2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the LORD of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way...

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 32:17
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Psalm 18:2 (NIV)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalms 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Hebrews 13:5
..."I will never leave you or forsake you."

Isaiah 41:10
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Psalm 31:7 (NIV)
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalm 138:7 (NIV)
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

Isaiah 40:26 (NIV)
Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens; Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Habakkuk 3:19a (NIV)
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

John 10:29 (NIV)
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand.

Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)
No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:11b-13 (NIV)
For I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty of in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Jude 1:24-25 (NIV)
Now to him who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

God and Nature.

The most difficult and humiliating lesson that man has to learn, if he is kept by the power of God, is his own inefficiency, and the sure failure of his own efforts to read nature correctly. Sin has obscured his vision, so that, of himself, man can not interpret nature without placing it above God. He is in the same position as were the Athenians who erected their altars for the worship of nature, upon which they might well inscribe, "To the unknown God." Nature is not God, and never was God. The voice of nature testifies of God, declaring his glory; but nature itself is not God. As God's created work, it but bears a testimony of his power. 

The ancient philosophers prided themselves upon their superior knowledge, but God has said of them: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. . . . Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever." In their human wisdom, the wise men of the world, knowing not God, foolishly deify nature and the laws of nature. Those who have not a knowledge of God by their acceptance of the revelation God has made of himself in Christ, will obtain only an imperfect knowledge of God in nature. Those who think they can obtain a perfect knowledge of God, aside from the Representative whom the Word declares is the "express image of his person," will need to become fools in their own estimation before they can be wise. This knowledge, so far from giving elevated conceptions of God, so far from elevating the mind, the soul, the heart, and bringing the whole being into conformity to the will of God, will make men idolaters. 

Though it is impossible to gain a perfect knowledge of God from imperfect nature; yet the things of nature, marred though they be, inculcate truths regarding the skillful Master Artist. One omnipotent in power, great in goodness, in mercy, and love, has created the earth; and even in its blighted state, much that is beautiful remains. Nature's voice speaks, saying that there is a God, the Creator of nature. Nature in its imperfections can not fully represent God; it can not reveal the character of God in his moral perfection. 

Those who have a true knowledge of God will not become so infatuated with the laws of matter and the operations of nature as to overlook or to refuse to acknowledge the continual working of God in nature. Deity is the author of nature. The natural world has in itself no inherent power but that which God supplies. How strange, then, that so many make a deity of nature! God furnishes the matter and the properties with which to carry out his plans. Nature is but his agency.

The hand of God is continually guiding the globe in its continuous march around the sun. The same hand which holds the mountains, and balances them in position, guides and keeps in order the respective planets. All the wonderful glories in the heavens are but doing their appointed work. Vegetation flourishes because of the agencies employed by the great and mighty God. He sends the dew and the rain and the sunshine that verdure may spring forth, and spread its green carpet over the earth; that the shrubs and the fruit-trees may bud and blossom and bring forth fruit. It is not to be supposed that a law is set in operation for the seed to work of itself,--that the leaf appears because it must do so of itself. It is through the immediate agency of God that every tiny seed breaks through the earth, and springs into life. Every green leaf grows, every flower blooms, through the working power of God.

Idolatry of nature is a farce; it is the invention of men who know not God, and who are trying to keep out of sight a knowledge of the true God. The words of Holy Writ say nothing of the independent laws of nature. They teach us that God is the superintendent as well as the Creator of all things. The divine Being is engaged in upholding the things which he has created. God has laws which he has instituted; but they are only his servants, through which he effects results. It is God who calls everything into order, and keeps all things in motion.

We may look up, through nature, to nature's God. The beautiful things of nature have been given us for our pleasure. Then let us not turn our blessings into a curse by being led away from God in the worship of the creature rather than the Creator. Let nature's beautiful ministers of love answer the purpose of God, drawing our hearts to him to adore his goodness, his compassion, his inexpressible love, and to be filled with the beauties of his character.

