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The Gift of Speech

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Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2.

The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade; with it we offer praise and prayer to God; and with it we tell others of the Redeemer’s love. Not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly. No evil speaking, no frivolous talk, no fretful repining or impure suggestions, will escape the lips of him who is following Christ.

The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29). A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile. It means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert suggestions of evil. Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin.

Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When [we are] in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God, we should try to drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable channel.

Our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation. It will not be a difficult matter to impart that which enters into our spiritual life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will bear fruit in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure. When Christ is thus revealed in our speech, it will have a power in winning souls to Him.

We should speak of Christ to those who know Him not. We should do as Christ did. Wherever He was, in the synagogue, by the wayside, in the boat thrust out a little from the land, at the Pharisee’s feast or the table of the publican, He spoke to men of the things pertaining to the higher life.—The Signs of the Times, July 2, 1902.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 197
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Prayer Requests
—-Please pray for me as I have a job interview this afternoon. Pray that I get the job if it is God’s will. RJ
—-Please be in prayer for my family. We are in a situation and I am very stressed about it. We need some door opened or some grace and favor. Jennifer
—-July 5th update on Baby Wyatt: The past few days have been on the rough side. We are trying to figure out Wyatt’s gut and why he can’t tolerate formula. We are also trying to figure out the source of his bleeding. We will also have to get an ultrasound done today to check on the fluid inside his liver. We did manage to get a few hours off of dialysis Friday, so we went for a wagon ride. As far as Wyatt’s kidney transplant evaluation, we are still waiting for them to have their big meeting of the 15th. Mary
—-Please continue to pray for E and her children. R
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Dear Friends,

As we read the news, it seems that there is a steep increase in violent crime of all kinds. There is no safety anywhere anymore. We wonder how someone can get to the point where they can attack or kill another person. As we read of details of many of the crimes, I say as did my mother as she got older, “It’s a scary old world now-a-days.”

We shake our heads in disbelief at all of the happenings. Yet how often do we are guilty of killing our fellow Christians with venomous words. How many times we wound someone by spreading rumors about them. Paul warns, “if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Gal 5:15

The wise man observes, “The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.” He admonishes us, “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” “Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Prov 18:8; 31:9; 8:6-9

May we put in practice the admonition of Jesus, “as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Luke 6:31 May we ask our Loving Saviour to speak through us to those around us. May we pray as did David, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ps 19:14

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/the-gift-of-speech.html

Used as a Power for God

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But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:7, 8.

One worker may be a ready speaker; another a ready writer; another may have the gift of sincere, earnest, fervent prayer; another the gift of singing; another may have special power to explain the Word of God with clearness. And each gift is to become a power for God because He works with the laborer. To one God gives the word of wisdom, to another knowledge, to another faith; but all are to work under the same Head. The diversity of gifts leads to a diversity of operations, but “it is the same God which worketh all in all” (1 Corinthians 12:6).

The Lord desires His chosen servants to learn how to unite together in harmonious effort. It may seem to some that the contrast between their gifts and the gifts of a fellow laborer is too great to allow them to unite in harmonious effort; but when they remember that there are varied minds to be reached, and that some will reject the truth as it is presented by one laborer, only to open their hearts to God’s truth as it is presented in a different manner by another laborer, they will hopefully endeavor to labor together in unity. Their talents, however diverse, may all be under the control of the same Spirit. In every word and act, kindness and love will be revealed; and as each worker fills his appointed place faithfully, the prayer of Christ for the unity of His followers will be answered, and the world will know that these are His disciples.

