<strongServe the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing…. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. Psalm 100:2-4. Let every church member kneel before God while in His temple, and consecrate to Him His own, which He has bought with the blood of Christ…. God will bless all who will thus prepare themselves for His service. They will understand what it means to have the assurance of the Spirit, because they have received Christ by faith. The religion of Christ means much more than the forgiveness of sin. It means taking away our sins and filling the vacuum with the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. We need the vital qualities of Christianity, and when we possess them, the church will be a living, active, working church. There will be growth in grace, because the bright rays of the Sun of Righteousness pervade the chambers of the mind. Let us not bring the gloom of unbelief into the church. Let us trim our lamps, seeking a fresh supply of oil, before we step over the threshold. It is our right, our privilege, to dismiss gloomy depression. As we go to the house of worship, we may go with joyfulness, for are we not going to meet with God and His people? … Let no thought of criticism enter your mind, to torment you, for Satan is near. He will do this work without your help. Refuse to cooperate with the accuser of the brethren. Gather up every ray of light, then seek out those who need help, and give this light to them. God says, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled” (Luke 14:23)…. The Lord will greatly bless His tried and chosen ones, if they will cooperate with Him. When the Holy Spirit came down on the day of Pentecost, it was like a rushing, mighty wind. It was given in no stinted measure, for it filled all the place where the disciples were sitting. So will it be given to us when our hearts are prepared to receive it…. When you meet with the Lord, say, I am in the Lord's house, and I desire all wicked thoughts, all mistrust and murmuring against my brethren, to be banished. We have met here with God, who “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).—Manuscript 2, January 24, 1899, “The Need of Greater Consecration.”
The Upward Look p. 38
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Prayer Requests
—-Asking for prayer for my daughter's hip pain. She has bursitis and got injection last week. Still having significant pain. Ann
—- My 22 week pregnant daughter’s water broke. Dr tried to force her to abort. She refused, Dr got angry, she gave birth to Miaveli, 1 lb. 6 oz, 11 in. Needs your prayers to survive. Bernardo
—-My Pop is in the hospital with double pneumonia. Prayers appreciated. Aaron
—-Please pray for Mary Ellen who has pancreatitis. Rose
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Dear Friends,
One day before I retired, I decided to wear to work a pair of Esther's sandals that she had left at my house, and I had been wearing around the house. They were in such a convenient spot to slip into and they were comfortable. Out the door I went without giving those shoes another thought.
As soon as I had arrived at work, however, I was sorry that I had. When I had stepped onto the tile floor of the courthouse, loud clickety-clacks resounded throughout the foyer. There was not only the click, click, click of the heels, but also a slap, slap, slap as my heel and the shoe met with every step. Try as I might, I just could not walk quietly.
Although those sandals made my feet feel very comfortable, I was very uncomfortable. I would rather not be noticed, and everyone was noticing me no matter where I went. Throughout the day, everyone could hear me coming. I was so embarrassed. I even got a few comments about their being able to know where I was at all times. When I went on the afternoon "run" delivering and picking up paperwork from various courthouse offices, many people turned and looked in my direction. It seemed to me that they were suppressing their giggles at my loud clacking. I never wore those sandals again.
How seldom are we aware of how our "footsteps" influence those around us. Jesus declares, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matt 5:14-16 Think of it. Those with whom we come in contact are waiting to see if our "walk" matches our profession as Christians. "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John 2:6;1:6,7 The Pharisees of Jesus' time were like those noisy sandals. Jesus warns us not to be like them, "do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not." Matt 23:3 Because their profession did not match their "walk" with Him, Jesus pronounced many woes upon them. May we go about our Christian walk not in noisy show, but faithfully, quietly, working for our Lord and Saviour is my prayer.
Rose

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/rosesdevotional/~3/f3jEfIuy1kU/gladness-not-gloom.html

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. Daniel 12:3.
Many, very many, will be terribly surprised when the Lord shall come suddenly as a thief in the night. Let us watch and pray, lest coming suddenly He find us sleeping. My soul is deeply stirred as I consider how much we ought to do for perishing souls. The prediction of Daniel, “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4), is to be fulfilled in our giving of the warning message; many are to be enlightened regarding the sure word of prophecy….
