He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8.
A constant battle is going on between satanic agencies and heavenly intelligences. Satan is playing the game of life for the souls of men. If all could see the undercurrent of specious temptations, if they could realize the apparently heavenly appearance of satanic deceptions, far greater caution would be shown. There would be far more distrust of human wisdom and far more dependence upon God. But, when our spiritual eyesight is blinded, we do not discover the marked incidents that have taken place to turn the footsteps of God’s people from safe paths into paths that are slippery and unreliable.
The Lord would mold and fashion the life aright, and establish the feet upon the Rock of Ages. But, when men are self-centered and self-exalted, the angels sorrow, for they know that seeds of tares will be dropped into the minds of others, to spring up and produce their crop. The only safety for any soul is to walk humbly with God. Then men will watch unto prayer. They pray [merely] with the lips, when the heart does not unite with the prayer….
Many have so beclouded their own minds with self-importance, that they have been very confident, where they would do well to be distrustful and cautious. If men could see how easily self and spiritual pride become woven with supposed devotion to the work of God, and how, when this takes place, they are left to mar the work, and set the weaver’s pattern all awry, they would pray, “Anoint mine eyes with the heavenly eyesalve, that I may see all things correctly.”
Unless there is increased humility of heart and purity of action, things will be done that will lead to a whole train of mistakes. One mis-move, because of a lack of faith, has led to many disastrous circumstances. It does not appear such a great evil to let Satan rule and obtain the victory in little things, even when eternal interests are involved. But one misstep leads to a succession of missteps, and then to jealousy, and evil surmisings of the very one and the very things that God would have succeed.
When will the people of God learn wisdom? The true religion of Jesus Christ has first to do with the mercy and grace of God in our daily experiences. God in Christ is ever nigh us; yes, nigh unto all them that call upon Him in simplicity and sincerity, realizing their great need of that wisdom that comes down from above.—Manuscript 43, March 22, 1898, “Remember the Former Things of Old.”
The Upward Look p. 95
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for this country and our leadership. It has totally gotten out of hand. Roberta
—-I need prayers for my beautiful friend Raelyn who has cancer and is on hospice, she is such a precious soul, please pray for all her family as they love her soooo much. Patti
—- Please have my friends son in prayer. He has a staff infection as big as a grapefruit that was cut out but he lost work because of it. Pray for a complete healing and a job so he doesn’t need to work on Sabbath which they just now came to understand the importance of it. His name is Michael.
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Dear Friends,
Some years ago, we were conducting the children’s program during the evangelistic series at our church. The children’s ages ranged from three to 9 years old. After a lively song service, one little boy did not want to sit down and listen to Ron tell a Bible story. He was not at all happy when we insisted that he be quiet and stay in his chair. Loudly he proclaimed, “I hate this meeting. I think I’ll pull out my hair.”
The second time he threatened this, Ron stopped his story, came over to the boy, bent his balding head down so the boy could see it well, and said, “Go ahead. Then you will look like me and won’t have any hair.” Then Ron stood upright and continued his story. The boy’s eyes got big with surprise, grew momentarily quiet, did not threaten to pull his hair out any more, and was fairly good the rest of the evening. On the way home after the program, Ron and I chuckled at the boy’s reaction.
The more I thought about the incident, however, the less funny it appeared. How often we are like that boy, serving the Lord, but complaining every step of the way. We look at the pleasures of this world with longing desire yet we are afraid of their consequences so we outwardly obey. Yet “LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Sam 16:7 Outward conformity without an inward change breaks God’s Great Heart of Love. With tears in His voice He laments, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matt 15:8
How our Great Redeemer yearns to have us love Him with our whole heart and soul and being. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Mt 22:37-40
How He longs for us to obey because we love Him, because we rejoice in His Great Salvation, His Marvellous Grace. “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” Ps 107:8; 100
Let us love our Dear Saviour with our whole heart. Let us obey Him because we want to please Him for “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 Let us ever look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” is my prayer.
Rose

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.
The educational influences of the home life are a decided power for good or for ill. These influences are in many respects silent and gradual, but, if exerted on the side of right, they are full of preciousness. Christ came to this world to be our pattern, to show by precept and example the characters all must have who compose the family of God. He came to bless and save the human race, and to raise men and women to be sons and daughters of God. To this end He humbled Himself, stepping from the highest to the lowliest position.
