept only those who are determined to aim high. He places every human agent under obligation to do his or her best. Moral perfection is required of all. Never should we lower the standard of righteousness in order to accommodate inherited or cultivated tendencies to wrongdoing. We need to understand that imperfection of character is sin. All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a perfect, harmonious whole, and everyone who receives Christ as a personal Savior is privileged to possess these attributes....

Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you cannot overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart, and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.

Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach. Such will obtain a reward proportionate to their works....

Be ambitious, for the Master's glory, to cultivate every grace of character. In every phase of your character building you are to please God. This you may do; for Enoch pleased Him though living in a degenerate age. And there are Enochs in this our day. - Christ's Object Lessons, 330-332.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 277.

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Thought of the Day

April 28, 2017

The humble worker who obediently responds to the call of God, may be sure of receiving divine assistance. - CME 26

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Daily readings for 2017-04-28: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 87 of 335

The Bible Reveals the Way to Christ, April 28

Love one another fervently with a pure heart, ... because “all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:22-25, NKJV.

The blessed Bible gives us a knowledge of the great plan of salvation, and shows us how every individual may have eternal life. Who is the author of the Book? Jesus Christ. He is the True Witness, and He says to His own, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” The Bible is to show us the way to Christ, and in Christ eternal life is revealed. Jesus said to the Jews and to those who pressed about Him in great multitudes, “Search the scriptures.” The Jews had the Word in the Old Testament, but they had so mingled it with human opinions, that its truths were mystified, and the will of God to human beings was covered up. The religious teachers of the people are following their example in this age.

Though the Jews had the Scriptures which testified of Christ, they were not able to discern Christ in the Scriptures; and although we have the Old and the New Testament, people today wrest the Scriptures to evade their truths; and in their interpretations of the Scriptures, they teach, as did the Pharisees, the maxims and traditions of humanity for the commandments of God. In Christ's day the religious leaders had so long presented human ideas before the people, that the teaching of Christ was in every way opposed to their theories and practice.

His sermon on the mount virtually contradicted the doctrines of the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees. They had so misrepresented God that He was looked upon as a stern judge, incapable of compassion, mercy, and love. They presented to the people endless maxims and traditions as proceeding from God, when they had no “Thus saith the Lord” for their authority. Though they professed to know and to worship the true and living God, they wholly misrepresented Him; and the character of God, as represented by His Son, was as an original subject, a new gift to the world. Christ made every effort so to sweep away the misrepresentations of Satan, that the confidence of people in the love of God might be restored.—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 308, 309.


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Thursday, April 27, 2017

Daily readings for 2017-04-28: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul Diaz,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 87 of 335

The Bible Reveals the Way to Christ, April 28


		The Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Phone: +1 301 680 6540 Help: subscribe@ellenwhite.org

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Devoción Matutina en español

April 27, 2017

Él es el sol de justicia

Mas a vosotros los que teméis mi nombre, nacerá el Sol de justicia, y en sus alas traerá salvación. Malaquías 4:2.

En la vivienda del pescador en Capernaúm, la suegra de Pedro yacía enferma de “grande fiebre; y le rogaron por ella”. Jesús la tomó de la mano “y la fiebre la dejó”. Lucas 4:38; Mateo 8:15. Entonces ella se levantó y sirvió al Salvador y a sus discípulos.

Con rapidez cundió la noticia. Hizo Jesús este milagro en sábado, y por temor a los rabinos el pueblo no se atrevió a acudir en busca de curación hasta después de puesto el sol. Entonces, de sus casas, talleres y mercados, los vecinos de la población se dirigieron presurosos a la humilde morada que albergaba a Jesús. Los enfermos eran traídos en camillas, otros venían apoyándose en bordones, o sostenidos por brazos amigos llegaban tambaleantes a la presencia del Salvador...

Nunca hasta entonces había presenciado Capernaúm día semejante. Por todo el ambiente repercutían las voces de triunfo y de liberación.

No cesó Jesús su obra hasta que hubo aliviado al último enfermo. Muy entrada era la noche cuando la muchedumbre se alejó, y la morada de Simón quedó sumida en el silencio. Pasado tan largo y laborioso día, Jesús procuró descansar; pero mientras la ciudad dormía, el Salvador, “levantándose muy de mañana,... salió y se fue a un lugar desierto, y allí oraba”. Marcos 1:35.