The salvation of souls should be our first consideration. I am troubled when I see many rejoicing in temporal prosperity, for those who possess worldly treasure seldom seek earnestly to secure the heavenly. They are in danger of falling into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown man in destruction….
We need a more firm reliance upon a “Thus saith the Lord.” If we have this, we shall not trust to feeling, and be ruled by feeling. God asks us to rest in His love. It is our privilege to know the Word of God as a sure and tried guide, an infallible assurance. Let us work on the faith side of the question. Let us believe and trust, and talk faith and hope and courage. Let the praise of God be in our hearts and on our lips oftener than it is. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me” (Psalm 50:23). Keep the mind stayed upon God, and know the love of Christ as the Word of God reveals it. This Word is life. Talk of Christ; call others to behold Him as your Redeemer.
It is our privilege to rest in an active, living faith in Christ as the Life-giver. It is our privilege to comprehend with all saints, what is the length and depth and height, and to know the love of God which passeth knowledge, and be filled with all the fullness of God. Let us contemplate Christ as the One in whom all fullness dwells. Beholding Him as our personal Saviour, we shall appreciate the value of His saving grace. We should think about Jesus more than we do. We should let His praise be in our hearts. We should speak of the love that has been so abundantly expressed for us. We certainly have every reason to praise God with heart and soul and voice, saying, I will praise the Lord for His great love wherewith He hath loved me….
Lift Him up, the Christ of Calvary; lift Him up, that the world may behold Him. Talk of His goodness, sing of His love, and give Him the grateful thanks of your hearts.—Letter 12, January 23, 1907, to “Brother and Sister Nicola.”
The Upward Look p. 37
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for my dear 85 year old mother. She has an awful cough and she may have bronchitis or pneumonia. Please pray God will spare her life again. Connie
—-I just got an email from my sister that her mentally and verbally abusive husband left this morning and is threatening to take their adopted son who he doesn’t even seem to care much for, please pray for them. My sister’s name is Daniella, David
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Dear Friends,
When Ron and I were newly married, we celebrated our anniversary every week. We had gotten married on a Thursday, so every Thursday after work, we did something fun. Most of the time, we went miniature golfing, but Ron was growing tired of it and decided that we should do something new and different. To my dismay, he decided that we should go horseback riding at a nearby stables.
Horseback riding brought out two problems that Ron was about to learn that I had. 1. I’m allergic to horses. 2. I didn’t know how to ride. Not wanting to put a damper on Ron’s enthusiasm, however, I put on a forced smile determined that I would not spoil his fun. When we got to the stables, my nose began to itch. I tried not to sneeze. We mounted our horses and off we went. We had not gotten very far down the trail before I began to be very miserable. My nose was running like a faucet and my horse had figured out that she was in control. If a horse could smile, that one was grinning. She saw some tender plant a little ways off the path and trotted over and began to eat. No matter how many times I pulled on the reigns, she kept eating. The others were getting farther down the path. I had visions of being left at the mercy of this creature that was making me so sick.
The guide noticed my predicament and rescued me. Giving me a few instructions, she rode back up to the front of the group. Her instructions did not help a bit. That horse was not going to give up control so easily. Soon she had spied a nice delicacy farther from the trail. Off she trotted carrying me along with her.
The leader again came to my rescue. Even though I tried to gain control, that horse was my master. I was not having a good time and neither were any of the others in the group. Everyone was glaring at me for ruining their ride. Several more times that horse took me where I did not want to go. I was humiliated, that is true, but mostly I just wanted off from that beast so I could go home and take an allergy pill.
Finally the leader rode back past the group, found where my horse had taken me, and took the reins. My horse was not happy and I was embarrassed, but at least we were now going in the right direction. We trotted by all the group and led the way.
How often it is the same in our life. If we do not allow Jesus to lead us, the evil one takes control just as did that beast I was attempting to ride. Before long we have find ourselves far from the narrow path and unable to get back to where we should be. (Matt 7:13, 14) We try and try our hardest, but without success. We become an embarrassment to ourselves and to others. Try as we might, we are trapped in the snares of the evil one. What at one time seemed like a pleasure, now binds us with strong chains and we are helpless to break free.