In loving sympathy and confidence God’s workers are to unite with one another. He who says or does anything that tends to separate the members of Christ’s church is counterworking the Lord’s purpose. Wrangling and dissension in the church, the encouragement of suspicion and unbelief, are dishonoring to Christ. God desires His servants to cultivate Christian affection for one another.—Testimonies for the Church 9:144, 145.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 194
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for E and her children that God will work mightily for them. R
—-I had to have an emergency surgery because I had developed a large internal hernia in an unusual place and part of my intestines were being strangled inside of the hernia. I feel so horrible right now.thank you for all your prayers. Connie
—-With a sad heart, I ask that you pray for my cousin’s family. My cousin Ricky passed away this morning he had a weak heart. He was an Army Veteran. He has 2 special needs sons. Pray for God’s provision and comfort! I’m so glad I got to visit with him at our family reunion back last October. Denyele
—-Please pray for Brenda and her family as her cousin was killed. Please pray that the person who did it will be found. Rose
—-Please pray for me I’m sick and having a hard time. Please pray that I get better. Jennifer
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Dear Friends,
Letely I have been reading some old devotionals that I had written right after my mother’s death in mid-July 2006. Sometimes reading them around the time of some event brings forth memories that has been pushed into the background because of all of the current happenings. I thought I would share one of these old devotionals with you today as it teaches a valuable lesson.
Rose

“My mother had two good friends. One was a lifelong friend (M) and the other (T) had been friends with her for over fifty years. M and T both wrote to my mother but T’s letters came far more frequently. When my mother’s surgery in March caused her condition to deteriorate, M quit writing. T sent many get well cards and letters. T also called frequently.

I knew that I needed to tell them that my mother had died, but it was a struggle to make those calls. The day after my mother died, I finally picked up the phone and dialed their numbers. What different reactions I got from them. T was very sympathetic. She said that she had been expecting it, but she was so sorry. She talked of how much she appreciated their friendship and reminisced of good memories she had of my mother. She offered to send a check toward the airplane ticket that we had to buy for Eileen to come down from Michigan. After talking with her, I felt uplifted and encouraged.

My phone call to M, on the other hand, was far different. M did not appear to be sorry that my mother had died at all. M dwelt upon all of the negative things she could remember about my mother. She dug up all of the mean and ugly memories possible. She wanted to know if my mother had ever explained to me the “why’s and wherefor’s” about those things. I could not refute the things she was saying, but there was no reason for her to say them. By the time she had finished, I was horrified and heartbroken. The conversation ended by M saying, “Let’s keep in touch.” It very doubtful that I will do so.

Just as my mother had two friends—one genuine and one an enemy in disguise, so our Dear Saviour has genuine and false followers. Outwardly both appear the same, but inwardly they are quite different. Jesus gave us a parable that illustrates these two groups. “The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matt 13:24-30

When asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, 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.” Matt 22:36-40 Love is the key that separates the false from the true. Only Christ’s genuine followers truly love Him. Only His genuine followers have the corresponding works. “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. (“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:8-10) 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 7:15-27

May we truly show our love for God by our thoughts, our words, our attitudes, our actions. May we speak of all of His marvelous works. May we love his followers and live peaceably with them is my prayer.

Rose”

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/used-as-a-power-for-god.html

A Prayer for the Outpouring of the Spirit

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As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. John 17:18-20.

My heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor and needy, and dependent upon Thee. I ask Thee to give me and give this people the grace that perfects Christian character. Wilt Thou have compassion upon this people? Let Thy light shine into the chambers of the mind, and into the soul temple. My Saviour, Thou hast given Thy life to purchase Thine inheritance, that, as overcomers, they may enter the kingdom of God, where they shall go no more out forever. Bless those who have signified their desire to serve Thee. Put Thy Spirit upon them.

I ask Thee, heavenly Father, to let Thy Holy Spirit come to this people. May Thy salvation be revealed. Touch their hearts, and make them very tender. Soften them by Thy Holy Spirit, and help them to see the work to be done for their neighbors, and for souls that are perishing all around them. Oh, awaken them to their responsibilities! May they wash their robes of character, and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Wilt Thou encircle them in the arms of Thy mercy? Plead with them through the impressions of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may try to let their light shine to those that have not known the truth. Put Thy church in order, O Lord, that they may labor for souls.