E. G. W.

Tested and Tried

Christians will be tested and tried. But if they are sincerely trying to serve God, strength will be given them for every conflict. They are not to listen to the false reports that come to their ears, but are to go straight forward in the path of duty. They are to learn to think for themselves, and their actions are ever to be in accordance with the word of God.

Do not go out of your way to call your enemy to account. His words of censure and malice are like sparks which, if not blown upon, will go out of themselves. Live down the evil reports of those whose tongues are set on fire of hell. If you stop to dispute, you will but open the way for further abuse. Often difficulties may be healed by silence. Let the evil talker alone. Go about your own work as one who has a sacred trust to fulfil. When you are criticised, move on as one who hears not. Your heart may be wounded: nevertheless, do not allow yourself to be turned aside from your work. Give your time and attention to matters of eternal interest.

Christ is your example. He came to this world, and in humanity lived the life that He desires you to live. Study His plans and methods and purposes. His life is our lesson book. A divine-human Saviour, He stands before us with the invitation, "Come unto Me, . . . and I will give you rest. . . . .My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.

The life of Christ is a perfect revelation of the character of God. What then is our duty? Paul tells us. Christ revealed Himself to Paul as he was persecuting the saints, and the apostle declares. "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." Henceforth his one desire was to preach Christ and Him crucified. Writing to the Ephesians he says, "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ: and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

To us, also, this trust has been given,--the work of making known the unsearchable riches of Christ. How high a privilege is ours, and how willingly we should make all else secondary to the fulfilment of this trust!
E. G. W.

Today's free book of the say is Luther At Worms by J. H. Merle D'Aubigne. This book is an extract from D'Aubigne's much larger work on the reformation of the sixteenth century. You can get this book for free in our free stuff section. Click here to get this free book.

The Great Need of the Holy Spirit.

"Just prior to His leaving His disciples for the heavenly courts, Jesus encouraged them with the promise of the Holy Spirit." 
"This promised blessing, if claimed by faith, would bring all other blessings in its train, and it is to be given liberally to the people of God."
"Through the cunning devices of the enemy, the minds of God's people seem to be incapable of comprehending and appropriating the promises of God."
"The power of God awaits their demand and reception."
"He who is endowed with the Holy Spirit has great capacities of heart and intellect, with strength of will and purpose that is unconquerable." 
"How little men can do in the work of saving souls, and yet how much through Christ if they are imbued with His Spirit." 
"The Holy Spirit must be the living agency to convince of sin." 
"The Spirit of God working in the heart, co-operates with the working of God through His human instrumentalities."--Special Testimonies. 
"We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more today." 
"Without the Spirit and power of God, it will be in vain that we labour to present the truth." Testimony No, 31, p. 153.

God has determined to leave nothing undone to recover man from the toils of the enemy. After Christ's ascension, the Holy Spirit was given to man to assist all who would co-operate with Him in the reshaping and remodelling of the human character. The Holy Spirit's part of the work has been defined by our Saviour. He says, "He will convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment." The Holy Spirit is the convicter, and sanctifier as well. As none can repent of their sins until they are convicted, the necessity of uniting the Spirit with us in our labour to reach the fallen is apparent. All of our human abilities will be exercised in vain unless we are united to the heavenly intelligences. It is through the lack of a knowledge of the vitalizing truth, and the corrupting influence of error, that men are fallen so low, sunk in the depths of sinful degradation. Angels and men are to work in harmony to teach the truth of God to those who are unlearned therein, that they may be set free from the bonds of sin. It is the truth alone that makes men free. This liberty, this freedom through the knowledge of the truth, is to be proclaimed to every creature.