We feel as did David when he prayed, “Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” “O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.” Ps 69:1-3;25:20 We cry out as did Paul, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Rom 7:24
He then answers his own question, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Praise God we have a Heavenly Guide, Who will rescue us from our strayings! We only need to ask and He will deliver us. “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.” 2 Peter 2:9 “The LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.” Isa 33:22 Indeed, He has given His own life to ransom us from all evil. He “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:14
May we allow Jesus to take hold of the reins of our life and lead us in the way we should go. May we pray as did Jeremiah, “Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.” Jer 17:16 May the Lord “deliver (us) from every evil work, and preserve (us) unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 2 Tim 4:18
Rose

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8:17.
The influence of grace is to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven-born delicacy and sense of propriety. A Christian cannot be self-exalted, for this is not Christlike. The world’s Redeemer, the sinner’s substitute and surety, says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)….
But let us continually bear in mind that the meek and lowly Jesus has the spirit and the ambition of a conqueror. The vast dominions over which earthly potentates hold sway form no adequate theater for the exercise of His grace, the expression of His love, and the manifestation of His glory. He who loves the Lord Jesus Christ in truth and sincerity will love those whom Christ died to save, and will eagerly embrace every opportunity to minister to Christ in the person of His disciples.
We must look at our lives as sons and daughters of God, as laborers with Jesus Christ, living for a noble purpose. We are representatives of Jesus Christ in character, and are to serve Him with our undivided affections. Not only will we reveal the fact that we love God, but will, in accordance with His holy character, live a pure, perfect life. We must live perfection, because in looking at Jesus we see in Him the embodiment of perfection; and the great Center upon whom our hope of eternal life and happiness is centered will lead us to unity and harmony….
The life we now live must be by faith in Jesus Christ. If we are Christ’s followers our lives will not be as pieced out by little cheap spasmodic actions according to circumstances and surroundings—jerking actions, revealing feelings to be our master, indulging in little frettings, envious faultfindings, jealousies, and selfish vanity. These put us all out of harmony with the harmonious life of Jesus Christ, and we cannot be overcomers if we retain these defects….
When exposed to varied scenes in life, and words are spoken that are calculated to cut and bruise the soul, speak to yourself: “I am a child of God, an heir with Jesus Christ, a colaborer with God. I must not therefore have a cheap mind, easily to take offense, always thinking of myself, for this will naturally produce an inharmonious character. It is unworthy of my noble calling. The heavenly Father has given me my work to do; let me be worthy of the trust.”—Letter 78, January 22, 1893, to E. J. Waggoner, a prominent minister.
The Upward Look p. 36
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Prayer Requests
—-I need your continued prayers for my little preemie granddaughter. Ann
—-Please pray for me. My husband is being so mean to me. He is not physically hurting me but he is very verbally abusive and emotionally abusive. I can hardly take any more. Connie
—-Please continue to pray for David. Things are no better. Buck
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Dear Friends,
Someone near and dear to my heart is going through some very difficult trials. She has been tempted to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Yet, God has been there to help her in so many ways. He has sent comfort through family and friends who are giving her guidance and support. God is good and will give her a clear path through her distresses!
How often, as perplexities surround us, as trials and uncertainties threaten to overwhelm us, we are tempted to say “The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me.” Isa 49:14 Yet, He is with each one of us in those trials we all face that threaten to overwhelm us.
He, Who gave His only Son for us, assures us, “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.” “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” Isa 43:2;49:15
Paul declared, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?… Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 8:35-39
Praise God! Because of His love and grace, we can declare with assurance, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed….For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor 4:8,9,17,18 Through God’s Holy Word, we can look beyond this present moment and see what is happening behind the scenes. We can, as did Moses, choose “to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures” of this world which are soon to perish. Heb 11:25,26 As did Abraham, we can look “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” vs 10
A song by Ira Stanphill called I Don’t Know about Tomorrow illustrates the attitude and faith that we should have in our day-to-day experience:
I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day;
I don’t borrow from it’s sunshine, for it’s skies may turn to gray.
I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said;
And today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand.
