To Whom Shall I Confess?

My Dear Sister: There are some things that are to be confessed to God alone. If you have wronged a brother or a sister, you have the light given you in the Word: “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23, 24)….

If your sin is between you and God, you need not give publicity to it, but confess it to God. Often poor, weak mortals act very unadvisedly in the matter of confessing their sins to human beings….

I advise you to take your case to the Lord Jesus in prayer. Believe that He hears you, and that when you confess your sins and repent, and walk humbly with God, you will find pardon. Act like one whom the Lord has corrected in order to purify and save you….

Never give up your faith and hope in God. Cling to the promises. Do not trust in your feelings, but in the naked Word of God. Believe the assurances of the Lord. Take your stand upon the plain “Thus saith the Lord,” and rest there, feeling or no feeling. Faith is not always followed by feelings of ecstasy, but “hope thou in God.” Trust fully in Him….

My sister, trust in the Lord as a little child trusts its earthly parent. Cling to the Saviour. Let nothing separate your soul from God. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Look for mercies; expect mercies. Look continually for blessings. See them, acknowledge them, and do not complain, do not fret. Do not cast blame upon God, but say, “O Lord, I do believe, though I am a sinner and because I am a sinner. I believe in Thee with all my heart. Thou art the Truth, and Thy Word I believe.”

What is religion? It is the conformity of the whole being to the will of God. “If any man will come after me,” Christ said, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

You need an intelligent belief in the Word of God. This Word is our rule of action. You are not to stand long, saying, “What must I do?” The first question with you is, “What must I believe?” Right believing means right doing. Christ gave His life to make it possible for you to be a partaker of the divine nature…. Remember that the Lord will bless all who put their trust in Him. Your sister, Ellen G. White.—Letter 159, June 11, 1905, to a “discouraged church member.”
The Upward Look p. 176
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Prayer Requests
—-May I solicit your prayers on behalf of my cousin, Melody, an international flight stewardess who is infected by Covid 19. She’s been febrile for 8 days now, but confined to her home. She’s far away from family & from her husband, but we can keep her close to the Lord. I appreciate your prayers Becky
—-Please pray for “K” and her husband “T”.She found out today that she has liver cancer.F
—-I’m Asking For Emergency Prayers For a Relative in The Hospital Now, About to give Birth Soon, I PLEAD The BLOOD of JESUS OVER her and the Baby and the Healthcare Staffs. Gabby
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Dear Friends,
Over the years we have lived in many different parts of the country and have had the opportunity to meet many different people. Some of these we have kept in contact with. Others, we would just as soon forget.
One particular woman that fit into the latter category, seemed to believe that it was evil to laugh or even to smile. Because of this, she went about with a very stern look upon her face. Moreover, she did not keep her sullen disposition to herself but would frown at anyone who looked happy. Especially, did she have a frown for children. Natually, they avoided her as much as they could and some mimicked her behind her back.
While it is true that Paul admonishes us, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks,” this poor woman was confused between the joking and jesting Paul speaks against and the joy and happiness that is an outward sign of a heart that is at peace with God. She forgot that Paul also said in that same verse, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.” Eph 5:4 She didn’t remember that joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal 5:22,23)
As we read about the disciples, we are amazed at how joyful they were despite the beatings and imprisonments that they received. “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” Acts 5:41 “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:23-25 Jesus had told them to rejoice when persecuted, and they did. “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matt 5:11,12
Peter explains, “But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.” 1 Peter 3:14-17
Yet there is a difference between the sternness of that woman and the mournful countenance of one who is repentant. Then there is a reason to weep, there is a time for a deep sorrow for sin, an earnest pleading to be right with God. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of” 2 Cor 7:10 Paul advises, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Phil 2:12 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” 2 Peter 1:10 “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:8-10
Only after we repent, can we have true happiness, a happiness born from a heart right with God. Only then, can we have true joy, a joy the wells up from within us because we have the assurance of Jesus’ smile, of Jesus’ presence always with us. Only then can we have true peace of mind. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Amen. Rom 15:13
Rose