Jesus Christ, God Himself, and the angels of heaven are interested in this grand and holy work. Man has been given the exalted privilege of revealing the Divine Character by unselfishly engaging in the effort to rescue man from the pit of ruin into which he has been plunged. Every human being who will submit to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit is to be used for the accomplishment of this divinely conceived purpose. Christ is the head of His church, and it will glorify Him the more to have every portion of that church engaged in the work for the salvation of souls.

But the human workers need to leave more room for the Holy Spirit to work, that the labourers may be bound together, and move forward in the strength of a united body of soldiers. Let all remember that we are "a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men." Therefore they should enquire with meekness and fear, What is my path of duty? Entire consecration in the service of God will reveal the moulding influence of the Holy Spirit at every step along the way. When apparent impossibilities arise in your path, present the ever-ready, complete efficiency of the Holy Spirit before your unbelieving heart, that it may shame away your over-cautious spirit. When your faith is weak, your efforts feeble, talk of the great Comforter, the Strength of heaven. When you are inclined to doubt that God is working, by His Holy Spirit, through human agents, remember that God has used the church, and is using it to the glory of His own name. If men will not obstruct the way, God will move upon the minds of many more to engage in active service for Him.

The Great General is not only leading a few generals; but the Captain of the Lord's host is leading the armies of both heaven and earth to battle; and they are marching on to the glorious victory. Every soldier is to put on the whole armour of God, and fight courageously, realizing that he is battling in full view of the invisible universe. If they will obey orders, the Lord's army will find themselves influenced by the Holy Spirit to work the works of God. The battle-field is glorified with the light shining from the cross of Calvary.

The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit is not comprehended as it should be; the privileges to be enjoyed through its acceptance are not appreciated as they might be. God desires that His church should lay hold by faith upon His promises, and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help them in every place. He assures us that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him, than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Since it is possible for every one to have the heavenly unction, "ye need not that any man teach you," and there is no excuse for shunning responsibilities; no duty should be unwelcome, no obligation evaded. Christ Himself is the renewing power, working in and through every soldier by the agency of the Holy Spirit. The efficiency of the Spirit of God will make effective the labours of all who are willing to submit to His guidance.

God is moving upon every mind that is open to receive the impressions of His Holy Spirit. He is sending out messengers that they may give the warnings in every locality. God is testing the devotion of His churches, and their willingness to render obedience to the Spirit's guidance. Knowledge is to be increased. The messengers of heaven are to be seen running to and fro, seeking in every way possible to warn the people of the coming judgments, and presenting the glad tidings of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The standard of righteousness is to be exalted. The Spirit of God is moving upon men's hearts, and those who respond to its influence will become lights in the world. Everywhere they are seen going forth to communicate to others the light they have received, as they did after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. And as they let their light shine they receive more and more of the Spirit's power. The earth is lighted with the glory of God.
E.G.W.

-

We know lots of you out there are serious students. And as such we know you are always looking for the best tools. And one of the main tools you need is a full featured Bible software package. But many these programs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. So we thought we would do a search for the very best free Bible software for you. Below are the results of our study.

1. e-Sword: Hands down the most full featured free Bible software in the world. Features include many versions of the Bible and more can be added, maps, strongs, commentaries and much more. You can get it here.

2. Bible Explorer: Another full featured free Bible program. Features include many versions of the Bible and more can be added, strongs, commentaries. You can get it here.

3. The Word: Another full featured free Bible program. Features include many versions of the Bible and more can be added, strongs, commentaries. You can get it here.

4. Free Bible Software: Another full featured free Bible program. Features include many versions of the Bible and more can be added, strongs, commentaries. You can get it here.

We know that many of you are looking for a great free online Bible Study / bible School. And since ours is not done yet we thought we would find the very best to recommend to our users. So careful consideration we decided on Amazing Facts Free Online Bible School. This online Bible Study /School includes guides lessons, videos and audio material for each section. And the lessons are so easy any one can do it. So why not joint today and get to know your Bible better.

Find out more at Amazing Facts.