In the councils of heaven it was decided that the mother of the Redeemer should be a pure, pious virgin, though poor as far as earthly riches were concerned. The despised village of Nazareth was chosen as His home. Joseph, His earthly father, was a carpenter, and He who had given direction that every youth in Israel should learn a trade, learned Himself the trade of a carpenter. None need be ashamed of honest poverty. For thirty years Christ was subject to His parents, and by the labor of His hands He helped to sustain the family. Thus He would teach that labor is not a degradation, but an honor, and that it is every man’s duty to engage in useful, honorable work….
It is a solemn, serious work to care for those for whom Christ has died, to teach children not to lavish their affections upon the things of this world, not to waste time and labor on that which is worth less than nothing. In order to educate their children aright, mothers must be learners in the school of Christ. The Christian mother will spend much time in prayer, for in the home children are to be taught to be true to the government of God. With patience and forbearance they are to be trained. Scolding and passionate reproof will never work reforms. Fathers and mothers commit a grievous sin when they educate their children to give way to a temper by giving way [to temper] themselves and by training them according to wrong methods. Children are to be disciplined in a way that will enable them to take their place in the family of heaven….
A true mother’s heart of sympathy goes out for all with whom she comes in contact. With a determined effort she seeks to turn wayward souls to Christ. In His strength she is enabled to do much. And those who have no children have responsibilities to bear. In most cases they may receive to their homes children who are orphaned and homeless. These they may train for Christ’s sake to practice those virtues so much needed in our world.—Manuscript 34, March 21, 1899, “The Home Life.”
The Upward Look p. 94
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for someone I know who has gone through some very hard things and is discouraged because they don’t feel that God cares or listen to them. Please pray that God will in some way give them courage and faith. May they have hope in Him once again. Roberta
—-Please pray for us as we consider the topic of heaven’s immunotherapy. Pastor Rich
—-I need prayers for an interment service we’re having this morning for a Lady’s mother. It’s a private service but I had accidentally posted the service info on our website but have since taken it down when she brought it to my attention and I feel really bad. Please pray for the service to go well and that no one uninvited shows up and ease any anxieties she may have or that I may have as a result of her worrying about the service. David
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Dear Friends,
In the 1950’s, each classroom had about thirty students. School was a lot different then. The teacher allowed no talking, so the classroom was quiet and children learned rapidly. During recess time, our teacher would take us to the playground, so we could get the “wiggles” out. On rainy days, however, we had to stay in our classroom.
Mrs. Dodson, my third grade teacher, must have hated that as much as we did, but, with a smile on her face, she would conduct a spelling bee or play a game she called “telephone.” Telephone was a favorite. She would start the game by whispering a sentence in the ear of the student who sat in the first seat by the door. That student would turn around in his seat and whisper the message to the child who sat behind him. Around the room it would go. Finally, the last student to receive the message would stand and repeat the message out loud. The sentence would always be completely different than the one that the teacher had whispered into the first student’s ear. We would burst out laughing.
That simple game taught us a lesson that would save us from embarrassment or heartache as adults. Many times adults circulate stories that only vaguely resemble the facts. For example, In one church we attended when living in Washington state, we had a prayer chain that worked on the same principle as the game “telephone.” The first member on the “chain” would call the second, who would call the third, etc. Most of the time this worked very well, but if one of the “links” in the chain became distracted and didn’t hear the message exactly, the results could be quite funny. One day, I received a call asking for prayer for Mrs. Gray’s daughter who was having surgery for a brain tumor. I passed along the message. When I saw Mrs. Gray at church that Sabbath, I asked her how her daughter’s brain surgery had gone. Mrs. Gray looked at me with a very shocked look up on her face. “Brain surgery! Where did you get that idea? She had a hysterectomy!”
How often this same principle happens spiritually. Our Dear Saviour cautions us, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matt 24:24 Often we hear or read some teaching that simply is not true but sounds plausible. Even if we have perfect trust in the source or we have heard some unbiblical teaching all of our life, it is just as untrue as the message I got that Mrs. Gray’s daughter had brain surgery.
