“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV). “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8 KJV).
The fearful and unbelieving “will find no place in the kingdom of God. Those outside of the [heavenly] city are among the most confident boasters, and apparently zealous ones, who love in word, but not in deed and in truth. Their hearts are not right with God. The fear of God is not before them. The fearful and unbelieving, who are punished with the second death, are of that class who are ashamed of Christ [although they profess Christianity] in this world. They are fearful, afraid to do right and follow Christ, lest they should meet with pecuniary loss. They neglect their duty, to avoid reproach and trials, and to escape dangers. Those who dare not do right because they will thus expose themselves to trials, persecution, loss, and suffering, are cowards, and are ripening, with idolaters, and liars, and all sinners, for the second death.” T20 80.1
“Rejection of light darkens the mind and hardens the heart, so that it is easier to take the next step in sin, to reject still clearer light, until at last habits of wrongdoing become fixed. He who faithfully preaches God’s word, condemning sin, too often incurs hatred. Soothing their consciences with deception, the jealous and disaffected sow discord in the church and weaken the hands of those who would build it up. . . .
“Korah and his companions [like the Pharisees during Christ’s life on Earth] rejected light until they became so blinded that the most striking manifestations of power were not sufficient to convince them; they attributed them all to human or satanic agency. The same thing was done by the people. Notwithstanding the most convincing evidence of God’s displeasure they dared to attribute His judgments to Satan, declaring that Moses and Aaron had caused the death of good and holy men. They committed the sin against the Holy Spirit. ‘Whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man,’ said Christ, ‘it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him.’ Matthew 12:32. It is through the Holy Spirit that God communicates with man; and those who deliberately reject this agency as satanic, have cut off the channel of communication between the soul and Heaven.
“If the Spirit’s work is finally rejected, there is no more that God can do for the soul. The transgressor has cut himself off from God; and sin has no remedy to cure itself. ‘Let him alone’ (Hosea 4:17) is the divine command. Then ‘there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.’ Hebrews 10:26, 27.” EP 283.4 – 284.3
“Let us exercise faith in God, and keep close to the side of Christ in following His Word. The Lord will teach His people if they will be taught. We can stand where we can hear the instruction of Christ. We have a living God and a living Christ. Whole legions of devils are watching their opportunities to get hold of human minds, but if we keep close to the Word, we shall not be overcome. “ SD 196.3
Dear Heavenly Father, In the name of Jesus, I pray that You bless me to examine myself and truthfully see the error of my ways. Please bless me to fully repent and surrender my will to Thine, alone. Please bless me to daily submit to the divine promptings of Your Holy Spirit that I may stand firm on Your Word and be rightly guided step by precious step. And though legions of devils watch to gain hold of my mind, I will remain close to the Word and not be overcome. Rather, I will exhibit the power, love and sound mind of Christ, my Savior, throughout my life. Thank You for granting my request and for the privilege of praying in the name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
NOTE: These devotionals began as daily texts to encourage my academy roommate and dear friend of nearly 50 years, until she suddenly passed a few weeks ago (Feb 2023). Now I continue to compile and send them to anyone who wants to receive them and to her family in honor of their mom. First, I pray and look for a Bible Study verse or passage and find a suitable commentary (or vice versa) and add a prayer. Some days, only a Scripture and prayer are ordered. I might even add a song. If you agree to receive them, then this way I not only honor God but the memory of a very dear friend whom I desperately miss. My personal prayer is that God will bless me to find ways to multiply this gift. So please feel free to forward to your loved ones or to anyone, as God leads you. I’m calling them Barb’s Devotionals.