Love ❤️ at Home: Childlessness Doesn’t Justify Divorce

By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba

HAVING NO CHILDREN IS NO SUFFICIENT BIBLICAL GROUND FOR DIVORCE

Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬

“And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

A woman may be legally divorced from her husband by the laws of the land and yet not divorced in the sight of God and according to the higher law. There is only one sin, which is adultery, which can place the husband or wife in a position where they can be free from the marriage vow in the sight of God. Although the laws of the land may grant a divorce, yet they are husband and wife still in the Bible light, according to the laws of God. – {Adventist Home p. 344.2}

Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”

GOD HATES MARITAL UNFAITHFULNESS AND DIVORCE ‼️

Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Malachi‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NASB‬

“This is another thing you do: you cover the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping and with groaning, because He no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”

Malachi‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭NASB

“For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the Lord of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”

COMPANIONSHIP IS THE FIRST AND FOR MOST IMPORTANT BLESSING OF MARRIAGE. CHILDREN ARE AN ADDITIONAL BLESSING THAT MUST NOT ECLIPSE COMPANIONSHIP IN MARRIAGE ‼️

Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭GNT‬

“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to live alone. I will make a suitable companion to help him.”

God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided “an help meet for him”—a helper corresponding to him—one who was fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy. – {Adventist Home p. 25.3}

‭‭‬CHILDREN OR NO CHILDREN REJOICE WITH THE WIFE OF THY YOUTH. IF THERE BE ANY PROBLEMS IN MARRIAGE TAKE THEM TO THE LORD IN PRAYER 🙏

Proverbs 5:18

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬, ‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Love ❤️ at Home: Having No Children is Not an Excuse for Sexual Promiscuity

By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba

NOT EVERYONE IN LIFE WILL HAVE CHILDREN. THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THE BIBLE WHO DIED WITHOUT CHILDREN. IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT SOME PEOPLE WILL DESIRE TO HAVE CHILDREN SO MUCH THAT THEY END UP BEING PROMISCUOUS OR ENTER INTO POLYGAMY JUST TO HAVE A CHILD.

1 Chronicles 2:32

And the sons of Jada the brother of Shammai; Jether, and Jonathan: and Jether died without children.

Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

‭‭ GOD’S IDEAL FROM CREATION HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE MAN TO ONE WIFE. SARAH’S DESPERATE DESIRE FOR A CHILD LEAD ABRAHAM IN TO COMMITTING ADULTERY BUT IT BACKFIRED ON SARAH

Genesis 11:29-30

And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. 30But Sarai was barren; she had no child.

Genesis 16:1-4

Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. 3And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. 4¶And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

THERE IS NO FAMILY SITUATION THAT JUSTIFIES IMMORALITY! BE FAITHFUL TO THE MARRIAGE VOW EVEN IF YOU ARE BARREN.

Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”‬

Proverbs 5:18-21

Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth. 19Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. 20And why wilt thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the bosom of a stranger? 21For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings.

YOU MAY HIDE YOUR SIN THAT YOUR SPOUSE MAY NOT KNOW BUT YOU CANNOT HIDE IT FROM GOD.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

ONLY JESUS CAN SAVE US FROM THE CONDEMNATION OF GOD’S HOLY LAW.

Romans 7:14-17

For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

1 John 2:1-2

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Romans 8:1

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Love ❤️ at Home: In your Desperation to Have a Child Don’t Visit Forbidden 🚫 Healers (Part 2)

ONE OF THE SIGNS OF CHRIST’S SECOND COMING IS THE PROLIFERATION OF FALSE PROPHETS AND FALSE CHRISTS AND MANY WILL VISIT THEM THINKING THEY ARE VISITING “MAN OF GOD”

Matthew 24:3-5

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? 4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:11

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

THERE ARE SOME HEALERS WHO CLAIM TO BE SERVING GOD YET THERE ARE ONLY WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING, WHO AT TIMES ABUSE THOSE THAT SEEK THEIR HELP. DO NOT GO THERE‼️