How vital to our present and future it is to know what the Bible really teaches. The consequences are too important to take anyone’s word for it. In these last days, our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith” 1 Peter 5:8,9 The evil one mixes truth with error in such a way that only those who pray diligently for the guidance of the Holy Spirit “are kept by the power of God through faith” and will be able to discern the genuine from the false. David declares, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps 119:105 Paul tells us, “The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb 4:12
We must study God’s Holy Word for ourselves. Paul admonishes us, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2Tim 2:15 Only as we compare what each of the Bible writers wrote about a certain subject, (Isa 28:13) can we understand God’s message to us. As we study, we are thrilled by the perfect harmony of the Scriptures. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21
Only as we are filled with His Spirit and His words abide in our heart will we be able to keep from being deceived by the wiles of the devil. Only as we fortify our mind with God’s Holy Word, obeying it from the heart, will we have the discernment that we so much need. We must not trust to what we see or hear, but stick strictly to the Word of the Great King of the Universe, Who promises, ” If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” John 7:17
May we “put on the whole armour of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph 6:11 May we “work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in [us] both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Phil 2:12,13 May we hide God’s Word deep within our heart, that we might not sin against the One Who loves us so. (Ps 119:11)
Rose

They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy 6:9.
Many years ago some things were presented before me in vision in relation to you and your family. One year ago last June, as different families who erred in some things were presented before me, you, in connection with your husband and children, were again presented before me and I was referred back years in the past. I saw you watching your husband with a sort of jealous fear. His heart was devoted to you, yet you feared that he would think too much of others who had no claim to his affections…. Your fears were groundless. Yet this fear has been with you through your married life. You have passed through many hours of unnecessary suffering, scrutinizing the words and acts of your husband with a censuring mind, putting a wrong construction upon them. UL 93.2
Satan was ever ready to do his part to … mar the happiness of a family which might be complete. I saw that this spirit of jealousy was cruel as the grave, and caused an estrangement of feeling between husband and wife. In time the children very often understood their mother’s feelings. Her sadness and trouble awakened sympathy in their hearts, and they … became separated in a greater or less degree from the[ir] father. All this unhappiness was borrowed. Satan has magnified innocent words and acts into a fault….—Letter 9, March 20, 1864, to Sister Howland, an early Advent believer.
You have a work to do, Brother Philips, to get rid of your supreme selfishness. You are growing too close and love money so well that every penny looks large to you and the whole generosity of your character is changed to love of money, a desire to accumulate and lay up. You have gained some money, but oh, at what a loss! What an expense! The saving power of faith and the truth has been cruelly sacrificed.
Brethren in present truth should let these uncertain enterprises [investing in patent rights] alone. Seek some steady employment, even if the income is small, and do not be given to much change. Many of our brethren involve themselves by engaging in patent rights which look promising to them; but after they are caught in the snare they find themselves disappointed, and their means gone—means which should have been used to support their family and advance the cause of present truth. Then come remorse, self-reproach, and regret, and some conscientious ones cast away their confidence and lose their spiritual enjoyment, and in consequence their health.—Letter 4b, 1864, to Brother Philips, an early Advent believer.
The Upward Look p. 93
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for healing and God’s leading in our family store. We suffered a great loss today with the death of one of our cherished employees. She died of a severe asthma attack, was learning about Adventism and was very close to our family. She was barely able to call for help. She was gasping and couldn’t talk. They were not able to revive her and she passed. She was only 37. Please pray that God will turn this into something for His glory, that we can be a part of. Heidi
—-Please pray for Emma, my granddaughter. She has a virus that’s going around and is very congested and not eating. She is so thin and now she’s even thinner. Please pray for a restoration of her health. Rose
—-Please pray for baby David who is now in the hospital with decreased hemoglobin, struggling against infection. He is two months old. The family has already experienced loss of two previous babies at six weeks. This their third child, David, is now in need of your earnest prayers. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to bless their entire family and save them in His kingdom. Also pray that if it is God’s will, the baby may be healed fully and finally. May God’s will be done, in Jesus’ Name. Amen! Pastor Rich
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Dear Friends,
Until I was seven, I was allowed to play anywhere on our block. That was really quite a large area, as it was a double block. Often I would be gone for hours, but my grandmother didn’t worry about me. She knew that I was safe. Rarely were there any of the crimes that plague our society today.
