Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, … even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31, 32.
The great controversy going on in the world is waging more sharply today than at any period of this world’s history between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness. Bear the fact in mind that, wherever there are plans set in operation to advance the cause of God in the world, Satan will be on hand to counteract, if possible, the workings of our merciful heavenly Father…. He will use every possible advantage you give him to control minds….
God’s people, rescued from the fire by Jesus Christ, have a sense of their sin, feel humbled and ashamed. God sees and recognizes their repentance, and notes their sorrow for sin, which they cannot remove or cancel themselves. But as they pray their prayers are heard, and this is the reason that Satan stands by to resist Christ; because He hears their prayers, He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. He regenerates the sinner, and pardon is written off against his name. This stirs Satan up to resistance. He steps in between the repenting, believing soul and Christ. He seeks to cast his hellish shadow before that soul, to dampen faith, and to make of none effect the words of God….
If Satan stands between the soul and Jesus Christ, then the love and acceptance and pardon of Christ are eclipsed—man will be constantly striving to prepare a robe of righteousness to cover his deformity and sin, when Christ wants him to come to Him just as he is, and believe in Him as his personal Saviour. In His tender love, a forgiving Father brings forth His best robe in which to array His returning child….
Satan is a vigilant, untiring foe, and he sleeps not. He knows that his time is short, and he will work until the end with every species of deception to draw souls into his snare and ruin them. I have a message for you—“Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” Give no place to the devil to stand between you and Christ, lest you savor of the things that be of men and not of God. If your faith is genuine, it must and will produce obedience. God commands us to do nothing which we cannot do. He will give strength to every believing, trusting soul….
Cherish the love of Jesus in the heart, respect each other, for Christ has given His life for you. Every soul is precious in the sight of God. It is a wonderful thing to be remembered and cared for every hour by God.—Letter 65, January 6, 1894, to the ship’s crew on board the Pitcairn.
The Upward Look p. 20
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Prayer Requests
—-Paul was just rushed to ER with bad chest pain and blurry vision. Requesting prayer please. Arlene
—-My grandma’s health is failing and she can’t see the cardiologist for a week. Please pray she will be ok and the procedure she needs goes well. Also for her husband’s comfort and strength. Daisy
—-Could you please say some prayers for my grandson? He is autistic and getting very violent towards his parents and they cant get him to his doctor until Friday. I am getting pretty scared for my daughter so please pray for her too. Becky
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Dear Friends,
Many years ago, my mother discovered an old family Bible in the attic. The first entry in the title page of that Book was “Jeremiah Carpenter, 1749.” As she was leafing through the pages in the front of the book, she found a genealogy page that began from that point. From that moment, she became interested in researching our family tree on both the Harmon and the Phillips sides. She really put her whole heart and soul into this project interviewing elderly relatives, checking birth and death records, etc.
As I was reading it one day, I noticed that in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, the infant mortality rate was very high. Many of my ancestors had lots of children, but only one or two of them reached adulthood. It made me feel so sad for them. How hopeful they must have been as they held their little one in their arms and how devastated they were when that little one was snatched away from them by death. The saddest of all was a man and his wife who, as they began to have children, started naming them according to what was in their heart. “Hope,” “Faith,” “Victory,” but there was no victory for them. Every one of their babies died. Eventually, they died childless. It was passed down through the generations that they died of a broken heart.
Our pastor, Vernon Bliss, used to say that no one ever died of natural causes. Death is always unnatural because death was never in God’s plan. He desired this world to be like the rest of the universe: perfect, beautiful, filled with happy, holy beings. God assures us, “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil. Jer 29:11 What sadness must fill His heart as we live our lives with hardly a thought heavenward. How His eyes must fill with tears as He watches us destroy ourselves through our own selfish desires. He pleads with us, “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?” Eze 33:11
Praise God! He has provided a way of escape. He has sent His only Son, to save us, not in our sins, but from our sins. Paul tells us, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Phil 2:5-8
All Heaven is a bustle of activity working together to help mankind find “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jesus bids us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; 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.” Matt 11:28 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Rev 22:17 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
May we come to Him just as we are—all sin-sick and weary, full of cares and sorrows and disappointments. May we give ourselves to Him unreservedly. May we serve Him this day with our whole heart and mind and strength is my prayer.
Rose

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. John 15:26.
