EGW WritingsJeremiah 29

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16a, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 16a, 1885, par. 39

It is a beautiful morning. We have no seasickness as yet. Last evening we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The broad ocean was all that we could see surrounding us, and the sun went out of sight in the broad waters. We went into the dining room to attend services. Under the Episcopalian services, prayers were read, and chapters in the Old and New Testaments that were very appropriate for the occasion. The hymns sung were excellent in sentiment. The chapter read first was in Jeremiah. The second was in the New Testament in regard to the shipwreck of Paul. I wrote eight pages and prepared a reported article for the press. We were on deck most of the time.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 36—The Last King of Judah

PK 441.1

The heeding of such flattering prophecies would have led to fatal moves on the part of the king and the exiles, and would have frustrated the merciful designs of God in their behalf. Lest an insurrection be incited and great suffering ensue, the Lord commanded Jeremiah to meet the crisis without delay, by warning the king of Judah of the sure consequence of rebellion. The captives also were admonished, by written communications, not to be deluded into believing their deliverance near. “Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you,” he urged. Jeremiah 29:8. In this connection mention was made of the Lord’s purpose to restore Israel at the close of the seventy years of captivity foretold by His messengers.

PK 441.2

With what tender compassion did God inform His captive people of His plans for Israel! He knew that should they be persuaded by false prophets to look for a speedy deliverance, their position in Babylon would be made very difficult. Any demonstration or insurrection on their part would awaken the vigilance and severity of the Chaldean authorities and would lead to a further restriction of their liberties. Suffering and disaster would result. He desired them to submit quietly to their fate and make their servitude as pleasant as possible; and His counsel to them was: “Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them; ... and seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” Verses 5-7.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 36—Zedekiah, Judah’s Last King

SS 229.3

Heeding such flattering prophecies would have led to fatal moves on the part of king and exiles. Lest insurrection be incited, the Lord commanded Jeremiah to meet the crisis without delay by warning the king of Judah of the sure consequence of rebellion. The captives also were admonished not to be deluded into believing their deliverance near. “Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you,” he urged. Jeremiah 29:8. Mention was made of the Lord’s purpose to restore Israel at the close of seventy years of captivity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Ms 129, 1908

23LtMs, Ms 129, 1908, par. 14

Here we have the source of Daniel’s wisdom. He sought the Lord. He could not confine himself to the king’s business, but he was speaking with the King of kings and Lord of lords. Daniel had communion with God. The address of Daniel to God was in the Lord’s keeping before he was cast into the lion’s den. The one special duty of Daniel was to keep close to his duty in prayer, although under the decree that if any man made a prayer to God, he should be cast into the lion’s den. A promise had been made, “After seventy years ... I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you.” Jeremiah 29:10.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 45—The Return of the Exiles

PK 552.3

Nor were these the only prophecies upon which the exiles had opportunity to base their hope of speedy deliverance. The writings of Jeremiah were within their reach, and in these was plainly set forth the length of time that should elapse before the restoration of Israel from Babylon. “When seventy years are accomplished,” the Lord had foretold through His messenger, “I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.” Jeremiah 25:12. Favor would be shown the remnant of Judah, in answer to fervent prayer. “I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:14.

PK 553.1

Often had Daniel and his companions gone over these and similar prophecies outlining God’s purpose for His people. And now, as the rapid course of events betokened the mighty hand of God at work among the nations, Daniel gave special thought to the promises made to Israel. His faith in the prophetic word led him to enter into experiences foretold by the sacred writers. “After seventy years be accomplished at Babylon,” the Lord had declared, “I will visit you, and perform My good word toward you, in causing you to return.... I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Verses 10-13.

A Call To Stand Apart

Chapter 16—Careers

CSA 64.2

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11.

Homeward Bound

Love Stronger Than Death, February 16

HB 63.3

In the light of the Saviour’s life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father’s heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are “thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” (Jeremiah 29:11.) It declares that while God’s hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for mankind. Use these gifts to convince them that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. Their greatest happiness will be found in loving Me.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Ms 3, 1873

2LtMs, Ms 3, 1873, par. 18

We had a well-filled house. There were several strangers out to hear. We were pleased to see Sisters Roper and Billet and one of their Presbyterian sisters. Elder Loughborough spoke from Jeremiah 29:11. He was free and his subject very interesting. He applied the text with considerable force to the preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Benefactor, April 5

JNN 105.1

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.—Jeremiah 29:11

Conflict and Courage

There’s a Reason, February 8

CC 45.5

God permits trials to assail His people, that by their constancy and obedience they themselves may be spiritually enriched, and that their example may be a source of strength to others. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil” (Jeremiah 29:11). The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange.19Ibid., 128, 129.

