And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:18.
A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon it as our home. Christ assured His disciples that He went to prepare mansions for them in the Father’s house. Those who accept the teachings of God’s Word will not be wholly ignorant concerning the heavenly abode….
In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called a country. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to fountains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are ever-flowing streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the widespreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams, God’s people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home.
“My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Isaiah 32:18. “Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.” Isaiah 60:18. “They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: … mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” Isaiah 65:21, 22.
There, “the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” Isaiah 35:1. “Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree.” Isaiah 55:13. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; … and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6.
The Faith I Live By p. 368
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prayer Requests
—-please pray my heart consciousness is healed and I am surrounded by a bubble of light for protection and send the enemy away, and pray I am given a healing cup of life from Jesus to heal my soul. Magdalena
—-This is an update on my dear 85 year old mother. She was taken to the Dr. last Friday for an abscess in her left ear. It had been draining blood and puss for several days and was giving her pain. The doctor cleaned it out really good and put her on some strong antibiotics. My mom said yesterday that the antibiotics seem to be working good because there is much less drainage coming from her ear and no pain. Connie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,
By the time David was king, the tabernacle that had been made in the wilderness, was hundreds of years old. As he was worshipping one day, David had a great desire to build a permanent dwelling for God. This was not a passing thought but one that bore fruit in action. Yet, God told him through Nathan the prophet that Solomon, his son, would be the one to do the building. At the end of his life, he explained to the people his plans. “Then David the king stood up upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.” 1 Chr 28:2,3
Although David must have been a little disappointed, he still had a part in the building of that magnificent structure called Solomon’s Temple. His part was to get everything ready. He took years in planning for every detail. He gathered huge quantities of top-quality materials for the building. He made sure that everything was ready. At the end of his life, he gathered the people together, gave his son the plans and materials, and made a plea for willing workers. “And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?” 1 Chr 29:5
Today, God needs willing workers to build up His church on earth. He desires workers who will set self, pride, comfort, and worldliness aside and share with all around what He has done for them personally; workers who will put away feelings of “my way is the only way” and unite in building up the church; workers who will put all their effort into gathering souls for the kingdom; workers who will be consecrated to His service in whatever way God leads; workers who will say, as did the prophet Isaiah, “Here am I; send me.” Isa 6:8
All do not have the same part in working for God. As Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” 1 Cor 3:6-10 Solomon adds,”Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Ps 127:1 God has given each person certain talents and abilities for this great work. Not everyone can stand behind the pulpit and evangelize. For some, their witnessing may be giving away books and pamphlets. Some people go door-to-door seeking souls for the kingdom. Others share the love of Jesus by helping those in need. For years, every time I sent out a bill, I have added a card for the Amazing Facts lessons. Eileen keeps books and tracts in purse to give out. Wherever she goes, she places some truth-filled literature for someone to pick up.
May the focus of our life be in building up God’s church. May our happiness be in bringing those around us to the foot of the cross claiming the blessing, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Dan 12:3 May our Dear Saviour’s prayer, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us” be fulfilled in our life. John 17:21
Rose