One day when I was a little older and had broadened my horizons, my grandfather was reading his newspaper about a kidnapping that took place in Grand Rapids, a town about fifty miles north of us. The thought that the “pride and joy” of his life was no longer safe as I played outside, filled him with fear. He began to tell me frightening tales of children being kidnapped by strangers. He went a little “overboard” and caused me to eye any stranger with suspicion. Whenever a man came toward me on the sidewalk, I quickly crossed over to the other side of the street. I can still remember the puzzled looks I got from the many innocent people who were just going about their daily business. That was what my grandfather had wanted, so he again felt safe in letting me go to the store alone to get the little items that he would always forget when he did the grocery shopping or just go play anywhere in the neighborhood.
How much our world has changed in just my lifetime. Even though there was an occasional crime back then, things remained safe for all of my growing up years. Crime began to become more frequent and of greater magnitude, until today this world is filled with violence. People shoot one another over something as simple as a parking space. There is little safety anywhere. Truly we live in the time Paul spoke of when he said that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Tim 3:13,1-5
Even as bad as all the crimes that are committed, all the heartache in this world, all the strained relationships within or without our family circle, there is one on Paul’s list that is the most dangerous, namely “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” By this deception, many people are destroyed by being lulled to sleep by the evil one. They, themselves, think that they are Christians, others consider them to be Christians; but they do not have an intimate, saving relationship with their Only Saviour, nor do they do the works of Christ. As the saying goes, they “talk the talk” but do not “walk the walk.”
They are as the Pharisees of old upon whom Jesus pronounced a woe, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matt 23:25-27; 7:27
May we build our life upon the Rock, Christ Jesus. May we daily do our Heavenly Father’s will from a heart filled with love for Him. May we “be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” is my prayer. 2 Peter 3:14
Rose

Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9, 10.
Let not those who have made pledges to carry on the work of God repent of their vows, and withhold that which they have given. Those who have taken upon themselves the responsibility of annulling a pledge that has been made to God are assuming to do that for which they will not care to account in the day of final reckoning. The counsel of men who would at this time advise that means be withheld from the cause of God and invested in other enterprises should be rejected, for the Lord says to you, “Lay up your treasure in heaven.” “Invest your means to advance My work, to open new fields, that the light of present truth may shine to all parts of the world.”
How munificent was the Gift that God gave to the human race. He “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). The Lord Jesus gave His life for the world, that man might have a perfect example. Laying off His royal robe and kingly crown, He came to earth as a man. He was tempted in all points as man is tempted, but not once did He fail to follow the path He had chosen. He was kept by the power of God, upheld by the One who will be the helper of all who love Him and keep His commandments.
Christ lived the simple life of a poor man’s son, and thus became acquainted with the childhood life of the poor. And when, during His ministry, children were brought to Him that He might bless them, He thought of the mother who gave Him birth, and honored the mothers of these children, blessing them and their children also. Christ gave Himself to a life of humiliation and poverty, that He might be able, from childhood to manhood, to leave to all an example of what life should mean to every member of the human family.
All who have become children of God are to do all in their power to seek and to save the lost sheep. They are to make use of every possible means to give sinners the word of life and the saving grace of Christ. Believers in the truth are ever to remember the sacrifice that Christ made in order that He might, in taking humanity, be an example to all human beings.—Letter 104, March 19, 1907, to “Those Making Large Gifts to the Cause of Present Truth.”
The Upward Look p. 92
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray that God will heal D of depression. Buck
—-We need prayer for my father in law.. he is 82 just admitted in hospital not sure of diagnosis yet but has been having a hard time walking and caring for himself.. please pray for him. Sharmin
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Dear Friends,
Often I hear young mothers say how happy they will be when their little ones will be grown. They are sure that when their “job” of child raising is over and they will be able to sit back and relax and never worry about their children. They will be able to do the things they want to do, go the places they want to go.
When I assure them that that time will never come, they really don’t believe it. When I tell them that I had felt much the same way but now realize that “once a mother always a mother”. My heart is bound very closely to theirs. As my children have grown, each have had their individual trials and tribulations. During these times, I vicariously go through these difficulties as well. When they have cried, I have cried. When they have hurt, I have hurt. When they rejoice, I rejoice. I am always thinking of ways to make life happier or easier for them as much as I possibly can.