Education

Chapter 2—The Eden School

Ed 21.1

In His interest for His children, our heavenly Father personally directed their education. Often they were visited by His messengers, the holy angels, and from them received counsel and instruction. Often as they walked in the garden in the cool of the day they heard the voice of God, and face to face held communion with the Eternal. His thoughts toward them were “thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. His every purpose was their highest good.

Education

Chapter 10—God in Nature

Ed 101.4

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. This is the message that, in the light from the cross, may be read upon all the face of nature. The heavens declare His glory, and the earth is full of His riches.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]

MR No. 793—Ellen White Acknowledges Her Need of Divine Help

10MR 65.3

[Several hours later]: We had a well-filled house. There were several strangers out to hear. We were pleased to see Sister Roper and Billet and one of their Presbyterian sisters. Elder Loughborough spoke from Jeremiah 29:11. He was free and his subject very interesting. He applied the text with considerable force to the preparation for the coming of the Lord.

Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2

Chapter 50—Worry and Anxiety

2MCP 472.5

One day alone is ours, and during this day we are to live for God. For this one day we are to place in the hand of Christ, in solemn service, all our purposes and plans, casting all our care upon Him, for He careth for us. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 30:15).—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 101 (1896).

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 11—The Call of Abraham

PP 129.2

The Lord in His providence had brought this trial upon Abraham to teach him lessons of submission, patience, and faith—lessons that were to be placed on record for the benefit of all who should afterward be called to endure affliction. God leads His children by a way that they know not, but He does not forget or cast off those who put their trust in Him. He permitted affliction to come upon Job, but He did not forsake him. He allowed the beloved John to be exiled to lonely Patmos, but the Son of God met him there, and his vision was filled with scenes of immortal glory. God permits trials to assail His people, that by their constancy and obedience they themselves may be spiritually enriched, and that their example may be a source of strength to others. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. The very trials that task our faith most severely and make it seem that God has forsaken us, are to lead us closer to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at His feet and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 5—The Dedication

DA 57.1

“That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” In the light of the Saviour’s life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father’s heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are “thoughts of peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. It declares that while God’s hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me.

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Be not therefore anxious for the morrow.... Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”—Matthew 6:34, R. V.

MB 101.2

One day alone is ours, and during this day we are to live for God. For this one day we are to place in the hand of Christ, in solemn service, all our purposes and plans, casting all our care upon Him, for He careth for us. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 30:15.

This Day With God

Rejoice in the Lord, May 27

TDG 156.4

The message was brought to Asa by the Lord’s prophet: “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chronicles 15:2; cf. Jeremiah 29:11-13). My heart goes out in faith. Faith is not feeling; faith is not sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 80, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 80, 1893, par. 80

The message was brought to Asa by the Lord’s prophet: “The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2. Jeremiah 29:11-13. My heart goes out in faith. Faith is not feeling; faith is not sight. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.

My Life Today

Find God Through Prayer, January 15

ML 19.1

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12, 13.

Living by Principle

Feelings

PH048 34.3

Jeremiah 29:12, 13: Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

God’s Amazing Grace

With All Your Heart, November 6

AG 318.1

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 49, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 49, 1894, par. 24

God wants us to show that we believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek Him. Now He says, “When you seek me with your whole heart, you shall find me.” [Jeremiah 29:13.] Cannot you believe it? Oh, if I did not believe it, I should not be in Australia today. No, I should not be here. I walked out on the promise of God, and He gave me strength to cross the broad waters in great feebleness, and there is no respecter of persons with God. How glad am I for that. The humble servant in the humble employment wherever they are, God sees them; they are the purchase of His blood; He has bought them with an infinite price, and it is His greatest delight to bring them so close to Him that they will recognize their leader, and that they will listen for His orders. The Captain of our salvation will make known unto us everything it is essential for us to know that concerns eternity, our salvation. The earthen vessel clings to infirmity, weakness, and looking at self.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 153a, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 153a, 1897, par. 18