My Saviour, reveal Thyself to this people. Let Thy love be expressed. Oh, let it be revealed! Hold Thy people, that Satan may not have his will and way with them. Help them to press through all opposition, that at last they may lay their crowns at the feet of Jesus in the city of God; and Thy name shall have all the glory. Amen.—The Review and Herald, July 16, 1908.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 190
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Prayer Requests
—-E and children need your prayers for guidance and protection. R
—-Update on Baby Wyatt: “Little update on Wyatt.
He could use a bunch of prayers.
We tried to start half strength formula again yesterday… it didn’t work out so well.
Wyatt has been throwing up all night and has now started to throw up a little bit of blood and has some new blood draining from his gtube. He also has pneumatosis again, which we found out tonight after I advocated for an X-ray. Mary
—-Requesting prayers for our son-in-law, who is COVID+. Because of his Crohn’s complications, the most effective and usual med cannot be used. He is not currently hospitalized, and praying that will remain the case. Prayers also for our daughter during this difficult time. Jeanie
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Dear Friends,
When Esther was a little girl, she often found some tiny space to crawl into and sleep. She liked tight, closed-in spaces just as her children do now. They made her feel very secure. This made it necessary for me to hunt for her quite often. Sometimes I’d find her under the sofa or under a chair. Sometimes she would be inside a cupboard or other closed-in spot.
One day, after having looked in all of her favorite spots, I still could not find her. I searched everywhere. Tinges of fear crept over me. Had she crawled into the refrigerator? I had heard of children suffocating in them. Quickly I ran to the kitchen and threw open the door afraid of what I might find. To my relief, she was not inside.
Finally as I went back into her bedroom, I saw a slight movement in the top shelf of her closet. Soon I saw her face looking down at me. I asked her how she had gotten up there. By putting her arms and legs on each side of the closet door frame, she had “walked” up all that way.
We, too, can have a hiding place just as Esther Marie did. We, too, can have a safe and secure place where we can go for rest. David prayed, “Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.” “Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.” “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.” Ps 143:9;119:114;32:7;27:5
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.” Ps 91
Our Dear Saviour 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 11:28-30 Praise God! He is our comfort, our protection from the storm, our guide through all the rugged way. May we put all of our trust in Him finding in Him a hiding place from the raging storms of life is my prayer.
Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/a-prayer-for-the-outpouring-of-the-spirit.html

Pastors and Teachers to Pursue Unity

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And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13.

The Lord has given to those who should be His human agents talents of means, capacity, and influence, according to their ability to employ these gifts in a wise manner for His service. He has given to every man his work. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.”

Why were these various workers appointed? “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-15).

We can see from this scripture that the Lord has His appointed workers, and that the work committed unto them has in view a definite object. Prophets, apostles, evangelists, pastors, teachers, are all to work for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Is not this object worthy of careful attention? Can we not discern that there has been neglect in some special work for the church, in that the saints have not attained the perfection that God would have them attain? Had the work of the ministry been done, the church would have been edified, and educated for the great work that devolves upon them. The truth would have been presented in such a way that the Spirit of the Lord would have moved upon hearts, and sinners would have been convicted and converted, and would have taken their position as followers of Christ.—The Review and Herald, March 7, 1893.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 187
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Prayer Requests
—-Please be in prayer for some old family friend Kathy and her family. She was unable to contact her brother and his wife so she sent her husband to check on them and they had passed away. Police have determined it was natural causes but they had been passed for a few days so it was likely a grisly sight in the heat. Prayers for peace and comfort. Jennifer
—-Please pray for baby Wyatt who is in need of a kidney. Mary
—-Please pray for E and children. R
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Dear Friends,

Some years ago, a friend sent me an email with a link to beautiful scenes taken in a public garden. The friend commented something like “how beautiful Heaven must be.” Indeed, the beauties of that garden were spectacular, but they pale in comparison to what awaits us in that glorious land where the Great Creator of the Universe is the gardener.