I don’t know about tomorrow, it may bring me poverty;
But the One Who feeds the sparrow, is the One Who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion, may be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me, and I’m covered with His blood.
Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand;
But I know Who holds tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand.
May we trust in our Loving Saviour no matter what the future holds. May we rely upon Him in whatever circumstance we find ourself. May we, when overwhelmed and perplexed, “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb 4:16
Rose

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind. Matthew 13:47.
We have abundant evidence that tares grow with wheat in the church of God. There are sincere Christians in the church, and there are also lukewarm Christians. These have opportunity to know the truth. The Word of God is presented to them; they come to the banquet, as Judas came to the Passover, but like Judas, they do not eat the Word of life. No one can compel them to eat the Word of eternal life—to make thorough work for repentance, that they may obtain a Christian experience, and become rooted and grounded in the truth….
We must not be overwhelmed with discouragement because good and bad are gathered into the church. Judas was numbered among the disciples. He had every advantage a man could have, but although he heard the truth, and listened to the principles so plainly laid down, yet Christ knew that he did not receive the truth. He did not eat the truth. It did not become a part of himself. His old habits and practices constantly sought to assert themselves. But Christ did not take forcible means to cut Judas away from the disciples….
All who are trying to do true service to God will be brought into perplexity. But do not think of failure. Do not talk of discouragement. Let all be united in doing the will of our heavenly Father…. If we are Christians, we cannot follow the world’s policy. “It is written” must be our constant counselor. What ungodly men do should not guide us….
Men act as though they had been given special liberty to cancel the decisions of God. The higher critics put themselves in the place of God, and review the Word of God, revising or endorsing it. In this way, all nations are induced to drink the wine of the fornication of Babylon. These higher critics have fixed things to suit the popular heresies of these last days. If they cannot subvert and misapply the Word of God, if they cannot bend it to human practices, they break it….
All who are doers of the Word of God will be blessed abundantly. Whatever crosses they must lift, whatever losses they must sustain, whatever persecution they may suffer, even if it be to the loss of their temporal life, they are amply recompensed; for they secure that life which measures with the life of God. In losing their lives for Christ’s sake, they gain a life which lasts through the eternal ages. They walk under the direction of the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. They shall see His face, and His name shall be in their foreheads.—Letter 48, January 21, 1897, to “Brethren Daniells and Salisbury,” leading workers in Australia.
The Upward Look p. 35
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Art as his wife passed away in her sleep. Rose
—-Monday a friend of mine is having surgery on her torn retina sp. her name is Kathy.also just found out. that another dear friend of ours was in a car accident and has a horrible whip lash. another request.is for Craig’s cousins husband who had a accident at work Friday. he has a broken shoulder and pelvic broken his name is Terry. than you. M.
—- This morning I found out my son Nathan has throat cancer. He is only 27. I think the hardest part for me is he is in prison. 6 hours away. I don’t want my precious son to have to go through this alone! Please pray for Nathan. Please pray for his brothers and his dad as they are struggling with this news. As most of you know Annora my granddaughter is currently fighting cancer and she is only 1. God has done great thing for Annora. Good doctors. Medication to kill the tumor. Parents to help her stay positive and fight along with her, and a spirit like none other! Christina
—-Please pray for David who is battling depression. Buck
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Dear Friends,
When Esther was still in college, she was feeling the need for a pet. She didn’t want just any kind of pet, but one that was big enough to cuddle. Since the apartment house where she and Brian lived did not allow dogs or cats, she wasn’t sure just what to get. Ronnie Jay and I suggested a gerbil, but she wanted something bigger. As she does with all of her problems, she took it to the Lord in prayer.
The pet store where Ronnie Jay often went offered an adoption program. They would take back any unwanted pet and then give it away to a good home. Esther looked at the animals and decided on a guinea pig. This poor creature’s neck had been injured by its former owner, so its head was a little twisted. Esther felt very sorry for it. Because the guinea pig had suffered so much, the store manager gave her its cage and all that came with it for free. He felt that it had gone through enough anxiety already.