He is waiting for a response from souls in Battle Creek. The issue rests wholly with themselves. He bids them to the marriage feast; He sets before them the banquet that will satisfy every want. His Word is full of marrow and fatness. “Then shall ye seek me and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your hearts.” [Jeremiah 29:13.] Shall this decision and effort commence in every family in Battle Creek? Then the Lord will give an outpouring of His Spirit as on the Day of Pentecost.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 1, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 1, 1901, par. 13

God says, “Ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your hearts.” [Jeremiah 29:13.] There is altogether too little courtesy and reverence shown to God. Those who are serving under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, who have on their side the heavenly host, should give to the world a bright evidence of the saving power of truth. “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, ye may open unto him immediately.” [Luke 12:35, 36.]

Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)

Consecration to the Work

GW92 35.1

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. But why is it that so many prayers are never answered? David says, “I cried unto Him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” [Psalm 66:17, 18.] By another prophet the Lord gives us the promise, “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” [Jeremiah 29:13.] Again, he speaks of some who “have not cried unto me with their heart.” [Hosea 7:14.] Such petitions are prayers of form, lip-service only, which the Lord does not accept.

In Heavenly Places

Fervent Prayer, March 7

HP 73.2

Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. But why is it that so many prayers are never answered? ... The Lord gives us the promise: “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Again, He speaks of some who “have not cried unto me with their heart” (Hosea 7:14). Such petitions are prayers of form, lip service only, which the Lord does not accept....

In Heavenly Places

“With All Your Heart,” March 21

HP 87.1

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]

MR No. 1240—Week of Prayer in San Francisco; Visit to an SDA Vegetarian Restaurant

17MR 40.4

God says, “Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart” [Jeremiah 29:13]. There is altogether too little courtesy and reverence shown to God. Those who are serving under the blood-stained banner of Prince Emmanuel, who have on their side the heavenly host, should give to the world a bright evidence of the saving power of truth. “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately” [Luke 12:35, 36].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]

MR No. 1578—News from Australia; A Call to Sanctification and to Work for Souls

21MR 370.5

He is waiting for a response from souls in Battle Creek. The issue rests wholly with themselves. He bids them to the marriage feast, He sets before them the banquet that will satisfy every want. His Word is full of marrow and fatness. “And ye shall seek Me and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart” [Jeremiah 29:13]. Shall this decision and effort commence in every family in Battle Creek? Then the Lord will give an outpouring of His Spirit as on the Day of Pentecost.

Steps to Christ

Chapter 5—Consecration

SC 43.1

God’s promise is, “Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

The Faith I Live By

The Right Exercise of the Will, May 28

FLB 154.2

God’s promise is, “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 90, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 90, 1894, par. 13

There are thousands today who have forsaken the law and are making it void. God sends His messengers with a message in order that they may be convicted of sin and turn from transgression to the path of righteousness. When Israel cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and sought Him, He was found of them. In this statement there is great encouragement for those who are cold and backslidden to seek the Lord. They have the promise that He will be found of them in the day that they seek Him with their whole heart. [Jeremiah 29:13.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Needs of the Church

6T 53.1

At our yearly convocations these things should be set before the people, and they should be encouraged to find in Christ deliverance from the power of sin. He says: “When ye shall search for Me with all your heart, ... I will be found of you.” Jeremiah 29:13, 14. The standard should be elevated, and the preaching should be of the most spiritual character, that the people may be led to see the reason of their weakness and unhappiness. Many are unhappy because they are unholy. Purity of heart, innocence of mind, only can be blessed of God. When sin is cherished, it can in the end produce nothing but unhappiness; and the sin which leads to the most unhappy results is pride of heart, the lack of Christlike sympathy and love.

The Faith I Live By

Our Helpless Condition in Sin, March 22

FLB 87.1

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 29:13, 14.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 45—Cyrus Sets the Exiles Free

SS 285.4

In the writings of Jeremiah was set forth plainly the time for the restoration of Israel: “When seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, ... for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans.” Jeremiah 25:12. “I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:14.