Those who have Jesus abiding in the heart by faith, have actually received the Holy Spirit. Every individual who receives Jesus as his personal Saviour, just as surely receives the Holy Spirit, to be his Counselor, Sanctifier, Guide, and Witness. The more closely the believer walks with God, the clearer his witness, and, as a sure result, the more powerful will be the influence of his testimony upon others of a Saviour’s love; the more he will give evidence that he prizes the Word of God. It is his meat, it is his drink, to satisfy the thirsty soul. He prizes the privilege of learning the will of God from His Word.
Some souls who claim to be believers have slighted, and turned from, the Word of God. They have neglected the Bible, the wonderful Guidebook, the true Tester of all ideas, and claim that they have the Spirit to teach them, that this renders searching the Scriptures unnecessary. All such are heeding the sophistry of Satan, for the Spirit and the Word agree, say the Scriptures, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). He only is a free man whom the truth makes free….
The Lord loves you, and His guardian angels are round about you. If you are doers of the Word you will obey the instructions of Jesus Christ…. In our own strength we are perfect weakness, but, when we put our whole trust in Jesus Christ, we are kept by His power, for He is fully able to keep every soul that puts his trust in Him. The peril to which every soul is exposed is very great.
The great adversary of God, and the enemy of man, is watching to find an opportunity to take us when we are off our guard. Jesus has told us of our danger and warned us against the wily foe. He has repeatedly enjoined upon us the duty of always watching and praying, lest we enter into temptation. Believe in Jesus, trust in Jesus with living, constant faith, and rely without doubt upon Jesus to keep and save you. One mighty to save has hold upon you, and as long as you will submit to be led by Him, to learn of Him, to confide in Him, He will keep you from falling. And, when God engages to keep you, He is a sure defense.
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for Eileen, as her incision is infected. She is on antibiotics but they don’t seem to be helping. Rose
—-N needs Prayer, she feels like killing herself as she’s pregnant the father left her. Arlene
—-I’m asking for prayer for my oldest son who is facing some legal issues today. Please pray for grace and mercy for him and may God’s will be done in his life. Cora
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Dear Friends,
This year on the fourth of July, we went to the parade in a nearby town in the morning and then in the evening we sat on the back porch and watched fireworks from many neighbors and the professional ones from our small town. All in all, it was a very nice day.
Some years ago, however, it was far different. Ron and Ronnie Jay read a schedule of all of the Fourth of July celebrations in the area. Excitedly, they talked about going to one of the area parades. We had even thought about going to see the fireworks even though I don’t like crowds and avoid them as much as possible.
On the Fourth, we slept in, however, so by the time we ate breakfast and had morning worship, it was too late to go to the parade. We didn’t say anything more about the fireworks and each of us got busy with other things throughout the day. Before long, it was too late to go to the fireworks display.
There is a far more important event coming that we all are in danger of letting time slip by. How easy it is to get caught up in the pleasures of this world so that spiritual realities are rarely thought of. How often we get so busy dealing with the troubles and trials of daily life, that we fail to put “first things first.” So many things catch our interest that before we know it the days, months, and years slip by. With surprise one day, we awaken to find that we are old and all of our good intentions to accept Jesus as our Saviour, all our dreams of winning souls for His Kingdom that we have put off for “a more convenient season” will never be realized. Act 24:25 How many will lament (as they see Jesus coming in the clouds to receive His own unto Himself,) “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.” Matt 24:30; Jer 8:20
There is nothing in this world more important than getting ready for Our Dear Saviour’s coming. He warns us, “take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” ” And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and 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: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken…And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:34-36,21-28
That great hymn by G.W. Sederquist reminds us: “Tis almost time for the Lord to come, I hear the people say; The stars of heaven are growing dim, It must be the breaking of the day. The signs foretold in the sun and moon, in earth, and sea, and sky, Aloud proclaim to all mankind, The coming of the Master draweth nigh. It must be time for the waiting church To cast her pride away, With girded loins and burning lamps, To look for the breaking of the day. Go quickly out in the streets and lanes And in the broad highway, And call the maimed, the halt, and blind, To be ready for the breaking of the day.”
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” 1 Thes 5:6 “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we [first] believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” Rom 13:11-13 Let us be diligent to “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
Rose

The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 2 Timothy 2:19.
Pray for the impartation of the Holy Spirit and believe that it is for you…. Search your own hearts, and prepare the vessel for the reception of the Holy Spirit. Do not be satisfied with your present experience. Sink the shaft deeper and still deeper into the mine of truth….