Matthew 7:15-17

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Jeremiah 23:14

I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

Matthew 7:21-23

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Among the most successful agencies of the great deceiver are the delusive teachings and lying wonders of spiritualism. Disguised as an angel of light, he spreads his nets where least suspected. If men would but study the Book of God with earnest prayer that they might understand it, they would not be left in darkness to receive false doctrines. But as they reject the truth they fall a prey to deception. – {Great Controversy p. 524}

REVELATION 16:13-14

And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

DON’T GO TO FLASE PROPHETS AND FLASE CHRISTS IN AN ENDEAVOR TO SOLVE FAMILY PROBLEMS. LEAN ON JESUS AND WAIT FOR HIS OWN TIME TO ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS 🙏

Matthew 24:23-27

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24For there shall arise false Christs,...

At every point of uncertainty, pray, and earnestly inquire, “Is this the way of the Lord?” With your Bibles before you, consult with God as to what He would have you do. Holy principles are revealed in the Word of God. The source of all true wisdom is found in the cross of Calvary. – {The Upward Look p. 171.4}

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Micah 7:7

Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.

Love ❤️ at Home: In your Desperation to Have a Child Don’t Visit Forbidden 🚫 Healers (Part 1)

Pastor and Mrs Chifamba

THERE ARE MANY WHO HAVE SHIPWRECKED THEIR FAITH WANTING TO HAVE A CHILD AT ANY COST! THEY END UP VISITING BIBLICALLY FORBIDDEN HEALERS.

Isaiah‬ ‭8‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NASB

“When they say to you, “Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter,” should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.”

“There are many who become restless when they cannot know the definite outcome of affairs. They cannot endure uncertainty, and in their impatience they refuse to wait to see the salvation of God.” - {Patriarchs and Prophets p. 687}.

2 Kings 1:2-4

And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baal–zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease. 3But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say unto them, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to enquire of Baal–zebub the god of Ekron? 4Now therefore thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die. And Elijah departed.

DO NOT VISIT HEALERS IN THE CAMP OF GOD’S ENEMIES. A KING IN ISRAEL,AHAZIAH, WENT TO ENQUIRE IN EKRON A CITY OF THE PHILISTINES THE ENEMIES OF GOD AND ISRAEL BAAL-ZEBUB IN THE NEW TESTAMENT IS CALLED THE PRINCE OF DEVILS

Matthew 12:24

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

Leviticus 19:31

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 20:6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it; 14And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

1 Corinthians 10:20-21

But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. 22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

IF WE HAVE BEEN DECEIVED AND VISITED THE FORBIDDEN HEALERS, LET US TURN TO GOD AND HE WILL PARDON YOU!

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Timothy 1:15

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Love ❤️ at Home: Don’t Quarrel over Barrenness Pray 🙏

By Pastor and Mrs Chifamba

Psalm 65:2

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

Psalm 91:14-16

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer. There is no one living who has any power that he has not received from God, and the source whence it comes is open to the weakest human being. “Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name,” said Jesus, “that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in My name, I will do it.” – {Desire of Ages p. 667.4}

INSTEAD OF PRAYING RACHEL AND JACOB QUARRELED ABOUT CHILDLESSNESS

Genesis 30:1-2

And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 2And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb?

REBECCA AND ISAAC DID NOT QUARREL BUT PRAYED WHEN THEY HAD NO CHILD, SO DID ELISABETH AND ZECHARIAH

Romans 15:4-6

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Genesis 25:20-21

And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan–aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. 21And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

Luke 1:7

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Psalm 50:15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good. – {Prayer p. 188.2}

Luke 1:12-14

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. 13But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

GOD MIGHT NOT ANSWER YOU LIKE HE DID ELISABETH AND REBECCA. ACCEPT GOD’S WILL AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND IT BETTER BY AND BY.

All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that infinite love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying. As we realize the tender care of Him who makes all things work together for our good, we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. – {Last Day Events p. 303.2}

NOBODY CAN EXPLAIN HOW THE MYSTERY OF BARRENNESS CAN WORK FOR OUR GOOD UNTIL WE GET TO HEAVEN‼️ UNTIL THEN LET US TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Thanking God for his Sovereignty in Answering Prayers

Psalm 107:21-22

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 22And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

JESUS WOULD GIVE THANKS EVEN BEFORE HIS PRAYER WAS ANSWERED

‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭41‬-‭43‬

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!””