When she got him home, she and Brian named him Gerber. At first, he was timid and unsteady on his feet. They gave him lots of love and very good care. Gradually, Gerber’s condition improved and he became very tame. He reveled in all of the love and attention that Brian and Esther showered upon him. Whenever either of them came into the room, he squealed with delight and wanted to be held. He was a very obedient pet and whenever Esther let him run around the floor, he even cames when he was called.
Just as Brian and Esther lovingly cared for Gerber when he was in poor condition, so our Loving Saviour nurtures and cares for us, bringing us ever closer to His will for our life. Just as Gerber’s whole happiness was wrapped up in Esther and Brian, so our entire being should be wrapped up in Jesus. Just as Gerber’s little heart loved his owners supremely, so our Dear Saviour longs for our heart to be completely filled with love for Him. Indeed, our Loving Redeemer loves us even more than we could possibly love Him. He assures us, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jer 31:3 Paul reminds us, “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom 5:8
The One Who laid down His life for us, yearns for us to love the Him with all of our heart, and with all of our soul, and with all of our mind, and with all of our strength. Mark 12:30 Yet, how often we live our life with scarcely a thought Heavenward. How often we have a “head knowledge” but not a “heart knowledge.” How often we have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. (2 Tim 3:5) How it must break His Great Heart of Love for us to be content with a “do nothing” religion. With tears in His voice, our Dear Saviour declares, “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
May we be known as the friend of God as was Abraham of old. (James 2:23) May we walk with our Great Creator as did Enoch. (Gen 5:22) May we sing as did David, “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.” Ps 9:1, 2
Rose

I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10.
I know that all who are saved in the kingdom of God will have battles to fight against Satan; and I know that he will work every device to secure you to himself, for through you he could afflict us and weaken our courage and bring a burden of care upon us. But I am glad for every letter that we receive expressing your feelings of determination to press on and fight the good fight of faith. You say you love Jesus and mean to devote your lives to His service. Precious resolution!
The more you preserve your Christian integrity to know and understand for yourself the way of life and salvation, the less of the worldly mold will be upon you. The more you know of Jesus, the more you will desire to know, and the more ignorant you will feel that you are in regard to things of eternal interest. We want the right spirit, the teachable spirit, willing to learn in Christ’s school the lessons of humility and meekness. “Learn of me,” said the heavenly Teacher, “for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:29, 30).
It is when we seek to carry our own burdens and when we manufacture a yoke for our own necks that the yoke is grievous and the burden becomes heavy. We want Christ’s meekness; then little things will not irritate us. We may have zeal in working, but this is not all that we need. We want true Christian sympathy. We want self and our will submerged in the will of Christ. We want an eye single to the glory of God. We want to be continually anxious and working for the honor and glory of God.
The soundness of our principles will be tested, and the strength of our loyalty will be proved. I wish all could see as I have seen the sharp, keen, persevering workings of Satan to tempt and to deceive. His vigilance never relaxes. He has ready access to souls because they are not attentive to heed the warnings God has given them…. So many invite the enemy to tempt them. They walk so carelessly that they become an easy prey. They throw wide open the citadel of the soul and invite his entrance, place themselves in circumstances where they will be entrapped….
We are to remain just the people God designed we should be, gathering the divine rays of light from the Son of righteousness, and diffusing these rays amid the moral darkness that covers the earth.—Letter 8a, January 20, 1879, to Edson and Emma White.
The Upward Look p. 34
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Prayer Requests
—-I want to send out a prayer request for Pat and her family as she has an aunt Lorraine who is battling brain cancer and whose husband just died in a tractor accident. Ronnie Jay
—-Please pray for my mom and my family. She is losing her battle with Colon cancer. Louise
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Dear Friends,
It’s hard to believe that nearly a month has passed since the Fourth of July. We went to the parade in a nearby town commemorating our birth as a nation. That night there were fireworks displays large and small that we could see from our back porch. Many of the fireworks in our neighborhood were almost as good as the ones in town. We were amazed at their beauty.
Far more beautiful than any manmade fireworks we saw are the wonderful works of our Great Creator. “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.” “O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Ps 33:6-9; 19:1, 2; 8.
May we praise the Lord as we view His great creation. May our hearts swell with love for Him. May we someday soon leave this old earth behind and travel beyond our solar system as we journey toward His Heavenly Home is my prayer.
Rose