Service to God Begins on Earth

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:7.
Those who work against the natural laws of the being must suffer the penalty of transgression. But the Saviour pities us, even when we suffer from infirmities caused by our own wrong course of action. In Him there is a healing power for us. Let us praise God for the tree of life, the leaves of which are for the healing of the nations….
Everywhere the effects of the curse are seen. Let us praise God that in the earth made new “there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him” (Revelation 22:3). Some little know what true service means. Those who expect to sing in an entertainment spend time in practicing, to familiarize themselves with the music and the words. That we may learn how to serve the Lord in heaven, we must enter His service now, becoming acquainted with Him and learning to be faithful servants….
It is our privilege to understand the blessed Word of God. We have fallen, it is true, but we are not always to remain in sin. We have been placed on vantage ground. The Lord God of heaven “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). What a precious hope we have in Christ! …
Temptations will come. But when Satan throws his hellish shadow before us, we should reach in faith through the shadow to the light of life—to Him who has not only created man but who by His own blood has redeemed him. We are Christ’s cherished heritage. In living faith we must cooperate with Him in working out our own salvation. Amid trials and temptations His hand upholds and sustains us. Those who rest in Christ Jesus are never restless or uneasy. He means just what He says when He bids us commit the keeping of our souls unto Him, as to a faithful Creator.
Those who hold fast their faith unto the end will come forth from the furnace of trial as fine gold seven times purified. Of this work the prophet Isaiah says, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir” (Isaiah 13:12). When in trouble, remember that faith tried in the furnace of affliction is more precious than gold tried with fire. Remember that there is One watching every movement, to see when the last particle of dross is taken away from your character.—Manuscript 110, October 5, 1901, “The Christian’s Hope.”
The Upward Look p. 292
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for _______ elderly care. Several staff members and patients have tested positive for covid. The hospital in ______ is full. Alma is one of patients tested positive this week. She is 94 yrs old and my husband Tom’s step grandma. Darla
—-Please pray for my family my mom died yesterday morning. Wanda
—-Maureen and Doug need prayers. Maureen she is in a coma from a motor cycle accident which also involved her husband Doug. He is in shock and is under great pressure blaming himself for the accident. Joe
—-Requesting prayers for Debbie who is battling cancer. Judy
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Dear Friends,
As we listen to the news, hear of rumors of the possibility of terrorist attacks here in this country, the spread of the war, crimes upon our shores that make us recoil in horror, the virus which has caused our lives to change so much, we can know of a certainty that we live in the days Jesus spoke about when He warned that there would be “upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21:25,26 Yet, even amidst the storm we can have the assurance that we have a Refuge, Sure and Steadfast. We can “abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Our Great Protector assures us, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.” Isa 43:1-3
David sang of His protecting care that we, too, can sing through all the world unrest that is ahead, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Ps 46:1-3
What a wonderful psalm is this in these days of uncertainty. Praise God! We can safely trust in Him. Our Great Redeemer has promised to deliver us “from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” We do not have to “be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.” We have the assurance that if we have “made the LORD, . . even the most High, (our) habitation,” “a thousand shall fall at (our) side, and ten thousand at (our) right hand; but it shall not come nigh (us)….There shall no evil befall (us), neither shall any plague come nigh (our) dwelling.” We have the promise that if we have set our love upon our Dear Saviour, He will deliver us. He promises, “he shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Ps 91 Blessed assurance! Precious promises!
May we daily anchor our soul in Jesus, the Solid Rock. May we continually pray for God’s protecting care. May the “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:7