EVEN IF YOUR PRAYERS HAVE NOT YET BEEN ANSWERED THANK GOD BECAUSE HE IS A PRAYER HEARING GOD, AND HE WILL ANSWER IN HIS OWN TIME.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭65‬:‭2‬

“O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come.”

Ephesians 5:19-20

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God’s love and care—these are health’s greatest safeguard. To the Israelites they were to be the very keynote of life. - (Ministry of Healing p. 281)

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Let us not be always thinking of our wants and never of the benefits we receive. We do not pray any too much, but we are too sparing of giving thanks. We are the constant recipients of God’s mercies, and yet how little gratitude we express, how little we praise Him for what He has done for us. – {Steps to Christ p.102.2}

Psalm 103:1-5

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

THANK GOD EVEN FOR UNANSWERED PRAYERS ACCORDING TO HIS SOVEREIGNT. JESUS, MOSES AND PAUL WERE DENIED OF THEIR REQUESTS

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭39‬

“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭3‬:‭25‬-‭26‬

“I pray, let me cross over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, those pleasant mountains, and Lebanon.’ “But the Lord was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me. So the Lord said to me: ‘Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭10‬

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” – {Steps to Christ p. 96.2}

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭71‬

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes.”

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ‭‭

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Day 10 UNLEASHED FOR MISSION! Practice Radical Generosity

NO ONE WILL EVER BE POOR BY BEING GENEROUS

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭28‬:‭27‬

“He who gives to the poor will not lack, But he who hides his eyes will have many curses.”

The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven. This spirit finds its highest manifestation in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross...The cross of Calvary should appeal to the benevolence of every follower of the Saviour. The principle there illustrated is to give, give... On the other hand, the spirit of selfishness is the spirit of Satan. The principle illustrated in the lives of worldlings is to get, get. Thus they hope to secure happiness and ease, but the fruit of their sowing is misery and death. – {Acts of the Apostles p. 339}

1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭18‬

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

Search heaven and earth, and there is no truth revealed more powerful than that which is made manifest in works of mercy to those who need our sympathy and aid. This is the truth as it is in Jesus. When those who profess the name of Christ shall practice the principles of the golden rule, the same power will attend the gospel as in apostolic times. (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 137)

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬-‭37‬

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

This liberality on the part of the believers was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit. The converts to the gospel were “of one heart and of one soul.” One common interest controlled them—the success of the mission entrusted to them; and covetousness had no place in their lives. Their love for their brethren and the cause they had espoused, was greater than their love of money and possessions. Their works testified that they accounted the souls of men of higher value than earthly wealth. (The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 70, 71)

THIS LIBERALITY WAS NOT FORCED BUT WAS VOLUNTARY PROMPTED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭7‬

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

God does not compel men to give. All that they give must be voluntary. He will not have His treasury replenished with unwilling offerings. – {Counsels on Stewardship p. 69.2}

WE SHOULD NOT PRESSURE PEOPLE TO GIVE BEYOND THEIR CAPACITY. THEY ARE TO GIVE CONSTRAINED BY THE LOVE OF CHRIST

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬-‭14‬

Thus it will ever be when the Spirit of God takes possession of the life. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ, will follow the example of Him who for our sake became poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich. Money, time, influence—all the gifts they have received from God's hand, they will value only as a means of advancing the work of the gospel. (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 71)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”

Day 9 UNLEASHED FOR MISSION! See and Care for the Forgotten

THERE ARE BLESSING UNTOLD IN HAVING COMPASSION AND CARE FOR THE UNDERPRIVILEGED

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭41‬:‭1‬-‭3‬

“Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭17‬

“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭37‬-‭40‬

““Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

LOVE AND CARE FOR PEOPLE SHOULD GO BEYOND THE MATERIAL

‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭8‬

“Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.”

Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143).

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭35‬-‭36‬

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”

There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit. (The Ministry of Healing, pp. 143, 144)

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭37‬-‭38‬

“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.””