It is the privilege of every believer in Christ to possess Christ’s nature, a nature far above that which Adam forfeited by transgression. He who sees the Son by faith and believes in Him, is obedient to the commandments of God, and in this obedience he finds everlasting life…. You will not have a firm religious experience unless you dig deep, and build your house upon the Rock….
Satan works through men who will be worked, blinding the perceptive faculties, paralyzing the senses with selfish ease and love of the world, and unless a special message direct from heaven comes to them they will not discern their peril.
Human nature is vacillating. Men grasp the truth with their perceptive powers, but they refuse to separate themselves from the world. Men will not consent to be God’s peculiar people. They know the truth of the Bible, but they do not want to obey, and they turn from the truth. They act out their unbelief, and darkness comes upon their souls. Choosing their own way they are left to be filled with their own devices. Truth is insulted, Christ ignored, and perdition will be their portion unless they turn and repent….
While these opposing influences are at work to lead away from the truth, away from conviction, away from heaven into the broad path of self-gratification, the agents of God are to work to save souls that are ready to perish. After wrestling with God in prayer, put on the armor, and engage in earnest labor for the conversion of souls. Let men see that with you truth is not a jest, but an eternal reality. You are to deal with principles as you have never dealt with them before. Scatter the seeds of truth with no sparing hand. Sow beside all waters. Have no prescribed limits which you will not pass, but [work] with all the powers that God has given you. Then the people will know you as a man who believes the truth, and to whom truth is a reality. Let not your faith fail. Bring your mind to the point of decision or shake yourself free from all slothfulness and inaction…. Hold fast. Leave no means untried. Work, and watch, and pray, and walk humbly with God.—Letter 6a, January 4, 1900, to a college Bible teacher and his wife.
The Upward Look p. 18
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Prayer Requests
—-Eileen’s incision has become infected. Please pray that it will clear up and heal completely. Rose
—-Please pray for Mike as he flies back home tomorrow. Rose
—- Please pray for my husband Mike. . . .He had a serious car accident 2 months ago and totaled the vehicle at work. He was severely bruised in the chest and shoulder from the seat belt. They did tests in ER after, but nothing showed up.
Well, now he’s having severe diaphragm spasms that cause him to sometimes stop breathing. . . .Please pray for him and for all involved and that workers comp will help us through this. Cynthia
—-Please pray for my friend Samantha who was admitted to her hospital earlier today her time and she is fighting with her issue of her illness. Tony
—-Praise and update—Connie is doing very well! The surgery according to the surgeon went flawlessly! . . .Her aneurysms openings were blocked by the pipeline procedure in the Carotid artery in the brain. It was congenital- fortunately we found this problem when an MRI was taken to rule out stroke or tumor because of sudden hearing loss! They discovered the Aneurysms. When Connie has a near fatal accident in 2006 I insisted that they would do an MRI. She had serious brain bleeds. Found out after this incident that the aneurysms were present in 2006, unfortunately or maybe fortunately no one ever told us about them! The present surgeon was able to measure both and there had been changes that could move us closer to rupture! We are pleased and happy for all of your prayers! Our God knows exactly what is best always! Norm
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Dear Friends,
Last week was Vacation Bible School at our church. The theme was the Lord’s Prayer. As the pastor spoke of each part of the prayer, it really helped the children to understand. One of the sections he spoke about was “Forgive us our debts and we forgive our debtors.”
Jesus “told a parable to illustrate His desire for us to have the same heartfelt forgiveness toward those who have wronged us, “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” Matt 19:22-35
For some of us, having that heartfelt forgiveness is difficult. We are not naturally forgiving and can receive that ability only from God. Jesus promises, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Eze 36:26,27 “Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Matt 7:7. We have the privilege to believe and claim His promises. Then we can press forward knowing that we have received our request.
May we ask for and receive the ability to forgive from the heart those who have wronged us. May we reflect the love of Jesus fully. May we declare as did Paul, “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” 2 Tim 1:12
Rose

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4.
We need to draw near to our Helper, the One who is infinite in wisdom. He is our Minister and our great Medical Missionary, and He knows the straits through which His believers on this earth will pass…. He has been tempted in all points like as we are tempted. Let us not forget that Christ had the tempter to meet in every form, and that when He met him, He, our Saviour, was bearing the likeness of humanity. He is our Restorer, the Perfecter of His covenant with the human agencies who depend upon Him as their Prince and their Redeemer.