Por la mañana temprano, Pedro y sus compañeros fueron a Jesús, para decirle que le buscaba todo el pueblo de Capernaúm. Con sorpresa oyeron estas palabras de Cristo: “También a otras ciudades es necesario que anuncie el evangelio del reino de Dios; porque para esto soy enviado”. Lucas 4:43.

En la agitación de que era presa Capernaúm había peligro de que se perdiera de vista el objeto de su misión. Jesús no se daba por satisfecho con llamar la atención sobre sí mismo como mero taumaturgo, o sanador de dolencias físicas. Quería atraer a los hombres como su Salvador. Mientras que las muchedumbres anhelaban creer que Jesús había venido como rey para establecer un reino terrenal, él se esforzaba para invertir sus pensamientos de lo terrenal a lo espiritual. El mero éxito mundano hubiera impedido su obra...

No había egoísmo en su vida... Jesús no se valió de ninguno de los medios que emplean los hombres para granjearse la lealtad y el homenaje...

El Sol de justicia no apareció a la vista del mundo para deslumbrar los sentidos con su gloria. Escrito está de Cristo: “Como el alba está aparejada su salida”. El Ministerio de Curación, 19-21.

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Daily Devotional

April 27, 2017

Seek God for Wisdom

From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? Job 28:20, NKJV.

You will have to wrestle with difficulties, carry burdens, give advice, plan and execute, constantly looking to God for help. Pray and labor, labor and pray; as pupils in the school of Christ, learn of Jesus.

The Lord has given us the promise "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). It is in the order of God that those who bear responsibilities should often meet together to counsel with one another, and to pray earnestly for that wisdom which He alone can impart. Talk less; much precious time is lost in talk that brings no light. Let church leaders unite in fasting and prayer for the wisdom that God has promised to supply liberally. Make known your troubles to God. Tell Him, as did Moses, "I cannot lead this people unless Thy presence shall go with me." And then ask still more; pray with Moses, "Shew me thy glory" (Exodus 33:18). What is this glory? The character of God. This is what He proclaimed to Moses.

Let the soul in living faith fasten upon God. Let the tongue speak His praise. When you associate together, let the mind be reverently turned to the contemplation of eternal realities. Thus you will be helping one another to be spiritually minded. When your will is in harmony with the divine will, you will be in harmony with one another; you will have Christ by your side as a counselor.

Enoch walked with God. So may every laborer for Christ. You may say with the psalmist, "I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved" (Psalm 16:8). While you feel that you have no sufficiency of yourself, your sufficiency will be in Jesus. If you expect all your counsel and wisdom to come from other people, mortal and finite like yourselves, you will receive only human help. If you go to God for help and wisdom, He will never disappoint your faith. - Gospel Workers, 417, 418.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 104.

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Thought of the Day

April 27, 2017

True faith rests on the promises contained in the Word of God, and those only who obey that Word can claim its glorious promises. - AG 207

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Daily Devotional

April 27, 2017

Truth Is to Be Lived, Not Merely Spoken

Say among the nations, "The Lord reigns; the world also is firmly established, it shall not be moved; He shall judge the peoples righteously." Psalm 96:10, NKJV.

Men and women are not to be spiritually dwarfed by a connection with the church, but strengthened, elevated, ennobled, prepared for the most sacred work ever committed to mortals. It is the Lord's purpose to have a well-trained army, ready to be called into action at a moment's notice. This army will be made up of well-disciplined men and women who have placed themselves under influences that have prepared them for service.

God's workers are to watch for souls as they that must give an account, and they need the abiding presence of Christ in their hearts, in order that they may win sinners to Him. They must themselves have surrendered all to God, that they may tell those for whom they labor the need and meaning of unreserved surrender. They must remember that they are laborers together with God, and must guard against dilatory, uncertain movements. Satan watches untiringly for opportunities to gain control of those whom they are seeking to win to Christ. Only through ceaseless vigilance can the workers for Jesus beat back the enemy. Only in the strength of the Redeemer can they lead the tempted one to the cross. It is not learning nor eloquence that will accomplish this, but the presentation of the truth of God, spoken in simplicity and with the power of the Spirit.