Think of it! Even after 6000 years of sin, there are scenes of grandeur on this sinful, old planet that are breathtakingly beautiful. They remind us of the reward of the place our Dear Saviour is preparing for those who love Him. (John 14:1-3) As we walk beside a river whose rushing water is splashing over great rocks worn smooth by its action, we can think of the works of the Lord upon our heart, constantly bringing about circumstances to mold us into His image. When surrounded by snowcapped mountains dotted with evergreens nearly to their summit, we can meditate upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, Who veiled His glory and majesty and came to this dark and sinful world to live a life filled with all the troubles and trials the evil one could heap upon Him. As we gaze upon the colorful clouds at the close of the day, we look forward to our Heavenly Home where all is light and beauty, where “the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” Rev 21:23 Even as we marvel at our Great Creator’s handiwork, we can see signs of the enemy’s work in dead and dying flower, leaf, and animal. This makes us look forward to the time when “there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Rev 21:4

David exclaimed, “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 showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” “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;19:1-6;8:3-9

May we meditate upon His mighty works lifting our mind and heart up to the One Who not only created all things but is yearning to re-create us in His Image that we may dwell in His glorious land on high.

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/pastors-and-teachers-to-pursue-unity.html

Human Work Made Effective by the Spirit

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If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13.

The promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit is not comprehended as it should be; the privileges to be enjoyed through its acceptance are not appreciated as they might be. God desires that His church should lay hold by faith upon His promises, and ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help them in every place. He assures us that He is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him, than parents are to give good gifts unto their children. Since it is possible for everyone to have the heavenly unction, “ye need not that any man teach you” (1 John 2:27), and there is no excuse for shunning responsibilities; no duty should be unwelcome, no obligation evaded. Christ Himself is the renewing power, working in and through every soldier by the agency of the Holy Spirit. The efficiency of the Spirit of God will make effective the labors of all who are willing to submit to His guidance.

God is moving upon every mind that is open to receive the impressions of His Holy Spirit. He is sending out messengers that they may give the warnings in every locality. God is testing the devotion of His churches, and their willingness to render obedience to the Spirit’s guidance. Knowledge is to be increased. The messengers of heaven are to be seen running to and fro, seeking in every way possible to warn the people of the coming judgments, and presenting the glad tidings of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. The standard of righteousness is to be exalted.

The Spirit of God is moving upon men’s hearts, and those who respond to His influence will become lights in the world. Everywhere they are seen going forth to communicate to others the light they have received, as they did after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. And as they let their light shine they receive more and more of the Spirit’s power. The earth is lighted with the glory of God.—(Australasian) Union Conference Record, April 1, 1898.
Ye Shall Receive Power p. 183
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Prayer Requests
—-Please continue to pray for E and children. R
—-Asking for prayers of healing for my son in law Rashawn. The doctor had found so many problems with many of his vital organs. Helen
—- After surgery and tests on her lungs, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer. We will need all prayer warriors praying for her road to healing and no pain, Vale
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Dear Friends,

My grandson, who is 18 months old, reminds me so much of Ronnie Jay. Not only does he look similar, but his actions are similar too. From the time Ronnie Jay was old enough to notice that there was a difference between inside the house and outdoors, he loved being outside. I took him outside as much as I could, but there were housekeeping and cooking chores that occupied most of my time. That did not deter him from wanting to escape the confines of the house, however. Often he would stand at the screen door (which I always kept locked) and gaze outside. We used to laugh and say that the look in his eyes was like that of a caged lion, wistfully remembering when his days of freedom. How often have I seen Jonathan stand at the back door, wistfully longing to be outside just as Ronnie Jay had done so many years ago.

Just as Ronnie Jay was not content to be cooped up in an apartment all day, but looked wistfully at the freedom that was just out of his reach, so we are to long for the glorious kingdom our Dear Saviour is preparing for us. Just as Jonathan’s focus is on figuring out how to open our back door, so our focus should be on the One Who assures us, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3

We, like Abraham, look “for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Heb 11:10 Isaiah was given a glimpse of that place where “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Cor 2:9 He tells us, “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. . . .Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.” “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. . . . And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.” Isa 35:1, 5-7; 65:21-25;11:6-8

John also saw that which awaits us, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; . . And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. . . . And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: . . .And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. . . . And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. . . . And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. . . . And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life. And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. . . . And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. . . .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. . . . He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Rev 21; 22

Rose

Source: https://rosesdevotional.org/human-work-made-effective-by-the-spirit.html

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