Even more than we love our children and want all to go well for them, our Heavenly Father loves us with an everlasting love and wants the best for us. Day by day, in countless ways, He draws us to Himself by His Lovingkindness. (Jer 31:3) Think of it! He cares for each of us, as though there were no other person in the world. Jesus assures us that He knows us so well that even “the very hairs of [our] head are all numbered.” Matt 10:30.
The Psalmist David declares, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” “O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether…. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell (the grave), behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand. Ps 103:13; 139:1-18
May we trust our very lives with the One Who loves us so much. May we invite Him into our hearts today. He pleads, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Rev 3:20. How He longs to fellowship with us! May we open the door and let the Dear Saviour come in is my prayer.
Rose

For the Son of man is a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Mark 13:34.
The angels of God are ready and waiting to go with humble men who with their Bibles in their hands will go to those who have not had this light, and read to them a “Thus saith the Lord.”
Those who have the gift of song are needed. The melody of praise is the atmosphere of heaven. Often by the words of sacred songs, the springs of penitence and faith have been unsealed. Song is one of the most effective means of impressing spiritual truth upon the heart.
Let little companies of workers go out as the Lord’s missionaries, and do as Christ commissioned the first disciples to do. Let them go into the different parts of our cities, two and two, and give the Lord’s message of warning. Tell the people the story of Creation, and how at the close of His work the Lord rested upon and blessed the Sabbath day, setting it apart as a memorial of His work.
Church members young and old should be educated to go forth to proclaim this last message to the world. If they will go in humility, angels of God will go with them, teaching them to lift up the voice in prayer, how to raise the voice in song, and how to proclaim the gospel message for this time. We have not a moment to lose….
Who will take up this work of teaching Bible truth to old and young? Who will carry the message, following Christ’s plan of labor? … Many there are in every city who feel the need of gospel shepherds. We need men who will read the truth, practice the truth, and explain the truth.
Brethren, Christ calls you. Will you heed His voice? Will you become His messengers? Will you seek the sheep that are lost? Will you teach the Word in all humility and earnestness to those who will hear?
Young men and women, take up the work to which God calls you. Tell the wondrous story of the cross. Christ will lead you, and teach you to use your abilities to good purpose. As you receive the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit, and you seek to teach others, your minds will be refreshed, and you will be enabled to present words that are new and strangely beautiful to your hearers. Pray, and sing, and speak the word….
Spiritual freedom will come to those who consecrate themselves unreservedly, and the quickening grace of Christ will bring light and peace and joy. The saving influence of truth will sanctify the soul of the receiver.—Letter 108, March 18, 1907, to “Our Brethren in Graysville, Tennessee.”
The Upward Look p. 91
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Prayer Requests
—-My husband fell at work and injured his leg that was partially amputated. Requesting prayers. Laurie
—-I ask prayer for my son Evenezer to have a permanent job where he can utilize his course and that he surrender his life fully to the Lord. Sally
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Dear Friends,
A normal part of a child’s development is to think of what they will be and who they would like to marry when they grow up. I was no exception. Even though I lived in a neighborhood where most of the people were elderly, there was a boy named Gary, who lived several blocks away who used to come to my house and play. Over the years, our friendship deepened until we used to plan that when we grew up, we would marry. His goal was to be an architect and often drew floor plans of what our house would look like. It was a completely normal part of growing up. It was all in innocence.
Our friendship even survived my moving to the other side of town when my mother got married again. We didn’t see each other as often, but we did keep in contact. When he was in his late teens, however, I no longer heard from him. A mutual friend explained the reason. Gary had become acquainted with an older man who led him down the wrong path. He had changed completely. He no longer had the same goals and desires. He dropped out of college and drifted farther and farther from his old self until he hardly seemed like the same person. It was very sad. I called him a few years ago. Instead of
becoming an architect, he does telephone sales. After talking with him for a few minutes, it became apparent the he was a miserable person. The friendship he had made as a teenager, ruined his life.
Amos asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed? How careful we must be in choosing our friends. How discerning we must be in deciding which voice to listen to. How vital to our present and future happiness it is that we follow the path our Great Leader speaks about, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matt 7:13-20
Paul advises, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hat said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Cor 6:14-7:1
May we choose our friends well, for they can draw us closer to Jesus or farther away from Him. May we allow our Best Friend to change us into His Image. May we “give diligence to make [our] calling and election sure: for if [we] do these things, [we] shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto [us] abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:10, 11
Rose