Faith and Courage.
-

Our greatest need is faith in God. When we look on the dark side, we lose our hold on the Lord of Israel. As the heart is opened to fears and conjectures, the path of progress is hedged up by unbelief. Let us never feel that God has forsaken his work. 

There must be less talking unbelief, less imagining that this one and that one is hedging up the way. Go forward in faith; trust the Lord to prepare the way for his work. Then you will find rest in Christ. As you cultivate faith, and place yourselves in right relation to God, and by earnest prayer brace yourselves to do your duty, you will be worked by the Holy Spirit. The many problems that are now mysterious, you may solve for yourselves by continued trust in God. You need not be painfully indefinite because you are living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. You may walk and work in confidence. 

We must have less faith in what we can do, and more faith in what the Lord can do for us, if we will have clean hands and pure hearts. You are not engaged in your own work; you are doing the work of God. 

More love is needed, more frankness, less suspicion, less evil-thinking. We need to be less ready to blame and accuse. It is this that is so offensive to God. The heart needs to be softened and subdued by love. The strengthless condition of our people results from the fact that their hearts are not right with God. Alienation from him is the cause of the burdened condition of our institutions. 

Trust in God.

Do not worry. By looking at appearances, and complaining when difficulty and pressure come, you reveal a sickly, enfeebled faith. By your words and your works show that your faith is invincible. The Lord is rich in resources. He owns the world. Look to him who has light, and power, and efficiency. He will bless every one who is seeking to communicate light and love.  

The Lord desires all to understand that their prosperity is hid with him in Christ; that it is dependent on their humility and meekness, their whole-hearted obedience and devotion. When they shall learn the lesson of the great Teacher, to die to self, to put no confidence in man, nor to make flesh their arm, then, as they call upon him, the Lord will be to them a present help in every time of need. He will guide them in judgment. He will be at their right hand to give them counsel. He will say to them, "This is the way; walk ye in it." 

Let the brethren in responsible positions talk faith and courage to the workers. Cast your net on the right side of the ship, the side of faith. As long as probation continues, show what can be done by a consecrated, living church. 

Need of Prayer.

We do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Over every man good and evil angels strive. This is no make-believe conflict. It is not mimic battles in which we are engaged. We have to meet most powerful adversaries, and it rests with us to determine which shall win. We are to find our strength where the early disciples found theirs. "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication." "And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." Acts 1:14;  2:2, 4. 

There is no excuse for defection or despondency, because all the promises of heavenly grace are for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. The intensity of desire represented by hungering and thirsting is a pledge that the coveted supply will be given.   

Just as soon as we realize our inability to do God's work, and submit to be guided by his wisdom, the Lord can work with us. If we will empty the soul of self, he will supply all our necessities.  {AU Gleaner, September 23, 1903 par. 10} 

Place your mind and will where the Holy Spirit can reach them; for he will not work through another man's mind and conscience to reach yours. With earnest prayer for wisdom, make the word of God your study. Take counsel of sanctified reason, surrendered wholly to God.   

Look upon Jesus in simplicity and faith. Gaze upon Jesus until the spirit faints under the excess of light. We do not half pray. We do not half believe. "Ask, and it shall be given you." Luke 11:9. Pray, believe, strengthen one another. Pray as you never before prayed that the Lord will lay his hand upon you, that you may be able to comprehend the length and breadth and depth and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God.  

Object of Trial.

The fact that we are called upon to endure trial, proves that the Lord Jesus sees in us something very precious, which he desires to develop. If he saw in us nothing whereby he might glorify his name, he would not spend time in refining us. We do not take special pains in pruning brambles. Christ does not cast worthless stones into his furnace. It is valuable ore that he tests.  

The blacksmith puts the iron and steel into the fire that he may know what manner of metal they are. The Lord allows his chosen ones to be placed in the furnace of affliction, in order that he may see what temper they are of, and whether he can mold and fashion them for his work.

Mrs. E. G. White.