There is only one power that can turn the sinner from sin to holiness - the power of Christ. Our Redeemer is the only one who can take away sin. He alone can forgive sin. He alone can make men and women steadfast, and keep them so.

The truth is not merely to be spoken by those who work for Christ; it is to be lived. People are watching and weighing those who claim to believe the special truths for this time. They are watching to see wherein their life represents Christ. By humbly and earnestly engaging in the work of doing good to all, God's people will exert an influence that will tell on all with whom they are brought in contact. If those who know the truth will take hold of this work as opportunities are presented, day by day doing deeds of love and kindness in the neighborhood where they live, Christ will be revealed in their lives. - The Review and Herald, June 2, 1903.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 276.

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Thought of the Day

April 27, 2017

Pride and weakness of faith are depriving many of the rich blessings of God. - CH 128

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Daily readings for 2017-04-27: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 86 of 335

To Understand God's Word Better, Be Obedient, April 27

The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Proverbs 15:14, NRSV.

No one can search the Old and New Testaments in the Spirit of Christ without being rewarded. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,” the Savior says, “and I will give you rest. Take my yoke [of obedience] 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.” The Great Teacher's invitation is before you. Will you willingly respond to it? You cannot draw near, placing yourself as a learner at the feet of Christ, without having your mind enlightened, and your heart quickened with a pure, holy admiration. You will then say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

Disobedience has closed the door to a vast amount of knowledge that might have been gained from the Word of God. Understanding means obedience to God's commandments. Had men and women been obedient, they would have understood the plan of God's government. The heavenly world would have opened its chambers of grace and glory for exploration. Human beings would have been altogether different from what they are now, in form, in speech, in song; for by exploring the mines of truth, they would have been ennobled. The mystery of redemption, the incarnation of Christ, His atoning sacrifice, would not be, as they are now, vague in our minds. They would have been not only better understood, but altogether more highly appreciated.

In eternity we shall learn that which, if we had received the enlightenment that it was possible for us to obtain here, would have opened our understanding. The themes of redemption will employ the hearts and minds and tongues of the redeemed through the everlasting ages. They will understand the truths that Christ longed to open to His disciples, but which they did not have faith to grasp. Forever and forever, new views of the perfection and glory of Christ will appear.—The Review and Herald, July 3, 1900.


		The Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Phone: +1 301 680 6540 Help: subscribe@ellenwhite.org

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Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Daily readings for 2017-04-27: To Be Like Jesus

Hi Raul Diaz,

To Be Like Jesus — Day 86 of 335

To Understand God's Word Better, Be Obedient, April 27

The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. Proverbs 15:14, NRSV.


		The Ellen G. White Estate 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA Phone: +1 301 680 6540 Help: subscribe@ellenwhite.org

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Daily Devotional

April 26, 2017

The Spirit Must Illuminate the Word

We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12, NKJV.

God intends that, even in this life, truth shall be ever unfolding to His people. There is only one way in which this knowledge can be obtained. We can attain to an understanding of God's Word only through the illumination of that Spirit by which the Word was given. "The things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God"; "for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." And the Savior's promise to His followers was: "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.... For he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."

God desires human beings to exercise their reasoning powers; and the study of the Bible will strengthen and elevate the mind as no other study can do. It is the best mental as well as spiritual exercise for the mind. Yet we are to beware of deifying reason, which is subject to the weakness and infirmity of humanity. If we would not have the Scriptures clouded to our understanding, so that the plainest truths shall not be comprehended, we must have the simplicity and faith of a little child, ready to learn, and beseeching the aid of the Holy Spirit. A sense of the power and wisdom of God, and of our inability to comprehend His greatness, should inspire us with humility, and we should open His Word, as we would enter His presence, with holy awe. When we come to the Bible, reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself, and heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM.

We shall advance in true spiritual knowledge only as we realize our own littleness and our entire dependence upon God; but all who come to the Bible with a teachable and prayerful spirit, to study its utterances as the Word of God, will receive divine enlightenment. There are many things apparently difficult or obscure which God will make plain and simple to those who thus seek an understanding of them....