Christ conquered as the sinless, unfallen, perfect Man. As the Messiah He has won the victory over the temptations of the enemy, making it possible for us to overcome as He overcame. We are to overcome in every encounter with the enemy. We are to be victors by becoming partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Each victory that He gained in His humanity makes it possible for us, through receiving and believing in Him, to gain the victory. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). Each victory that He gained in humanity secures for us its genuine fruits. Each assault of Satan overcome marks the occasion of a victory for humanity….
The deliverance of the people of God and His mercies to them in past trials are to be called to mind as an assurance of that which, if we trust in God, He will do for us in present and future emergencies. Whatever may have been their experience, if they will surrender to God with full purpose of heart, with humility and contrition, He will receive them. To all who by faith receive Christ as their personal Saviour, He will give power to become overcomers—sons and daughters of God. They become partakers of the divine nature, and fully realize His mercy and the grace of His Holy Spirit….
Let our prayers ascend to God in all humility. Let us through the grace Christ came to the world to impart confess and forsake our sins, with humble, contrite hearts. The Lord understands, for all secret things are known to Him. Not one mean action can be performed without God understanding every phase of temptation….
Throughout the gospels, Christ made frequent reference to the great conflict that He had with Satan at the beginning of His ministry. He makes constant reference to Satan’s kingdom as opposed to the kingdom of God. Let us be sure that we are on the Lord’s side,—Letter 14, January 3, 1906, to Dr. and Mrs. D. H. Kress.
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for the Mills family as their father died of a massive stroke after fighting for life since an operation for a brain aneurysm in March. Rose
—-Please pray for Doug who cracked several vertebra in his back. Rose
—-A prayer request… Greg has battled cancer for almost 7 yrs. The doctors are giving him only days to live. Andy
—-Please pray for my son his job changed and they are now requiring him to work every other Sabbath! Debbie
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Dear Friends,
Until I was nineteen, my mother and I had no car. We walked or rode the bus wherever we needed to go. This wasted many hours as it seemed that the bus was always late. We really longed to have a car, but there just was no money for it. There were so many times when we felt trapped because of our lack of good transportation.
It was such a treat when Floyd and Mary, my mother’s ex-in-laws, would let us use their car for the weekend as payment for watching their son. Tommy was a good boy and enjoyed being with us. He was a few years younger than I, and didn’t tease and torment me about my size; so we got along well together. What fun we would have going places that were not accessible by public transportation and doing things that we wished we could do.
Having that car gave my careworn and overworked mother a sense of freedom and relaxation. and changed her into a smiling, relaxed, energetic girl once more. All of the built up tensions and worries she daily experienced disappeared as we drove around southeastern Michigan and did things that she had been longing to do. All of the frustrations of the day to day survival evaporated.
Those happy feelings did not last long, however. As soon as the weekend was over and Tommy and the car went back home, my mother picked up the cares she had left behind and life went back to a normal routine. All the tensions and frustrations returned and it seemed to me that her weekend of freedom only made her more resentful of her lot in life.
Just as my mother had no lasting peace and happiness from having a car for a short time, so the pleasures of this world last but a moment. They are fleeting at best, and leave us careworn and exhausted and all empty inside when they are over. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” I John 2:16-18
Our Dear Saviour desires to give us “the peace of God, [a lasting peace] which passeth all understanding.” Phil 4:7 Just as He “arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still,” so He will bring peace and calmness to our troubled mind if we will ask Him. He assures us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27
David exclaimed, “Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Ps 16:11; 119:165 Praise God! These joys, these pleasures never fade away! No matter what trials and troubles surround us, we can have peace in our heart!
May we turn from the vanities of this world unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.” Acts 14:15 May we experience freedom from the worries and cares of this old world by looking forward to spending eternity with our Blessed Redeemer. May we daily receive the peace that passes all understanding that He offers us is my prayer.
Rose

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:22, 23.
Paul felt that the Lord’s requirements must be obeyed, His judgments avoided. Like Paul, we must make every effort to obtain the crown of life, which brings eternal honor to every victor. We must not be content to live useless lives.
What is humility? That sense of sin and unworthiness which leads to repentance. But we must be assured of the malignity of a disease before we feel our need of a cure. Those who do not realize the sinfulness of sin are not able to appreciate the value of the atonement and the necessity of being cleansed from all sin. The sinner measures himself by himself and by those who like himself are sinners. He does not look at the purity and holiness of Christ. But when the law of God brings conviction to his heart, he says with Paul, “I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died” (Romans 7:9)….