There are mines of truth yet to be discovered by the earnest seeker. Christ represented the truth as treasure hid in a field. It does not lie right upon the surface; we must dig for it. But our success in finding it does not depend so much on our intellectual ability as on our humility of heart and the faith which will lay hold upon divine aid. - Testimonies for the Church 5:703, 704.

From Devotional: To Be Like Jesus, p. 103.

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Devoción Matutina en español

April 26, 2017

Promesas a aquellos que obedecen

Y hablóles Jesús otra vez, diciendo: Yo soy la luz del mundo; el que me sigue, no andará en tinieblas, mas tendrá la lumbre de la vida. Juan 8:12.

Todos aquellos que viajan por el camino al cielo, necesitan un guía seguro. Nosotros no debemos andar en la sabiduría humana. Es nuestro privilegio escuchar a la voz de Cristo hablándonos a medida que realizamos el viaje, y sus palabras son siempre palabras de sabiduría. ...

Satanás está trabajando con gran diligencia para labrar la ruina de las almas de los hombres. Ha descendido con gran poder, sabiendo que le queda poco tiempo. Nuestra única seguridad está en seguir estrechamente junto a Cristo, caminando en su sabiduría y practicando su verdad. Nosotros no siempre podemos detectar rápidamente la obra satánica; no sabemos adónde coloca sus trampas. Pero Jesús comprende las sutiles artes del enemigo, y puede mantener nuestros pies por el camino seguro. ... “Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida” ( Juan 14:6), declara Cristo.—Carta 204, 1907, pp. 5, 6.

¿De qué serviría un camino directo y seguro rumbo a la gloria, si ninguna luz de verdad brillara sobre él para hacer que los viajeros lo deseen? ¿De qué serviría la verdad que brilla en el camino si no hubiera vida en las personas que recorren ese camino, en el viaje de los peregrinos de la tierra al cielo? Teniendo la declaración de Cristo, “Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida”, todos los que creen en Jesús, el Guía, pueden caminar confiadamente hacia el cielo, seguros de que están en la senda trazada en la Palabra como el Camino. Hay seguridad siguiendo ese camino.—Carta 290, 1906, pp. 4, 5.

Cristo, su carácter y su obra, es el centro y la circunferencia de toda verdad. El es la cadena a la cual están unidas las joyas de la doctrina. En él se encuentra todo el sistema de la verdad.—Carta 63, 1893, pp. 8.

Los que andan en obediencia sabrán qué es la verdad. ... Para conocer la verdad, debemos estar dispuestos a obedecerla. Aquellos cuyos afectos están colocados en el mundo, no están dispuestos a dejar sus planes por los planes de Cristo. Caminan en la oscuridad, sin saber hacia dónde van.

La preciosa luz de la verdad brilla en el sendero de todo el que la busca.—Manuscrito 31, 1886, pp. 1.

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Thought of the Day

April 26, 2017

Morality cannot be separated from religion. - CTr 124

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Daily Devotional

April 26, 2017

Music Can Attract People to God's Message

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:1, 2, NKJV.

A few nights since, my mind was much troubled in contemplating what we could do to get the truth before the people in these large cities. We are sure if they would only hear the message, some would receive the truth and in their turn communicate it to others.

The ministers warn their congregations and say it is dangerous doctrine that is presented, and if they go out to hear they will be deceived and deluded with this strange doctrine. The prejudices would be removed if we could get the people out to hear. We are praying over this matter and believe that the Lord will make a place for the message of warning and instruction to come to the people in these last days.

One night I seemed to be in a council meeting where these matters were being talked over. And a very grave, dignified man said, "You are praying for the Lord to raise up men and women of talent to give themselves to the work. You have talent in your midst which needs to be recognized."

Several wise propositions were made and then words were spoken in substance as I write them. He said, "I call your attention to the singing talent which should be cultivated; for the human voice in singing is one of God's entrusted talents to be employed to His glory. The enemy of righteousness makes a great account of this talent in his service. And that which is the gift of God, to be a blessing to souls, is perverted, misapplied, and serves the purpose of Satan.

"This talent of voice is a blessing if consecrated to the Lord to serve His cause. [Carrie Gribble] has talent, but it is not appreciated. Her position should be considered and her talent will attract the people, and they will hear the message of truth." - Evangelism, 497, 498.