God created man for His glory. He will not, cannot endure the presence of sin in His dominion. If there are in the church those who are willfully sinning against God, every possible means should be used to bring them to repentance. If this is not done, God’s name is dishonored. He is too pure to look upon iniquity with favor….
Adam’s sin would be regarded by the churches of today as a simple mistake, to be at once forgiven and no more thought of. But God’s standard is high and His word immutable, and all selfish, covetous practices are an abomination in His sight. The hearts of believers need to be purified, sanctified, refined, ennobled….
Look up, my brethren. Has the gospel lost its power to impress hearts? Is it because the regenerating influence of the Spirit of Christ has died away that hearts are not purified, sanctified, and prepared for the Holy Spirit? No; the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of the living God, is with us yet; but it must be wielded with earnestness. Let us use it as did God’s sanctified ones of old. By its living, quickening power it will cut its way to hearts….
The Lord calls for a reformation all through our ranks…. When the church is awakened, decided changes will be made. Men and women will be converted, and so filled will they be by the Spirit of God that they will pass from country to country, from city to city, proclaiming the message of truth. With hearts filled with earnest love for souls, they will open their Bibles and present the Word.—Manuscript 2, January 2, 1900, “The Need of a Reformation.”
Upward Look p. 16
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Prayer Requests
—-Eileen is home from the hospital. Thankyou for your prayers. Please pray for a quick and complete recovery. Rose
—-update on Connie—She had surgery yesterday morning. The doctor has indicated that the next 24 – 48 hours are critical! She and I have appreciation all your prayers! The next 24 – 48 hours will be critical! Norm
—-Praise—Two days ago Maxx had to push me in the wheelchair around Walmart to get groceries because all the motorized carts were in use. I’m so heavy it’s hard for him with his tight leg muscles. Today after his PT appt. we again needed to stop at Walmart. I talk to God out loud all the time. I asked if He would please have a cart so Maxx wouldn’t have to push me. Maxx added it would be nice to please have a parking spot right up front and a cart. Well, the very first parking spot was open with a motorized cart parked right next to it. It had enough power to get into the store and there was another cart fully charged just waiting for me. God blessed in what may seem like a simple thing but it was an important need for us. I wanted to share because I believe we need to thank Him and share that blessing with others. It’s so easy to call it luck but I believe it is God blessing and He had it planned out before we even thought to ask for His blessing. He loves us and knows our needs. I’m sure He was smiling at our delight! Carol
—June 24 the dear Rusgrove family was in an accident and three of them have passed away. The other two are in hospital right now. my prayers and thoughts are with the dear mother and son as the reality of the accident sets in for them.
it’s a reminder to all the rest of us to take our loved ones to Jesus often in prayer. H
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Dear Friends,
Before my grandfather was married to my grandmother, he had married a girl from Canada. This young lady had never been away from her mother before and was terribly homesick. She was such a “mama’s girl” that her mother even went with them on their honeymoon.
Over the next few years, a boy (Edwin Harmon Jr.) and a girl (Dorothy) were born to brighten their home. Sadly, those two little ones did nothing to take away their mother’s homesickness. A few years later, she took those children who were so precious to my grandfather and returned to her country and to her mother’s house. This broke my grandfather’s heart.
How my grandfather missed his children. Even after he married my grandmother and had two little girls, he often thought wistfully of his son and other daughter and sent letters to them assuring them that they were dear to his heart.
One day, about fifteen years after she had taken his children from him, they returned for a visit. It was a joyous time for all. My grandfather, who rarely smiled was all smiles to have all of his children with him. Although Ed and Dorothy had to return to Canada, that visit assured him that they had not forgotten him. Although he never saw Dorothty again, Ed came back for a visit one time when I was about six or seven. Again my grandfather was happy.
Even more than my grandfather missed his children, does our Heavenly Father miss having a close fellowship with us. How His Great Heart of Love yearns to have us spend quality time with Him. He intently listens for our prayer of praise assuring Him of our love because of His great sacrifice and love for us. “We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” 1 John 3:1; John 3:16, 17 Even though we have strayed from Him, even though we have disappointed Him, He has not forsaken us. With lovingkindness, He assures us, “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 49:15, 16 Praise the Lord!!!
Jesus told a story illustrating our Heavenly Father’s wonderful love. “And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:11-24
May our hearts swell with thanksgiving and praise to the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful love for us. May we “love the Lord [our] God with all [our] heart, and with all [our] soul, and with all [our] mind, and with all [our] strength. Matt 12:30 May we daily keep in close fellowship with the One Who loves us so is my prayer.
Rose